ion, as it
implies adopting for ever the career of a Nautch dancer, from which no
withdrawal is possible.

A popular Hindoo story called 'Chandra's Vengeance,' tells of a youth
who, hearing from a long distance the music of the Nautch, is
irresistibly drawn towards it. After twelve days' journey he approaches
the camp of the mysterious people, and there a beautiful girl dances up
to him and throws a garland of flowers around him. At once a spell is
woven, which is completed by a charmed drink, with the result that he
forgets friends, family and country, and enters for ever into the Nautch
community. Another legend tells of a Rajah, who was so enchanted with
the weird music of the wandering people, that he followed it from
country to country, forgetful of wife, child, and kingdom, his whole
interest being taken up in beating the drum at performances. In time his
baby boy grew into manhood, and set himself to seek his father, and
restore him to his throne. After endless journeyings and adventures he
at last found his royal parent, ragged but picturesque, taking part in a
Nautch festival, and after much difficulty persuaded him to return home.
There the wisest physicians exerted their skill to restore his memory of
his former position, and their efforts being successful, he re-ascended
the throne of his ancestors, and reigned many years, his wanderings with
the Nautch people fading from his mind entirely.

[Illustration: The Yotl.]

The same kind of little bells which are hung round the ankles of the
Nautch dancers are used for more practical purposes by Indian
post-runners, who tie them in strings to the end of poles; thus the
bells, being kept in constant motion, announce the coming of the news
carrier. At the same time they serve to scare away wild beasts when the
runner is passing through lonely forests or jungles where danger lurks
in the quivering grasses.

In ancient days the Aztecs and Teztucans of Central America were wont to
hang clusters of similar tiny bells outside temples and towers, which,
as they were swayed by the wind, kept up a musical sound. One of these,
found in Mexico, may be seen in the British Museum; it bears the name of
Yotl. The actual bells, which are nearly round, are very similar to the
Schellen, or horsebells, used in Northern Europe when driving sledges
over the silent snow.

The Pungi or Jinagooi is used by jugglers and snake-charmers all over
India. A bottle-shaped gourd is the chie