Garland Globe | 1906-04-14 | Page 7 | Shyest People Ever Known

SHYEST PEOPLE EVtR KNOWN. Kubus of Sumatra Never Talk With a Stranger. Thero la n very singular rnco of pcoplo In Sumatra, tho Kubus, who ro too timorous and shy to mix with tho other races of the Islnnd, and Iwcll In the recesses of tho forests. They are looked on ns Inferiors liy (ho Malays, and thought to bo little better than beasts. Such Is their shyness shy-ness that they will never willing!., faco a stranger. Their trndo with tho Malayans ! consequently carried on In a strange manner. Tho trader announces his irrlvnl by beating a gong, and ho then retires. The Kubus approach, put their forest treasures on tho ground, bent a gong, and retreat. Tho trader returns, nnd lays his commodities down In quantities sufficient, suffi-cient, ns ho thinks, for tho purchase of tho goods on sale. Then he retires, and tho Kubus reappear and consider tho bargain. And so, after moro withdrawals and approaches and gong beating's, tho respective re-spective parties como to nn understanding, under-standing, and carry off Independently their bnrgnlns. Tho Kubus llvo on snnkes, grubs, fruits and the flesh of any deer or pigs they can slny. They nro skilful spearmen, and throw stonc3 with mar velous accuracy. Stray Stories.