126 THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY. [April, 1873. project of searching for the gems, and undertook to invoke the demon in charge, and point out the exact locality where the gems were lying. For this purpose he made an ‘ Anganam’ composed of ingredients supposed to produce a magic varnish, which when rubbed on a betel-leaf would show the locality of the treasure, and allow of the Kodangi having a personal interview with his Satanic Highness. In these invocations it is always customary for the priests to go into fits, which, from being feigned, often become (unin¬ tentionally) real. In this case tho Kodangi ap¬ pears to have been uuusually favoured by the Devil, who revealed to him all secrets, including the fact that the sacrifice of the firstborn male of a human being was the only means of attain¬ ing the coveted treasure. This revelation was so explained by the Kodangi to his three part¬ ners, ‘one of whom having a firstborn son,’ at once objected (blood was here stronger than avarice), and withdrew from the co-partnership. The other three were determined on making their fortunes (!) and again consulted the oracle, when the Kodangi insisted on a human sacrifice as the only mode of obtaining the riches. The same evening the firstborn of the objecting party was missing. He at once informed the Superintendent of the estate, and search was made for the boy. The police were informed, and Inspector Davids and two constables proceeded to the spot and apprehended the Kodangi and another on suspi¬ cion. Next day the poor boy was found in a bush with his throat cut, and every appearance of the blood having been taken to ensure ‘ Old Nick’s’ grace. One of the partners has disappeared, and he is supposed to have been the cut-throat. The case is adjourned till the apprehension of the absconding party. This shows a depravity amongst the Tamils not hitherto known to the planters.—Ceylon Times. HASSAN ABDAL. Hassan Abdal is a small town of less than 5,000 inhabitants, exactly halfway between Rawal Pindi and Atak (28 miles from each). Prettily situated near the base of a range of hills, on tho crest of which stands the white shrine of the Kandahari Saint, Hassan Abdula—or “ Baba Wali,” as he was generally called, it looks down upon a small fertile valley, through which meander several small rivulets shaded by the weeping willow, oleander, mulberry, and shisham trees. Near the source of these streams, which is within a few hundred yards of the town, is the sacred tank, full of “ sacred fish,” where the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba N&nak, is said to have rested during one of his long pilgrimages 300 years ago, and struck with the palm of his hand a rock whence immediately burst forth a capital stream which has never ceased to flow. Visitors are shown the impress on the north wall of the tank of his five fingers, and this gives rise to the name by which it is commonly known, Punja Sahib. Sportmen must beware of fishing within a cer¬ tain distance of this tank, or they will find them¬ selves in difficulties, the fish in and around it being religiously dedicated to the memory of tho pious Guru! They will not however be disappointed by the prohibition, for within half a mile of the town runs a stream where excellent fishing can be obtained. By the side of this and other brooks water-cresses grow in great abundance. A few ferns aro also to be found near the numerous flour-mills which are turned by the smaller channel or “ kuttas” falling into the larger stream at the bottom of the valley. Following its course for three or four miles till it joins the river Haru, the sportsman will not fail to bring home a capital dish of young Marsir. The ruins of some old Muhammadan buildings as well as the tomb of one of the Queens of the Emperor Jeh&ngir, are to be seen at the north-side close beneath the hill on which the shrine stands ; for this little valley with its neighbouring garden of Wah was always a favourite resting-place of the Mughul Emperors during their annual migrations to Kashmir. So recently as A. D. 1809, the hills to the south formed the boundary of the Kabul dominions in this quarter of Hindustan. Wah derives its name from an exclamation said to have been uttered by the Emperor Akbar on first seeing its beauty, “Wah ! Wah ! ” From tho Trunk Line a good broad road turns off near the town to Haripur and Abbottabad, dis¬ tant 24 and 41 miles respectively. Travellers from the south would however find it preferable and shorter to turn off forHazarah at Kala Serai, 8 miles south, near to which is the site of the ancient Taxila occupied by Alexander’s army upwards of 2000 years ago. Coins, pieces of sculpture, heads, and other relics have been occasionally disinterred from many feet beneath the surface, and the Labor Museum now contains several figures in plaster of decided Greek origin, which were obtained from this site by the Civil authorities.—Indian Public Opinion,
