JACK 
 HARKAW4Y 
 
 IN 
 
 CHINA 
 
 BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 ,
 
 JACK HARKAWAY 
 
 AXD HIS SOX^S 
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA 
 
 BKACEBR1DGE HEMYNG 
 
 COMPLETE 
 
 CHICAGO: 
 
 M. A. DO^OHUE & Co.
 
 A. DONOH UE &c COMPANY 
 
 4O7.429 DEARBORN STREE' 
 CH ICAGO
 
 rz? 
 
 JACK HARKAWAY AND HIS SON'S 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE CHINESE PIRATE JUNK. 
 
 " Now, boy," said Hunston to young Jack, when once 
 they were fairly on deck, " your father saved my life off 
 Cuba ; I have saved yours. " 
 
 Young Jack smiled bitterly. 
 
 Hunston had saved his life at last, it is true, but it was to 
 his treachery that they owed their disastrous defeat and the 
 terrible massacre of the boat's crew. 
 
 " You see, boy," continued Hunston, in the same con- 
 temptuous tone, " we are equal now, so look to yourselves." 
 
 Young Jack made no reply. 
 
 He simply acknowledged the speech by a haughty in- 
 clination of the head, and Hunston walked off to get his hurts, 
 which were few and trifling, attended to. 
 
 Presently several of the crew came and helped young Jack 
 to take his companion, poor Harry Girdwood, below, where 
 the wounded pirates were being cared for. 
 
 The unfortunate orphan boy had got some ugly cuts in the 
 skirmish, and only great care, combined with skilful treat- 
 ment, could possibly bring him through. 
 
 They had a doctor on board, who was an American, and a 
 man of some knowledge and experience. 
 
 So there was a fair chance for everybody. 
 
 The doctor looked hard at the two boys when they were 
 brought down to the cockpit, and it was evident that their 
 presence there excited his curiosity.
 
 4 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 "Do you belong to this ship ? " he asked, as he set me- 
 thodically to work to see to Harry Girdwood's wounds. 
 
 " The pirate ? " asked young Jack, in surprise. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Not exactly, doctor," he replied. " Do we look like it ? " 
 
 The doctor frowned, 
 
 " Don't let your tongue run away with your discretion, my 
 young friend," he said ; " if you don't care to be taken for one 
 of the crew, keep your sentiments to yourself." 
 
 Young Jack bit his lip. 
 
 " The horrid old vagabond," he said to himself ; " he 
 ought to be ashamed to be seen here. I suppose his job is 
 to murder the prisoners by slow torture, when the Chinese 
 and the Lascars can't invent anything sufficiently horrible. 
 
 And he turned on his heel, and strode haughtily up the 
 cabin. 
 
 Turning round, he saw the doctor was looking steadfastly 
 at him. 
 
 And then he beckoned him to approach. 
 
 Jack felt half inclined to take no notice of it, but there was 
 a commanding look about the American doctor which the boy 
 instinctively felt bound to obey. 
 
 " Come here." 
 
 Jack marched up with a sort of defiant air. 
 
 " Well, sir ? " 
 
 " A word to the wise, my lad," said the doctor, in a low 
 but impressive voice. 
 
 " You can not improve your position here by any brag or 
 bold bearing ; indeed, it is very likely to put an end to your 
 captivity in a very summary manner, so unless you wish to 
 walk the plank speedily, or have your head battered in, keep 
 as civil a tongue in your head as possible." 
 
 Young Jack hung his head abashed at this. 
 
 " Do you hear ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 "Then pay attention," said the doctor, " and learn that 
 what I tell you is for your own good, and not for the sake of 
 saying any thing sharp or disagreeable." 
 
 Young Jack did not know what reply to make to this 
 strange speech. 
 
 So he simply nodded his head and walked up the cabin. 
 
 " He's a strange man," thought young Jack. 
 
 " Tack." called Harry G'rdwood, faintly.
 
 ADFEMTVXMS Of CJOMA, 
 
 -Yes." 
 
 " Come to him at once," said the doctor, 
 * Hold his hand. He's faint. Stand quote 
 
 And then, white voang Jack stood holding the poor saf- 
 feiers hand, the doctor finished drcssmg Ms wwmd.% handling 
 him all the while as tenderly as a f ond mother might. 
 
 Harry Giidwood strove migfal and main to stifle his groans, 
 but do what he would, a nurnaar of anguish escaped him from 
 
 Keep up awhile, my poor boy/" said the doctor, enconrag- 
 Yonll be easy presendy. I shall get over it as 
 
 The patient gave him a grateful look. 
 
 "Thanks, doctor." 
 
 Hush, don't fatigue yourself with speakmg." 
 Young Jack was yJiing more and more puzzled now. 
 Was the doctor really a humane man, and yet the associate 
 of thieres and murderers of the lowest and vilest possible 
 
 J *_--? _ ^ 
 
 ocscnpoon ? 
 
 No. 
 
 So young Jack Harkaway sagely came to this conclusion 
 
 " He wants to lead us into a frank avowal of our feehngs/* 
 he said to himself, "in order to betray us. but I must put 
 poor Harry on his guard."" 
 
 By this time, Harry Girdwood's wounds being dressed, be 
 was allowed to rest, and then, being thoroughly exhausted, he 
 sank back on his pillow into a gentle slumber. 
 
 As soon as he had watched his companion so far cared for, 
 young Jack made for the companion ladder, and was just run- 
 up to see what was going forward on deck, when the 
 
 - Where are you going ? ' 
 
 0n deck," 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 "To look about." 
 
 "Are you mad?" 
 
 I think not." 
 
 " Do you know what you are Ekety to meet with ? 
 
 -Where?" 
 
 "Ondeck." 
 
 HbJ* 
 
 "Death." 
 
 -Death!"
 
 6 JA CK HARK A WAY AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 "Yes, young gentleman, death. That makes you start 
 But nothing is more likely. The men you are among now are 
 the vilest and most unscruplous you will find. One man 
 walked the plank but yesterday." 
 
 " Was he a Frenchman ? " asked young Jack, quickly. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " I thought so, and called Monsieur Potiron ? " 
 
 "Yes," replied the doctor, in evident surprise. "Then 
 you know " 
 
 " I know all about him. We picked him up." 
 
 "You?" 
 
 " Yes our ship." 
 
 " Good Heaven ! you don't say so." 
 
 " Yes sir." 
 
 " Well, well, I am glad he is saved, at all events. Poor 
 Potiron. " 
 
 " You knew him well." 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Was he a prisoner on board this ship ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Then I am glad his story was so far true, at all events." 
 
 " Was it doubted ? " 
 
 " In some measure, by our officers, for he couldn't help pull- 
 ing the long bow at times." 
 
 The doctor smiled. 
 
 " I know." 
 
 " He tried it on here then," said young Jack. 
 
 "Of course, it was in the fellow's blood. He could no 
 more help bragging and exaggerating than a crow could help 
 cawing. But he was not to say a coward, after all." 
 
 " Indeed." 
 
 " No. When his time came, and he was driven over the 
 ship's side into the water, he showed a bold front." 
 
 " You will excuse a question, doctor ? " said Jack. 
 
 "Certainly but I don't promise in advance to answer 
 it." 
 
 " Of course." 
 ' Go on." 
 
 ' How came you amongst these men doctor to a pirate 
 sh p ? " 
 
 ' Can't you guess ? " 
 
 ' Why, no." 
 
 ' Well, you might, my young friend, and yet be less quick-
 
 ADVENTURES IX CHIN*. j 
 
 wilted than I perceive you to be. How came you and your 
 unfortunate companion here ? " 
 
 " We were surprised by treachery and made prisoners." 
 
 " And so was I." 
 
 "Indeed, doctor; I thought that they always put their 
 prisoners to death." 
 
 " Such is the case," returned the doctor, "in most in- 
 stances ; but not always immediately or you would not be 
 here." 
 
 ** There is a reason for my escape which I will explain to 
 you later on.'' 
 
 " And for mine too ; I was seized amidst a scene of such 
 slaughter and such horrible carnage as I never yet witnessed 
 before as, please God, I hope never to witness again. 
 
 " I was dragged on board the junk, and fell across a whole 
 mob of wounded, writhing about the deck. 
 
 " Our ship had been fought gallantly, and the slaughter of 
 the pirates before we were beaten was something most 
 frightful. 
 
 ** One poor wretch was writhing on deck at my feet, and 
 crying aloud with the agony of his wounds. 
 
 " With me it is naturally a double instincl to succour the 
 the wounded: firstly, as a Christian, and secondly, as a 
 medical man. So I looked to him dressed and comforted 
 his hurts '* 
 
 " I see." 
 
 " Then told them my profession, and I was saved, while 
 many a poor prisoner was plundered and thrown to the 
 sharks." 
 
 " And how long have you been a prisoner here, doctor ? " 
 asked young Jack. 
 
 " Nearly a year." 
 
 "So long?" 
 
 " Alas ! yes." 
 
 " Can't you escape ? " 
 
 " I would risk my life to, if there were half a chance." 
 
 Just then Harry Girdwood moved and groaned, and the 
 doctor motioned young Jack to silence. 
 
 " Our talking disturbs him," he said in a whisper ; " we 
 the must be careful, for unless he gets perfect quiet for the 
 present, Iwill not answer for the poor boy's life."
 
 8 JA CK HA RKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 LIFE ON THE PIRATE JUNK. 
 
 PRESENTLY the doctor dozed beside his patient. 
 
 His hands had been full of work, and he was overcome by 
 fatigue. 
 
 Young Jack sat by watching him, when a great scuffling 
 and noise on deck attracted his attention, 
 
 " I wonder what's going on there ? " thought he. 
 
 The noise continued, and young Jack felt half inclined 
 to go up on deck and see for himself. 
 
 Harry Girdwood, meanwhile, slept peacefully on. The 
 doctor slept. 
 
 Young Jack arose to stretch his legs and every time that 
 he moved up the cabin, he drew nearer to the companion 
 ladder ; and presently, he mounted a step. 
 
 Then Jack forgot all about the doctor's warning, and he 
 stepped on to the deck. 
 
 A great deal of bustle and confusion was going forward 
 there. 
 
 Some of the crew were busily engaged in swabbing the 
 deck, to remove the unpleasant remains of the late fray. 
 
 By the traces of blood about he could see, plainly enough, 
 that the battle had been fierce and fatal to the pirates, who 
 had almost been deprived of the pleasure of a retaliation. 
 
 So thoroughly were they taken by surprise, that the 
 American ship under Captain Disher's management, had 
 given them the hottest work that they had ever known. 
 
 The wounded were still being helped away. 
 
 The slain outright were dragged off without the faintest 
 show of ceremony, and swung over into the sea. 
 
 It was, indeed, thanks to this and similar noises, that young 
 Jack contrived, for the present, to pass unobserved. 
 
 The boy locked about him in every direction, but there were 
 no signs of the vessel which he had unfortunately quitted on 
 that forlorn hope. 
 
 And what for ? 
 
 Glory ! 
 
 Alack ; he had had his belly-full of glory by this time. 
 
 He was no coward far from it yet he had learnt to feel
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 9 
 
 sorry that he had ever quitted his mother's side upon that 
 unlucky day. 
 
 He thought of her pale face and anxious looks, and he 
 recalled her fond injunctions that he would keep out of 
 danger. 
 
 He reviewed his own conduct in creeping off into the thick 
 of the fight, and he felt inclined to take an exceedingly 
 harsh view of it. 
 
 - Was it true bravery after all? he asked himself, that 
 had prompted him. 
 
 Was not his bravery rather foolhardiness ? 
 
 Yes : decidedly yes," was his bitter reply to this mental 
 questioning. 
 
 Moving about along the deck, he came presently across a 
 telescope, and raising it to his eye, he quickly adjusted the 
 focus, and swept the horizon. 
 
 Nothing in sight. 
 
 Yet, stay. 
 
 There appeared one sail, many, many miles distant. 
 
 So far, indeed, that it appeared but the very tiniest speck. 
 
 And this, he felt sure, must be the ship which his father 
 and mother were in. 
 
 He fixed it through the glass, and gazed long and stead- 
 fastly through it. 
 
 And as he looked, the speck grew smaller and smaller, 
 until it faded utterly out of view. 
 
 It was gone, 
 
 And with its final disappearance, his heart sank low in- 
 deed : and the poor boy heaved a piteous sigh of despair, 
 as he let the glass slowly down, 
 
 A hand was placed upon his shoulder. 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 He started. 
 
 Then he turned his head, and found himself close to an 
 Englishman who was quite familiar to him. 
 
 " Well, Master Jack Harkaway," said the man, " so you 
 are here in the toils after all" 
 
 Young Jack recognised him then. 
 
 " Emmerson ! " 
 
 "You know me ?" 
 
 "Yes."
 
 I0 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND 1US SON 'S 
 
 " Sharp boy," said Emmerson, coolly, for it was indeed he. 
 " Don't look so scared. Are you frightened ? " 
 
 Jack answered quickly. 
 
 " Frightened ! What of ? You ? No not quite." 
 
 Protean Bob laughed satirically at this. 
 
 " Bravo, Jack. You haven't lost the family brag, I per- 
 ceive." 
 
 Jack reddened to the roots of his hair. 
 
 " Brag should be your name," he said. 
 
 " Cheeky enough," said Emmerson, turning away, " I'm 
 afraid, my fair youth, your're short-lived too smart to live 
 long." 
 
 So saying, he walked up the deck, leaving young Jack to 
 his own reflections. 
 
 The presence of Robert Emmerson was the most puzzling 
 thing that had happened to him. 
 
 What could it mean ? 
 
 It was difficult to hazard even a guess ; he was anxious to 
 find out how Emmerson got on board the pirate ship. 
 
 But a still greater surprise was in store for young Jack be- 
 fore he quitted the deck. 
 
 His attention was called to a dispute that was going on 
 aft, so he went off at a run to see what the matter was. 
 
 It looked as though a fight was going on upon deck. 
 
 " I'm in it ! " cried young Jack, in something like glee. 
 
 He could never keep clear of any thing of this sort. 
 
 He shared his father's fondness for excitement, and so 
 strong was the instinct within him that he never thought 
 how foolish it was to flourish about the deck of the pirate 
 ship while the wounded from the late action were scarcely 
 yet cared for, but burst into the thick of the mffie. 
 
 Wonders upon wonders here awaited him. 
 
 A huge fellow was knocking the seamen about like 
 skittles. 
 
 A mammoth man, brawny and bearded. 
 
 A man that young Jack knew by sight almost as well as 
 his own father. 
 
 Who, asks the reader, could he meet now ? 
 
 Who but Toro ? 
 
 The hot-tempered Italian was quarreling with the Lascars, 
 or the Celestials, as the Chinese call themselves. 
 
 On the present occasion, a slight dispute had arisen 
 between them upon the question of precedence.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. \ \ 
 
 High words were exchanged between them. 
 
 From high words to blows is but a slight step amongst 
 such lawless ruffians as these, so that when young Jack 
 armed upon the scene, they were in the middle of a most 
 undignified scramble. 
 
 Toro's huge bulk, however, served him quite grandly at 
 this precise amusement. 
 
 He had only to lay against them. 
 
 As well might they oppose the march of a young elephant. 
 
 But the most abiding phase in the whole affair was the 
 incessant din which the combatants kept up. 
 
 Just imagine bad language being bellowed at each other 
 by a dozen half-drunken men in four different tongues to 
 ^rit, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, and worse than all, Dutch. 
 
 AH talking at once. 
 
 All yelling at the top of their voices. 
 
 When young Jack looked at Tore, he began to feel very 
 much puzzled. 
 
 He had seen Toro there, stretched lifeless upon the 
 ground, and, to all appearances, dead ! 
 
 He did not know how Toro had been rescued by his com- 
 rades, and snatched from the grave at the very last moment. 
 
 The whole scene was so novel, and presented such a com- 
 plete change from what he had been going through until the 
 last few hours of his life, that he began to ask himself if he 
 woe not in a dream. 
 
 He had read the legend of the " Phantom Ship,** and he 
 had a momentary fancy flash through his mind that he was, 
 perhaps, rightly mourned as dead by his parents that, in 
 spite of the real look of every thing around him, he was out of 
 the world, in the land of spirits, and there renewing some of 
 the more startling scenes of his earthly career. 
 
 By what process of reasoning young Jack contrived to liken 
 himself to the supernatural Captain Vanderdecken, we are 
 not in a position to state. 
 
 AD we can say is that, whatever wild flights his fancy may- 
 have taken, he was brought rudely back to earth by being 
 roughly collared by TOTD himself. 
 
 The giant had just caught sight of him, and was filled with 
 amazement on rwm*'"5* n g him. 
 
 But recovering quickly from his surprise, he rushed at him, 
 and grabbed him sharply by the shoulder, 
 
 "Boy!"
 
 12 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Well," said young Jack, looking up at him saucily, " what 
 is it ? " 
 
 Toro was staggered. 
 
 " It is young Jack Harkaway/' he exclaimed. 
 
 " Rather ! " returned young Jack, nodding. 
 
 " Why, where in the fiend's name did you spring from ? " 
 
 " From below," replied young Jack. 
 
 " The devil ! " ejaculated the ex-brigand. 
 
 " Well, no," retorted our youthful hero, with his accustomed 
 readiness ; " not from there, although from below." 
 
 " Why, what " 
 
 " From the cockpit, I mean," explained young Jack. 
 
 " But how came you there ? " 
 
 " Prisoner." 
 
 " Then you must have been on board that American ship 
 that has just " 
 
 " Given this ship a licking and got clear off. Yes, Signor 
 Toro, I was." 
 
 '* And your father ? " 
 
 " Yes, he, too." 
 
 " And " 
 
 " Mr. Harvey ? Yes, all of us, including Mr. Jefferson." 
 
 " Hah ! " 
 
 " Your worst enemy." 
 
 " No," ejaculated Toro, sharply, " Jefferson is a brave man. 
 He fought fairly, and he won the victory. He fully merited 
 it. Defeat, boy, is bitter, but even Toro can learn a lessen 
 occasionally, and I have lately learned to know that it is an 
 honour to oppose such a man as Jefferson, even if beaten." 
 
 Young Jack was astonished at this. 
 
 He regretted his taunting words then. 
 
 Of all the people in the world, he had certainly not ex- 
 pected any thing like a frank or generous admission on the 
 part of Toro. 
 
 " Nobly said, Signor Toro," said young Jack, " and believe 
 it or not, as you may, I am really glad to see you here, al- 
 though I am quite astonished how you can have got here." 
 
 " Tell me how you came to be made prisoner. I was on 
 deck about here the whole time, but I saw no prisoners made." 
 
 "None?" 
 
 "No." 
 
 " Did you not see the fight between the boats ? " 
 
 " No."
 
 ADVENTURES IJf CHIXA. 
 
 '-I 
 
 ' WeHSignorToro," said jtwng Jack, " a fight did take 
 ce between some of the boats. The one I. 
 
 gaged two of the pirates' boats, and we were fast giving them 
 pepper, wfaen a third boat in our rear brought deserters from 
 
 -Deaerten?* 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 **So you hare some traitor Americans, as well as " 
 
 "There are good and bad everywhere,, Signor Toco," con- 
 tinned Jack. * The boat was rowed by one deserter. The 
 oniy oooer person in the boat was a prisoner, aided by the 
 deserter to escape," 
 
 **I see," said Toro;" so yon had a prisoner ? 
 
 "Yes; WL piiiUBMi whose life had been saved by my father 
 off Cuba. Goess who that prisoner was." 
 
 -lean nor," 
 
 -Why it was " 
 
 14 Me," said a voice at young Jack's elbow. 
 
 " Houston ! " exclaimed Toro, in greater iiiniimiiil tfcfgi 
 ever; " is it possible, or do my eyes deceive me ?" 
 
 "Not at all,old comrade," returned Houston ; "here I 
 ITiimlMi himself in the flesh." 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 THE OXE-LBGGED XANDAKIX AXT> THE WAMMOTH PIGTAIL. 
 
 ' A KNOWLEDGE of their language is very asefal,'* said 
 xsaac Mole to Dick Harvey. 
 
 "And do you speak h, Mr. Mole?" asked Harvey. 
 
 - Not to say fluently," replied Mr. Mole, modestly. 
 
 "I had no idea, Mr. Mole, you were such a linguist," said 
 Harvey. "So you speak Chinese?" 
 
 ** Yon know, Richard, dialect is my strong point. Yon 
 3nay not now remember that my knowledge of the American 
 oiaiect was of considerable service to us when we landed in 
 
 Dick was ready to burst at this. 
 - Quite right, Mr. Mofe," he said. "I 
 'Now it is not vanity on my part," said Mr. Mole, in a 
 " but I know my powers, and I can
 
 ,4 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 imitate the Chinese dialect and intonation so nearly that 
 they would never take me for a foreigner if if if " 
 
 " If you only wore a pigtail," suggested Dick. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Why not wear one, then ? " asked Harvey, with great 
 gravity. 
 
 Mr. Mole looked very straight at him. 
 
 But Dick never blenched. 
 
 He smelt fun ahead. 
 
 " So you really think it desirable, Harvey ? " continued 
 Mr. Mole. 
 
 " Of course." 
 /* Why ? " 
 
 " Why, the natives here are notorious thieves and rogues ; 
 rob you they will if you are a foreigner, and if they have only 
 half a chance, so you decidedly gain a point by looking like 
 one of themselves." 
 
 " I see." 
 
 " So that in their dress, and profiting by your " 
 
 " Imitative powers, which I possess so " 
 
 " Like a monkey." 
 
 " What ? " 
 
 " I say almost like the monkeys do." 
 
 " I object to your similes, Richard ; I don't like your dis- 
 respectful way of coupling my name with that of a monkey." 
 
 * No offence, sir." 
 
 " I dare say, but " 
 
 " Come, come, Mr. Mole, don't be so thin-skinned ; I took 
 you for a man of too mnch mind " 
 
 " Quite right." 
 
 " And really, if you analyse it, I think you will admit it is 
 a compliment." 
 
 " Ahem ! " 
 
 ****** 
 
 Mr. Mole used to air his Chinese upon the native coolies 
 on the plantation, and the men, cunning enough in their way, 
 soon learned that the best way to propitiate their chief was 
 to pretend to understand all he said or wished to say in their 
 own tongue. 
 
 The honest truth is, that Mr. Mole did not know much 
 about it. 
 
 " Chin-chin," and a few phrases of "pigeon-English," had 
 to serve for a whole vocabulary.
 
 ADVENTURES Iff CHINA 15 
 
 Mr. Mole, however, in deference to Harvey's opinion of the 
 " proper thing to do," had his head shaved over his manly 
 brow, and made desperate efforts to grow a pigtail. 
 
 Alas ! his efforts were not seconded by nature. 
 
 All he could do, the pigtail would not be coaxed into grow- 
 ing a respectable length. 
 
 " No matter, my dear sir," said Dick. ** What is art for ? " 
 
 " Can't say," responded Mr. Mole. " What do you say ? " 
 
 "To replace nature under certain conditions." 
 
 Mr. Mole rubbed his nose and pondered deeply. 
 
 He had, if the honest truth be told, taken something 
 stronger than tea that day, and although not by any means 
 mentally obfuscated, he felt that he was not as clear as he 
 should wish to be as to Harvey's meaning. 
 
 He felt that he had been indulging a little, and he exag- 
 gerated in his fears the effect it had taken upon him. 
 
 " Isaac Mole, " he said to himself," you must pull yourself 
 together, or else you will have Mrs. M, about your ears. 
 She's a good creature, but so precious strait-laced upon the 
 question of a glass of grog more or bss that let her half zus- 
 pect the least thing, and she'll look as black as as black 
 as pah J Ha ! that's a joke. Mustn't joke about Chios, by 
 jingo ! " 
 
 And doubts came over him. 
 
 Had he understood Harvey aright ? 
 
 Now, during this long soliloquy Dick stood looking at the 
 tutor, asking himself whether the old gentleman smelt a rat. 
 
 " I must be wary," thought the artful Dick, " and not spoil 
 sport by being over eager." 
 
 Then, on looking again at Mr. Mole, he changed his mind. 
 
 u He's tight." 
 
 But he was wrong. 
 
 Isaac Mole was not in that condition so vulgarly yet tersely 
 described. 
 
 " My dear Harvey," said the tutor, ' I am waiting for the 
 last ten minutes to hear you finish your eloquent reasoning." 
 
 " Which ?" 
 
 " What you began." 
 
 "Ohl I see." 
 
 "All about ature and nart I mean nature and art. 
 Richard, Richard," added Mr. Mole, with a half tipsy and 
 reproving smile. *' I fear you must have been indulging a 
 bit freely to-day."
 
 j6 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " What ? " 
 
 " Dick, you're not quite clear there," said Mr. Mole, tap- 
 ping his forehead significantly. 
 
 " Come, come, I say, Mr. Mole,'' exclaimed Harvey, indig- 
 nantly. 
 
 "You know it's true." 
 
 " I know nothing of the kind. The proof is I was urging 
 you, as soberly and as reasonably as a reasoning man can, 
 to replace nature's deficiencies by a work of art." 
 
 Mole smiled. 
 
 " Ha ! now we're getting back to it. Explain yourself." 
 
 " You have no pigtail. Have an artificial one made for you " 
 
 Mr. Mole stared. 
 
 " Do you mean it ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "Truly?" 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 Mr. Mole reflected for a little time. 
 
 "Why, just listen, sir," said Dick. "You admit that the 
 object is to pass yourself off as a native Chinese ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " For the purpose of defeating their cheating, avaricous 
 ways ? " 
 
 '* Yes, yes." 
 
 " Well, then, every means is fair, and worth trying, I take 
 it." 
 
 " Perhaps you're right, Harvey," said Mr. Mole. 
 
 " Perhaps. Why, I am sure," exclaimed Dick, with an air 
 of perfect enthusiasm. " Now I'll tell you what, Mr. Mole." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " I'll be bound that you can find artificial pigtails ready 
 made here." 
 
 Mr. Mole looked very dubious at this. 
 
 "Think so?" 
 
 " I feel sure so. There is in fact, I should say, a large 
 trade done in them here. It is a natural consequence. 
 Witness the enormous trade done in chignons in England." 
 
 This argument appeared conclusive. 
 
 " To be sure." 
 
 "Well, I'll go and try to find one," said Dick. 
 
 "Do you think it advisable? Well, perhaps but don't 
 get a very long one." 
 
 " Why not ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHI* A. 17 
 
 "As I'm not used to it." 
 
 "If I wore one at all myself," said Dick, " I should wear 
 it down to the ground." 
 
 " You would ? " exclaimed Mr. Mole. " And why ? " 
 
 " Because these savages call all of the short-haired people 
 barbarians." 
 
 -I know." 
 
 "And they measure their respect for a man by the length 
 of his pigtail" 
 
 Mr. Mole burst out laughing at this idea. It tickled him 
 uncommonly. 
 
 He fairly roared, and Dick had some trouble to keep his 
 own countenance. 
 
 " When you have quite done, sir," he said, trying to look 
 severe. 
 
 "Oh, don't, don't, Harvey! 7 * cried the tutor, while the 
 tears ran down his cheeks ; " I can't stand that." 
 
 " Mr. Mole, you always seem to treat lightly any informa- 
 tion I have gleaned and wish to impart." 
 
 "No, no." 
 
 " I say you do." 
 
 "Come, come, Harvey no offence is meant only " 
 
 " I know what it is ; you can never forget that you were 
 the tutor, I the scholar, and you feel ashamed of gleaning any 
 information from me." 
 
 Mr. Mole was touched at this. 
 
 " My dear Harvey," he said, " I know we are never too old 
 to learn." 
 
 " Then you may gain knowledge, even at your advanced 
 age." 
 
 Mr. Mole looked severe, now in his turn. 
 
 "Don't be personal, Han 
 
 " I won't. But laugh as you may, I don't see that there is 
 so much to laugh at in the measuring of a man's intelligence 
 by the length of his pigtail." 
 hy, Harve, 
 
 ' Well, do you remember what it says in the Bible about 
 
 " Well, no, I don't not at this precise moment" 
 " It says that his strength lay in his hair." 
 - So it does ! " 
 
 And leaving Mr. Mole sharply, on this effect, it served as 
 , caching argument.
 
 l8 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOJV'S 
 
 Dick went after the pigtail. 
 
 Need we say that he had not far to go ? 
 
 Of course not. 
 
 He had had it carefully stored up for some time past, 
 ready for the moment that he should have prepared Mr. Mole 
 for it by subtle reasoning. 
 
 Dick called a meeting of his party generally, and all at- 
 tended, with the exception of the Harkaways Jack and 
 Emily. 
 
 The bereaved parents of poor young Jack had no heart for 
 fun. 
 
 You must not suppose from this that the others had for- 
 gotton our daring young hero. 
 
 No, they had never ceased to mourn his loss. 
 
 But to Harvey fun came as naturally as his food, and the 
 rest of the party shared his predilection in this particular. 
 
 " I have persuaded old Mole to wear the pigtail," said 
 Dick, when all were assembled, " and here it is." 
 
 " Isn't it a beauty ? " exclaimed Jefferson. 
 
 " A real gem ! " cried the rest in a chorus. 
 
 " Rather large, isn't it, Mr. Harvey ? " said Pike. 
 
 " A whacker." 
 
 " He'll never wear that." 
 
 " It may put him on his guard, and spoil the joke altogether,* 
 suggested Magog Brand. 
 
 " Never fear." 
 
 " He must be very groggy if he puts that on," said Nab- 
 ley. 
 
 " Not very," replied Dick ; " I have carefully prepared 
 the way." 
 
 " I'll bet a sovereign you never get him to wear it." 
 
 " Done. " 
 
 " You take me ? " 
 
 " Yes, it is a bet." 
 
 " I want to win a little money," said Jefferson. " I have 
 you for ten dollars." 
 
 " Done again ! " 
 
 So the gambling fit beginning, went all round, and Dick 
 made bets with each. 
 
 " Now for it," said he, " but you mustn't breathe a word 
 that might spoil sport." 
 
 " No, no ! " 
 
 " Of course not"
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 19 
 
 "I shaH be only too glad to lose my bet, said Jefferson ; 
 " the fun will be cheap at the price. 1 * 
 "Weil, then," said Dick, -I'll not only make him wear it, 
 
 but 111 bang him before you as a real Heathen Chinee! ' " 
 * ***** 
 
 Dick returned to Mole with the pigtaiL 
 
 " It is rather an unusual size, Harvey," began the tutor. 
 
 "Not at all," replied Dick, coolly. 
 
 " They never wear them so large as this one, though." 
 
 " Not die coolies, nor the common Chinese. But the 
 mandarins and the regular celestial swells do ; longer, in fact." 
 
 "Come, I say." 
 
 " It's a fact, sir, only I thought you wouldn't care for a 
 lamer one until you got better used to it." 
 "I should think not, ejaculated Mole. 
 
 " Come, sir, try it on." 
 
 Mole paused. 
 
 He did not really quite relish the idea. 
 
 " I don't positively think) Harvey, that I can bring myself 
 to put that monstrous thing on. Why, it's like the great sea 
 serpent that superstitious mariners talk of." 
 
 Harvey frowned, and looked sulky at this. 
 
 " Well, good-morning, Mr. Mole," he said, moving towards 
 the door. 
 
 -Areyou going?" 
 
 " Really, I'm sorry to give you so much trouble." 
 
 " Oh, don't mention it," said Dick, with affected coldness, 
 
 "only you won't catch me wasting my time ina hurry again; 
 
 good-morning." 
 
 " Stop a minute, my dear Harvey. You really are so very 
 
 "Well." 
 
 He paused suddenly at the door without turning round. 
 
 " You are not joking ? " 
 
 Dick was fit to split, but he managed to preserve an immo- 
 bile and severe expression. 
 
 " Mr. Mole, there are seasons for every thing. You appear 
 to look upon me as a species of baboon." 
 
 "Harvey!" 
 
 " So yon do. Do you think I waste all my time in idle 
 levity, sir ? How long have I been pelting all over the place 
 to find you that, and now you pah! I am disgusted."
 
 20 JACK HARK A WA Y AND KIS SON'S 
 
 And he moved on. 
 
 " Stop, stop ! " 
 
 Well, sir?" 
 
 " I'll put it on, Harvey, if you assure me on your hon- 
 our " 
 
 Dick frowned. 
 
 " Such a speech, Mr. Ivlole, I wouldn't have tolerated from 
 any one but an old and valued friend. It implies a doubt of 
 my veracity." 
 
 " Dear, dear me ! " exclaimed Mr. Mole, in sore distress at 
 wounding Dick's feelings. " I'll put it on then." 
 
 " Not to please me." 
 
 " Then I will to please myself ; only stay a moment." 
 
 And so, by degrees, Dick was even persuaded into fitting it 
 on, so good-natured and easily mollified did he appear. 
 
 " Doesn't it hang down a very long way ? " asked Mr. Mole, 
 nervously. 
 
 " Not very." 
 
 " I think I'd like it coiled up at first." 
 
 "Very well." 
 
 So Dick coiled it up, and finished Mr. Mole's toilette a la 
 Chinoise with the grace and dexterity of a barber of Pekin. 
 
 Mr. Mole surveyed himself in the glass. 
 
 " Well, really, Harvey, I think your judgment b correct 
 after all," he said, graciously. 
 
 " I thought so." 
 
 " Quite." 
 
 " You prefer to have it coiled up, I suppose ? " 
 
 " Well, eh ; now that I am getting a bit used to it, suppose 
 you let it down again." 
 
 " Very well," answered Dick, quite delighted with his suc- 
 cess, " since you wish it, sir, as the ghost says to Hamlet ' I 
 will a tale unfold.' " 
 
 " Don't joke, Harvey.'* 
 
 " Certainly not." 
 
 " Which is best ? " demanded Mr. Mole, after a lengthy 
 study of his personal appearance in the glass. 
 
 " Well, my candid opinion is that way," answered Dick, 
 
 " You think so ? " 
 
 " I'm sure so." 
 
 *' I hardly know," said Mr. Mole, hesitatingly. 
 
 " I'm so positive," said Dick, " that I'll undertake to pass 
 you before all our friends as a native mandarin."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 Mr. Mole took alarm at this. 
 
 He smelt mischief in the suggestion. 
 
 "Nonsense!" 
 
 "Ill wager you ten pounds that they won't recognise 
 you, " persisted Dick. 
 
 * Ten pounds ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Stake your money." 
 
 Dick did so. 
 
 Now you must keep your countenance, and not make 
 any sign that would betray you." 
 
 " Trust me." 
 
 ****** 
 
 Mandarin Mole, gorgeously arrayed in a purple silk sac- 
 tunic, and brown satin trousers, worn low so as to conceal 
 his wooden leg, and with his long pigtail dangling, passed 
 out, accompanied by Harvey. 
 
 In an adjoining room all the party arose. 
 
 " His excellency the Mandarin Chung Ike Moky," said 
 Harvey, with the air of a grand chamberlain. 
 
 The whole party bowed with every appearance of great 
 respect. 
 
 Mandarin Mole passed on, accompanied by his escort, 
 bowing condescendingly. 
 
 And so they passed out of the room. 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 * What do you think of that, Mole ?" 
 
 " A perfect success ! " ejaculated Mole, 
 
 " I should think so." 
 
 "They were all quite deceived." 
 
 * That they were." 
 
 Mandarin Mole chuckled to himself. 
 
 " I cannot refrain, my dear Harvey," said the new man- 
 darin bubbling with laughter, "from a vulgar idiom,although 
 I don't usually indulge myself in such things." 
 
 " Fire away, sir," said Dick, " and ease yourself for once." 
 
 " I mean to say, Harvey, that in the Cocknev slang, we 
 had them alive. 9 
 
 - Had 'em, sir," said Dick, getting yet more slangy" had 
 'em on toast.*
 
 IACK HARKA IV A Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A LESSON IN REAL CHINESE. 
 
 MONDAY entered. 
 
 " Well , Monday ? " said Harvey. " What now ? " 
 " Hyar's a Chinee swell, sar, dat want to see Massa Mole." 
 Harvey tipped Monday the wink on the sly, that is, unseen 
 by Mandarin Mole. 
 
 " Mr. Mole is not here at present, Monday." 
 
 "Sare?" 
 
 " But he will be here shortly." 
 
 " Shall I ax the Chinee swell to walk in, sare ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 With that Monday disappeared. 
 " Now, Mr. Mole," said Har 
 
 [arvey, with a great show of anx- 
 iety ; " this is the time to distinguish yourself." 
 
 " How ? " 
 
 " By letting him see you are up to every thing." 
 
 " But do you know who it is ? " demanded Mr. Mole 
 nervously. 
 
 "No." 
 
 " I can guess." 
 
 "Who is it then?" 
 
 " A sort of shipping agent who is to arrange about charter- 
 ing a vessel for me." 
 
 " What's his name ? " 
 
 " Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming." 
 
 " Is he a merchant ? " 
 
 " He' a kind of shipbroker. He has been recommended 
 to me by some friends here, and is a most reliable person." 
 
 Without any more ado, therefore, the shipbroker was 
 admitted. 
 
 Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming was a remarkable-looking person. 
 
 He wore a very broad-brimmed hat which shaded his face, 
 but did not quite conceal an ugly scar across his forehead 
 
 He had no pigtail, but wore his hair, which was coarse as 
 horsehair, and jet black, very short. 
 
 He had no eyebrows, nor, indeed, any hair upon his face 
 at all ; but his skin was so dark that he looked almost like 
 a mulatto.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 23 
 
 This was Ac chief characteristic that Dick Harvey noticed. 
 - He is certainly a rum one," said he to himself. 
 -Is his excellency present?" demanded the visitor in 
 bat with a very strong accent, after a 
 
 There was a tone in the voice of Kga-Eng-M ing-Ming 
 that rang in his ears. 
 
 Was k a familiar tone to him ? 
 
 Query. 
 
 Dick" was a rare fellow for fancying that he traced like- 
 nesses between folks. 
 
 This fancy had often led him into small scrapes, so that, 
 Dfiiig aware of his weakness, he was m a measure prepared 
 to combat it, and to persuade hinfelf th?t it was nothing 
 bat fancy. 
 
 -Hi* excellency Mr. Mole sent for me," said Hga-Eng; 
 may his servant ask the motive ? " 
 
 Certainly," replied Mr. Mole, cheerfully. 
 
 You speak English, too ?" said Kga-Eng-Mmg Ming, 
 taming to Mandarin Mole in unfeigned suiiniae. 
 -Ofc,yes." 
 
 I, too, have been much with Englishmen." 
 Much with Englishmen, have you, indeed ?" said Harvey, 
 
 "~-VrV"~ 
 " Been in England?" 
 
 Yes," replied the shipbroker, who looked extremely con- 
 fused, and at last fiercely laid his hand upon a short carved 
 sword he wore. 
 
 " Hallo, Master Chinaman ! " exclaimed Dick Harvey. 
 noticing the threatening motion of the Celestial towards his 
 sword, * what do you mean by that ?" 
 
 fc Do you mean to threaten me ? " asked Dick, half drawing 
 a revolver from his pocket. 
 
 Certainly not, excellency., bat some years ago I received 
 such treatment bom a party of your countrymen, that I am 
 almost mad when I think about it." 
 
 "Ohindeed! Pray what did they do ?" 
 
 Pardon, it is a long story, and it will not make you prood 
 of yoor countrymen, so let os proceed to business. You sent 
 forme." 
 
 Yes."
 
 24 JACK HA RKA WA r AND HIS SO.V 'S 
 
 <For " 
 
 " For the purpose of getting rates quoted," said Harvey, 
 " and learning the dates of the different ships engaged in this 
 trade that is all." 
 
 " Good, sir. I can give them to you when you please." 
 
 " Now, then." 
 
 Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming referred to a small pocket-book he 
 carried before he made answer 
 
 " There is the ' Maria Theresa ' on the twenty-third." 
 
 " The twenty-third. That will about suit," said Mr. Mole. 
 
 " On the twenty-fourth we have another departure." 
 
 " The name of the vessel, if you please." 
 
 "The' Franz Josef/ " 
 
 " Austrian ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Both ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 *' Now," said Dick, who had a double motive for his next 
 proposition, " suppose you and Mr. Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming ar- 
 range about the rates." 
 
 " Freight ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Very good." 
 
 " Make your prices in his language," said Dick to Mr. Mole. 
 
 " What for ? " asked the latter, nervously. 
 
 " He'll be more at home, of course, and it will be just the 
 same to you." 
 
 " Why, of course very nearly the same thing, that is." 
 
 " So I said." 
 
 Then Dick pulled the Chinese aside a few paces, and said 
 to him, in a low voice 
 
 " Will you talk to him in your own language ? " 
 
 " Why ? " 
 
 " To please him." 
 
 "Do I not speak English well enough for you ?" 
 
 " Oh, yes." 
 
 " And does not his excellency understand me thoroughly ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "Then why change our language at all ?" 
 
 " There is nothing very serious in it, my good sir," replied 
 Harvey. " But Mandarin Mole is a great linguist in our 
 country. He talks every tongue, and he told me on the quiet, 
 that is, between ourselves, just now, that he did not believe
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 2$ 
 
 you U'fre a Chinaman." Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming gave the 
 speaker a curious glance. 
 
 He felt uncomfortable apparently. 
 
 Dick watched him. 
 
 Not a look of his, not the faintest change in his expres- 
 sion escaped Harvey. 
 
 For the latter's suspicions were roused. 
 
 " I'll wager any thing," said he to himself, ** that they are 
 both humbugs he as great as Mole and Mole as great as he. 
 Hang me if I don't try them ! " 
 
 So turning again to the shipbroker, he addressed him in the 
 following extraordinary idiom 
 
 "Chin Chin." 
 
 " Chin Chin," responded Biga-Eng, promptly. 
 
 "Exactly," said Dick," Chin Chin talkee talkee, pongo 
 wong, cow cross, cum roce pork." 
 
 "Oh, yes." 
 
 " Do you think so, Mr. Mole ? " asked Dick. 
 
 The tutor was a bit puzzled, but he made a wild hit at it. 
 
 " Very much, indeed." 
 
 " I thought so," said Dick, rather gravely. 
 
 Then he went on staring hard at Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming, 
 who was fast waxing very unhappy. 
 
 " Chin Chin, youra braceofor alumb ugsum ustown ? 
 Eh?" 
 
 " Decidedly," said Mr. Mole, eagerly. 
 
 "Quite right." 
 
 "I thought so," said Dick, looking more serious than 
 ever. 
 
 " I had no idea you spoke the language, Harvey," said 
 Mr. Mole. 
 
 " I thought not" 
 
 " Most fluent," said Biga-Eng, politely. 
 
 " You flatter," said Harvey, diffidently. 
 
 " Oh, no." 
 
 "Well, " said Dick, " I have only to add that Chin Chin 
 talkee talkee bird's-nest or finerat cum pickleggwalk ickeraboo 
 an chapell blanche orfulduf fers bo thovtu" 
 
 " Oh, precisely," said Mole, " just my opinion. Eh, sir ? " 
 
 " Decidedly," responded Biga-Eng. 
 
 " I felt sure that you would agree with me," said Dick. 
 
 ** Quite right." 
 
 " Great fluency," said Biga-Eng to Mole.
 
 26 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Wonderful," responded Mr. Mole. 
 
 Dick enjoyed it mightily, as you may suppose. 
 
 " The thundering old humbugs ! " he said to himself. " 1*11 
 lead them a precious dance yet." 
 
 The sham Chinese shipbroker now began fidgeting about. 
 
 Evidently he wanted to be off. 
 
 But Dick would not let him go just yet. 
 
 " Chin Chin," said he. 
 
 " Chin Chin," replied Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming. 
 
 " Pikey wike oky in long acre chung drury lane and bumfit 
 co perriwig in baggynails," said Dick, addressing Mr. Mole 
 with great apparent earnestness ; " to which I may add, keri 
 ki ko thum an there ugo cherribobin an berrymee dasently." 
 
 " Well," said Mr. Mole, " no one could deny the truth of 
 that." 
 
 " No one," said the shipbroker, thus appealed to. 
 
 " Well, Harvey, we are quite agreed," said the tutor, " so 
 that settles it." 
 
 ' Just so." 
 
 ' I will send you the table of the rates," said Biga-Eng- 
 Ming-Ming. 
 
 ' Very good." 
 
 ' As soon as possible," said Harvey. 
 
 And then the shipbroker made a low salaam, and took 
 his leave. 
 
 Upon this Harvey followed him out, and watched dis- 
 creetly where he went to. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 WHO LAUGHS LAST? 
 
 WHO could be happier ? 
 
 Who more than satisfied than the three of them ? 
 
 Each fancied that he had hoodwinked the other two, 
 
 ****** 
 
 " I've humbugged Master Dick Harvey most completely 
 this time," said Isaac Mole, " He won't try it on again 
 with me in a hurry. I got out of it with even more than 
 my accustomed skill and readiness. But really, I should
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 27 
 
 never have imagined that he was so very proficient in the 
 Chinese language. He took me completely by surprise." 
 
 "I've rather worried the two of diem this time." said 
 Dick Harvey to himself; "but old Mole ought to have a 
 severe lesson for his lying and brag. He's not had it half 
 taken oat of him as yet. I most manage something yet to 
 worry him. 
 
 " And as for that other scamp for I feel sore he is a 
 scamp I should like to show him up. I'm positive he is 
 a thorough impostor. I must give it to him. But the first 
 step is to find out who he is, now that I know where he 
 lives. I feel as though I had known him wonderfully well 
 some time or another. But when ? That's the question." 
 ****** 
 
 Biga-Eng hurried home, and once safely indoors, he drop- 
 ped into a cushion on the ground and gave vent to his 
 fapKng^ which had considerably changed since leaving 
 Harvey and Mole. 
 
 -Harvey!" he ejaculated, "and old Mole. Of all the 
 bad luck in the world, nothing could be so bad as this ; why 
 I shouldn't wonder Jack Harkaway is with them. 
 
 "tf they are all here, it win soon be the end of me. They 
 never let a poor devil have a chance with their precious 
 virtue, bnt so far I have the advantage of them. I know of 
 their presence, but they will never dream who Biga-Eng- 
 Ming-Ming can be." 
 
 But presently a smile crossed his evil face. 
 
 He thought of a scheme for making a good bag of money 
 in a single stroke and taking a "rise out of old Ikey Mole," 
 as be expressed it, all under one. 
 
 "The twenty-third," he said to himself. "Wdl, I can't 
 be too early with my warning to them. I must send them a 
 letter now, and then make sure of old Mole, the silly old 
 pump!" 
 
 And then the shipbroker sat himself down, and addressed 
 a letter to one Chung Ali, now the commander of the 
 "Flowery Land," a heavy war-junk, cruising about the 
 China Seas, and said to be as suspicious a craft as any 
 afloat. 
 
 Later on, you will see the results brought about by this 
 ie::er.
 
 2& JACK HARK A WA Y AND 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 DANGER 1 
 
 To return to young Jack. 
 
 On board the " Flowery Land," all went on quietly enough 
 for the present. 
 
 The reaction after the fatal fight with the American ship 
 under Captain Clemmans ensured this. 
 
 Young Jack managed to take advantage of a short conver- 
 sation between Toro and some of the Lascar seamen pre- 
 paratory to a renewal of their scramble, be it remarked to 
 steal off and make for the cabin again. 
 
 Harry Girdwood still slept on. 
 
 The doctor, however, had just woke up. 
 
 " Well, young gentleman," said he, gruffly, " so you have 
 thought fit to disobey orders ? " 
 
 " Orders, doctor ? " said young Jack, in surprise. 
 
 " Did I not say " 
 
 " Yes, yes, doctor," returned young Jack, interrupting him ; 
 " you were good enough to give me advice. Had you given 
 me an order, I should not have thought of disobeying you." 
 
 The doctor smiled. 
 
 " You're as artful as you are plucky, my lad," he said ; 
 "only there is no merit, bear in mind, in risking one's life 
 needlessly." 
 
 "I'm not ungrateful for your kindness, doctor," Jack said, 
 "but really I could not control my curiosity, and so I 
 
 " And so you chose to thrust your head into the lion's 
 mouth ? " 
 
 " Not quite that, doctor," said young Jack. " I only went 
 about to take observations." 
 
 " With what result ? " 
 
 " I did not learn a great deal," said young Jack. 
 
 " I though not." 
 
 " I only recognised amongst the crew an old enemy." 
 
 " Indeed." 
 
 ' Yes. A man I felt sure was dead long ago. I left him 
 covered with wounds, and with scarcely a breath of life in 
 him a few weeks since near New York."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHIXA. 29 
 
 At the mention of New York a smile of mingled pleasure 
 and pain flitted over the doctor's face. 
 
 - Do you know New York, doctor ? " asked Jack. 
 
 " Do I know New York ? " iterated the doctor. " Why, 
 I was born there, I have lived there two- thirds of my hie do 
 I know New York ? Well, no. I did know it but l" question 
 if I shall ever know it again ; ever say How are you ?' to 
 any of my many friends there." 
 
 And his voice grew more and more sad as he concluded 
 with a deep-drawn sigh. 
 
 Young Jack was touched. 
 
 He thought that he would cheer the doctor up. 
 
 " You don't like your quarters here, doctor ? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 "Why haven't you tried to escape, then ? " 
 
 The doctor shook his bead gravely, as he answered 
 
 "No chance of that, you will see by and bye. They 
 watch me for the same reason that they saved my life, 
 when they murdered all the poor crew and passengers on 
 board our ship." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 ** Because, as a doctor, I am useful to them." 
 
 "I see." 
 
 "They watch me night and day. That little French- 
 man " 
 
 * Hvpolite Potiron," said young Jack. 
 
 "YesL" 
 
 "What of him?" 
 
 " He spoilt my chance, if ever I had ones." 
 
 "How?" 
 
 "By his clumsy attempt to poison or drug the whole 
 ship's company." 
 
 * Why was he spared, then ? " asked young Jack. 
 
 " Because, as a cook, he was a 
 crew of this slaughter house. But he was too precipitate ; 
 he soon grew impatient of his bondage, and he was clumsy 
 in his attempts to get free of it. He dosed them so awk- 
 wardly that it was discovered at once, or near'y so." 
 
 "And how was it discovered, doctor?" 
 
 " By them all growing bad of the same complaint at once. 
 A little more patience, and the vessel would have been in 
 our hands drifted, in spite of them, in the hands of the 
 ;_:-;:. :.-. '
 
 30 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " I see.*' 
 
 " And so there would have been an end to these wretches, 
 whose sole delight, apparently, is bloodshed useless 
 brutality slaughter." 
 
 Just then, Harry Girdwood began to talk in his sleep and 
 to grow restless. 
 
 The doctor, with his finger on his lip, motioned Jack to 
 silence. 
 
 " He is feverish to-night, but unless I am deceived, he will 
 be better by the morning." 
 
 " You think so ? " said young Jack, eagerly. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 Young Jack withdrew to the other end of the cabin, and 
 sat down to reflect upon the doctor's words. 
 
 For Jack, be it understood, had made up his mind that he 
 would by some means or other leave the dreadful pirate 
 ship. 
 
 " If that clumsy little Frenchman so nearly accomplished 
 it," he said to himself, " surely, with care, it could be 
 brought off by the doctor." 
 
 And by degrees this became his one fixed idea. 
 
 He fixed that part in his head, and from that moment he 
 set himself steadily and systematically to work to find out 
 the best means to accomplish it. 
 
 " I must be more cautious than old Potiron," he said to 
 himself. " I won't make a step unless I have the doctor's 
 advice and consent. His coolness and and shrewdness, 
 with a little dash of my desperation, would be sure to manage 
 it. But I must not think of doing any thing for the present." 
 
 He could not conscientiously set to work actively in this 
 matter until Harry Girdwood was able to accompany him. 
 
 Once let his young comrade be on the fair road to re- 
 covery, and something should be done. 
 
 So he resolved. 
 
 Now, therefore, he had a double motive for desiring his 
 comrade's speedy restoration to health. 
 
 And so he watched anxiously every phase in Harry's ill- 
 ness, and followed the good doctor's movements aye, even 
 the expression of his open countenance, with almost breath- 
 less interest. 
 
 The doctor saw this. 
 
 And seeing, he managed to profit by it.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 31 
 
 He invited young Jack's attention explained to him 
 learnedly the nature of the evils he had to fight against in the 
 treatment of his patient. 
 
 In this way be contrived to keep young Jack down in the 
 cabin for the present, and out of harm's way. 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 
 A SPLIT IN THE CAMP. 
 
 MEANWHILE some other matters transpired on deck upon 
 which young Jack Harkaway had by no means reckoned. 
 
 Toro was, from the first moment that he saw oar young 
 hero, all agog for settling him at once. 
 
 ** Hang him up to the yardarm," suggested the amiable ex- 
 brigand, " or drop him over the ship's side with a six-pound 
 shot tied to his heels, and let us get rid of the vermin." 
 
 "Why be in such a hurry? asked Hunston. 
 
 "Because I loathe the sight of his face and the sound of 
 his voice," 
 
 fa So do I." 
 
 " Then why not make an end of it at once ? n 
 
 - Because we may make better use of him." 
 
 * Bah ! These Harkaways have as many fives as a cat 
 They have the devil's luck and then- own too. Hell bring 
 some mischief to us unless we ate caietuL'* 
 
 - That's just what I say. Let us be careful " 
 "And begin by cutting the brat's- throat." 
 
 " Not quite that." 
 
 "What then ?" 
 
 ** By squeezing particulars out of him about his father 
 about their ship find out its destination, and watch for 
 them?" 
 
 - What then?" 
 
 Hunston stared at him contemptuously. 
 "What then! Can you ask?" 
 -I do ask.- 
 
 " Once found out, we could, perhaps, get the whole of 
 them into our power ; think of that." 
 
 That would be glorious ! n he exclaimed.
 
 ,3 2 JA CK HARK A WAY AMD HIS SON '.S 
 
 " Of course * 
 
 " Suppose we have him up and make him tell at once ? " 
 
 Hunston shook his head. 
 
 " No good." 
 
 " Why ? " 
 
 " He wouldn't tell." 
 
 " How do you mean to get at it, then ? " 
 
 " By slow degrees. The boy will let it fall if we only al- 
 low him to brag a bit. He can't help bragging ; it's in the 
 Harkaway blood, and then we shall know all we want to 
 know." 
 
 "Toro frowned. 
 
 " I could name a way of getting to know what you want 
 at once." 
 
 " Indeed." 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Out with it then," said Hunston, impatiently, " or 1 shall 
 begin to think that you are tinged with the weakness of the 
 Harkaways." 
 
 " What ? " 
 
 " Brag." 
 
 Toro swore a fierce oath, and drew his knife as though 
 he meant to carve up Hunston for his temerity without delay. 
 
 But Hunston feared him not 
 
 He only laughed derisively at him. 
 
 "Give me the boy for ten minutes," said Toro, finding his 
 companion in crime was not frightened. 
 
 " What then ? " 
 
 " I'll pledge my life that he'll make a clean breast of all 
 he knows," 
 
 " Pah ! or lose his own life, I suppose." 
 
 " No," 
 
 " I say yes." 
 
 " I swear he should tell all, and in less than ten minutes. 
 Hunston, you even treat my suggestions with contempt." 
 
 " Not more than they merit," retorted the other. 
 
 Toro's eyes flashed lightning, and he bit his lip till the 
 blood came. 
 
 Few men but Hunston would have said this much with 
 impunity. 
 
 " Give the brat over to me," he said controlling his rage, 
 " and you shall see/' 
 
 "Hark you, Toro," said Hunston. deliberately, "to give
 
 ADVENTURES AV CHINA. 33 
 
 the boy VAX to your keeping would be about as sensible as 
 tn drop a jewel coffer into the sea, because I couldn't find out 
 tite secret to open it." 
 
 u I tell you," returned Hunston, " that you know as little 
 of that boy's temper as of your own. Why, he would never 
 speak." 
 
 "Bah!" 
 
 "Never. You would tear him limb from limb. The 
 cruellest tortures could not make him wag his obstinate 
 tongue unless he chose. He has too much of his father in him. 
 Once rouse their vanity in this particular, and he would die 
 like a young martyr at the stake." 
 
 " Martyr ! stuff'! You're mad, Hunston ! " 
 
 "And you, Toro, are a hot-headed fool ! " 
 
 And so, with these mutual and frank expressions of dis- 
 pleasure, the companions in villany separated. 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 "I must look, after that Italian idiot," said Hunston to 
 himself. "Hell spoil all else for the sake of killing the 
 boy." 
 
 ****** 
 
 "Vain ass ! " muttered Toro, as he was left alone " Since 
 he will not give his help or approval, it shall be done without 
 him. Ill see the rest of them, and hear what they have to 
 to say about it, for the life of that boy I will have." 
 
 He walked aft in high dudgeon, and ran across Robert 
 Emmerson, who was engaged in earnest conversation with 
 Von Koppenhaagen. 
 
 " Ah, Emmerson," said Toro, " did you know that we have 
 bagged a prize ? " 
 
 "Which?" 
 
 Young Jack Harkawav, to be sure." 
 
 -Stale news," replied Emmerson; "I've seen him." 
 
 Vat ! " ejaculated Von Koppenhaagen, young Jag Bar- 
 gavay ! Ter tuyvel I w 
 
 Emmerson laughed at the Dutchman's vehement expression. 
 
 " Not quite the devil, Kop," said he. w Only one of his 
 imps." 
 
 "Hisimbs! I know it veil Dat ist zer goot!" cried 
 the Dutchman. " He make us to danze in the der Bowery 
 mit his shrink droo der hole in der walL" 
 
 " Perhaps it wasn't him," said Emmerson. 
 $
 
 34 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 " Soh ! ja wohl ! veil, he make us to danze ; ve shall make 
 him to danze upon noding." 
 
 " May he die of the caper in his heel/' said Emmerson, 
 laughing. 
 
 " Ja, ja ! " cried Von Koppenhaagen, " dat ist zo. Der 
 caber in his heel is ver' fonny." 
 
 "I'll go bail," replied Emmerson, drily, " that the boy 
 won't see the joke of it" 
 
 Toro looked on and smiled. 
 
 Emmerson and the Dutchman were apparently just in the 
 humour to work with him and thwart Hunston. 
 
 " Now the next thing is to inform some of the crew. Once 
 let them know that this boy's father led the attack on them 
 and this is sure, for Harkaway is the master spirit in every 
 daring enterprise that takes place near him and they won't 
 stand any nonsense. I thirst to see his carcase dangling in 
 
 the sun." 
 
 ****** 
 
 He sought out for his present purpose an Armenian, called 
 Kappa, who was a petty officer of the pirates, and just the 
 man he wanted. 
 
 It needed very little to incite the crew against young Jack 
 Harkaway. 
 
 The bare mention of the fact that his father was the prime 
 mover in the attack upon them was quite sufficient. 
 
 They called a meeting upon deck at once, and a council 
 was held as to the kind of death that our young hero was to 
 suffer. 
 
 Thus the matter was taken completely out of the hands 
 of Emmerson, Toro, and Von Koppenhaagen. 
 
 "We have decided, gentlemen," said the Armenian, who 
 was as full of grace as a courtier, instead of being coarse 
 and brutal, like the great majority of his comrades. 
 
 " What ? " demanded Robert Emmerson. 
 
 " How the boy is to die." 
 
 " Might you not have consulted me ? " 
 
 " Pardon me," returned this genteel pirate, suavely, " it is 
 our prisoner." 
 
 " And ours too." 
 
 " Nay." 
 
 " Well, well," said Emmerson, " it is idle losing one's temper 
 over a question of form. What do you propose doing with 
 young Harkaway ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 35 
 
 u Hanging him up." 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 But not as you proposed. We mean to suspend him to 
 the yardarm by the ankles, and use him as a target." 
 
 Protean Bob smiled grimly at this. 
 
 There is some fancy about that notion," said he, "and 
 I am with you." 
 
 A party was sent in search of young Jack, and soon it 
 transpired that the prisoner was in the cabin with the Ameri- 
 can doctor. 
 
 Six men, headed by the Armenian officer, Kappa, trotted 
 off down the companion ladder, to find themselves face to 
 lace with young Harkaway himself. 
 
 " Come," said Kappa, clapping him on the shoulder. 
 
 " Where? " asked young Jack. 
 
 "On deck." 
 
 The boy felt just a little bit uncomfortable. 
 
 " What do you want with him ? " demanded the doctor. 
 
 " Pardon me, medico," returned the ever polite pirate, " that 
 is our business." 
 
 " In that case," said the American doctor, coolly, " the 
 boy remains here." 
 
 "Who says so?" 
 
 U J > 
 
 " Are you sure, doctor," said the polite Armenian, " that 
 you are in your full senses ? " 
 
 - Quite," 
 
 "Bah!" 
 
 His politeness momentarily gave way to this slightly 
 contemptuous expression, and he motioned to his men to 
 bear young Jack off. 
 
 But this was not altogether easy to do. 
 
 Young Jack was slippery as an eeL 
 
 Down he wriggled on to the ground, toppled over two or 
 three of the ruffians, and scrambling through the confused 
 heap, he bounded over to the doctor's side. 
 
 " Come, doctor," said the Armenian, " don't you interfere. 
 We wish to treat you with every respect, but if you do not 
 stand aside, we shall have to be very rough with you." 
 
 "Begone!" 
 
 " Come, come." 
 
 They advanced menacingly. 
 
 u Hark you," said the doctor, " if you go now, at once, I
 
 36 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 will say nothing of this outrage. Linger a moment longer, 
 and I shall complain to the captain." 
 
 " What ? " cried one of the Lascars, " does the old medico 
 presume to threaten us ? " 
 
 " Down with him ! " cried the rest. 
 
 Now the polite Armenian tried to stay them. But in vain. 
 
 Knives were drawn, and ugly words were bandied, and the 
 pirates moved to their destined victims. 
 
 " Back! " said the doctor, waving his hand. 
 
 And they instinctively stopped at the word. 
 
 " You see this little phial," said the doctor, calmly ; " that 
 contains what would end, not merely your wretched lives, but 
 those of the whole ship. I have but to let it fall, and you 
 are annihilated. In less than two minutes there would not 
 remain a fragment of your miserable carcases or a plank of 
 the ship." 
 
 The men shrank back aghast. 
 
 " Begone ! " 
 
 It was a sight to see those bold bullies, with blanched 
 cheeks and quaking limbs, retreat before the stern old Ameri- 
 can, and crawl up the ladder out of the way. 
 
 Young Jack turned to the old American and embraced 
 him. 
 
 " Oh, sir," he cried, " how can I ever thank you enough ? 
 You have saved my life." 
 
 The old American patted his head kindly. 
 
 " I ask no more than to have saved you, my boy," he 
 said, " I cannot tell you how much I am gratified. Do you 
 want to gratify me now in return ? " 
 
 " Tell me how I can, sir," he replied, eagerly. 
 
 " By heeding my counsels in future." 
 
 " I will." 
 
 The old doctor regarded the boy with a curious expression 
 for a few moments. 
 
 He was studying his character in his face, and he soon 
 made up his mind. 
 
 " Yes, yes," he said, " I'll trust you, Jack. If ever I knew 
 a noble boy well, well, I mustn't compliment you. I shall 
 make you vain." 
 
 Two days elapsed without adventure. 
 
 Harry Girdwood mended rapidly. 
 
 In eight days, according to the worthy old doctor, he would 
 be fit to get about.
 
 ADVfJiTURES IN CHINA. 37 
 
 This was grand news to both the boys. 
 
 Young Jack was full of fancies and wild schemes for 
 escaping, and he felt that, backed by Harry Giidwood.be 
 should be able to bring one of his daring and dangerous 
 plans to a head. 
 
 On board the pirate ship Jack and his American friend 
 lived quietly enough for a few days. 
 
 No other attempt was made by Toro or his vile ^"^"tnr 
 to get possession of the boy, who from that time lived at 
 peace in the surgeon's cabin. 
 
 One morning Jack and the doctor were startled from their 
 sleep by the sound of a cannon bong fired overhead. 
 
 The doctor went to inquire into the cause of it, and he 
 dacuveied that they were signalling a small ship. 
 
 -Another victim," said the doctor, with a sigh; - more 
 prey for these insatiable murderers. Brutal ruffians ! When 
 ciD these r~*- of lilniulihi il and iii ill murder cove 
 to an end?" 
 
 The doctor and young Jack watched the strange ship with 
 considerable eagerness, and they were filled with vain re- 
 grets when they saw it hired to its doom. 
 
 " It would be a Christian work to warn them," said the 
 old doctor 
 
 It would indeed, 7 ' repfied young Jack, " but how ? w 
 
 Plan after plan was thought of and dismissed, for the 
 simple reason that it would be dangerous to them, and per- 
 haps risk the safety of those whom they wished to preserve. 
 
 - 1 have a plan," said young Jack after a time. 
 
 "What is rt?" 
 
 ** We could write them a letter," be began. 
 
 M Of course," said the doctor, interrupting him with a sad 
 smile, " we could write a letter, but the postage presents 
 t&me difficulty." 
 
 " Don't be impatient, doctor; I'm coming to that." 
 
 - What would you do?* 
 
 -I have read of shipwrecked people telling the world oc 
 their troubles by means of a letter fastened in a bottle. ' 
 
 "They might not pick it up," said the doctor. 
 
 'True, sir, but on the other hand they might. 
 
 7he doctor brooded long and earnestly over it. 
 perhaps it is worth a chance," he said. 
 
 And so they made up their minds to try it. 
 
 Bat Just as they were making their preparations, young Jack
 
 38 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SO ATS 
 
 discovered that the strange ship had lowered a boat, and was 
 going to send some men on board. 
 
 " Now they will discover all about it for themselves," said 
 the doctor. 
 ." Do you think so ?" asked young Jack. 
 
 " They must be blind as bats not to discover all about it," 
 said the doctor, 
 
 " Half a glance ought to tell them as plainly as we could." 
 
 " It ought to." 
 
 "At all events," said the American doctor, " we may have 
 an opportunity of putting them upon their guard once they 
 come on board. The only thing is to act with the greatest 
 possible prudence, and then we may be of some good to 
 them." 
 
 " You may count upon my caution, doctor," responded 
 young Jack, earnestly. 
 
 " I do." 
 
 And the boy was fully resolved to take the old gentle- 
 man's advice before he made the least step in the matter. 
 
 Not very long after this the boat from the strange ship 
 pulled alongside the " Flowery Land," and the officer in 
 command of the boat came on board. 
 
 Young Jack could not repress his curiosity. 
 
 At all hazards he determined to learn all he could. 
 
 He crept up the companion ladder on to the deck, and 
 profited by the general attention of the pirate crew being 
 engaged by the new-comer to get close up. 
 
 And then he perceived that the officer in question was 
 dressed in the loose trousers and gaiters, such as are worn 
 by the inhabitants of some of the Chinese islands, but his 
 countenance was rather of the European cast than of the 
 dull-faced, heavy-eyed Oriental. 
 
 " He looks almost like an Englishman," thought young 
 Jack, in some surprise. 
 
 And this was in some measure confirmed the next moment 
 by hearing the officer address them in his language. 
 
 " This is the ' Flowery Land,' I believe ? " he said. 
 
 " Yes," replied one ot the Lascar officers. 
 
 " And is commanded by Captain Lin-Van-San ? " 
 
 " Yes," 
 
 "I have a letter for his excellency.''
 
