Their
appearance is perfect health. To their friends and attendants, and to
each other, they are said to be much attached. They appear to be
excellent physiognomists, for they read the countenance of the visiter
readily, and are easily affronted with any contemptuous expressions.
It is said they have not learnt any manual art beyond rowing a boat,
but they can run and jump, and climb cracks and rigging with great
facility. They are dressed in short, loose, green jackets and
trousers, the costume of their country, which is very convenient, and
allows the utmost freedom of motion, but does not show the form of the
boys to advantage. With their arms twined round each other, as they
bend down or move about, they look like a group of statuary. Dr.
Warren, in his report, states that he _never heard them speak to each
other_, though they were very fond of talking with a young Siamese,
who was brought with them as a companion. They, however, appear to
have a means of communication more rapid than by words. The point most
worthy of remark, in regard to their actions and movements, is, that
they seem, generally speaking, to be actuated but by one will; and
that from whichever of them the volition of the moment proceeds, it
seems imperative upon both. Occasionally, there is an exception to
this remark--as, on the voyage from Siam to the United States, when
one wanted to bathe, and the other refused, on account of the coldness
of the weather, they quarrelled on the subject.
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