1 A PANJABEE FERRY. 61
2 of a beat. The latter gave a sabre-cut on the
3 lead of the Sikh, who, to avenge. the offence,
4 was.going to attack his antagonist, when some
5 ‘person standing by having interfered between
6 them appeased the quarrel. On reaching the
7 camp the circumstance was reported to Lieu-
8 tenant-Colonel Wade, who, after inquiries,
9 caused proper notice to be taken of the guilty,
10 and made a regulation to prevent a repetition
11 of such disputes in crogsing the river : they are
12 of common occurrence in the Sikh army, and
13 are often. attended with loss of life.*
14 * « At the Ravi we had a specimen of the manner in
15 which a Panjabee ferry is conducted, and where anything
16 but order and regularity was observed. As soon as the
17 artillery had finished with the boats, a regular scuffle en-
18 sued for them, and, of course, strength and might won the
19 day ; those who had gained possession of them retaining
20 it, by thrashing unmercifully any individual who attempted
21 to enter the boat, except of their own party. One little
22 fellow I observed making dexterous use of a short thick
23 stick, with which he belaboured the heads and legs of those
24 who, being no acquaintances of his, endeavoured to secure
25 aseat; and the gentler sex, Iam ashamed to-say, were
26 treated ¢n no better manner; €or those who got on board
27 (and many did) had, after receiving their portion of thumps
28 with the rest, to tumble in head foremost, or were dragged