 ADl'EXTURES AV CHINA. 39 
 
 "We/-/" thought young Jack, "that's a rum g3, railing a 
 pirate his excellency. What next ? " 
 
 The nex* surprised him even more. 
 
 " His excellency will grant you an audience, I dare say," 
 said the Lascar lieutenant. 
 
 " That is my wish." 
 
 " Give me your letter " 
 
 " I cannot do that ; it is against orders. I had particular 
 instructions to give it into the hands of his excellency the 
 captain, and none else." 
 
 The Lascar lieutenant smiled. 
 
 "Very well, I wttl seek the captain and ascertain his 
 pleasure." 
 
 Now the officer from the boat was in luck. 
 
 His excellency the Captain Ian- Van-San graciously deigned 
 to put in an appearance. 
 
 The captain of the " Flowery Land " was a formidable- 
 looking fellow. 
 
 He stood nearly six feet high, was broad-shouldered, in pro- 
 portion, and was fierce in aspect. 
 
 He wore around his middle a broad sash of grey crape, in 
 which were stuck enough knives and pistols to stock a small 
 armourer s store. 
 
 The captain did not wear his hair in Chinese fashion, 
 that is, shaved off the front of the head, and gathered into a 
 long pigtail ; he let his hair grow like the Europeans, and this 
 with the Chinese is usually a sign of mourning. 
 
 The officer from the boat made a profound obeisance as 
 the dread captain advanced. 
 
 " You bring me a letter," said he, in good English. 
 
 ** Yes, your excellency," replied the strange officer. 
 
 " From whom ? " 
 
 " A friend and humble servant of your excellency,** was 
 the reply. 
 
 " His' name ? " 
 
 " Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming. It is of high importance." 
 
 ' Give it to me ? " 
 
 The captain took the letter, and handed it to the Lascar 
 officer who had been to announce the visit from the strange 
 vessel 
 
 "Read." 
 
 The officer bowed, opened the letter, and read aloud as 
 follows
 
 40 JACK h-ARKA WA Y AND HIS SON Z 
 
 "The ' Franz Josef ' will leave upon the twenty- ci^d, and 
 the cargo will be rich. The ' Flowery Land ' is too well known 
 to venture about our latitudes, but let your othtr vessel be 
 on the watch. The ' Flowery Land ' is watched for. Be upon 
 your guard j a British ship is on the look-out for you. Be- 
 ware of her. The accursed British are a terror to the rovers 
 of the sea. Avoid them as you would the plague. They 
 have pushed the emperor to aid in the pursuit of the 
 ' Flowery Land.' Need I say how important it is that you 
 should be quick? 
 
 " Your devoted servant to command, 
 
 " BlGA-ENG-MlNG-MlNG." 
 
 The captain frowned. 
 
 " These British are very meddlesome." 
 
 " They are, sir." 
 
 " And is that all ? '' 
 
 " No, sir ; there is yet a postcript at the end.** 
 
 " Go on." 
 
 " The postscript says that besides carrying a regular captain, 
 the ' Franz Josef ' will bear the owner of the plantation of 
 whom mention has been frequently made." 
 
 "I remember him well," said the captain; "he has a 
 wooden leg." 
 
 Young Jack started. 
 
 He thought of his poor old tutor, Isaac Mole. 
 
 " Go on." 
 
 " It's more than likely, too, that two rich Americans will 
 be of the party, and an Englishman so wealthy that he can 
 pay a princely ransom." 
 
 " He should have given all their names," said the captain. 
 
 " One moment, captain," said the Lascar, " he does ; here 
 are names, but I can scarcely read them. The Americans 
 are called Jep Jep no, not Jep, Jefferson I see, and 
 Magog Brand." 
 
 Young Jack could scarcely refrain from crying out aloud. 
 
 "The Englishmen are called Harvey and Jack Harkaway," 
 pursued the lieutenant, " and both are desperate men, but 
 rich, and the men are worth more than the whole cargo of 
 the ' Franz Josef,' by reason of the ransom that they can be 
 made to disgorge if they are handled judiciously. All this 
 your excellency can get confirmed by either of my friends 
 whom I am given to understand have found you by now 
 either Ostani or Toro."
 
 ADVENTURES AV CHINA. 41 
 
 Good," said the captain, " call Toro." 
 
 And then the burly Italian came slouching along the deck to 
 where the party stood around the commander of the pirates. 
 
 " Toro." 
 
 " Captain." 
 
 " Do you know these names ? Tell him, Salvator, I can 
 scarce pronounce those barbarous names." 
 
 "Harvey?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Harkaway?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Magog Brand?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Jefferson?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 And then the ex-brigand, with a fierce oath, ejaculated 
 
 " Yes, indeed I do know them ; and what of all these 
 captain ? " 
 
 "Our good friend writes us glorious news from Foo- 
 Chow." 
 
 Toro's eyes glistened as he said 
 
 " From Biga " 
 
 " Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming. Yes, a grand prize is to fall into 
 our hands shortly. He writes to let us know." 
 
 "Good, good," exclaimed Toro, rubbing his hands 
 gleefully , "very good ; and is this all that Biga-Eng, as you 
 call him, savs ? " 
 
 "Yes." ' 
 
 "Where is his letter?" 
 
 " Here," returned the Lascar lieutenant 
 
 He had put it down for a moment on a big sea-chest which 
 stood beside him, and now it was gone. 
 
 In the general interest which the conversation had excited 
 no one had observed a hand steal along the top of the chest 
 and withdraw the letter. 
 
 Nor had they seen the stealer creep on hands and knees 
 from his lurking place. 
 
 All that they knew now was that the letter was gone over- 
 ooard, they imagined. 
 
 So was the audacious young Jack. 
 
 But they did not know that 
 
 Luckily for him he had gone as he came unseen.
 
 4.2 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Doctor, doctor ! " cried the boy, sliding down the com- 
 panion ladder. 
 
 " What is it I " echoed the old American, looking up quite 
 startled. 
 
 " See here." 
 
 And Jack handed him his booty. 
 
 " What's this ? " 
 
 " A letter ; this ship is the pirate's consort." 
 
 " Never ! " 
 
 " It is indeed." 
 
 n And this letter " 
 
 "Announces when their next victim will fall into their 
 hands ; but oh, doctor," added the boy, with a burst of feel- 
 ing, "only fancy, my father, my uncle^ and several of our 
 friends will be on board." 
 
 The doctor started. 
 
 He eyed young Jack sharply. 
 
 He feared that he was going mad, that the exciting events 
 had deranged his intellect. 
 
 " Read the letter, sir," cried young Jack Harkaway, " learn 
 for yourself." 
 
 The doctor did so. 
 
 " You are right, my boy," he said, gravely ; " this is sad 
 news indeed,*' 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 MANDARIN MOLE AT HOME, 
 
 MANDARIN MOLE appeared likely to fall into trouble. 
 
 The Chinese are notoriously superstitious, and their super- 
 natural fancies take some few peculiar flights- 
 
 Their national weakness is a belief in Feng-shuy, who m^y 
 be denned as their god of luck, and has also some control 
 over the wind. 
 
 To propitiate this deity, the Chinese perpetrate all kinds 
 of wild extravagances, 
 
 For instance, they will only build their houses facing 
 certain directions ; and if examined closely into, it will fre- 
 quently be discovered that sanitary laws are mysteriously 
 at work in their ostensible purpose of invoking the protecting 
 aid of Feng-shuy.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 43 
 
 It was in this way, however, that Mandarin Mole contrived 
 most unluckily to get into trouble. 
 
 He built up a low house, or perhaps, more correctly speak- 
 ing, a hut, upon his property, and whether, being on the hill- 
 side, he had in some strange way worked in opposition to 
 the inexplicable and inscrutable laws of Feng-shuyism, it is 
 not easy to say. 
 
 However, the day following the completion of this building, 
 a very remarkable accident occurred. 
 
 Mr. Mole was seated at breakfast with Dick Harvey, 
 Chloe. Jack Harkaway, and his wife and little Emily. 
 
 Mr. Mole was reading a native newspaper, or was pretend- 
 ing to read it, for he was a more arrant humbug than ever, and 
 he used to get coached up in the meaning of the newspaper, 
 and recite it off from memory, pretending all the while to 
 decipher the Chinese characters as easily as English. 
 
 Monday burst into their presence, closely followed by his 
 fellow darkey, Sunday. 
 
 " Oh, Massa Mole ! Massa Mole ! " 
 
 Mr. Mole looked up. 
 
 " Oh, brudder Mole ! " ejaculated Sunday, 
 
 44 What is it?" 
 
 " Oh, such a accident, brudder Mole," cried Sunday. 
 
 ** An accident, Sunday? Surely " 
 
 *' Oh, dere is " 
 
 What?" 
 
 *' You know dat new house ? " 
 
 " The new house ? " 
 
 -Yes." 
 
 "Oh, brudder Mole, brudder Mole ! " 
 
 Mr. Mole began to grow impatient. 
 
 " What is it ? Why can't you speak out ? " 
 
 " Don't you get 'patient, brudder Mole," said Sunday. 
 
 84 No, sar," said Monday " you'll learn all 'bout it soon 
 enough." 
 
 " What ? " 
 
 " Too soon." 
 
 " I wish you would '* 
 
 " Oh, dat new house." 
 
 " What of it ? " 
 
 " Smashed up," replied Monday, with great grayity. 
 
 Mandarin Mole sprang up in his chair, and stamped his 
 wooden !eg vehemently upon the ground.
 
 44 JA CK HA RKA WA Y AND JJJS SON 'S 
 
 " My new house smashed up ? " ejaculated Mole. 
 
 " Yes, sar." 
 
 " Yes, brudder Mole." 
 
 " It is, sar," added Monday. " Smashed broke up 
 chawed up, sar pulverised demolished ! " 
 
 " Well," exclaimed Mr. Mole, staggered by the blow ; " my 
 newly-built house medolished I mean domelished tut, tut, 
 confound it, I mean, demolished ! " 
 
 "Got your tongue in a knot?" suggested Harvey chuck- 
 ling. 
 
 " Don't joke, Harvey," said Mr. Mole, reprovingly. " It is 
 no joking matter." 
 
 Harvey looked very serious at this. 
 
 " Right, sir," he said, " it is not. You should have taken 
 more water with it." 
 
 " With what ? " 
 
 " Your grog, sir." 
 
 Mr. Mole was utterly outraged at this. 
 
 Before the ladies, too. 
 
 Monstrous. 
 
 He mentally vowed to store up a heavy debt of vengeance 
 against that scoundrel Dick Harvey. 
 
 It should be none the less certain or severe because he 
 was forced to conceal his anger now. 
 
 None. 
 
 "Why, brudder Mole," explained Sunday, " the fact is, dat 
 Monday and me was walking ober dere to get to work, when 
 we see a lot of dem fellars bolt away like scared venison." 
 
 ' Deer," suggested Mandarin Mole. 
 
 ' Well, deer ; ain't deer and venison all the same ? " 
 
 ' Yes, but " 
 
 ' Don't interrupt, brudder Mole," said Sunday, loftily. 
 
 'Well?" 
 
 ' Well, we see dem fellars flying off like flashes of greased 
 lightning before we see nothinkelse, and den all of asuddink 
 instead of the house we see nothink but a blank space stand- 
 ing up." 
 
 "Lor'1" 
 
 " Good gracious me ! " 
 
 " Are you sure you are right ? '' said Mr. Mole. 
 
 " Certain."
 
 A OVERTURES IN CHINA. 45 
 
 " I can place implicit belief on them for one," said Har- 
 vey; "their keen sight is really marvellous." 
 
 " You think so, Harvey ? " said Mandarin Mole. 
 
 Decidedly. Who but they could have seen a blank space 
 standing up ? " 
 
 Who indeed ? " added Harkaway, slily. 
 
 Poor Jack ! 
 
 Poor bereaved father. 
 
 It was the first word of light-heartedness that they had 
 heard him utter since the fatal sea fight with the pirate junk. 
 
 " And the house ? " asked Mr. Mole. " What has become 
 of the house?" 
 
 " On de ground, brudder Mole," answered Sunday. " Eh, 
 Monday?" 
 
 "Yes, all daf s left of it," returned Monday. 
 
 'But now tell me," said Mr. Jfefferson. "Just a word, 
 Monday." 
 
 "Yes, sar." 
 
 "Who did it?" 
 
 44 Dem damn niggars, sar." 
 
 The Chinese?" 
 
 "Yes." 1 
 
 " What can they have done it for ? " 
 
 u Perhaps," said Magog Brand, " it is something connected 
 with their religion or superstition." 
 
 Mr. Mole listened thoughtfully till now. 
 rhen he spoke 
 
 " I think not. It was built by native workmen." 
 
 "True." 
 
 " And if they had found any thing about the place V. Mch 
 didn 't agree with their faith " 
 
 " Well, but it may have interfered with their notions of 
 what was right for their Feng-shuy fancies." 
 
 " I shouldn't be at all surprised," said Magog Brand, " for 
 they are a very wonderful people, and there is no getting to 
 the bottom of their fancies." 
 
 The party then, in some considerable uneasiness, were 
 led off by the two negroes to the scene of the outrage. 
 
 They were right. 
 
 The house, which had been built by Isaac Mole as a store- 
 house for the plantation, was utterly demolished. 
 
 There lay the house, which had taken weeks of patient 
 labor to construct a heap of ruins upon tile ground.
 
 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE CHINESE SENTRY THAT MOUNTED GUARD OVER 
 THE RUINS. 
 
 THEY looked on aghast. 
 
 Utterly dismayed at the ruin before them. 
 ' What was to be done ? 
 
 They held a general consultation. 
 
 " I think we ought to arm Sunday and Monday, and let 
 them stand upon the watch," proposed Mr. Jefferson. 
 
 " Why ? " 
 
 " They are sure to come back." 
 
 " Were they in numbers ? " 
 
 " Dere was a big crowd of dem," replied Sunday. 
 
 " How many ? " 
 
 " Can't say." 
 
 " How many should you say ? " they asked, appealing to 
 Monday. 
 
 " Thirty or forty," was Monday's reply, " or more." 
 
 " We must be careful," said Brand. 
 
 " There's not much danger," said Jefferson ; " they soon 
 clear off when they smell powder. It disagrees with them." 
 
 " I have seen the Chinese fight well enough at times," said 
 Magog Brand. 
 
 " When they are a hundred to one, I suppose." 
 
 " Well, yes." 
 
 " As far as numbers go they would have it all upon their 
 side," said Harkaway ; " so let me recommend prudence." 
 
 " Quite right, Harkaway," said Mr. Mole, " although, to 
 tell the truth, if I were to follow my own inclination, I 
 should act very differently." 
 
 " And what would you do ? " 
 
 " Why, mount guard," replied Mr. Mole, boldly. 
 
 "Alone?" 
 
 " Yes, alone ! " 
 
 And he gave a regular swagger. 
 
 To see Mandarin Mole just then, one would have deemed 
 him capable of challenging the whole province single-handed. 
 
 Dick eyed the old tutor slily.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 47 
 
 "Mr. Mole is quite right," said he, " and my opinion is 
 that we ought not to stand in his way." 
 
 -True, Harvey/' said Mole; "I feel I could fight fifty 
 of them single-handed." 
 
 a Surely, Harvey, you would never consent to it." 
 
 " Not if we had to deal with any ordinary man," said Dick, 
 " but I happen to know Mr. Mole better than most of you.*' 
 
 "Yes, but consider, single-handed." 
 
 " No, no, Mr. Mole must not be allowed to do any thing so 
 rash." 
 
 Mr. Mole felt that this was a safe opportunity for him to 
 indulge in a little swagger and brag without running any risk. 
 
 " Gentlemen," he said, " 1 am not ungrateful for your 
 affectionate regard and consideration. But there are mo- 
 ments when one's dignity and one's manhood revolt at coer- 
 tion. I insist." 
 
 He regretted this speech very soon. 
 
 Although they had made such a show of opposing his rash 
 resolution, they now one and all gave way, and turned to leave 
 him then and there upon his solitary watch. 
 
 " Where are you going ? " he asked. 
 
 "Home." 
 
 "To leave you," added Harkaway, - since such is your 
 wish." 
 
 "Decidedly." 
 
 - Come along, then," said little Mr. Brand, falling into the 
 joke. " But stay, one word." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 " Had we not better take an affectionate farewell of Mr. 
 Mole?" 
 
 Farewell ! " gasped Mr. Mole. " What for ? " 
 
 " In case of accidents, Mr. Mole." 
 
 Mandarin Mole was seen to wince at the word. 
 
 " Accidents ! " he exclaimed. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " But you don't think " 
 
 " We don't anticipate any thing," said Dick Harvey ; ** but 
 one can never tell, so good-bye, Mr. Mole ; and may we meet 
 again.*' 
 
 "Amen 1" groaned Mr. Mole. 
 
 "And may no harm come to you at any rate, let us pray 
 yon may not be mutilated like they do their prisoners gener* 
 a'.'.y."
 
 48 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Mr. Mole made a very wry face at this. 
 
 " Oh, they mutilate their prisoners, Harvey ? " he said. 
 
 " Oh, yes," continued Dick, cheerfully ; " they are the most 
 inventive people on the face of the earth in the matter of 
 tortures for their prisoners." 
 
 " Dear, dear ! " 
 
 He made a hard struggle to keep up an appearance of 
 calm. 
 
 But his years would show themselves in spite of him. 
 
 "Well, good-bye, Mr. Mole," said Harvey. 
 
 " One moment, Harvey," said Mandarin Mole. " Eh ah 
 just ah ! " 
 
 " We shall be within gunshot." 
 
 " Oh ! " 
 
 " And though you are likely to fall honourably " 
 
 " Don't." 
 
 " We shall avenge you, never fear." 
 
 " A pretty lookout for me," groaned Mr. Mole. 
 
 " And we'll bear your mutilated remains back to Mrs. Mole, 
 no matter what may occur." 
 
 " Don't talk nonsense, Harvey," said Mole. 
 
 " You'll find it no nonsense." 
 
 " But what do they do ? I I am anxious to learn all I 
 can." 
 
 " Yes," said Dick to himself, " and to find an excuse to 
 keep me here." 
 
 Then he gabbled off hurriedly some of the notorious 
 tortures which the celestials have discovered. 
 
 He also added a fancy sketch or two of his own. 
 
 " Well," he said, " this is a favourite programme of theirs. 
 They strip the prisoner stark naked, and tie him hands 
 and feet, so that he is utterly helpless. 
 
 " Then they procure a springless cart, and carpet the bot- 
 tom of it with jagged and rusty nails and bits of broken 
 glass " 
 
 " Ugh ! " from Mole. 
 
 "And they lay their prisoner upon this to carry him over 
 the worst roads they can find." 
 
 " Beasts ! " 
 
 " Then they draw his finger nails " 
 
 Mole with a groan dived his hands into his pockets. 
 
 " With a pair of pincers, and then " 
 
 " Then," groaned Mole ; " why, that would kill any one."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 49 
 
 " Oh, no," said Harvey, coolly, " not any one that was 
 hardy." 
 
 -Oh!" 
 
 ' Then they tie the prisoner up by the ankles and give him 
 the bastinado." 
 
 " What ? " 
 
 " You don't know what the bastinado is >" 
 
 "Oh, yes." 
 
 " Well, it is nothing more nor less than playing the devil's 
 tattoo upon the soles of your feet with bamboo canes, and by 
 Jupiter, don't it make you dance ! " 
 
 " The fiends ! " 
 
 " Well, next " 
 
 " Next ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Why, no man * 
 
 " Oh, yes he could," retorted Dick, anticipating Mr. Mole's 
 remark, ** if, as I stated before, he had been brought up hardy." 
 
 " Hardy ! " echoed the dismayed Mandarin Mole ; " why, 
 hang me, Harvey, if an iron statue could stand it." 
 
 " Well, next " 
 
 " There, there," interrupted Mr. Mole, " I don't want to- 
 know any thing more about the horrors that these revolting 
 wretches have invented." 
 
 " Oh, very well," said Dick, " then I'll go." 
 
 a Eh ? oh ! stop a minute." 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 "To keep me company.** 
 
 " Well," said Dick, with an air of great candour, u I must 
 say that that would give me great pleasure, only I have no 
 wish to fall into the hands of the Chinese thieves." 
 
 " Nor I." 
 
 " Not that I so much mind their springless cart, their bas- 
 tinado, or theur nail drawing." 
 
 "Ugh!" 
 
 " I only think of the sequel." 
 
 "The sequel ! " shrieked Mandarin Mole. " What sequel 
 can there possibly be to such horrors ? " 
 
 " The prison," replied Dick, solemnly. 
 
 "Prison?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " You can't compare confinement in a prison to such 
 horrors."
 
 50 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " Can't I ? no, I can't ; you're right, Mr. Mole," said Dick, 
 looking more and more alarmed as he spoke ; " nothing can 
 compare to the prison. Do you know they keep you awake 
 until you die horribly of fatigue ? " 
 
 " Oh ! " 
 
 " Gaolers are placed over you night and day, who prod 
 your ribs with cruel spikes every time that you close your 
 eyes." 
 
 What devils !" 
 
 " They are." 
 
 And then, having made poor Mandarin Mole about as un- 
 comfortable as he could by this rather highly-coloured de- 
 scription of the manners and customs of the celestials, Dick 
 Harvey made off. 
 
 " Good-bye. Remember we shall be within gunshot, and 
 if they torture or kill you, we shall avenge you." 
 
 And off Harvey ran at a great rate to rejoin the rest 
 of the party, who were far on their way back. 
 
 When he overtook the party, they were just discussing the 
 prudence of leaving Mr. Mole there alone. 
 
 ' It's all very well for a joke," said Mr. Jefferson, " but sub- 
 posing that the thieves did come down from the hills and fall 
 upon poor old Mole ? we shouldn't laugh then." 
 
 " No, indeed." 
 
 " What shall we do ? " 
 
 " Fetch him away." 
 
 Dick burst into a loud fit of laughter. 
 
 "You don't know old Mole yet," he said; "there is no 
 fear of his remaining long there alone." 
 
 "Think not?" 
 
 " It is sure." 
 
 " Still," said Jack Harkaway, " he might remain too long 
 just by five minutes." 
 
 " Better call him back." 
 
 " No ; wait awhile, " said Dick, " here we are at home. I'll 
 show you a way of frightening him back, and then he will ex- 
 plain to us how many Chinese he has killed. But wait here 
 for a while." 
 
 So saying, he went in, and returned in the course of five 
 minutes accompanied by a curious little Chinese soldier, car- 
 rying an old-fashioned musket and the scimitar-like side-arm. 
 
 He wore a helmet also, which was so put on that it almc*C 
 Concealed his head and face.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 51 
 
 Harvey fed his native trooper up to the assembled com- 
 pany, and then gave him the word of command in his own 
 particular Chinese. 
 
 "Fy-chow!" cried Captain Dick, in those hoarse accents 
 with which any one is familiar who has seen an English com- 
 pany put through its paces by a superior officer ; ~ Keri-ki- 
 
 And then, turning towards the company, he added, 
 gravely 
 
 The Chinese soldier faced round. 
 
 -Why, blow me! "exclaimed Mr. Xabley, in surprise, 
 look there. Whatisrt?" 
 
 "It is Nero." 
 
 And so it was. 
 
 Nero, as large as fife ! 
 
 And a capital fhim*^** ynong Ja**ir* e monkev ntadr with per- 
 haps this tricing gramd'of objection 
 
 His pigtail had commenced growing rather lower down his 
 back than did the real celestials. 
 
 - Now we are off to make an experiment," said Harvey, 
 with his old mischievous laugh. 
 
 " Where to ?" demanded Jefferson. 
 
 "To the plantation ; to the ruins." 
 
 "What, to Mandarin Mole's post?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "What is your trick?" said Harkaway. "Tell us afl 
 about it?" 
 
 " I am only going to march Nero up there, to see how far 
 noble old Mole s pluck will hold out." 
 
 So the wbote of the party, seeing that there was a chance of 
 fun, followed Dick Harvey and monkey Xero Fy-Cbow. 
 
 As soon as they got within a hundred yards or so of Mr. 
 Mole, they discovered that that worthy gentleman had been 
 trying to raise his courage for the solitary rigil by ar- 
 
 He had sat upon the ground to rest while he "refreshed" 
 from a black bottle that stood beside him. 
 
 Water," biff k^Lk suspic^S^oTwh^y. Sodidhe! 
 
 It was evident that he had refreshed freely and frequently, 
 for be had been completely overcome by it, and bad sunk back
 
 52 JACK HARKAWAY AND HIS SOWS 
 
 Not only did the worthy Mole sleep, he also snored most 
 discordantly. 
 
 Nothing could be better for Harvey's scheme. 
 
 He brought Nero up, made him strike an awe-inspiring at- 
 titude over the recumbent Mole and then he, vulgarly speak- 
 ing, kicked up a devil of a shindy. 
 
 First Harvey hullabalooed and then blazed away on a six- 
 shooter revolver, 
 
 And just as he had let off his revolver, down dived Dick 
 behind the ruins of the house. 
 
 Mole shrieked. 
 
 It was a drunken cry, but a cry it was. 
 
 " Murder, thieves, help ! Oh, the devil ! " 
 
 No response to this appeal appearing to be forthcoming, 
 Mr. Mole scrambled up to his feet well, no, his foot and 
 hurried away as fast as his legs well, no, his leg would 
 carry him. 
 
 Nero managed to fire off his gun, loaded only with powder. 
 
 Mole ^eard the report, and tumbled flat on his face, but 
 was soon again on his leg, stumping quickly away. 
 
 " Well, Nero," said Harvey, laughing heartily, " we've got 
 the best of that anyhow. Now, Nero, I'll leave you on 
 guard, and just go home to hear what old Mole has to say 
 for himself. He's sure to tell lies by the bushel over this." 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 NERO MOUNTS GUARD UP A TREE AND SCALPS A MARAUDER. 
 
 NERO, like a brave soldier, shouldered his musket and 
 marched up and down. 
 
 There was a bit of a hop in his march, otherwise he would 
 have looked like a highly-disciplined sentry. 
 
 This was until Dick Harvey was out of sight, for Nero was 
 as artful as the father of evil himself. 
 
 Then he dropped his musket, and began to search about 
 -miongst the ruins of the demolished pagoda. 
 
 A woefully curious monkey was Nero. 
 
 His sharp eye had perceived something glistening in the 
 rubbish of the ruins.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 53 
 
 He prodded down with a stick that he found, poked and 
 raked about until he fished up the object of his search. 
 
 It was a shiny leather case. 
 
 Nero tried to open it, for his natural intelligence told him 
 it was to be opened, but he could not manage it, and so he 
 suffed it into his pocket in apparent disgust 
 
 Suddenly Nero pricked up his ears. 
 
 He heard footsteps. 
 
 He looked about him, and then seeing cause for alarm, 
 scrambled up into a tree. 
 
 It wanted all his wonderful dexterity in climbing to make 
 good his hold up there with his musket on his arm. 
 
 He had only just time to get fairly ensconced when a man 
 appeared upon the top of the steep hill just close by the 
 rums of Mole's pagoda. 
 
 There was something very suspicious in the man's move- 
 ments. 
 
 He looked caref uly about thim before venturing to descend 
 the hill. 
 
 But apparently it never occurred to him to look into the tree 
 where Nero the artful sat perched and grinning. 
 
 The new-comer was satisfied that the coast was clear. 
 
 So down he came. 
 
 He paused immediately beneath Nero's perch, and looked 
 anxiously about him. 
 
 And then he began muttering to himself. 
 
 Now, his speech appeared to have a singularly exciting 
 effect upon his monkeyship. 
 
 What could be the reason ? 
 
 Was it because the stranger, who was outwardly a thorough- 
 paced celestial, spoke in English, that had an ultra-White- 
 chapel ring in it ? 
 
 Perhaps. 
 
 Certain it is that it did excite Nero exceedingly. 
 
 " I'm cock sure," said this strange Chinese, " that I dropped 
 it about here." 
 
 He raked about again. 
 
 " Blow it ! " exclaimed the disappointed searcher. " Hang 
 it ! " dash it ! " 
 
 Nero grinned and showed his teeth. 
 
 "Well," soliloquised the Chinese, ruefully, " this is a pretty 
 go jigger me if it ain't 
 
 " Here I come, with a whole mob of these long-tailed prigs,
 
 54 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 to knock down old Moley-poley's shop, to find the treasures 
 he's got there, and devil a ha'porth can we drop on. 
 
 "All the good I do is to lose my case, with my letters and 
 money in it. Damme, it's like the boy that found a marble 
 and broke a window with it." 
 
 He stopped short. 
 
 His eye fell upon the black bottle that Mandarin Mole 
 had been caressing. 
 
 " What'-"; this ? Spring water," said the stranger. 
 
 He picked it up. 
 
 He sniffed. 
 
 Then his eyes beamed, and his voice sounded ecstatic as 
 he murmured 
 
 " Whisky ! " 
 
 He took a suck. 
 
 " Oh, num-num ! " he exclaimed ; " and Irish, too. Old 
 Mole was a rum old fool, but he had always a very pretty 
 taste in whisky ! " 
 
 And so he showed his belief in Isaac Mole's taste, by suck- 
 ing away at the whisky until he began to feel the potency of 
 it about his head. 
 
 " I wonder if old Mole has been here," he said to himself, 
 presently ; " I should like to drop across him alone ; I'd 
 make him soapy, and nick his wooden member. What a 
 lark ! He ! he ! he ! " 
 
 And the way he laughed told its own tale plainly. 
 
 Mole's whisky was very much overproof. 
 
 " I'd like to transmogrify him altogether, " pursued this 
 amiable person, who was amusing himself with picturing the 
 discomfiture of the real provider of his feast ; " I'd like, as 
 the Cockney proverb says or doesn't say to catch a mole 
 asleep, and shave his eyebrows ! What sport ! " 
 
 Suddenly his humour changed. 
 
 He went at once from gay to grave. 
 
 " What if they have got my case of letters and the money ! 
 Oh, blow the tin ! " he added. " But the letter Oh, my ! 
 That would be too cruel ! How it would spoil every thing, 
 just as we have got such a delicious swindle on. Oh, if can't 
 be!" 
 
 He got on to his feet, but to his surprise he found that he 
 was not quite as steady as he could have wished. 
 
 " Dear me ! I must have got cramped, sitting so long," he 
 muttered.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 55 
 
 Suddenly Nero swung round, and dropped from his perch. 
 
 Down he plumped, full in front of Biga-Eng- Ming-Ming 
 for that was the mysterious Celestial who spoke English of 
 the Whitechapel idiom. 
 
 The latter gave a mighty start. 
 
 Nero recovered arms like a real military machine. 
 
 Then he presented his gun full at the intruder. 
 
 "What is it?" cried Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming. "O\ sir, 
 don't fire. 5 ' 
 
 Nero remained impassive. 
 
 Immovable as a statue. 
 
 He was a wonderful animal, and did rare credit to Dick in 
 having learnt so much in so little time. 
 
 " Cbin-Chin ! " said the half-inebriated Biga-Eng, ruefully. 
 " I wish I only knew a little more of their blessed lingo : I 
 might be able to gammon him, and smarm him over." 
 
 Nero advanced upon the terror-stricken Biga-Eng menac- 
 
 ingly. 
 "Don' 
 
 ft. handsome sir. Oh, great mandarin, don't hurt a 
 poor little fellow." 
 
 And just then he caught sight of Nero's face. 
 
 This was enough for Biga-Eng. 
 
 His white face grew ghastly, his teeth chattered, and his 
 knees knocked together. 
 
 " 'Evins ! " groaned the wretched man ; " it's the old one 
 been and disguised hisself and coming to fetch me for my 
 sins where's his fork ? " Nero showed his teeth. 
 
 And truth to tell, he did look rather an alarming personagt 
 when his white teeth stood out against his hairy face 
 
 He was an artful monkey, too, and he saw his advantage. 
 
 He made another step forward. 
 
 Then down Biga prostrated himself in the dust. 
 
 Thereupon Nero brought down the butt-end of his gun an 
 awful whack upon Biga-Eng*s bigger end. 
 
 " Whoo ! " yelled Biga ; " somebody come and he/p me. 
 Oh, the devil/ the devil ! " 
 
 And he had good cause to yell. 
 
 The effects of the blow were to colour the unfortunate man'.N 
 damaged part like a harlequin's coat, and it effectually pre- 
 vented him from enjoying himself sitting for a iong while 
 to come, 
 
 Xero belabourea the unhappy man until he was Urea of tht 
 sport, and then he made a grab at his hair.
 
 56 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOATS 
 
 It came away in his paw. 
 
 Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming wore a wig. 
 
 At this, satisfied with his victory, Nero shouldered his 
 musket and marched off homewards. 
 
 You could see by his strut that he was not a little pleased 
 with his exploit. 
 
 Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming wailed and groaned he groaned and 
 wailed. 
 
 And when he could no longer repress his curiosity, he 
 looked up. 
 
 There was the conquering hero marching off with his gun 
 in one hand and the spoils of victory on the other. 
 
 " Oh, my, what a remarkably long pigtail he wears," said 
 the suffering man to himself. ' ' And how low down but I 've 
 done him, and I could laugh if he hadn't given me 'bacca 
 so awful, for I've diddled the devil himself he thought he 
 had scalped me, and blowed if it ain't a wig." 
 
 And so he crawled away with his hands behind him, groan- 
 ing and yelling 
 
 " Oh, how I suffer in this particular part." 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 BIGAMINI DROPS HIS MASK AND MOLE DROPS INTO HIM. 
 
 "" HARKAWAY and Jefferson met Mr. Mole on his return from 
 the ruined pagoda 
 
 " Glad to see you alive, sir," said Harkaway ; " did any one 
 attack you ? " 
 
 Mr. Mole nodded. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Surely, you were not exposed to any danger, sir ? " said 
 Harkaway. 
 
 " Indeed I was," replied Mr. Mole. " But thanks to my 
 good nerve and a strong arm, I have given them a lesson. 
 
 " Goodness gracious ! " said Mr. Jefferson. " Did many 
 attack you ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " In force ? " 
 
 " They were at least twenty," said Mr. Mole.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 57 
 
 a Did many attack you at once ? * 
 
 " Yes. I will not disguise from you that I was in some 
 alarm. But the cowardly ruffians dare not come within reach 
 after I had knocked three of them upon the head." 
 
 Harkaway and Jefferson said nothing. 
 
 Their looks expessed their profound admiration for Man- 
 darin Mole. 
 
 "They all assailed me at once," pursued the unblushing 
 Mole, with the air of a warrior. "But I fell upon them hang 
 it, sir, I smote 'em hip and thigh, and I scattered them like 
 chaff before the wind." 
 
 " It sounds like a song.*' 
 
 " It does said Jefferson. " I should have been sorry to 
 have been in your place, Mr. Mole." 
 
 And while Mr. Mole was giving a finishing touch to his 
 highly-coloured narrative, Dick Harvey came in. 
 
 " Here's a letter for vou, Mr. Mole," said he. 
 
 Mr. Mole took it and read it 
 
 And then he handed it to Mr. Jefferson, saying that it was 
 from the shipbroker, relating to the departure of the u Franz 
 Josef." 
 
 Mr. Jefferson read it and handed it to Harkaway, who 
 scanned it through, and then read it aloud to the company 
 generally. 
 
 " HONOURED SIR, The * Franz Josef* sails on the twenty- 
 third inst By special arrangement, and special accommo- 
 dation has been prepared on board for your friends who pur- 
 pose going. The state cabins and berths have been refitted, 
 and every requirement has been carefully anticipated. 
 
 " Your excellency's obedient servant to command BIGA- 
 
 ENG-MlNG-MlNG." 
 
 "Well," said Mr. Mote, "are you still of the same 
 mind?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 44 All?" 
 
 And so it went round, every one deciding upon leaving the 
 place, save Isaac Mole and his Chloe. 
 
 It was poor Harkaway who had started this movement. 
 
 Since the untimely fate of young Jack, his mother was so 
 saddened that nothing could rouse her from her settled mel- 
 ancholy.
 
 5& JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Constant change of scene was, he thought, the only thing 
 to chase dull thought. 
 
 And so it was determined that they should start for the 
 Voyage in the first ship by the " Franz Josef." 
 
 At the same time it was understood that they were only 
 going for the voyage. 
 
 They agreed with old Mole to return within a few months. 
 
 The only members of the party that were to remain behind 
 were Daniel Pike and his comrade Nabley, the French cook, 
 Hypolite Potiron, and Mr. and Mrs. Mole. 
 
 " By the way," said Dick Harvey, " I have got a bit of fun 
 to relate to you." 
 
 " What of?" 
 
 " Mr. Mole." 
 
 " Me ! " cried Mole. 
 
 " Yes, you and Nero." 
 
 " Nero and I went up to the ruins of the pagoda," 
 
 Mole started. 
 
 " Nero and you ! " he ejaculated. 
 
 " Yes, what of that ? " 
 
 " Nothing, only I didn't know," stammered Mole. 
 
 " I rigged Nero up as a Chinese soldier " 
 
 "What?" 
 
 " And he looked the part to the life," continued Dick, as 
 though he did not hear the interruption. " Well, there lay 
 Mr. Mole asleep and snoring." 
 
 " No, no." 
 
 " Snoring." 
 
 " No, no, no," cried Mr. Mole, vehemently. " Asleep, I 
 grant you, but I deny the snoring. Mrs. Mole will tell you 
 that I never snore. Chloe, my love, tell them that I never 
 snore. Tell the truth." 
 
 " Why, you snore like a old pig, Ikey," said Mrs. Mole. 
 " I sometime punch you in de back, turn you ober, and den 
 you not snore so much." 
 
 Whereupon there was a general roar of laughter. 
 
 Well," resumed Dick. 
 
 " Don't trouble yourself to tell any more, Harvey," said the 
 tutor ; " we have had quite enough." 
 
 " Come, come, Mr. Mole," said Harvey, " I want them all 
 to know about it and you too. Well, Nero and I marched 
 up. Mr. Mole was snoring, as I said, and beside him lay a 
 bottle,"
 
 ADVENTURES Of CHINA. 59 
 
 ej 
 
 so, but smeffing uncommonly like whisky, 
 bl!" 
 
 'Oh, Mr. Mole, Mr. Mole," said 
 "So it is," persisted Mr. Mole. "Beside," he added 
 to the i nwjpiaj, "if there was any truth in your 
 where is Nero dressed up, eh? That's a poser 
 for you, Master Harvey eh, where's Nero? " 
 
 Dick beard a noise that hidnrpd him to step to the en- 
 
 -Where s Nero ? - be echoed; -why, here' 
 
 Ami Nero, grinning and showing his teeth, marched tri- 
 
 : : -.-.;-.:-. 
 
 -Hollo! "cried Harkaway; -he's 
 -Whafsthat?" 
 
 - It looks like Kga-Eng Ming-Ming's hair," 
 
 " I airovs thought that he wore a wig. WeD, Me. Mole, 
 woyonsaTnow?" 
 
 - Whv, where is Mr. Mole? 1 
 He had 
 
 The overpowering evidence had IffWi too much tflpffi muf 
 
 Si) be had retired until the affair blew over. 
 
 ****** 
 
 The twentr-dnrd arrived. 
 
 The " Franz Josef" had been fitted i_ 
 for royalty to travel in, and the Harkaway party 
 
 Nero was left behind, be it observed. 
 
 Since his adventure at die ruins of Mole's pagoda, Nero 
 had I*IT M allowed to retain his m<iw* soldier's costume. 
 
 letters and money of Kga-Eng-Ming-Ming was not discov- 
 
 Nero squatting on the ground, and making: 
 attempt to open the leather case. 
 
 . . T : . _ _ !_!* 1. " mir 9 * f , . j - . 
 
 n H2I IKXTC TOU IDeTC, jTHlCfO 2 OCBBlMlCQ UIC UllOt. 
 
 The intdfigent monkey held up his treasure to Mr. Mole, 
 and to his great defight, the latter opened it immediately. 
 "Why, what's this?" exclaimed Mr. Mote. "Money- 
 notes English, too. Why, Nero, where did yon get 
 
 ? '
 
 6o JA CK HARKA WA Y AND 1US SON 'S 
 
 He went on. 
 
 There were letters, so Mole opened one of them, eagerly 
 glancing first at the outside address, which was- - 
 
 " Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming, 
 
 " Hong Kong. 
 " To be forwarded." 
 
 But inside the letter, the first words dazed poor Isaac 
 Mole, and set him all of a tremble. 
 
 " FRIEND BIGAMINI, Your last letter has come safely to 
 hand. But before I go on to speak of the chief subject of 
 interest to us all, let me remind you that you have been 
 guilty of imprudence in selecting a name so nearly like the 
 one by which you were so long known, and by which I al- 
 ways feel to want to address you. You are surrounded by 
 danger. You do not know how careful you should be 
 when you have in your immediate neighbourhood such a 
 mob of keensighted men as Harkaway curse him ! Har- 
 vey, Jefferson, a new foe, and his friend the dwarf, Magog 
 Brand, not to speak of the two English detectives, Pike and 
 Nabley, who can read a face as plainly as a written volume ! 
 Beware of them ! Your only bit of luck is having that 
 drunken old donkey Mole there." " What ! " ejaculated 
 Mole, firing up, " ' that drunken old donkey Mole there.' " 
 " You have only to hang him out a drink as a bait, and 
 you can hook him when you please ! " 
 
 He dashed down the letter with a cry of indignation. 
 
 " The villain ! " he ejaculated ; " but let me finish it." 
 
 He resumed. 
 
 " If you can manage to get the Harkaways off, as you sup- 
 pose, by the ' Franz Josef ' on the twenty-third, it will in- 
 deed be glorious, for nothing can then save them from visit- 
 ing our delightful floating country, the ' Flowery Land ' 
 and in that case good-bye to all our old enemies at one fell 
 swoop, and we shall reap the reward of industry, the fruits of 
 our labours. We shall be rich for life, my Bigamini. Hark- 
 away's brat is here on board, and has been permitted to live 
 till now. In two days he is to be hanged ! " 
 
 " Poor boy, poor boy," cried Mole. 
 
 The letter fell from his hand, and Nero eagerly snatched it 
 up.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 61 
 
 " Ah, Nero, Nero." said poor old Mole, " if you could 
 only read, you would learn there that you were going to lose 
 the best master you ever had, or ever could have, and I 
 shall lose best the boy, my own dear young Jack." 
 
 And the old tutor, quite overcome by has feelings, fairly 
 wept. 
 
 We can't say if monkeys ever indulge in tears, but one 
 thing is certain. 
 
 Nero knew that poor old Mole was in grief, for he sidled 
 up to him and fondled him just as a pet dog does when you 
 are in trouble. 
 
 ' ; Poor Nero," said Mr. Mole ; " poor Nero, when did you 
 get this ? Why didn't you find it sooner ? Nero, you are 
 just two days too late." 
 
 Alack, he was ! 
 
 The " Franz Josef " was two days on her journey. 
 
 Two days nearer its fate. 
 
 Mr. Mole jumped up. 
 
 What was to be done ? 
 
 " It's no use sitting down to regret," said he, aloud ; ** I 
 must do what I can to save them. Oh, what an ass I have 
 been to fall into such a trap. What shall I do to help them ? " 
 
 He looked out for the two detectives. 
 
 They were both out. 
 
 He scarcely expected them back that night. 
 
 Was there no one he could consult in the meanwhile ? 
 
 No one. 
 
 " Oh, I shall die of impatience," groaned Mole, in anguish, 
 " I know I shall. All, all gone all at one fell swoop, and 
 I shall be left a poor, miserable old wretch to end my days 
 in solitude." 
 
 His grief was sincere, but still it was rather hard upon the 
 faithful Chloe. 
 
 ****** 
 
 " Sir ! " said a servant, advancing to Mole. 
 " What now ? " 
 
 " The broker Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming would see your excel- 
 Jency." 
 
 Mr. Mole started up. 
 
 " Biga-Eng ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Show him in." 
 
 The servant bowed and left the apartment.
 
 52 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOATS 
 
 "Now," said Mr. Mole to himself, "now I shall have 
 him. Now we will see how he will go on with that ' drunken 
 old Mole,' as they call me. Well, I am a drunken old fool 
 and a donkey, but please goodness he shall learn that Isaac 
 Mole is not utterly despicable when he has a lucid interval." 
 
 He hastily concealed the pocket-book, gave a final glance 
 at the letter to ascertain who was the writer, and discovering 
 that it was Toro, he got Nero out of the way while the sham 
 shipbroker Biga-Eng-Mmg-Ming, was ushered into the room. 
 
 The traitor bowed. 
 
 Mole responded by a grave salute. 
 
 He had to exercise the greatest control over himself to 
 prevent his feelings betraying him. 
 
 " Good health and happiness to your excellency," said the 
 sham shipbroker. " You are looking in excellent health." 
 
 " I am, my friend," replied Mr. Mole. " Come and be 
 seated." 
 
 Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming obeyed. 
 
 "To what am I indebted for the pleasure of this visit?" 
 asked Mr. Mole. 
 
 " I have brought your excellency a little present," said 
 his visitor, blandly. 
 
 " Ah, what ? " 
 
 " A bottle." 
 
 " Of spirits," interrupted Mr. Mole, excitedly. " I 
 thought so." 
 
 Biga-Eng; smiled. 
 
 " Your excellency is fond of whisky ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Mr. Mole, with forced gaiety, " very. Some 
 of my dear friends go so far as to say I am a drunken old 
 rascal." 
 
 " Surely no one would take so great a liberty. Have you 
 enemies, your excellency ? " 
 
 " Some few only." 
 
 " Your excellency surprises me." 
 
 "Why, when I was in Italy, I knew a scoundrel, an 
 Italian thief, called Toro you look strange. Do you know 
 the name?" 
 
 " No, your excellency," replied the visitor quickly. " Not 
 
 " I thought you might." 
 
 " Never was in Italy in all my life." 
 
 " Never ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 63 
 
 -Never." 
 
 " Could you swear that ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 44 At the point of death ? * 
 
 " Oh, certainly," replied the visitor, cheerfully, " certainly." 
 
 " That's right," said Isaac Mole, stumping across the 
 room to a cabinet in which he kept some arms, " for you are 
 near death now." 
 
 "What, sir?" 
 
 The visitor smiled. 
 
 He had not quite caught what Mr. Mole said. 
 
 Mr. Mole got from his cabinet a large horse-pistol, an 
 ugly, old-fashioned weapon, with a barrel eighteen inches 
 long, and walking to Biga-Eng's chair, he took the unsus- 
 pecting visitor by the throat, and thrust the pistol muzzle 
 into his face. 
 
 "Now, Bigamini," said Isaac Mole, in a strangely calm 
 voice, " you are at the point of death, so swear you never 
 were in Italy in the whole course of your life." 
 
 It was indeed the villanous and hypocritical impostor 
 Bigamini, the murderer, and the former associate of Italian 
 brigands, who, after being cast adrift upon the ocean, was 
 saved by a passing vessel, and now was a spy in the employ- 
 ment of the Chinese pirates. 
 
 The villain was unmasked. 
 
 His colour went, and his cheeks turned of the livid hue of 
 the grave. 
 
 His jaw dropped and he vras dumb-stricken. 
 
 " Swear ! " said Isaac Mole, hi the same cold and terrify- 
 ing tones ; " swear it, for I have promised myself that you 
 shall die with a lie upon your lips." 
 
 Not a word. 
 
 Not a sound from that fear-stricken wretch. 
 
 "Do you hear?" said Mole, with subdued ferocity. 
 "Swear!" 
 
 And he jobbed the pistol fairly into the impostor's mouth. 
 
 Bigamini only gave a hollow groan. 
 
 " Swear ! " persisted Isaac Mole. 
 
 Bigamini then found his tongue. 
 
 "Concealment is useless," he said ; "but if you kill me, 
 your friends will all be sacrificed." 
 
 " Swear ! " cried Mole, jobbing him again with the pistol. 
 
 " Spare me, and I can save them all."
 
 64 JA CK HA RKA WAY AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " You prince of liars," said Isaac Mole. " You are trying 
 it on again." 
 
 " I am not ; my life is in your hands ; is it likely I would 
 trifle with you now ? " 
 
 " How could you save them ? " 
 
 " Easily." 
 
 " Explain," cried Mole, quickly, " or the pistol might go 
 off, and your head with it." 
 
 " Let a steamer be dispatched after them," said Bigamini, 
 hurriedly ; " let me be kept in bondage until they are safe. 
 If you can pay for it " 
 
 " If," cried Mole, excitedly. " I I'll pay thousands 
 any thing, every thing that I possess." 
 
 " Nothing is easier, then," said Bigamini. 
 
 " What shall I do ? I will give my life to save my friends." 
 
 " Call your people." 
 
 Mole stepped up to a gong that stood in the room, and 
 beat upon it with a large drumstick that was hung beside it. 
 
 Bigamini glanced eagerly about him. 
 
 " Now or never ! " the spy muttered to himself. 
 
 He bounded from his seat, and snatching up a broad 
 scimitar from the cabinet of arms, he made a dash at Mole. 
 
 " Ha \ " cried Mole. 
 
 But before he could get out of reach, a deadly cut from 
 the scimitar upon his leg sent him to the ground with a 
 groan of agony. 
 
 " You've got it, old Mole, have you ? " said Bigamini. 
 
 He raised his scimitar again to strike. 
 
 Just then something leaped upon his shoulders, and two 
 sharp, claw-like hands caught in his hair. 
 
 The hands of something horrible and unnatural cut into 
 his flesh, and he was blinded with his own blood. 
 
 He yelled with agony. 
 
 Down he rolled upon the floor, and then, catching a 
 glimpse of his hitherto unseen enemy, he was filled with a 
 nameless horror. 
 
 His assailant was the devilish-looking sentry from the 
 ruins of the pagoda. 
 
 He scrambled up and fought desperately, and made for 
 the door, but some one was near at hand. 
 
 So he fought up to the window, and somehow or other 
 contrived to scramble out.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 65 
 
 But his unearthly assailant had given him something to 
 remember him by for many a long day to come. 
 
 For the brave Xero had not only taken out the traitor's 
 hair by the handful, and this time it was not a wig, but he 
 
 had also torn his face and blinded him in one eye for life. 
 ****** 
 
 Daniel Pike burst into the room, followed closely by 
 Nabley. 
 
 " Mr. Mole, Mr. Mole," cried the latter, "what is it?" 
 
 Poor old Mole was almost beyond speech. 
 
 But he pulled himself up, and with a groan, gasped 
 
 " Bigamini window he escapes shoot kill bring him 
 back." 
 
 Pike heard the words, and his quick wit caught the mean- 
 ing at once. 
 
 So, snatching up his rifle, he ran to the window. 
 
 " I can see a man flying up the hilL" 
 
 " After him ! " cried Nabley ; " don't miss him." 
 
 " I won't." 
 
 Pike scrambled through the window, rifle in hand. 
 
 Then, when he saw that the fugitive had to make a long, 
 straight run of it in the open, he dropped upon one knee, 
 and resting his elbow upon the other, he took a long, steady 
 aim. 
 
 " Hit him ! " 
 
 He had. 
 
 The fugitive threw up his arms and fell forward upon his 
 face. 
 
 "He's safe," said Daniel Pike, contentedly; "now for 
 poor old Mole." 
 
 He ran back to the window and put his head in. 
 
 The place was full of people now. 
 
 Poor Chloe was supporting her husband's head in her 
 lap, while the servants were gathered about looking on. 
 
 ** Nabley," said Pike, anxiously, " how is he ? " 
 
 " Bad." 
 
 " Is there danger ? " he then asked, anxiously. 
 
 " I can't say, but the villain has nearly lopped off the 
 other leg if we save him, he will have to go through the 
 world upon another wooden leg." 
 
 Just then poor Isaac Mole opened his eyes. 
 
 " Has Pike got him ? " he faltered. 
 
 " Yes."
 
 66 JACK II ARK A WA Y AND HIS SOJV'S 
 
 " That's brave," said the sufferer. " Save them and I can 
 die happy. Bring him here." 
 
 Pike and one of the servants ran back and mounted the 
 hill to the spot where his well-aimed shot had dropped the 
 pirates' spy. 
 
 But he was gone. 
 
 Where it was impossible to say. 
 
 But Bigamini had got clear off, and the only sign of his 
 passage was a tell-tale pool of blood upon the hillside where 
 he fell. 
 
 This was indeed bad luck, and Daniel Pike returned quite 
 crestfallen to the house. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 HUNSTON'S MECHANICAL ARM" FOES, BEWARE ME ! " THE 
 LEGEND OF THE PIRATE TREASURE. 
 
 LET us board the " Flowery Land " once more. 
 
 Several details have to be related in connection with the 
 pirate vessel, before we resume the adventures of the unfort- 
 unate Isaac Mole. 
 
 They had naturally a good deal of leisure time upon their 
 hands now, and some of them put theirs to a very good ad- 
 vantage. 
 
 Robert Emmerson showed that, in addition to the various 
 gifts of which we have seen he was possessed, he was a highly 
 skilful mechanician, and he passed his hours in making a 
 movable arm for Hunston. 
 
 The artificial limb was made of steel, and so cunningly 
 wrought that there was not even any stiffness to betray it tc 
 those who might not happen to know of Hunston's loss. 
 
 The hand was a masterpiece, and jointed with a delicacj 
 and finish that was perfectly marvellous. 
 
 When this clever piece of mechanism was complete, Em- 
 merson showed that, joined to his skill in other branches oi 
 mechanical art, he was an admirable engraver. 
 
 Upon the smooth steel of the thicker part of the arm h( 
 engraved this legend
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 67 
 
 ** From Emmerson to Hunston. 
 
 ** FOES, BEWARE ME ! 
 But woe to the wearer if reused against a friend" 
 
 Now, clever as was this mechanical limb, it yet concealed 
 from the general eye a most important feature of its con- 
 struction. 
 
 This feature was known only to Emmerson. 
 
 It was this 
 
 One of the springs in the top joint was anointed with a 
 subtle and insidious poison. 
 
 It was so arranged that in a given time the friction would 
 inevitably cause the joint to wear away, and then it would 
 need the care of the inventor himself. 
 
 He alone knew how to repair it in that part. 
 
 The bond of guilt existing between them gave Emmerson 
 no guarantee of Hunston's good faith. 
 
 Now this would, he thought, make Hunston secure ; for 
 once let the spring wear through, it must corrode, and then 
 woe be to the wearer of the arm ! 
 
 During the progress of the work, Robert Emmerson had 
 carefully kept the nature of it a secret 
 
 The consequence was that when Hunston appeared on 
 deck amongst his comrades, there was a general excitement. 
 
 They all pronounced it a marvellous work, and Emmer- 
 son was quite lionised for awhile. 
 
 " You see the legend it bears upon the arm, my friends and 
 comrades all," said Hunston. " Let us hope it may be true- 
 Let me echo the wish heartily, sincerely. 'Woe to the 
 wearer if raised against a friend.' " 
 
 As they walked aft, Hunston asked Toro what was the day 
 of the month. 
 
 " The twenty-third." 
 
 " Good." 
 
 " You know what occurs to-day," said Hunston. 
 
 " No," replied Emmerson. " What ? " 
 
 " The ' Franz Josef ' sails to-day." 
 
 " Of course," said Emmerson, his eyes flashing greedily : 
 " I had forgotten for the moment." 
 
 " In a few days more we shall have them in our clutches." 
 
 " I hope so." 
 
 "It is sure."
 
 68 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " Remember the old adage," said Emmerson, smiling ; 
 " ' there's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip.' " 
 Hunston laughed. 
 
 " I don't think there is much chance of mishap now." 
 " I hope not." 
 " I am sure not. " 
 " Can you make sure of your agent, Big Big what's his 
 
 name 
 
 " Bigamini." 
 
 " Ah, Bigamini ; is he to be relied on ? " 
 
 " Yes ; he's the prince of spies." 
 
 " Glad to hear it," returned Emmerson, " for if all goes 
 well, this should be a splended haul." 
 
 " Splendid ! " echoed Hunston ; " my dear Emmerson, it 
 will make us rich for life. " 
 
 Emmerson smiled in a strange manner. 
 
 " Do you doubt it ? " 
 
 "Not I." 
 
 " Why do you laugh, then ? " 
 
 " Partly at your enthusiasm, and partly at " 
 
 " At what ? " 
 
 " At my fancies." 
 
 His manner was slightly tinged with melancholy, and it 
 excited Hunston's curiosity. 
 
 " What fancies ? " 
 
 Emmerson looked very solid as he answered 
 
 " I think that I shall not have long to enjoy whatever spoil 
 we may make." 
 
 "Stuff!" 
 
 Emmerson smiled though sadly. 
 
 " You laugh at such fancies, Hunston," he said. 
 
 " I do." 
 
 " I don't wonder at it. Still I cannot shake it off. I am 
 sure that I am not long-lived." 
 
 " Ah, you mustn't trouble yourself about that," said Hun- 
 ston, heartily. " Robert Emmerson is worth forty dead men 
 yet." 
 
 " At present, yes," said Emmerson. 
 
 And so the conversation was allowed to drop. 
 
 It was midnight. 
 
 All was silent on board the " Flowery Land."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 69 
 
 In the old doctors cabin a solemn conference was going on 
 between young Jack, Harry Girdwood, and the doctor. 
 
 They were debating still about the best means of warning 
 their friends against the threatening danger into which they 
 had been decoyed by the treachery of the pirates' spy, 
 Rjgainini 
 
 And this was the only scheme that they could hit upon. 
 
 They got a dozen large bottles together, and in each they 
 dropped a few small shot. 
 
 This was to be used as a steadier. 
 
 Then they inserted a small written note in each bottle and 
 carefully sealed and corked it. 
 
 They next waxed each bottle and dipped it in tar. 
 
 This done, they drew a broad fine of white, and another of 
 red around the top of the bottle. 
 
 And when the first of these was completed, young Jack 
 dropped h through the cabin window into the sea. 
 
 Then folio wed an anxious time for them att. Would it float? 
 
 Would it attract the attention of a passing vessel ? 
 
 Alas ! it was doubtful. 
 
 - We must hope for the best," said the American doctor; 
 " it is our only chance, and I have a presentiment that aU 
 our labour and all our perseverance cannot 
 
 And so the good old gentleman comforted his two young 
 
 Tl I"'J" ''* fllnii lujjl m^pilliiitlli 
 
 completed and launched. 
 
 Now, as it chanced to be fine and moonlight, they could 
 plainly see their bottles dam-ing on the water. 
 
 "They are visible enough," said young Jack. 
 
 " Our only hope is therefore to send out ei 
 hope for the best, 1 * said Harry Girdwood. 
 
 "True," said the American doctor; "our hope must be in 
 Heaven now." 
 
 And so nightly they pursued their sett -set task, hoping that 
 Providence would send the " Franz Josef " across their little 
 
 Josef" across then- little 
 Doctor," said young Jack one night, u do you 
 
 floating beacon of warning. 
 
 lyoungjack 
 how yon saved 
 
 "When?" 
 
 "When they followed me down here and would love car- 
 ried me up on deck. " 
 
 "Yes."
 
 jo JA CK HA RKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " Do you remember what you then threatened them with ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Was there any truth in that ? " 
 
 " In what ? " 
 
 " That little phial that, if crushed, would send the whole 
 ship and crew to the bottom ? " 
 
 "Yes, undoubtedly, it is true. " 
 
 " Then, " said young Jack, thoughtfully, " we have always 
 that one resource on hand." 
 
 The American doctor looked serious. 
 
 " We have ; but still I should hesitate to use it. " 
 
 " Even in a very extreme case ? " asked young Jack. 
 
 " Yes. " 
 
 "Then you just give it to me, doctor, " said young Jack, 
 boldly. " I shouldn't myself. " 
 
 The doctor looked more serious than before. 
 
 " I dare say not, Jack," he said, quietly, " but it is better in 
 
 my hands at present. " 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 Harry Girdwood was convalescent. 
 
 Still he was scarcely fit as yet for violent exercise. 
 
 By the good doctor's orders he reclined for several hours 
 out of the twenty-four more than either he himself or young 
 Jack did. 
 
 He shared all their counsels, and being compelled to rest so 
 long bodily inactive, his mind was all the more pliant and 
 industrious. , 
 
 And one solitary thought ever occupied it. 
 
 Escape ! 
 
 At a first glance you will naturally say that there was not 
 much scope for invention, unless he started by some plan 
 which was too full of risk and danger to be contemplated for 
 an instant. 
 
 "Doctor," said Harry Girdwood, late one night, as they 
 were about to commence their usual conference, " and you, 
 Jack, I have got something to say to you both, something to 
 propose. " 
 
 " What is it ? " said the doctor. 
 
 " I have a plan of escape to suggest. " 
 
 "Is it practicable?" 
 
 " You shall hear and judge for yourself." 
 
 " Go on, Harry, " said young Jack, who was all eagerness 
 to hear it.
 
 ADVENTURES 7.V CHINA. 71 
 
 " In the first place, do you hear that creaking noise just 
 overhead ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Do you know what it is ? " 
 
 " It's 'the boat swinging there, and it creaks with rust as the 
 ship moves, or as the wind blows. " 
 
 " That's it, Jack," said Harry Girdwood, " and it was that 
 noise that first gave me the idea as I lay groaning with pain. 
 At first it was only a confused fancy, but by degrees I have 
 got it into shape, and I think now that if you will help me, we 
 can work the scheme pretty safely." 
 
 " Go on. " said young Jack, with all the hot eagerness of 
 youth. 
 
 " Proceed, " said the old American, more gravely. 
 
 u I thought night and day how to lower that boat and our- 
 selves with it. We must get a store of food together, saved 
 out of our rations, to victual the boat, and we must get fire- 
 arms. The next thing is to have the pulleys so well greased 
 in advance that it will drop down into the water without any 
 noise at a!L" 
 
 The doctor smiled. 
 
 " That is a difficult job, " he said. 
 
 " Difficult, " said Jack, with eagerness ; " but not impos- 
 sible." 
 
 " Perhaps ! * 
 
 " And what about the watch ? " asked the doctor. 
 
 "You must do that." 
 
 "How?" 
 
 " Why, you must have plenty of drugs that could send them 
 to sleep' for any length of time." 
 
 "I have," responded the doctor; "the only difficulty 
 would be to " 
 
 " To administer them, " said young Jack. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "That shall be my job," said Harry; "the plan of the 
 French cook was a good one all that it wanted was care in 
 its execution." 
 
 " True." 
 
 " To avoid rashness." 
 
 "True again." 
 
 a Well, I would get in the night at the water cask tamper 
 with it alL"
 
 7 2 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " My dear boy, " said the doctor, " that is a bold scheme 
 a very daring notion." 
 
 " It is, doctor ; nothing but daring can save us. Would 
 you not dare something to get out of this floating slaughter- 
 house ? " 
 
 " I would indeed, " said the doctor, with a sigh. 
 
 "Then join us in our scheme," said young Jack; "I'm 
 sure it sounds well, and with your help it could be done, I 
 am sure." 
 
 The doctor made no reply. 
 
 He sat moodily for a long while, calculating the chances of 
 this desperate business. 
 
 " Well, doctor ? " 
 
 " Well, my dear boys, I shall join you, " he said, " but only 
 on one condition." 
 
 " Name it." 
 
 " That you will be guided by me and avoid rashness." 
 
 " I promise." 
 
 " And I too." 
 
 " Then, my boys, I am in the plan heart and soul, and if 
 you only join the greatest caution to your natural tact and 
 skill, something good will be sure to come of it." 
 
 Well, the conspirators passed each night maturing Harry 
 Girdwood's plan of escape. 
 
 But upon the third day a misfortune happened to them. 
 
 One of the crew, a Lascar, named Spirillo, fell from the rig- 
 ging to the deck, bruising himself rather seriously. 
 
 The man was carried by his comrades into the cabin, and 
 the doctor had to attend upon him. 
 
 The injuries the man had received were of such a nature 
 that they feared to move him. 
 
 The consequences were that Spirillo was obliged to spend 
 two days and nights with them, which put an end effectually 
 to their proceedings in the matter of the escape. 
 
 Now the doctor was by nature humane, and he was also ex- 
 ceedingly politic. 
 
 " It's an unfortunate job, Jack," said he to our young hero, 
 " but we must make the best of it. We have a double motive 
 in getting this Spirillo well as quickly as possible." 
 
 " Let me nurse him, then," said young Jack. 
 
 " You can if you like, " said the good doctor, " only be care- 
 
 " Trust me, sir."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 73 
 
 " And attentive." 
 
 "I wilL" 
 
 And thus our hero, young Jack Harkaway, found himself 
 installed in the office of chief attendant to the Lascar Spi- 
 rillo one of the ferocious, bloodthirsty pirates who had so 
 lately sought his life. 
 
 The Lascar received young Jack's attentions somewhat 
 surlily at first, but the boy's winning manner soon told upon 
 the rough Spirillo, and by degrees he quite wanned up to 
 him. 
 
 Then it was that young Jack suddenly discovered that 
 Spirillo was any thing but a brutal or ferocious man at the 
 bottom, indeed, that he had, under the very roughest of 
 exteriors, some really kind feelings and worthy attributes. 
 
 Young Jack made Spirillo grow quite confidential in the 
 course of a day or so. 
 
 And by degrees he learnt all the Lascar's past history. 
 
 It was not without a certain interest. 
 
 But we have not space here to give it in his own words. 
 
 Briefly, then, Spirillo had fallen into his present way of 
 life by pure accident. 
 
 Without being utterly bad, he was just careless enough of 
 his reputation and morals generally to drift into any thing 
 that turned up whether smuggling, piracy, or even slave- 
 catching. 
 
 He had originally been in the merchant service, and his 
 vessel had been run down by a notorious pirate one of a 
 whole fleet cruising about the Greek Archipelago. 
 
 Here he had spent many years of his life. 
 
 The Greek rover had spared his life on condition of his 
 joining them. 
 
 Spirillo might have chosen the career had he had the 
 choice left free to him. 
 
 With such an ugly alternative as losing his life, he did not 
 hesitate half a second. 
 
 And so, behold Spirillo drop suddenly from being a bluff, 
 honest tar, into a fullblown pirate ; one of a most notorious 
 gang, with a heavy price upon his head, and a rope halter 
 waiting ready for him whenever he should be captured. 
 
 And how came you to leave the Greeks?" asked young 
 Jack. 
 
 " I had a quarrel with the captain," replied Spirillo ; " it 
 was about one of the prisoners taken. I knew that he was
 
 1 4 JA CA' HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 a vicious fellow ; he never forgave any one yet for so much as 
 a thoughtless word never forgot an injury, however slight 
 or even unintentional. So I made my escape." 
 
 " Where ? " 
 
 " Here." 
 
 " What, direct ? " 
 
 " Almost." 
 
 "But did you know of these people when you lived 
 cruising about in those latitudes ? " 
 
 The Lascar pirate stared in a peculiar way at the 
 questioner. 
 
 " You mustn't be too curious," he said. 
 
 " I don't mean to be indiscreet," said young Jack, 
 hastily ; " pray don't let me annoy you by my questions." 
 
