Part 5 (1/2)

”Yes, uncle,” said Mallard, ”we ought to do that.”

To this both Mr. Reid and Mr. Wilburn consented; but, though close investigation was made, nothing was found on the man, nothing, at least, to which they could lay claim.

Mr. Reid gave the signal for the sampan to be headed again up the river.

In the meanwhile, Clarence and Mallard kept watch upon the man, who had now a.s.sumed a squatting posture upon the floor of the sampan. To their surprise he began to mutter to himself. But even to Mr. Chefoo the words were unintelligible; all except the part of one sentence. In this Mr.

Chefoo said had occurred the words, ”Marble PaG.o.da,” but he was evidently still as much mystified as the others.

The village to which they soon came was one of considerable size, picturesquely situated in the midst of chestnut groves. There were too, many beautiful clumps of the umbrella pine over which vines of red and white roses luxuriantly abloom were running riot.

A curious crowd swarmed around them at the landing. There were many in it who had never seen a foreigner. The soft hair and white skins of our friends called forth the most intense curiosity. Ridiculous too, were some of the comments. Question after question was directed to them. Some of these Mr. Chefoo answered. To others he paid no attention.

Who were they? Whence had they come? Were their families respectable?

Did their ancestors occupy tombs on the hillside? Could they take off their eyes and pull out their teeth as it had been reported that they could? All of these and many more came in rapid succession.

When it was learned that they wanted to put a man ash.o.r.e a great hue and cry was at once raised, and it was positively declared that this could not be done until the magistrate was seen and consulted. Thereupon, the magistrate's runners, six in number, appeared and a.s.sumed control of their movements. These runners were gorgeous in light blue coats, wide pantaloons of white, and big hats with red ta.s.sels.

Yes, the magistrate must be seen, they declared. Nothing else would do.

In a rash moment Mr. Reid consented to see the magistrate. It is safe to say that had he known the result he would at once have headed his sampan off up the river again even with its objectionable occupant.

It was finally arranged that Mr. Reid, in company with Mr. Chefoo and the stowaway, should attend upon the magistrate while the others remained with the sampan. At the last moment Clarence begged to accompany his father, and consent was finally given. Mr. Reid could see no reason why the stowaway should be carried along with them, as he had really done nothing for which he could be punished. Their only desire was to leave him ash.o.r.e. But the runners persisted that it was necessary that he too should go before the justice.

The magistrate was seated on the floor of a small platform over which matting was spread. Around him, also squatting on their heels, were two or three of his a.s.sistants. The chief official had on a robe of deep blue silk, slashed to the waist at intervals, and with pipings of orange silk introduced between. Only a small portion of his crimson trousers was showing. On his head was perched a little hat of glazed horsehair ornamented with crimson ta.s.sels.

Mr. Reid came into the room and very politely bowed to the magistrate, while Chefoo prostrated himself, as did the runners. Clarence, independent young American that he was, contented himself with saying, ”Good day, sir,” then began to use his eyes to their fullest extent.

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”CHEFOO PROSTRATED HIMSELF TO THE MAGISTRATE.”]

The magistrate took no notice of their presence. He merely remarked in a high key to his a.s.sociates that foreigners were really demons, and that he couldn't see why they had ever been allowed in the country. As to himself, he had felt many times like setting up again, on his own responsibility, the tablets which, prior to the treaty, had declared that all foreigners were cutthroats and robbers, and should be killed on sight.[2]

Each of these sentences Mr. Chefoo cheerfully translated to Mr. Reid.

”The old barbarian,” declared Clarence. ”I feel like giving him a shaking.”

The magistrate now deigned to become aware of their presence. ”Who are these who have dared to approach me?” he asked in a big, off-hand way, but all the while he was nervously regarding Mr. Reid and Clarence.

Foreigners, he knew from experience, were not always the chicken-hearted people they were declared to be.

The runners told him.

”Well, what is you name, and whence do your come?” was asked of Mr.

Reid.

The replies came readily.

”How old are you? Has your father gone and left you? and was he an honorable man?”

To each of these, in turn, was given a cheerful response.