Travels in India (Tavernier) 41.1.7

41.1.7

On the 27th we made only 3 leagues, because we had to cross a large river in baskets ; this generally occupies half a day. For when we reached the margin of the water we saw neither basket nor any other means of crossing. A man came, with whom we bargained for our passage ; and to prove if the money which we gave was good he made a large fire, and threw it into it. He did the same with that of all persons whom he took across. If amongst the money which he received he found a rupee which became somewhat black, one had to give him another, which he also heated ; then after he had proved that the money was good he called out to his comrades to bring the basket, which is generally concealed in some spot on the opposite side of the river. For these people are cunning, and seeing from afar off on which side the travellers are coming they send the basket to the other bank so as not to be compelled to take across any one without being paid. The money being counted, and the man who had received it having called his comrades, you see them carrying the basket on their shoulders to the edge of the water, and having launched it they come across to fetch those waiting on the other side.