 "You don't," responded Spirillo, quite melted by the 
 eagerness of young Jack to make himself agreeable. " Ask 
 all you wish ; there is only that that I shall refuse to tell you 
 nothing more. Any thing about the old gang I'm free to 
 speak about any thing it's only of these that I must, of 
 course, keep silent." 
 
 " Then just one question, please," said young Jack ; " could 
 those Greeks make large fortunes out of their plunder ? " 
 
 "Some of them." 
 
 " How, some ? " 
 
 " The captain and some of the officers." 
 
 " I see." 
 
 "There is a treasure in the pirates' island of the 
 Archipelago that would make the fortune combined of 
 Rothschild, Oppenheim, Baring, Pereire, and a score more." 
 
 Jack smiled. 
 
 " It's a big one, then, Spirillo," he said. 
 
 " You are right, young fellow, it is. You have read the 
 tales of the ' Thousand and One Nights,' I suppose ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " And you remember the tale of ' Ali Baba ' ? " 
 
 " I do, indeed," said young Jack ; " you would speak of the 
 Forty Thieves' treasure ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Well, and is there such a fairy-like cove in your pirate 
 island ?" 
 
 " You may laugh, young fellow, but it is literally so. The 
 wildest fancy can not exaggerate the fabulous wealth of the 
 treasure."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 75 
 
 " Whose treasure is it now ? " asked Jack. 
 
 " One man's." 
 
 "One!" 
 
 " Yes, one the captain's. This, the wealth of a kingdom, 
 has been amassed by him in one generation. Daring, 
 courage, and some skill, too, have made him, beyond all 
 manner of doubt, the richest man upon the face of the earth ! " 
 
 Jack stared. 
 
 The picture that Spirillo drew took his breath away. 
 
 There is something awe-inspiring in hearing of such 
 fortunes. 
 
 " And what does this captain do now ? " asked he ; "does 
 he still cruise about to plunder poor wretches who haven't a 
 tithe of the riches which he himself possesses?" 
 
 Spirillo shook his head as he replied 
 
 " Monastos is a great man now." 
 
 " Where?" 
 
 " Athens." 
 
 "What!" exclaimed young Jack, "has he ventured to 
 trust himself there ? " 
 
 " In Greece they are not particular. The government 
 winks at many things, especially the origin of a man who 
 can lend it a million at a day's notice." 
 
 " Wonderful !" exclaimed young Jack. 
 
 " Why, Captain Monastos is a power in the land," Spirillo 
 went on to say. " A man of more importance than prime 
 minister aye, or even king. He \sfeted, and courted, and 
 fawned upon more than any man in Athens." 
 
 " And all this upon " 
 
 " Plunder; don't pause that's the word, but I'd dearly 
 like to get at it." 
 
 "At what?" 
 
 " His treasure." 
 
 " Do you know where it is ? " 
 
 "Yes'; and I suppose that I am about the only Irving man 
 who does." 
 
 "Indeed." 
 
 " Besides himself. The secret was shared by few, and of 
 this few I was one. The others who were in the secret with 
 me died off one by one by sickness in such a mysterious man- 
 ner that I deemed it prudent to get out of the way in time." 
 
 " Why not go and secure it, Spirillo?" said young Jack. 
 "Why stay here working for nothing with men you care
 
 7 6 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 nothing for, and in a black, bad trade, when, by helping 
 yourself to Captain Monastos's treasure, you will only be 
 helping yourself to your own ? " 
 
 Spirillo's eyes flashed as young Jack spoke, and he 
 remained buried in thought for some little time. 
 
 " Shall I tell you the truth, young fellow ? " he said 
 presently. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Well, the truth is this ; I have thought of it. I do think 
 of it. Not a day of my life but I think of it. But to get at 
 it involves many difficulties." 
 
 " What are they ? " 
 
 " I couldn't do it alone." 
 
 " Well ? " 
 
 " I should have to trust my secret with others. I should 
 want capital and a ship, and a daring, bold fellow or two 
 with me ! " 
 
 " And if you find all these, Spirillo ? " 
 
 " Why, then, I'd think seriously about it." 
 
 " What would you say if I could show you how to get it 
 all money, men, a ship ? " 
 
 "You?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Who are the people ? " 
 
 "My father and his old friend Dick have all that is 
 required for such an expedition." 
 
 " How should we get at them ? " 
 
 " I must escape from here first," said young Jack, looking 
 Spirillo straight in the eyes. 
 
 " Escape ? " cried the Lascar, leaping up from his couch 
 and grasping Jack fiercely by the wrist. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 YOUNG JACK'S NEW FRIEND THE PLOT THICKENS CAUGHT. 
 
 JACK quietly released himself from the Lascar's grasp, 
 and repeated the words 
 
 " We may escape." 
 
 " Humph ! I will think of it when I am better. But not a 
 word to anyone." 
 
 In a few days, Spirillo was cured.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHIXA. 77 
 
 He returned to the deck and his duties generally. 
 He came down as often as his doty would permit to see 
 me doctor, and young Jack never failed to profit by these 
 
 He had seen, with a shrewdness far beyond his years, 
 the effect of luswcnfc upon SpirffloL 
 
 Spinilowotdd ask young Jack, every time that the subject 
 was broached, if he was sore of his father, and if he could 
 guarantee that his father would enter into so wild a scheme 
 as die expedition after die pirate's treasure in the Greek 
 
 -I'm sore of him as I am of myself," replied young Jack. 
 - Spirillo, you don't know my fadier God bless him! Why, 
 his gratitude to anybody who had shown me any kiiMlqfy^ 
 would guarantee his consent." 
 
 "Perhaps," aid Spirfflo dubiously. 
 
 - He wouid want the tale to be borne out by something in 
 proof, that's alL" 
 
 "That can be easily done." 
 "How?" 
 
 " Here is the plan of the place. Yon may take charge of 
 it, young feQow." 
 
 So saying, he handed over a roll of paper to young Jack. 
 
 - Can .lira* jam, Spirillo ? " he said. 
 Spirillo frowned. 
 
 "Have I not trusted you? "he said, pointing to die roll of 
 
 "Of course. Forgh my words; only caution must be used. 
 We are surrounded here by danger." 
 "True." 
 
 " I can tefl you how we could escape." 
 * The deuce you can. How?" 
 
 - You see that boat dot swings tiiere, creaking in die rusty 
 davits over your cabin ?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "If a reason could be found for lowering that boat and let 
 ting her be towed along astern, I could do the rest." 
 Spirillo s eyes brightened at diese words. 
 "Is dot afl?" 
 AIL" 
 "Then ft is done," said die pirate. 
 
 ****** 
 
 That night the boat was being towed along astern.
 
 7 8 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Young Jack ran down gleefully to carry the news to the 
 doctor and Harry Girdwood. 
 
 The doctor was elated at this. 
 
 " Jack, my son," said he, " I believe now that we shall 
 carry it through." 
 
 " Believe," cried young Jack ; " it is a certainty." 
 
 "We must get the boat under the window here to-night," 
 said Harry Girdwood, "and lower our provisions and arms 
 into it." 
 
 "We can manage that." 
 
 " And then we have but to lower ourselves." 
 
 " And Spirillo," said the doctor. 
 
 " Of course. It would indeed be base ingratitude to play 
 him false," said young Jack. 
 
 " How did Spirillo manage it ? " asked Harry Girdwood. 
 
 " Under pretext of greasing the chains and davits," was 
 the reply. 
 
 " The only thing remaining is to get Spirillo to learn our 
 latitude very precisely, and get a chart, so that we may be 
 able to steer to the nearest port when once we get clear, and 
 not drift about hopelessly in mid ocean." 
 
 " We can manage that," said young Jack. 
 
 At a little after sundown young Jack went up on deck, in 
 hopes of coming across his friend and accomplice, Spirillo, 
 
 The latter was on the look-out for him. 
 
 At a single glance, young Jack perceived that there was 
 something amiss, for Spirillo's look showed uneasiness. 
 
 He made a sign to young Jack, not to speak with him yet, 
 until they were sure that they were not observed. 
 
 Then, having assured himself upon this point, he beckoned 
 the boy aside. 
 
 " Jack," said the Lascar, in low, earnest tones, " I want to 
 say a word to you that is very serious." 
 
 Jack stared. 
 
 " Serious?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Indeed?" 
 
 " Your life is in danger, a very great danger." 
 
 " How?" 
 
 " You have some bad enemies on board." 
 
 Young Jack smiled. 
 
 " That is no news," he said : " and I know to whom you 
 allude."
 
 ADVENTURES Uf CHWA. 79 
 
 that there ts a great 
 
 but I bare baffled them before now in 
 as this, and I have the giealesl con- 
 stared at young Jack, and smikd dubiously, aa he 
 
 - You are a hove boy of England, and I hope your cou- 
 dence in yourself may not be misplaced this time. The 
 danger is great. Toro and his friend, your feQow country- 
 man, hate you worse than poison, and you witt hare to die." 
 
 - 1 do not fear them." 
 
 -They mean it tins time." 
 
 They have offem mem* it," said young Jack,- bat they 
 coclda't manage it. Besides, now I know that the captain 
 of the 'Flowery Land 7 ! 
 
 "He does." 
 
 I to fear, then, if the 
 
 "Evtij thing. They dare not oppose die 
 pedaly as his pmpose for keeping you afire is but to get a 
 hi mi !< front TOUT tuiriits for you. 
 
 tt Of comse," 
 
 your two enemies mean yon to die: they are op- 
 
 posed by all the crew as wefl as die captain. Therefore they 
 have been conspiring topotanendtoyoaonthe quiet, so 
 
 -They mean to get hold of you, ai 
 m the n^it, wnfle the carjeain and the crew are att 
 Jack shivered, 
 -That's awkward," he said, "and when do they 
 
 carry out the amiable plot?" 
 * To-night, if they can." 
 Very good; I must be on my guard. But how did yon 
 
 - .: ? - 
 
 if they 
 y goo 
 kamit 
 -Br 
 their thoughts 
 
 -By overhearing their schemes. They did not dugaiaL 
 toughts before me. They conveiaed very freely in 
 
 dot I 
 
 **Good!" 
 
 B You hare out to keep out of their way tonight. lathe 
 I wiU put the captain on his guard, and then woe 
 if they dare Eft ah
 
 So JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Young Jack shook the pirate's hand warmly. 
 
 " You are a real friend, Spirillo," he said, earnestly, " and 
 I hope to show my gratitude to you in some tangible form 
 soon." 
 
 " Help me to get the treasure, my lad, and I shall have all 
 the reward that I want." 
 
 "That you may count upon." 
 
 " Right, and now back to your cabin. Away with you. 
 Good- night ! " 
 
 " Good-night ! " 
 
 The boy turned from his new-found friend, and made for 
 the cabin stairs. 
 
 Just as he was upon the top step, a hand was placed upon 
 his shoulder. 
 
 A cloth was thrown over his head, and he was lifted up in 
 a pair of brawny arms and borne away. 
 
 In the toils ! 
 
 The boy gasped. 
 
 The full sense of his danger flashed across him. 
 
 His hand had been resting upon his knife when he was 
 caught up, and this proved of very material assistance to him 
 in the dire extremity. 
 
 He jerked his arm free and lunged out with his knife at 
 random. 
 
 He struck something, and the knife went in pretty deeply. 
 
 So deeply that his captor gave a cry of pain, and then, as 
 young Jack wriggled with desperation, he dropped upon the 
 deck. 
 
 To scramble up and make off was the work of a moment. 
 
 Two men rushed after him. 
 
 First was Hunston. 
 
 Next was Toro. 
 
 The latter, as he came on, was busily engaged in bind- 
 ing his right arm, which the boy's knife had gone right 
 through. 
 
 Young Jack flew on like the wind, dodged round a heap of 
 luggage piled up on the deck, and glided down the cabin 
 stairs. 
 
 They were close upon him in an instant. 
 
 "I'm safe now," thought young Jack; "they will never 
 dare to follow me here." 
 
 But barely had the thought flashed through his mind when 
 he made an alarming discovery.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 8 1 
 
 A discovery which chilled his very bood. 
 
 In the confusion of his flight he had not got into the right 
 cabin. 
 
 In a berth at the farther end of the cabin was a man 
 stretched at full length upon his back, and tossing about 
 restlessly. 
 
 The face and form were alike familiar. 
 
 A step nearer, and young Jack recognised in that man the 
 notorious Robert Emmerson ! 
 
 Robert Emmerson the murderer ! 
 
 Poor Jack felt he was lost ! 
 
 Here was his retreat cut off. 
 
 Emmerson here, his two bitterest enemies up the cabin 
 stairs. 
 
 Perhaps they had passed the stairs and did not know that 
 he was there. 
 
 Quick as thought, he crept up the steps. 
 
 But before he could put his head out of the hatchway, be 
 heard Hunston's voice close by his ear 
 
 "He is not far off." 
 
 Jack drew back. 
 
 Down he went again on tip-toe, and just as he got Co the 
 bottom, they were on the top peering down. 
 
 " He must have gone down there." 
 
 " Stop a bit, " said Hunston. " You stay on guard here, 
 Toro, while I get round. The brat is as slippery as an eeL 
 We mustn't leave him half a chance." 
 
 The boy's heart sank. 
 
 He had but one faint hope. 
 
 This was that they would go further to resume their search, 
 and that he could make a bolt for his own cabin. 
 
 The boy crept nearer yet to Emmerson's berth. 
 
 It was got up with a certain amount of elaboration and lux- 
 ury for a cabin of a pirate ship, and the bed was hung with 
 damask curtains, which now served young Jack as a hiding- 
 place. 
 
 Now, as he stood here, his attention was gradually fixed 
 by the disturbed appearance of the sleeping Emmerson. 
 
 The murderer's dreams were evidently of an unpleasant 
 nature. 
 
 No wonder. 
 
 Man may occasionally elude the vigilance of the law for 
 the crimes of which Emmerson was guilty, but there is a worse
 
 82 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 punishment than the hand of man can inflict, which he could 
 not escape. 
 
 The workings of a guilty conscience. 
 
 Robert Emmerson did not know what rest was. 
 
 Never a night passed in quiet rest. 
 
 Barely did he close his eyes ere the shadows of Nabley the 
 elder and of Saul Garcia, the Jew miser, haunted his dreams. 
 
 Ghostly and forbidding they looked, and the words they 
 whispered in his ears were always upon the same strain 
 warnings, dire forebodings ! 
 
 Just at the moment that young Jack came down he was with 
 his last victim, the wretched murdered old Jew. 
 
 Saul Garcia, robed as Emmerson had last seen him his 
 pallid face whiter even than his night clothes with the blood 
 fresh from his many wounds, and bedabbling his long, thin, 
 grey hair ! 
 
 The shade of his victim did not speak to him, but it placed 
 its long, thin fingers upon his arm and they closed upon it ! 
 
 Then while the miserable man was shrinking from the shade 
 of Saul Garcia, he felt himself dragged from his bed through 
 miles and miles of the ocean, emerging in a bright and sunny 
 land. 
 
 In his dream the shade of Saul Garcia dragged him on 
 across waving cornfields, until they came upon an English 
 village. 
 
 It was a pretty, bright scene ; there was the village green 
 away to the left, the old-fashioned Norman church close to it, 
 with its quaintly-built parsonage adjoining, and just a field off 
 was a more modern brick building with a miniature belfry 
 over it. 
 
 The bell was just tolling the boys out of school. 
 
 One of these young scholars caught Emmerson's attention 
 at once. 
 
 He was a fair-haired boy, with blue eyes and a clear com- 
 plexion. 
 
 A handsome, well-built boy, with an expression that was 
 frank and manly. 
 
 There was something in that boy of all the others which 
 greatly interested Emmerson. 
 
 It was himself in his boyhood. 
 
 And he followed the boy's path homewards. 
 
 His way lay across a large tract of green meadow land, be- 
 yond which he came to a lane cut between two hills.
 
 ADVENTURES Uff CHINA. 83 
 
 As the fair-haired scholar passed through this nvine, a low 
 whistle was heard that caused him to look op. 
 
 Then a nan poshed his way through the boshes, and catch- 
 ing; hold of an overhanging; branch of a tree, he swung him- 
 self, with considerable agility, down into the lane right before 
 
 The bo j was a bit startled at first, but be soon recovered 
 
 nself, 
 
 And then there took place between diem an earnest con- 
 
 It was cSear that dse swaidiv, gipsy-looking man was tempt- 
 mgtheboy tfiat the boy was resisting die 
 
 The gipsy now brought out a big, old-fashioned silver 
 watch as a bribe for die boy. 
 
 And die latter wavered. 
 
 Then Fmmmnn grew strangely excited as he watched die 
 :-. .: 
 
 Excited, too, in die eager hope dial die boy would not yield. 
 
 Strange this! 
 
 Strange, for so utter a viBain as Robert Emmerson to be 
 now so troubled in his dream. 
 
 His dream still continued, and he sawthat die boy's good 
 nature louquqcd, and he went on his way. 
 
 And dten Emmerson could not repress a cry of joy. 
 
 The gipsy fellow ran after die fair-haired boy, and caught 
 him by the 'collar. 
 
 He took out an ngry-lookingkntfe, and flourished it before 
 die Hide fellow's eyes. 
 
 But die boy, too^ucky for the gipsy, docked under his legs 
 and bolted oft; while die gipsy toppled over and scrambled 
 upon die ground. 
 
 Emmerson, in his dream, gave a jujOi laugh. 
 
 And then die scene had faded away. 
 
 All w 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE FATS OF ROBERT EMMKR9OS TOC1BG JACK AT BAT. 
 
 once more looked around hii 
 
 The shade of Saul Garcia was stfll before him. 
 Tie long, bony fingers still clutched his arm.
 
 84 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 The Jew spake not, but waving his hand once more, silently 
 invited Emmerson's attention again. 
 ' The scene was changed. 
 
 Before him now was a homely, pleasant interior, and there 
 were two actors in this scene, both of whom caused every pulse 
 in Emmerson's body to vibrate with strong emotions. 
 
 And why ? 
 
 Because the most prominent figure of the two was the wo- 
 man who had cared for him from his tenderest infancy who 
 had nurtured him with a fond affection that none but a mother 
 could show. 
 
 Yes ! it was the shadow of his mother. 
 
 The other figure was the fair-haired, blue-eyed boy who had 
 just fled from the gipsy tempter. 
 
 And that bright little lad was himself ! 
 
 Emmerson gazed, awe-stricken, at these figures so real, so 
 life-like, which his conductor conjured up in dreamland. 
 
 And now Emmerson could see that the two were convers- 
 ing, but he could not catch their words. 
 
 But their gestures were full of meaning. 
 
 He was describing to his mother the danger from which he 
 had just escaped. 
 
 The mother showed her fears as he went on, and then she 
 was full of gratitude for his safe delivery from peril. 
 
 He undressed himself, and prepared for bed, and then, be- 
 fore going to rest for the night, he knelt devoutly at his 
 mother's knees, and they lifted their voices together in prayer. 
 
 The fair boy's bright face and his innocent eyes looked up 
 to her, and she looked fondly down upon him. 
 
 It was an eloquent picture of filial affection and parental 
 tenderness. 
 
 He thought he heard a stern voice speak. 
 
 " Do you recognise the group ? " 
 
 Emmerson started, rudely aroused from contemplation of 
 this touching picture, and there was the shade of Saul Garcia 
 pointing solemnly to the scene. 
 
 Emmerson felt sensations which had been strangers to his 
 breast for many and many a long year. 
 
 " Speak," said the shade of the Jew ; " answer me." 
 
 " Alas ! " responded Emmerson, " I do." 
 
 And with his answer came a deep-drawn sigh, telling of re- 
 morse that was more agony than any physical suffering could 
 possibly be.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 85 
 
 " You remember it ? " said the shade of Saul Garcia, in the 
 same sepulchral tones. " Now look again." 
 
 Emmerson involuntarily obeyed. 
 
 The scene was changed. 
 
 The actors were the same as before. 
 
 The bright-looking boy was in bed ; his mother stood on 
 the threshold lamp in hand. 
 
 She bade her boy a fond and lingering good-night, and 
 then withdrew, leaving the boy to his slumbers. 
 
 He was asleep almost immediately. 
 
 Then after a brief interval a light shone faintly in at the 
 window. 
 
 A moment or so after, the window was forced noiselessly 
 open, and a dark, swarthy face appeared. 
 
 It was the gipsy. 
 
 The ruffian who had met the boy in the lane, and tempt- 
 ing him in vain threatened his life. 
 
 Emmerson, in his spell-bound dream, watched in breath- 
 less expectation for the next incident in this dark scene. 
 
 The gipsy darkened the lantern awhile ; then clambered 
 into the room. 
 
 But as he walked, his footfalls were not heard ; they made 
 not the slightest noise. 
 
 He moved like a shadow. 
 
 His feet were provided with the soft list overshoes such 
 as burglars are reputed to wear in their nefarious calling. 
 
 The intruder listened at the door. 
 
 Then he made himself secure against interruption by fast- 
 ening the door on the inside. 
 
 This done, he stole back to the bed, and flashed the bull's- 
 eye lantern in the sleeper's face until the glare aroused 
 him. 
 
 As the boy opened his eyes, he was dazzled with the fierce 
 blaze, and he failed to recognise the intruder until the gipsy 
 spoke. 
 
 " Bob, you must come with me ! " 
 
 The boy refused. 
 
 He was full of fears, but he stoutly refused to go with the 
 
 icreupon the latter seized him by the throat, and bran- 
 dished the knife in his face, and it seemed as if murder was 
 imminent 
 
 Emmerson could look no more thus passively.
 
 S6 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 He made a rush to help the boy, but suddenly the shade 
 of Saul Garcia seemed invested with a giant's strength, and 
 he dragged him back with the greatest ease. 
 
 Emmerson fought desperately, but he fought in vain. 
 
 And in the middle of this horrible nightmare his struggles 
 aroused him, and he awoke. 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 " Where am I? "he murmured, confusedly. "What, a 
 dream only ? But, oh, how dreadful ! " 
 
 He stretched out his hand for the light. 
 
 He raised it. 
 
 Something was beside him. 
 
 It was a boy kneeling at his bed. 
 
 It was young Jack. 
 
 The boy's fair face was turned upwards appealingly, and 
 as Emmerson looked, the face so reminded him of the one 
 he had just seen in his vision that he could scarce believe 
 that he was awake. 
 
 " Will this never be over ? " he muttered, passing his hand 
 across his eyes ; " shall I never wake ? " 
 
 " Save me ! " cried young Jack. " Save me ! " 
 
 Emmerson stared half stupefied at him. 
 
 " Why, I know you you are young Harkaway." 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " How came you here ? What do you want ? " 
 
 The voices of Toro and Hunston were heard just then al 
 the top of the steps. 
 
 " He must have gone down there." 
 
 " Never. It is Emmerson's berth ; the boy's as sharp as a 
 needle. He knows that as well as you do. He'd never vent- 
 ure down there." 
 
 " I don't care where he has ventured," said Toro. " Once 
 let me put my hand upon him " 
 
 Young Jack looked up imploringly at Emmerson. 
 
 " You will not let them harm me ! " he urged. " You were 
 young once yourself, and you'll let me hide here, I know." 
 
 Young Jack's stammering appeal touched Robert Emmer- 
 son, in his present state of mind, more than words far more 
 eloquent could have done. 
 
 How could he forget the dream of his own youth, when he 
 had only just seen himself back in his boyhood as plainly 
 and as vividly as he now saw young Jack? 
 
 It all flashed through his mind in those few moments.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 87 
 
 He was bade in the past, and tracing his < 
 
 he had looked upon those two scenes of his boyhood until 
 now. 
 
 Step by step he traced his fall and his progress in guilt 
 up to this. 
 
 And all this panorama of a life flashed before bis eyes in 
 the space of a minute, and then he was recalled to himself by 
 hearing footsteps on the companion ladder. 
 
 " Save me ? " cried young Jack, despairingly. 
 
 He clambered upon Emmerson's bed, crawled over him, 
 and crouched down behind him for protection. 
 
 He could not know what was passing in the guilty Emmer- 
 son's mind. He could not see the workings of that over- 
 charged conscience. 
 
 What, then, could have induced him to seek refuge there ? 
 
 Instinct 
 
 "You're safe here, mv boy." said Emmerson. placing his 
 hand kindly on Jack's head.' 
 
 Hunston appeared on the steps. 
 
 He paused and turned to his companion. 
 
 * Keep a sharp lookout up there, Toro," said he ; ** don't 
 let him slip." 
 
 " Trust me," replied the ex-brigand. " If he slips through 
 my fingers, IT! forgive him." 
 
 Hunston advanced, and then young Jack began to tremble 
 with apprehension. 
 
 He would have crouched down behind Emmerson, but the 
 latter would not allow this. 
 
 "Stand up," he said; "there's no fear while you are with 
 
 nw* ** 
 
 Hunston heard the voice and ran down. 
 
 Just as he reached the foot of the ladder, he called out to 
 Toro to follow him. 
 
 " Come on," he shouted ; " I have him, Toro." 
 
 Toro replied with a chuckle, and ran down after his com- 
 panion in crime. 
 
 " You young viper ! " exclaimed Hunston, " let me crush 
 yon." 
 
 And he advanced a pace to drag young Jack out. 
 
 " Stand off," said Emmerson, springing up ; " the boy is 
 under mv protection, and yon must not harm him." 
 
 " Must not!" echoed Hunston, fiercely. " What does this 
 mean?
 
 88 JA CK HARK A IV A Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Must not ! " repeated Emmerson, with a kind of dogged 
 determination. 
 
 " Oh ! " cried Hunston, scornfully, " we will soon see this. 
 Here, Toro ! " 
 
 " Here," returned Toro, entering just then. 
 
 " Hark you, my friends," said Emmerson ; I want this boy 
 spared." 
 
 " You, Emmerson, want him spared what for ? " 
 
 " Why," said Toro, " he belongs to the crew that are our 
 worst enemies. Harkaway and his set have ruined us, and 
 shall we spare him now ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " No, a thousand times no ! " cried Toro. 
 
 " It's only to please me," persisted Emmerson," and surely 
 you cannot refuse me so small a matter as this boy's life. 
 Besides, consider, the captain and crew wish him spared 
 for the rich ransom they can get." 
 
 " Stuff ! " cried Toro ; "give us up the boy." 
 
 They looked threatening, but Emmerson was not to be 
 daunted. 
 
 He had often shown courage in a bad cause ; he was not 
 to be cowed now that he was acting in a good one. 
 
 " I advise you both to keep back," cried Emmerson, "for 
 I now tell you, rather than have this brave lad hurt, I would 
 have both your lives." 
 
 " Your life then against ours," cried Hunston, fiercely. 
 
 As they advanced, Emmerson made one step back, and 
 turning round, he made a grab at a pair of loaded pistols 
 that hung over his bed, but before he could reach them, Hun- 
 ston was upon him. 
 
 In his iron hand was fastened a long, ugly knife, and lift- 
 ing this high above him, he brought it down with fearful 
 force upon the stooping Emmerson. 
 
 The blow needed no repetition. 
 
 " Coward ! " cried Emmerson, looking fixedly at Hunston, 
 then he gave a dull, hollow groan, and rolled over. 
 
 Hunston started back aghast. 
 
 Toro was considerably startled at the deed. 
 
 Young Jack was ready to help himself by this time. 
 
 He had noticed Emmerson's effort to get at the pistols, 
 and he caught them up in a moment. 
 
 " Stand off," he cried, presenting these ; " here's one for 
 each of you."
 
 AD1TE&TURES IH CHIWA. *j 
 
 was in a very bad way by now. 
 
 He supported himself upon one arm, and tried vainly to 
 rise. 
 
 " You have done for me, Hunston," he said, faintly, "and 
 with that arm too." 
 
 44 What did you interfere for ?" growled Hunston. in a sav 
 tone. " You asked for it, and you got it. Let me look at 
 your hurt." 
 
 "Keepback/* replied Emmeison; " it is past your aid 
 now." 
 
 Hunston would have helped him, but Emmeison shrank 
 from him. 
 
 Young Jack saw the repugnance that he manifested, and 
 lie menaced the two ruffians with the pistols. 
 
 The positions were reversed now. 
 
 Emroerson had to be protected and young Jack was the 
 protector. 
 
 "Houston vfflain?" gasped the wounded man. "I 
 haven't now five minutes' life in me. Without me your iron 
 arm is cseless worse than useless. Remember my words, 
 and the legend on the ann." 
 
 And then, as though the effort to pronounce these words 
 had been too much for him, he dropped back, faint and 
 
 :vt: his :3.:r. 
 
 off now. 
 
 you safely through this, my boy," he 
 gasped, faintly," but you must see to yourself BOW; lam 
 done for. Houston," he added. 
 -Yes ?" 
 
 "Beware of the steel arm ! It has been my death, and 
 may be yours. 1 * 
 
 And then, with these woids upon his lips, he sank back. 
 Robert Emnerson was dead, kffled by his false friend, the 
 
 At first the two ruffians were startled at the 
 of the r^MMnpyJj^ but they twtut too much accustomed to 
 look upon death to be very much upset by this murder. 
 
 They sprang forward to grab at young Jack, but the boy 
 was not to be taken unawares. 
 
 He sent out bis pistols again, and brought the ruffians to 
 a ;:.i--d.
 
 90 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 DESPERATE DEEDS ADRIFT HOW THE AMERICAN DOCTOR 
 COVERED THE RETREAT OF THE REAR GUARD. 
 
 " Go," said Jack, boldly, " or I'll bring the pair of you down. 
 I never miss." 
 
 They did not like the look of the boy. 
 
 " If you don't go, I shall lose patience," he said ; " I shall 
 bring down one, for sure, and the other will be dealt with by 
 your Chinese friends for murdering a comrade." 
 
 At this, Hunston backed up the ladder, closely followed 
 by Toro. 
 
 Young Jack went up after them, and, driving the two ruffians 
 before him, in this way he made for his own cabin. 
 
 The good old doctor and Harry Girdwood hastened to 
 meet him. 
 
 " Oh, Jack, Jack," exclaimed Harry, where have you been ? " 
 
 " We have been in a rare state of mind," said the doctor. 
 " What has kept you ? " 
 
 " More than there is time to explain, doctor," answered 
 young Jack. " I have been attacked. One of them defended 
 me against Toro and Hunston, and one has been murdered." 
 
 "Which one? Surely not Spirillo ? " 
 
 " No ; where is Spirillo ? Have you seen him within the 
 last half hour ? " 
 
 "No. Why?" 
 
 " We must make our escape to-night." 
 
 " Why ? " 
 
 " To-morrow may be too late." 
 
 The doctor was quite flushed at this. 
 
 " Pray explain yourself, Jack," he said. " Why must it be 
 to-night ? " 
 
 " The murder of Robert Emmerson by Hunston will prob- 
 ably bring about an investigation of the whole matter, and 
 any moment might discover all our plans, our boat ready for 
 starting, provisioned and armed, and then our lives wouldn't 
 be worth a rap." 
 
 He then gave them a hurried account of all that he had 
 gone though upon that eventful night.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 91 
 
 Young Jack was right. 
 
 To-night or never. 
 
 The American doctor got together his medicines and every 
 thing which had been left as his portion of the preparations. 
 
 Not a thing was forgotten by him. 
 
 Very few words were exchanged. 
 
 They had made a lowering apparatus by which they filled 
 the boat with the various articles they had got ready for the 
 expedition, and as this was dropped through the window with 
 its small cargo, the doctor ticked off its contents against his 
 written list of necessaries carefully compiled. 
 
 The moment approached when all would be completed. 
 
 "Jack." 
 
 "Sir." 
 
 " Spirillo." 
 
 " Good." 
 
 He moved towards the companion ladder. 
 
 " No rashness, and above all, don't venture on to the deck, 
 only signal Spirillo and come back." 
 
 "Good." 
 
 "Harry." 
 
 "Sir." 
 
 " Are vou ready ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Now then, take the rifles. Where is the small keg of 
 powder ? " 
 
 " Here." 
 
 " And the bullet mould ? " 
 
 " Already in the boat" 
 
 " Good. Now then." 
 
 At this moment a low, soft whistle from above told him 
 that Spirillo was there. 
 
 Harry Girdwood answered it. 
 
 Then he squeezed through the porthole and slipped into 
 the boat. 
 
 In the space of a minute, he was joined by young Jack, 
 who reached the boat in the same fashion. 
 
 Next came Spirillo, who glided as nimbly as only a monkey 
 or a sailor can. 
 
 " Now, doctor," said Harry Girdwood, " make haste." 
 
 " All right. 
 
 The doctor gave a look round, as he spoke, and then he 
 stepped over the ship's side and took hold of the rope.
 
 02 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SONi> 
 
 " Good-bye to the pirate ship, ' Flowery Land ;' farewell to 
 the floating shambles," muttered the American. 
 
 " Not yet." 
 
 A dark form had risen from the planks, it seemed, and 
 confronted the doctor at this moment. 
 
 The doctor was momentarily taken aback. 
 
 Only momentarily. 
 
 " What do you want ? " he demanded coolly. 
 
 " You," was the reply. " You first, and them next." 
 
 " Oh ! is that all ? " 
 
 The man in response placed a metal whistle in his mouth. 
 
 But he did not blow. 
 
 Before he could get out a note the old American gave him 
 a sudden drive, which sent him staggering back, and then 
 whipping from his waistcoat pocket a tiny phial, he dashed it 
 upon the deck close by the man, and slid down the rope into 
 the boat. 
 
 They were ready. 
 
 Before the doctor could be seated, Spirillo had severed the 
 rope with one vigorous cut. 
 
 The " Flowery Land " held on her course, while the boat 
 drifted astern. 
 
 " Lower your oars," said Spirillo, eagerly, " and pull for 
 your lives." 
 
 " There's no hurry," said the American, coolly. 
 
 " What ? " 
 
 " They have got plenty to occupy them at present," said 
 the doctor in explanation. 
 
 He was right. 
 
 " Look ! " 
 
 They stared in utter amazement then in the direction of 
 the " Flowery Land." 
 
 The whole end of the junk from whence they had made 
 their escape was full of a dense white vapour, which utterly 
 obscured every object on board ! 
 
 " What is that ? " demanded Jack, breathlessly. 
 
 " Only my way of covering the retreat of the rear guard," 
 was the American's quiet rejoinder. 
 
 "Will it blow up?" 
 
 " No." 
 
 " But will it set the ship on fire ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 "What does it do, then?" demanded Spirillo.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 93 
 
 " Blind the pirates for a time onlv." 
 
 - Then," said Harry Girdwood, "'let us pull off as fast as 
 we can for when the smoke clears away " 
 
 - We shall be out of range and out of "sight too." 
 And be gave a quiet chuckle as he spoke. 
 
 They watched the huge hull of the pirate junk as it receded 
 from sight, and by degrees nothing was visible but the dense 
 cloud of white vapour, which seemed to rise slowly to the 
 heavens without losing its density. 
 
 ** Wfll it destroy them ?" demanded young Jack in an awe- 
 stricken whisper. 
 
 "No." 
 
 "What will be the effects of it?" 
 
 * Nothing very dreadful. They will doze off quiedy, if they 
 get a sniff of it, that's alL" 
 
 "Stifled?" 
 
 "No: merely drugged." 
 
 " But when they wake up " 
 
 ' We shall be far out of harm's way, please goodness and 
 now, 7 ' added the doctor, ** lend me the lantern, Spiriilo. and 
 let me examine the chart, for, although we are well provi- 
 sioned, I'd rather not make a mistake." 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 Morning dawned. 
 
 The " flowery Land " had utterly disappeared. 
 
 They swept the horizon with their glasses, but not a sign, 
 not a trace of the pirate junk could be seen. 
 
 And when this was known, Spiriilo eyed the doctor 
 auspiciously. 
 
 - 1 rather think, doctor," said he, " that you have disposed 
 of themalL" 
 
 "How?" 
 
 Sent them to the bottom." 
 
 Young Jack and Harry Girdwood were silent. 
 
 But their looks showed that they shared Spirillo's belief. 
 
 "No, my friends," said the doctor. "They are safe enough 
 for all that I have done to them." 
 
 "And now, gentlemen all," he went on airily, "now for 
 our first picnic afloat; to breakfast." 
 
 " To breakfast," shouted the boys together. 
 
 And a hearty meal they made of it,for they ate as free
 
 94 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 ON BOARD THE " FRANZ JOSEF " THE TWO EMILYS WHAT 
 LITTLE EMILY DISCOVERED ON THE LOOKOUT. 
 
 The " Franz Josef " made good headway, and with favour- 
 ing winds, scudded along in a way which slightly upset the 
 plans of the traitor spy, Biga-Eng-Ming-Ming, otherwise 
 Bigamini. 
 
 On board the " Franz Josef " were Jack Harkaway, Emily, 
 Harvey and his wife, and the friends Jefferson and Magog 
 Brand. 
 
 A goodly party. 
 
 Now Emily's health had been fast failing her during the last 
 days of their residence on Mandarin Mole's property, and 
 they all feared, more than they cared to acknowledge to each 
 other, upon her behalf. 
 
 Judge then of the great pleasure when, after being about 
 forty-eight hours at sea, they perceived a marked improve- 
 ment in her. 
 
 Her cheek grew ruddy, and her eye regained its bright- 
 ness, and her restoration to health was well-nigh complete. 
 
 The change appeared to be wrought by magic. 
 
 " How wonderfully the sea suits you, dear," said Hilda, 
 repeatedly. " You look better and handsomer than ever 
 now. Your dear cheeks are like damask, and your eyes " 
 
 Emily interrupted her laughingly. 
 
 " If you were a man, Jack would be jealous," she cried. 
 " You are so full of flatten', Hilda, dear." 
 
 "I speak literal truth," 'protested Hilda. "I don't know 
 how far a flatterer would go." 
 
 " Nor I, if that is not flattery." 
 
 " The sea is your proper element, depend on it." 
 
 Emily looked very hard into her face. 
 
 " Shall I tell you a secret, dear ? " 
 
 " If you think I can keep one." 
 
 "Well, I should be sorry to pledge my faith to that," 
 returned Mrs. Harkaway, with a smile of mischief, " but I'll 
 risk it. Do you know what is the chief cause of my im- 
 proved health ?"
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 95 
 
 -Tneseaair.- 
 
 -No." 
 
 "The change." 
 
 " Guess again." 
 
 u F m at a loss." 
 
 " Then 111 tell you. It is that hope is bora again.* 
 
 "Hope?" 
 
 -Yes." 
 
 "What do you mean?" 
 
 44 Do you know, dear, what made me so ill? Do you know 
 what crushed m j spirit, my health, and almost broke my 
 poor heart?" 
 
 Hilda knew well enough, but she sought to shirk the pain- 
 ful! topic. 
 
 ~ You know well enough ; you are a mother, and no one 
 knows the cause so well as you. It was die loss of my dear 
 boy, my darting Jack." 
 
 "Emily!" 
 
 "You know it," said Mrs. Harkaway; "none know it 
 better than you, Hilda. I felt that my boy was in danger of 
 immediate death. At one time I felt sure that all was over, 
 and then melancholy settled upon me. I could not shake it 
 off. I know that it would have ended by shaking me off 
 instead," she added, with a faint smile. 
 
 " Then, dear, the inference from your fresh looks " 
 
 Emily nodded, and laughed gleefully. 
 
 "You guess it, I can see, 7 * she said, with an air of con- 
 viction. " My Jack lives. My boy is saved." 
 
 The exalted manner, the visibly subdued excitement that 
 seemed to foreshadow hysterics, frightened Hilda- 
 She began to fear that Emily's mind was going. 
 
 Hilda sat silent before her loved friend and companion 
 for awhile. 
 
 Emily regarded her with a singular expression on her 
 countenance before she spoke. 
 
 - You are worrying and puzzling your brains about me, 
 dear," she said presently. * You can not understand whether | 
 I am sane or wandering." 
 
 "Emily!" 
 
 Wdl,I must say 
 
 ** "% course, that's frank of you. Well, you will have to 
 n joy a good laugh at me." i 
 
 " Then the subject will have to be a merry one." *
 
 96 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " It will," said Emily : " know then that I have been 
 warned in a dream." 
 
 " A dream?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 A look of disappointment showed upon Hilda's counte- 
 nance. 
 
 The confident manner of her friend had almost made her 
 hopeful. 
 
 " I dreamt that he was saved, that he had been in deadly 
 peril, but that it was past, and that we should soon have him 
 with us again. You don't believe in dreams ? " 
 
 " I confess " 
 
 " No need to I know you don't, nor I either, ordinarily, but 
 this was an exceptional affair altogether. My dream was 
 rather a vision, and I am sure was Heaven-sent. It was shared 
 too by the two persons who loved Jack best in the world." 
 
 " Who are they ? " 
 
 " I should say perhaps his father and mother." 
 
 " No, by the two Emilys." 
 
 "What, my Emily?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " She never told me." 
 
 " No, but she did me. Here was tne place for the con- 
 fidence she had to give, and she knew it. She dreamt that 
 she saw Jack in great peril, and that at the most critical 
 moment one of his worst enemies had his heart touched by 
 a good spirit, and became his defender. 
 
 " She saw Jack in a boat, gliding .with outstretched arms 
 toward us. Beside him sat Harry Girdwood, and with them 
 were two new-found friends. They were safe ; she brought 
 me her confidence, and when we compared notes, I found that 
 our dreams had been identical in every particular and detail." 
 " It is a most remarkable coincidence." 
 
 " It is something more than that, dear : it is a warning a 
 Heaven-sent vision, I feel assured, and it will take much to 
 destroy that conviction." 
 
 " Where is Emily ? " 
 
 " I left her with her inseparable companion the telescope." 
 
 " Where ?" 
 
 " Perched up beside the captain." 
 
 " On the watch ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 Mrs. Harkaway laughed heartily at this-
 
 ADVENTURES IN CBl+Vi' 9J 
 
 ioz ! we have a wager on between *s." 
 what?" 
 
 'Who shaD discover him first. She metns what Jack 
 to steal a march on me. Let us gp to her, and 
 
 Here tiiey were just in time to share in a grwtt general ex 
 
 Tne exchenient prefacing was occasioned by tne lowering 
 of a boat to fish op something floating at a distance, which 
 fink Emfly had spied while on the lookout. 
 
 Jack Harkawaj was in the boat, for he seized npt>n the least 
 pretext for a change, and moreover, he was glad to gratify the 
 girl's whim. 
 
 And as they rowed towards die white object bobbing up 
 and down in die distance, the whole of the ship's crew and 
 passangers mustered on thy Aflr to speculate upon ri*^ 
 atwre of thrftVating object. 
 
 It's a gufl she has seen skimming the water," said Magog 
 
 returned Jefferson, "butifs no panic- 
 
 The boat stfll pulled nearer and nearer yet. 
 And now they were up with it. 
 One of the sailors bent over the boat's side, and 
 at it, and as he pulled it in, there was a general 
 
 -It's only a floating bottle, after afll* 
 
 CHAPTER XVH. 
 
 FROM THE DEEP THE WAROTDG. 
 
 A bottle, cocked 
 
 Tarred, and painted white atop, with a red streak round 
 h, and with a white collar round the neck of the bottle, which 
 had evidently been placed there to attract die attention of any 
 
 What can k be?" said the coxswain of the boat. 
 
 7
 
 98 JA CK HA RKA WAY AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " It's a rum un, whatever it is," said another. 
 
 " A bottle of grog," suggested one of the men. 
 
 Whereupon the rest smacked their lips in eager anticipa- 
 tion. 
 
 " It's a queer way of bottling grog," said a tar. 
 
 " Supposing a fellow prigged it, and wanted to hide it 
 somewhere away," suggested one. 
 
 " A blessed odd place to hide it," interrupted another of 
 the men. " Let's see what's inside." 
 
 The men laughed, and agreed to this, and they were about 
 to knock the neck of the bottle off, when Harkaway took 
 the bottle unceremoniously away from them. 
 
 " I'll take care of this," he said, " and we'll see what's in- 
 side it when we get back on deck." 
 
 They looked black at this. 
 
 But Jack Harkaway was one of that sort that men who 
 know what discipline means do not feel inclined to quarrel 
 with. 
 
 So back they rowed. 
 
 The whole company on board the " Franz Josef " were wait- 
 ing to meet them, and foremost amongst the number were 
 the two Emilys and Mrs. Harvey. 
 
 " What is it what is it ? " asked a score of eager voices. 
 
 " Only a bottle." 
 
 " Oh ! " groaned the disappointed excitement-seekers. 
 
 Once fairly on deck, the company gathered around Jack 
 Harkaway. 
 
 When the neck was knocked off, it was found that there 
 was no liquor in it. 
 
 " And yet I can hear something rumbling about in it," 
 said Magog Brand. 
 
 " I'll wager I guess what it is," said Jefferson. 
 
 " I'll wager you champagne all round you don't guess," 
 said Harvey. 
 
 " Done." 
 
 " I'll bet that I guess it," said Harkwway, suddenly struck 
 by a thought. 
 
 Wagers became the order of the hour. 
 
 Any thing for a little excitement. 
 
 While their sporting proclivities were being indulged in 
 by the gentlemen, little Emily was seen busily engaged in writ- 
 ing on a leaf of her pocketbook which she proceded to tear 
 out.
 
 ADVENTURES AV CHINA. 
 
 99 
 
 " What is that, Em ? " demanded her father. 
 
 " My guess, papa," replied his daughter, blushing a little. 
 
 "What?" 
 
 " Why, Emily, you are never going to bet ! " said Jack Hark- 
 away, pretending to look inexpressily shocked. 
 
 " How unladylike ! " said Harvey. 
 
 " Dreadful ! " said Jack Harkaway. 
 
 No, no, uncle ; I only want to guess, like all of you. Here's 
 my guess only, mind, it is not to be opened until the bottle 
 has been broken." 
 
 The bottle was broken and a folded paper was discovered 
 inside. 
 
 But the noise they had heard had been caused by some 
 small shot which had evidently been placed in the bottle as 
 ballast. 
 
 ** A message from the sea." 
 
 " The last words of some poor shipwrecked people," sug- 
 gested Magog Brand. 
 
 " Likely enough." 
 
 Little Emily stretched forward eagerly, and to the surprise 
 of all snatched up the paper. 
 
 Then before they could discern her intention, she read 
 it hurriedly through, and fell fainting on the deck. 
 
 " Look to her ! " cried Harkaway, excitedly. 
 
 He picked up the paper, and while little Emily was carried 
 away by her father, he read it aloud to the amazed by- 
 standers. 
 
 " This is to warn the * Franz Josef ' that the notorious 
 Chinese pirate junk, the ' Flowery Land,* is cruising about in 
 these waters with the avowed object of capturing it. Their 
 plains are all well laid, and they have precise information 
 abou the * Franz Josef,' sent them by the agent and spy of 
 the pirates, who is called Big-Eng-Ming-Ming. Mr. Harka- 
 way and friends of his are known to be on board 
 the ' Franz Josef,' so that the pirates look forward to the 
 certainty of making a very rich prize. This warning 
 is sent forth by Jack Harkaway the younger and Harry 
 Girdwood, both prisoners on board the 'Flowery Land,' 
 but who fondly hope that their captivity draws to a 
 close. Any body finding this is earnestly requested to for- 
 ward it to Mr. Harkaway, who will handsomely reward the 
 finder." 
 
 Harkaway and his friend Harvey were silent
 
 1 00 JACK HARKA WA Y AND 
 
 An awe-stricken si'ence had fallen upon them all. 
 ****** 
 
 "Well, Hilda," said Mrs. Harkarkay, "what have you to 
 say now to my vision ? ' 
 
 . " Say nothing," responded Hilda ; " I am all amazement. 
 Give me the note that my Emily wrote." 
 
 Harkaway had forgotten this for the moment. 
 
 He now opened it, and read there little Emily's guess at 
 what the bottle would be found to contain. 
 
 It was simply these word* 
 
 *' A message from Jack." 
 
 " Wonder upon wonder,' ejaculated Harkaway, handing 
 It to Hilda. 
 
 The latter actually trembled when she read the words. It 
 looked like witchcraft. 
 
 " I shall look upon you as 9 sorceress in future, dear," she 
 said, " and my Emily too." 
 
 " ' Pon my ife ! " exclaimed Jefferson, " that's tall guess- 
 ing. Why, she was the only on* who shot the mark." 
 
 " The only one. " 
 
 " Gentlemen," said Harkaway seriously, as he looked 
 about him ; " there is something more in this than mere 
 guessing. The hand of Providence is clearly indicated 
 here. Let us profit by the warning without delay." 
 
 " At once." 
 
 " At once ! " echoed every voice about him. 
 
 " Let us have the captain here, too, end have a general con- 
 ference." 
 
 This was done. 
 
 The captain came up, and the mat*er was gone into at 
 length. 
 
 " Let us take opinions as we go on," said Harvey. 
 
 " By all means," said Jefferson, " anc* Suppose we begin 
 with the captain." 
 
 " Good." 
 
 "Now, sir." 
 
 The captain looked about him rather nervously before 
 giving his answer. 
 
 " I think, gentlemen," he said, " that you will guess my 
 answer. There can not be two opinions, I presume, on the 
 matter. We must put back, without losing any time." 
 
 "But what about the writer of this letter? ' exclaimed 
 Jack Harkaway ; " what about my boy, eh ? SUwUI wa go
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. ior 
 
 _ck without making an effort in behalf of the brave lads 
 that warn us of our peril ? " 
 
 " What good could we do in opposing such a vessel as the 
 * Flowery Land ? ' " said the captain. 
 
 "We could at least try," said Harkaway. 
 
 "Yes," said the captain, "and swell the list of their 
 victims, that's all, and perhaps cause your boy to be murdered 
 under our very eyes ; no, Mr. Harkaway, that would be idle 
 folly. The only thing is to get back and seek the assistance of 
 the British admiral Then we shall be able to rescue the 
 lads, and pay out these villanous sharks into the bargain. 
 We shall be doing a wonderful service to the world at large 
 by these means." 
 
 Harkaway made no immediate answer, but he looked as if 
 he did not relish the idea of going back. 
 
 tt Well, gentlemen," said the captain, "what do you all say ? '* 
 
 " I for one think you are right," said Jefferson. 
 
 "There can be no doubt of it," added the dwarf; "a 
 moment's reflection will suffice to convince you of that." 
 
 " I must say I think so, too," said Harvey ; " much as I 
 am tempted, Jack, to say as you have said, I can't help see- 
 ing that it would be the height of folly to do it We must 
 get a ship that can cope with the pirates." 
 
 " Perhaps you are right. I have only one stipulation to 
 make." 
 
 " Name it." 
 
 " That you get back with all dispatch, lose not a day, not 
 an hour nay, not a minute. My boy's life may actually de- 
 pend upon an hour one way or the other." 
 
 They little thought what had already taken place, how 
 Mandarin Mole had detected the villanous little spyBigamini. 
 
 Still less did they anticipate that poor Isaac Mole had 
 lost his other leg, and that, for the future, he would have to 
 stump through the world on a pair of timber toes.
 
 1 02 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 THE RAFT AND ITS DEAD AN EVIL OMEN. 
 
 YOUNG Jack's troubles were not over. 
 
 The pirate junk was out of sight. 
 
 Their provisions held out ; but they had one severe diffi- 
 culty to encounter. 
 
 Bad weather. 
 
 They were driven before the wind at a desperate rate for 
 hours. 
 
 But they lived it down. 
 
 On the third day they came in sight of a sail. 
 
 This raised their hopes. 
 
 They hung out flags, and made every possible signal of 
 distress. 
 
 But in vain. 
 
 They had the mortification of seeing the ship keep on her 
 course without heeding them. 
 
 This can be easily understood. 
 
 Their tiny craft was invisible to the big ship, which they 
 saw with comparative distinctness. 
 
 Had the people on the passing ship been on the lookout for 
 them, a close scrutiny through a telescope might have revealed 
 their mere speck of a boat, dancing about upon the waves. 
 
 But they were not. 
 
 And so they passed on never dreaming that four fellow- 
 creatures were so near, comparatively, and in imminent peril. 
 
 "We shall never be seen," said young Jack, despondingly, 
 " unless we are near enough to get run down." 
 
 The doctor was more philosophic, however. 
 
 He had one word of consolation for every grievance. 
 
 "Wait." 
 
 " That's all very well," said young Jack, impatiently, " but 
 it is more easy to preach patience than exercise it. Our 
 only chance is to be picked up by a passing vessel." 
 
 " True." 
 
 " We may go weeks again and not meet another." 
 
 " True again." 
 
 "Then can you wonder at my impatience ?" 
 
 The doctor smiled.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 103 
 
 " My dear boy," said he, " when you get my age, you will 
 take matters more quietly." 
 
 Another day passed. 
 
 Towards sundown they fell in with an adventure. Spirillo 
 was engaged in setting a sail that he had contrived when he 
 spied something floating out to leeward. 
 
 " What is it ? " 
 
 " It looks like a piece of a wreck." 
 
 " Anybody on it ? " 
 
 * No. Yet stay I think I see someone give me the glass." 
 
 He looked long and earnestly. 
 
 " I think I can see a man making signals." 
 
 " Look." 
 
 " There, in that direction." 
 
 After a few moments, young Jack distinguished something 
 very clearly. 
 
 " I am positive that I see a man on the raft," said he, 
 " but he appears to be bowing to us." 
 
 " Or to someone else," added Spirillo. 
 
 *' Let us pull toward it," cried Jack. 
 
 This was done. 
 
 The day was declining, and in the fading light it had ap- 
 peared farther off than it was in reality, for in less than 
 twenty minutes they were close enough to see what it was. 
 
 And a ghastly spectacle it proved to be. 
 
 A roughly-made raft, to which were lashed two half-naked 
 forms. 
 
 One was fastened to the side of the raft, and his lashings 
 had slipped with the motion of the waves, and his dead 
 bod)', attached only by a leg, while the rest of the body was 
 submerged, was towed along. 
 
 The other form was that of a tall gaunt man with sunken 
 cheeks, hollow eyes, and a long grizzled beard, who sat 
 huddled up in the centre of the raft bowing gravely to some- 
 thing in front of him. 
 
 They shouted to him as they approached, but he did not 
 hear them apparently, for he went on bowing with the same 
 gravity. 
 
 " Ship ahoy ! " shouted Spirillo. 
 
 " Hillo ho ' " responded the man on the raft, in sepulchra/ 
 tones, " bring the lights and pipe all hands for a dance." 
 
 They looked at each other gravely. 
 
 ** An Englishman," said young Jack.
 
 1 04 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Or an American," added the doctor. 
 
 " Mad ? " 
 
 The doctor nodded. 
 
 " What shall we do ? " 
 
 " Give him something to eat." 
 
 Harry Girdwood tossed him a piece of biscuit, and so true 
 was his aim, that it fell at the man's feet. 
 
 He started, snatched it up, and devoured it eagerly. 
 
 And then, before he had swallowed the last morsel of it, 
 he fell heavily forward on his face. 
 
 They pulled alongside, and the American doctor boarded 
 the raft. 
 
 He knelt down beside the man, and found him utterly 
 insensible. 
 
 " The shock has been too much for him in his weak state," 
 he said. 
 
 He turned the man over and felt his body vainly for a 
 pulse. 
 
 Then he looked up at his companions in the boat. 
 
 " Well, doctor, how is he ? " asked young Jack anxiously. 
 
 " We came across him just in time to see him die." 
 
 " Die 1 " 
 
 " Yes, it is all over." 
 
 ****** 
 
 Hunger and exposure had done their work thoroughly. 
 
 They looked about the raft and examined the bodies for 
 any indication of their names or the name of the ship from 
 which they had come to this piteous end. 
 
 But there was nothing to give them the least information. 
 
 The doctor got back to the boat and they pulled away 
 slowly and sadly. 
 
 " See, see," exclaimed Harry Girdwood, a moment after. 
 
 " What now ? " 
 
 " The raft has broken up." 
 
 And so it had strangely enough, just after the doctor had 
 left it, and the two grim occupants of the raft slipped over 
 and rolled to their last resting-place, the bed of the ocean. 
 
 " How horrible," said Harry Girdwood, with a shudder. 
 " I hope that that may not be our fate after all our severe 
 struggles." 
 
 " Amen," responded the doctor solemnly. 
 
 The twilight deepened and the sun set, tinging the whole 
 span of the western horizon with a rich golden hue.
 
 ADVENTURES IW COHfA. 105 
 
 And as they stained their eyes to get the last glimpse of 
 the fragments of Ac wrecked raft, it looked MoodWd'inthe 
 
 And as k faded away from view, the son sank bdow the 
 . :-..::- 
 
 Darkness was on tbe face of the waters. 
 Then their hearts grew heavy, and they drifted away in a 
 
 \ndastheyfeH asleep, they all asked 
 
 Shall we be picked p by a passing ship ? - 
 And filled with dire forebodings, they fek hope abandon 
 
 The solemnity of the position 
 
 spite of themselves, they looked upon that fatal raft as 
 "TheuVfated Englishman on the rafr had just come in sight 
 
 f*f -+nA Ki<4 jujJw^U-, tKmA itmm 1 r*f~m\A . , _1*_. jji 
 
 o VMittnai ana nao. prooaoiy onea ere ne crmiii leanse me 
 
 Were they, too, drained to reach help when it would be 
 too late? 
 They feared so. 
 And this k was that caused them to grow heart-sick. 
 
 Heavenly sleep, the panacea for all onr ills. 
 
 It was Spirilto's watch that n%ht, and a weary v%fl it was 
 
 said the Malay to 
 himself, "I ought to hare known when I was weflon^and 
 stayed on BOB* the flowery Land.' - 
 
 CHAPTER XDL 
 
 SAVED FATHER A3CD SOX HIGH JT5TKS OX 
 "CTtASEZ JOSEF. 
 
 SHIP ahoy!" 
 
 Harry Gkdwood awoke with a start. 
 
 -Where away?" 
 
 -Yonder."
 
 1 06 JA CK HARK A WAY AND HIS SO ATS 
 
 He picked up his glass, and looked e^^rly out. 
 
 Yes, sure enough there was a ship, .11^ at no very great 
 distance either. 
 
 " Shall we wake them up ? " 
 
 " No ; let us signal her first." 
 
 " You run up a flag," said Harry Girdwood, " while I fire 
 off the rifle." 
 
 The rifle lay ready loaded to hand, so he lifted it, and 
 blazed away into the sky. 
 
 At that young Jack and the doctor awoke with a start. 
 
 " Hullo ! " cried the former, " what's the matter ? " 
 
 " Ship ahoy ! " 
 
 " So there is, and not far off. Dear me ! and we were 
 getting down in the mouth, too." 
 
 " Hurrah ! " shouted young Jack, joyfully, " we are saved." 
 
 " I hope so ; don't be too sanguine, lest our disappointment 
 be proportionate." 
 
 " Wisely spoken, doctor," said Spirillo. 
 
 " It can't be the ' Flowery Land ' again." 
 
 Spirillo had taken a long, steady look through his glass by 
 now, and he soon put them right upon this point. 
 
 " It's no more like the ' Flowery Land ' than it is like the 
 raft we saw yesterday. Fire the rifle again." 
 
 In their eagerness, three of them blazed away now ; and 
 by the time that the echo of their own shouts died away, 
 they saw a flash of light on board the ship, a puff of smoke, 
 and then came the deep boom of the answering gun. 
 
 " They see us ! " 
 
 " They signal us ! " 
 
 " Hurrah ! " 
 
 They lowered their oars, and pulled away for the ship 
 with a hearty goodwill. 
 
 And presently they were so near that they could see them 
 run their colours up to the mast-head. 
 
 " The Union Jack ! " shouted Harry Girdwood. 
 
 " Let's give it three cheers." 
 
 " Hip, hip, hip, hoorah ! hip, hip ! Why, Spirillo, man 
 -ilive, you don't seem pleased." 
 
 " I oh, yes." 
 
 " Why, what a half-hearted way of showing your pleasure 
 then." 
 
 " The English are notoriously hard on all pirates," said 
 Spirillo coldly ; " what guarantee have I that I am safe ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 107 
 
 " You ! " exclaimed young Jack, " why, you're with us, 
 aren't you ? Well, that shows you are no pirate. Why, 
 Spirillo. my good friend, the fact of your being with us would 
 make you safe if you were known, which you are not. We 
 shall give no explanation beyond the fact that we have es- 
 caped from the 'Flowery Land,' you with us." 
 
 " All right." 
 
 " Give me your hand." 
 
 " With all my heart," said Spirillo, reassured. 
 
 " See, see ; they are lowering a boat" 
 
 This was true. 
 
 The ship had now lowered a boat, and it was speedily 
 manned and pulling towards them. 
 
 They pulled sharply to meet them, and in the space of a 
 few minutes the two boats were alongside of each other. 
 
 " What cheer, my mates ? " cried one of the boat's crew ; 
 " lost your bearings and drifted away ? " 
 
 " That's it." 
 
 " Is yours a trading ship, my friend ? " asked the doctor. 
 
 "Yes, your honour, a tea ship," replied one of the sailors, 
 heartily. 
 
 " A tea ship ? ' 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Whither bound ? " demanded young Jack eagerly. 
 
 "Back to Chancy?" 
 
 " What is the name of your ship, my man ? " 
 
 "The ' Franz Josef.' " 
 
 " The what ? " almost shrieked young Jack. 
 
 The man confirmed his speech with a sort of mild oath, 
 but his speech was drowned by the great din of voices from 
 the ship itself. 
 
 And above them all was heard a clear, ringing, manly voice 
 shouting out 
 " Jack, Jack, my own boy Jack. Now Heaven be thanked ' " 
 
 Jack gave a yelL It was his father ! 
 
 They scrambled up the ship's side goodness knows how. 
 
 All we know is, that young Jack was foremost, and that 
 in less time than it takes to write it, he was being strained to 
 his father's heart, and their eyes were dim with tears of joy. 
 
 The two Emilys came running along the deck, and Hilda 
 scudding after them, a good third in a hotly-contested race. 
 
 And then there was more hugging and kissing, and every 
 body laughed and cried all at once.
 
 1 08 JA CK HA RKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 And as for little Emily, her joy was so great that she quite 
 forgot her lady-like reserve which she was now just begin- 
 ning to think it proper to assume, and she hugged her young 
 sweetheart before everybody with greater warmth than all 
 the rest. 
 
 " Come, come, I say, Miss Emily," said Mr. Jefferson, 
 winking at Harvey, " I think you ought to serve us alike all 
 round." 
 
 Little Emily blushed purple and retreated behind her 
 mamma. 
 
 " Now, Jack," said the elder Harkaway, " tell me who your 
 friends are or rather companions." 
 
 " Friends, father, friends," corrected young Jack. 
 
 " Well, friends." 
 
 " Doctor Stanley our good friend he saved Harry's life, 
 and mine, too, for the matter of that, as much by his good 
 counsels as anything else." 
 
 The speaker's father held out his hand to the American 
 doctor. 
 
 " Sir," said he, " you have made yourself our friend for 
 life and me your eternal debtor. I hope that I may be in 
 a position to requite your goodness." 
 
 " Mr. Harkaway," returned the doctor, smiling, " our dear 
 young Jack has overrated my services very greatly. He must 
 have kissed the blarney stone. I am in his debt, on the 
 contrary in his and that of our young friend and fellow 
 adventurer, Harry Girdwood." 
 
 " Doctor ! " 
 
 " It is so," affirmed the American. "To their energy and 
 indomitable perseverance I owe my presence here my es- 
 cape from that floating slaughter house in which I was so 
 long a prisoner." 
 
 " The doctor is too kind," said Harry Girdwood, " for 
 without has cool head and his sage advice we should have 
 been ruined and undone twenty times." 
 
 " And we must not forget our friend Spirillo." 
 
 " Glad to know you, friend Spirillo," said Harkaway, 
 grasping his hand. 
 
 The Malay pirate was a bit abashed at this public recogni- 
 tion of his services. 
 
 " The lads did all," he said. " They planned it all. I owe 
 them my escape. They owe me nothing." 
 
 " But without Spirillo we should never have got away."
 
 ADVEA'TURES IN CHIXA. 
 
 109 
 
 "Troe," said Doctor Stanley. " It was he who provided 
 
 l TTlf*^ffK_** 
 
 "lam bowed down with tbe weight of the obligations I 
 am under, my good friends, to you," said Jack Harkaway, 
 senior. "May the friendship thus began last till we have 
 done with life." 
 
 ~ Hurrah ! " shonted an enthusiastic tar. The cry was 
 caught up by the whole of the assembled crew. And a joyous 
 day it was on board the "Franz Josef. 
 
 In the midst of the excitement, the hand-shakings, kissing 
 and hogging, and the questioning that was going on all 
 round, young Jack did not particularly observe the jolty old 
 salt who led the cheering. 
 
 His father led the sailor in question forward, 
 
 - An old friend of yours, my dear boy," he said. 
 
 The old sailor scraped a bow and pnlkd his forelock. 
 
 " Gbd to see your honour back again among us," he said. 
 
 "What!" cried young Jack, "my old friend Ben Haw- 
 ser? Precious glad to see yon, Ben. Tip us your fin." 
 
 They shook hands with such evident enjoyment, that it 
 made the whole of the bystanders feel a sensation of 
 ly to look on. 
 
 I" cried Ben, "it makes my smeDer tingle and 
 
 look at 
 Mtof 
 
 . nhanflybc 
 
 the evidence of my own blessed topfights ; let's fed your 
 
 the water pump into my lee-scuppers with joy to look atyou 
 pin, Master Jack, and to think yon are safe out of them 
 sharks' dutches. Blow my pigtaU if I can hardly believe 
 
 flesh again. 
 
 And they shook hands with greater warmth titan before. 
 
 "Yon ought to hare been in that fight with the pirate, 
 said young Jack. 
 
 'Well, I dunno," replied old Ben. "With such a 
 
 as it were according to all accounts, the odds was about the 
 Lord High Admiral to a powder monkey agin you." 
 
 "Right." 
 
 "But I should vastly like to have about three of them 
 pirates here just now only three, and with nothing but a 
 bo'sen s jAllkn m my paw damme * Id make a<iil uncmt 
 of 'em and look on it as dinner, in a manner of speaking! " 
 
 The first mate summoned all the crew, and Jack Haikaway, 
 senior addressed them from the top of a band. 
 
 " I want to hare some small recognition of my boy's re- 
 turn my men," be said, "and so I hare asked the skipper's
 
 HO JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 permission to treat you to a double allowance of grog all 
 round." 
 
 " Hoorah ! " 
 
 " Three cheers ! " cried Ben Hawser. " Take the time 
 from me, and give it mouth one, two, three hip, hip, 
 hoorah ! " 
 
 A deafening cheer burst from the crew. 
 
 " I would also suggest," said Harkaway, " that we should 
 have a dance." 
 
 " Bravo ! " 
 
 " A dance ! a dance ! " 
 
 " But the serious question of the hour is, have we got a 
 fiddler on board ? " 
 
 " I should think so," returned Dan, an old sailor, with a 
 look of something approaching scorn at the question 
 arising. " Why, what do you call Ben Hawser ? '' 
 
 " Can Ben play ? " said Harkaway, in surprise. 
 
 " Ben play ! " echoed Dan. " Only like a gilded angel, 
 that's all. Can't he, mates ? " 
 
 " Aye, aye." 
 
 "Well, then," said Harvey, "here's the programme right 
 off." 
 
 " First the grog," suggested Mr. Jefferson. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Then clear the deck for a dance, " added Magog Brand, 
 
 "Aye, aye." 
 
