The other end of the line is coiled up by each _dandy_ respectively, who fastens his bamboo club by its cord, at such part of the _moonje_ line as may be let out; generally a small quantity of coil being reserved, which hangs down either over each _dandy’s_ breast or shoulder. By this means, each man tracks separately, and cannot be idle without the _manjy_ instantly detecting him; the several lines form so many rays from the mast-head, and are capable, when equally strained, to bear an immense burthen.
Nothing can be more unpleasant than having to pass a _ghaut_ where numbers of boats are lying: on such an occasion, a man is sent up to the mast-head of each, in succession, for the purpose of passing the _ghoon_; which, when liberated from one, swings on to another, causing a severe shock to the hinder _dandy_ of the tracking party. Some use a very simple device for passing the _ghoon_ over their mast-heads: this consists merely of a kind of fork, made by tying the end of the _ghoon_, of each vessel respectively, then at rest, to a long bamboo, about a quarter of the length down. The _ghoon_ being pulled, the bamboo is raised, and carries with it that of the boat in motion: a man then slips the latter over the mast-head with great facility.
It is not always that the people on board boats, laying at _ghauts_, will turn out to pass the _ghoon_; on which occasions, words are rarely of much avail. I always found that a _pellet-bow_, which sends clay-balls to about a hundred yards distance with considerable force, produced an instantaneous effect; the first shot rattling against the matted sides of a vessel’s interior, rarely failing to cause wondrous activity on the part of her crew; though, now and then, it has been necessary to repeat the operation, before the desired effect could be produced.
I strongly recommend to all gentlemen travelling by water, that they insist on the _manjies_ of their several boats carrying a small flag, of some obvious distinction, at their mast-heads: this prevents them from lying to, and concealing their vessels amidst a forest of masts, as they are very apt to do, when intent upon a clandestine trading voyage. Besides, as in the course of a day’s tracking, and especially when sailing, it is very common for a _budjrow_ to get many miles a-head, such a device then becomes a guide as to the propriety of coming to for the night, or, intermediately, for dinner, &c.