 " Call the grog." 
 
 " Here it comes." 
 
 " And now," said Jack Harkaway the elder, " as soon as 
 Ben Hawser tunes up, I'll try if I can get my legs lissome 
 enough to lead off the hornpipe." 
 
 This proposition was greeted with deafening cheers. 
 
 Harkaway led off the dance with a will, and every step 
 that is known in association with the hornpipe he could do 
 aye, and do it to perfection too. 
 
 The tars were delighted. 
 
 And when Jack senior was tired, Jack junior had to start 
 off, and he showed himself scarcely less agile than his 
 father. 
 
 Then followed Harvey, and Magog Brand came next with 
 Punch's break-down, which made the crew yell with gratifi- 
 cation.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. II 
 
 It was a grand festival for the crew. 
 
 And the reputation of the Harkaways father and son 
 was from that day wondrously enhanced for the sailors. 
 
 They had looked upon them with considerable respect 
 and admiration before ; they now regarded them as men of 
 
 the most exalted genius. 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 While the festivities proceeded, Mr. Jefferson and Doctor 
 Stanley stood aloof chatting about the details of the escape. 
 
 44 It is a remarkable thing," said the doctor, " how apt we 
 are to believe in what we most desire." 
 
 " We are." 
 
 " Do you know that no sooner did we get sight of a sail 
 than young Jack set it down for the ' Franz Josef ? ' " 
 
 u Indeed. Well, we came across a bottle containing your 
 message." 
 
 " You did ? " cried the doctor. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Now Heaven be thanked," exclaimed the other fervently. 
 " Providence was with us." 
 
 " It was indeed," said Mr. Jefferson seriously : " it is little 
 short of marvellous that we should have picked up one of 
 
 those bottles after all." 
 
 ****** 
 
 The crew of the " Franz Josef " did not forget that festi- 
 val for many a long day. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 MR MOLE DETERMINES TO ROUT OUT THE BRIGANDS. 
 
 THE " Franz Josef " was back again. 
 
 As soon as she was in port, they made their way to the 
 British consul's house, and made an official report concern- 
 ing the notorious pirate ship, the " Flowery Land." 
 
 The consequence was that an expedition was got up to go 
 in pursuit 
 
 Once their business settled there, they made their way up 
 the country to Mr. Mole's property. 
 
 Judge then of their surprise and dismay when they dis 
 covered the calamity which had befallen the old tutor.
 
 1 12 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Poor Isaac Mole ever seeking for glory, even in the midst 
 of pain ! 
 
 He was once more nursed by his faithful black partner, 
 with all her old tenderness and affection, and thanks to a good 
 constitution, no less ihan her unremitting attention, he was 
 comparatively soon convalescent. 
 
 And so it fell out that when they arrived, he was walking 
 about upon two wooden legs. 
 
 " Welcome all," said the old gentleman, with genuine joy. 
 " My troubles are over now that I see you all here again ; 
 and believe me, I would have two more wooden legs, and go 
 through even more suffering yet if it were necessary for the 
 delight of having my own boy safe back with us bless him ! " 
 
 But the troubles and ugly adventures which they had gone 
 through had this notable effect upon them. 
 
 They were tired of China. 
 
 " We will leave the Celestials to their own devices," said 
 Harkaway, " as soon as Mr. Mole is fit to undertake the 
 fatigues of a sea voyage." 
 
 Mr. Mole was not in a hurry to be gone. 
 
 Firstly, he could not be moved yet. 
 
 Secondly, he had a pet fancy in his head for routing out 
 the gang with which Bigamini was in league. 
 
 Of the existence of such a gang they had ample proofs 
 that Nabley and Daniel Pike had routed up. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 MOLE BAGS A BURGLAR WHAT A NIGHT HE HAS OF IT DIS- 
 GRACEFUL ROBBERY OF THE WOODEN LEG. 
 
 ISAAC MOLE stumped his way through life cheerfully 
 enough on his pair of timber toes. 
 
 The loss of his only remaining leg did not affect his spirits 
 much. 
 
 The only visible effect it had upon him was to cause him 
 to grow spiteful at times. 
 
 And then he would vow vengeance upon Bigamini. 
 
 " I'm not a vicious man," he would often say, "but that 
 ^wretch has condemned me to such a life of torment with
 
 AD VENTURES IN CHINA. 113 
 
 my stilts, that if I wait till I'm a hundred, I'll have my 
 vengeance upon him." 
 
 And when he had made this remark in the presence of 
 either Nabley or Daniel Pike, the detectives would endeav- 
 our to put him off his favourite topic by assuring him that 
 Bigamini was dead. 
 
 " I am sure that that last shot did for him," said Pike, 
 " positive. The others carried him away in order that noth- 
 ing might be discovered to compromise them." 
 
 " How compromise them ? " Mr. Mole would ask. 
 
 " By letting their names be known." 
 
 This puzzled Mr. Mole until it was explained. 
 
 The two detectives, true to their old instincts, had ferreted 
 out a number of particulars concerning Bigamini and his 
 exploits. 
 
 Not only was that ruffian the spy of the pirates, but he 
 was also connected with a villanous gang of thieves, who 
 carried on their exploits in an underhand way, with a secret 
 organisation that completely puzzled the native authorities. 
 
 They had their agents and spies everywhere, and indeed 
 it was very soon evident that they must have them upon Mr. 
 Mole's plantation. 
 
 The continual robberies which occurred soon convinced 
 the detectives of this. 
 
 Nabley communicated his suspicions to Isaac Mole, and 
 the latter was on the watch night and day from that moment. 
 
 By degrees, however, he got the better of this nervous 
 feeling, and Mrs. Mole began to get a fair night's rest. 
 
 One night, however, just three weeks after the return of 
 the Harkaway party, Isaac Mole started up in the middle of 
 the night, and snatching up his revolver, hobbled off on his 
 rounds. 
 
 His wife vainly endeavoured to dissuade him. 
 
 Now Mr. Mole would fain have aroused his friends gener- 
 ally, but the fact was that he had cried " wolf " so often, that 
 they would not pay any heed to him now. 
 
 Chloe tried to coax him into going back to bed again, but 
 tried in vain. 
 
 Down he hobbled into the grounds, nothing on but his 
 dressing-gown. 
 
 Now he had not proceeded far when he saw in the dim 
 night light a figure crouching by the back door of his house. 
 
 " Hallo ! " thought Mole, " I've got him, have I ? " 
 8
 
 114 J A CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 What could he be doing in this position ? 
 
 " Evidently trying the locks," thought Mole. 
 
 So he had a capital notion. 
 
 " I'll just go back quietly," he said to himself, " and wait 
 till John Chinaman opens the door and then meet him face 
 to face inside with my little six-shooter glorious lark ! " 
 
 So full of glee was he at the notion that he could scarce 
 refrain from chuckling aloud. 
 
 Back he crept around the house and into the room and 
 straight up to the door, upon the outside of which the mid- 
 night burglar was operating. 
 
 Now what was his surprise when he got there to find that 
 the thief had drilled a hole on each side of the door large 
 enough to get his hands through ? 
 
 And there were his two hands groping about for the fast- 
 tenings. 
 
 Mr. Mole was seized with a brilliant idea. 
 
 So grand that he could scarce carry it into execution for 
 laughing. 
 
 He looked about him for a rope, and having secured a 
 good stout one he hastily made a running noose at each end 
 of it. 
 
 This done, he slowly approached the two hands, held the 
 pair of nooses over them, and then, with a sudden jerk, 
 tightened them. 
 
 " Bagged ! " he cried ; " bagged, by the everlasting jingo ! " 
 
 He dragged at the poor wretch's wrists with no gentle 
 hand, and a groan of anguish came through the door. 
 
 " Now," said Mole, " I must administer toko." 
 
 Round the house he trotted, and reaching the exterior, 
 found his prisoner writhing ineffectually to release himself 
 from these novel stocks. 
 
 " I've been waiting for you a long while, my friend," said 
 Mole ; " and now, as I'm a sinner, I'll enjoy myself on your 
 carcase." 
 
 He looked for a stick. 
 
 But there was nothing to hand. 
 
 Mole was up in arms, and he was not likely to be baulked 
 of his revenge. 
 
 A happy thought. 
 
 He had two wooden legs ; one would suffice for his present 
 enjoyment. 
 
 So he hurriedly unscrewed it and prepared for the fray.
 
 AD VENTURES IN CHINA. 115 
 
 " This is most enjoyable," be said to himself. 
 
 So he turned up his sleeves. 
 
 Then he poised his wooden leg gracefully in his hand. 
 
 " One, two, three, and that's toko ! " 
 
 Down it came a terrific bang on the poor wretch's back. 
 The thief gave a yell. 
 
 "Thafs only to open the ball, my friend," said Mole, 
 cheerfully ; " we shall enjoy ourselves more presently.*' 
 
 Crack! 
 
 "Chin-chin," said Mole pleasantly, "how does that style 
 suit yon?" 
 
 Bang! Bang! 
 
 It was something to hear him yelL 
 
 Mole had never heard any music that pleased him half so 
 much. 
 
 "Now, my dear friend," said Mr. Mole, pausing for a 
 moment to take breath : "* we have had the plain, straight- 
 forward hitting. I'm going in for a few fancy touches.''* 
 
 Saying which, he prodded his prisoner desperately in the 
 ribs. 
 
 At each poke the thief gave a " Ugh ! " that reminded 
 Mole of the navvies at home, knocking in the paving stones 
 in the London roads. 
 
 He writhed and yelled and shrieked. 
 
 And the more he cried, the more Mr. Mole laughed. 
 
 " Dear, dear," he cried, * what an evening I'm having, to 
 be sure : and all to myself." 
 
 Whiz ! Crack ! 
 
 He played a little wildly now, and landed an awful blow 
 on his prisoner's head. 
 
 "Dear, dear, that won't do," he said. "I shall knock 
 him out of time and spoil it before I've had half my penn'- 
 orth out of him." 
 
 Crack! 
 
 "Mercy!" 
 
 " Hullo ! " said Mole, starting, or rather hopping back in 
 surprise, "English!" 
 
 Just then be heard the voices of Harkaway, Dick Harvey, 
 and others calling him. 
 
 "Mr. Mole, Mr. Mole!" 
 
 "All right," shouted Mole, "here I am." 
 
 "Where?" 
 
 " Round here."
 
 1 1 6 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON VT 
 
 But finding that they did not arrive very quickly, he 
 hopped after them. 
 
 " Why, what in the name of all that's wonderful, is the 
 meaning of this ? " said Jefferson. 
 
 " I've bagged a burglar," returned Mole. 
 
 " You have had the nightmare." 
 
 " Not I," answered Mole with a chuckle. " I thought I 
 should surprise you ; come with me." 
 
 He took Harvey by the arm for support. 
 
 Now just as they turned the corner, they perceived a num- 
 ber of dark forms stealing away across the plantation, and all 
 that remained in evidence of Mr. Mole's prisoner, was the 
 ends of the rope. 
 
 "Well," ejaculated Mr. Mole, " he has got away. But he 
 had such a dose of my wooden leg that I don't think he 
 could go far." 
 
 " Your leg ? " 
 
 " Where is it ? " 
 
 " Don't you see ? He had made those holes to reach the 
 iron bars on the inside, and there I caught him and held him 
 too, and then I came round to give him a token of my grat- 
 itude, and having no stick handy, I unscrewed one of my legs, 
 and I enjoyed myself ; in fact, if I hadn't left to show you 
 the way, I should probably be still at work on him." 
 
 They laughed at this. 
 
 " They have carried him off." 
 
 " Of course ; I knew he couldn't walk ; I spoilt him for 
 that. But what startled me was that he called for mercy in 
 English." 
 
 "English?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " I shouldn't be surprised to find it Bigamini again." 
 
 " Well, I lost a leg when last I tackled the scoundrel 
 Bigamini, and now I've lost one again." 
 
 And although they scoured the country round not a trace 
 could they find of the thieves or of their booty Mr. Mole's 
 wooden leg !
 
 AD VENTURES IN CHINA. 1 1 7 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 IN WHICH MR. MOLE PLEDGES HIMSELF TO TOTAL ABSTINENCE 
 FROM ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS. 
 
 ISAAC MOLE soon had another leg made for him, and he 
 stumped through his tea plantation, gloating over his late 
 attack on the midnight burglar. 
 
 The weather was lovely. 
 
 The tea shrubs were rapidly approaching a state of per- 
 fection. 
 
 The worthy proprietor was, consequently, in a most glow- 
 ing frame of mind. His pipe was in his mouth and his rum 
 flask in his pocket. 
 
 He puffed away at the one, and every now and then had a 
 suck at the other. 
 
 Up one path and down another he perambulated amongst 
 the tea plants in a most nimble and (bearing in mind that 
 he had a pair of wooden legs) wonderful manner. 
 
 " What a fortunate fellow I am ! " he soliloquised, " to 
 have dropped into this plantation. It will be a fortune to me 
 if I look carefully after it. which I most decidedly intend to 
 do. Oh yes ! I'll look after it It will be something to leave 
 Mrs. Mole and the chicks if we have any when I depart 
 this life." 
 
 This last idea proved somewhat mournful and affecting, 
 and the tears came into the eyes of the ancient tutor. 
 
 He paused and took his twentieth pull at his rum flask. 
 
 The draught comforted him considerably. 
 
 " Delicious thing, rum ! " he murmured, as he contemplated 
 the flask affectionately ; " very delicious, and suits my con- 
 stitution so admirably hie so admirably ! " 
 
 He stumped on a little further, and then stopped again. 
 
 " What a fine sight a rum plantation would be ! " he 
 exclaimed suddenly in a rapturous manner ; " fancy rum 
 bottles full of old Jamaica all ready corked and sealed growing 
 in rows like these tea shrubs. Wouldn't it be glorious ? 
 Yes, it hie would be ; he, he ! decidedly hie glorious ! "
 
 1 1 8 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Another suck at the rum flask, and another after that. 
 
 It might have been observed that the worthy Isaac grad- 
 ually became more unsteady in his gait. 
 
 His wooden legs forgot themselves on several occasions, 
 and seemed inclined to play strange tricks. 
 
 Wandering out of the path, and burying themselves every 
 now and then deep in the mould, in an extremely inconvenient 
 manner for their owner. 
 
 Had there been such a thing as a plug hole in the way, it 
 is more than probable they would have immediately stuck in it. 
 
 Fortunately, however, for Mr. Mole's peace of mind, plug 
 holes are scarce in China. 
 
 " After all," he exclaimed, as he extricated his wooden mem- 
 bers from the soil for the fifth time, and nearly fell on his 
 back in the effort, "wooden legs, however admirably con- 
 structed, are not to be compared with the natural limbs. 
 Oh dear no ! " 
 
 He stood looking down at the end of one stump, and con- 
 tinued meditatively 
 
 " That round knob is all very well in its way, but it isn't a 
 foot no ! any more then a foot is a yard hie ! " 
 
 Mr. Mole's eyes were by this time decidedly rummy in 
 their expression. 
 
 They rolled in his head, and had a vacant and dreamy 
 aspect. 
 
 He tried to progress, but in vain. 
 
 His wooden legs grew more unruly than ever, making the 
 worthy gentleman stagger in a most perilous manner from 
 one side of the path to the other. 
 
 " Hallo ! hallo ! steady, Mole hie steady, old boy ! " he 
 hiccoughed. 
 
 But this friendly caution from himself was of little avail. 
 
 He staggered more than ever. 
 
 It was pretty evident the excellent man was getting what 
 is commonly called very tight. 
 
 Not that he seemed to have the smallest suspicion of any 
 such thing. 
 
 " Not so young as I used to be. 
 
 " Can't imagine hie what can have taken such hie 
 singular effect upon me," he murmured. 
 
 He gave a lurch as he spoke, but recovered himself. 
 
 Only dropping his pipe, which shivered into atoms. 
 
 " I think I'll have hie snooze in the pavil "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 119 
 
 He attempted to take a step foward, but the attempt was 
 perfectly futile. 
 
 He reeled, hiccoughed, and finally he and his rum bottle 
 descended into one of the soft tea beds. 
 
 Having reached this stage, he became quite maudlin. 
 
 " I say, old Mole," he said, " I am afraid, old fellow, that 
 you are getting tight." 
 
 Then he shouted 
 
 " For he's a jolly good feller hie I 
 And so say all hie us 1 " 
 
 Having accomplished this in a very disconnected and 
 broken manner, he immediately fell asleep. 
 
 He had not slept long when, as chance would have it, 
 young Jack Harkaway came up to the spot. 
 
 The pupil contemplated his venerable instructor, and at 
 once comprehended the state of affairs. 
 
 " Tight again," he remarked briefly, as he shrugged his 
 shoulders. 
 
 And then at once applied himself to the attempt to bring 
 his erring master to his senses. 
 
 The means he used were all excellent in their way. 
 
 He pinched his nose till it was ruddier than the cherry. 
 
 He tickled his nostrils with a peculiar species of Chinese 
 bramble supposed to be wonderfully efficacious in producing 
 an irritating sensation. 
 
 He pulled his hair vigorously. 
 
 This not proving successful, he administered a few gentle 
 kicks in the ribs. 
 
 After which he grasped his venerable tutor's wooden legs, 
 and worked them energetically, as he would have done pump 
 handles. 
 
 But neither pinching, tickling, pulling, nor pumping pro- 
 duced any effect whatever. 
 
 The great Isaac would not be aroused. 
 
 Finding it, therefore, a hopeless case, he hurried off to hit 
 father. 
 
 " Oh, dad ! " he exclaimed, as he rushed into the room - 
 " such a lark." 
 
 " What lark ? " inquired his parent. 
 
 " Here's old Mole lying drunk and incapable in his te*. 
 plantation."
 
 120 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " Do you call that a lark, sir ? " asked his father, trying ;o 
 look serious, but feeling at the same time rather inclined to 
 smile. 
 
 " Well, perhaps not," admitted our hero. 
 
 " I should rather call it very disgraceful on Mr. Mole's 
 part," continued Mr. Harkaway. 
 
 " So it is, certainly," admitted young Jack ; " that's what 
 I meant, and I thought we might have a lark with him, to 
 teach him a lesson in future." 
 
 " No, no, my boy," said his father : " it's not good to make 
 the great vice of drunkenness a theme for larks." 
 
 " Well, but what's to be done with him, dad ? " asked Jack ; 
 " Ive tried to wake him up, but I can't." 
 
 " The best thing you can do is to go and fetch his wife." 
 
 Away ran Jack. 
 
 In an incredibly short space of time, Mrs. Mole might have 
 been seen hurrying eagerly to the spot, her dark eyes flashing 
 with indignation. 
 
 In her hand she held one of China's choicest, and in the 
 present case most useful, productions a bamboo cane. 
 
 " Me teach him somethink," she exclaimed angrily : " me 
 let him know it not right to drink till him knock off him legs." 
 
 In a very short time she reached the spot where the un- 
 conscious Mole still slumbered profoundly, instinctively grasp- 
 ing his rum flask even in sleep. 
 
 " Oh, you bad man ! you bad, wicked man ! " she exclained 
 at length, " dis de way you keep your word wid me, is it ? " 
 
 No answer was returned. 
 
 " Didn't you promise me you not get druuk nebber no more, 
 eh, sar ? What you got to say for yourself, eh ? " 
 
 The inebriate husband in reply uttered a snore that sounded 
 like the passage of air through a choked gaspipe. 
 
 " Don't make dat drefful noise, but answer me what I ask 
 you, sar J " exclaimed the indignant Chloe angrily, as she 
 nourished the bamboo over her spouse. 
 
 The latter gave her no response, save that he made an- 
 other " drefful noise " with his nasal apparatus. 
 
 This brought the anger of his better half to a climax. 
 
 And grasping the cane with determination, she brought it 
 down upon her husband's body with the utmost intensity. 
 
 Whack, whack, whack ! swish, swish, swish ! it went on his 
 ribs and in the adjoining localities, but the votary of the rum 
 flask still slumbered and snored on.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. i 
 
 "What ami to do wid him ?" soliloquised his despair- 
 ing wife. " He no mind my words ; be no mind mj cane - 
 he no mind nothink. What must I do ?" 
 
 44 1 know what," exclaimed a voice near at hand. 
 
 Looking up, she saw a party approaching. 
 
 This parry cnnshtfd of young Jack, Mr. Harkaway, and 
 Dick Harvey. 
 
 - If I were you, Mrs. Mole," said Harkaway, - 1 should get 
 your husband borne to bed as quickly as possible." 
 
 " Home to bed !" echoed Mrs. Mote, excitedly ; * how me 
 get him dere, when he can't walk on him wooden legs?" 
 
 " It is awkward certainly," Harkaway said. 
 
 "I know what we must do, dad," remarked young Jack, 
 suddenly. 
 
 'What? "asked his father. 
 
 "We must water him," returned our hero in a very de- 
 cided tone. 
 
 " Water him, Massa Jack?" echoed Mrs. Mofe. "What 
 you water him wid?" 
 
 "With a with a garden engine," continued the youthful 
 
 r. nmm - l|-^ at > !.! t- _^._ *^_ 1, _" _ ,- _ 4 ^ ,g, , - 
 
 counsellor ; capital rning to onng people to roeir senses 
 when they've had too much to drink." 
 
 "Am it though?" 
 
 " Oh, yes ; the water penetrates the pores of theskm, mixes 
 with the spirit and destroys its power, and the drinker comes 
 to his senses." 
 
 "Oh, do try de water, Massa Jack, please." 
 
 Our hero wanted no persuasion. 
 
 He was quite ready to perform the diluting {unrrm 
 
 Aixxf djugly he hunted away to where a garden <mgine 
 stood that was used in watering the tea shrubs. 
 
 With this useful and effective instrument be played upon 
 the body of his unconscious tutor until every thread of his 
 
 ^ -^ ,. , _. ^ , -,..__. ._!. | . . J-^ n t> n J 
 
 gSuiDenis was tnoroagiuy arciiCDca- 
 
 Mole turned on his side and mumbled out 
 
 " A little more rum, please." 
 
 Still he did not revive. 
 
 Under these circumstances no other alternative remained 
 but to carry him home. 
 
 A kind of stretcher, formed of bamboo canes, was hastily 
 
 and carried to his apartments. 
 
 It was not tifl breakfast time the next morning that Me
 
 122 JACK HARK A WAY AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Isaac Mole hobbled somewhat sheepishly into the breakfast- 
 room. 
 
 The party were all assembled there. 
 
 Mrs. Mole presided at the breakfast-table. 
 
 John Harkaway looked at his quondam tutor as he entered 
 with becoming sternness. 
 
 Dick Harvey also threw a reproachful expression into his 
 features. 
 
 Young Jack, not to be behindhand, knitted his brows and 
 evinced as much quiet disgust as possible. 
 
 Chloe looked at her spouse with a kind of subdued fe- 
 rocity that seemed to imply what she would have done if she 
 could. 
 
 Mr. Isaac Mole had a sort of inward conviction that some- 
 thing was wrong. 
 
 He had, moreover, distressing sensations of nausea, and a 
 splitting headache. 
 
 He approached the table and sank into a chair. 
 
 " Good-morning, my friends ! " he murmured, as he passed 
 his hands over his throbbing forehead. 
 
 "Good-morning, sir," returned Harkaway, senior, freez- 
 ingly. 
 
 " Good-morning, sir," echoed the rest. 
 
 Then followed a dead silence, during which the victim of 
 the rum flask looked wistfully at the tea-pot. 
 
 " I a think, my love," he said, at length, to his spouse, 
 humbly, " I'll take a cup of tea, if you please. I don't feel 
 very well this morning ; it must be the weather." 
 
 Mrs. Mole looked any thing but pleased, but she poured 
 him out a cup of tea. 
 
 "Ah!" he sighed, after taking a prolonged sip, "deli- 
 cious beverage, tea ! So invigorating, so refreshing." 
 
 " I should think you must find its invigorating properties 
 particularly serviceable this morning, Mr. Mole," remarked 
 John Harkaway, senior, sarcastically to him across the table. 
 
 " Well, ye-es, my dear John ; perhaps I do," admitted the 
 tutor ; " my head is very heavy this morning." 
 
 " No wonder, either, after your proceedings of yesterday." 
 
 " My proceedings of yesterday ! " echoed Isaac, obliviously. 
 " Let me see ; what did I do yesterday ? " 
 
 " What did you do ? " answered Harkaway. " Why, you 
 drank yourself into a state of intoxication, and were found in 
 a most disgraceful condition in your own plantation."
 
 AD VENTURES IN CHINA. 1 23 
 
 Mr. Mole turned up his eyes either with real or affected 
 horror. 
 
 " My dear John, you don't mean to say this ? " he exclaimed 
 faintly. " You really don't mean to assert that I was a 
 found in a a state of a " 
 
 The worthy man's voice died away and became inaudible. 
 
 " It's a melancholy fact," accredited Dick Harvey, with a 
 solemn shake of his head. 
 
 " That it is," joined in young Jack, shrugging his shoulders 
 in harmony with the rest ; " I fired away at you with the gar- 
 den engine for ever so long, and it didn't take any other 
 effect on you than to make you call for more rum." 
 
 " You wicked, good -for- nothing, disobedient man ! " joined 
 in Chloe, "what tink become ob you eh ? " 
 
 Mr. Mole did not seem to have any very distinct ideas on 
 the subject 
 
 In fact his perceptive powers just then appeared to be in 
 a fog. 
 
 He murmured something not very comprehensive, and 
 passed his cup for more tea. 
 
 He could see from the manner of his friends that he had 
 committed himself seriously in their estimation, and he felt 
 very uncomfortable in consequence. 
 
 Harkaway spoke again. 
 
 " I think, Mr. Mole, at your time of life, it is your bounden 
 duty to be more guarded in the quantities you drink." 
 
 " You are quite right, my dear John ; quite right," admitted 
 the guilty one ; " my conduct is unpardonable, but I'll alter 
 it ; I will, indeed. The fact is, I suppose I'm not so strong 
 as I was, and the spirit takes more effect upon me on that 
 account." 
 
 " You ought nebber touch spirits no more ! " exclaimed 
 Mrs. Mole to her husband indignantly ; " dey be no good to 
 you." 
 
 " I think the same," joined in Harkaway, " and if you 
 would be advised by me, you would become a total abstainer 
 from this moment." 
 
 Mr. Mole became suddenly contemplative. 
 
 He seemed to be forming some grand resolution. 
 
 At length, his mind being fixed, he rose to his feet, or 
 rather to his timber, and exclaimed, oratorically 
 
 " Yes ; I've decided ! Isaac Mole, thou hast triumphed
 
 124 J A CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 over thy natural weakness ; henceforth farewell to alcohol 
 and welcome the pump ! " 
 
 " Bravo ! bravo ! " murmured his listeners. Chloe seemed 
 highly gratified. 
 
 " You nebber drink no more rum, Isaac ? " she said to 
 him appealingly as she grasped him by the hand. 
 
 " Never, my beloved ; never, never, never ! " returned the 
 virtuously repentant husband, fervently. " From this mo- 
 ment, to the end of my existence, I shall devote myself to 
 that cheering but harmless beverage, tea." 
 
 " Tea ? " cried young Jack. 
 
 " Yes," said Mole ; " nothing but what we can get from 
 tea." 
 
 This laudable resolution was warmly applauded by Hark- 
 away and the rest, and in the height of his praiseworthy 
 determination, Mr. Mole produced paper, pens, and ink, 
 and drew up a solemn protest of future sobriety and devo- 
 tion to the tea shrub. 
 
 This he signed in the presence of witnesses who attested 
 his signature. 
 
 No man in the world henceforth would be more tem- 
 perate than Isaac Mole. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 MB. MOLE BREAKS HIS PLEDGE, AND RECEIVES AN AWFUL VISL 
 TATION IN CONSEQUENCE. 
 
 FOR some time all went well. 
 
 At least, as well as could be expected. 
 
 The Harkaways were anxious to be off to Greece ; but 
 Spirillo had been attacked with a severe illness, and was 
 unable to move. 
 
 Without him it would be useless to attempt to find the 
 treasure. 
 
 However, he was well attended by the old American 
 doctor, who promised that he should soon be well. 
 
 The worthy tutor adhered to his teetotal resolution with 
 heroic firmness. 
 
 Occupied with his tea plantation, he seemed to have for- 
 gotten that such a thing as old Jamaica existed. 
 
 But this was not to last
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 12* 
 
 Isaac had been so long accustomed to his drops of mm 
 that he began to feel the want of his usual stimulant. 
 
 He became rather low-spirited over his abstinence. 
 
 His limbs grew shaky. 
 
 As for his wooden legs, he couldn't manage them at all. 
 
 " This won't do," he said to himself one day as he sat 
 alone. " I'm getting quite nervous and dyspeptic." 
 
 He got up, and having nothing else to fly to, he took a 
 pull at a tea-pot which he always kept ready at hand. 
 
 " Very nice and refreshing, I daresay, for some people," 
 he remarked with a vehement shudder ; " but I really don't 
 think Pekoe suits my constitution. I feel as wishy washy 
 as a water-butt, and as shaky as an old woman. 
 
 " It's very awkward too," he continued ; " I've taken the 
 pledge. Signed and sealed in the presence of witnesses a 
 vow of abstinence from all ardent spirits. Oh, dear ! dear I 
 it's very awkward, I must break my vow ! No ! rather will I 
 die a martyr to pump water and tea leaves." 
 
 With a sigh of resignation the virtuous Isaac reseated 
 himself, and filling his pipe, tried to banish his inward sensa- 
 tions by the soothing influence of tobacco. 
 
 Just at that moment a packet of letters arrived from Eng- 
 land. 
 
 Amongst them a newspaper for Mr. Mole. 
 
 The desponding tutor received it with avidity, and 
 eagerly tore it open. 
 
 He had not read far, when suddenly he uttered a vehe- 
 ment exclamation and stopped. 
 
 One announcement had caught his eye, and quite riveted 
 his attention. 
 
 This was 
 
 - Robur, spirit of tea." 
 
 The orbs of the worthy tutor dilated at this announce- 
 ment. 
 
 And beginning to peruse the advertisement, he read 
 
 " * Robur is a pure spirit free from essential oil.' 
 
 " That would do for me exactly, I think," he muttered, 
 hopefully, and then went on 
 
 ** Robur, though not intoxicating, possesses great stimu- 
 lating powers.* 
 
 "That's the very thing." 
 
 In his excitement he started up, and seized his hat. 
 
 " I stxan't be breaking my vow either," he soliloquised,
 
 136 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 * I pledged myself to stick to tea, and robur is tea the 
 pure spirit of tea. What better cordial could I take ? " 
 
 Away went Mr. Mole straight to one of the quays. 
 
 There he found an English vessel, and to his great joy, a 
 quantity of robur amongst her cargo. 
 
 The delighted Isaac purchased a large quantity. 
 
 Having seen it safely deposited, he, as the evening drew 
 on, made preparations for a little quiet festivity all to him- 
 self. 
 
 The scene of this harmless conviviality was to be a pavil- 
 ion which Mr. Mole had built in his grounds, as a kind of 
 private study. 
 
 Here then he conveyed a sufficient quantity of the spirit 
 of tea, with hot water and sugar, pipes and tobacco, and 
 having locked himself in proposed to enjoy himself. 
 
 Having uncorked a bottle, he mixed himself a glass of 
 the spirit. 
 
 " I'll drink my own good health," he said with a com- 
 placent smile, as he raised the glass to his lips, and took a 
 good swig. 
 
 " It's queer stuff to taste ! " he murmured, making a wry 
 face, " decidedly queer. It's very warming to the stomach, 
 though." 
 
 And he began to persuade himself that robur was a very 
 excellent beverage. 
 
 Anyhow, it warmed him, and its stimulating qualities 
 began to tell upon him agreeably. 
 
 " I'm beginning to feel quite myself again," he said to 
 himself, " quite , another glass or two, and Mole will be him- 
 self again." 
 
 Leaving the worthy to concoct his other glass, let us now 
 adjourn to the outside of the pavilion, to a spot where 
 young Jack Harkaway was quietly taking stock of the un- 
 conscious Mole. 
 
 Our hero had observed that his tutor on that particular 
 evening had made several mysterious journeys to and fro 
 from his house to the pavilion. 
 
 These facts were quite sufficient to arouse Master Jack's 
 suspicions. 
 
 " Something's up, I know," he said to himself ; " the 
 question is what ? " 
 
 This he was not very long arriving at. 
 
 Under the influence of several glasses of the stimulant,
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 12 J 
 
 Mr. Mole began to talk to himself in a glowing and fervid 
 strain. 
 
 Then growing more convivial, he became also poetical, 
 and sang extempore 
 
 " Delectable Robur ! Spirit of Tea ! 
 Oh, v;hat a boon to weak mortals like me ; 
 I thought not long since with me 'twas all over, 
 But I'm quite put to rights by this exquisite Robur! 
 Beautiful Robur ! exquisite Robur ! 
 I'm quite put to rights by this exquisite Robur." 
 
 Young Jack, never having heard of this delicious com- 
 pound, was rather puzzled to know what its virtues con- 
 sisted of. 
 
 But presently, when he observed his venerable tutor 
 start up and plunge headlong into stumping the " sailors' 
 hornpipe," whistling his own music, he began to suspect the 
 truth. 
 
 " I see what it is," he said to himself ; " it's some Chinese 
 spirit he's got hold of, and as he's pledged himself not to 
 drink rum, I suppose he's doing his best to get tight on 
 this what does he call it ? robur ; yes, that's it." 
 
 Mr. Mole, having finished his hornpipe, sat down again 
 and applied himself once more to his libations. 
 
 So diligently did he fill and refill, that in less than an hour 
 he had reached the desired point. 
 
 He was once more completely intoxicated. 
 
 " Who cares for hie anybody ? " he hiccoughed. " I 
 don't ; I don't care for Mrs. Mole, not I hie ! Bother Mrs. 
 Mole ! who's she, I should like know ? Ugly black hie 
 woolly-haired female ! I'll go to bed ; no one can disturb me 
 there.'" 
 
 As he spoke, he staggered to a couch, which he had fitted 
 up in the pavilion, and fell asleep, singing in a very maudlin 
 tone 
 
 Beau'ful Robnr ! beau'ful Robnr ! 
 Quite hie put rights beau'ful Robur." 
 
 Jack's determination was quickly formed. 
 " I'll cure you of this, Mr. Mole, if I can," he said to him- 
 self. 
 
 He at once went in search of Sunday and Monday.
 
 1 28 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 He was not long in finding them. 
 
 " Come along with me," he said ; " I'm going to play old 
 Mole a trick, and I want you to help me." 
 
 " Golly, Massa Jack, we help you," they exclaimed ea- 
 gerly ; " what can we do ? " 
 
 "Go first and get two sheets and two white nightcaps and 
 some chalk, and meet me at the pavilion. I'll explain what 
 you're to do then." 
 
 Away went the niggers to collect these necessaries, chuck- 
 ling over the prospect of the forthcoming lark. 
 
 In the meantime, young Jack made a collection of such 
 articles as he required for the carrying out of his project. 
 
 In a short time they met outside the pavilion. 
 
 Here our hero distinctly explained to his sable companions 
 what he wished them to do. 
 
 The shades of evening had fallen. 
 
 A cool, gentle breeze, laden with fragrance, swept over the 
 garden. 
 
 Not very far from the pavilion there was a large tank. 
 
 This tank supplied the water necessary for irrigating the 
 tea shrubs, and was quite full. 
 
 A rather broad plank was placed, by Jack's direction, with 
 one end resting on the ground and the other overhanging the 
 edge of the tank, so that anyone walking up this plank, it 
 would, when they reached the extremity, tilt over, and pre- 
 cipitate them into the water beneath. 
 
 " Golly ! what dat for ? " asked the darkies, with natural 
 curiosity. 
 
 " That's the cold water bath into which Mr. Isaac Mole 
 will be lured by the spectres of his deceased wives," replied 
 young Jack, grinning. 
 
 Our hero then led the way to the pavilion. 
 
 " Now then, my boys," he said to his companions, "dress 
 yourselves up in your sheets and nightcaps, chalk your faces, 
 and make yourselves as ghastly as you possibly can." 
 
 " Cert'nly, Massa Jack. We make ourselves drefful frights 
 in 'bout two minutes," they replied. 
 
 Whilst Sunday and Monday were bringing themselves up 
 to a proper state of ghastliness, our hero very quietly opened 
 the window and clambered into the pavilion. 
 
 All within was perfectly dark. 
 
 Feeling his way to the table, Jack at length came upon 
 the lamp.
 
 A' CHINA. 12 g 
 
 This he kindled, but kept it tinned low lest he should 
 awaken the sleeper. 
 
 There lay Mr. Mole on his back, with his wooden legs stick- 
 ing up in the air tike a pair of sign-posts. 
 
 Having completed this brief examination, our hero pro- 
 ceeded to business. 
 
 First he grasped the nearest wooden leg, and pulled it from 
 the perpendicular to a horizontal position. 
 
 He then with a small centre-bit, bored a large hole in die 
 end of the wooden member till it was quite hollow. 
 
 This he filled tightly with gunpowder. 
 
 He tlien tied a squib close upon it. 
 
 These arrangements being completed, he opened the door 
 and admitted Sunday and Monday, who looked hideously 
 ghostly in their white sheets. 
 
 * What we do now ? " they asked. 
 
 44 Wait a moment, and 111 show you," answered their youth- 
 ful director. 
 
 As he spoke, he emptied some yellowish powder in a long 
 line on the floor, and then a similar stream of powder of a 
 darkish green. 
 
 Into each of these he placed a piece of quick match. 
 
 " That's for the * ghost effects,' '" said our hero, with a smile. 
 
 The last operation our hero performed was to smear a 
 quantity of phosphorus over the prominent parts of the dark- 
 ies'' features. 
 
 Then lowering the lamp, till die interior of die pavilion was 
 in profound obscurity, he placed Sunday and Monday at die 
 foot of die couch behind die curtains, and told diem to wait 
 diere tin he gave die signal. 
 
 He then crouched down himself out of sight, armed widi 
 his matches and every diing necessary, and waited. 
 
 After a time, Mr. Mole's timepiece struck eleven. 
 
 The effects of die robnr were beginning to wear off. 
 
 Isaac Mole began to grow restless. 
 
 He left off snoring and took to grunting and groaning. 
 
 "Water water!" he gasped. 
 
 Young Jack crept quietly to a sideboard, and possessing 
 himself of die water jug, erect back, and gave his tutor a 
 good drenching. 
 
 Mr. Mole almost shrieked at die cold water application. 
 
 "Whoisit? What is it? " he called out; " is anybody 
 fll'"
 
 130 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Awfully deep groans answered him. 
 
 " Good gracious ! what's the matter ? where am I ? " he 
 faltered, as he pulled himself up to a sitting posture, and 
 looked out into the darkness. 
 
 Profound silence reigned around. 
 
 " Any body there ? " Mr. Mole asked, tremulously. 
 
 " Oh, oh, oh ! " answered an awfully deep voice. 
 
 " Oh, oh, oh ! " echoed another voicejpf equal profundity. 
 
 The tutor began to feel his hair "bristle slightly, as he 
 cried 
 
 " Oh, oh, oh ! " 
 
 " Isaac Mole ! Isaac Mole ! " continued the first voice. 
 
 " Isaac Mole ! Isaac Mole ! " repeated the second. 
 
 " Who are you ? What do you want ? Isaac Mole's gone 
 out," faintly gurgled the preceptor. 
 
 " We am de sperrits ob you unhappy wives." 
 
 " I've got no wife but one," cried the alarmed Mole ; " I'll 
 take my oath I haven't." 
 
 " Don't tell none ob you wicked lies, you base deceiver ! " 
 replied Sunday and Monday, imitating the feminine tone 
 as closely as possible ; " you know you got two oder 
 wives." 
 
 "Where where are they now?" groaned Mole nervously. 
 
 " Here we am," exclaimed two deeply solemn voices from 
 the foot of the couch. 
 
 Isaac Mole heard the voices, and looked towards the spot 
 whence they proceeded. 
 
 Gradually, as he looked, two white figures glided from 
 behind the drapery and stood before the scared Isaac. 
 
 Their faces were of a ghastly grey hue, and their features 
 shone with a blazing phosphoric light. 
 
 The jaws of the venerable Isaac began to chatter. 
 
 It must be his deceased wives come to pay him a visit. 
 
 " What do you want, my dear loves ? " he asked, in trem- 
 bling accents, every particular hair in his head standing bolt 
 upright with horror. 
 
 " We here to warn you, Isaac Mole," replied the dear loves 
 in awfully hollow tones. 
 
 "Warn me of what?" Isaac inquired, his teeth rattling 
 together like a pair of castanets. 
 
 " Of your approaching doom." 
 
 " My approaching doom ? " echoed Mole, in a tone of 
 horrible incredulity.
 
 ADVENTURES Hi CHINA. 131 
 
 " We tefl you your doom fixed," replied Monday ; * you 
 come to jine us in de world ob sperrits." 
 
 " Bat, my dear loves, I don't wish to join you in the land 
 of spirits." 
 
 At that moment the ghostly figures seemed as though they 
 would have clutched poor Mole. 
 
 - Get out ! " roared the bewildered Mole ; " I'm not going 
 with you. I'm in robust health, and intend to live fifty rears 
 longer. Go away, I command you, and don't annoy me any 
 longer." 
 
 The spectres laughed mockingly. 
 
 * Ha, ha, ha ! your hours am numbered, Isaac Mole ; you 
 have not twelve hours to live." 
 
 At this terrible announcement Mole sat upright in his bed. 
 
 ** You pair of ugly frights, I don't believe you," he roared. 
 " Why shouldn't I live ? what's the matter with me ? I'm 
 still young." 
 
 " You've destroyed your constitution wid rum ! " answered 
 the spectres. " Yon go off all ob a sudden wid spontaneous 
 combustion. You go pop, and your ugly head go off." 
 
 " It shan't, I tell you," roared Mole, who was in a cold 
 sweat with terror. "I've turned teetotaller. There isn't a 
 drop of spirit in me." 
 
 " Ho ! ho ! ho ! " laughed the spectres in a hollow, iron- 
 ical tone ; " you all spirit ; see ! " 
 
 As they spoke, one of the spectres glided to the foot of 
 the couch and placed its ghastly finger on the tutor's wooden 
 
 leg- 
 
 A slight fax was heard. 
 
 And a bright shower of sparks poured out from the end of 
 the wooden member. 
 
 Isaac Mole fell back aghast on the couch. 
 
 " Mercy on me ! " he shrieked loudly ; " murder ! fire ! 
 Mar ur ur der." 
 
 Then followed a tremendous bang. 
 
 The interior of the pavilion was lighted up with a bright, 
 gfrmfy blue glare. 
 
 The* tutor could see that his wooden leg was completely 
 shattered. 
 
 " Oh, mv poor leg. I'm a dead man," he groaned. 
 
 44 Isaac Mole, Isaac Mole, follow us," cried the spectres. 
 
 "I I can't;" be returned; "my leg's shivered into 
 atoms. I can't walk without my leg."
 
 132 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Thea hop ! " shouted the remorseless ghosts. 
 
 A bright green light now illumined the interior with 
 ghastly distinctness. 
 
 " Are you coming ? " demanded the spectres, imper- 
 atively. " If you don't we shall " 
 
 They made a step forward, but Isaac Mole, in an agony of 
 terror, sprang from the bed. 
 
 " I'll try," he exclaimed. " Which way am I to go ? " 
 
 " Follow me," cried Monday, still imitating his late wife's 
 voice, as he stalked away. 
 
 The hapless Mole caught up a broom that was near him, 
 and placing the brush part under his arm for a crutch, hopped 
 after the supposed spirit as well as he could, puffing and 
 grunting in much perturbation of mind. 
 
 Monday, in his ghostly garb, let the way into the garden 
 towards the tank. 
 
 The preceptor followed. 
 
 Hop, hop, hop, hop. 
 
 Up the plank Monday glided. 
 
 " I can't go up there," gasped Mr. Mole. 
 
 " You must. We, the departed spirits of your loving 
 wives, command you. Come on." 
 
 The distracted Mole paused for a moment. 
 
 One of the spectres had sprung nimbly across the tank, 
 and now beckoned him from the other side. 
 
 " Come on," he cried. 
 
 Young Jack, who had crept closely behind his tutor, now 
 affixed a couple of squibs to his collar, and ignited them. 
 
 " Follow me," commanded the spirit. 
 
 At this moment, whizz went both the squibs. 
 
 With a yell of terror, Isaac Mole, with his broom and 
 wooden leg, hopped up the plank. 
 
 Just as he reached the end, both the fireworks exploded 
 with a loud bang. 
 
 Up went the plank, and head first into the tank plunged 
 Mole, with a shriek and a splash, where he lay floundering 
 and imbibing the liquid element, fully convinced his last 
 hour was come. 
 
 " Hallo ! hallo ! What's the matter here ? " cried young 
 Jack, in a tone of surprise, as though he had just reached 
 the spot. 
 
 " Who is it ? " he asked, as he looked over the edge of the 
 tank.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 133 
 
 * Oh, my dear Jack, it's me. Save me, dear boy : I'm 
 crowning^" gasped the victim. 
 
 "What, Mr. Mole ! " ejaculated our hero. " So it is, I 
 declare. Here, Sunday Monday, come and help my 
 worthy tutor." 
 
 Sunday and Monday, who had in the meantime removed 
 their ghostly garments, and wiped the chalk from their faces, 
 came running up, and speedily extricated Mr. Mole from 
 his unpleasant predicament. 
 
 "Oh, dear Mr. Mole, how dis happen to you, sar?" said 
 Monday. 
 
 But Mr. Mole made no reply. 
 
 Then, after drying the worthy gentleman, they put him to 
 bed. 
 
 He awoke next day, rather scared with the terrors of the 
 preceding night, and declared he would never sleep in the 
 haunted room again. But the lesson did him some good, in- 
 asmuch as he never from that moment tasted another drop 
 of the delectable robnr, the spirit of tea. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 EV WHICH MR. MOLE RECEIVES AN CTVTTATIOM TO 
 FROM TWO ILLUSTRIOUS CHIXESE, 
 
 "Hi, Sunday! Monday!" 
 
 "What you want, Massa Jack? " 
 
 " I've just got a splendid idea." 
 
 "Hah yon though ? Keep it den, Massa Jack, you may 
 want it some day." 
 
 - Yes, but this is first-rate, and will do for Mole" 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 The eyes of the niggers glistened at the prospect. 
 
 Am it as big a lark as de ghosts ob MassaMokfs wives, 
 Massa Jack ? ~ they asked. 
 
 '-Quite as big," returned our hero with a grin. " I don't 
 know whether it isn't bigger, if any thing, only it's of a dif- 
 ferent kind." 
 
 "Tefl us what it is, please," entreated the darkies, 
 ri-tr.Y. 
 
 "Well this is it. You remember some time ago Mr. Mole 
 painting both your f aces on one side."
 
 134 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " Golly, yes ; um remember dat, puffecly," responded the 
 niggers, with a somewhat rueful grin ; " urn nebber forget it, 
 um got de glue in um wool now ; it nebber cum got out of 
 dis child's hair." 
 
 " Well, then, Mr. Mole painted and put glue on your hair 
 for his amusement." 
 
 " S'pose him did." 
 
 " And now I want you to paint yourselves for your 
 own." 
 
 At this proposition Sunday scratched his woolly head, and 
 looked inquiringly at his comrade. 
 
 Monday also looked in a similar manner at him, and per- 
 formed a similar operation. 
 
 " Excuse me. Massa Jack," said the former ; " dis child 
 don't exactly see de 'musement ob painting him face." 
 
 " No more do I, neider," joined in Monday ; " ft took all 
 de skin off him countin' house de last time um washed it 
 off." 
 
 Young Jack laughed. 
 
 "You wouldn't have to use oil colour this time," he said ; 
 " it would come off easily enough." 
 
 M Well, but what de good ob it ? " asked the darkies. 
 
 *" As I told you, to play Mr. Mole a trick." 
 
 " What trick-? " 
 
 "" I want you to paint your faces, and put on the dresses 
 of two of the native Chinese." 
 
 " Iss, Massa Jack." 
 
 " Then you'll come and present yourselves at the gate of 
 Mr. Mole's domicile, and desire to see him." 
 
 " Iss ; and what den ? " 
 
 " You know what a conceited old fellow my tutor is." 
 
 " Dat berry true, Massa Jack; him don't 'tink small beer 
 ob himself." 
 
 " Well, you'll give yourselves out to be two people of con- 
 sequence two mandarins." 
 
 " Ah, yes ; two mannikins." 
 
 " No, no ; mandarins." 
 
 " Beg him pardon, mandarins ; and what we do den ? " 
 
 " You'll make out that the fame of Mr. Isaac Mole has 
 reached you, and that you have come to feast your eyes 
 upon that wonderful individual." 
 
 " Yes, yes ; we understand dat." 
 
 " Well, then, you know you can invite him to dinner."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 135 
 
 " Where we get de dinner, Massa Jack ? " inquired the 
 the niggers in one breath. 
 
 " There'll be none, of course. Don't you see ? You'll ask 
 Mr. Mole to visit you at an imaginary place, to feast upon a 
 phantom dinner." 
 
 " Ha, ha ? golly, dat good ! " grinned the darkies : 
 " Massa Mole come find no house, no grub, no rum, no no- 
 think." 
 
 " Exactly." 
 
 " But he not take us for Chinese," remarked Monday 
 doubtfully. 
 
 " I shall disguise you." returned Jack. 
 
 " What we do for pigtails ! " inquired Sunday. 
 
 " I'll manage all that," said our hero. 
 
 ** But, Massa Jack," exclaimed Sunday, all of a sudden 
 looking very blank, " dere one drefful licker." 
 
 " What's that ? " 
 
 " Why, we not able to speak a word Chinese," 
 
 " Never mind, use any crack-jaw words you think of just 
 to start with. He'll never know the difference, and then 
 he'll be very to find that you speak English." 
 
 " All right, Massa Jack," exclaimed Monday and Sunday. 
 
 It took all the rest of the day to get the native costumes 
 and sundry necessary properties from Chang's stores. 
 
 Our hero having arranged these preliminary matters, he 
 gave his sable pupils a good drilling. 
 
 Sunday and Monday proved apt scholars, and before 
 they retired for the night, young Jack had taught them to 
 perform their kotou* in a most perfect and natural manner. 
 ****** 
 
 The worthy Isaac was shaving himself the next morning 
 when his hopeful pupil entered the room in a well-assumed 
 state of excitement. 
 
 "Oh, I'm so glad you're up," said the latter, eagerly, 
 " for two Chinese gentlemen are awaiting to see you." 
 
 "Two Chinese gentlemen!" echoed Mr. Mole, opening 
 his eyes widely. 
 
 " Yes ; and they seem to me to be of high rank." 
 
 " High rank ! "' almost gasped Mr. Mole, becoming at 
 once nervously evcited. 
 
 "Yes, and I fancy it's something particular, they seemed 
 
 * A Chinese mode of salutation, in which the visitor prostrates him- 
 self, and touches the ground with his forehead nine times.
 
 136 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 so anxious to see you. I wouldn't disappoint them, sir. 
 You'd better get dressed as quickly as possible." 
 
 " Yes, yes ; I will," said Mr. Mole. 
 
 And then in his agitation he plunged into a series of the 
 wildest extravagances. 
 
 He put on his trousers the wrong way, and tried to 
 button his waistcoat up his back. 
 
 He combed his hair with the brush. 
 
 He brushed his hair with the comb. 
 
 His wooden legs also gave him a great deal of trouble, 
 refusing obstinately to allow themselves to be screwed into 
 their sockets. 
 
 At length, however, with Jack's assistance, his toilet was 
 finished. 
 
 On entering, he perceived two splendid-looking Chinese. 
 
 Their complexions were of a hue something between 
 yellow ochre and coffee grits. 
 
 They had closely-shaven heads, and magnificent pigtails. 
 
 Not the least suspicion of any trick crossed Mole's imag- 
 ination. He bowed his head and placed his hands to his 
 forehead in token of respect. 
 
 The strangers returned his salutation, and Monday ex- 
 claimed, in very queer Chinese 
 
 " Hoon, tsing, tsing ! (Are you well ? Hail ! hail ! ) " 
 
 " Delighted to see you, gentlemen," answered Mr. Mole. 
 " Pray, may I request to know to what I am indebted for the 
 honour of this visit ? " 
 
 " We hear much talkee of you, Misser Mole," replied 
 Sunday, condescendingly. 
 
 " Yes," joined in Monday, " dey say you very learned 
 man you got great lot of knowledge in your head." 
 
 The erudite Isaac, feeling intensely flattered, rose and 
 bowed, till he almost dipped his nose in his tea cup. 
 
 " I trust, gentlemen," he replied, " I may say, without 
 boasting, I do know a thing or two." 
 
 " A thing or two ? " joined in young Jack. " He knows 
 every thing there is to be known, gentlemen, and lots more 
 besides." 
 
 " Yah ! yah ! " exclaimed the Chinese. " He look so, 
 and dat is what bring me and my broder here." 
 
 " Oh, you are brothers then ! " said Mr. Mole. 
 
 " Yah ! " replied Sunday. " My name is Chow-chow." 
 
 " And mine, Chum-chum," joined in Monday.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 137 
 
 M Very pretty names, too," remarked our hero to himself, 
 with a quiet grin, " especially Chum-chum." 
 
 " Can I be of any service to you, gentlemen, in a 
 scientific capacity ? " inquired Mole. 
 
 " No, no, tankee, Misser Mole," replied Chow-chow ; " my 
 broder and myself not talkee much Inglese." 
 
 " Nor can I pretend to talkee much Chinese," returned 
 Mr. Mole, imitating their broken English out of compliment. 
 
 A few more puffs of their pipes, and then the tutor said 
 
 " I presume gentlemen, you had some motive in favour- 
 ing me with this visit ? " 
 
 " Oh. yah, yah ! " returned the gentlemen ; " we came 
 here to invite you to dinner with us." 
 
 " To dinner ! " echoed Mr. Mole, his countenance glow- 
 ing with gratified surprise. 
 
 " Yes, Misser Mole ; M you will favour us with the illum- 
 ination of vour presence." 
 
 The gratified Mole made instantly a willing offer of him- 
 self. 
 
 " You will come then ? " they said. 
 
 " Undoubtedly," exclaimed Isaac, glowingly. 
 
 " So will I if you ask me," joined in young Jack. 
 
 " Ah, yes ; so you shall," said the good-natured Chinese. 
 " S'pose you Misser Mole's son, eh ? " 
 
 " Oh. no," Jack replied ; " I'm not a Mole, I'm a Hark- 
 away." 
 
 "Oh, indeed; Hark'way." 
 
 "Of course you've heard of the Harkaways in the 
 History of England, haven't you ? " 
 
 " You mean Jack Harkaway, eh ? ** 
 
 " That's the ticket," returned our hero, briskly ; " there's 
 dad and me, old Jack and young Jack, two especial cele- 
 brities, of the reign of her gracious majesty Queen Victoria, 
 of the Boys of England." 
 
 Messieurs Chow-chow and Chum-chum laughed heartily 
 at our hero's free-and-easy manner, and insisted on his 
 making one of the party. 
 
 " Mind you be sure come to dinner, Misser Young Jack 
 Boy of England wid Misser Mole," they said. 
 
 " Make yourselves perfectly easy, gentlemen.** Jack re- 
 plied ; " I'll be there." 
 
 " But where are we to come to ? " asked Tsaac Mole, 
 " and at what hour ? "
 
 1 38 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Chow-chow drew from his vest a crimson envelope about 
 a foot long, and presented it with much form to Mole. 
 
 " You'll find directions as to time and place enclosed," he 
 said. 
 
 No sooner were they gone than Mr. Mole, on the tiptoe 
 of curiosity, tore open the crimson envelope. 
 
 Its contents, which were fortunately written in English, 
 were as follows 
 
 " Chow-chow and his brother Chum-chum to the Great 
 Mole. 
 
 " Expected 25th day, 6 o'clock, at the Abode of Joy, in 
 the Garden of Sweet perfumes. Drink wine drink tea 
 rum if liked smoke tobacco eat every thing nice. 
 
 " CHOW-CHOW CHUM-CHUM. 
 " (With compliments)." 
 
 Added in pencil 
 
 " Misser Young Jack Harkaway expected very much." 
 
 Mole carefully perused this document. 
 
 "You see, my dear boy," he remarked grandly to Jack ; 
 "great men cannot be concealed." 
 
 Jack read the note through. 
 
 " No more can great boys ; in fact, it seems to me the 
 boys have the best of it, for I read here, Mr. Mole is only 
 'expected,' whilst 'Misser Young Jack Harkaway' is ex- 
 pected very much." 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 IN WHICH AN EXTRAORDINARY MISTAKE OCCURS, WHICH IN- 
 TRODUCES MR. MOLE AND OUR HERO INTO THE ELITE OF 
 CHINESE SOCIETY. 
 
 " IT is very evident," remarked Mr. Mole, " that these 
 gentlemen are persons of distinction. I suppose they are 
 attached to the court of his Celestial Majesty ? " 
 
 " They belong to the privy council," Jack informed 
 him. 
 
 " Do they, though ? " 
 
 " Yes," continued young Harkaway, " each one sits at the 
 head of a board, and his word is law."
 
 ADVENTURES IX CHINA. 
 
 '39 
 
 " Indeed," said Mole, with surprise. 
 
 ** What a highly-connected set of people we Ve got amongst 
 us all of a sudden." 
 
 " Rather," said young Jack. 
 
 " What costume ought I to wear at this dinner-party ? " 
 returned Mr. Mole. 
 
 Young Jack shut one eye, and appeared for a few moments 
 be to buried in profound 'thought. 
 
 At length he said 
 
 " Full military costume." 
 
 " Full military costume. Why so?" asked Mole. "Be- 
 came; you see; I have nothing whatever in the shape of mili- 
 tary attire. 7 ' 
 
 " Oh, that needn't stand in the way," said his pupil ; ** I 
 think 1 can get you anything you require in the way of regi- 
 mentals. 7 ' 
 
 " But why should I wear regimentals ? " asked the tutor. 
 u I do not belong to the army." 
 
 " But I think I have heard you say you had relatives in 
 the Volunteen ?" 
 
 " Quite right, I have." 
 
 " Very well, then, that's quite sufficient to entitle you to a 
 military uniform," said young Jack, positively. 
 
 " Do you think so ? " 
 
 " Certainly." 
 
 The high-minded Mole was struck with the words of his 
 youthful counsellor. 
 
 His personal vanity also was tickled, and he replied 
 
 " Your remarks are very sensible, highly so ; and far 
 beyond your years." 
 
 I am inclined to think with you that a uniform would be 
 perhaps the most suitable costume I could adopt." 
 
 "Very well then ; 111 undertake to get you your outfit," 
 continued his pupil. 
 
 " I'm very much obliged to you," returned Mole, " very 
 much indeed." 
 
 " Don't mention it ; it's always a pleasure to oblige a 
 celebrated man like you." 
 
 " Noble boy," said Mole. 
 
 At about four o'clock Jack returned loaded with the neces- 
 sary habiliments. 
 
 The eyes of the preceptor glistened as he looked at the 
 gorgeous all ire.
 
 I 4 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Certainly the coat was several sizes too large, having been 
 made for a stout man. 
 
 Whilst the trousers were not long enough by many inches, 
 the original wearer having been short. 
 
 A long sword dangled at his side, and a towering cocked 
 hat with a white feather ornamented his head. 
 
 All being ready, the tutor, accompanied by his pupil, left 
 the house. 
 
 At the gate, to his great astonishment, he found in attend- 
 ance, the entire body of Chinese labourers. 
 
 Of these, some carried flags, some coloured lanterns. 
 
 Whilst by way of music, our hero had thoughtfully provided 
 a gong, a bell, a drum, and a pair of cymbals. 
 
 Isaac Mole was electrified. 
 
 "This is extraordinary!" he ejaculated; "and you ar- 
 ranged all this, did you ? " 
 
 " I did," replied young Jack modestly, " but it was quit, 
 necessary." 
 
 " I believe you're right, my dear boy, quite right." 
 
 " Suppose we start then ? " suggested Jack to Mr. Molw 
 
 " I'm quite ready," said Mole. 
 
 On each side of Mole, as a guard of honour, walked Sun- 
 day and Monday, who had resumed their proper appear 
 ance, and now accompanied the cortege. 
 
 In front waved the flags. 
 
 Behind dangled the lanterns. 
 
 " Now then," shouted young Jack, " play up, musicians, 
 and forward to the ' Abode of Joy in the Garden of Sweet 
 Perfumes.' " 
 
 The gong sounded, the bell rang, the cymbals clashed, the 
 retainers shouted, and away went the procession. 
 
 Through the town and round the outskirts, collecting crowds 
 of gazers as they passed along. 
 
 But alas, without arriving at their place of destination. 
 
 No one seemed to know any thing of the locality of the 
 blissful spot. 
 
 In the meantime the hours flew by. 
 
 Mr. Mole had got awfully hungry. 
 
 "There must be some mistake," suggested Mr. Mole. 
 " Are you sure you have the right address ? " he asked of his 
 pupil. 
 
 " Positive," answered the latter.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 14.1 
 
 " Dessay we find it by and by, Massa Mole, if you hab 
 patience,"" suggested Monday. 
 
 * But I'm starving," growled Mole. 
 
 Young Jack called out to the men with the ' 
 
 "Light up, you buffers ! " 
 
 It was now getting dusk, and in a few seconds the light 
 of a score of coloured lanterns illuminated the road. 
 
 It looks imposing, doesn't it ?" exclaimed Jack. And 
 then he shouted 
 
 " Forward ! " 
 
 Again they moved on, when suddenly there was a great 
 
 "What's the matter ?" inquired Mr. Mole. 
 
 " I think we've got to the Garden of Sweet 
 last," returned our hero. 
 
 " I'm inclined to think so myself," said the tutor ; "and 
 there's a lovely smell of cooking." 
 
 "WeU,wedderkde "bode ob joy or not, I rink k m good 
 plan to stop here," Sunday suggested : "p'raps gk some 
 
 A crowd of domestics appeared, and a Chinese gentleman, 
 richly dressed, and as round as a tub, MINI liiiiiijiiifcllmiqEjh 
 the throng. 
 
 'Ah, my dear major-general, you come at last?" he 
 exclaimed, eagerly. 
 
 Isaac Mole gazed hopelessly at the portly host, and ejaco- 
 
 Major-generaL What does he mean ?" 
 
 "Why, he takes you for a major-generat of course," hastily 
 whispered his pnpfl ; " and no wonder, yon look like one." 
 
 The Chinese gentleman went on very anxiously 
 
 He fraid your excellency no come'at alL" 
 
 " The fact is, your eminence, " replied our hero, - the gov- 
 ernor lost his way, or we should have been here long ago. 7 * 
 
 " Ah. I see ; but never mind, the dinner wait for you.** 
 
 Isaac Mole was hoisted out in no time. 
 
 Young Jack sprang nimbly from his seat. 
 
 - Ill have my dinner if I can, anyhow," thought our hero ; 
 I shall be ready for any thing after that." 
 
 "The major has come at last, my dear friend !" said the 
 worthy host to those assembled; "let me have the honour to 
 to you his excellency the British governor, Major- 
 
 present 
 Genenl
 
 1 42 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Mole was completely floored at the unexpected title he had 
 received. 
 
 The great man dropped into the seat nearest at hand. 
 
 Unfortunately as he sat down, his wooden leg stuck up, and 
 coming in contact with a tea tray which one of the servants 
 was about to hand to him, it sent tray and tea cups flying in 
 all directions. 
 
 The horror and confusion of the embarrassed tutor was 
 indescribable. 
 
 At length, however, the excitement caused by the accident 
 subsided. 
 
 The tea being finished, dinner began in earnest. 
 
 The young Chinese gentlemen seated near Mole and Jack 
 became more and more friendly and convivial. 
 
 They pointed out to them several choice dishes of exquisite 
 flavour. 
 
 " You must taste little of this," they said, helping their 
 companions to some fresh luxuries. 
 
 " Upon my honour, I can't stand any more," protested 
 Jack with a shudder ; " I've had about three times as much 
 as I ought." 
 
 " So have I," admitted Mr. Mole, pressing his hand 
 upon his stomach. " I am sorry to be disobliging, but 
 really I feel if I were to eat another mouthful, I should 
 burst." 
 
 "Oh, no, no! " laughed the Chinese gentlemen, "no burst 
 with dis meat. It too tender." 
 
 " Pray what do you call this ? " inquired Mr. Mole with 
 some curiosity. 
 
 "Dis? Puppy dog," returned the gentleman, smacking 
 his lips enthusiastically. 
 
 " Puppy dog ! " gasped the tutor, clapping both hands over 
 his mouth and shuddering violently. 
 
 " Yes, indeed ; it great luxury." 
 
 " And what's that ? " asked Jack, pointing to a dish from 
 which he had been eating. 
 
 " Dat is little pussy-cat, what you call kitten." 
 
 Jack's stomach heaved convulsively at this statement. 
 
 " I say, old son," he murmured, " I'll take a little brandy, 
 neat, if you please." 
 
 The cordial was poured out, and Mr. Mole joined his pupil 
 in a " nip," after which they felt better. 
 
 " You eat extraordinary things in China," remarked our
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 143 
 
 aero ; " we don't care about puppy-dogs or pussy-cats either 
 in England." 
 
 " Ob, dey great favourite here, so also are de little rats and 
 mouses." 
 
 " Rats and mouses ! " echoed the preceptor and his pupil 
 simultaneously ; " you don't mean to sav YOU eat any thing so 
 horrible?" 
 
 "Oh, yes ; certainly," replied their friends with much ad- 
 miration ; " you eat dem just now and say dey beautif uL" 
 
 The eyes of Mr. Mole and young Jack Harkaway turned 
 up in their heads, and they fell back helplessly in their seats. 
 
 " More brandy ! quick I" gasped the former. 
 
 " Ditto ! ditto ! " echoed Jack. 
 
 Again the stimulant was administered, when suddenly the 
 Tartar came out with a tremendous 
 
 "Ho!" 
 
 This was immediately followed by a loud yell as a couple 
 >f well-kneaded bread bullets, propelled by Sunday and 
 Monday, took effect on his right eye and his nose. 
 
 The missiles stung him awfully, and with a tremendous 
 ath (in the Tartar language) he sprang to his feet. 
 
 " What dat you do you Inglese eh ? " he demanded, 
 jooking fiercely at Jack. 
 
 " Are you addressing yourself to me ? " inquired young 
 fack coolly, as he quietly untwisted the wire from the' cork 
 f the champagne bottle which he held between his knees. 
 
 " Yah ! to you, sah ! " returned the furious Tartar. " What 
 de debbil you mean to shoot me in my eye eh ? Hoh 1 " 
 
 He stroked his chin and glared at our hero like a nend. 
 
 " I didn't shoot you in your eye," Jack replied ; " you're 
 dreaming. Sit down and don't make a fool of yourself.*' 
 
 - I shall not sit down, sah ! You shall ask my pardon ! 
 Hoh ! hoh ! yes, you shall ! " 
 
 " 111 see you blowed first.'' 
 
 "You won't, eh?" 
 . " I won't ! " 
 
 " Hoh, hoh ! then I shall " 
 
 Here the fierce being made a desperate attempt to throw 
 himself across the table and grasp his juvenile defier. 
 
 But, at that moment, Jack, who had unfastened the wire 
 and given the bottle a good shake, removed his thumb from 
 the cork. 
 
 A loud bang and a fizz was heard, and the irate Mongo-
 
 144 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOW'S 
 
 lian started up, drenched with champagne, and with the cork 
 half-way down his throat. 
 
 " I shall kill you ! " he raved, as he drew his sword and 
 sprang upon the table. 
 
 As the frantic Tartar leapt down upon Mole, the gallant 
 Isaac, with great dexterity, hoisted his wooden leg in the air, 
 so that the ferocious Mongol received the round knob exactly 
 in the pit of his stomach. 
 
 " Hoh ! " was the only remark he made, as he doubled 
 up and fell with a crash to the ground, from whence he was 
 quickly picked up and carried from the apartment. 
 
 Peace being restored, the worthy Mole began to get ex- 
 ceedingly jolly. 
 
 " You're glor'us people ! hie very glor'us ! " he ex- 
 claimed. " China's great nation ! hie very great ! 
 
 " I respect you all ! " he continued, " the puppy-dogs and 
 pussy-cats excepted not forgetting the rats and mouses 
 which, as a subject of Great Britain, I decidedly object to. 
 Nevertheless, you're a great nation, and I respect you ; I 
 respect you all ! I respect his celestial majesty the emperor 
 good luck to him, and may he never want a teapot 
 
 " Three cheers for the emperor ! " 
 
 " Hip hip hip hurrah ! " 
 
 The worthy Mole, having drunk a bumper of champagne 
 in honour of his celestial majesty, found himself becoming 
 more and more disposed to conviviality, and volunteered to 
 sing a song. 
 
 " With your permission I will sing a few lines composed 
 on the spot, expressly in honour of this memorable occasion." 
 
 A murmur of applause ran through the festive throng. 
 
 And Isaac Mole, clearing his throat, commenced 
 
 " If you happy wish to be, 
 
 Go to China! 
 If you'd taste a cup of tea, 
 
 Go to China ! 
 If a dinner you would eat, 
 I can promise you a treat, 
 
 If you go to China! 
 Puppy dogs, and kittens too, 
 Rats and mice a sav'ry stew, 
 
 JCvery day in China! 
 /oily dogs are Chinamen, 
 No other nation feeds like them 
 
 Who live in China !
 
 ADVENTURES IX CIUXA. 145 
 
 They beat all other countries hollow, 
 
 For strength of head, and length of swallow 
 
 Go to China! 
 Then hurrah for China ! 
 Three cheers for China ! 
 If you want to get fat, 
 Hurry over to China. 
 
 Chorus If you want to get fat, 
 Hurry over to China ! " 
 
 This vocal effusion was received with deafening applause. 
 
 Pipes, tea, and liqueurs, were again handed round. 
 
 Isaac Mole was in the seventh heaven of ecstasy. 
 
 " This is hie jolly, very jol ly, my dear boy," he said 
 to his pupil. 
 
 " Couldn't be jollier, I think." 
 
 " There's only one thing surprises me." 
 
 " What's that ? " 
 
 " That we haven't seen any thing of the two gentlemen 
 who invited us." 
 
 " It is rather strange, certainly." 
 
 At this moment the host drew near. 
 
 " I hope your excellency enjoy yourself," he said. 
 
 " Never better, my dear boy," returned the preceptor, fa- 
 miliarly ; " but I miss two very particular members of your 
 family." 
 
 The host looked at him in surprise. 
 
 " What two you miss ? " 
 
 " Chow-chow, and Chum-chum." 
 
 The eyebrows of his entertainer went up with a jerk. 
 
 " I know nothing of Chow-chow and Chum-chum." 
 
 " Oh, gammon ! " returned Mr. Mole, poking him sharply 
 in the ribs ; " that tale won't do. You're Chow-chow's uncle, 
 you know you are." 
 
 " I ? " ejaculated the master of the house. 
 
 " Yes, of course," insisted Mr. Mole ; " you belong to the 
 Hung- poo." 
 
 " What you mean ? " 
 
 " I mean what I say." 
 
 " You're quite wrong." 
 
 " Of course he is," joined in Jack ; " the idea of taking 
 you for Chow-chow's uncle, when anyone can see you're 
 Chum-chum's grandfather." 
 
 " I tell you," almost shrieked the host, " I know neither 
 Chow-chow nor Chum-chum."
 
 1 46 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOJV'S 
 
 11 Then who the deuce are you ? " 
 
 " I am Commissioner Wang-ki." 
 
 " Oh," stammered Mole, " Commissioner Wang-ki, are 
 you ? " 
 
 The worthy Mole, who found considerable difficulty in 
 keeping his perpendicular, was just about to depart, when 
 suddenly a dispatch arrived from the emperor. 
 
 Commissioner Wang-ki came hurrying to him. 
 
 " His celestial majesty has heard that your excellency is 
 here," he said, " and desires your immediate presence at his 
 palace." 
 
 " Bother his celestial majesty," growled Mole ; " I'm tired 
 to death ; I can't go to-night." 
 
 Commissioner Wang-ki looked aghast at this daring ob- 
 jection, then said 
 
 " You must go." 
 
 Once more the gong sounded. 
 
 Mr. Mole was, however, unconscious of any thing ; he had 
 fallen fast asleep. 
 
 Young Jack, at first awake, gradually yielded to the motion 
 of the palanquin, and in a very short time he was also wrapped 
 in the arms of Morpheus. 
 
 Master and pupil slumbered together. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 IN WHICH THE LITTLE MISTAKE IS DISCOVERED, AND LEADS TO 
 AN AWFUL ROW HOW IT ENDED. 
 
 THE repose of the sleepers was at length disturbed. 
 
 " Hoh ! " 
 
 The occupants of the palanquin roused themselves and 
 looked out. 
 
 Close alongside was the formidable Tartar, stroking his 
 moustache and looking as black as a thundercloud. 
 
 " Dear me ! is that you ? " exclaimed Mr. Mole, confusedly. 
 
 " Yah ! it is me. Hoh, hoh, yes." 
 
 " Ah ! I remember you now," said the tutor. 
 
 " I remember you, too," returned the fierce individual, with 
 a diabolical grin ; " you poke me with your leg in my 
 stomach hoh, hoh ! yes."
 
 ADVEXJC&ES IX CHINA- 147 
 
 - And yon did not seen to tike it, bat mint do you 
 nom,MT.Aoh-boh?- 
 
 -I wait nothing 
 darkly. ffi 
 Jthe emperor. ' 
 
 This recalled the faculties of die somemhat bewildered 
 Isaac. 
 
 - Ob, ah, troe ! ** he mmmmed : " I was summoned 
 die emeiM, so I mas. Hare me arrived at the 
 
 -Yah? this is the palace. Hob, hob, yes." 
 
 " Stop diat bo-hoing, then, and shorn us d&e may in," said 
 
 I sbal annonnce yon tmo Ingkse first," said Ac Tartar 
 ^Kn^ x midi a scomL ~ This may. 9 
 
 At die entrance of tbe palace stood several of die imperial 
 body guard. 
 
 - Xom. diea/" said die Tartar, abrnpdy, " bom am I So 
 
 ^TdOhis imperial effidgence that Mr. I " 
 
 ** Yoofre ryiiig you re a major-general," said Jack. 
 "Dear me!! so I am," mmnmed Mr. Mote ; "and I've 
 
 -Was it Doormat?" snggested oar hero. 
 
 -I Idiinknot." 
 
 ^Doorscraper? Major-General Doorscraper sounds mdD. x 
 
 "No, I don r tt think it mas dial." 
 
 "No." 
 
 tt Fre got it," ~*<**i-~A Jack; n it was Taiainmiil. 1 
 
 - So it mas," cried Mr. Mole. 
 
 At diis jianliin, die voice of die Ta 
 
 "Major-General Brasspopper m 
 
 No, Brassknocker," said jmmg Jack, 
 
 -Knocker. And mho are you sopposed to be?" asked 
 
 r. Mole, of his pnpiL 
 
 ""Oh,rm your prirate sccicUn, Mr. Jack Harkamay, 
 
 " Yon mffl have die goodness to annoence Major-General
 
 1 48 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Brassknocker and his private secretary, Mr. Jack Harkaway, 
 junior." 
 
 " Hoh ! " ejaculated the Tartar, as he stroked his chin 
 and disappeared. 
 
 Presently he returned. 
 
 " Follow me," he said, abruptly. 
 
 " Now then, pull yourself together," counselled Jack to his 
 tutor, as they went along, " and if you can, put a little steam 
 into your wooden leg. But whatever you do, don't forget 
 your kotow, when you go into the emperor's presence." 
 
 " Kotow ! " echoed Mr. Mole. " What in the world's 
 that ? " 
 
 " It's a Chinese mode of salutation." 
 
 " Well, but what shall I have to do ? " 
 
 " Only go down on your marrowbones, and touch the 
 ground with your forehead nine times." 
 
 " It will be very awkward for me to kneel with my wooden 
 leg, which has no joint," remarked the preceptor. 
 
 " Well, awkward or not, you must manage it somehow,'' 
 said Jack. " But hush ! here we are." 
 
 The drapery was drawn aside, revealing an open door, 
 through which a soft, clear, mellow light was visible. 
 
 The Tartar guide entered and exclaimed in sonorous 
 accents 
 
 " Major-General Grasshopper, and his private secretary, 
 Mr. Jack Barkaway, junior." 
 
 Mr. Mole, making a strong effort to steady himself, 
 stumped forward in as dignified a manner as possible, with 
 his cocked hat under his arm, and his sword clanking at his 
 side, followed by our hero. 
 
 His majesty was very short and very corpulent, and bore 
 a striking resemblance to one of those china images, fre- 
 quently seen in the windows of the London tea shops, nod- 
 ding their heads to the customers. 
 
 Young Jack at once prostrated himself. 
 
 " Down with you," he whispered to his tutor. 
 
 The anxious Isaac contrived somehow to get on to one 
 knee, when he commenced bumping his head on the floor in 
 a. most energetic and loyal manner. 
 
 It is probable he would have gone on at this exercise all 
 night if young Jack had not checked him. 
 
 " Drop it ! that'll do," he said to him in an undertone, 
 ** or you'll be knocking a hole in the floor."
 
 A0WEXTURES JA' CHINA- 149 
 
 His majesty waved his hand as a token that they should 
 - rz- 
 Onr hero was on his legs in an ^tyt. 
 
 - Whatever -shall I do?" groaned the hapless Mole, the 
 drops of perspiration trickling down his nose. "" Help me 
 
 Jack, grasped Ins hannV and gave him a vigorous hoist. 
 
 A sharp snap was heard. 
 
 -Good Heaven ! *" exclaimed Mr. Mole. 
 
 "What's the matter now? "inquired Jack. 
 
 My leg. my leg!" 
 
 "Well, what of it?" 
 
 " It" s snapped in half." 
 
 - Never mind, try and stand up! lean on me." 
 
 Mr Mole having been hauled up to a perpendicular 
 ticn, contrived to balance himself on his right leg. UK 
 _rt : i .". r " " ' '- ~. - ~- -~-~.Lr ~ r ' ; _ ; t ~ ~. : 5 _ ~ ~ : : ~ .7. ~ ; ~ ". .~. - 
 
 - 1 am glad to see you General a Starch " 
 
 His majesty paused, having forgotten the name. 
 "Collar, vour serene anmeence,"" answered the Tartar, 
 
 kJ. MK 
 
 General SLujJufTKiar, repeated Ac emperoir. 
 " Most gorgeons brother of the sun and moon," cried 
 Mole, -I fed myself dazzled at the honour of being per- 
 to 
 
 "Ine emperor glanced towards our hero. 
 
 -Who is that?" he inquired. 
 
 "That is my private secretary, yonr eftdgence/' replied 
 the tutor, Mr. Jack Harkaway, junior^ 
 
 "Your royal highness has probably heard of me," said 
 our hero, with much animation. 
 
 The emperor shook his bead. 
 
 "Mo? That's strange," Jack continued. "I assure 
 your majesty, my adventures round the world are causing a 
 
 -Hob, boh!- burst out the 
 
 -Who said "Hob, boh?' 
 
 ** I did, your fragrant mightiness," answered the Mongo- 
 
 with a fearful squint, and
 
 150 JACK HARK A IVA Y AND HIS SOA r 'S 
 
 " Get out ! " 
 
 The Tartar made a profound obeisance, and took himself 
 off. 
 
 " You spoke of your adventures," said the emperor. 
 
 "Yes, your celestial eminence," replied Jack, "published 
 weekly at the office, 173, Fleet Street, London, E. C." 
 
 The potentate turned to his prime minister. 
 
 " Hoh," he said, " see that the ' Adventures of Jack Hark- 
 away Round the World ' are ordered immediately." 
 
 The emperor then spoke again to Mr. Mole. 
 
 " You are very thin, Major Cartstopper." 
 
 The major admitted the fact humbly. 
 
 " It is not good to be thin," the emperor continued ; " you 
 must get fat. Now approach." 
 
 " Don't leave me," whispered Mole to Jack, for he began to 
 have some misgivings as to how the interview might terminate. 
 
 " Well, but his effulgence says we're to approach." Jack 
 replied. " Come on." 
 
 " It's impossible ; I can't." 
 
 " Oh, yes, you, can ; try a hop." 
 
 " If I do, off will come my leg to a certainty." 
 
 The emperor yawned again. 
 
 All the mandarins followed the example of their august 
 master. 
 
 " Appproach," repeated his celestial majesty. 
 
 " I should be most happy, your serene effulgence," re- 
 turned Mr. Mole, pleadingly; "but I've met with a slight 
 accident." 
 
 " What accident ? " inquired the emperor. 
 
 " Compound fracture of the leftx pin, your magnificence," 
 answered Jack. 
 
 The potentate reflected for a moment or so. 
 
 Then, taking two rings from his fingers, he sent them by 
 one of the mandarins. 
 
 " Accept them as tokens of my friendly feeling towards 
 the sovereign and country you represent. Now you can go." 
 
 Hurried footsteps were heard in the corridor at that 
 moment. 
 
 The formidable Tartar once more entered hastily. 
 
 " Treason ! " he shouted ; " hoh ! hoh ! " 
 
 " Treason ! " echoed his celestial majesty, turning slightly 
 green. 
 
 " Yes, your mightiness."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 15! 
 
 Approach," said his majesty. 
 
 The Mongolian hastily ascended the throne steps, and 
 whispered to Us august master. 
 
 The imperial brow lowered : die imperial eyes glanced sus- 
 piciously at the representative of the British constitution and 
 his private secretary. 
 
 " I'm afraid we're bowled out, after all," whispered Jack to 
 Mole. 
 
 - Goodness gracious, I hope not," exclaimed Mole. 
 
 " It's a case. I'm afraid," returned our hero ; - we shall be 
 impaled as safe as nails." 
 
 44 Heaven forbid," groaned poor Isaac Mole. 
 
 To add to his apprehensions, the emperor at this moment 
 uttered a loud exclamation. 
 
 "Impostors! "he shouted. "Who are you?" 
 
 u My name is Mole Isaac Mole, instructor of youth, at 
 your majesty's service, faltered Mole. 
 
 " And you tell me just now, you are Major-General Baccy- 
 Stopper ! ** then exclaimed the incensed potentate. 
 
 - It's aD right, your high and mighty Cock-o'-Tmmps," 
 said our hero, in a soothing and confidential tone ; " there's 
 been a slight mistake, that's alL" 
 
 "The general has just arrived. Bring him before me, 
 instantly," cried the emperor. . 
 
 Away hurried the Tartar. 
 
 In a few seconds, footsteps were again heard without. 
 
 A party of mandarins headed by Wang-kt their late host, 
 came hurrying into the chamber. 
 
 Amongst them was a stout, fierce-looking Englishman in 
 QBDorro. 
 
 In an instant the dwelling of the serene sky was turned 
 into a Babel of confusion. 
 
 Everyone spoke at once. 
 
 Nobody understood a word anyone had said. 
 
 At length the emperor shouted 
 
 " Who are you ? " 
 
 - 1 have the honour to be the English governor, Major- 
 General Brassknocker. I had received an invitation to 
 dinner with this honourable member of your majesty's 
 government," the general continued, pointing to the commis- 
 doner, " but an accident on board my vessel prevented me 
 from coming on shore till a late hour, and then I hastened 
 to explain."
 
 152 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " But \vho,then, are these miserable impostors ? " demanded 
 the emperor, eyeing Mole and young Jack with indignant 
 sternness. 
 
 " I assure your majesty " began Mole, earnestly. 
 
 " How dare you assume a name that does not belong to 
 you ? " demanded the celestial monarch, fiercely. 
 
 " How dare you enter my house under false pretences, and 
 eat my dinner, eh ? " cried the indignant Wang-ki. 
 
 " You asked us to come in," returned the preceptor, " and 
 we didn't like to make ourselves disagreeable." 
 
 " Certainly not," joined in our hero, making a desperate 
 effort to set matters straight. 
 
 " You're a couple of swindlers," cried the real General 
 Brassknocker. 
 
 " Swindlers," echoed everybody. 
 
 " And he poke me in the stomach with his leg ! " shrieked 
 the ferocious Tartar, savagely. " Hoh, hoh ! yes." 
 
 Jack felt strongly inclined to give him one on the nose but 
 prudence restrained him. 
 
 " Come, Jack," cried Mole, trying to put a bold face on 
 the matter, " we had better say good-night to all." 
 
 And then he took a hop towards the door. 
 
 " Stop ! " shouted his celestial majesty. There was no 
 occasion to utter this mandate. 
 
 At the first hop, off dropped Mr. Mole's fractured limb, 
 and down went Mr. Mole on the ground. 
 
 The hapless tutor was completely done. 
 
 " Seize them both, and lock them up," cried the emperor ; 
 " to-morrow they shall receive their deserved punishment. 
 Away with them ! " 
 
 This was a crisis. 
 
 Jack did not like the idea of deserting his tutor. 
 
 As these thoughts passed through his mind, several of the 
 Chinese guard pounced upon the helpless Isaac, and hoisted 
 him up very unceremoniously, and hurried him out. 
 
 " Save the pieces," he murmured, as he looked anxiously 
 after the fragments of his wooden leg as he was borne away. 
 
 " I will," cried our hero, as he picked up the broken 
 stump. 
 
 " Now then, you boy Inglese," exclaimed three of the 
 soldiers ; " you come wid us." 
 
 " Not if I know it," cried Jack, as he dashed in amongst 
 them with his tutor's wooden leg. .
 
 ADVENTURES Iff CHINA. 153 
 
 In less time than it takes to write it, the imperial body- 
 guard were ignominiously scattered. 
 
 The way of escape was open. 
 
 Out Jack rushed, brandishing his missile triumphantly. 
 
 In the corridor he encountered the formidable Tartar. 
 
 " Stop, you boy," he shouted. 
 
 " I shan't, ugly mug," bawled our hero, defiantly, as he 
 pressed forward. 
 
 But the Mongolian drew his sword, and opposed his 
 progress. 
 
 " You would escape," he cried, as he made a terrific slash 
 with his weapon : " hoh, hoh, yes. Me not forgot the stiff 
 leg in the stomach and de cork in my throat." 
 
 Jack nimbly eluded his blow, and crying out 
 
 "Well, for a change, old fellow, take Mole's leg on yout 
 cranium.'* 
 
 And the Tartar received a hard whack from Mole's stump 
 
 " Hoh ! " he gurgled, and down he fell like a log. 
 
 Jack hurried on towards the entrance, where he saw 
 soldiers waiting to intercept him. 
 
 He retraced his steps, and entering an apartment, found a 
 window open. 
 
 Out of this he dropped into the garden. 
 
 No sooner had his feet touched the ground, than he was 
 seized by two soldiers. 
 
 In vain he struggled, the odds were too great. 
 
 u Let me go, you coffee-coloured rascals," he cried passion- 
 ately. 
 
 " No. no ; we lock you up, you Inglese tief boy, and kill 
 you to-morrow." 
 
 They commenced hurrying him along, when suddenly the 
 sound of two well-known voices greeted his ears. 
 
 " Dere him are, dere, Massa Jack." 
 
 Looking up, to his great joy he beheld the burly forms of 
 Sunday and Monday. 
 
 The faithful fellows, fearing some disaster, had lingered in 
 the garden, and now came up just at the right moment. 
 
 It took just four blows from their brawny fists to send the 
 imperial guard flying, and in less than two minutes our hero, 
 with Sunday and Monday, were scudding along the road 
 towards home.
 
 154 J A CK HARK A WAY AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 The next morning the hapless Isaac Mole was brought up 
 before Commissioner Wang-ki, to be tried for his imposture 
 of the previous day. 
 
 The trial was very brief, and the sentence that the tutor 
 should stand in the pillory for six hours. 
 
 After which he was to receive fifty strokes of the bastinado. 
 
 The unfortunate Mole had endured one hour's purgatory 
 with his head stuck in the distressing instrument of torture, 
 and was looking forward in dire anticipation to cne other 
 infliction, when, to his unspeakable joy, he beheld approach- 
 ing, his pupil, accompanied by Mr. Harkaway senior, Dick 
 Harvey, and the red-headed Major-General Brassknocker. 
 
 Fortunately the general was known to Harkaway, and on 
 matters being explained, and a slight tip of three hundred 
 dollars being handed over to the Commissioner Wang-ki that 
 incorruptible functionary consented to set his prisoner at 
 liberty. 
 
 So ended this adventure, but so greatly did it impress 
 Mr. Mole, that he never again sang a song in praise of China, 
 and always shuddered when he spoke of a Chinese dinner- 
 party. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 A MYSTERIOUS OCCURRENCE DELAYS THE DEPARTURE OF JACK 
 HARKAWAY AND HIS FRIENDS FOR THE TREASURE ISLAND 
 IN THE GREEK ARCHIPELAGO. 
 
 THE suspicions entertained by Mr. Mole and Pike respect- 
 ing Bigamini were perfectly correct. 
 
 He was in league with the Chinese pirates. 
 
 His relations with the captain and owner of the " Flowery 
 Land " were especially intimate. 
 
 He pretended to be a ship-broker and had an office in 
 Hong-Kong. 
 
 But he did not live there. 
 
 Oh, no ! His domicile was a few miles, out of the Chinese 
 Treaty port. 
 
 We shall come to that presently. 
 
 Biga-end-ming-ming, as he was called in Hong-Kong, but 
 Bigamini, as he really was, had two partners in his business.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHIXA. 155 
 
 One was a rascally. King, boastful g jf ' n. wbo had 
 been in more prisons than one. 
 
 His name was Dick Blowhard. 
 
 The other was a Dutchman, called Hans Schneider. 
 
 He had come from Holland to Smimra, and. being kicked 
 out of the Straits Settlements, had gone on to China. 
 
 Birds of a feather generally flock together. 
 
 Bigamiai had. fr****** nicked up bv a *liip 1far being thrown 
 over the vessel's side, in the Mediterranean Sea. 
 
 It was gieatei hick than he was entitled to. 
 
 The ship was going to China. 
 
 He served as a deck-hand, and worked his passage oat. 
 
 In Hong-Kong be met with Dick Blowhaid and Hans 
 " 
 
 They entered into business together as receivers of the 
 goods stolen by the junk pirates. 
 
 It was their business to pay a certain sum down, and to 
 make as big a market as they'could of the articles brought 
 them. 
 
 The iM-foifriMj trade paid them very welL 
 
 Blowhard and Schneider lived over die office where they 
 pretended to trade as ship-brokers, in Hong-Kong. 
 
 But; as we have said, Bigamini had a sepaiale residence. 
 
 He was a rascal, a sneak, and a villain of the worst type. 
 
 At the same time be had a certain amount of cleverness 
 about him. 
 
 Or shall we call it low conning? 
 
 Since he had been in China, he had made money, in con- 
 junction with his two partners. 
 
 The pirates with whom they were in connection, were glad 
 enough to dispose of their plunder, when they came into 
 port; for what they could get for it. 
 
 It had to be sold at a sacrifice. 
 
 BJgarwhri, Schneider, and BZowhard did a capital liuiim , 
 
 Ever since he left Naples we mar say, long before Biga- 
 mini had cherished a bitter hatred for Jack Harkaway. 
 
 Not only for him. 
 
 His enmity extended to young Jack aixf the famflr at large, 
 as wefl as to' their friends. 
 
 He had often met Hunston and the pirate captain. 
 
 They had entertained him right royally. 
 
 By their instructions he had worked bard to bring Hark- 
 away and his friends into their toils.
 
 1 56 JACK HARKA WA Y AND IUS CON * 
 
 For Mr. Mole he entertained the greatest contempt and 
 hatred. 
 
 He knew that he had money, and wanted to get it, hence 
 his attacks on his house. 
 
 Mr. Mole knew little of the people outside of his tea 
 plantation. 
 
 As they were not the same race as himself, he rarely came 
 in contact with his neighbours. 
 
 If he wanted any society, or the rest of the party for that 
 matter, they went to the city. 
 
 But, strange to say, no less a distance than five miles from 
 Mr. Mole's house, lived Bigamini, or Biga-end-ming-ming. 
 
 He had utilised his dishonest gains to buy a tea-garden, 
 situated near a small lake. 
 
 The sheet of water was included in the purchase. 
 
 So was the house of the former proprietor. 
 
 The Chinese are very fond of building their houses on 
 piles driven into the bed of a lake, or living in boathouses 
 moored on a river. 
 
 This particular house that Bigamini bought with the tea- 
 garden and lake was erected with considerable skill, a quar- 
 ter of a mile from the shore of the lake. 
 
 It was a pretty-looking and commodious wooden (chiefly 
 bamboo) structure. 
 
 The flooring was raised some height above the water 
 level. 
 
 Of course it could only be reached by a boat. 
 
 This was kept close to the house, attached by a rope. 
 
 When Bigamini left the city, which was distant from the 
 lake about six miles, he hired a man to drive him. 
 
 Having deposited him at the side of the lake, opposite 
 the house, he drove away 
 
 The next day, if instructed to do so, he would call for him, 
 and take him to Hong- Kong. 
 
 Sometimes Bigamini would stay in his lake house for two 
 or three days at a time. 
 
 Schneider and Blowhard would manage the business in 
 his absence. 
 
 There is an old saying that there is honesty among 
 thieves. 
 
 They did not cheat one another. 
 
 The tea-garden was managed by a superintendent and 
 about thirty Chinese, with their families.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 157 
 
 These people lived in some huts, half-a-mile lower down 
 the lake. 
 
 They were the servants of Bigamini, and obeyed his orders 
 witnout a murmur. 
 
 When Bigamini had attempted to break into Mole's dwell- 
 ing, and the detective, Pike, had shot him, he was slightly 
 wounded. 
 
 These simple people, who were at his beck and call, had 
 picked him up and carried him home. 
 
 He was not badly hurt. 
 
 Still the pain he suffered made him more vindictive than 
 before. 
 
 He vowed to have a fearful revenge for that shot in the 
 leg, which disabled him for at least a week. 
 
 It must not be supposed that such a man as Bigamini 
 lived alone in his lake house. 
 
 Not at all. 
 
 Forgetting the wives he had left in Europe, he had lost no 
 time in getting married again. 
 
 Singular as it may appear, he could not keep out of matri- 
 mony. 
 
 He ought to have had enough of it. 
 
 But Bigamini had not. 
 
 He tempted fortune again. 
 
 This time he married a young Chinese woman named 
 Hysa. 
 
 As Chinese women go she was pretty, hard-working, meek- 
 mannered, and obedient. 
 
 He made a perfect slave of her. 
 
 Taking her to his house on Lake Lonely, when he bought 
 his property, he kept her shut up there. 
 
 Never did he allow her to go into the city. 
 
 Being an orphan, dependent on an uncle, who had died 
 since her marriage, she had no friends. 
 
 She was literally alone in the world. 
 
 The poor thing was entirely at the mercy of Bigamini. 
 
 Little did the wretch show her. 
 
 In his former marriages, he had been dreadfully bullied 
 And browbeaten by his wives. 
 
 With Hysa, all that was altered. 
 
 She did not dare to call her soul her own. 
 
 He could have his revenge on her sex now. 
 
 It was a splendid opportunity for the mean-minded little eya.
 
 1 58 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND KIS SON'S 
 
 His contemptible nature would not allow him to neglect it. 
 
 He was continually abusing and ill-treating his wife. 
 
 She was familiar with blows and curses. 
 
 There was no chance of her escaping from her isolated 
 prison. 
 
 A Chinaman, named Hi Li, in Bigamini's employ, lived 
 in the house. 
 
 He had charge of the boat. 
 
 Without that she could not get from the lake house to the 
 mainland. 
 
 Though an old man, Hi Li made a very good watchman, 
 and gave Hysa no chande to get away. 
 
 If she could have fled, she would have done so. 
 
 Having explained Bigamini's position and mode of life, we 
 will introduce our readers to his office in Hong-Kong. 
 
 It consisted of two rooms on the ground floor of a house 
 in River Street. 
 
 He kept no clerk, as he kept no books, and either he or 
 one of his partners, Schneider or Blowhard, were always sure 
 to be in. 
 
 Besides, a clerk might have learnt secrets, and betrayed 
 them. 
 
 It was easy also to receive and warehouse the stolen 
 goods they received in a cellar they had below their offices, 
 where they remained until they were sold at a profit. 
 
 The three partners were together one afternoon, when the 
 weather was very warm. 
 
 The Dutchman, Schneider, had just come in from a journey. 
 
 Some wine, brandy, and iced water flanked a couple of 
 boxes of cigars. 
 
 This fraudulent gang of so-called shipbrokers liked to live 
 well. 
 
 "Now Hans," exclaimed Bigamini, impatiently, as he 
 drained his glass, " your news ? " 
 
 " Vel, I goming to it, " replied Schneider. " Gif a man's 
 time to draw his breath, after he shall trink his goot liquor. " 
 
 " Have you news from the' Flowery Land ? ' " asked Blow- 
 hard, the third partner. 
 
 " Yah. I see a pirate some miles down the coast. They 
 have captured a ship with silk laden. The bales will be 
 brought on shore to-night." 
 
 "Good ! " said Bigamini. " Did you arrange for their car- 
 riage to this office ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IX CHIXA. 
 
 '59 
 
 " It is afl settled. I be there mit a cart, and bring them 
 meinself." 
 
 "And I will stay here all night to receive them, and put 
 them down cellar," remarked Blowhard. 
 
 *' Are there many bales ? " inquired BigaminL 
 
 " Two hundred and fifty. The price of silk has gone up. 
 It is a lucky haul. The 'pirates cut the throats of the crew, 
 and burnt the ship. Himmel ! they know how to do 
 pisness." 
 
 " To-morrow night," said Bigamini, " I want you to help 
 me in a little enterprise." 
 
 " What is that ? " asked Blowhard. 
 
 " I want to make another raid on Mole's house. You 
 know that I failed the last time I tried it on. " 
 
 ** Ha, ha ! " laughed Blowhard. " He nearly basted the 
 life out of you." 
 
 ** Yah ! " grinned the Dutchman. " You was bash over 
 the head till I thought you was dead." 
 
 " It was all that wooden leg." replied BigaminL 
 
 " If we hadn't rescued you, by Jove ! you would have been 
 a candidate for a coffin." 
 
 " That's true, boys, and I'm thankful to you for it ; but 
 I'll have my just revenge." 
 
 "What will you do?" asked Blowhard. 
 
 " Old Mole's rich ; I know him of old. He doesn't believe 
 in Chinese banks, and keeps his money at home, hid away. 
 I mean having that bullion." 
 
 " Anyt hing else ? " 
 
 " In the elegant phraseology of the educated Yankees, you 
 bet. You know, perhaps, that the Harkaway party are all at 
 the plantation ? " 
 
 * Yes," replied Schneider and Blowhard together. 
 
 " Well, I mean to steal one of the party, which, I have 
 not made up mv mind yet." 
 
 "What on earth for?" 
 
 " To hold him for ransom. Make money while you can, 
 is my motto." 
 
 " I'm solid on that, too," remarked Blowhard. 
 
 " Your head was sehr level," observed the Dutchman. 
 
 " Harkaway and his friend Harvey can afford to pay." 
 continued Bigamini. " I shall take my prisoner to my lake 
 house, and there keep him while negotiations are going o 
 for his cr her ransom."
 
 1 60 JA CK HA RKA WAY A ND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " You say ' her.' " 
 
 " It may be one of the females. Harvey has a little girl 
 called Emily. She's a nice little thing, and a kind of sweet- 
 heart of young Jack's. " 
 
 " Ah, ver' goot ! " said Hans, gruffly. " They would pay 
 as moch for her as for a grown-up person." 
 
 " She'd be easy to carry and easy to mind," put in old 
 Dick Blowhard. 
 
 " Just my idea, though I had not quite made up my mind 
 about it." 
 
 " I would, then. You can't better that spec." 
 
 "Very well, the little girl Emily it shall be, and I'll have 
 a thousand pounds for her redemption. That will be over 
 three hundred apiece, boys. Are you on ? " 
 
 " I was in it from the word 'go ! '" cried Schneider. 
 *' Yah, we will wake up old Mole. " 
 
 " I'm with you," said Blowhard. " The Harkaways are a 
 hard lot to deaf with, aren't they ? I have heard of them, 
 but never come in contact with any of the party." 
 
 " Oh ! they're tough, but I've seen them cornered," an- 
 swered Bigamini. 
 
 " They have baffled our friends the pirates. That is a 
 feather in their cap, as the saying is." 
 
 " Never mind. We will baffle them, and double-discount 
 them. I will strike, and they will not know where the blow 
 comes from," said Bigamini, with a vicious gleam in his 
 eyes. 
 
 He was terribly wicked. 
 
 In fact, there was no crime in the decalogue that this 
 diminutive viper would hesitate to commit. 
 
 " How are you'going to get the ransom money ? " inquired 
 Blowhard. 
 
 " When the kidnapping is done, and I've got old Mole's 
 secret hoard, and given him a knock on the head for what the 
 timber-toed old pig gave me, I'll consider that." 
 
 " You must write a letter, stating that the child will be 
 given up if the sum of money required is put in a certain 
 place at such and such a time," continued Blowhard. 
 
 " That will do," answered Bigamini, smiling. " I can 
 count on you two to-morrow night ? " 
 
 % Without fail," said Blowhard. 
 
 "* 1 was your most obedient servant," remarked Schneider. 
 u Where there was money to make, I was always on.
 
 ADVENTURES IX CHINA. 161 
 
 jfax GoUt I fink I never able to get enough of the ooftbh 
 
 He shook his head gravely, rattled some coins in his 
 pocket, as if he liked the sound of them, took a drink, filled 
 his large pipe, and began to smoke placidly. 
 
 ** That being arranged," exclaimed Bigamini, " I shall 
 walk home to my country house, and if my wife hasn't got 
 my dinner ready when I arrive, I pity her." 
 
 He grated his teeth savagely together. 
 
 His small eyes emitted a spiteful glare. 
 
 " Well," said Dick Blowhard, ~ there is no more business 
 to be done to-day, so I shall go to my diggings.*' 
 
 " I shtop here and shmoke mein pipe and have a trink or 
 two, den I shuts up the schop and closes the show," remarked 
 Hans. 
 
 They shook hands, and the three precious villains 
 
 The road to Lake Lonely being a good one, it did not take 
 our old acquaintance, Bigamini, more than an hour and a 
 half to walk to his house. 
 
 As we have said, there was only the little village of bamboo 
 huts, in which his people lived, within measurable distance 
 of the lake and the plantation. 
 
 Bigamini was doing very well from a pecuniary point of 
 view, jet he was not happy or contented. 
 
 It is a question whether any thing would have made a man 
 with his temperament so . 
 
 He had no character, and loved things evil rather than 
 things good. 
 
 Arriving at the edge of the lake opposite his house, which 
 looked very picturesque, standing on piles driven into the 
 water, he took a silver whistle from his pocket. 
 
 This be blew shrilly, 
 
 His man, Hi Li. was on the look-out for him. 
 
 Instantly a boat put off from the house, and the Chinaman 
 pulled for the shore. 
 
 " Is there any news ? " asked Bigamini, as the boat ran 
 alongside the landing-place. 
 
 " Lo Mung camee, and is waiting for you," replied Hi Li. 
 
 " In that case he has got something to communicate." 
 
 Bigamini stepped into the boat. 
 
 Hi Li turned the bows round, and struck out for the house, 
 which he was not long in reaching.
 
 162 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 Lo Mung was a middle-aged Chinaman, in the pay of 
 Bigamini. 
 
 But he was also a servant in Mr. Mole's house, helping in 
 the cooking, and in various other ways. 
 
 Mole and his wife had every confidence in him. 
 
 Nevertheless, he was nothing else than a base, ungrateful 
 spy, who betrayed the secrets of his master's house. 
 
 Through the cook, Lo Mung, Bigamini knew all that was 
 going on at the professor's dwelling. 
 
 Arriving at the house, Bigamini got up the ladder which 
 led to the balcony. 
 
 Hi Li moored the boat to a pile, and followed. 
 
 Seated on a bamboo chair in the balcony was an obese, 
 bloated-looking Chinaman. 
 
 This was Lo Mung. 
 
 " Ha ! muchee good-day," he exclaimed. " Vellee veil ? 
 Me allee samee. How you doee ? Fine day ? Sunshine 
 makee feel thirst. Drinkee, drinkee." 
 
 He took up a cup of tea, which had been provided for him 
 by Hysa. 
 
 She was in the kitchen, preparing her husband's dinner, 
 which was nearly ready. 
 
 " What have you come to tell me ? " inquired Bigamini. 
 
 " Mole, Harkaway, all go awayee in three days," was the 
 answer of Lo Mung. 
 
 " Going away ! " echoed Bigamini, in genuine surprise. 
 
 "Yes, Biga-end-ming-ming. They go because they think 
 they get money in Europe." 
 
 " Is that all you have heard ? " 
 
 " They bringee home from sea a Greek sailor man Spi- 
 rillo callee." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 " He tellee them comee to this country. On an island, 
 greatee treasure. Make all richee for lifers." 
 
 "That is the queerest start I ever heard of." 
 
 " They buyee a shipper for themselves. In three days 
 they be off," added Lo Mung. 
 
 " Not if I know it they won't," said Bigamini, with a 
 knowing grin. 
 
 " Very strong, clever man Harkaway." 
 
 " I'll put a stop to their little game." 
 
 " How you be a stopper ? " asked Lo Mung, raising his 
 soft, almond-shaped eyes.
 
 . ADVENTURES W CHUTA- 163 
 
 " You win find out in time. Here are five English pounds 
 for you." 
 
 He counted out the roooey. 
 Lo 
 
 - Serve me faithfully, as you have titherfa 
 B^amJni, "and I wffl double it in a day or two." 
 
 - I always be your good servanter ; be slaveefor you." 
 
 - Betray me, pby me false, give Harka way and his party 
 any idea of where I five, or what I am going to do, and you 
 
 have yonrf 
 I would bite 
 
 -You know I have influence widi die commissioner of the 
 
 -.:'.'. '.'.. 
 
 - 1 am a knower of diat, Biga-end-miiifc infc " 
 "Very weu, be carefuL" 
 
 "What yon wantee me to be a doer of?" inquired Lo 
 Mung, 
 
 * To-morrow mght, when aH have gone to bed in Mole's 
 boose, leave the back door open." 
 
 " It shall be done, most honourable excellency." 
 
 - Where does Mole keep his money?" continued Biga- 
 
 -In an old wooden chest, in die back room, on the ground 
 floor, which is on a level widi the earthee/* replied Lo Mung. 
 
 Can you get the key?" 
 
 "He keepeediat himself ers; always tie round his neckee 
 with a stringer.'" 
 
 " Doesn't he generally go to bed more or less drunk? 
 
 "Sometimes sleep on the floorer, on a mattee." 
 
 " Persuade him to drink to-morrow night. Put this in his 
 it win make him sleep." 
 
 fcimilrd him a small phial, which contained a white 
 fluid. 
 
 -Yes, most honourable," said Lo Mung. 
 
 44 Get die key, and await my coming at die back door." 
 
 "Ha! you stealee monee. Good! That better than 
 takee wooden leg. Me be an understander. Go now, or 
 get into troublers for being outer too kmgee mnchee." 
 
 Kgamini raised his hand. 
 
 M Stop ! " he cried ; " I haven't done yet." 
 
 " What more you sayee?" 
 
 "Where does die htde girl Emily sleep? Harvey's 
 daughter, you know."
 
 1 64 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " The one who playee, with young Master Jack Hark- 
 away ? " 
 
 " Exactly. That is the one I allude to. " 
 
 " She havee littler roomer all to herselfers, at the bottom 
 of the staircasers, " Lo Mung answered. 
 
 " You must be ready to show it to me." 
 
 " She prettee child no killee." 
 
 " Who said I was going to kill her, you fool ? " exclaimed 
 Bigamini. " I am only going to bring her here and ask 
 money for her return to her mother and father." 
 
 " Ah ! that allee rightee." 
 
 " You shall have some of the cash when I get it and when 
 the party go, I will find work for you." 
 
 " I bow to your generosity, most honourable Biga-end- 
 ming-ming," said Lo Mung. " But respectfully me tellee 
 you one thing." 
 
 " Name it." 
 
 " Beware of the big monkee. He always about the house 
 somewhere. That beaster is never a sleeper." 
 
 " Will he fight ? " asked Bigamini. 
 
 " He scratchee and bitee like a Tartar, excellency." 
 
 " I'll carve him with my knife. Bah ! I'm not afraid of 
 apes. You can depart now. Don't forget my instructions." 
 
 "They are written on my heartee," replied 'Lo Mung. 
 
 He inclined his head, and walked down the steps. 
 
 Hi Li unfastened the beat as he stepped into it, and 
 paddled him to the land. 
 
 Then Lo Mung went back as quickly as he could to Pro- 
 fessor Mole's house, to attend to his duties. 
 
 Bigamini entered his own domicile, and walked into the 
 kitchen. 
 
 Some fish, caught in the lake by Hi Li had been fried in 
 oil. 
 
 Hysa was busily engaged in putting some plain boiled rice 
 on a dish, round a fowl, which she had roasted. 
 
 " Isn't my dinner ready ? " he demanded, with an oath. 
 "You heard me come home." 
 
 " It will not be a minute," she replied. " I never know 
 precisely when to expect you." 
 
 Hysa spoke very good English, for she had been a servant 
 in the British Consul's establishment. 
 
 She was very well behaved, and always conducted herself 
 becomingly.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 165 
 
 * Don't answer me, or I'll drown you," he cried with a 
 fitrce look ; " by heaven, I will ! Make haste and serve the 
 dinner. Get me a bottle of wine, and look sharp. What 
 do I keep you for ? " 
 
 The woman's eyes flashed. 
 
 There was a subdued fire in them, which indicated, if he 
 could read their language aright, that she was growing tired 
 of his brutality. 
 
 " I could get my living anywhere," she said. 
 
 " What, am I to be defied ? Take care ! " 
 
 " Let me go. I am sick of this life. Never can I please 
 you or give satisfaction." 
 
 Bigamini walked up to her. 
 
 Raising his fist, he struck her a cowardly blow. 
 
 She fell to the floor, stunned and bleeding. 
 
 Taking no notice of her he placed the dinner, with his own 
 hands, on the table, produced a bottle of wine from a cup- 
 board, opened it, drank, and began to eat as if nothing had 
 happened. 
 
 When he had gratified his appetite he was a large, quick, 
 gluttonous eater he finished the bottle of wine. 
 
 Lighting some opium in a pipe, he threw himself on a pile 
 of cushions in a corner. 
 
 He was soon in the land of dreams. 
 
 All this time his unfortunate wife had remained uncon- 
 scious. 
 
 She now came to her senses, and, with a deep sigh, rose to 
 her feet. 
 
 There was a mirror hanging on the wall. 
 
 By the light of the setting sun, she saw that her face was 
 disfigured, and covered with blood. 
 
 She washed the stains away, and sat down at an open 
 window, looking out moodily at the lake. 
 
 " Ah ! " she muttered, " I cannot endure this life for ever. 
 The end must come soon. I will ruin that man yes, if I fall 
 myself, I will drag him to the ground." 
 
 When it was dark, Hysa, her eyes red with weeping, retired 
 to rest. 
 
 Bigamini remained on the cushions all night, under the hi' 
 fluence of opium. 
 
 The next day the abject wretch awoke from his debauch, 
 weak and trembling, all his nerves being shaken by the vile, 
 soul-deadening drug.
 
 1 66 JACK HARK A iVA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 He had recourse to strong tea and the brandy bottle as a 
 means of steadying himself. 
 
 That day he remained at home. 
 
 In the evening, he was visited by his two partners, as had 
 been agreed upon. 
 
 Schneider and Blowhard drank and talked with him until 
 it was nearly midnight. 
 
 Then Hi Li rowed them to the shore, and they started to 
 walk to Mr. Mole's house. 
 
 It was their settled determination to rob the professor of 
 his hidden hoard. 
 
 Also they were to steal away little Emily, and hide her in 
 the Lake House for the purpose of ransom. 
 
 It was a dangerous undertaking. 
 
 Their path bristled with perils. 
 
 If they were surprised, Harkaway and Harvey would show 
 them no mercy. 
 
 The air was still as death. 
 
 No moon was visible, but, as usual, a galaxy of stars twin- 
 kled in the sky. 
 
 As the confederates went along, they arranged their plans. 
 
 Schneider and Blowhard were to stay outside Mr. Mole's 
 house., while Bigamini went inside, and with the aid of Lo 
 Mung, accomplished his purpose. 
 
 The little girl, Emily, was to be handed to Bfowhard, and 
 the money taken from the chest was to be given to Schneider. 
 
 They were to hasten to the house on Lake Lonely, and 
 Bigamini was to bring up the rear. 
 
 In order to facilitate matters and render the child uncon- 
 scious, Bigamini had provided himself with a handkerchief 
 steeped in chloroform. 
 
 This would effectually prevent her from crying out and 
 raising an alarm. 
 
 The house was reached in due time. 
 
 All was silent as the grave. 
 
 The inmates had retired to rest some time ago. 
 
 Schneider and Blowhard placed themselves against the 
 wall so as to conceal themselves. 
 
 With a crafty tread, Bigamini approached the back door. 
 
 It was open. 
 
 ' Are you there ? " asked Bigamini, under his breath. 
 
 " Yes, excellency," replied Lo Mung. " I have been await- 
 ing your coming for some timee."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 167 
 
 "Is afl quiet?" 
 
 ~ Everything. Mandarin Mole ts asleep MI Ac parlour, 
 fullee of whisky." 
 
 " Are you sure he is tipsy ? " 
 
 " Him sleepee like a toppee." 
 
 Good. \Yhere is the key of the chest in which the old 
 man keeps his treasure ? " 
 
 14 Here. O sun and moon of my existence." 
 
 Saving this, Lo Mung handed him a key. 
 
 " Do I not serve you well, hope of my life?" he added. 
 
 " Yes ; I will advance you. Before long you shall have 
 land, and be your own master. 1 " 
 
 " Follow me. high and mighty. I showee you the chest" 
 
 Lo Mung led the way to a room in which a Chinese lantern 
 was burning dimly. 
 
 In one corner was a large wooden chest, secured by a 
 patent lock, which had been made in Europe. 
 
 There was enough light in the room into which he was in- 
 troduced for the robber's purpose. 
 
 Mole was lying on his back, snoring heavily ; m, bottle was 
 by his side, and there was also an empty glass. 
 
 " Me givee him the powder," said Lo Mung. 
 
 " He won't move tfll morning," replied BigaminL " I've 
 a good mind to take away the old roosters wooden legs, bat 
 it would occupy too much time. Where is the key ? " 
 
 " Me gottee it. Here it am." 
 
 " Hand it over." 
 
 The Chinaman gave Bigammi the key of the chest. 
 
 In less than a minute it was opened, and two large bags of 
 gold extracted. 
 
 Carrying them to the back door. Bigammi nm&rA 
 
 "Where are you, Dutchy?" he said. 
 
 Here," replied Schneider. 
 
 He presented him with the gold, which the Dutchman, ac- 
 cording to previous agreement, was to take to the Lake House. 
 
 Returning to the room, Bigamini relocked the chest and 
 put the string which held the key round Mole's neck again. 
 
 The professor did not stir. 
 
 He was perfectly unconscious of all his SUIT 
 
 Now for the child," said Bigamini, in a hoarse wl 
 "This way, most magnificent," replied Lo Mung. 
 He conducted him to the apartment in which little Emily 
 deeping.
 
 168 JA CA- HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 She looked the picture of innocence, as the Chinaman held 
 a lantern over her head. 
 
 Bigamini took the chloroformed handkerchief from his 
 pocket, and held it to her face. 
 
 She moved uneasily, but uttered no cry. 
 
 In two minutes she was completely under the influence of 
 the soporific drug. 
 
 Bigamini could hear his heart beat. 
 
 It was an anxious time for the cowardly scoundrel. 
 
 But fortune favoured his disgraceful schemes, his star was 
 in the ascendant. 
 
 Without interruption he carried the child to Schneider, 
 wrapped only in a sheet. 
 
 The Dutchman immediately made off. 
 
 Bigamini spoke a few words to Lo Mung, who retired into 
 the house, and bolted the door as if nothing had happened. 
 
 As the chief concoctor of this mischief was about to follow 
 his companions, he met with a great surprise. 
 
 Something sprang on to his back, and two sinewy, bony arms 
 were twined round his neck. 
 
 What was it ? 
 
 He put up his hand to ascertain. 
 
 It came in contact with the furry skin of some animal. 
 
 In a moment he recollected Lo Mung's warning. 
 
 It must be young Jack Harkaway's monkey, which had 
 been prowling about outside the house. 
 
 Nero's instincts told him there was something wrong. 
 
 He felt that he had come across an unauthorized person 
 in the garden. 
 
 Perhaps he remembered and knew him again. 
 
 If he did not, Bigamini recollected the ape perfectly well, 
 and shuddered at coming in contact with him. 
 
 The attack had taken him by surprise. 
 
 In vain he endeavoured to throw off the clinging embrace 
 of the savage and powerful little beast. 
 
 Nero's grip became intensified. 
 
 He was slowly but surely throttling the hateful spy and 
 kidnapper, all the while he kept on chattering in his ear, as 
 if he was telling him, in monkey language, how glad he was 
 to have got him in his power. 
 
 The veins on the wretched man's forehead became swollen 
 like cords. 
 
 His eyes began to start from their sockets.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 169 
 
 Great beads of perspiration dropped from his face, and 
 blood trickled slowly from his nose. 
 
 He gasped for breath, for he was choking. 
 
 Lo Mung had retired within the house and knew nothing 
 of what was going on. 
 
 It was useless to look for assistance from him. 
 
 To call out would have been to betray himself to Harka- 
 \vay and his frends. 
 
 He felt for his knife, but he had dropped it. 
 
 His pistol was available, but he was afraid to use it, as a 
 report would give the alarm. 
 
 Besides this, the bullet would probably go through the 
 monkey's body and into his own. 
 
 Suddenly he noticed that he was standing close to a large 
 palm tree. 
 
 Making a final effort, he staggered towards it. 
 
 With all his strength he backed on to the trunk, and got 
 the monkey jammed against it. 
 
 The shock caused the brute to relax his hold. 
 
 Another jam made his ribs crack, and, with a shrill cry, 
 Xero fell to the ground. 
 
 Bigamini was able to breathe again. 
 
 The monkey, lying on his side, began to chatter as loud 
 as he could. 
 
 To stop his noise and avenge himself, Bigamini kicked 
 nun twice on the head. 
 
 This treatment stunned Nero, who became quiet 
 
 Looking up, Bigimini saw a light moving in one of the 
 rooms. 
 
 It vanished, and was then to be seen in another. 
 
 Some member of the household had been aroused, and 
 was awakening the others. 
 
 " Time to be off," muttered Bigamini. 
 
 A cock began to crow. 
 
 It was heralding the dawn, which ushers in the day very 
 Dearly in those latitudes. 
 
 Giving the monkey a parting kick, in token of derision, 
 the spy disappeared among the tall and graceful trees, with 
 which Mr. Mole's house was surrounded.
 
 170 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LITTLE EMILY CREATES A GREAT 
 COMMOTION THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER MONDAY GOES ON 
 THE WAR-PATH WITH YOUNG JACK 
 
 WHEN Nero was jammed between the trunk of the tree 
 and Bigamini's back, he uttered a peculiar cry, as we have 
 said. 
 
 This was heard by young Jack Harkaway. 
 
 All the evening he had been strangely restless, and when 
 he went to bed he was unable to sleep. 
 
 His mind reverted back to his timely escape from the 
 clutches of Hunston and the pirates. 
 
 Though he was safe with his parents once more, he 
 doubted the present and feared the future. 
 
 At any moment he knew that he might expect a blow in 
 the dark, either from Hunston or one of his emissaries. 
 
 When he, through his open window, heard the monkey's 
 cry, he sprang out of bed. It did not take him long to light 
 a lamp and get his clothes on. 
 
 He was well aware that Nero would not cry out like that 
 for nothing. 
 
 There was something wrong. 
 
 Of that young Jack was sure. 
 
 His father slept in an adjoining room, to which he quickly 
 made his way. 
 
 In moments of danger, Jack always sought his father in 
 preference to anyone else. 
 
 He could rely equally upon his judgment and valour. 
 
 Without waking his mother, the touched his father on the 
 shoulder, and rousing him, made a sign, 
 
 Harkaway construed this correctly. 
 
 His son wanted to communicate something to him privately. 
 
 As rapidly as possible he slipped on his pants and a light 
 coat, and followed Jack down the stairs. 
 
 " What is it ? " he asked. 
 
 " I don't know, but there is something up, father. That's 
 why I called you," answered Jack. 
 
 " Let me hear all about it."
 
 AD VENTURES IN CHINA. 1 7 1 
 
 " All I can tell you is, that I heard Nero give a strange 
 cry, which monkeys only utter when hurt." 
 
 " Inside or out ? " 
 
 " It seemed to come from the garden. Shall we go and 
 see ? I have a pistol." 
 
 " All right forge ahead," said Harkaway. 
 
 Young Jack unbolted the back door, and they both 
 passed out. 
 
 The sun was rising with unspeakable beauty, streaking the 
 heavens with a roseate hue. 
 
 A perfume of many flowers assailed the nostrils, and the 
 eye was gladdened by green leaves and verdure of various 
 kinds. 
 
 The beauties of Nature had no charm, however, for young 
 Jack on this particular occasion. 
 
 He had made a pet of Nero, and was greatly attached to 
 him. 
 
 The monkey had rendered him good service in times 
 gone by. 
 
 Some boys make pets of birds, some of dogs and ponies, 
 but Jack's only favourite among the dumb creation was 
 Nero. 
 
 He would sooner have been knocked about himself than 
 that his monkey should suffer. 
 
 Looking around he speedily espied him. 
 
 As he lay under the palm tree, he looked exactly as if he 
 were dead. 
 
 " Look, father ! " cried Jack. " They have killed the 
 poor brute." 
 
 " Who do you mean ? " asked Harkaway. 
 
 " How can I tell ? Some enemies, I suppose. We have 
 enough of them, and to spare." 
 
 " I hope he is not dead. It appears to me he breathes." 
 
 " Will you look at him, dad ? I'm not much of a doctor. 
 By Jove ! I knew he would not cry out for nothing. It's 
 lucky I heard him, got up, and roused you." 
 
 "Yes. If he is injured, he might have died without 
 help." 
 
 Saying this Harkaway advanced to the prostrate monkey. 
 
 He felt his bones all over his body. 
 
 Harkaway was surgeon enough to be able to tell that 
 none were fractured. 
 
 Then he examined the head, and found that Nero was
 
 1 7 2 JA CK HA RKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 bleeding from two wonnds one above the mouth, the other 
 under one of his ears. 
 
 " He's all right, as far as his bones and body are 
 concerned,'' he said ; " but he's got a couple of what the 
 Yanks call ' sockdollagers ' on the head." 
 
 " Is it serious ? " inquired Jack. 
 
 " No ; he's been floored and stunned. A drop of brandy 
 will suit his complaint as well as any thing." 
 
 " Shall I get some ? " 
 
 Yes. I'll stand by." 
 
 Young Jack went into the house, got some brandy in a 
 wine-glass, and handed it to his father. 
 
 The latter gently administerted the spirit, as a nurse or a 
 doctor would medicine. 
 
 In a few minutes a decided improvement was noticeable. 
 
 Nero opened his eyes, and seeing his young master by his 
 side, rose up, and began to chatter vehemently. 
 
 He pointed as sensibly as possible to the hurts on his 
 face. 
 
 Then he capered among the trees, as if to indicate that 
 his foe had gone that way. 
 
 " All right, old boy," exclaimed young Jack. " I under- 
 stand what you want to tell us. Someone has been here. 
 You drove him or them off." 
 
 " It's a pity the beggars can't talk," remarked Harkaway. 
 " They are very human." 
 
 " So they are. I've seen lots of monkey-faced people. 
 Perhaps they are some relation." 
 
 " He's got something more to tell us." 
 
 " How ? what ? " asked Jack. 
 
 " Don't you see he is at the back door ? He wants to 
 show us something, if he can't talk," replied Harkaway. 
 
 " By Jingo ! that must be it. I never saw such a 
 monkey." 
 
 " Nor anyone else. He's a living curiosity. Recollect 
 what he did at the hotel in New York when it was on fire." 
 
 " Yes, and more recently, how he played at being a soldier 
 and fired a blank cartridge at Mole. Ha, ha ! that was a 
 good joke." 
 
 Talking in this way they entered the house, preceded by 
 Nero. 
 
 The monkey appeared especially anxious for them to follow 
 him.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 173 
 
 There could be no doubt from what ensued that Nero 
 had witnessed all the villainy of BigaminL 
 
 Nor, as will be seen, was he ignorant of the treachery of 
 Lo Mung. 
 
 First, he took Jack and his father into the parlour where 
 Mr. Mole had fallen asleep on the floor. 
 
 It was always too much exertion, now he had lost his legs, 
 to go up stairs if he had had a drop too much. 
 
 Poor professor ! He was not growing younger, and he 
 had been hi the wars. 
 
 Xero jumped on the money chest and touched the lock 
 with his paw. 
 
 Then he looked up intelligently at his master. 
 
 " Father," said young Jack, " there's been a robbery here, 
 or I'm mistaken." 
 
 " What makes you think so ? " asked Harkaway. 
 
 " This is the chest Mole keeps his money in. You know 
 he has a prejudice against banking it Nero has some mean- 
 ing in his head, or he would not sit there." 
 
 "Where is the key?" 
 
 " He carries it on a bit of string tied round his neck." 
 
 " Go and see if he has it there," 
 
 Young Jack examined the tutor, who was blissfully uncon- 
 scious of all around him. 
 
 He reclined on his back, and snored as if it were for a 
 wager. 
 
 " Here's the key, father ! " cried Jack. 
 
 " Mole's indulging in one of his * usuals.' He thought we 
 had all gone to bed and should not miss him. He's as 
 drunk as a lord, but here's the key of the chest, so Ne^o is 
 wrong for once." 
 
 " That proves nothing," Harkaway replied. 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 " Bring me the key. Let us examine the chest." 
 
 ** Oh J I see what you mean." 
 
 ** If you don't, you are a baby. When were you born 
 yesterday, or the day before ? " 
 
 Young Jack took the liberty of removing Mr. Mole's key 
 and opened the chest 
 
 Harkaway leant over his shoulder while he did so. 
 
 The lid was thrown up. 
 
 There was no money there. 
 
 " As I suspected," observed Harkaway, " the thief, who-
 
 1 74 JA CK HARKA WAY AND HIS SON'S 
 
 ever he is, has taken advantage of Mole's inebriety. He re- 
 placed the key after emptying the chest of its contents." 
 
 " That is plain enough," answered young Jack. " I did 
 not tumble at first. I do now." 
 
 " But the door was locked. How did he get in ? You un- 
 did the bolt. I saw you." 
 
 Young Jack looked at the window. 
 
 That was shut. 
 
 Only the ventilators admitted air. 
 
 He ran to every room on the ground floor. 
 
 It was the same in each one. 
 
 The front door was also securely fastened. 
 
 It did not seem as if there was a traitor in the house.- 
 
 The thief must have come from outside, or how did thft 
 monkey get his injuries ? 
 
 It was a mystery. 
 
 " Someone must have let the robber in, and then let him 
 out," remarked Harkaway. 
 
 " We have Chinese servants, father," replied young 
 Jack. 
 
 " Lo Mung, one man, two women," said Harkaway. " Alt 
 the others who work for us live outside come in the morn- 
 ing and go at night. Their cottages are half-a-mile off. Lo 
 Mung was highly recommended, good character, and all that 
 sort of thing." 
 
 " The Chinese are not trustworthy." 
 
 " That is true; false characters are easily obtained." 
 
 " I must confess that I am fairly puzzled," said young 
 Jack. 
 
 Nero came up to him as he spoke, put his paw on his hand, 
 and with a significant look walked towards the door. 
 
 " He is at it again. There is some idea in that noddle of 
 his," exclaimed Harkaway. 
 
 " It's a case of following leader." 
 
 " Certainly. The sagacious animal wants to show us 
 something more. Heaven grant it may be nothing very 
 serious." 
 
 ' How can it be ? " 
 
 " I don't know. My heart misgives me." 
 
 Nervous and anxious, they went after the monkey. 
 
 The latter directed his steps to the room in which little 
 Emily had been sleeping. 
 
 He proceeded on all-fours to the bed.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 175 
 
 Snatching at the clothes, he showed them that it was 
 empty. 
 
 Their consternation was extreme. 
 
 .*' The girl's gone ! " cried Harkaway. 
 
 " Don't say that," exclaimed young Jack, turning hot and 
 then cold. 
 
 Emily was his sweetheart. 
 
 He loved her as tenderly and fondly as she loved him. 
 
 These two seemed to be made to grow up affectionately 
 together, and marry in due course. 
 
 If marriages are made in heaven, this was to be one of 
 them. 
 
 " Search the house," continued Harkaway. " Don't wake 
 anyone up yet, if you can help it. She may be with Harvey 
 and Hilda." 
 
 Away went young Jack, his heart beating wildly. 
 
 He carefully examined every room in the house. 
 
 No trace of the missing girl was to be discovered. 
 
 Crestfallen and dejected, he came back and told his father 
 so. 
 
 " This is a great blow to all of us," said Harkaway. " Espe- 
 cially will it be felt by Harvey and his wife." 
 
 " Who can have done such a dastardly thing as to steal an 
 inoffensive child who has never done anyone any harm ? " 
 
 4i I am at a loss to imagine. It puzzles me. Hunston can- 
 not be in Hong-Kong. We shall have to find out" 
 
 " What would people steal Emily for ? " 
 
 " Money, I expect a ransom, as it is called. It is a ter- 
 rible mystery, and a great perplexity." 
 
 "We shall not be able to sail for the Island of Mystery 
 now," continued young Jack. 
 
 " It is not likely, until we have recovered Emily. No our 
 stay here is prolonged indefinitely." 
 
 " When will our troubles be over ? " 
 
 Never, I am afraid ; but we must face them bravely like 
 men," replied Harkaway. 
 
 " That's right, father ; nothing will daunt me." 
 
 " You're a chip of the old block. Jack." 
 
 " Thank you father. I feel complimented." 
 
 The monkey a third time came to young Jack. 
 
 He put his paw on his hand, looking in his face as before. 
 
 "Hullo?" said Harkaway, "more revelations. The 
 Simian creature must be obeyed."
 
 1 76 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOJV'S 
 
 Young Jack patted Nero on the head, and again followed 
 him, his father also accompanying. 
 
 This time the monkey led them to a small ante-room on 
 the same floor 
 
 In this apartment Lo Mung slept, on a pile of matting. 
 
 He pretended to be asleep. 
 
 But the artful Mongolian was far from being in the land 
 of dreams. 
 
 He had heard people moving about the house, and had 
 not closed his eyes. 
 
 When the monkey entered the ante-room with Harkaway 
 and young Jack, he simulated slumber. 
 
 Nero walked to the bed, touched Lo Mung on the arm, 
 and regarded his master steadfastly. 
 
 " What does that mean ? " asked Harkaway. 
 
 " Simply that this Chinese Johnny is in it," replied 
 Jack. 
 
 " A spy ! a traitor ! " 
 
 " Exactly." 
 
 " In league with the robber and kidnapper ! " continued 
 Harkaway. 
 
 " What do you think ? I'd stake my life on the acumen 
 of Nero, He knows how many beans make five." 
 
 "I will tackle him in the morning," said Harkaway, 
 " though I do not think we shall get much out of him." 
 
 " Wake him up now, and ask him questions," exclaimed 
 young Jack. " Sleeping here, as he does, close to the pas- 
 sage, he ought to know a lot." 
 
 " Let him be." 
 
 "What are you going to do, father ? " 
 
 " Wake Harvey and tell him of his loss. He must com- 
 municate the sad news to Hilda. They will feel as bad as 
 your mother and I did when you were in the power of Hun-- 
 ston on board the pirate junk," answered Harkaway. 
 
 They walked away to the door. 
 
 Nero did not appear to like this, for he began to chatter 
 noisily. 
 
 As they paid no attention to him, he stood on his hind legs 
 and bent over Lo Mung. 
 
 With a sudden outburst of temper, he fell upon the China- 
 man and bit his ear. 
 
 Lo Mung sprang up with an awful howl. 
 
 It was audible over the whole house.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 177 
 
 " Takee the monkee ! He killee me ! " he yelled " Oh ! 
 Ah! Oh!" 
 
 Young Jack seized Xero by the neck, and palled him off. 
 
 " My earer badlee chewee I I am a sufferer of painee ! "' 
 continued Lo Mung. 
 
 In a few minutes everyone was aroused. 
 
 Magog, Brand, Pike and Jefferson, had gone on a three 
 days* fishing excursion, and had taken Sunday with them. 
 
 But Harvey, Monday, Doctor Stanley and Jack's boy friend, 
 rushed down stairs. 
 
 They eagerly inquired what was the matter. 
 
 In a few words Harkaway told them of what had happened. 
 
 Harvey's grief was excessive. 
 
 After a brief conversation, it was determined to examine 
 Lo Mung. 
 
 Nothing less than a cannon-shot or an earthquake could 
 have roused Mr. Mole until his usual time. 
 
 Lo Mung was made to stand up before Harkaway and 
 Harvey. 
 
 Behind them stood young Jack and Monday. 
 
 -Now, Mr. John Chinaman," exclaimed Harkaway, "we 
 want you to answer a few questions." 
 
 The man rubbed his eyes and yawned several times. 
 
 " Me vellee sleepee," he muttered. " Never me sleepee so 
 soundee. Heapee big sleepee this nightee." 
 
 " Who was it you let into the house ? " demanded Hark- 
 away. " Speak out. you old humbug, or 111 leather you with 
 a bamboo till you do." 
 
 " Never was a mover. Shuttee eye all timee." 
 
 " We know better. The money is gone from the chest, and 
 the little girl has been stolen." 
 
 " That bad news. Wicked mans comee from ritee." 
 
 ** You let them hi." 
 
 "No, no that is a mistake," replied Lo Mung, shaking 
 his head emphatically. 
 
 Harkaway had hastily seized a bamboo cane used as a 
 walking-stick. 
 
 Telling Harvey and Monday to hold him, he lashed the 
 fellow's back as hard as he could. 
 
 The Chinese from their youth are used to be being beaten. 
 
 Perhaps it has not so much effect on them as it otherwise 
 would have, for this reason. 
 
 Lo Mung squirmed, twisted, groaned, and jelled. 
 
 12
 
 I ;S JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 But he did not betray his employer, Bigamini. 
 
 Fully a hundred blows did Harkaway bestow upon him 
 before he desisted. 
 
 He was compelled to do so from sheer exhaustion. 
 
 " Won't you confess ? " cried Harkaway. 
 
 " Me nothing to tellee. Sleepee all the timee," replied Lo 
 Mung. 
 
 " I'll give you fifty taels if you will let me hear the truth." 
 
 "You payee me for beatee, or me go to Commissioner 
 Judge and he finee you." 
 
 Harkaway bit his lip. He saw that the rascal was a match 
 for him. 
 
 Though Lo Mung was his servant, he had no right to beat 
 him. 
 
 By committing an assault he had exceeded his privilege, 
 and rendered himself amenable to a fine. 
 
 To avoid this he had to bargain with him, and make him 
 a present of a certain sum of money. 
 
 "Good," said the Chinaman, with a bland, child-like smile, 
 forgetting his pain by counting his gain. " Now payee for 
 monkee, ear chewee." 
 
 " What do you mean, you insolent scoundrel ? " Jack de- 
 manded. 
 
 " That China law payee for monkee." 
 
 " Do you think I'm made of money, and you have found a 
 little gold-mine in me ? " 
 
 " If not knuckle downee, alle samee as before, me go to 
 Judge, and he givee you toko for yam." 
 
 " You are making a market of me, and I suppose it's no 
 use for me to kick." 
 
 " Pay him and sack him," suggested young Jack. 
 
 Harkaway had to make another bargain, and part with more 
 money. 
 
 It was necessary to gratify the rapacity of Lo Mung, or he 
 would have set the ponderous machine of the law in motion. 
 
 " Now you can hook it as soon as you like," continued 
 young Jack. " Make yourself scarce." 
 
 Lo Mung did not offer to move. 
 
 He looked contemptuously at young Jack, who was rapidly 
 becoming enraged at his immobility. 
 
 " Pay no attention to boy talkee," cried Lo Mung. " Man- 
 darin Mole my master boss." 
 
 " He'll soon start you."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 179 
 
 * When he say go. me be a goer, not before." 
 
 Saying this, Lo Mung walked in a stately way towards the 
 door.' 
 
 Just as he reached the threshold, young Jack pursued him, 
 and giving him what boys call a running kick on the lover 
 part of his back, sent him sprawling into the passage on his 
 hands and knees. 
 
 At any other time there would have been a laugh at jhi^ 
 
 What had happened, however, made everyone grave and 
 serious. 
 
 All the mirth and hilarity was taken out of them by the 
 loss of little Emily. 
 
 Lo Mung did not think it prudent to take any notice of 
 young Jack's conduct. 
 
 It would have been risky to provoke him further. 
 
 He slunk away to the servants' quarters, and refreshed 
 himself with a cup of tea. 
 
 The day had dawned very miserably for Harkaway and 
 his party. 
 
 Failing to get any information out of Lo Mung, young Jack 
 and Monday searched the grounds. 
 
 Bigamini and his accomplices were far away by this time. 
 
 Nothing whatever rewarded them for their trouble. 
 
 It was extremely painful to witness the grief of Hilda 
 when she came down, and the sad news was communicated 
 to her. 
 
 In vain Emily endeavoured to comfort her. 
 
 She was like Rachel crying for her children, and refusing 
 to listen to the voice of consolation. 
 
 The tables were changed now. 
 
 A short while ago it was Emily who was mourning the 
 absence of her son. 
 
 Now, it was Hilda lamenting the loss of her daughter. 
 
 Mr. Mole was, it must be said to his credit, much more 
 shocked at the disappearance of Emily than of his money. 
 
 He had more hidden away in another place, if he wanted 
 it at any time. 
 
 The morning passed in anxious conversation as to what 
 was to be done. 
 
 Pike was despatched to the police office in Hong-Kong, to 
 give notice of the robbery and kidnapping. 
 
 At exactly twelve o'clock Harkaway, Harvey, and Mole, 
 sat down to lunch.
 
 1 80 JA CK HA RICA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Emily and Hilda could not eat any thing, they were so 
 upset, while young Jack and Monday were in the grounds 
 with the doctor. 
 
 To his great surprise, as he took his seat, Harkaway saw 
 a letter on his plate. 
 
 It was directed, in an ordinary commercial hand, to " Mr. 
 Harkaway, leader of the party staying at Mole's plantation." 
 
 " Hullo ! " he cried, " a letter for me. How did it come 
 here ? " 
 
 That was a mystery. 
 
 Lo Mung was called. 
 
 Mole had not given him notice to leave, and he remained 
 at his post. 
 
 He denied any knowledge of the letter, and declared that 
 he had seen no one enter the house. 
 
 The other servants, on being interrogated, made replies to 
 the same effect. 
 
 This caused the mystery to deepen. 
 
 Nothing remained to be done but to open the letter. 
 
 Harkaway was a little nervous. 
 
 Knowing what his enemies were capable of, he was half 
 afraid there might be some explosive inside. 
 
 But he was soon reassured on that point. 
 
 The letter contained a single sheet of paper, on which was 
 written 
 
 " NOTICE. If the sum of ^1,000 in English gold, is forth- 
 coming within three days, the girl will be brought back in 
 the night. 
 
 " No watch must be kept. This will mean death ! 
 
 " If any attempt to arrest, shoot, or otherwise injure the 
 one who brings her, she will be killed by a confederate in the 
 rear. 
 
 " The money must be put in a canvas bag and placed at 
 the edge of the well in the front garden attached to Mr. 
 Mole's house. 
 
 " By order of 
 
 " THE SYNDICATE. 
 
 " P. S. If the money is not deposited as aforesaid, the 
 girl will be poisoned." 
 
 Jack elevated his eyebrows and looked up.
 
 ADVENTURES IX CHINA. : : 
 
 "This is vfaat I caB a nice, pleasant letter," he exclaimed. 
 ^ What is it? 1 * asked Harvey, breathlessly. 
 He fancied that it related to his daughter! 
 "The plot thickens. Shall I read it aloud?" replied 
 Harkawav. 
 
 - Do so, please." 
 
 In a clear voice Jack read the document. 
 
 - Thank heaven, she fives. My little girl is in the bond 
 cf the living!" cried Harvey. 
 
 - Who is at the bottom of "this vflbriny ?** ejaculated Mole. 
 " It can't be Houston." 
 
 ~ No." answered Jack. " He is at sea with the pirates, bat 
 he has friends with whom he communicates on shore. He 
 may have instigated the outrage. 19 
 
 ** I have not the money," remarked Harvey. " It is such 
 large sum, or I would pay as demanded, and get her 
 
 " We can raise the cash at the bank within the given 
 time," replied Harkaway. " but a question arises." 
 
 "I know what you are going to say. Is it advisable? 
 May we not be tricked ?" 
 
 "Precisely. How can we trust to the good faith and 
 honour of these thieves ? " 
 
 - Emily is so dear to her mother that she wul sell her 
 jewels do any thing, in fact, to recover her darling.* 
 
 "Tell her we are going to pay, but, in reality, we wffl play 
 the rascals a trick," said Harkaway. 
 
 "What is your suggestion?" 
 
 " Allow a day to pass to make the fellows who form this 
 horrid syndicate believe we have been to the bank to get 
 the coin.'" 
 
 "Yes. What next ?" queried Harvey eagerly. 
 
 - Fill a bag with small stones, put it where he mentions, 
 and fie in wait for him."' 
 
 Harvey shook his head. 
 
 "That won't do, dear boy," he ezdaimed. "We may 
 capture or kffl him, but it wffl seal the fate of little Emily."" 
 " Perhaps you are r^ht." 
 "I know I am. The letter contains a threat to that 
 
 "We must raise the money aomchria, and as soon as 
 possftfe," cried Harkaway. " I wffl help yon to the best of 
 myaKBty."
 
 1 8 2 JA CK HA RKA WA Y A ND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " And I also, in spite of my recent loss," said Mole. 
 
 " How can I thank you ? " exclaimed Harvey. " It is more 
 than I have any right to expect." 
 
 "Not at all. You should command my last shilling if 
 you wanted it," replied Harkaway. 
 
 " And I would actually pawn my wooden legs for you," 
 said Mole, smiling. 
 
 Harvey was much affected at these proofs of their friend- 
 ship. 
 
 Jack got up and shook him cordially by the hand. 
 
 " We'd do any thing for you, old chappie," he ex- 
 claimed. " Friendship with us is not a name ; it's a solid 
 fact." 
 
 " I'll go and tell Hilda. It will relieve her mind," said 
 Harvey. 
 
 " Do so. Mole and I will drive into Hong- Kong this 
 afternoon and get the money." 
 
 " Again and again I thank you." 
 
 " In a few days, when we have recovered little Emily, 
 we shall be on board our ship on our way to the magic 
 island." 
 
 "That is so." 
 
 " Hurrah for Greece, the treasure, and our new friend 
 Spirillo." 
 
 " So say all of us," cried Mole. 
 
 Harvey went out of the room. 
 
 He was in such a hurry to see his wife and tell her of the 
 good news, that he did not did not see a form in the 
 passage. 
 
 It was Lo Mung. 
 
 He had been listening, and had heard everything that had 
 been said in the luncheon-room. 
 
 Consequently he was well aware that Harkaway and 
 Mole were going to Hong-Kong to raise a thousand pounds. 
 
 They would bring it home with them in the carriage. 
 
 This might be important news for his employer, Big- 
 amini. 
 
 The spy determined to discharge himself, and go to the 
 Lake House. 
 
 He had been threatened with instant dismissal, and nrght 
 get it at any moment. 
 
 Why not be first in the field ? 
 
 As Harvey left the room he, stepped in.
 
 ADVEA'TURES Of Cff/A'A. 183 
 
 14 We do not want any thing," said Mole, when he saw 
 him. 
 
 - Me wantee," was the reply. 
 You can go. Don't interrupt me when I am trikmgtoa 
 
 " Me been beatee." 
 
 - You were paid for it." Harkaway exclaimed. 
 " Havee mv earee chewee bv monkee." 
 "More money!" 
 
 " Boy kickee. No payee for that." 
 
 "Look here ! I've had enough of this system of extort- 
 ing money. Get out!" 
 
 - If Mister Molee tellee me, aflee rightee," said Lo Mung, 
 with a cunning look. 
 
 " By all means. I don't need yon," answered the pro- 
 fessor, " there is something fishy about this business." 
 
 "Menotgofishee." 
 
 " I believe you are in it. Go. Cot ! Clear out I " 
 
 "Giveewagee." 
 
 "Yon Johnnies are all on the make," cried Mole. "I 
 never saw such a lot. What do you do with your money ?" 
 
 "Smokee opium and gamble. Eatee bird-nest soup." 
 
 " Yes, and poppy dogs and rats. I know you. Be off. 
 Yon can call for your wages in a week. I've got no money. " 
 
 "Wantee now." 
 
 " I've been robbed. If yon don't go, 111 kick you out ! " 
 
 " Can tee vellee welL Gottee wooden leggee," 
 
 "You impudent scoundrel ! If I could get at yon, I'd 
 I'd pulverise yon reduce you to dust squash you, as I 
 would a iulbcut. with my foot! " 
 
 "Payee up." 
 
 -Not I. Get it as yon can." 
 
 "I'm a wonderer that yon are not an ashamer. Yon bai- 
 lee poor Chinaman.^ 
 
 "Gd 
 thieving, lying skunk.' 
 
 fc Wooden leggee- He, he ! walk on two sticks." 
 
 Disciple of Confucius, begone, or beware of the con- 
 sequence. I'm hot-tempered and valiant." 
 
 " Foolee when drinkee." 
 
 Lo Mnng grinned as he said this. 
 
 Mr. Mole fell back in his chair, gasping, with a 
 of too much lunch, and indignation.
 
 184 J A CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 " Am I to stand this ? " he asked. 
 
 " Certainly not, sir," replied Harkaway. 
 
 " Then eject summarily that impudent Celestial, or I shall 
 draw on him whatever the consequences may be." 
 
 " Don't do that. Murder, you know " 
 
 " Bosh ! Is it a murder, to kill a wretch like that ? * 
 Mole interrupted. 
 
 " They would call it so in Hong-Kong." 
 
 " But the vile brute is not civilised he's not worth his 
 salt." 
 
 " They say they discovered the art of printing, and that 
 of making gunpowder, thousands of years ago." 
 
 " I know they do, but don't you believe it," said Mole- 
 " It's all a confounded lie." 
 
 " If so, they've degenerated," Harvey remarked. 
 
 "Very much so," replied Harkaway. 
 
 " Give him a send-off ; be your own chucker-out, Hark- 
 away ; drive the bally rascal away, or I shall bore a hole 
 through his infernal carcase, which is only fit for crows to 
 feed on." 
 
 Lo Mung waved a fan he held in his hand. 
 
 The Chinese high and low are never without a fan. 
 
 " Fanqui ! " he hissed. 
 
 This was a term of reproach. 
 
 It meant " Foreign devil." 
 
 " D'ye hear him ? " shouted Mole. 
 
 " Hark at the hard words he's giving me. He's calling me 
 a foreign devil ! " 
 
 Unable to restrain himself, he threw a tumbler at him. 
 It was full of claret. 
 
 Striking Lo Mung on the side of the face, it caused him to 
 beat a precipitate retreat. 
 
 His movements were expedited considerably. t 
 
 As he wiped the blood from a gash in his face, he swore a, 
 bitter oath in Chinese. 
 
 " Me be a revenger," he muttered. " Chinaman good 
 man allee samee. Englishman foreign devil ! " 
 
 Scarcely had he disappeared when young Jack and 
 Monday walked into the room. 
 
 " Got any grub to spare governor ? " asked young Jack. 
 
 " Heaps. Duck, fowl, and " 
 
 " Don't! " interrupted young Jack. " I'm as hungry as a 
 hunter. In fact, I could eat a horse and chase the rider.
 
 - Where have you been ? enquired Harkaway. 
 
 "Out prospecting. Monday and I have found tracks, 
 haven't we, old ivory ? " 
 
 " Yes, sare. Urn right enough," replied Monday. 
 
 - What do you mean by that ? " 
 
 - We are going on the war-path, sare, to find little Emily," 
 said Monday. 
 
 44 It's true, dad," remarked young Jack. " We mean biz, 
 2nd good biz, too. 
 
 "Realy?- 
 
 " If yon don't see us for forty-eight hours, don't mater 
 about us. We shall be all right. 
 
 But - " 
 
 " Let me sit down and fill up the corners. You can talk, 
 dear old gar, while we are eating." 
 
 "Go ahead." 
 
 " I intend to. See me wire in. It's no use going on die 
 war-path with an empty stomach Is it, Monday ?" 
 
 " Dat are so, sare," replied the Prince of LimbL "The 
 neatest foe in aO oeaikm am de full belly. What yon say. 
 Mast" Jack?" 
 
 " No breakfast, no man ; no dinner, no man," replied Hark* 
 awav. 
 
 'That's me. Yah, yah !" laughed Monday. 
 
 , y""* J^ ^ 
 
 themselves abundantly. 
 
 He aad young Jack sat down to the table and helped 
 
 The way they ate was a caution to vegetarians. 
 
 Nothing seemed to come amiss, and they drank a bottle of 
 
 Tm going to fill a knapsack with food, and a keg with 
 water, 1 " said young Jack. - That will do for us." 
 
 "Hold on!! Where are you going ? " inquired Harkxvay. 
 
 "We don't know yet, but we've found tracks." 
 
 " I don't understand you." 
 
 " Monday has an eye like a hawk. There was a heavy 
 dew last night, and we have discovered footsteps. Han 
 tracks, isn't it ? " 
 
 -Where do they lead to?" 
 
 "We are going to find out, if we can. Our purpose is to 
 get back my sweetheart, little Emily." 
 
 "AD right, my boy. I honour you for the noble aeati- 
 
 but we shafl get her widbowt jam mteneation." 
 Have you had any news?"
 
 1 86 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Read that precious epistle." 
 
 Young Jack took the letter which his father had found on 
 his plate. 
 
 He read it carefully. 
 
 " Dad," he said, with a knowing look, " in my opinion, 
 this is all kid. There is too much of the young goat about 
 it." 
 
 " How so ? " 
 
 " The syndicate, as they call themselves, will take your 
 money, but they won't give us back little Emily." 
 
 " Why not ? " 
 
 " They will keep on holding her to ransom, or send her to 
 sea in the pirate junk." 
 
 " With Hunston ? " 
 
 " His agent, Bigamini, is doing this, don't you fret. No 
 fear about that, I'm sure." 
 
 Harkaway looked at Harvey and Mole. 
 
 " There is some sense in what he says," he remarked. 
 
 " I'm only a young one, but my head's level, dad. Let 
 Monday and I go on the war-path." 
 
 " As you like, but I shall go to Hong- Kong presently and 
 get the money." 
 
 " Do as you like, father ; I want to go after Emily. You 
 won't get her your way." 
 
 " I mean to try, anyhow." 
 
 " We will both try I in my way, you in yours ; and perhaps 
 between us we shall pull it off," replied young Jack. 
 
 " Keep out of danger. You do not know how many foes 
 you have to fight against," observed his father. 
 
 lt We will be as prudent and careful as we can." 
 
 fi Keep um eyes open," said Monday. 
 
 When lunch was finished, Harkaway and Harvey went 
 to the city to get the money demanded in the mysterious 
 letter. 
 
 This was written in a disguised hand by Bigamini him- 
 self. 
 
 Young Jack and Monday looked to their knives and pistols,. 
 and then made a start. 
 
 They had noticed footsteps in a certain part of the tea- 
 garden, where, at that time, no one was employed. 
 
 Outside the garden was a track of sandy soil, on which 
 grew some stunted trees. 
 
 Here they lost sight of the tracks.
 
 ADVENTURES IX CfflA'A. 187 
 
 Bat ibey saw something which arrested tbeir attention. 
 
 Two Chinamen were sitting under one of these trees, 
 engaged in conversation. 
 
 Occasionally they drank something out of a black bottle. 
 
 It looked suspiciously like European vine. 
 
 In fact, a closer inspection showed a label on which was 
 - ::--. ~.----- 
 
 Monday was the first to discover these Mongolians. 
 
 ** Look,** he whispered, ~ two Johnnies. We listen, sare, 
 and hear what um say." 
 
 -This is a good idea,* 1 replied young Jack. 
 
 "See am fat one? That look to me like Lo Mung, who 
 I think very bad man." 
 
 "So do L He's an artful customer. Yes, it is Lo. 
 Creep op gently. Don't disturb them." 
 
 "Um not make little sound. Quiet as mouse. Hush ! " 
 
 Jack and Monday went on their hands and knees, succeed- 
 ing in getting behind the two Crintals without being per- 
 
 C r : v- - 
 
 The jfcrijlr*. of Confucius wen CfMeully very jofiy . 
 
 They laughed and chatted together at their ease. 
 
 The sips they took from the bottle of sherry elevated their 
 sprits and loosened their tongues. 
 
 Monday and young Jack Bstened jOu-uilitUj. 
 
 "Yon givee my nut-star's letter ?" asked one, who was no 
 other than Hi LL 
 
 Bigammi had sent him with the letter to Lo Mung, who was 
 to put it where Harkaway would see it. 
 
 Accordingly he had placed it on his plate, where it was 
 found. 
 
 " He findee it allee rightee," replied Lo Mung. 
 
 " Where you going to workee ? You say yoa leavee Man- 
 darin Mole for goodee." 
 
 - Me come to your master for a dayee or two ; then I go 
 to Hong-Kong, havee smokee opium joint, and drink 
 Tangiers whisky for drunkee." 
 
 " Drinkee for drankee, velle goodlers," remarked Hi Li, 
 with an appreciative nod. 
 
 - You comee with me," exclaimed Lo Mung. "We both 
 have what foreign devils call a highee spree time." 
 
 - In three days I readee. Waitee first to gettee money 
 for little girL My master boss payee extra for hold tongue, 
 and watch Missy '.
 
 1 88 JA CK HARK A WAY AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Alice rightee ; we be going together. You got to make 
 haste back now ? " 
 
 " No. Master at home. He watch Missy Hysa and 
 little girl, too. Me restee. Finish bottle." 
 
 " Not much left, but me got another in my pocketer." 
 
 " Ha, you clever fellow," cried Hi Li. " Me likee you 
 vellee much for friendlers." 
 
 " We always were good friendlers," replied Lo Mung. 
 " How your Missy Hysa go on now ? " 
 
 " She cry all day, master beat her so. She try gettee away, 
 and swear for revenge. Either she killee master, or he 
 drownee her in the water." 
 
 They paused to empty the first bottle and begin on the 
 second. 
 
 The effect of the wine upon them was to make them sleepy. 
 
 Lo Mung began to sing a verse of a Chinese song in a low 
 and not unmusical voice. 
 
 For a brief space Hi Li accompanied him. 
 
 The effort, however, proved too much for them, and finishing 
 the sherry, they vowed eternal friendship. 
 
 Then they leant back against the trunk of the tree and went 
 t^ aleep. 
 
 Monday and young Jack retreated to a short distance. 
 
 They wanted to talk together and discuss what they had 
 heard. 
 
 All the time, however, they kept their gaze fixed upon the 
 two unconscious Chinamen. 
 
 " What do you think of that ? " asked Jack. 
 
 " Lo Mung what I call him big rascal thief," replied 
 Monday, in an angry tone. 
 
 " The other is a friend of his, and the servant of the man 
 who has stolen Emily." 
 
 " Certain sure ob that, sare." 
 
 " Well, all we have to do is to follow the villains, and we 
 shall find out where my little sweetheart is, and who has got 
 her." 
 
 " That de ticket for soup, boss ! " cried Monday. 
 
 " How fortunate we followed the tracks and came upon these 
 tippling Chinamen." 
 
 " I knew we should make a discovery. You and I de boys 
 to do it, Mast' Jack." 
 
 " Yes," said our young hero. " I think we are about as 
 clever as most people."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 189 
 
 "What we do now?" asked Monday. "Got to wait till 
 Johnnies wake up." 
 
 " That's a nuisance. I hate inaction, but it won't do to 
 scare them. They must have no idea of our presence. 
 Confound it ! Perhaps it will be hours before they sleep 
 off the effects of that sherry." 
 
 ** Never mind. I got lily drop of brandy in a flask. You 
 have water." 
 
 " And Tve a bundle of cigarettes," put in Jack. 
 
 " That fine. We enjoy ourselves." 
 
 They did so, and, after smoking for a time, Monday, who 
 was a man of resources, found a pack of cards in his pocket. 
 
 A game of euchre for a small stake helped to pass the 
 time away. 
 
 The sun was declining in the west. 
 
 But the two Chinamen still slept 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 LITTLE EMILY'S CAPTIVITY. 
 
 IT was several hours after the arrival of little Emily at the 
 Lake House before she recovered from the effects of the 
 soporific drug which had been administered to her. 
 
 She was placed in bed with Hysa. 
 
 Bigamini admonished his wife to take care of her. 
 
 He and his partners in crime, Schneider and Blowhard, 
 retired to an inner room, where they gambled with cards, and 
 drank brandy until long after daybreak. 
 
 When they were tired out, they threw themselves on some 
 mats, and snatched a few hours* feverish sleep. 
 
 About eight o'clock in the morning they woke up, par- 
 took of a light breakfast, and separated. 
 
 The Dutchman and die Englishman were rowed to the 
 landing-stage by Hi LL 
 
 They bad to return to Hong-Kong to attend to some busi- 
 
 The money they had robbed Mr. Mole of had been equally 
 divided between them. 
 
 But they did not take away so much as they had expected. 
 They had been playing for high stakes at the game of poker.
 
 1 90 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Bigamini was an expert at this, and he also knew how tc 
 cheat. He had risen from the table a heavy winner. 
 
 It was generally the case when they gambled together. 
 
 His partners had their suspicions, but his sleight-of-hand 
 was so clever, that they could not find him out. 
 
 If they had done so, blood would have most assuredly been 
 shed. 
 
 These wretches would have drawn their pistols upon him, 
 and he, of course, would have defended himself. 
 
 There was always a chance some day of this kind of thing 
 occurring. 
 
 It very often happens that thieves fall out and kill one 
 another. 
 
 When Schneider and Blowhard had departed, Bigamini 
 went into one of the verandahs of his strangely built house. 
 
 Here was a chair, a fishing-rod, tackle, and an earthen ware 
 jar filled with bait. 
 
 Angling was his favourite pastime, and the lake was full of 
 various kinds of fine fish, weighing from an ounce to five 
 and six pounds. 
 
 He liked to eat these lake fish, fresh out of the water, at 
 any time of the day. 
 
 Many hours did he pass r.t his country house in angling 
 tor the finny prey. 
 
 He was particularly lucky this morning, for the fish bit 
 freely, and he caught some fine specimens. 
 
 " Ha, ha ! " he laughed. " I am doing well in.this country, 
 and have made a nice little pile of money, but I shall not 
 stay here. This is not a country for a white man to live in. 
 I want just enough money to support me comfortably, and I 
 will seek a fresh land. I am tired of Hysa, and will marry 
 again." 
 
 The rascal was a most determined bigamist, and did not 
 seem to care how many women he betrayed. 
 
 He had had a good many wives already. 
 
 In fact, he was a sort of modern Bluebeard. 
 
 " If I get that money for the girl's ransom/' he added, 
 talking to himself, " it will stock me up. Why should Schneider 
 and Blowhard have any of it ? They might be killed easily." 
 
 His mind now turned upon murdering his confederates. 
 
 There was no crime too bad for him to commit. 
 
 He was roused from his evil meditations by the sound of 
 little Emily's voice.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 191 
 
 She had woke up, and was frightened at finding herself in 
 a strange place with a Chinawoman she did not know. 
 
 " Where am I ? " she demanded, " This is not my house " 
 
 " You are with friends who will not harm you," replied 
 Hvsa, kindly. 
 
 The latter felt sorry for the child. 
 
 She did not care to aid and abet her husband in his crim- 
 inal practices. 
 
 I want ray mamma and papa. Let me go," continued 
 Emily, ** you have no right to keep me here." 
 
 ' Soon you shall go homee, but not now. Waitee bitee." 
 
 Emily got up from the bed she had not been undressed 
 and began to cry bitterly. 
 
 Giving her some tea and rice, Hysa endeavoured to console 
 and soothe her. 
 
 She ate and drank, but her tears did not cease, nor did she 
 stop her lamentations. 
 
 Bigamini put down his fishing-rod, and walked into the 
 sleeping apartment. 
 
 " Stop that noise," he exclaimed, " or 111 make you." 
 
 The child looked curiously at him with her big eyes. 
 
 " Did you take me away from my home ? " she asked. 
 
 "Yes, I did." 
 
 " What harm have I done you ? " 
 
 " I want to make money, and I have told your father, if he 
 will give me a certain sum, you shall be sent back." 
 
 " You are a bold, bad man," said Emily, bravely. 
 
 " Every body knows that no one better than myself, little 
 miss," replied Bigamini. 
 
 "When shall I go back ?" 
 
 " To-morrow, perhaps. It all depends. I shall go to-night, 
 and see if the cash is waiting for me. Stop crying." 
 
 " I can't help it," answered Emily. " Is it not dreadful 
 to be taken away like this? What made me sleep so 
 fast ? " 
 
 " A drug I gave you." 
 
 " Oh, what a way my mother and father will be in. Do 
 you think they will get the money ? " 
 
 " They must, if they care about you." 
 
 "Our enemies are very cruel. Only a little while ago, 
 young Jack Harkaway was taken from us. Something is 
 always happening." 
 
 Bigamini sat down.
 
 192 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 The child was standing before him with a tea-cup in her 
 hand. 
 
 Hysa was behind her, with her face rigid. 
 
 It seemed as if she had made up her mind to protect little 
 Emily to the extent of her power. 
 
 " Now, I want to talk seriously to you," exclaimed Biga- 
 mini, 
 
 He had a small bamboo cane in his hand. 
 
 This he swished through the air threateningly. 
 
 The girl winced, as if she were afraid he was going to beat 
 her. 
 
 Instinctively she retreated a few paces towards Hysa. 
 
 Looking up in her face for protection, she took her hand. 
 
 There was a dangerous flash in Hysa's eyes. 
 
 " You shall not strike her ! " said Hysa. 
 
 " Hold your tongue ! Who's speaking to you ? " cried 
 Bigamini, angrily. 
 
 His small, fishy eyes turned green. 
 
 " I say you shall not ! " was the firm reply. 
 
 " You can't stop me ! Perhaps you will get a thrashing 
 you won't like. It would not be the first time, you know. 
 Be silent ! I'm talking to the girl, not you." 
 
 Hysa made no answer; but she kept her gaze fixed on 
 him. 
 
 " Do you know the meaning and virtue of an oath ? " 
 asked Bigamini, addressing the child. 
 
 " Of course I do," replied Emily, who was astonishingly 
 clever and vivacious for her age. 
 
 "That is gratifying." 
 
 "You do not suppose for a moment that I have been 
 brought up like a savage ? " 
 
 " If you take an oath and break it, what then ? " 
 
 " I shall have committed a very great sin, and acted very 
 dishonourably. If I swear not to do a thing, I must keep 
 my word, come what may, or I am disgraced in the sight of 
 heaven and man." 
 
 'Bigamini smiled. 
 
 " That is it, exactly. I see your are no fool ! " he 
 exclaimed. " You are a credit to your bringing up." 
 
 " I ought to be, considering that my parents have taken 
 great pains with me," said Emily, proudly. 
 
 " Should I take you back to Mr. Mole's to-morrow, or the 
 next day, or the day after that," continued Bigamini, " you
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA . 
 
 most will to me, in the sight erf Heaven, that von wfll 
 not tell anyone where you have been or whom you have 
 
 Emfly looked at him with wide-open eyes and 
 erebrows. 
 
 ' ~ Why," she rejoined, " that will be the very first thing I 
 shall be asked by every body. They wul want to catch and 
 parish you." 
 
 ~ For that precise reason, you most swear not to teXL" 
 
 - Oh ! I can't do that. It is absurd to ask me." 
 ~ I shall whip you until YOU do."* 
 
 ~ What ! whip me ? You dare not do k ! My father and 
 Jack Harkaway would kill you, if they knew it," said little 
 Emilv. 
 
 She spoke boldly, fearlessly, even defiantly. 
 
 Young as she was, she had seen &Uange sights, and been 
 ihroogh many perils. 
 
 - If you are obstinate," Bigamini replied, "you wiD never 
 e your friends again." 
 
 ** What win you do ?" 
 
 K Cut your throat, tie a stone round your neck, and throw 
 _ ou into the lake, as I would a dead dog." 
 Emily looked at him with ineffable scorn. 
 
 - Do YOU call yourself a man?" she asked. 
 
 - Most decidedly I do," said the wretch. 
 
 call you a 
 ; and not w 
 
 "Will you swear? 1 
 
 -Xo!" 
 
 Bigamini sprang to his feet, and Emfly dang 
 H - - 
 
 The woman bent down and whispered in her ear. 
 
 "You had best do as be teDs TOO." she umwred. He 
 wffl half kill you else: I know his temper* 
 
 " It is not right that I should do so," repGed Bnry. 
 
 -Saveyounelt- 
 
 Tl^imiiii caught her by the arm, and wrenched her away 
 from her yifirt^d 1 ***^ 
 
 The cane was raised in the air. 
 
 In another moment it would have Intel opoo her 
 shoulders. 
 
 Hysa caught it in her hand. 
 
 You shan not harm the chfld! - she cried. 
 
 brute! You are 
 Tartar, and* not worthy the name of man."
 
 1 94 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 With a curse, her husband gave her a blow on th? side of 
 the head. 
 
 Uttering a piercing shriek she sank on her knees, with 
 bowed head, reeling from side to side. 
 
 Emily was terribly alarmed. 
 
 She had seen fighting between men, but she had never be- 
 fore beheld a man strike a woman. 
 
 To her young, delicate, and sensitive mind, it was incon- 
 ceivably dreadful. 
 
 The next moment the cane fell on her back. 
 
 It seem to cut into her flesh like a knife. 
 
 " Oh, spare me ! " she exclaimed. " I will swear. Spare 
 me ! Let me take the oath ! " 
 
 He released her with a grim smile, 
 
 " I thought you would come to your senses," he said. 
 " I have a peculiar way of persuading obstinate people, 
 especially women and children." 
 
 Emily stopped her tears and choked back her sobs. 
 
 It was very hard for her to do so. 
 
 She had always been petted and spoiled. Never in hei 
 life had she even been so much as slapped by her mother, 
 and it was seldom that she received a cross word. 
 
 " Repeat after me this," continued Bigamini : " I solemnly 
 swear, before heaven, as I hope for happiness hereafter, that 
 I will never reveal to anyone whatever, where I have been de- 
 tained, and that my mouth shall be closed as to all that has 
 taken, or will take place, since my abduction." 
 
 The girl repeated the formula in a clear voice. 
 
 " Is that binding on your conscience ? " he asked. 
 
 " Nothing could be more so," she rejoined. " If I broke 
 my oath, I should think my eternal salvation was in danger." 
 
 " Very good. Make your short stay here as comfortable 
 as possible. I am not a hard man to deal with, far from it ; 
 but I will be obeyed in my own house." 
 
 He walked away, and, feeling tired with his night's dis- 
 sipation, laid himself down again on the mats in the adjoin- 
 ing room. 
 
 " Oh ! my head," gasped Hysa. " Givee water ! " 
 
 Little Emily poured some from a pitcher into a cup, which 
 Hysa drank e'agerly. 
 
 She rose and staggered to a chair, with the child's help. 
 
 "Your husband is a brute to you," remarked Emily, 
 a Why do you not leave him ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 195 
 
 " He watchee too muchee. Alice samee as sleepee with 
 one eye open. Hi Li watchee too," answered Hysa. 
 
 "Who is he?" 
 
 " The servant-man who waitee on us and takee care of the 
 boatee. He gone out now. We got two boatee ; he havee 
 one other at the steppees below." 
 
 " If your husband sleeps now, we might get away," sug- 
 gested Emily, in whose breast a new hope dawned. 
 
 Bigamini artful , we see presently. No hurree. He 
 killee if catchee." 
 
 ' Is that his name ? " asked Emily, in deep suprise. 
 
 This was indeed a revelation to her. 
 
 She knew that her father and Harkaway thought Biga- 
 mini, after Hunston, the most despicable scoundrel in the 
 world. 
 
 Lately she had heard a good deal about him. 
 
 " He born in Europe," said Hysa, " Long wayee off ; 
 across the big sea. English call himself, likee you, missee." 
 
 " He is an awful villain ! " cried Emily. u However could 
 you have married him ? " 
 
 " Me not knowee ; tellee he lovee. Woman's heart tender, 
 foolish." 
 
 " He does not display any love or affection towards you. 
 Do you mean that you are not aware that he is a murderer 
 and a thief ? " 
 
 " Livee here alonee ; no friends. Not see what he do." 
 
 " Oh ! do try to get away, and take me with you." 
 
 " Me tryee soon." 
 
 Hysa went on tip-toe to the door of the next room, and 
 looked at her husband. 
 
 He appeared to be sleeping placidly on the mats. 
 
 But she understood perfectly well that there was no depen- 
 dence to be placed upon him. 
 
 While pretending to be asleep, he might be wide-awake, 
 listening to all that was being said. 
 
 Emily, child-like, thought it would be very easy to get away, 
 and was eager to make the attempt. 
 
 She had every confidence in the long-suffering Hysa, who, 
 she saw, was not a partner in her miserable husband's crime. 
 
 Like many poor women who are wedded to bad men, she 
 was a victim. 
 
 It did not occur to Emily that she might be miles away 
 from Mr. Mole's plantation.
 
 196 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 All she wanted was to get on the land again. 
 
 By persevering inquiry, she felt sure that she would be 
 directed to her home. 
 
 Hysa could help her, and in the Chinawoman she placed 
 her trust. 
 
 After waiting ten minutes, Hysa returned to Emily. 
 
 She put her finger to her lips to enjoin caution. 
 
 " Hush ! " she whispered ; " he is a sleeper. We tryee to 
 run awayee." 
 
 " Have you anything to fight with, if he wakes up ? " ask- 
 ed Emily. 
 
 " Nothing but knifee. He gottee pistolee." 
 
 " Oh, my dear friend, I hope sincerely I am not exposing 
 you to any danger ? " 
 
 " No matter. If I die, I be at peace. No happee here," 
 sighed the poor woman. 
 
 " I hope it will be all right," continued Emily. 
 
 "Come. We tryee quick. Hi Li might be back." 
 
 Taking Emily's hand, Hysa led her to the verandah facing 
 the shore. 
 
 Here a flight of steps descended to the water level. 
 
 A boat was moored to one of the rungs of the wooden 
 ladder. 
 
 It was a terribly anxious moment. 
 
 Little Emily felt her heart beat wildly, and she paused pale 
 as a lily. 
 
 They went down the steps, Hysa leading the way, Emily 
 following close behind. 
 
 The sun was now high in the heavens ; a gentle breeze 
 was blowing, in which the palms on shore waved grace- 
 fully. 
 
 Emily thought how much, under different circumstancs, she 
 would enjoy a row with young Jack on this beautiful lake, and 
 how nice it would be to fish in it. 
 
 Hysa got into the boat, which was but a frail little cockle- 
 shell, capable of holding three persons. 
 
 A breath of wind would almost capsize it, and a strong 
 gust would swamp it effectually. 
 
 Emily was about to imitate her new friend's example, when 
 they were both startled by a gruff voice above them. 
 
 " Stop ! " 
 
 They looked up. 
 
 It was no other than Bigamini, standing on the verandah.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 197 
 
 In his hand he held a revolver, which was pointed at the 
 boat. 
 
 Their hearts sank within them. 
 
 Emily was rooted to the ladder, and Hysa did not dare 
 to move. 
 
 " Where are you going ? " Bigamini asked. 
 
 Hysa was in such a low nervous condition at being dis- 
 covered by her unscrupulous husband, that she did not dare 
 to speak. 
 
 Plucking up courage, Emily bravely replied 
 
 " We are going for a row. Is there any harm in that ? " 
 
 " It is against orders. Come back, or I shoot you both. 
 Did you think I was asleep ? Ha, ha ! How grossly you 
 were deceived ! " 
 
 " What shall we do ? " asked Emily. 
 
 " We must return," replied Hysa, 
 
 Reluctantly Emily retraced her steps, and Hysa, trembling 
 in every limb, followed her. 
 
 Bigamini waited until they were both in front of him. 
 
 " What do you take me for ? " he demanded. " I heard 
 all you said. You have been deceiving me, and you shall 
 suiter for it" 
 
 " Be merciful," sobbed Hysa. 
 
 " Bah ! You know me. Mercy in my heart, and for you ! " 
 
 " Spare my Me ! " she pleaded. 
 
 " Mercy ! " he repeated. " You might as well expect sparks 
 from a snowball ! " 
 
 Hysa sank on her knees. 
 
 She feared that he would strike her as usual, and she had 
 not recovered from the last blow he gave her. 
 
 " My resources are unlimited ! " exclaimed Bigamini. " I 
 neglect no precaution," 
 
 " If we had got out of range of your pistol, and you had no 
 boat to pursue us in, what would you have done ? " asked 
 Emily. 
 
 " You would have perished in my death-trap." 
 
 " What do you mean by that? " ' 
 
 " I will explain to both of you," answered Bigamini, with 
 one of his grim, ogre-like smiles. 
 
 The words sent a thrill of horror through the frames of 
 his listeners. 
 
 Was he a dynamite fiend ? 
 
 There was some hidden meaning hi the sepulchral phrase.
 
 1 98 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Leaning over the verandah, he took up a hook which was 
 secured to a post ; attached to this was a cord, which drop- 
 ped down into the lake. 
 
 He held this tightly in his hand. 
 
 " Look," he continued, " at the landing-stage. It is built 
 of wood. When you reach it, you go up six steps, and and 
 walkover it, between two sets of rails, for a dozen yards, when 
 you get on to the earth. Do you follow me ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Emily. 
 
 Hysa listened and looked, but she did not speak. 
 
 "Pay attention," he went on. "Underneath the stage is 
 a large square pit, dug in the earth, ten feet deep. The stage 
 is composed of two sets of boards, so constructed as to meet 
 in the middle and be held up by a bolt of iron." 
 
 " What good is that ? " 
 
 " Mark me well. Watch ! I pull this cord, which is at- 
 tached to the iron bolt. As I do so, it draws it back : the 
 boards, which are on hinges, fall on each side, revealing a 
 chasm. Then anyone standing on them would be precipitated 
 into the pit." 
 
 " How horrible ! " 
 
 He proceeded, without paying any attention to her inter- 
 ruption. 
 
 ' By a peculiar piece of mechanism of my own invention, 
 the two boards rise up again, meet together, join, and the 
 bolt shoots back, holding them up as before." 
 
 " Any one standing upon them would fall and be imprison- 
 ed in the pit ? " said Emily. 
 
 " Precisely that is my meaning," answered Bigamini. " I 
 fix the hook here again to the post, and it is ready for an- 
 other occasion." 
 
 " What becomes of the people who stand on that landing 
 platform, and have incurred your displeasure ? " 
 
 "They die," 
 
 " Then that is your death-trap ? " 
 
 " Exactly. I will give you an example. See, a mandarin 
 duck has come off the lake ; he is standing on the landing- 
 stage. Observe him ? " 
 
 Emily did so, as well as Hysa. 
 
 All eyes were riveted on the beautiful, gaudy-plum aged 
 bird. 
 
 All unconscious of its doom, it was pruning its wings in 
 the glad sunshine.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 199 
 
 Bigamini pulled the cord with a sharp jerk. There was a 
 grating sound, as of a bolt shooting back. 
 
 In a second the platform seemed to fall to pieces, and dis- 
 appear into the ground. 
 
 The duck, before it could raise its wings to fly, fell down- 
 ward into the chasm. 
 
 Immediately, as if by clockwork, the two flap boards rose, 
 joined together, and the bolt coming back into its place, riv- 
 eted them. 
 
 All was as before. 
 
 " Oh," exclaimed Emily, " that is ingenious, but very dread- 
 ful. The duck, poor thing ! cannot get out" 
 
 " No more could a man or a woman," replied Bigamini. 
 
 " Is there water inside ? " 
 
 "A little perhaps a couple of feet. No more. The bot- 
 tom of the pit is nearly on a level with the water of the lake 
 at this time of the year. When we have the rains and the 
 floods, it is nearly full of water." 
 
 " Enough to drown anyone ? " 
 
 " Yes then, but not now." 
 
 " The duck will die of starvation," added Emily. 
 
 " Undoubtedly. I had half a mind to let you two 'go in 
 the boat and get on the landing-stage. You would not have 
 been there a second, before I should have pulled the cord." 
 
 "We should have fallen into your death-trap." 
 
 ** Certainly ; and stayed there. So can I cast anyone down. 
 If my enemies come to attack me in my house upon the lake, 
 they never go back to tell the tale." 
 
 " Have you ever thrown anyone down ? " asked Emily. 
 
 "There are a few mouldering skeletons at the bottom I 
 believe," rejoined Bigamini, with a hollow laugh. 
 
 " If we had got as far as that, would you have pulled the 
 cord ? " asked Emily, with childish curiosity. 
 
 "Of course I should. You don't suppose for a moment I 
 should have allowed you to escape ? " 
 
 u What a bad man you must be." 
 
 " You're a saucy little miss, but I don't like you any the 
 worse for it. Go inside. You too, Hysa ! Quick ! Move 
 yourself, or I'll know the reason why ! " 
 
 Hysa got up, shivering. 
 
 u Let your poor wife alone," said Emily. " You're a man, 
 and you ought to be ashamed of yourself." 
 
 "What's that?"
 
 200 JACK HA RKA IV A Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 "Why, you know, to feel a sense of degradation." 
 
 " Can't understand that. I'm master, and I mean to be. 
 A woman lorded over me once, and I resolved no other should 
 do it. Go in, Hysa. You will find some fish I caught. 
 Cook them in oil, and look sharp, or I pity you." 
 
 Hysa obeyed him, only too glad to get away. 
 
 She was afraid to utter a word. 
 
 The wretch had conquered her, and she did not dare to 
 call her soul her own. 
 
 Emily went after her kind protectress, who was so willing, 
 but unable to save her. 
 
 The attempt at escape had been a complete failure. 
 
 When Bigamini was alone, he sat down in a bamboo chair 
 and lighted a cigar. 
 
 " Hi Li is a long time," he muttered. " Perhaps he is 
 being dodged by Harkaway, or some of his party. I must keep 
 a sharp lookout." 
 
 A dark frown crossed his face. 
 
 If Harkaway found out where he was, his life would not 
 be worth five minutes' purchase. 
 
 In half-an-hour's time Emily made her appearance on the 
 verandah. 
 
 " Mr. Bigamini," she said, " your lunch is ready. The 
 fish look very nice, and your dear wife has taken great pains 
 with them, which, I must confess, is more than you deserve." 
 
 " You are considered rather cheeky, aren't you ? " he 
 replied. 
 
 " Oh, dear no ! Everyone regards me as a model of 
 propriety." 
 
 " You're a nice little thing, anyhow, and I shouldn't like 
 to hurt you. I hope your friends will pay up." 
 
 "They will be sure to raise the money between them," 
 said Emily ; " and when you get it, you ought to turn honest 
 and treat your wife better." 
 
 "I'm tired of her." 
 
 " Why ? She's very amiable." 
 
 " She's a worm ! " said Bigamini, contemptuously. 
 
 " Worms will turn, you know," Emily exclaimed. " That's 
 a proverb. Take care she doesn't." 
 
 " If she had your pluck, I should like her better." 
 
 " Treat her kindly, and if ever you fall into my father's 
 hands, or Jack Harkaway's I will ask them to let you off 
 easily."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 2OI 
 
 * Will you? "cried BigaminL "That's a bargain. Don't 
 TOO forget it, my little lassie. HI let her off and give her a 
 show. We will lunch together, and have a nice bottle of 
 
 '" 
 
 He got up and walked into die room, which served as 
 Vfa i^"** **"^ dining-room. 
 
 ^ Give her a kiss," said Emily. " Mind, you've got to do 
 what I tell you, or I won't take your part when yon need it, 
 and you never know when you wflL" 
 
 * That's a true remark, replied BigaminL " It' s a topsy- 
 turvy world, and well I know it."* 
 
 -Kiss her," continued Emily, in an imperative manner; 
 K she's your wife. I've heard father say tiiat if a man ever 
 does a wrong to a woman, it is sure to come home to him 
 
 "You've got an extraordinary influence over me, you young 
 pass," Bigamini observed. 
 
 " I am inclined to think you want cmUzing." she answered. 
 
 Bigamini drew his wife towards him, and imprinted a kiss 
 upon her lips, which astonished her beyond measure, as she 
 had expected to be badly treated for trying to escape widi 
 hi; -r.; : -- 
 
 A magic influence had Emily over everybody she came in 
 
 She was like a fitde fairy, and no one could help loving 
 her, or resist the ineffable charm of her manner. 
 
 They lunched together, and afterwards passed a pleasant 
 afternoon, Bigamini teaching Emily to catch the lake fish, 
 baiting her hook for her, and paying her every attention. 
 
 They had tea, and Emily sang some old English songs that 
 her mother had taught her. 
 
 As the sun was declining, Bigamini sent them both indoors, 
 and sat in his chair on die verandah facing die landing-stage. 
 
 Emily had pleased and amused him, but she had not tamed 
 him. or removed his vicious instincts. 
 
 "No sleep for me," he exclaimed; "there is something 
 wrong. Hi Li would never be so long, if something was not 
 up. I will watch, if I sit up all night. Yes, I must keep a 
 lonehr vigil, for Hi Li is a faithful servant, and would not 
 deceiWme." 
 
 He lighted a cigar, and looked over die surface of die 
 lake. 
 
 It was smooth as glass.
 
 2 02 JA CK HARK A IV A Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 Not a breath of air stirred the circumambient atmosphere. 
 
 A star appeared in the sky. 
 
 It was followed by others at intervals. 
 
 Night had fallen, but Hi Li did not make his appearance, 
 
 Bigamini began to be sorely troubled in his mind. 
 
 He kept his eyes fixed on the landing-stage, and every 
 now and then touched the hook which held the cord attached 
 to the bolt, that controlled what he called his death-trap. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 THE DEATH-TRAP. 
 
 NIGHT had fallen before Hi Li and his friend, Lo Mung, 
 arose from their sleep. 
 
 Young Jack and Monday were becoming impatient. 
 
 It looked as if the heathen Chinese were going to sleep all 
 night. 
 
 Had they done so, however, they would have watched and 
 waited. 
 
 The information they had already gained from the two 
 yellow-skinned, almond-eyed barbarians was too important 
 for them to give up the chase. 
 
 Jack felt sure that he was on the track of .his little sweet- 
 heart, to rescue whom he would have laid down his life. 
 
 Monday was the first to perceive the Chinamen moving. 
 
 " See, Mast' Jack," he whispered, " the beggars are on 
 the move." 
 
 " So they are at last, thank goodness. I was getting 
 jolly tired of this," replied Jack, in a low tone. 
 
 " Now the fun begins. We track um for sure." 
 
 " Don't attempt to injure them, unless they attack us," 
 said Jack, warningly. 
 
 " No," answered Monday. " Find out lilly girl first ; kill 
 thief after ; that um dodge." 
 
 " Exactly. We must consider ourselves spies cautious, 
 crafty, cunning spies." 
 
 " That um so. Hush ! they're getting up." 
 
 Jack and Monday became silent. 
 
 First, Lo Mung rose. He was followed by Hi Li. Both 
 yawned and stretched themselves."
 
 ADVENTURES JN CHINA. 203 
 
 " Sleepee long, sleepee late," obsen'ed Lo Mung. 
 
 " Bad job. Me gettee stick." Hi Li remarked, with a 
 mournful look. 
 
 " What for stick hittee you ? " 
 
 " My boss get in rage at me not being at the house. He 
 have to watchee the girl and the wife, too." 
 
 " It was the foreign devil's wine makee sleepee. Not like 
 tea," said Lo Mung. 
 
 'Too heavee for eyelidders. Makee head an acher," 
 replied Hi Li, pressing his brow. 
 
 " You givee letter to me allee rightee," continued Lo 
 Mung. " Sayee we walkee miles, because someone was a 
 follower." 
 
 " Vellee good. Me do that, and Biga-ing-ming-ming say 
 nothing." 
 
 The idea suggested by his companion seemed to cheer 
 Hi Li considerably. 
 
 He had been beaten on several occasions by his violent- 
 tempered master, and did not want a repetition of the 
 process. 
 
 Bigamini knew the anatomy of a human being, and was 
 able to pick out the soft places in a man's body, as well as 
 any cow-hiding slave-driver, when larruping a nigger, as it 
 was termed in the Southern States. 
 
 They walked on in blissful ignorance that they were being 
 tracked. 
 
 Had they been aware that Monday and young Jack were 
 at their heels that starry night, they would not have been so 
 much at their ease. 
 
 They chatted pleasantly about the good time they were 
 going to have together in Hong-Kong. 
 
 The nice toothsome dishes that they would eat, such as 
 rat and dog, prepared a la Chinoise, made their mouths 
 water. 
 
 And the opium they would smoke, and the whiskee, 
 brandee, gin, of the foreign devils, as they called it, caused 
 them to think of Paradise. 
 
 Their pursuers lagged behind, but kept them well in view. 
 
 All their anxiety was to find out their lair. 
 
 There was little doubt in Jack's mind that Bigamini was 
 the abductor of Emily. 
 
 The Celestials, when talking, had alluded to him by name. 
 
 If he could discover the hiding-place of the loathsome
 
 2 04 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 wretch who had caused them so much trouble, all would be 
 well. 
 
 A rescue would be speedily effected, and the bold ab- 
 ductor properly punished. 
 
 After walking a few miles the two Chinamen came to the 
 margin of the lake. 
 
 They found the boat where Hi Li had left it in the morn- 
 ing, when he had started for Mole's plantation with Biga- 
 mini's letter about the girl's ransom. 
 
 There was no moon, but the twinkling stars were reflected 
 in the bosom of the lake. 
 
 It was easy for anyone in the house to see anybody on 
 the landing-stage, or near the edge of the sheet of water. 
 
 If it were unusually dark, the inventive genius of Bigamini 
 had provided a safeguard. 
 
 He had a large lamp, with a powerful reflector, which 
 threw a glare on the shore to whatever part it was directed. 
 
 This he called his patent double-action search light. 
 
 He kept a cap over the disc of the lamp when he did not 
 want to use it. 
 
 This could be taken off instantly, and the light applied 
 in case of an alarm. 
 
 In addition to this he had his rifle gallery, in which six 
 loaded rifles always rested on supports, and faced the land. 
 
 To storm Bigamini's castle was not such an easy thing 
 as it looked. 
 
 Being built out on the lake was a great point in its favour. 
 
 During the evening he had been sitting in the verandah, 
 watching the shore, as he smoked cigars and drank claret. 
 
 He was puzzled at his servant Hi Li's prolonged absence. 
 
 There was a chance of his being captured and taken be- 
 fore a native judge, who had power to put him to the torture. 
 
 Under pressure of pain he would probably confess all. 
 
 If that happened, it would not be long before a raid was 
 made upon Bigamini's dwelling. 
 
 Ill at ease, he kept his restless eyes fixed upon the shore. 
 
 He had the search light by his side, but there was n& 
 occasion to use it that night. 
 
 Objects were perfectly visible on land. 
 
 He saw Hi Li and Lo Mung when they reached the plat- 
 form. 
 
 The latter sought the rope by which the boat was moored, 
 and began to untie it.
 
 ADVENTURES M3F ClflA'A. 2O - 
 
 AH Chinamen are very jnnch alike, wish their loose dress 
 'his man Hi Li, but who had he 
 
 him from Mr. Mole's, because he did not know that 
 
 he could see die forms of the two men, he 
 
 The starhght was not strong enough to enable him to do 
 
 -. r 
 
 An uneasy feeling stole over his mind. 
 
 He was ill In miaul to satisfy himself as to the identity 
 of these nocturnal visitors. 
 
 If they were foes, his place was in the rifle gaOerr. 
 where he could kffl them and sink them before they had 
 many yards in a boat. 
 
 Removing the cap., he turned die double-action search 
 
 A brief examination showed him who Ae strangers were. 
 
 Tie fight was shut off quickly; the Chinese got into the 
 boat and rowed to the house. 
 
 Hysa had gone to sleep, with muy by her side. 
 
 The boat ran alongside the piles on which the house was 
 buik, and BJgamini was about to question the Chinamen as 
 they came up the steps, when his quick eye detected the 
 
 They were young Jack and Monday, who had watched 
 the boat depart, and walked on to the nliliniTin to get a 
 belter look of the house. 
 
 -Spied upon and tracked,"' he muttered. "They are 
 followed and the empty-headed fools did not know it." 
 
 For a moment he turned the search fight OB again. 
 
 Then all was darkness. 
 
 -By heaven, he cried, it is young Harkaway and that 
 caned Mack, Monday. A rocky discovery." 
 
 With a nervous eagerness he puffed the cord. 
 
 The death-trap opened suddenly. 
 
 Taken unawares, young Jack and the faithful Monday 
 were precipitated into the chasm. 
 
 Thev ottered wfld cries of alarm and despair. 
 
 The' next moment the hidden 
 boar& to resume their former position.
 
 206 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 Young Jack and his companion were caught in the death- 
 trap, and buried alive. 
 
 Their fate was as certain as it was secret. 
 
 Even Lo Mung and Hi Li were ignorant of what had hap- 
 pened. 
 
 Bigamini did not think it advisable or necessary to en- 
 lighten them. 
 
 They came in, made their explanations and excuses, and 
 there was an end of the matter. 
 
 Giving the Chinamen some supper, Bigamini told them 
 to keep watch and watch until day dawned, when they 
 were to awake him. 
 
 He then threw himself on the mats in the ante-room, 
 and almost immediately fell into a sound slumber. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 THE RANSOM RESTORATION OF EMILY DIVIDING THE 
 SPOIL POISON IN THE GLASS. 
 
 THE dawn of day was ushered in at a very early hour. 
 Hi Li, who was on the watch, roused his master. 
 
 " Sayee, boss ! Timee wakee ! " he exclaimed, shaking 
 him by the shoulder. 
 
 Bigamini sprang to his feet. 
 
 He glared savagely at the Chinaman and grasped his 
 pistol. 
 
 " Fight me ! Will you ? " he screamed. 
 
 " It am your servanter, allee rightee," replied Hi Li. 
 
 " Oh, yes ! I forgot. Get the boat and row me to the 
 shore." 
 
 He had been having bad dreams, the last of which was 
 the worst. 
 
 It was his idea that he was in the condemned cell await- 
 ing death. 
 
 The hand of the executioner was upon him, to pinion his 
 arms ere he was dragged to the scaffold. 
 
 Drinking some cold tea, he got into the boat. 
 
 The shore was speedily reached. 
 
 " You need not wait for me," he said. " I will whistle 
 for you when I return."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 207 
 
 " How longee that be ? " asked Hi Li. 
 
 " Two hours. Not more." 
 
 Hi Li shot the boat into the lake and went back into the 
 house. 
 
 When he got up the step-ladder and stood on the landing- 
 stage, Bigamini listened. 
 
 He heard the sound of voices emanating from below. 
 
 Kneeling down, he put his ears against the boards and 
 listened. 
 
 Monday was speaking. 
 
 " This am um might}' bad fix, Mast' Jack," he exclaimed. 
 
 " It is so," replied young Jack. 
 
 " How de debble we going to get out ob it I dunno." 
 
 " Nor I either. It is a clever device. That fellow Big- 
 amini is as cunning as his master." 
 
 " Who's that, sare ? " 
 
 " Satan, the Prince of Darkness ; Beelzebub, the author of 
 all evil." 
 
 " You're right, sare ; he's got us. I'm up to my knees in 
 water, and the little water snakes is playing with me. I can't 
 reach anywhere near the top ; the walls of the pit is smooth. 
 Wouldn't care if I could lie down and take um rest." 
 
 " I'm afraid we sha'n't rest till we die." 
 
 " Nebber say die." 
 
 " That's right we won't. Never despair. Nil desperan- 
 dum. I wonder how the trick was worked ? " 
 
 " It am like the harlequin in a London pantomime, sare," 
 replied Monday. 
 
 " So it is. The boards gave way, down we went ; boards 
 went up, as if by magic again, and here we are. " 
 
 " That is the situation," said Monday. " Cuss it ! What 
 we do ? " 
 
 Young Jack made no answer. 
 
 Silence reigned in the damp, pestilential vault. 
 
 Rising, Bigamini continued his journey, perfectly satisfied 
 that his enemies were effectually trapped. 
 
 " What price young Harkaway now ? " he said to himself. 
 
 "He was always too cock-a-hoop! "He's got his comb 
 cut. Serve him right. Hunston will be glad to hear of this, 
 and ought to pay me well." 
 
 Chuckling at his success, he pursued his walk, highly de- 
 lighted 
 
 It was his intention to visit Mr. Mole's plantation at this
 
 208 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 early hour, to see if the money had been deposited in the 
 place indicated in his letter. 
 
 If he got the cash demanded, he intended to return 
 Emily to her friends, according to promise. 
 
 She could possibly be of no use to him in any way, and 
 strange to say, the rascal had taken a liking to her. 
 
 It was rarely that he loved anyone, or anything, except, his 
 own base, selfish body. 
 
 But little Emily, by her looks, her manner, her boldness, 
 had conquered Bigamini. 
 
 Ruthless as he was, he felt that it would go against the 
 grain with him to kill her. 
 
 It is said that the greatest villains are not all bad they 
 have a soft spot in their hearts somewhere. 
 
 The night was cool, and Bigamini walked quickly. 
 
 In a short time he came to Mr. Mole's tea-garden, and 
 advanced with caution to the old well. 
 
 His right hand held a pistol. 
 
 If anyone confronted him, he intended to shoot. 
 
 Bat there was no sign of a person of any kind, English of 
 Chinese, being about. 
 
 The tea shrubs were so small, that they afforded no shelter. 
 and trees were conspicuous by their absence. 
 
 When he reached the well, he was delighted to see a large 
 canvas bag on the wall. Eagerly he clutched it. 
 
 It was very heavy. 
 
 " Gold ! gold ! " he muttered. " All for me, or I'll know 
 the reason why. Gold beautiful gold ! " 
 
 He retreated, going backwards, with his face to the wall, 
 until he had got to a safe distance. 
 
 Then he hastened homeward. 
 
 Arriving at the lake, he whistled. 
 
 Hi Li was waiting for his master, and at once put off in the 
 boat. 
 
 In a few minutes he touched the landing-stage, Bigamini 
 got into the small craft, and was conveyed to the Lake 
 House. 
 
 He went into his private room and put the bag on a table. 
 
 It did not take him long to untie the string and turn out 
 the contents. 
 
 The gold, for such it was, consisted entirely of sovereigns 
 minted in London for the Bank of England. 
 
 He counted them into little piles of twenty-five each.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 209 
 
 His eyes feasted on them until he positively gloated over 
 the spoil. 
 
 " No time to be lost. The girl shall go home at once, as 
 the ransom is paid," he said. 
 
 Proceeding to Hysa's room, he awoke her. 
 
 " Whatee wantee ? No hurtee ! " she cried. 
 
 Often had the brute struck her in her sleep. 
 
 She was always afraid of him, day and night, when in his 
 drunken moods. 
 
 " Wake the child ! Dress her quick ! She is to go with 
 me," he said. 
 
 You meanee no harmee ? " 
 
 " Fool ! The money has been paid." 
 
 He returned to his room, ate some biscuits made of rice, 
 and drank some wine. 
 
 In a short time Hysa led Emily forward. 
 
 " She is readee," exclaimed Hysa. " Good-bye." 
 
 Emily held up her face for a kiss. 
 
 This she received, with every demonstration of affection 
 from the kind-hearted Chinawoman. 
 
 " You have been very good to me. I like you," said Emily. 
 
 "And I ! What do you think of me ? " inquired Bigamini. 
 
 " Don't ask," replied Emily, candidly. 
 
 " I am going to take you back to your friends. They 
 hare paid for you." 
 
 " How much ? " 
 
 " That is none of your business, miss, but I do not mind 
 telling you. The sum is a thousand pounds." 
 
 " What a lot of money ! " laughed Emily. " I did not think 
 I was worth it." 
 
 " Your father evidently thinks so." 
 
 " Yes, and dear good old Jack Harkaway, too, and Mr. 
 Mole, and young Jack, and all the rest of the party." 
 
 " You have a capital opinion of yourself." 
 
 " And of them, too, heaven bless them ! Come along, Mr. 
 Biga-ing-ming-ming, as you call yourself." 
 
 " It seems you are in a hurry." 
 
 "Certainly I am, to get away from this place. Treat 
 your wife better, or you will never prosper." 
 
 Bigamini^bit his lip. 
 
 " Remember your oath ! " he exclaimed. 
 
 " I am not likely to forget it," Emily answered. 
 
 Putting his whistle to his lips, he blew it
 
 210 JACK If ARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 In a moment Hi Li was by his side. 
 
 " What is it, master ? " he asked. 
 
 " You know where you took the letter to-day," continued 
 Bigamini. 
 
 "To Mister Mole's plantation." 
 
 " Conduct this young lady safely to within a short distance 
 of it. Let her see the house, and then run all the way back 
 here." 
 
 " Me be a runner." 
 
 " Off you go. Mind you are not followed. Be speedy, 
 and I will reward you well." 
 
 Yes, excellency. It shall be donee according to your 
 wishes," answered Hi Li. 
 
 He bowed ceremoniously. 
 
 " Farewell, little one, " added Bigamini. " Will you not 
 shake hands with me before you go ? " 
 
 Emily shook her head. 
 
 " I fear there is blood upon your hand," she said 
 
 Bigamini started. 
 
 " What makes you think so ? " he asked. 
 
 " I dreamed that you were killing somebody," 
 
 " It is foolish fancy." 
 
 " Good-bye." 
 
 She gave her hand willingly to Hi Li, and tripped away 
 with him, her face wreathed with smiles. 
 
 She was going home to these who loved her. 
 
 But she would not touch Bigamini. 
 
 He returned angrily to his room, to gloat over his gold. 
 
 " Even the children shrink from me," he murmured. 
 "Why?" 
 
 He might have spared himself the trouble of asking the 
 question. 
 
 It was instinct. 
 
 The good and pure avoid the bad and wicked. 
 
 It was with the utmost anxiety that Bigamini watched the 
 departure, and awaited the return of Hi Li. 
 
 Two hours elapsed. 
 
 He sat brooding over some brandy and water, smoking for 
 two hours. 
 
 Then he heard the sound of oars in the water, and knew 
 that his servant had come back. 
 
 " Well," he ejaculated, as Hi Li, after mooring the boat, 
 ascended the steps leading to the verandah.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 2H 
 
 " It is all wellee," replied Hi Li. " Little missee see housee 
 and door open, she runnee in." 
 
 " Did anyone observe you ? " 
 
 " No, most honourable." 
 
 '' That will do. Get into your straw and sleep. I shall 
 sit up, for I expect my friends from the city early." 
 
 Hi Li retired, with his accustomed low obeisance, to the 
 room in which he slept. 
 
 His bed consisted simply of a quantity of rice straw, and 
 he had shared the shakedown with Lo Mung. 
 
 Bigamini was anticipating a visit from Blowhard and 
 Schneider. 
 
 They would be anxious to know if he had got the money, 
 and want their share. 
 
 A division of the spoils would take place. 
 
 He was tired of his partners, and a murderous idea had 
 come into his brain. 
 
 Going to a cupboard, he took out of it a bottle labelled 
 " Laudanum." 
 
 There was a flagon of wine on the table, from which he 
 had been drinking. 
 
 It was about two-thirds full. 
 
 Into this he poured enough of the deadly, poisonous lau- 
 danum to kill half-a-dozen men. 
 
 A glass of that poisoned wine would send anyone who 
 drank it into a sleep from which he would never awaken. 
 
 He would soon visit the night's Plutonian shore, where 
 lost departed spirits await their doom. 
 
 It was about seven o'clock in the morning, when Bigamini 
 was roused by the sound of a whistle. 
 
 Looking across the lake, he saw Schneider and Blowhard 
 approaching the landing-stage. 
 
 Instantly getting into the boat, he rowed to the shore, 
 greeted them warmly, his face wreathed with Judas-like 
 smiles, and conveyed them to the house. 
 
 Hysa was ready with tea and rice cakes, of which tney 
 partook. 
 
 They were then conducted to their host's private room, 
 where the gold received from Harkaway and Harvey for the 
 restoration of little Emily was piled on the table. 
 
 " There you are, gentlemen," exclaimed BigaminL " My 
 plan has worked well, and succeeded admirably." 
 
 " How did you get the money ? " asked Blowhard.
 
 212 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " I wrote for it, and it was deposited in a certain place." 
 
 " And the girl " 
 
 " Has been sent back. I had no further use for her." 
 
 " It does my eyes goot," said the Dutchman, " to see so 
 much golt." 
 
 " Let's divvy up," cried Blowhard, " and have a rest and 
 a smoke. We were up early, and have walked all the way 
 from the city." 
 
 ** With all my heart," Bigamini replied. 
 
 The gold was divided into three portions. 
 
 That is to say. each one received three hundred and thirty- 
 three pounds, there being one odd sovereign left over, which 
 Bigamini appropriated. 
 
 Schneider and Blowhard then disposed themselves on 
 mats, and began to smoke. 
 
 This soon inclined them to drink. 
 
 They asked for wine, 
 
 Bigamini at once went to the cupboard, took from it the 
 poisoned bottle, and placed it before them with some large 
 glasses. 
 
 " Help yourselves," he said, and went on smoking. They 
 did so. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 THE OATH A THOUGHT READER. 
 
 WHEN Harkaway and Harvey had raised the money in 
 Hong-Kong for the ransom of little Emily, they placed it on 
 the edge of the old well and returned to the house. 
 
 After dinner the time hung heavily on their hands, and the 
 evening passed slowly, as no one was much in the mood for 
 talking. 
 
 Harvey and Hilda were alarmed and nervous on account 
 of their daughter, while Harkaway and Emily began to grow 
 anxious, because young Jack and Monday had not come 
 back. 
 
 At length they went to bed. 
 
 Harvey could not sleep. 
 
 When he had tossed about restlessly until day dawn, he 
 got up, and went down-stairs.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHIXA. 213 
 
 To his great delight, he had scarcely opened the back door, 
 before he saw his child running towards him. 
 
 She had just been left by the Chinaman to whom Bigamini 
 had entrusted her. 
 
 " Here she is ! Emily's come back ! " he shouted, loud 
 enough to rouse even-one in the house. 
 
 He caught her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. 
 
 In less than a minute Hilda had descended, and taking 
 her from him, embraced her lovingly. 
 
 They went into the drawing-room, followed by Harkaway 
 and Professor Mole. 
 
 " So far, so good," exclaimed Mole, " the girl's come back, 
 but where is the boy ? " 
 
 "That is the question that perplexes me," replied Hark- 
 away. 
 
 " What did he say when he departed with that sable speci- 
 men of humanity, Monday ? " 
 
 " Simply that 'they had discovered tracks and were going 
 to follow them up, with a view to recovering Emily. I tried 
 to dissuade them, but they would have their own way." 
 
 " Obstinate as mules. I know them." 
 
 " We must put them on one side for a time," continued 
 Harkaway, " and hear what Emily has to tell us." 
 
 " Yes," answered Harvey, " I am extremely anxious to 
 know who carried her off." 
 
 "Exactly. The Hong-Kong police will have something 
 to say in that matter." 
 
 "Yes; and we may, perhaps, get our money back," said 
 Harvey. 
 
 He took Emily up. and put her on his knee. 
 
 She looked up laughingly into his face, seeming delighted 
 to be at home once more. 
 
 So, in truth, she was. 
 
 During the whole time she had been with Bigamini and 
 Hysa, she was in dread. 
 
 " Who took you away, and where have you been ? " asked 
 Harvey. 
 
 Little Emily shook her head. 
 
 Full well she recollected the solemn oath that the crafty 
 Bigamini had made her swear. 
 
 "I am very sorry," she replied, "but I cannot tell you 
 
 all regarded her with astonishment.
 
 214 J A CK HA KKA WA Y AND HIS SON ' s 
 
 Had she taken leave of her senses ? 
 
 " What do you mean ? " demanded Harvey. 
 
 " Just what I say, papa dear. My lips are sealed. I am 
 pledged to secrecy." 
 
 " By whom ? " 
 
 " I must not tell," she persisted. 
 
 "Was it " began Hilda. 
 
 " No, no ! That won't do, mamma. You may fish but you 
 won't catch anything. I have taken an awfully solemn 
 and binding oath not to reveal name or place. Surely you 
 would not wish me to be so wicked as to break it." 
 
 " You were forced to take it, I suppose ? " asked Harvey. 
 
 " I was to be beaten if I did not : one stroke on the shoul- 
 ders with a bamboo I did get. It was enough for me," re- 
 plied Emily, with a shudder. 
 
 " Poor child ! This treatment amounts to coercion. What 
 do you think, Jack ? " asked Harvey. 
 
 " Decidedly," answered Harkaway. 
 
 "Then the oath is not binding on her, because she did not 
 swear willingly." 
 
 "That is my opinion." 
 
 " And mine also," put in Mole. " As a man of letters, my 
 voice should have some weight." 
 
 " You hear, Emmy," exclaimed Harvey. " We all agree 
 that you may conscientionsly break your oath." 
 
 " Nothing will persuade me to do so," replied the little 
 maiden, pursing up her lips. 
 
 "Is it anyone we know, or have cause to be afraid of 
 Hunston, for instance ? " 
 
 Emily looked archly at her father. 
 
 Her face assumed a comical expression, which made every- 
 body laugh. 
 
 " Do you think it is going to rain to-day, papa ? " she 
 queried. 
 
 " Don't be rude, Emily," said Hilda, reprovingly. 
 
 " I did not intend to be," replied the child. 
 
 " Tell me who has kept you away from us, and taken the 
 thousand pounds ? " 
 
 " Mamma, do I look best in pink, or white or blue ? " 
 
 " Naughty girl ! I shall put you to bed," exclaimed Hilda, 
 growing angry. 
 
 Emily yawned. 
 
 " That is exactly where I want to go. Every thing is all
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 215 
 
 right Let us get on board our ship as soon as possible, and 
 go to Greece after the treasure." 
 
 " We cannot, my dear," replied Harkaway. 
 
 " How so ? " 
 
 " Another misfortune has happened, of which you know 
 nothing." 
 
 " There seems to be no end to our calamities and annoy- 
 ances. What is it now ? " 
 
 " My son Jack and our faithful Monday are missing." 
 
 ' Since when ? " asked Emily. 
 
 " Yesterday afternoon. They would start after you, hav- 
 ing found some tracks, which made them believe they had 
 obtained a clue to your whereabouts." 
 
 " I saw nothing of either of them." 
 
 " Do you think they have been made prisoners ? " inquired 
 Harkaway. 
 
 " Not by the people I was with, or I should have heard 
 and seen something of them," Emily rejoined. 
 
 Although Emily knew of the death-trap, which Bigamini 
 had described to her when, with Hysa, she had attempted to 
 escape in the canoe, she was ignorant of its having been used 
 lately. 
 
 " Come, come," cried Harvey, impatiently; " who are these 
 people you have been with ? Where do they live ? How 
 are we to get at them ? " 
 
 " I cannot tell you. For my soul's sake, I dare not" 
 
 " That is fanatical nonsense. I am very much annoyed. 
 Take the child away," Harvey added. 
 
 " Do not be cross with me," pleaded Emily. " I am not 
 to blame, father." 
 
 " You are defiant I feel sure that young Jack and Monday 
 have fallen into the hands of the people who have detained 
 you, and you will not guide us to the scoundrel's haunt." 
 
 " My oath prevents me.'' 
 
 Emily spoke decidedly. 
 
 She had been well brought up if not strictly, and was of 
 a pious disposition. 
 
 Seeing that her religion would not allow her to make any 
 revelation respecting her captor, Hilda led her from the room. 
 
 Emily accompanied mother and child upstairs, but though 
 they plied her with questions, they could extract nothing from 
 her' 
 
 The three men were left together.
 
 2 16 JACK HARK A WA Y AND MIS SON'S 
 
 "The child has been artfully made to swear to divulge 
 nothing," remarked Mr. Mole, " and I can see you will get 
 nothing out of her." 
 
 " It is very annoying," replied Harvey. " She cannot have 
 been very far off certainly not so far as Hong-Kong. It 
 is not more than six hours since we put the bag of gold on 
 the edge of the old well, and Emmy has been back nearly an 
 hour." 
 
 " I should particularly like to know in which direction to 
 look for the hiding-place of the villains," said Harkaway. 
 
 " As for me, I am just dying to get at it. I would attack 
 them singlehanded if you two failed to support me," cried 
 Mole. 
 
 He had not neglected to take an early morning dram, and 
 felt valiant. 
 
 " Suppose you go one way and I the other, sir, to scour 
 the country." 
 
 " A very good idea, but I think I would rather go with 
 you." 
 
 " For protection ? " 
 
 " Oh, dear no ! I would protect you. The fact is, I'm 
 genial. I like company, and I like to have some one to talk 
 to." 
 
 A servant now announced that breakfast was ready. 
 
 They all adjourned to the dining-room, where, a gong being 
 sounded, they were joined by the ladies. 
 
 Hilda announced that little Emily was sleeping soundly. 
 
 " Poor dear," she said, " I fear she is quite exhausted. 
 She has had her trials." 
 
 " It is a pity she will not speak," said Harvey. 
 
 *' I honour and respect her for her truthfulness." 
 
 " If she would reveal what she knows, we could bag our 
 enemy and recover our money." 
 
 " Nothing will induce her to open her lips." 
 
 " Well, all I can say is that it is a mistaken idea. An 
 oath forced from anyone is not binding." 
 
 " She is too young to understand legal quibbles," remarked 
 Hilda. " All she depends on is her conscience. She has 
 sworn to keep a promise." 
 
 " Say no more about it," replied Harvey. 
 
 " That man, Lo Mung, has discharged himself," said Emily 
 " at least, the other servants say he is nowhere to be 
 found."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 217 
 
 " The Chinese are very independent," answered Harkaway. 
 u You must not speak to them." 
 
 At this moment a female servant entered the room, and 
 gave a card to Mr. Mole. He read it attentively. 
 
 It was written in English, and in a tolerable 'round hand. 
 
 ^ Curious,"* exclaimed Mole. " The famous thought-reader 
 of Pekin, now in Hong-Kong, named Tien Sin, has favored 
 me with a visit." 
 
 ' Has thought-reading penetrated into this benighted coun- 
 try ?" asked Harkaway. 
 
 u My dear boy, they always were ahead of us in all the scien- 
 ces ! They invented the art of printing ; they discovered the 
 way to make gunpowder long bef oe Roger Bacon did ; in short, 
 they were up to concert-pitch, and had a search light thou- 
 sands of years before we did." 
 
 " Are YOU going to have your thoughts read, sir? " 
 
 "Ithiakl wilL I'll try the fellow." 
 
 " Perhaps he is an impostor, and you will pay your money 
 for nothing." 
 
 " 111 chance that. Read his card, and tell me what your 
 opinion of it is," replied Mole. 
 
 Harkaway took the card, the contents of which ran as 
 follows 
 
 "Tien Sin, the great Thought-Reader Extraordinary of 
 Pekin, now residing for a brief space in the Treaty Port of 
 Hong- Kong, sends his greeting to the distinguished and most 
 honourable English mandarin, Mole. 
 
 " Tien Sin is thought-reader by appointment to the Em- 
 peror of China. King of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, Master 
 of the White Elephant, and Ornament of the Universe. 
 
 " Also to all the high mandarins, merchants, and the public 
 generally. 
 
 "Thoughts of persons read, minds laid bare, and and se- 
 crets found out 
 
 * Hidden things discovered by the heaven-bora gift of the 
 well-known and fully appreciated Tien Sin. 
 
 " Tien Sin, Searcher of Hearts, Reader of Thoughts. 
 
 " Fee, a hundered taels." 
 
 " There may be something in it,*' observed Hanrey. " Let 
 him have a go at you, sir." 
 
 " He shall," answered Mofe. 
 
 " It can't hurt you. If the man, Tien Sin, tells the truth 
 about you, we will put him in contact with my little Emily.''
 
 2 18 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 " To find out where she has been. If he can read thoughts, 
 it will not be a difficult or impossible task." 
 
 " Well thought of," replied Mole. " Harvey, you are a 
 genius." 
 
 " I never thought so, sir," answered Harvey, modestly. 
 
 " Didn't I train you ? Have I not made Harkaway what 
 he is ? I was your schoolmaster." 
 
 " I hope we are a credit to you." 
 
 " Sometimes, not always. Yet I am proud of you." 
 
 "Why should there not be a thought-reader in China?" 
 asked Harkaway. " I am inclined to believe in him." 
 
 " And I too," said Harvey. 
 
 " That settles it. Carpet him. Bring him in, Mongolia, 
 or whatever your Celestial name is ! " cried Mole. " Let us 
 see Tien Sin." 
 
 The servant departed. 
 
 They had all finished breakfast ; the fragrant tea had been 
 drunk ; the boiled chickens, poached eggs, and fried fish, had 
 vanished. 
 
 Presently a tall, thin man, with a cadaverous countenance, 
 but having a somewhat spiritual air about him, entered. 
 
 He made a profound obeisance to the company. 
 
 " Which is the celebrated Mandarin Mole of whom I have 
 heard so much in Hong- Kong ? " he asked. 
 
 " I am that humble individual," the professor replied. 
 
 He rose from his chair and grasped the thought-reader 
 from Pekin by the hand. 
 
 " I likee Englishman," said Tien Sin. " I was brought 
 uppee in a merchant's office in Canton. All English vellee 
 good." 
 
 " Tea trade ? " enquired Mole. 
 
 " No, silk, very large business. Ten years ago I began to 
 read thoughts. Go to Pekin make high big namee. What 
 you want to know ? " 
 
 " Tell me where I put my cigar-case last night, for I'm 
 blowed if I can remember," replied Mole. 
 
 ''You sittee in this room ? " 
 
 " Yes. It was here that I was sitting." 
 
 " Givee your hand, so," said Tien Sin. 
 
 He took the professor by the hand and began to lead him 
 round the room. 
 
 At length he stopped near an easy bamboo-chair.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 2I 9 
 
 u There," he exclaimed, pointing underneath it 
 
 Mr. Mole stooped down, looked, and saw his missing cigar- 
 case. 
 
 He must have dropped it there in the evening when he was 
 smoking, before going to bed 
 
 " Wonderful ! " he cried. " This is really extraordinary." 
 
 u Oh ! that is nothing," replied Tien Sin. 
 
 " Now inform, if you can, what I am thinking about," said 
 the professor. 
 
 " You thinkee of drinkee," was the calm answer. 
 
 Every body in the room burst out laughing at this. 
 
 " What kind of drink?" continued Mole. 
 
 " Rummee and water ; vellee little water." 
 
 " Marvellous," said Mole. " That was one thing I had in 
 my mind. Since I was in the United States, I like a rum- 
 cocktail after breakfast." 
 
 " How was he to know that, sir ? " asked Harvey. 
 
 " No, no. I don't say he did. Now, Mr. Tien Sin, what 
 else am I thinking of ? " 
 
 The thought-reader tapped his forehead. 
 
 He still retained his hold of the professor's hand. 
 
 It appeared to be necessary to keep the touch with the 
 person he was en rapport with. 
 
 Unless he did so, he could not read his thoughts. 
 
 " Your mind is set on going a voyage," said Tien Sin, after 
 a lengthened pause. 
 
 " By heaven ! you are right." cried Mole. 
 
 " You seekee a big treasure." 
 
 " Yes, yes." 
 
 ** It is hidden on an island." 
 
 " If vou can tell that, you can divine any thing." 
 
 " Me knowee all. Me readee." 
 
 Harvey came forward. 
 
 " That is quite enough for me," he exclaimed. " Tien Sin 
 is evidently a remarkable person." 
 
 1 " A man in a hundred thousand in a million,'' said 
 Harkaway. 
 
 " Let us take him up stairs to little Emily," continued Har- 
 vey. " We can possibly extract her secrets from her." 
 
 "Come," said Harkaway. "Lose no time. While she 
 sleeps will be a good opportunity." 
 
 " You wantee more ? " asked Tien Sin. 
 
 " Yes. You shall be paid for your services," replied Harvey.
 
 220 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 They all accompanied him to the bedroom where Emily 
 was lying asleep. 
 
 Her fair hair was hanging over the pillow, and one hand 
 was stretched on the quilt. 
 
 She looked the picture of innocence in sweet repose. 
 
 "What shall I ask the child ? " Tien Sin enquired. 
 
 " Where she has been lately. Whom she has seen within 
 the last forty-eight hours," replied Harvey. 
 
 " The mind is dead in sleepee." 
 
 " Must I wake her up ? " 
 
 " Me no read thoughts unless people are wide awakee. 
 No think in sleepee. Only dreamee." 
 
 Harvey touched Emily on the arm. 
 
 She awoke with a start. 
 
 " Father ! '' she ejaculated. 
 
 " Yes, my love. It is I," replied Harvey. 
 
 " Do you want to speak to me ? Oh ! I am so tired." 
 
 " We thought you were not well, so we have brought the 
 doctor." 
 
 " Let me go to sleep," said Emily, drowsily. 
 
 "Give me your hand. Feelee pulsee," exclaimed Tien 
 Sin. 
 
 She stretched out her hand drowsily. 
 
 For fully five minutes Tien Sin held it and looked her 
 steadily in the face. 
 
 He was reading her thoughts. 
 
 " You have been on the water, my child," he said. 
 
 " How do you know that ? " asked Emily. 
 
 " There was a house built on piles in a lake. It comes 
 back to you. I feel you shiver. The memory makes you 
 afraid." 
 
 " What are you talking about ? " 
 
 " Come ! What is the man's name the man with whom 
 you were ? Speak ! " 
 
 Tien Sin waved his hands over her face. 
 
 She appeared to fall into a mesmeric trance. 
 
 In modern phrase she was hypnotised. 
 
 Her face became contracted, and she was evidently strug- 
 gling against the power he had established over her. 
 
 But she was powerless to resist his influence. 
 
 He had turned her thoughts into the channel he required. 
 
 For ten minutes he continued to hold her hand and 
 watch her countenance narrowly.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 221 
 
 Suddenly he exclaimed 
 
 " Know you one callee Biga-ing-ming-ming ? " 
 
 ** He means Bigamini, ' said Harkaway. 
 
 " I have suspected him all along ; although, not being cer- 
 tain, I did not like to say so," remarked Mole. 
 
 " Your sagacity is wonderful, sir." 
 
 " I flatter myself that I am no fool, and can see as far 
 through a brick wall as any body. Bigamini is the man who 
 is playing us tricks." 
 
 "We all know that now. Tell us something we don't 
 know," 
 
 " You may deride me ; but was I not right when I said 
 down stairs that it was Bigamini ? " 
 
 " The thought-reader has said it, not you." 
 
 " Oh ! Harkaway, what a wretched treacherous memory 
 you have got. Everyone heard me. I appeal to Harvey," 
 said the professor, with an aggrieved air. 
 
 " This is the first I have heard of it," replied Harvey. 
 
 " Heaven help us ! How the world is given to lying," con- 
 tinued Mole, holding up his hands. 
 
 " Let the man go on. Don't interrupt, please. We are in 
 the middle of a stance ! " cried Harkaway. 
 
 Tien Sin began to speak again. 
 
 " The house is built on piles in the lake, about three miles 
 from here, in an easterly direction," he exclaimed. 
 
 " What is its name ? " 
 
 " Lake Lonely." 
 
 " I have seen it, and noted the strange-looking house on 
 the wooden piles, a quarter of a mile off a shore, but I never 
 had the least idea who lived there," said Harvey. 
 
 " I have not been in that direction." 
 
 " It is news to me," observed Harkaway. 
 
 " Fancy Bigamini having a house so near us ! " 
 
 " By Jove I did not know that we were living so close to 
 a hornet's nest." 
 
 It fully accounts for his attacks on us." 
 
 " Attacks," said Harkaway, " which shall be returned with 
 the interest they deserve. Now, Tien Sin, try and find out if 
 she has seen or heard any thing of a white young man and a 
 black man, who went out together in that direction." 
 
 " Her mind is a blank on that subject She no tellee what 
 not knowee," replied the thought-reader. 
 
 ** Who else lives in this Lake House ? "
 
 222 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " A woman, wife of Biga-ing-ming-ming, and two men> who 
 are the servants." 
 
 " That is enough." 
 
 The party, with the exception of Hilda, who remained with 
 her child, descended to the lower apartment. 
 
 They had no reason whatever to doubt the genuineness of 
 the information Tien Sin had extracted from Emily. 
 
 It had the ring of truth and probability about it. 
 
 He was handsomely rewarded for his skill and trouble, 
 receiving more than he had asked. 
 
 " Can I offer you a cup of tea," inquired Mole, " and a 
 little bird's-nest soup ? " 
 
 Tien Sin did not refuse this offer, and sat down at the 
 table. 
 
 " What am I thinking of now ? " asked Mole, jocularly. 
 
 " How clever I am to be a reader of thought," was the 
 quick reply. 
 
 " So I was. Mentally I was admiring his talent, or, I 
 should rather call it, his guilt. What else is in my mind ? " 
 
 " You not likee to hearee," said Tien Sin. 
 
 " I'll bet he can't tell. This is a puzzler." 
 
 " Vellee wellee. Me speak. You go and hide in garden 
 with rum bottle and smoke, because afraid to go fightee 
 Bigamini. That what you think do presently." 
 
 " Me afraid to fight ? " 
 
 " Yes. You be a hider. No fightee." 
 
 " You impudent old impostor ! " shouted Mole indignantly. 
 " You contemptible humbug ! You rank fraud ! " 
 
 " Askee for truthers," said Tien Sin. " Me tellee no lie." 
 
 " Get out of ray house ! " 
 
 Tien Sin coolly finished his bird's-nest soup. 
 
 This delicacy is made from edible, gelatinous seaweed, 
 picked up by gulls and dried in holes in the rocks, where 
 they build their nests. 
 
 " My thanks to the Honourable Mandarin Mole and all 
 other magnificents present," he exclaimed. 
 
 Bowing so low that he nearly kootoo'd he left the room, 
 rattling in his pocket the taels he had received. 
 
 His visit had been of great value to Harkaway and Harvey. 
 
 They talked the matter over, and decided to arm them- 
 selves and go at once to the lake. 
 
 It was their intention to capture Bigamini, and, taking 
 back the thousand pounds they had paid for Emily's return,
 
 ADVENTURES IX CHINA. 
 
 223 
 
 convey the rascal to Hong-Kong, and hand him over to the 
 -. :..-.-. 
 
 They were in great doubt as to die fate of young Jack 
 and Monday 
 
 It was possible that they were captured. 
 
 Equally possible was it that they had been kffled. 
 
 Harkaway was ill at ease when he thought of his son and 
 ais faithful friend Monday. 
 
 He resolved to proceed with the utmost caution. 
 
 It was a case in which k behoved him to look well before 
 be leaped. 
 
 They took their pistols as well as rifles, and were about 
 to start, when Mole returned from the window, where he 
 had been standing, and looked angrily at them. 
 
 He had been, like Achilles, sulking in his tent, at what the 
 thought-reader, Tien Sin, had said. 
 
 Also was he annoyed because Harkaway and Harvey bad 
 not consulted him as to their plan of action. 
 
 CHAPTER x x x i il, 
 
 M*. MOLE'S VALOUR, AXD WHAT CAME OF IT. 
 
 14 1 DOX*T take it very kindly of you two young men," he 
 exclaimed, - to arrange to go after Bigamini and not invite 
 me to accompany you." 
 
 " Is your life insured?" asked Jack. 
 
 "Why do yon inquire?" 
 
 " You might lose it, if you are too venturesome.* 
 
 " Nonsense ! If yon want to know, I can inform yon that 
 I am insured in two Twnrn, each for two thousand five 
 hundred. I can tefl yon more than that, Harkaway and 
 Harvey/* 
 
 44 Go ahead, sir, whfle you are in a communicative mood." 
 
 "I have left both of you something how much shall 
 remain a secret." 
 
 That b extremely kind of you." 
 
 "Beware I" cried Mole. " If you do not treat me with 
 more l ilii in. I shall add a codicil and cut you off.* 
 
 "Do1 be Texed," said Harkaway.
 
 224 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " How can I help it, when my courage is called into ques- 
 tion ? " 
 
 "We did not ask you to come, because Tien Sin 
 
 " Enough of him ! The fellow is a mountebank, nothing 
 more. I call him an automatic chatterer." 
 
 " He revealed some strange things." 
 
 " Bah ! Put a few taels in the slot, and he will jaw for an 
 hour. When I was a tutor at Oxford, and was paid for 
 lecturing, I could keep on talking for an hour." 
 
 "You can come if you like," replied Harkaway. "We 
 do not want to prevent you." 
 
 " Do all the fighting, and we will look on," said Harvey. 
 
 " Yes," answered Mole, helping himself to a nip of rum, 
 " that would just suit you to the ground, down to the very 
 pavement. You want me to lead the van, as usual." 
 
 " No, we do not." 
 
 "Tush I it was always thus. Haven't 1 lost two legs? 
 Don't I go about with wooden ones, having simply the aid 
 of a crutch ? " 
 
 " That is true enough." 
 
 " IB whose service did I lose my limbs ? Answer me that." 
 
 " Is it a conundrum, sir ? " asked Harkaway, winking at 
 Harvey. 
 
 " No, it is not. I would be ashamed to joke about such a 
 subject. For the loss of one leg I have to thank this scoun- 
 drel Bigamini, and I want revenge." 
 
 "You shall have it." 
 
 " Is it not my right ? I have been maimed through serving 
 and accompanying you in your adventures." 
 
 " Make haste and equip yourself," said Jack. 
 
 The conversation was growing irksome. 
 
 Mr. Mole was inclined to find fault, lament, nag, and 
 quarrel generally. 
 
 " Hadn't you better take your monkey ? " asked the pro- 
 fessor, sneeringly. " I am sure he would be of more use 
 than I should." 
 
 " Ha \ very human," observed Jack. 
 
 " Kind of family likeness between the two," said Harvey. 
 
 " Do you want to madden me with your taunts ? " cried 
 Mole. 
 
 " Don't rib up for nothing," replied Jack. " If Nero is your 
 first cousin, you can't help it. I will take you both." 
 
 " Let me lead. I will show you the way to victory."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 22 5 
 
 * By a3 means." 
 
 " lake Caesar the Great, I will exclaim ' I came, I saw, I 
 Conquered ! ' Yes, alone I'll do it. Here is my rifle and my 
 cartridge-belt ; I want no more. I feel that this is going to 
 be a glorious day. I shall cover myself with laurels. We 
 will storm the Lake House, if the garrison does not surrender 
 at the first summons." 
 
 " Brave words, sir ! " 
 
 " From a brave man, as you know me to be. Honour the 
 brave," rejoined Mr. Mole, arming himself. 
 
 Going into the garden, Harkaway called Nero. 
 
 The animal was perched on a branch of a tree, but at once 
 jumped down when he heard his name. 
 
 "We are going after your young master. Will you 
 come?" asked Jack. 
 
 The monkey uttered a peculiar cry. 
 
 He seemed to thoroughly understand what was said to 
 him. 
 
 There was a thick bamboo lying on the ground. 
 
 He picked it up and shouldered it, as if it were a musket 
 putting himself by Harkaway's side. 
 
 Mole and Harvey joined them. 
 
 " Look at the intelligent animal," exclaimed Harkaway. 
 " He knows as much as you, sir." 
 
 " Please don't place a Simian a half-bred gorilla, a mem- 
 ber of the ape tribe, on a level with me," replied the pro- 
 fessor. 
 
 " You shall march together." 
 
 u No! I'm hanged if we do! I go first. I am the 
 leader of this exploration party, but the ape can take a back 
 seat." 
 
 " As you like. Harvey and I will follow. Proceed." 
 
 " You said you knew this lake, Dick," continued Mole, 
 
 " Very well. I have walked as far several times." 
 
 "Which way shall I go?" 
 
 " Straight ahead as the bird flies, and you can't miss it. n 
 
 a I'm off, like an arrow from a bow." 
 
 Saying this, Mr. Mole made a start. 
 
 To' his great annoyance, Nero walked up to him and took 
 the position of rear-rank man. 
 
 Hearing something behind him, Mole turned his head. 
 
 He shook his fist savagely at the monkey. 
 cried ; " or I shall hit you. 
 
 11 Go back ! " he cried
 
 226 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Nero bared his gums and chattered, but he did not move. 
 
 " Confound the beast ! " muttered Mole. " I don't want 
 to be mocked by an ape." 
 
 There was no help for it, however. Nero would not move 
 away, and Mole had to go on, followed by his comical-looking 
 attendant 
 
 Owing to his wooden legs, the professor did not make 
 quick progress. 
 
 It was hard work to get over the sand, even with the aid 
 of a crutch. 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey lounged along, smoking and chat- 
 ting, about two hundred yards behind. 
 
 " I reckon we shall have Bigamini this time," said Hark- 
 away, "and he shall pay the penalty of his many crimes." 
 
 " What will be done to him, if we catch him and hand 
 him over to the police ? " queried Harvey. 
 
 "We can prove that he is the agent and associate of 
 pirates. They will execute him, I should think." 
 
 " He has as many lives as a cat." 
 
 " It is my opinion that he has come to his last chance." 
 
 " So I hope.. The dastardly spy was always a thorn in 
 our sides." 
 
 " You are right. He has given us a lot of trouble," 
 replied Jack ! " and so he is now." 
 
 " No doubt the fellow is in league with a gang. They 
 receive the stolen goods from the pirates, when the ships are 
 plundered and burnt, and they are feathering their nests," 
 suggested Harvey. 
 
 "Of course. Hunston has put him into that." 
 
 " They have always been bad, those two no redemption 
 for them. They don't try to go straight." 
 
 " If they did try, they couldn't." 
 
 " What is your opinion about young Jack and Monday ? " 
 asked Harvey. 
 
 " I feel very anxious about them." 
 
 " So do I. They must have fallen into Bigamini's 
 hands." 
 
 "Would he kill them?" 
 
 " I do not think so. He would either hold them to ransom, 
 as he did Emily, or somehow endeavour to send them to 
 Hunston and the pirate king. " 
 
 " We must stop that." 
 
 " Exactly. I hope to be able to do so. The day is young
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 227 
 
 yet They have not been missing so very long," answered 
 Harkaway. 
 
 " Maj good luck be on our side." 
 
 " So say I." 
 
 " Jack is a splendid specimen of the courageous, lion- 
 hearted British boy, and I shall never get over it if any thing 
 happened to him." 
 
 " Don't speak about it, Dick." 
 
 Harkaway was visibly affected by the thought of his son's 
 danger and that of Monday. 
 
 Seeing this, Harvey dropped the subject. 
 
 " It strikes me," he exclaimed, after a pause, " tbat we 
 shall not easily get at Bigamini." 
 
 "Why not ? " inquired Harkaway. 
 
 " If his house is built on piles in the lake, there is water 
 between us, and we shall want a boat." 
 
 " What then ? " 
 
 " If we can procure a boat, which is doubtful, he may fire 
 at us." 
 
 " Should he do that, we can fire back. According to the 
 law of China, if we can shoot him, it would be justifiable, be- 
 cause it is in self-defence," said Harkaway. 
 
 " He is so confoundedly artful," mused Harvey. " You 
 never know how, when, and where to have that man." 
 
 " True. The spirit of evil is incarnate within him." 
 
 In a short time they came in sight of the lake. 
 
 The house was distinctly visible in the glorious sunlight 
 
 No one was to be seen at the windows, or in the veran- 
 dahs. 
 
 There was a clump of trees, a quarter of a mile from the 
 lake. 
 
 It afforded a cool and safe shelter. 
 
 " Let us wait here and see what old Mole will do," ex- 
 claimed Harevy. 
 
 " Perhaps he will come to grief without us," replied 
 Harkaway. 
 
 " I don't see how he can." 
 
 " It would be a pity any thing happened to the old buffer." 
 
 " So it would. I should be the last to wish it," Harvey 
 answered. 
 
 They both liked the professor too well to wish him 
 any harm. 
 
 He had become almost like a father to them.
 
 228 JACK HARK A WAY AND 
 
 From their boyhood up to now they had been associated 
 with one another. 
 
 " Mole's more than half tight," continued Harkaway. " I 
 hope he won't make an ass of himself." 
 
 " How can he ? " queried Harvey. 
 
 " He generally contrives to do so." 
 
 " Wait and see. We can come to his rescue in a few 
 minutes, by running over the flat to the lake." 
 
 " I can't see anyone about." 
 
 " Nor I." 
 
 It was very amusing to see the monkey marching behind 
 Mole. 
 
 The imitative creature limped and stumbled every now 
 and then, as if he, too, had something the matter with his 
 legs. 
 
 When Mole reached the landing-stage he looked at the 
 house, and then turned his head. 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey, hiding behind the trees, were 
 nowhere to be seen. 
 
 " Deserted ! " he ejaculated. " Pooh ! " 
 
 He gave vent to a sigh of disgust. 
 
 " Paltry cowards !" he continued. "They are afraid to 
 bear the brunt of the battle, and put an old man forward." 
 
 Then he saw the monkey. 
 
 "There's that infernal ape at my heels," he went on. 
 " Plague take the beast ! " 
 
 Nero had sunk down on his four legs. 
 
 He began to scrape the boards, chattering all the while in 
 the most excited manner. 
 
 The monkey was strangely agitated. 
 
 Something of an extraordinary nature had moved him all 
 at once. 
 
 " Keep quiet, you wretch ! " said Mole. " You won't find 
 any nuts under there." 
 
 Suddenly Mole heard a faint voice. 
 
 It seemed to come from the bowels of the earth. 
 
 " Help ! For the love of heaven, help ! " was the moan. 
 
 It was beneath his feet. 
 
 What could it mean ? 
 
 From whom did it emanate ? 
 
 He stooped down to listen. 
 
 It struck him that the tones were familiar, but the voice 
 vas so hoarse and weak that he could not be sure.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 339 
 
 The professor was about to speak, when there was the 
 j|AiuB of a gun, and a bullet **^* 1 past bis ear. 
 
 He stood upright, and, looking at tbe Lake House, saw 
 
 fetter had noticed Mole, and recognised him at 
 once. 
 
 Going icto his nfle-gaDerj f be discfaaiged a gun at him. 
 
 Mole retaraed the shot 
 
 Btgami n i was artful enough to sink on his knees, and 
 <yaped unhurt. 
 
 The next minute he pulled the cord of the death-trap. 
 
 In a second tbe boards collapsed. 
 
 Mr. Mole and the monkey went down into the hole, the 
 boards resumed their former position, and Kgamini Happed 
 his hands, as if to applaud himself. 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey had witnessed this strange scene 
 
 So rapidly had everything OHIHIBU^ that they COWMI not 
 
 Mole and Nero had certainly diiBjipr in il 
 
 Where had they gone to? 
 
 That a< tlw p*nJ.in|. *f**Am* tfcrf utterly In alili ill 
 
 tfl*ir c^-n<c*^c 
 
 "What has become of Mole and the monkey?" asked 
 Harkaway, in amazement. 
 
 "Tbe earth opened and swallowed them up/" replied 
 Harvey. 
 
 "Itonry does that kind of thing when there is an earth- 
 quake; there has been none in this instance. We saw earth- 
 quakes in UmbL" 
 
 "Plenty of them." 
 
 "Ten me what it means." 
 
 "Some infernal trickery," said Harvey. 
 
 " Kgamini fired at Mole, he missed, and was shot at return. 
 Then this happened.* 1 
 
 "We must examine into the matter. It is a trap." 
 
 "Look out for his rifit." 
 
 " We wfll do it in this way," erriahned Harkaway, who 
 was as clear-headed as he was daring and adventurous. 
 You keep your eyes on "*%,"", rifle in hand." 
 
 "R%btyouare." 
 
 " If he does not retire when we appear within range, 
 boot him tike a dog, and risk the law of the land." 
 
 t
 
 230 JA CK HARK A WAY AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " You may depend upon me," said Harvey. 
 
 " Don't hesitate a moment." 
 
 "Very well. I understand. Death to him or me," 
 answered Harvey. 
 
 They emerged from their shelter and advanced towards 
 the lake. 
 
 Harkaway did not busy himself with him. 
 
 It was his task to examine the ground, and find out the 
 reason for Mole's disappearance. 
 
 A wild cry of rage was heard from the house. 
 
 Bigamini saw that he was beset. 
 
 How many people were behind Harkaway and Harvey he 
 could not tell. 
 
 Perhaps there were several in ambush under the trees. 
 
 He had a powerful field-glass, which he put to his eyes. 
 
 There could be no doubt that the redoubtable Harkaway 
 had found him out, and tracked him to his lair. 
 
 If there was one man in the world he was more afraid of 
 than another, it was Jack Harkaway. The latter had a very 
 heavy score to settle with him. 
 
 What mercy could he expect, if captured ? 
 
 His position was, at that moment, a desperate one. 
 
 Bigamini retreated to his rifle gallery, and fired two shots 
 at long range. 
 
 They did no harm whatever. 
 
 Being in the house and under shelter, nothing could be 
 seen of him, 
 
 " Halt ! " said Jack. " The fellow is firing under cover. 
 We shall be potted like shrimps, if we don't look out." 
 
 " What is to be done ? " asked Harvey. 
 
 " I am at a loss to find out." 
 
 " He has the advantage all round," said Harvey. " If I 
 could see him, I should not care." 
 
 " There are holes in the wall he fires through." 
 
 " Then we are baffled." 
 
 " It looks like it. Hang the luck ! " 
 
 " But he is discovered and cornered. If we can not get at 
 him, he can't get away." 
 
 " Why can't he ? I can see boats moored under the house. 
 We are on this side of the lake. All he has to do, if he 
 wants to bolt, is to get into a boat and scull to the other 
 side." 
 
 " And get clear off, eh ? "
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 231 
 
 a Exactly. We can't stop him," replied Harkaway, in a 
 tone of deep vexation. 
 
 All at once they heard the sound of cart-wheels. 
 
 A Chinaman was to be seen driving a horse that drew a 
 waggon full of ricestraw. 
 
 It was a large vehicle, and contained a considerable 
 quantity of straw, amounting to over two tons in weight. 
 
 " I have an idea," continued Jack. " We will buy that 
 straw." 
 
 " What use will that be ? " asked Harvey. 
 
 " My dear Dick, don't you see that it will make a wall 
 impervious to bullets." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 " If Bigamini fires at all, we shall be safe behind it. Let 
 us buy it. and make a rampart or a bulwark of it on the 
 landing-stage. Then I can examine the boards, see where 
 Mole has vanished to, and deal with the spy afterwards." 
 
 " Excellent ! Nothing could be better," replied Harvey. 
 
 Harkaway walked up to the Chinaman, who halted his 
 horse as he saw him coming. 
 
 " Wantee me ? " asked the man. 
 
 "Where are you going with that load of straw ?" said 
 Jack. 
 
 " To the Mandarin Mole. Litter for horsee." 
 
 " I will buy it from you. How much ? You can get some 
 more for Mr. Mole." 
 
 " I'm gottee plenty. What you givee ? " 
 
 They bargained for a brief space, and at last agreed upon 
 a price. 
 
 Jack immediately put his hand in his pocket and produced 
 the money. 
 
 " Where I takee it ? " asked the driver, who was a small 
 farmer, living in the neighbourhood . 
 
 " You see that wooden landing-stage at the lake- 
 shore ? w 
 
 "Yes. That belongee to Biga-ing-ming-ming." 
 
 " I am a friend of his. He wants some straw. In fact, 
 he told me to get him some. Put ft down on the boards in 
 a kind of thick wall, six feet high, close to the water." 
 
 " Vellee goodee," replied the farmer. 
 
 He at once turned his horse's head and took the waggon 
 to the place indicated, where he deposited the straw as 
 directed.
 
 232 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Bigamini did not appear to comprehend the meaning ot 
 this manoeuvre. 
 
 He might have shot the man or the horse, but he did not 
 attempt to do so. 
 
 In a quarter of an hour the straw was piled up as Jack 
 had ordered it to be. 
 
 The driver, with a customary Chinese bow and smile, 
 whipped off his horse, and went back home. 
 
 He was only too glad to be rid of his load so 
 quickly. 
 
 Bigamini began to fire again, but the bullets lodged harm- 
 lessly in the thick wall of straw. 
 
 He was furious with rage at the clever trick that had been 
 played upon him. 
 
 Between the sharp crack of his rifle his frantic shouts could 
 be heard. 
 
 Harkaway sank on his knees on the platform. 
 
 Muffled cries came from below. 
 
 " Help ! help ! " was cried loudly. 
 
 "That's Jack's voice, I'll swear ! " he muttered. "That's 
 Mole's that's Monday's. They are all in some accursed 
 pit." 
 
 " How does it open ? " Harvey asked. 
 
 " I am trying to find out." 
 
 He had a strong hunting-knife in his pocket. 
 
 With this he began to prise up the boards where they 
 joined in the middle. 
 
 It was hard work. 
 
 The perspiration rolled down his face in streams. 
 
 At last, by almost superhuman exertion and putting forth 
 all his great strength, he succeeded. 
 
 The bolt gave way. 
 
 " Back I " shouted Harvey, as the boards moved. 
 
 They both gave a spring, and luckily managed to get on 
 the edge of the pit. 
 
 When the boards fell down, the sun shone upon the 
 imprisoned victims below. 
 
 Nero made good use of his claws. 
 
 He contrived to climb up the sides, and dripping with the 
 water in which he had been swimming, was the first to reach 
 dry land. 
 
 His delight at his escape knew no bounds. 
 
 He capered about and chattered incessantly.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 233 
 
 Young Jade and Monday presented a pitiable spectacle, 
 as they were chilled to the bone and nearly exhausted. 
 
 " Courage," exclaimed Harkaway. 
 
 " All right, father," replied young Jack ; " we are not dead 
 ret." 
 
 "There am ran lack in the old horse yet," said Monday. 
 
 " Who have we got to thank for it ? " asked Jack. 
 
 **Bigaminv'replied Harkaway. 
 
 " The wretch. I half suspected it." 
 
 Mr. Mole was up to his neck in the water. 
 
 He bad broken his two wooden legs in falling down. 
 
 Harkaway looked around for some means of getting 
 out. 
 
 There was no ladder to be got. 
 
 Fortunately his eye fell upon a stout rope, which the farmer 
 had lost out of his cart 
 
 It was lying on the ground, within a few yards of him. 
 
 " Hurrah ! the very thing," he said. 
 
 " Capital ! We can haul them up one by one," replied 
 Harvey. 
 
 Harkaway made some knots in the rope and lowered it into 
 the pit. 
 
 " Catch hold of that," he cried. 
 
 u Mole first," answered Jack. " He says he has broken his 
 wooden pins." 
 
 ** Fasten the rope under his arms." 
 
 This was done, and the professor, more dead than alive, 
 was drawn up, and laid in the sun to recover. 
 
 It was comparatively easy to hoist up Jack and Monday. 
 
 Their legs were so enfeebled by standing in the water for 
 so many hours, that they were obliged to sit down. 
 
 In a few words, Harkaway informed them of all that had 
 happened since they started on their memorable scout. 
 
 "Thank heaven, Emily is safe," said Jack. "You are 
 always up to date, father." 
 
 u If I wasn't, I don't know what would become of you." 
 
 " What a devilish contrivance this pit is." 
 
 " Worthy of the evil mind that designed it," replied Hark- 
 away. 
 
 The question now was how to get at and capture Biga- 
 mini. 
 
 From his behaviour, they had a right to treat him as a wild 
 beast or a brigand.
 
 234 JACK HARK A WA Y AND 
 
 They fully intended to do so. 
 
 In a short time young Jack and Monday recovered tne 
 use of their limbs. 
 
 But they were not in a fit state for fighting. 
 
 They wanted food and rest immediately. 
 
 Harkaway pulled out some of the boards which were 
 hanging over the pitfall, and, with the aid of the rope, con- 
 structed a rude litter. 
 
 On this he placed Mole, who was very faint, and told his 
 son and Monday to carry him back to the house. 
 
 This they did willingly, for they saw they would be of no 
 use at the lakeside. 
 
 When they were gone Harkaway and Harvey held a con- 
 sultation. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 BIOAMINI IS ATTACKED IN AN UNEXPECTED MANNER. 
 
 " THE dastardly little wretch knows that he is master of 
 the situation," exclaimed Harkaway, " and defies us." 
 
 "Why should he be master ?" asked Harvey. 
 
 " Because we cannot get at him. If he had built his house 
 on land, it would be a different thing. There is water 
 between us." 
 
 " Let us go to Hong- Kong and get the police. They will 
 discover some means of dealing with him." 
 
 " No, no ! " cried Harkaway ; " he is discovered and will 
 take to flight. He has boats. What is to prevent him from 
 scuttling to the other side of the lake at any moment, and 
 getting clear off ? " 
 
 ' If we had a boat " 
 
 ' He would shoot us, before we could get near his dwell- 
 ing," Harkaway interrupted. 
 
 ' Then we can do nothing." 
 
 ' I am afraid not." 
 
 ' Had we not better go home, then ? Emily is recovered 
 young Jack, Monday, and Mole are all right. We can 
 start at once for Greece and the treasure island." 
 
 " There is nothing to prevent us, but I should like to get 
 the thousand pounds back that Bigamini has extorted from 
 us."
 
 ADVEXTITRES W CBIA'A. 235 
 
 it wiH be as weO to leave it alone." 
 has fairly cornered us. I hate to he done," 
 
 Be bit his lip with vexation. 
 
 At this moment Nero came up to them. 
 
 The monkey had not gone back to tne plantation with his 
 young master. 
 
 He had been looking at the house on the lake, and was 
 chaKeving, as if he wanted to talk. 
 
 -That creature has got some idea in his head, only 
 he cannot make as understand what it is," ^'Hf 
 Harvey. 
 
 84 He is a most intelligent animal,** replied Jack. 
 
 "I believe he would go and fight Bigamini, if hecould 
 swim, only that is not on- of his accomplishments" 
 
 Suddenly a large Newfoundland dog named Caesar, belong- 
 ing to Harkaway,, ran up to his master. 
 
 Caesar, had been made a present to Jack by the consul in 
 Hong-Kong, who had a breed of these famous dogs. 
 
 He was about two years old, and a fine 4""-"">"" 
 
 Missing hb master, he had tracked him to the lake. 
 
 ft happened that Nero and Caesar were great friends, the 
 dog pei mil I ing the monkey to take any liberty he Eked with 
 
 Nero was accustomed to ride on Caesar's back. 
 
 When he saw him he chattered to him, and raised his 
 pom in the direction of the lake. 
 
 The next moment he sprang on his back, and the dog ran 
 towards die water and plunged into it. 
 
 Nero kept his seat, holding on to one of the Newfound- 
 land's ears. 
 
 Tbe latter swam straight to the Lake House. 
 
 Owing to the pile of rice straw which protected them 
 from rifle bullets and observation, Harkaway and his old 
 friend were unable to watch the animal's proceedings. 
 
 ~HK.jp were icijf anxious to do so, however. 
 
 "There is something up with those two," observed 
 Harvey. 
 
 "ShaH we crawl round the corner and look?** asked 
 
 Hi:-;:.- L; 
 "Bvalli 
 
 I believe Nero is going to attack the kmg
 
 236 JACK HARKAWAY AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " It would not surprise me, but I should not like the poor 
 thing to come to any grief." 
 
 " Nor I. Young Jack is so much attached to him." 
 
 They went down on their hands and knees, and got into a 
 position where, without being clearly distinguishable them- 
 selves, they could see the house. 
 
 Bigamini, rifle in hand, was seated in the verandah, smoking 
 a cigar and scanning the shore. 
 
 There was a look of placid contentment on his face, as if 
 he feared nobody. 
 
 In the water was Cassar, with Nero seated on his back, 
 making his way slowly but surely towards the house. 
 
 The sun was high in the heavens, and a dull haze hung 
 over the surface of the lake. 
 
 Bigamini did not see the dog and his companion, the 
 monkey. 
 
 He was looking out for human beings, not animals, 
 
 The dog, swimming nobly and being thoroughly at home 
 in the water as all Newfoundlands are reached the ladder. 
 
 In an instant the monkey landed, and ran up the steps. 
 
 Caesar paddled about in the water, evidently waiting for 
 him. 
 
 His sagacious instinct told him that he was required to 
 take Nero back again. 
 
 "Look out for high jinks," Harvey said. "The ape is 
 going to maul Mr. Bigamini." 
 
 " It seems so," replied Harkaway. 
 
 "They have been in contact before, and monkeys, like 
 elephants, you know, have revengeful memories." 
 
 " That they have. I should not like to offend Nero." 
 
 " Nor I. Keep quiet. Watch him." 
 
 Nero reached the top step without attracting the attention 
 of Bigamini, who seemed to be rather sleepy. 
 
 He occasionally applied his lips to a tumbler on a table by 
 his side, which contained brandy. The monkey noiselessly 
 approached him. 
 
 Getting behind the man, he made a spring, perched on hia 
 shoulders, and began to scratch his face. 
 
 At the same time he bit his ears, and with his sharp teeth 
 tore the skin from his forehead. 
 
 In a very short time Bigamini was streaming with blood, 
 which blinded him. 
 
 He could not see who his assailant was.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 237 
 
 His nose and mouth were clawed, and his hair torn oat 
 by the roots. 
 
 He fell off his seat to the floor of the verandah hi a 
 pitiable condition. 
 
 -LoMungS Hi Li! help! Come to me!" he yeQed. 
 
 The monkey retreated when he began to shout, descended 
 the steps, sprang lightly on Cesar s back, and was 
 
 He waved his tail triumphantly in the air. 
 
 It was dear that he thought he had done a very brave and 
 grand action. 
 
 The whote thing had been visible to Harkaway and Harvey. 
 
 They had en joyed it immensely. 
 
 " By Jove !" said Jack, " he has polished off old KgammL" 
 
 " I never saw such a thing in my life," replied Harvey. 
 
 " He can't see, or he'd shoot." 
 
 "His men are going to do so, though. Two Chinese have 
 come op with rifles." 
 
 " Retreat at the double." 
 
 "No fear." 
 
 They crawled back again to their shelter, just in time to 
 escape a couple of bullets. These were fired by Lo Mung 
 and Hi Li. 
 
 A third shot followed. 
 
 There was beard a wild howL 
 
 Czsar had just reached the bank. Nero had jwmped off 
 his back, bat die dog was shot dead. 
 
 The faithful beast sank to rise no more. 
 
 Nero took one glance at him, which seemed to be foil of 
 sorrow, and went behind die straw. 
 
 He crouched down at Harkaway's feet,and deposited a 
 fendfmofhair. 
 
 It was a portion of diat which he had despoOed figamnruf. 
 
 "Where's die dog?" asked Jack. 
 
 Harvey looked round the corner. 
 
 "Dead as adoor-naO," he replied. 
 
 "Poor beast! Keep your eye on the.house, Dick, 
 don't want you to expose yourself, but I want to know what is 
 going on." 
 
 "Ill be on die job. The two Chinamen are taking Biga- 
 i indoors." 
 He's badly hurt, I expect. Good old Nero ! IHgive you 
 
 big bunch of bananas when we get home." 
 
 a
 
 238 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 " Do you mean to stay here long ? " asked Harvey. 
 
 " I'll stay an hour or two. Keep your eyes open, and when 
 you are tired of watching I'll relieve you." 
 
 " Right ! It's as well to see what the beggar's next move 
 is." 
 
 " I think he'll bolt," said Harkaway. 
 
 " If he does do a bunk, we can nip round the lake and 
 follow." 
 
 " We will too." 
 
 " Agreed ! replied Harvey, who, concealing himself as 
 well as could, bestowed his attention upon the house. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 THE FATE OF HYSA. 
 
 WHEN the monkey left Bigamini alone he was in a mis- 
 erable condition. 
 
 His ears, nose and forehead were mangled, his cheeks bitten 
 and scratched he was covered with blood, and had to lament 
 a serious loss of hair, which, not being of the type of Absalom, 
 he could ill spare. 
 
 Lo Mung and Hi Li were summoned to his aid by his 
 cries. 
 
 They led him, blinded with blood, into the house, seating 
 him in his private room. 
 
 Hysa came to him with a basin of water and a fine-linen 
 rag, with which she which she washed his wounds. 
 
 Schneider and Blowhard, his partners, were lying on the 
 sweet-scented matting which covered the floor. 
 
 Their faces wore a peaceful expression, as if they were 
 enjoying the sort of sleep which waits upon easy consciences. 
 
 A pillow had been placed under their heads, as if to make 
 them comfortable. 
 
 But they would not want any thing more in this world. 
 
 Theirs was the eternal sleep of death, from which there is 
 tio awakening here. 
 
 The poison Bigamini had given them as we described 
 previously had done its fell work. 
 
 All was over with the fraudulent shipbrokers, who, under
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 239 
 
 the guise of business men, were nothing else than the skilful 
 agents of daring pirates. 
 
 They were dead, and Bigamini had taken from their pockets 
 all the money they possessed. 
 
 Hysa fancied the two men slumbered, as did Lo Mung 
 and Hi Li. 
 
 After bathing his face, Hysa applied some healing oint- 
 ment to the hurts her brutal husband had sustained. 
 
 This checked the severe pain he had been suffering, but it 
 did not improve his temper, which was savage in the 
 extreme. 
 
 " Go and catch that infernal monkey ! " he exclaimed, ad- 
 dressing the Chinaman. 
 
 " No catchee. Too latee," said Lo Mung. 
 
 " How is that ? " 
 
 " He ridee on swimming dog's back. On land now." 
 
 " Where is he ? " 
 
 " Hidee behind the straw with Harkaway and Harvey," 
 said Lo Mung. 
 
 " Are they watching the house now ? " 
 
 " Me thinkee watchee. Not able see much. They not go 
 home. Mole mandarin, Monday nigger, young Jack, all go. 
 They get out of hole in ground." 
 
 " Then I am besieged ! " cried Bigamini. " They do not 
 mean to let me alone. Mole and the others have gone for 
 reinforcements, no doubt." 
 
 " Hangee all if get taken, because stealee girl and shootee," 
 remarked Lo Mung. 
 
 Bigamini fixed his hard, steely eye upon the Mongolian. 
 
 " Are you afraid of being hanged ? " he asked. 
 
 " Not vellee nicee way to die," Lo Mung answered. 
 
 " If you were obliged to choose a mode of dying, which 
 would you select ? " 
 
 "So many wayees," said Lo Mung, shrugging his shoulders. 
 
 "Yes, I know. Make a choice. Hanging from bar, 
 poison, stabbing, shooting " 
 
 ' Yes, that the best," cried Lo Mung. 
 
 ' No cut throat makee too muchee mess. Shoot bullet 
 through heart, or head." 
 
 ' Oh, you are sure that is your choice ? " 
 
 ' First chop. Yes. Chin Chin. Vellee good." 
 
 ' You sha'n't be disappointed, hang me, if you shall,"- 
 exclaimed Bigamini.
 
 2 40 JA CK HA RKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 " What you be a meaner of ? " 
 
 " Didn't you state that you preferred death by shooting to 
 any other means of shuffling off this mortal coil ? " 
 
 " That be the trufer allee trufer but not die yet," said 
 Lo Mung. 
 
 " I don't know about that. My fancy is that you stand a 
 good chance of it." 
 
 " Why ? Me not understandee." 
 
 " I'm going to shoot you. Down you go, fool." 
 
 As he spoke, Bigamini, out of pure viciousness and devilry, 
 drew his pistol and fired. 
 
 The harmless, inoffensive Chinaman, who had served him 
 o faithfully as a spy, uttered a cry. 
 
 He dropped his head to his breast and fell back. 
 
 Hi Li caught him in his arms, and laid him gently on the 
 floor. 
 
 He was not surprised at his master's violence. 
 
 It takes a great deal to astonish a Chinaman, and he is so 
 confirmed a fatalist, that if told he was to die in five minutes, 
 he would not take the trouble to say a prayer. 
 
 What is to be will be, is his creed. 
 
 Individual effort can do nothing to avert the decree of 
 Fate, in his estimation. 
 
 " I'll kill the lot of you," cried Bigamini. " You are no 
 good. I'm going to leave here, and I don't intend to take 
 any of you with me. Now Harkaway has discovered me, 
 the game is played." 
 
 Hi Li ran away. 
 
 A second bullet, however, brought him down. 
 
 He sank to the floor, weltering in blood, which flowed 
 from a wound in his back. Hysa glided away. 
 
 " Here ! Where are you going to ? Come back ! " shouted 
 the murdering wretch. " You don't think I want you with 
 me?" 
 
 There was no answer. 
 
 Hysa was gone, but her infuriated husband went after 
 her. 
 
 He looked in the kitchen ; she was not there ; he went 
 out on the verandah. 
 
 The woman, paralysed with fear, was stepping into one 
 of the boats. 
 
 " Come back ! " Bigamini vociferated, " or I'll shoot you. 
 I'll drop you in your track, as I did Lo Mung and Hi Li ! "
 
 ADVEXTURES IN CHIXA. 241 
 
 She paid no heed to his summons, but got into the boat, 
 M! muhfTJ qfff 
 
 - Curse you!" he yelled. - Won't you obey me?" 
 
 There was an iron store on the verandah ; it was used for 
 boflmgtfae kettle to make the tea with. 
 
 Seizing it with both hands, he hurled it at the little skiff 
 in which the woman now sat. 
 
 She had the sculls in her hand, and was about to pull to 
 the adjacent shore. 
 
 His treatment of Lo Mung Hi and Li had stricken her 
 
 It was dear that he had been rendered desperate since 
 his enemies had discovered his abode. 
 
 The store missed her, but fell into the boat, in which it 
 smashed a huge hole. 
 
 Going through the bottom,, it sank into the lake. 
 
 The boat instantly filled with water. 
 
 Hjsa could not swim a single stroke. 
 
 In a few seconds the skiff heeled over, and she was pre- 
 apitated ulw the 
 
 Drown, drown, you cat! " cried 
 
 The woman's clothes were very thin. 
 
 There WAS no &i||juil whatever in them. 
 
 She sank like a stone, and did not 
 
 Such was the fate of the unhappy 
 
 Bigamini smiled grimly. 
 
 -Now I am free," he muttered. "I have got rid^of 
 
 who surrounded me and were a drag. I 
 again somewhere dse. A new fife shan be mi 
 
 The house and the land attached to the 
 now his own pujpeity. 
 
 He had bought it at at first, but after he improved it a little 
 he sold it to advantage, contenting himseM with reiiting it. 
 
 The last half year's rent he had not paid. 
 
 He took a match from his pocket. 
 
 "in burn the house," he continued: "there are fora- 
 corpses in k ; that will destroy all traces of them. I can say 
 it was an accident, my wife perished in the names ; that 
 win do for me, if I am asked questions ; or, if the body 
 turns up, I wfll declare that she jumped into the water and 
 was drowned.'* 
 
 He went to the kitchen, threw a can of oil oo the floor,
 
 242 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Immediately a huge flash of flame arose. 
 
 The wood caught fire and the frail place was fully alight 
 in a very short time. 
 
 Bigamini had his money secured about his person in two 
 stout canvas bags. 
 
 He made his way to the verandah, got into the one re- 
 maining boat, and sculled towards the opposite shore. 
 
 It was his purpose to studiously avoid any contact with 
 Harkaway and Harvey. 
 
 But his departure was seen. 
 
 His escape had been noticed. 
 
 Harvey's sharp eyes saw the villain as he left the house on 
 the lake. 
 
 He got up, and ran behind the wall of straw, to communi- 
 cate the news to his friend. 
 
 Oppressed with the heat, Harkaway had fallen asleep. 
 
 " Wake up, Jack ! " cried Harvey. 
 
 Harkaway was on his feet in a moment. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 THE ESCAPE AND THE PURSUIT. 
 
 " WHAT'S up ? " asked Harkaway. 
 
 " Bigamini has left the house in a boat," replied Harvey. 
 
 " Come on. We will follow him." 
 
 " I'm ready. Start ! " 
 
 Shoulder to shoulder they began to run round the lake 
 to intercept Bigamini at the other side. 
 
 It was child's play to them. 
 
 They were use to hare-and-hounds in their boyish days, 
 and always, by their active lives, kept themselves in training. 
 
 ' I've a lot to tell you," continued Harvey. 
 
 ' What has the fiend been doing ? " inquired Jack. 
 
 'He drowned a woman just now." 
 
 ' Killing women, or running away with them, seems a 
 favorite amusement of his." 
 
 ' Healthy recreation he would call it." 
 
 ' He's set the house on fire, if I may judge by the smokw 
 and flames issuing from it." 
 
 " What a demon he is."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 243 
 
 " Worse than Hunston." 
 
 " No," replied Harkaway, " you cannot find anyone as 
 bad as Hunston, if you search the whole world through. " 
 
 44 They are well matched." 
 
 The circuit they had to make was a large one. 
 
 It seemed odds of a thousand to one that Bigamini would 
 out-distance them easily. 
 
 But an unforeseen accident happened to him before he 
 had got far from the house. They kept the boat well in view. 
 
 A few yards from the house, Bigamini stopped sculling to 
 view the burning of his residence. 
 
 It was like a lot of tinder, or matchwood. 
 
 The whole building was in flames in an almost incredibly 
 short period. 
 
 Dense volumes of smoke rose on the summer air. 
 
 Forked tongues of fire shot up, as if they wanted to lick 
 the sky. 
 
 Satisfied that the destruction of the premises would be as 
 complete as he could desire, Bigamini again dropped his 
 suspended sculls in the water. 
 
 Then arose a ghastly spectacle. 
 
 His wife Hysa came to the surface. 
 
 Her face was convulsed with horror. 
 
 In his surprise, Bigamini dropped one of his sculls in the 
 water. 
 
 A gentle breeze fanned the bosom of the lake, and drifted 
 it away. 
 
 Despite all his efforts, he was unable to recover it 
 
 Hysa seemed to gaze upon him reproachfully, and then the 
 body sank again. 
 
 44 Confound the witch ! " he murmured. 
 
 It was hard work, after this, to paddle the skiff with one 
 scull to the opposite shore. 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey had a great advantage over him. 
 
 It was of no use to try to return to the house, for that was 
 nearly reduced to ashes by this time. 
 
 He did not notice his pursuers, who were running round 
 the lake. 
 
 With great difficulty, he managed to slowly get the boat 
 to the shore. 
 
 It was fringed with a thick hedge of bamboos. 
 
 Running the boat in, he jumped on land. 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey had arrived there before him.
 
 344 JA CK HARK A WAY AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 They were crouching on the ground. 
 
 No sooner had he stepped foot on the earth than they 
 sprang up. 
 
 Each had a revolver in his hand, levelled at him. 
 
 Bigamini trembled in every limb. 
 
 This was a reception that he had not calculated upon. 
 
 He was armed with a knife and a pistol, but he had no op- 
 portunity of using them. 
 
 " Hands up ! " cried Jack, " or you are a dead man." 
 
 Bigamini threw up his hands. 
 
 He saw it was useless to resist. 
 
 " Search him, Dick," continued Harkaway. 
 
 Harvey lost no time in taking from the wretch his knife, 
 pistol, and the two bags of coin. 
 
 " We've got our money back," Harvey remarked. 
 
 " And we have captured the hateful spy, the villain, the 
 scoundrel, who has cropped up again to be a thorn in our 
 sides," replied Jack. 
 
 Bigamini sank to the ground, looking the picture of misery. 
 
 " I give in, Mr. Harkaway, sir," he whined. 
 
 " Because you can't help yourself," was Jack's answer. 
 
 " Don't pile it on and hit a man when he is down." 
 
 " You deserve no mercy." 
 
 " Let me go, sir." 
 
 " You will be given into the custody of the Hong- Kong 
 police. That is your fate." 
 
 " I haven't done anything." 
 
 " Did you not try to rob Mr. Mole ? Haven't you ab- 
 ducted little Emily ? Didn't you put my son and Monday 
 into your pitfall, liar and thief ? " Jack cried. 
 
 " I am very sorry, sir," snivelled the vagabond. 
 
 " Get up. I hate to see one man grovelling before another." 
 
 " You mustn't kill me. The law of the land ' 
 
 " Bah ! " interrupted Jack. " You never respected one law 
 in the decalogue ! Don't talk to me of law ! " 
 
 "Is my life safe?" 
 
 " Yes. We do not intend to harm you. The police shall 
 deal with you." 
 
 Bigamini rose to his feet. 
 
 His face assumed an insolent air at once. 
 
 So long as he knew he was safe, he did not care one snap 
 of the fingers. 
 
 " Where are you going to take me ? " he inquired.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHIXA. 245 
 
 " To Hong-Kong," replied Jack. 
 
 " What are you about to charge me with ? " 
 
 " Stealing my friend Harvey's child, and trying to kill my 
 son and others in a trap." 
 
 ** Can you prove it ? " 
 
 ~ I don't think there will be any difficulty about that." 
 
 " Well, I shall accuse you of highway robbery. I no sooner 
 get on shore out of my boat, than you spring from the bamboos 
 and take my money away." 
 
 Jack burst out laughing. 
 
 ~ You always were an impudent rascal," he said. " I had 
 a good knowledge of yon in Naples. It was apity you were 
 not drowned, but I suppose you were born to be hanged.'' 
 
 ** A man may as well die one way as another."' 
 
 "March. We're got you, and well keep you." 
 
 Hgamini stepped out. Harkaway pointed a pistol at his 
 head. 
 
 Harvey took him by the arm, so that he could not make 
 any attempt to escape. 
 
 They proceeded round the lake to Mr. Mole's plantation. 
 
 When they had gone half- way they came to the main road 
 leading from the country to Hong-Kong. 
 
 Accidentally they met Fan Chi, whom they knew well as one 
 ff the head commissioners of police. 
 
 He was on horseback, and accompanied by two ordinary 
 policemen on foot. 
 
 Some robberies had recently been committed in the neigh- 
 bourhood, and he had been to make personal investigations. 
 
 When encountered, he was on his way back to the city. 
 
 "Good day!" exclaimed the commissioner, in very ex- 
 cellen t English. " I trust you and your party eat wefl." 
 
 By this y***^ be meant to inquire if they were in good 
 health. 
 
 "Thank you, we do. And you?" replied Harkaway. 
 
 "I am in the enjoyment of an excellent appetite. Who 
 have yon with you ? " 
 
 u A prisoner. It is fortunate that we have met with you, 
 as we can now give him into your custody." 
 
 "What has he done?" inquired Fan Chi. 
 
 Jack narrated his misdeeds, and said something about his 
 former history. 
 
 "Ha! Child-stealingextorting money in league with 
 pirates. He is a great criminal," cried the commissioner.
 
 & 4 6 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND IUS SON' 'S 
 
 " If you will conduct him to prison, we will appear against 
 him to-morrow." 
 
 " By all means. It shall be done. Ho ! there, seize 
 him." 
 
 The two policemen promptly took Bigamini into custody. 
 
 His misfortunes were complete now, but the rascal did not 
 appear to be cast down. 
 
 In fact, when he was arrested, his countenance actually 
 brightened. 
 
 Bigamini knew more about Chinese justice than either 
 Harkaway or Harvey did. 
 
 We shall see what his knowledge amounted to presently. 
 
 " How is your distinguished friend, Mandarin Mole ? " 
 asked Fan Chi. 
 
 " He has recovered from his injury," replied Jack. 
 
 " That is good news to hear. Please convey my regards 
 to his excellency." 
 
 " I will do so with pleasure." 
 
 " I have the supreme honour to kiss your hand," continued 
 Fan Chi. 
 
 " And I to salute the hem of your robe," said Jack. 
 
 After this exchange of compliments they parted. 
 
 Bigamini was marched off in custody. 
 
 "You are a great rogue," remarked Fan Chi, addressing 
 him. 
 
 " I am a villain of the deepest die," replied Bigamini. 
 
 He was aware that it would be dangerous to contradict the 
 commissioner. 
 
 " You deserve to be beaten to a jelly, and then hanged in 
 public," added Fan Chi. 
 
 " That fate would be too good for me. I ought to be cut 
 to pieces with a knife." 
 
 " I see that you are a reasonable man, in spite of your vil- 
 lainy ; but I shall at once have you flogged." 
 
 " I shall be very grateful to your high mightiness for your 
 extreme condescension." 
 
 " The air shall ring with your cries ; your blood shall flow, 
 and you will wish that you never were born." 
 
 " That is a fitting punishment for my misdeeds." 
 
 There was a slight pause. 
 
 Then the commissioner of police again spoke. 
 
 " I have known some rogues make money," he said. " Are 
 you one of that description ? "
 
 ADVEXTURES IN CHINA. 2*7 
 
 " Yes. I can put my hand on some cash," Bigamini 
 answered. 
 
 ** How much ? " 
 
 " It would give me the greatest pleasure to make your re- 
 spectable highness a present ; but it is for yon to sta'te what 
 sum is befitting your dignity and worth." 
 
 " I cannot accept a trifle; it would lower my pride. Yet, 
 if you offered me two hundred and fifty pounds 1 would 
 take it." 
 
 " In that case, would vou allow me to visit some relatives ? " 
 
 " For how long ? " asked Fan Chi. 
 
 " Say forty-eight hours," rejoined Bigamini. 
 
 " I have no objection to that. The request b i 
 able. When a man is sure to be hanged, he 
 to put his affairs in order and take leave of his 
 
 " That is my feeling, most upright and just" 
 
 " You must nnderake to give yourself up at my police-court 
 at the expiration of the time." 
 
 " Certainly, protector of the peace, terror of evil-doers, and 
 exterminator of criminals." 
 
 " When can you make me this present ? " continued Fan 
 Chi 
 
 " At once, if you wfll come to my bank with me. I will 
 draw a cheque in your favour for the amount" 
 
 " It is welL I perceive that you are a business man." 
 
 The bargain had been struck. 
 
 Chinese officials are very corrupt, and from the first Big- 
 amini was well aware that his liberation was only a question 
 of money. 
 
 He had got off cheaper than he had expected. 
 
 Being well off, the sum was a trifling one to him. 
 
 They continued their way in silence to the city, and pro- 
 ceeded at once to the bank. 
 
 There Bigamini obtained the cash in gold, and handed it 
 to the venal commissioner. 
 
 It was a scandalous abuse of justice, but such things are 
 constantly occurring in China. 
 
 The commissioner shook him cordially by the hand. 
 
 " May your chopsticks never be idle," he said. 
 
 " It is my heartfelt wish that you may always eat your rice 
 with relish," replied Bigamini 
 
 " I shall rely upon seeing you at my office when forty-eight 
 boors have expired."
 
 248 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " Most certainly. I shall not fail to be there." 
 
 Fan Chi walked away with his officers. 
 
 He knew very well that he would never see his late pris- 
 oner again ; but what did it matter to him ? 
 
 Though he was a police commissioner, he was so corrupt 
 that he did not care a straw whether justice was done or not- 
 All he wanted to do was to make money. 
 
 Those who could pay got orf scot-free ; those who could 
 not had to suffer. 
 
 Bigamini was no sooner alone than he drew another cheque, 
 and took all his money out of the bank. 
 
 It amounted to a very reputable sum, being sufficient to 
 support him for a long time in affluence. 
 
 He was aware that he could not stay in Hong-Kong for 
 any lengthened period. 
 
 Bending his steps towards a restaurant where he intended 
 to dine, he grated his teeth together. 
 
 " You have foiled me this time, Jack Harkaway," he mut- 
 tered ; " but you have not seen the last of me. I live ! I 
 breathe ! Beware ! " 
 
 With these menacing words he disappeared within the walls 
 of the restaurant. 
 
 He had escaped from the toils. 
 
 Harkaway thought his enemy was caged, and doomed to 
 death, but he was mistaken. 
 
 The spy and ally of Hunston was free to do more mischief. 
 
 But what his future movements were to be, Bigamini had 
 yet to decide. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 MR. MOLE AND THE RED DRAGON. 
 
 As Harkaway and Harvey returned to Mr. Mole's house, 
 they were in high spirits. 
 
 All their troubles were over. Little Emily and young Jack 
 were safe at home, and they were at liberty to depart for the 
 treasure island when they liked. 
 
 They determined not to linger in the Flowery Land. 
 
 A little experience of China goes a long way, and although 
 it is a country to make money in that is at the treaty ports 
 Englishmen are generally glad to get out of it.
 
 ADVENTURES Iff CffZtfA. 243 
 
 Tney had been looking after a ship which they intended to 
 
 Houston was still at large, bat they hoped to give him the 
 slip. 
 
 It would be strange if be found out that they had gone to 
 the Mediterranean Sea. 
 
 How was he to gain the intelligence ? 
 
 Reaching the house, they stopped in the front garden to 
 gather some roses for their wives. 
 
 There was an extensive lawn, studded with beautiful stan- 
 dard roses. 
 
 In the centre stood a block of wood, which had been 
 carved into the semblance of a dragon. 
 
 It was painted a bright vermilion colour. 
 
 Every body alluded to it as the Red Dragon. 
 
 It was about five feet in height. 
 
 The former proprietor of the house considered k a great 
 
 AD fee Chinese delight in hideous designs monstrosities 
 the grotesque in art. 
 
 The uglier a thing is, the more they like and admire it. 
 
 All at once Jack heard Mr. Mole's voice. 
 
 " This way, Monday," he cried. 
 
 "On the lawn, sare ? " asked Monday. 
 
 ** Yes. I have got my weapon, and I mean to have a fight 
 with that Red Dragon." 
 
 " Him am a deadun, sir." 
 
 Mr. Mole looked angrily at Monday. 
 
 - Don't tefl me such a fie as that," he said. * You know 
 the dragon is as much alive as I am." 
 
 "Think urn so, if you like." 
 
 "If I don't kiU the loathsome beast, be will attack us in 
 
 uM? fllffnt- \Vllcd IDC UD. 
 
 HjtkjuMy paled Harvey behind a tree, which was a large 
 magnolia. 
 
 Here they could see what was going on, without themselves 
 
 a lark," said Jack. "We shall have some 
 fan." 
 
 "Mole's been lapping,* Harvey replied. "He k as full 
 
 , being bereft of his legs, had got into abath- 
 chair, which he had booght during his flbwk
 
 250 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 Monday had procured him a bottle of rum, part of which 
 he drank. 
 
 It soon got into his head. 
 
 Young Jack was relating his adventures to Emily and 
 Hilda and his sweetheart. 
 
 No one took any notice of Mole and Monday. 
 
 The professor had been looking out of the window. 
 
 He caught sight of the old wooden Red Dragon, and im- 
 agined, in a quixotic manner, that it was a live one. 
 
 It did not occur to him that dragons were fabulous mon- 
 sters. 
 
 Snatching up an old ship's cutlass, he told Monday to 
 wheel him into the garden. 
 
 This the black was doing when Harkaway and Harvey ap- 
 peared upon the scene. 
 
 The bath-chair was propelled by Monday to within a foot 
 or two of the Red Dragon. 
 
 " Now," cried Mole, " see me slay this jabberwock, or 
 perish in the attempt." 
 
 " You better take care, sare," said Monday. 
 
 " Why should I ? " 
 
 " The beast asleep now. Talk so loud, wake um up." 
 
 " Is he asleep, really ? I fancied I saw fire and smoke 
 coming out of his mouth." 
 
 " Me hear him snore, sare." 
 
 " All the better. I will take an unfair advantage of him, 
 and smite him." 
 
 " Cut um head off ? " said Monday. 
 
 " That is precisely what I intend doing," answered Mole. 
 " If I have no legs to walk on, I can fight." 
 
 " Um very brave man." 
 
 " You can't extinguish my spirit. Sitting in this chair, un- 
 able to stand, I defy the Chinese Red Dragon ! " 
 
 " Um very awful kind of brute. You can't most generally 
 always tell what they'll do." 
 
 " Scratch and bite, eh ? Wake him up. I don't like to 
 take an unfair advantage of him, after all." 
 
 " Me 'fraid to come too near." 
 
 " You coward ! " 
 
 " That's me. I is a coward," replied Monday. 
 
 " I know you to be one," continued Mole. " When I was 
 a tutor I gave object lessons. You shall have one in courage/ 
 
 *' Trot um out."
 
 ADVENTURES IJff Cff/A'A. 2 j x 
 
 The dragon is the object People have dedared that it 
 is a mythical beast, tike the unicorn. But no. Behold it! 
 The creature looms in my sight! I wiU be another Guy of 
 Warwick, and slay him." 
 
 "Shall I wake urn up,sare?" 
 
 "Yes. The knights of old did not kffl hydras in somno- 
 ?ent condition.^ 
 
 -Stir ran cp with urn long pole?" 
 
 "Give him a kick, but mind he does not bite-you," 
 
 ffi AH right. Lookout!" 
 
 Monday went behind the Red Dragon. 
 
 As he moved, the professor raised his sword. 
 
 It was a formidable-looking weapon, and, though old, 
 = :-. :-z:-r. 
 
 Monday shook the wooden thing. 
 
 It oscfflated sfightiy. 
 
 Mok gave it a slashing blow, and cut the bead dean 
 ofil 
 
 It roDedtothe ground, disclosing a large hole, in which 
 something shone Eke goW. 
 
 "Victor!"' shouted Mole. " I have killed the pestilential 
 dragon. AH honour to me." 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey stepped forward. 
 
 "Bravo! 77 said Jack. 
 
 " Hurrah ! " cried Harvey. 
 
 -Was it not splendidly done?" asked Mole, who believed 
 in the reality of the whole thing. 
 
 -I never saw any thing like it in my life," replied Jack. 
 
 "Am I not a hero, Harkaway?" 
 
 m Indeed you are." 
 
 " Wonh the Victoria Cross." 
 
 - Half-a-dozen of 'em putty rrllh included. w 
 "I can do it" 
 
 "You can. Henceforth you shaH be known as tfce dragon 
 slayer." 
 
 - Was he not a fondUUbfe beast ? " 
 
 "AwfuL But, I say, what is this in his inside?" 
 Harkaway had looked in the hole, and seen the golden 
 gfittcr. 
 
 He made an examination. 
 
 To his surprise, he found and produced a score of goM 
 
 ; very heavy and extremely valuable.
 
 252 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 The Red Dragon had evidently been used as a receptacle 
 for property of this kind. 
 
 It was hollow. 
 
 Perhaps it had formerly been in the possession of a 
 miser. 
 
 " Here's luck ! " exclaimed Jack. 
 
 " By Jove ! " said Harvey, " it would take a couple of 
 thousand pounds to make those things." 
 
 " All that." 
 
 Mr. Mole's head sank back in the bath-chair, and his eyes 
 closed. 
 
 He went to sleep. 
 
 Having as he thought killed the ferocious dragon, he was 
 not interested in any thing further. 
 
 Harkaway and Harvey, with Monday's assistance, con- 
 veyed the newly-found treasure into the house. 
 
 They ' regarded this discovery, through Mole's drunken 
 freak, as a happy omen. 
 
 It was an augury of success. 
 
 In fact, it made them look forward with hope to their voy- 
 age to the treasure island. 
 
 They would be off in a few days. 
 
 There was nothing to keep them in China now. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 MR. MOLE GETS HIS NEW LEGS AND TAKES A DRIVE WITH 
 YOUNG JACK AND MONDAY TO THE TEMPLE OF KIANG. 
 
 WHEN enquiry was made at the dock, it was found that 
 the ship Harkaway and his friends had chartered would not 
 be ready to sail for a week. 
 
 The time threatened to hang heavily on their hands. 
 
 All were anxious to be off. 
 
 The party that had gone fishing came back much delighted 
 with their excursion. 
 
 They had enjoyed plenty of sport, and caught some un- 
 commonly fine fish peculiar to Chinese waters. 
 
 Though they were of a peculiar shape they were excellent 
 to eat.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 253 
 
 Long conversations took place between the leaders of the 
 expedition and the Greek. 
 
 Nothing could shake his confidence in the existence of the 
 treasure. 
 
 He inflamed the ambition of his hearers, and fanned their 
 hopes. 
 
 Young Jack grew tired of listening to the talk of his elders, 
 and made up his mind to have what he called a day's out- 
 ing. 
 
 He had heard that, at a village about ten miles from Mr. 
 Mole's plantation there was a famous temple. 
 
 It was built in the pagoda fashion and very high, the 
 ground floor being of some extent. 
 
 The village was named Kiang, and contained some two 
 hundred inhabitants exclusive of the priests of the temple, 
 who were no less than thirty in number. 
 
 Religious people came from all parts to visit the temple of 
 Kiang. 
 
 It was considered a particularly sacred one. 
 
 Gifts of money and food were made to the priests, who 
 were a flourishing and prosperous community. 
 
 Young Jack had never been over a Chinese temple, or 
 joss-house, as the natives call their church. 
 
 He had a strong desire to do so. 
 
 To drive over to reiang would kill the time of one day, at 
 all events. 
 
 Besides, it would be something to say in future years that 
 he had been over the joss-house. 
 
 He got his mother to pack him up a lunch-hamper, in 
 which all kinds of gooc things were stored. 
 
 Then he told Monday that he wanted him to accompany 
 him to Kiang, and proceeded to Mr. Mole's private room to 
 ask for the loan of his horse and carriage. 
 
 The door of the room was open, and young Jack took the 
 liberty of entering without knocking. 
 
 He saw the professor standing before a table, on which 
 was a looking-glass. 
 
 The learned gentleman was surveying himself. 
 
 On his wrinkled but erudite face, there was a look of 
 placid satisfaction. Like the young man of old, named 
 Narcissus, who beheld his countenance in a sheet of water 
 and fefl in love with it, he seemed to be proud of him- 
 self.
 
 2 5 4 J* CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 " What's the old fool up to ? " said Jack to himself. 
 
 " I shall do ; yes," remarked Mole. " I look and feel 
 uncommonly fit. Never was I in better form." 
 
 Jack coughed. 
 
 In a moment Mr. Mole turned round. 
 
 " Oh ! is it you, my young and intelligent friend. Come 
 in ! " exclaimed Mole. 
 
 " I am sorry to intrude upon your privacy, sir," replied 
 Jack. 
 
 "Don't mention it. You are always welcome, because you 
 are the son of your father." 
 
 " Then you don't altogether care for me for myself ? " 
 
 " You are slightly inclined to be mischievous. There is 
 a little of the crisp in your composition. However, I will 
 forget that, as I am in a remarkably good temper." 
 
 " What is that owing to, sir ? Have you had a consign- 
 ment of the finest old Jamaica ? " 
 
 " Rude remarks I object to." 
 
 "I apologise, sir. It shall not happen again, ' said Jack, 
 with mock contrition. 
 
 " Take care that it does not. My high spirits arise from 
 the fact that I have recovered my understanding." 
 
 " Your what, sir ? " 
 
 " I speak figuratively. Some people have eyes, but they 
 see not. Am I not erect ? See ! I can agitate the light 
 fantastic, artificial toe." 
 
 As he spoke, Mole lifted up one leg and then the other. 
 
 With the aid of his stick ( a trusty bamboo), he walked 
 round the room a little stiffly, perhaps, but with perfect 
 ease. 
 
 He had received from the artificial limb-maker in Hong- 
 Kong a pair of the very latest improved, flexible, patent 
 cork legs. 
 
 Putting them on, he found that they answered his purpose, 
 and gave him every satisfaction. 
 
 With his stick to balance himself, he could walk very well 
 indeed. 
 
 It was a triumph of modern science and handicraft. 
 
 " My legs, Jack, my legs," continued the professor " my 
 new corybantic. I feel like a nymph of the ballet. I could 
 dance a pas seul or a can-can. Merrily could I tread the 
 measure of the mazy waltz." 
 
 " I most heartily congratulate you, sir."
 
 ADVENTURES Iff CHINA. 2 55 
 
 'Ah, it's a great tiling to have your legs. What is a man 
 
 "Only half a man, I should think." 
 
 "Right. Still, it is better than being like Charles Lbe First 
 without your head." 
 
 "I have come to ask a favour, sir." 
 
 "Mess me! you generally take French leave when you 
 want anything. How is it you condescend to come and 
 ask the old man?" 
 
 "Respect for old age, sir. I want you to lend roe your 
 horse and trap." 
 
 'Can't have it. I'm going to use it myself," snapped 
 Mole. "Why should I put myself out of the way fora snip 
 of a boy who can't write a set of Latin verses without making 
 a fabe quantity ineicrr third fine?" 
 
 "If you don* lend it me, I shall take it. I thought I 
 would ask your royal h^hiirnt aid high mightiness, as a 
 alter of courtesy. 
 
 "What! steal my trap?" 
 ' "Borrow it." 
 
 " rn prosecute yon--rn give you a month! That trap's 
 mine; I'm going out in iL" 
 
 " So yon shall, if you fike to come with me, " replied young 
 in a conciliatory tone. 
 
 are you going? " asked Mole. 
 
 'Not very far. 1 have planned a little excursion. There 
 sai here called Kiang, and hi it is a famous 
 temple, or joss-house.* 
 
 'Ah! that is a good idea. I have long wanted to see one 
 of these cfauichcswiepefteyuiJUlBeeptheii oudmgods." 
 
 "They worship idols, sir." 
 
 "I know it; they are heathens. I will go with you. Count 
 me in. I have a collection of Chinese curiosities, and all 
 I require to make it complete is a joss." 
 
 " Be careful,'' said young Jack. " Mind what you are 
 d::rr " 
 
 "Why? What now?" 
 
 "They are very jealous of their idols. It would not do to 
 meddle with them." 
 
 "Bosh! If I get a chance I shall take one.' 
 
 "They think nothing of 
 touchmg one of then- deitie 
 
 "Are they so sacred?"
 
 256 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON 'S 
 
 "To their benighted minds they are," replied Jack. 
 
 "Well, I shall be careful that no one is looking. How 
 about the inner man food and drink ? " 
 
 " Mother has prepared a large hamper." 
 
 " Go and get the trap out of the stable. I will be with 
 you in ten minutes. These legs just suit me to perfection; 
 I feel quite young again." 
 
 Mr. Mole took up his rum bottle and helped himself to a 
 dram. 
 
 " There is one beautiful thing about being as I am," he 
 added. " If the drink does take hold of me, it cannot get 
 into my legs. Ha, ha! I must have my joke." 
 
 " Old Ikey Mole is a merry old soul," sang Jack. 
 
 " Why shouldn't I be ? Isn't it better to laugh than cry ? " 
 
 " Far better. Get yourself ready, sir, while I go after the 
 equine. If you don't look sharp, we shall not make a start 
 to-day." 
 
 Saying this, Jack hastened to the stable. 
 
 With Monday's help, he soon put the horse between the 
 shafts. 
 
 It was an animal of somewhat mulish aspect, and given 
 to such bad habits as shying and kicking, but it was the only 
 one they had, so they were obliged to put up with it. 
 
 In a tew minutes Mr. Mole joined them. 
 
 He walked wonderfully well, with the help of a stick, 
 considering that the lower half of him was nothing but cork. 
 
 The three got into the carriage, which was a native concern 
 made of bamboo, somewhat after the fashion of an English 
 
 The horse started, ambling off at the rate of about four 
 miles an hour. 
 
 Neither whip nor voice could induce him to go any faster. 
 
 There was no doubt that they would have got to Kiang 
 quicker by walking. 
 
 If the horse was bustled or worried overmuch, he had a 
 pleasing way of standing still in the middle of the road. 
 
 This attitude it would preserve for ten- minutes, as if it 
 were waiting to have its photograph taken. 
 
 " I think, sir," remarked Jack, " that you ought to enter 
 this steed of yours for the Derby Stakes at Epsom." 
 
 "Oh ! He's a very fine animal, if you only know how to 
 manage him," replied Mole. 
 
 " Go on. I never saw such a screw in my life."
 
 ADrEXTCRES IX CHJXA. 
 
 *S7 
 
 "Urn only walk about to save urn funeral expenses," 
 
 C I iiT'.'t-I M J ~ -^y 
 
 " What do you know of the points of a horse, mv sable 
 friend?" asked Mr. Mole, 
 
 "This camel been in the funeral line, I should think, for 
 certain." 
 
 The horse started again, and the journey was performed 
 in due course. 
 
 A tea-house at the entrance to the village of Kiang invited 
 
 They stopped, secured the horse onder some trees, had a 
 cap of tea, and went off to view the temple. 
 
 This edifice was built on rising ground, which made it 
 seem better than it really was. 
 
 It was approached on aD sides by flights of stone steps, bat 
 there was only one entrance for priests and public. 
 
 A walk up the street, which was lined with houses standing 
 m large gardens, brought them to the temple. 
 
 It being mid-day, there was nobody in the place of worship, 
 prayers being, as a rule, offered by the Celestials 
 ml eve 
 
 No visitors had as yet arrived from Hong-Kong, l 
 every day generally brought some of the curious or the pious. 
 
 At Ac bottom of the steps, facing die entrance door, was 
 a Chinaman, who came up to them. 
 
 "Oh, you of the most excellent English." 
 "We have nothing to give away" replk 
 
 nothing to give away," replied Mole, thinking 
 the fellow was a T 
 
 'Of your honognhlecnBiVM-rnsian lade pardon." 
 "Take it and go," cried Jack. 
 
 "I am of the family of Loo Chow," continued the man, 
 who was not to be put down by a refusal 
 
 We don't want to make your acquaintance. Loo Chow." 
 " Me puttee myself in your way, because father, grandfather, 
 
 and now me, have all been guides to this temple." 
 -Oh, you're a guide, are you?" Mote exclaimed. "Why 
 
 didn't you say so at first?" 
 
 " Me not havee time; you too mucbee ready talk." 
 "You fellows beat about the bush so and rigmarole. 
 
 What's your figure?" 
 -Me takee all over for five shilling, English. That my 
 
 pricee, high mightiness." 
 
 - You shall have it. I don't call that dear. There is a
 
 258 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 lot of ground to be got over in that building, up stairs and 
 down, I reckon," said Mole. 
 
 Loo Chow was engaged, and, putting himself by the 
 professor's side, began to give him details abou. the temple 
 when it was built, how many priests it contained, and the 
 number of joss-shrines to be seen. 
 
 " I don't like the look of that fellow," remarked Jack ; 
 " his forehead is low, denoting cunning ; his chin narrow, 
 showing deceit." 
 
 " Me keep um eye on him, sare," replied Monday. 
 
 " I wish Mole had not employed him. We should have 
 got on ever so much better in our sight-seeing without his 
 assistance." 
 
 " Mist' Mole him want to look big." 
 
 " That is his great fault. I hope he won't make a fool of 
 himself." 
 
 " How um do that, sare ? " asked Monday. " Can't play 
 much fool in um church." 
 
 " He has been making a collection of curios since he has 
 been in this country, you know." 
 
 " Yes. Me see um all kinds of things, from um big kite 
 to um opium-joint, from pair of slippers to carved ivory ship. 
 Chinaman Johnny very clever carver." 
 
 " They are splendid artificers. It is a pity that, as a na- 
 tion, they ruin their brains with opium." 
 
 " Who make the opium and sell it them, Mast' Jack ? 
 Answer me that. English make it in India." 
 
 " Yes, we do the trade, I know," Jack replied. " It's a 
 pity, all the same. But I was going to talk about Mole. 
 He has been trying lately to get a joss." 
 
 " What am that ? " Monday inquired. 
 
 " It is a wooden god," said Jack. " If I remember rightly, 
 you worshipped the same thing when in Limbi? " 
 " Before me become a Christian which your father teach me." 
 
 " The Chinese are like you Limbians, idolaters ; though 
 they have a system of ethics, or code of morality, whichever 
 you like to call it, laid down by their great philosopher and 
 writer, named Confucius." 
 
 " Suppose John Chinaman think a lot of um joss idol," 
 Monday observed. 
 
 " Of course, he does ; and if Mole goes handling or crib- 
 bing one of them, there will be no end of a row/' replied 
 Jack.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. ,59 
 
 " They kill him, perhaps. 1 " 
 
 " I shouldn't wonder if they did, in the event of fc being 
 caught. He'd have had a better chance of bagging a joss 
 without Loo Chow, who, I'll swear, would be the first to give 
 him away." 
 
 " That um sure thing," Monday said. 
 
 Mr. Mole and the guide had, by this time, entered the 
 ancient Temple of Kiang. 
 
 Jack and Monday quickly followed them. 
 
 A dim, religious light prevailed. 
 
 Several huge and hideous idols were to be seen in various 
 parts of the large building. 
 
 On tables over which lighted lamps were suspended were 
 smaller ones. 
 
 Spectral-looking forms might be seen gliding about 
 
 These were priests connected with the administration of 
 the temple. 
 
 Here and there, a worshipper or a penitent was prostrated 
 before one of the larger idols. 
 
 One curious thing was noticeable. 
 
 At the foot of all the idols were deposited plates containing 
 rice, ready cooked for eating, roast-chickens, meat, and little 
 piles of money. 
 
 All these were offerings to the wooden gods, and, of 
 course, were, at the expiration of each day, appropriated by 
 the priests. 
 
 On the second story, and on the third of the pagoda was a 
 smaller edition of what was to be seen below. 
 
 All the stories above this were the priests' private apart- 
 ments, into which the public were not allowed to enter. 
 
 Such was the great Temple of Kiang. 
 
 Jack looked in all directions for Mr. Mole and the guide. 
 
 They were nowhere to be seen. 
 
 There was nothing in losing sight of one another, how- 
 ever, as they were sure to meet again. 
 
 They would come together inside or outside before long. 
 
 Talking in a low voice, as became the character of the 
 place, to Monday, he walked about, examining every thing 
 carefully. 
 
 If there was nothing to impress the mind of a Western 
 man, there was much to interest and amuse.
 
 260 JA CK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SON*S 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 THE DISASTROUS RESULT OF INTERFERING WITH A 
 CHINESE JOSS. 
 
 MR. MOLE was conducted there is really nothing like 
 being personally conducted when you are in a strange coun- 
 try and out of your orbit, as it were by Loo Chow, all round 
 the ground floor of the temple. 
 
 When he had exhausted all the idols, big and little, he was 
 taken up to the second tier. 
 
 To this succeeded the third, the ceiling of which was rather 
 low. 
 
 In this section of the pagoda there was no room for idols 
 fifteen and twenty feet high. 
 
 The wooden gods were carved on a small scale. 
 
 Anyone could take one up in his hand and put it in his 
 pocket. 
 
 At an ivory shrine, elaborately carved and interlaid with 
 gold, there was a joss about a foot in height. 
 
 It was made of wood, like the rest, but awfully ugly. 
 
 In fact the uglier an idol was the more the priests and the 
 public thought of it. 
 
 The eyes of this joss were made of lapis lazuli. It had 
 gold rings and bracelets on its fingers and arms, and anklets 
 of gold adorned its feet. 
 
 It was painted a chrome yellow, and, taken altogether, was 
 a very striking specimen of the joss commodity. 
 
 There was no one in the third section of the temple but 
 the guide and Mr. Mole. 
 
 They were absolutely alone. 
 
 No prying eyes could bear witness to any of their actions, 
 whatever they might be. 
 
 " That vellee sacred jossee," exclaimed Loo Chow. " Only 
 head priest of the temple touch that one." 
 
 *' I like the look of it," replied Mole. 
 
 He regarded the joss with a large amount of satisfaction. 
 
 It would be just the very thing to add to his collection.
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 2 6l 
 
 But how was he to obtain it ? 
 Was the guide to be trusted ? 
 
 That was the perplexing question which he was not able 
 to answer. 
 
 Only enthusiastic collectors can understand Mr. Mole's 
 anxiety to possess that gaudy-looking joss. 
 
 " Will they sell that wooden curiosity, my friend ? " he 
 asked. 
 
 The guide looked horrified. 
 
 " No sellee," he replied. " It is five thousand years old." 
 " Nonsense ! You don't mean to say so ! " 
 " Vellee sacred." 
 
 " I'll give you a pound if you'll turn your head the other 
 way for a minute. 
 
 " Whatee for ? " enquired Loo Chow. 
 " I want it to take away with me." 
 The guide hesitated a moment. 
 Then he said 
 
 " Givee money. Me not lookee." 
 
 Mole put his hand in his pocket and produced a sovereign, 
 Which he presented to his companion. 
 
 Loo Chow looked away from him, and Mr. Mole, leaning 
 over the table, seized the joss. 
 He held it up admiringly. 
 
 " By Jove ! " he muttered, " this is an acquisition. If not 
 Strictly a work of art, it is quaint and unique. I am proud 
 to be the possessor of it" 
 He placed it under his coat. 
 
 Having obtained the treasure, he was anxious to get away. 
 He had seen all he wanted to see of the famous Temple 
 of Kiang. 
 
 It was lunchtime. 
 
 Thirst and hunger reminded him that the lunch hamper 
 was in the carriage at the tea-house. 
 A horrible suspicion entered his mind. 
 Some cunning and daring thieves might have discovered 
 it ; if so, he would have to put up with the simple, and not 
 over appetising fare of the tea-house. 
 
 " Loo Chow," he exclaimed, " we will retire." 
 There was no answer. 
 The guide was nowhere to be seen. 
 
 He had vanished suddenly and silently, like a Mahatma at 
 the sound of an astral bell.
 
 262 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOJV'S 
 
 " Hang the fellow ! " muttered Mole, " I hope he is not 
 going to betray me. That would be awkward." 
 
 For a moment he had a repentant idea of putting the joss 
 back from where he took it. 
 
 But the greed of the collector was upon him. 
 
 He felt that he must retain it at all hazards. 
 
 Grasping it tightly with one hand under his silk coat, he 
 walked quickly to the staircase to go down. 
 
 When he reached the doorway, he found his progress 
 barred by four priests. 
 
 Before he could offer any resistance, he was seized by 
 both arms. 
 
 The silk coat was torn open, the joss discovered, and 
 rudely taken from him. 
 
 One priest, who was an aged man, spoke very good English, 
 and addressed him in that language. 
 
 " You have been readily admitted to this temple, free of 
 charge, and without let or hindrance," he said. 
 
 " Yes I What is there to pay ? " stammered Mole. 
 
 He saw that he had been found out. 
 
 His theft had been discovered by the priests. 
 
 It was an extremely serious affair. 
 
 No doubt the rascally guide had betrayed him, although 
 he had taken his money. 
 
 At all events, he was fairly in the toils. 
 
 There was no escape now unless he came to terms with 
 the priests of the temple. 
 
 His experience of China and the Chinese had told him 
 that much could be done with money. 
 
 He hoped to be able to buy himself off. 
 
 In this expectation, however, he was doomed to be dis- 
 appointed. 
 
 " It is not a question of payment," replied the old priest. 
 "I have been in your country, and I know that you are rich, 
 and that you think your money will allow you to commit of- 
 fences with impunity." 
 
 " You have got your joss back," said Mole. " I am a 
 collector of curiosities." 
 
 " It was not yours to take." 
 
 " Sell me one." 
 
 " We do not make a market of our gods," answered the. 
 priest. " They are too precious." 
 
 ** I'm not particular about a few pounds."
 
 ADVENTURES Iff CHT.YA. 363 
 
 u You have desecrated the shrine; you hare insulted the 
 Temple of Kiang and its priests, therefore you must suffer." 
 
 "Eh what? " Mote ejaculated. 
 
 " You will have to pay the penalty of your audacity and 
 rashness ; in short, we shall put yon to the torture," 
 
 Mr. Mote's countenance felL 
 
 " How dare you talk to me like that! " he demanded, in a 
 faltering voice. 
 
 44 We are the masters here. You stole our joss. 
 
 ** But, my dear sir, allow me to respectfully inform you that 
 the wooden monstrosity " 
 
 " Silence ! " interrupted the priest. 
 
 " Beg pardon ! I meant to say curiosity." 
 
 ** No more words." 
 
 "I will speak ! It is my right The thing is once more 
 
 No thanks to you." 
 
 " I demand to be ted before a magistrate." 
 
 " We are above the law, and administer justice in our own 
 way. Come with us." 
 
 "I am a British subject. If you interfere with me. yon 
 wfll regret it, for I have rich and influential friends. Two of 
 them are in your temple at the present moment. They know 
 that I am here. Beware ! I am Mr. Mote, Professor of Ox- 
 ford University, England, and proprietor of a tea-garden in 
 China!" 
 
 " We care not who you are ! " 
 
 "Reflect? Pause!" 
 
 " You have committed sacrilege 1 What would you say if 
 I came to one of your churches in your country and basely 
 stole a piece of t^ft communion platT^ or tibe cross from the 
 altar?" 
 
 It is altogether different.' 
 
 "XotatalL Our religion is as sacred to us, as yours to 
 you. Come!" 
 
 Mr. Mole made no further resistance. 
 
 He saw that it was useless to argue the point with the priest. 
 
 It was a dilemma from which he could not escape. 
 
 They ted him gently, but firmly, up the stairs to the fourth 
 story of the pagoda. 
 
 It was used as a kind of reading and lounging room. 
 
 He was placed in a chair, and liii ! m n tightly] 
 to the back of k.
 
 264 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 " Let him undergo the torture of the iron boots," said the 
 priest. 
 
 The attendants went to a cupboard and took out two boots 
 made of iron. 
 
 In these they put Mr. Mole's feet, or what should have 
 been his feet. 
 
 Little did they suspect that they were made of cork. 
 
 It was their impression that they were flesh and blood and 
 bone, like their own. 
 
 So well were his artificial legs made, that they looked truly 
 natural. 
 
 The Chinese priests were deceived. 
 
 The boots were of a large size, and the cork feet, which 
 had socks and high shoes on them, easily went in. 
 
 " The wedges and the hammer," the priest continued. 
 
 An attendant went a second time to the cupboard, and 
 produced a heavy hammer and four iron wedges. 
 
 He put one of the wedges inside the right boot, and began 
 to hit it with the hammer. 
 
 The intention of the priest was to crush the bones of the 
 foot and lame him for life, which would cause him intense 
 agony. 
 
 Mr. Mole saw their design and smiled inwardly, with a 
 sense of satisfaction. 
 
 So long as they operated upon the lower part of his body, 
 they could not hurt him. 
 
 It would not do to let them know that he was half made 
 of cork. 
 
 If they did find that out, they most likely would practise on 
 him in some more vulnerable portion of his anatomy. 
 
 It was necessary for him to act a part. 
 
 With this end in view, as soon as the attendant struck the 
 wedges with the hammer, he uttered a most unearthly yell. 
 
 The next blow was followed by a wild Arab howl, worthy 
 of a dying Haden-dowa of the Soudan. 
 
 He writhed, he twisted, he contorted his features. 
 
 When the wedge had gone down into the boot the attendant 
 did the same thing with the other foot. 
 
 Mole continued to shout, scream, squirm, and utter bad 
 language. 
 
 At last, he let his head fall back, shut his eyes, and drew 
 his breath gently. 
 
 He has fainted under the severity of the punishment," said 
 the head priest
 
 ADVEtfTURES Mf CHIA'A. 265 
 
 It is enough." 
 
 "What shall we do with him, master?" asked the at- 
 tendant. 
 
 "Pot him in a basket and convey him under the palm-trees 
 that grow on the left side of the temple : there leave him. If 
 his friends find him, well and good : If not, the charitable 
 may take him to die Hong-Kong Infirmary, for he will not 
 walk again for months. I care not. The priests of the tem- 
 ple are above the law. No one dare interfere with us doing 
 DOT duty. Shall our josses be stolen with impunity by foreign 
 devils? No. All China would support us. We have taught 
 ffae wretched Fanqui a lesson." 
 
 The attendant and a priest procured a large wickerwork 
 Basket, into which they put Mr. Mole, after removing the 
 edges and the iron boots. 
 
 He pretended to be perfectly helpless, and insensible to 
 verything that was going on around him. 
 
 The two men took up the basket and carried it down the 
 stairs, through the ground floor of the temple, and so on into 
 the open space around, in a portion of which the palm 
 trees grew. 
 
 Here they deposited the burden they had been carrying, 
 and hastened back to the sacred pagoda. 
 
 As they went along, the attendant said 
 
 " How the foreign devil did swear and howL" 
 
 " It was music in my ears," replied the priest. 
 
 ** For a long time he will not get over it." 
 
 tt If he had died it would have served him right" 
 
 " Ah ! We of the temple know how to protect our josses." 
 
 Mole congratulated himself heartily on his escape, but be 
 did not deem it prudent to move at present. 
 
 If he did, and the priests from die windows of the temple 
 saw him walk away unhurt, diey might seize him again and 
 inflict real injuries upon him. 
 
 For once in his life he blessed himself for having artificial 
 legs. 
 
 If his legs had been real, die iron boot and wedges would 
 have injured him terribly. 
 
 The feet are fuD of little bones, the toes are tender, and 
 the ankle is easily hurt by a knock. 
 
 It was a cruel mode of torture. 
 
 The professor resolved never to enter a joss-house agam, 
 as he had a wholesome dread of die priests.
 
 266 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SONS 
 
 He would consider his collection complete without adding 
 a Chinese god to his curios. 
 
 Much as he wanted lunch, he was afraid to move. 
 
 " I must stay in this basket," he muttered, " until it is 
 dark, though my stomach pines for corn and wine mean 
 cold fowl, ham, etc. Columbus ! it will be a long time 
 between drinks, quite contrary to my usual custom, but I 
 will make up for it. It is wrong for a man of means to get 
 into debt with his stomach. He should never owe it any 
 thing." 
 
 With this comforting reflection Mr. Mole closed his eyes, 
 and having nothing better to do, went to sleep. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 YOUNG JACK AND MONDAY ARE PERPLEXED AND ALARMED 
 ABOUT THE PROFESSOR. 
 
 AFTER wandering about for some time on the three sec- 
 tions of the pagoda open to the public, Jack and Monday 
 found that they had seen enough of it. 
 
 It is a show worth seeing," said Jack ; " but it isn't a 
 patch on Westminster Abbey or St. Peter's at Rome." 
 
 " Um nice kind of temple," replied Monday. " Where 
 am Mr. Mole got to, sare ? " 
 
 " That is what is bothering me." 
 
 " Perhaps him cop a joss, and the jossers of the pagoda 
 cop him. Yah ! yah ! " laughed Monday. 
 
 " I hope not. The priests are dangerous people to 
 tackle," replied Jack. " It would be of no use applying to 
 our consul." 
 
 " Why not, sare ? " 
 
 " He dare not interfere with the religious order. The 
 Chinese are very fanatical, there would be a riot." 
 
 " We must have urn Mole hunt, Mast' Jack." 
 
 " Where shall we look for him ? " 
 
 " Moles gen'rally live underground ; p'r'aps put the old 
 silly in a dungeon." 
 
 " I won't go home without him ! " cried young Jack. " If 
 he has got into trouble, it would be a cowardly shame to 
 leave him to his fate."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 2 0; 
 
 "Your father not sail without um old friend." 
 
 " I am sure he would not, therefore we must exert our- 
 selves on the old man's behalf." 
 
 "Me carry my knife, sare," said the black, baring his 
 gums and showing his white, gleaming teeth. 
 
 " And I have my revolver. I wish we could come across 
 that guide chap. What was his name ? " 
 
 " Loo Chow," answered Monday, " got um false look 
 about um face, and no mistake." 
 
 They were standing in the shadow of the entrance to the 
 great Kiang Temple. 
 
 As the black spoke, Loo Chow passed by them. 
 
 He was leaving the sacred edifice in a hurried manner. 
 
 Young Jack ran after and caught him by the arm before 
 he had had time to descend more than a dozen steps 
 
 " Here, I say, hold hard ! " cried Jack. 
 
 Loo Chow looked up with an uneasy glance. 
 
 It was evident from his manner that he wished himself 
 far away. 
 
 a Whatee wantee ? " he demanded. 
 
 My friend." 
 
 " Me not knowee. He payee me, I go leavee him." 
 
 " If s an infernal lie to say you don't know," exclaimed 
 Jack. " Come on to the bottom of the steps. Let me get 
 you under the trees, and I'll knock some ' knowee ' into you, 
 you highly interesting specimen of a Celestial living in a 
 flowery land." 
 
 " Lettee me go," said Loo Chow. 
 
 " Not much. Help him along behind, Monday, please." 
 
 Monday raised his foot. 
 
 The result was, that the guide went down three steps at 
 once, and would have dragged Jack with him, had not the 
 latter let go his hold. 
 
 Loo Chow raised himself. 
 
 In a moment, Monday was in attendance upon him. 
 
 Another vigorous kick administered to the guide while in 
 a stooping position sent him flying. 
 
 It was a sight to see Loo Chow rolling, hopping, jumping, 
 bumping down the steps of the pagoda. 
 
 Sometimes he would be on his feet, at others on his head, 
 and then he would be doing the trapeze business on noth- 
 ing. 
 
 He had to negotiate sixty steps before he reached the
 
 268 TA CK HA RKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 bottom. When he did so, his body gave one bound up- 
 wards, and then he fell down as flat as a brick. 
 
 Monday put his hands to his sides, opened his capaciour 
 mouth, and laughed loudly. 
 
 " Yum, yum ! " he cried. " That um bully kick, Mast' 
 Jack. I sent him kiting. It was a hyster, as we used to 
 say in New York." 
 
 " I hope he is not killed," replied Jack ; " because I want 
 to get some information out of him." 
 
 " These Chinamen pretty tough, sare." 
 
 " Let us go down and see if we can revive him. It is ten 
 to one he knows what has become ot Mole, or he would not 
 have tried to bolt." 
 
 "That um moral certainty." 
 
 They descended the steps, and drew the body of Loo 
 Chow under a tree. 
 
 He was breathing heavily, was quite senseless, and blood 
 was issuing from his mouth and nose. 
 
 The peculiar way in which he had gone down stairs had 
 not agreed with him. 
 
 It was clear that he was not a heaven-made acrobat, born 
 for the profession. 
 
 " He looks bad," remarked Jack. " I fancy the poor 
 beggar's going to kick out. It's a pity you rammed him so 
 hard with your boot." 
 
 " I'd got to do it, Mast' Jack. Could not resist it, if I 
 was never to eat pie again's long's I live," said Monday, 
 with a grin. 
 
 " I am sorry. If he could speak, we might get something 
 out of him about Mole." 
 
 " How we going to find the gentleman ? " 
 
 " That's a puzzler. Let us leave Mr. Loo Chow where 
 he is for a bit, and get farther into the shade. He may 
 come to soon," exclaimed Jack. 
 
 "Don't you think it time for to eat um grub, Mast' 
 Jack ? " enquired Monday. 
 
 " By Jove ! Yes. I'd forgotten all about it in the excite- 
 ment of the moment, but while we are uncertain as to Mr. 
 Mole's fate, I could not sit down with any appetite." 
 
 " This child could struggle with a bit." 
 
 " For shame ! Don't be so selfish. Think of Mole," said 
 Jack, in a chiding tone. " I'm going to smoke a cigarette. 
 The palms are nice and shady just here."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 269 
 
 " It no use thinking of Mole when ran hungry," remarked 
 Monday ; " take a lot ob moles to fill this 'creature up 
 Come and have some lunch. Mast' Jack." 
 
 u I tell you I shall not rill I have found the professor." 
 
 * You very fond of him all at once." 
 
 " Hold your row. Here's a cigarette for you ; and there's 
 an old basket under that palm : sit down, smoke like a chim- 
 ney, and make your miserable life happy." 
 
 " Me should do that, but I think our hamper up at the tea- 
 house." 
 
 It's all right," said young Jack. 
 
 Is ft! Yah * yah I" laughed Monday. 
 
 Yon see pres- 
 cafl u~ 
 
 ently. Every Chinaman Johnny is a born thief. I 
 daylight robber. You'll find how much you got left." 
 
 " If it is all gone, I can't help it." 
 
 " Nice kind of a picnic to come out to, and lose all the 
 grab." 
 
 "Leave off snacking and snarling and nagging ! " cried 
 young Jack. 
 
 " I can't help it. Good things going to be stolen 
 
 " Sit down, and let me think what I ought to do about 
 Mole." 
 
 Monday sat down on the old basket, leant his back against 
 the tree, and lighted his cigarette. 
 
 His young master walked moodily up and down. 
 
 He was greatly vexed to think that Mole should have got 
 into some trouble. 
 
 How was he to discover him and extricate him from it ? 
 
 In vain he racked his brains to find out how to act. 
 
 " Poor old Mole ! I'm afraid he has gone up this time," 
 he observed. 
 
 " Climbed the golden stairs ascended urn Jacob's ladder," 
 repled Monday. 
 
 " Hold your noise, or IT! " 
 
 " No. you won't, Mast' Jack. Never quarrel with old Moo- 
 day. Ugh ! what's this ? " 
 
 His face assumed an expression of alarm. 
 
 " Is a mosquito biting you ? " asked Jack. 
 
 "Tain't no skeeter, sane." 
 
 "What then?" 
 
 "There's a kind of Mumbo Jumbo, or um Chinese joss 
 about." 
 
 "Don't act the fooli"
 
 270 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SCATS 
 
 " I tell you, Mast' Jack, there um something alive in this 
 basket I'm sitting on." 
 
 " Bosh ! how can there be ? " 
 
 " You look you listen. Something shove up something 
 talk." 
 
 Jack did listen attentively. 
 
 He heard a voice exclaim 
 
 " Let me out." 
 
 Mr. Mole had been roused from his slumber. 
 
 Badly scared, Monday sprang up. 
 
 The basket opened, and the professor was revealed. 
 
 " You, sir in a basket ! " cried Jack. " What does this 
 mean ? " 
 
 " Oh, golly ! " exclaimed Monday, " it am the old man." 
 
 " Thank heaven ! " replied Mole. " Help me out. This 
 is better luck than I expected." 
 
 " How did you get into the basket ? " 
 
 "Thereby hangs a tale. I will unfold it." 
 
 Young Jack and Monday assisted him out of the basket, 
 and when he was on his pins, he related his adventures. 
 
 They could not help laughing heartily. 
 
 It was the most comical adventure he had met with for a 
 long time, although Mole was always doing something 
 funny. 
 
 The guide had not recovered consciousness. 
 
 No one was sorry for him, because they all felt sure that 
 he had betrayed Mole to the priests. 
 
 " Come on, boys ! " said Mole ; " we will go to lunch. I'm 
 not hurt." 
 
 ' Wooden legs are a great institution, sir," replied Jack. 
 
 ' You bet ! I have found them so." 
 
 ' Do you want any more wooden gods ? " 
 
 ' I have done with josses. Let us be moving. These 
 pr ests might get hold of me again, and then " 
 
 He broke off abruptly. 
 
 A slight shudder ran through him. 
 
 The three lost no time in walking back to the tea-house. 
 
 Fortunately their lunch-hamper had not been touched, and 
 they enjoyed themselves immensely. 
 
 In the cool of the evening they drove back to the planta- 
 tion, which they reached in safety. 
 
 Only a few days now had to elapse before they started for 
 the treasure island.
 
 AD i ENTURES IN CHINA. 
 
 CHAPTER XLL 
 
 THE WITNESS OF GUILT. 
 
 MEANWHILE matters had gone on rather seriously on board 
 the pirate ship, " Flowery Land." 
 
 Let us return for a moment to the hours succeeding the 
 untimely end of the wretched man, Robert Emmerson. 
 
 Just as daylight dawned, the watch was about to be 
 changed, when an alarming discovery was made. 
 
 One of the men had disappeared. 
 
 This was Spirillo. 
 
 The other man was discovered lying upon his back on 
 deck insensble. 
 
 This was one Von Koppenhaagen, the pirate who attempted 
 to prevent Jack and his friends from escaping from the ship on 
 the night of Emmerson's murder. 
 
 " Hold ! " shouted the mate of the watch, " there has been 
 some traitor's play here. Bring some water, and send for a 
 doctor." 
 
 One ran for water and soon brought it, and they did their 
 best to revive the unlucky Dutchman. 
 
 " Why doesn't the American doctor come," said the mate, 
 impatiently. 
 
 The sailor who had been sent in search of the doctor, came 
 back looking considerably upset. 
 
 " The doctor ! " exclaimed the mate, impatiently. " Where 
 is he ? " 
 
 Gone." 
 
 ** Go and look after him," said the mate. 
 
 " I have looked after him everywhere, but he is not to be 
 found." 
 
 "Bah !" ejaculated the mate, hastily, "bring him here at 
 once do you hear ? " 
 
 *' I think he must have left the ship the two boys are 
 gone, too." 
 
 The mate looked up. 
 
 It caugh this attention now, for the matter began to look 
 serious.
 
 272 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 The boys, too ? " 
 
 Yes." 
 
 " That's strange." 
 
 Von Koppenhaagen groaned. 
 
 Then he opened his eyes. 
 
 " Der tuyvel !, " he said. " Spirillo. Such a smacks to my 
 eye, yer tuyvel ! " 
 
 " Spirillo ! " said the mate, eagerly ; " but how did you get 
 hurt like this ? " 
 
 " Der toctor," answered the Dutchman. " Dat tam tuyvel, 
 der Yankee doctor." 
 
 " What, the old American ? " said the mate. 
 
 " Yah. I stop him as he was getting down into the boat, 
 and he gave me der tam smack to der eye, and down I 
 drops." 
 
 An exclamation burst from the mate. 
 
 " He's escaped, then ! Confound him ! " 
 
 " Zo zay I," said Von Koppenhaagen, " and der boys also ; 
 confounts der boys ! " 
 
 " Stop, stop," cried the mate, " surely the boys " 
 
 " Have escape, too yah wohl, that is zo." 
 
 They looked through their glasses in every direction . 
 
 And looked in vain. 
 
 The little boat was long since out of sight. 
 
 " Devil take them ! " cried the mate. " I'd sooner have 
 knocked them on the head myself than have had them get 
 off in this way." 
 
 " That's just what I proposed," said a voice at his elbow, 
 " only you all opposed it then ; now it is too late, and their 
 escape puts us in great danger." 
 
 The mate turned round, and found the speaker was Hun- 
 ston. 
 
 The man with the iron arm. 
 
 " I would have knocked them on the head," continued Hun- 
 ston, viciously. " But like a pack of obstinate fools you op- 
 posed me." 
 
 " It was no fault of mine," said the mate. 
 
 " You're amongst the rest." 
 
 " It is false." 
 
 " I say it is true." 
 
 One of the crew came running up with a scared look and 
 crying out 
 
 " Emmerson is dead ! Emmerson is murdered 1 "
 
 ADVENTURES IX CffUTA. 273 
 
 "Emmerson ! " i 11 IIIBM<| fl^g v**^f mate. 
 
 " Yes, Robert Fan* i \trnt. He lies dead, murdered m his 
 cabin below." 
 
 Honston aught have been observed to change colour just 
 then had they not been far too much engaged to notice it. 
 
 u \\~ho can have done this dreadful deed?" said the mate. 
 u Is there treason among us ? " 
 
 The very mcnliiM of the word seemed to inspire alarm in 
 
 The pirates looked from one to the otter and began to 
 iunn or ominously 
 "Of all oar new hands," said the mate, " this was the best 
 
 " You're not very poEte," said Toro, advancing his hnge 
 body into the crowd gathered about Von Koppenhaagen, 
 who, by the way, appeared stiO to be m a state of semMnsen- 
 :/. 
 ItisAetratfi,' 1 retained the mate, " and that's more in 
 
 A fierce oath bast from the hot-blooded Italian, and he laid 
 his hand on his knife. 
 
 Now Houston by this time had somewhat recovered his 
 
 He gave Toro a warning sign, and then be said, as though 
 at sodden thought liad occurred to him 
 
 "The American doctor is gone the two boys are yawl 
 why, of course, it is dear enough who has done it." 
 
 "Who?" 
 
 " Who but the doctor! " 
 
 ** Not the teeter," exclaimed Von Koppenhaagen, suddenly 
 gaining strength, " not the toctor." 
 
 M0!o km that ? - said Hunston. 
 
 "You!" returned the DalihmM, ailh il;i nhr rrr, 
 you do no one better." 
 
 II- fahered the guilty Honston; "I!" 
 
 Yes you for you did it." 
 
 -ABe!- ejacwfatedHstof^-a foul Be! 
 
 -It fa true, and you^know it I know 
 
 rWC .uJKflMfl^W 4HMBV* 
 
 Hunston tottered back, and fell against Toro. 
 
 -Of course he fa," added the ItaKan. "Why, 
 B next me hit 
 
 18
 
 274 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOJVS. 
 
 " You'll back him up," retorted Von Koppenhaagen ; " you 
 will, of course, for you vas his aggomplice." 
 
 Toromade a rush at the Dutchman, knife in hand, and had 
 he got at him, he would probably have got this unpleasant 
 witness out of the way with a single blow. 
 
 But the pirates would not permit this. 
 
 They closed round Toro and hustled him back. 
 
 " Keep off, or I will not answer for your lives," said the 
 mate, " and let's hear Von Koppenhaagen out." 
 
 " He raves," said Hunston ; " he is deranged." 
 
 " Not me," said the Dutchman, desperately ; "and if you 
 can find that one-armed man's knife, you will find der blood 
 fresh upon it Emmerson's blood." 
 
 " Seize him ! " 
 
 The mate had hardly uttered the word, when a dozen horny 
 hands grappled with Hunston, and ransacked his pockets for 
 the knife. But it was not about him. 
 
 " He has not been so imprudent as to keep the knife about 
 him," said Von Koppenhaagen. " But look at his iron arm." 
 
 Hunston fought like a lion to oppose this. 
 
 " Lend me a hand, Toro," he cried, " to keep these devils 
 off." 
 
 Toro fell to it with a will, and hurling his huge carcase 
 nmongst them, bore down two or three of the pirates by sheer 
 weight. 
 
 But this was only a short-lived triumph. 
 
 One of the men who was down seized the Italian giant by 
 the legs, and so hampered his movements that in a moment 
 they had him toppled over and pinned to the deck. 
 
 Hunston was likewise soon secured, and his sleeve dragged 
 tip, revealing the mechanical arm, the ingenious workmanship 
 of the murdered Robert Emmerson. 
 
 And then they saw the legend upon the steel arm was 
 smeared with blood, whose freshness was beyond all question. 
 
 " See ! see ! " cried Von Koppenhaagen ; " that is Emmer- 
 son's blood there now I " 
 
 Thus brought home to him, Hunston stammered, and fal- 
 tered out some meaningless words. 
 
 But this was only confirmatory of his guilt, 
 
 " Tie him up ! " said the mate. 
 
 This was done. 
 
 Hand and foot he was bound, and in such a way that he 
 was powerless.
 
 ADVENTURES fN CHINA. 
 
 *7S 
 
 Toto fought desperately but all in vain. 
 
 He was tied up likewise by the pirates. 
 
 u And now," said the mate, " bring them before the cap- 
 tain, and he shall fix their punishment for acting without 
 orders." 
 
 CHAPTER XLIL 
 
 THE STEEL ARM TELLS ITS TALE. 
 
 WITH no gentle hands, the pan* of ruffians were brought up 
 before then- fellow-scoundrel and leader, the Chinese captain. 
 
 The latter was a big burly fellow, and for a Chinese, really 
 a very superior man. 
 
 One fit to command. 
 
 His superiority to his fellows was shown by the way hi 
 which he kept his men in a perfect state of discipline. 
 
 The whole crew looked up to him, and to them, his lightest 
 word was law, 
 
 He was a man who had travelled about a good deal, and 
 spoke several languages, our own among the number, with 
 considerable fluency. 
 
 " What have they done ? " asked the Chinese captain. 
 
 " Nothing," said Hunston, " only made ourselves hated by 
 the crew, for seeking your interest and theirs as well as our 
 
 n 
 Own. 
 
 The captain turned to their accusers. 
 " Speak," he sai d. u What have you to charge them with ? " 
 "Murder." 
 
 a It is false ! " began the furious Italian. 
 But they soon stopped Toro's mouth. 
 Who have they murdered ? " demanded the captain. 
 "Our comrade, Robert Emmerson." 
 "Emmerson!" iterated the captain. "Is Emmerson 
 dead?" 
 "Yes." 
 
 " And they have murdered him ? " 
 "Yes." 
 " A. lie! " 
 
 ** Silence ! " said the captain. " Who accuses them? w 
 *I do, gaptain," said Von Koppenhaagen, stepping foi*
 
 276 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 ward, " and I can proof my vords, for I have seen Hunzton 
 knog him down mit my own eyes." 
 
 A murmur ran through the crew. 
 
 A wave of the captain's hand quieted them. 
 
 " How came Von Koppenhaagen to witness this murder ? " 
 
 " It was my watch," said the Dutchman. " Spirillo was 
 mit me, and he tried to bersuade me to leab der shib, to get 
 away vrom der ' Flowery Land ' mit him and somevon else, 
 for he haf got tired of it, he says. But I says 
 
 " ' No ; I vill go ven I vants to, not before." 
 
 " While ve vas talking, up comes der boy, Jack Hargavay, 
 and dey begins to speak togeder. 
 
 " Spirillo likes der boy because der boy nurse him when he 
 fall from der shrouds. So I lets 'em talk, and presently up 
 comes dem two. 
 
 " Dey bounce on der young Hargavay and dry to gill him, 
 but he rons avay, and he gets down into der cabin vere Em- 
 merson vas asleep ; so I went back to get help." 
 
 "Help for what ? " 
 
 " Help to save der boy," said Von Koppenhaagen, 'he is 
 vorth a goodly ranzome." 
 
 " Right." 
 
 " Besides vich, it is der gaptain's orders." 
 
 " True." 
 
 " Veil, before I can get far, I hears a great noise, and back 
 I go to der cabin, and jost as I gets on der ladder, I see Em- 
 merson defending der boy. 
 
 " Dey dries all dey can to get him, but Emmerson is too 
 much for dem, and den Hunzton draws his knife and stigs 
 Emmerson." 
 
 " A lie ! " shouted Hunston, fiercely. 
 
 " I swear it." 
 
 " It is a base lie ! " ejaculated Toro, " and the murderer is 
 no doubt Von Koppenhaagen, who has hatched all this tale 
 to shift the guilt on to innocent shoulders." 
 
 " Silence ! Go on with your story." 
 
 " But den dey comes op der cabin stairs and sneags avay, 
 vile I hides ; an' den I hear a noise ovare dere. 
 
 " I greebs up jost in time to see Spirillo get over der ship's 
 side, and den young Hargaway, and den der toctor tarn him I 
 I stobs der toctor, and he gibs me a splodge in der eye d;it 
 sents me down all of a lomps on der deck vast azleep, an' 
 an' an' dat's all."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. ,77 
 
 A short silence followed. 
 
 " And do you believe in this ? " demanded Hunston, haugh- 
 tily. 
 
 " Bah ! " said the Italian, contemptuously. 
 
 The Chinese captain frowned at the speaker, and then 
 said 
 
 " What have you to say against the charge ? " 
 
 " Why, only this," returned Hunston ; " Robert Em- 
 merson was my friend. It was he who did the greatest serv- 
 ice that living man ever did by replacing my cruel loss." 
 
 And as he spoke, he raised the mechanical arm. 
 
 " What other proof have you of their guilt ? " 
 
 " You vant more proof ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Den," said the Dutchman, quite as unmoved as ever, " if 
 you vant der broof, just look at his zteel arm ! " 
 
 "Hah!" 
 
 Hunston could not keep back an exclamation of alarm. 
 
 In an instant he was seized by a dozen eager hands, and 
 the mechanical arm was laid bare. They all strode forward 
 to catch a glimpse of it. 
 
 Then a murmur of horror ran through the throng. 
 
 The legend on the steel arm was smeared with blood. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 THE SENTENCE ON HUNSTON AND TORO. 
 
 " WHAT do you say, men ? " 
 
 It was the pirate captain who spoke. 
 
 The evidence was overwhelming. 
 
 The two ruffians were dumfounded. and their own con- 
 fusion at this critical moment confessed their guilt. 
 
 "Guilty!" 
 
 They would have protested, but the captain would not 
 hear them. 
 
 "Silence!" he said, in solemn and impressive tones. 
 * That condemns you ! The steel arm avenges its inven- 
 tor. The legend on it dooms you to death." 
 
 They had not a word to say for themselves now. 
 
 Hunston cowered with fear. 
 
 A superstitious dread settled upon him.
 
 278 JACK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SON'S 
 
 And why ? 
 
 Can you not guess ? 
 
 He remembered Robert Emmerson's words concerning 
 the legend on the mechanical arm. 
 
 Already had the prediction of the luckless Protean Bob 
 been verified in a certain manner. 
 
 The steel arm had been raised against a friend, and already 
 had it betrayed the guilt of the wearer. 
 
 Hunston remembered all the peculiarities of the unfortu- 
 nate Emmerson, and shuddered when he thought of the so- 
 lemnity with which he Emmerson had predicted what had 
 happened. 
 
 " What shall we do with them ? " demanded the captain. 
 
 " Hang them ! " shouted the pirates. 
 
 " Get ready the rope." 
 
 By the alacrity displayed in making the ghastly prepara- 
 tions, it was clear that the verdict was in accordance with 
 their wishes. 
 
 Toro was the boldest of the two desperadoes, but his heart 
 quailed at what he now beheld. 
 
 " Is it possible," he said to himself, " that I have passed 
 through all the many varied scenes and episodes of my life 
 to come to this ? To be hanged by a set of Chinese pirates. 
 No, no ; it can not be." 
 
 He would not accept his fate without an effort on his own 
 behalf. 
 
 " You will do what you like, comrades," he said ; " but 
 might is not always right nor is it now. You have no more 
 right to dispose of our lives than we have to dispose of 
 yours. When we joined you, it was to bring you certain in- 
 formation which was to be useful to you, and the profit to 
 accrue from it was to be divided equally between us. And 
 now that you have all we can bring, it is an easy way of get- 
 ting out of your part of the bargain to assassinate us under a 
 pretext." 
 
 The Chinese captain appeared to be in some measure 
 struck by this bold address. 
 
 " You have some right to speak thus, Toro," he said, 
 but " 
 
 " Right ! " echoed the Italian, bitterly, following up with 
 eagerness the faintest advantage ; " who would venture to 
 deny the right ? " 
 
 " You have heard your sentence," said the captain.
 
 ADVENTURES /AT CHINA, 
 
 -79 
 
 -Yes." 
 
 - And yon?" he added, taming to H 
 "I have," 
 
 " Then what have you to urge in mitigation of your doom ?" 
 
 "This," retorted Hunston, with a brief flash of boldness: 
 "you have no right to take our fires. We came here 
 trusted ourselves in perfect good faith in jour hands, and had 
 yon not wanted our services or our information, you should 
 have told us so, or let us know that yon wanted to part com- 
 pany with us." 
 
 "- Supposing we spared your fives, what would you pro- 
 pose?" 
 
 "* We have no suggestion to make," replied Toro, obsti- 
 nately. " We are innocent of all crime, and can have noth- 
 ing to say. 7 " 
 
 " Then I wffl speak for you," said the captain. 
 
 Then turning to the crew, he went on to say 
 
 "These two men have merited death at our hands. I ob- 
 ject to these strong measures among ourselves, and propose 
 that we should set them adrift in a boat, and let them shift 
 for themselves. What do you say?" 
 
 But few dissentient voices were heard, when die captain 
 spoke. 
 
 " Your win is law, captain, 1 * said the men. 
 
 "Lower the boat," called the captain ; " and let us have 
 done with this job at once." 
 
 The command was speedily obeyed, and into die boat were 
 pitched a few days" rough rations chiefly biscuit and water. 
 
 * Now begone," said die captain, pointing to die boat. 
 The prisoners sullenly shook themselves together, and 
 
 Then Hnnston paused. 
 
 His first sensation, on hearing his punishment imligalrd 
 dins, had been one of unfeigned relief. 
 
 Mow he began to feel uneasy. 
 
 An inward warning was at work, teffing him that he was 
 being conducted to a living death. 
 
 Death by slow torture. 
 
 Death in its most horrible form of att. 
 
 Starvation. 
 
 "I refuse to go," he said, 
 
 "Then you have but a few moments to me, netnraed 
 the captain.
 
 280 JACK HARK A WA Y AND HIS SOWS 
 
 Then turning to the men, he made them a sign to proceed 
 with the rope. 
 
 " What do you say ? " said the captain to Toro ; " do you 
 go, or " and here he gave a significant glance at the prepara- 
 tions at the rope " stay ! " 
 
 Toro grunted. 
 
 " It's no choice, captain," he said. " I will go." 
 
 " Over with you then." 
 
 With many a muttered imprecation, the huge Italian got 
 over the ship's side, and was lowered into the boat. 
 
 " Now, men, place the rope round the other's neck, and 
 off with him," said the captain. 
 
 They began to drag Hunston away, but the latter's fears 
 got the better of his sullenness now, and he cried out for 
 mercy. 
 
 " Since you give me the choice," he said, " I'll go with 
 Toro." 
 
 The captain frowned. 
 
 " I gave you no choice, I only gave orders." 
 
 "Then I obey," said Hunston, eagerly. 
 
 " You must beg it as a favour now, upon your knees," 
 said the captain, sternly. 
 
 " I do ! I do ! " said Hunston, on his knees, grovelling 
 and abasing himself. 
 
 " Lower yet in the dirt prostrate yourself, or you shall 
 hang for the gulls to peck at." 
 
 Hunston obeyed. 
 
 His fears took every spark of manhood from him, if ever 
 he had been possessed of any. 
 
 " Mercy ! mercy ! " he cried, " any thing better than 
 that." 
 
 The pirate captain spurned him with his foot, and turned 
 away with a look of unutterable disgust. 
 
 And then they dragged the wretched Hunston up, and 
 dropped him into the raging sea. 
 
 " Now swim away," cried the mate, leaning over ; "for if 
 you are within range by the time we have counted a hundred, 
 we shall fire into you." 
 
 By this time the boat was a considerable distance from 
 the ship. 
 
 Hunston, however, was a powerful swimmer, and gradually 
 neared it. 
 
 But he had not calculated on the fatigue caused by
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. 281 
 
 an incessant use of his artificial aim, and suddenly be found 
 his strength fail. 
 
 Toro was standing op in the boat, watching the progress 
 of his comrade. 
 
 " Help, Toro ! hdp me, for I am sinking." 
 
 CHAPTER 3UV. 
 
 MAGIC ISLAND AXD FADtT 
 
 THE Harkavay party made up their minds to leave 
 China forth with. 
 
 Mr. Mole disposed of his plantation and property generally 
 for the second tune, and they invested the capital, thus 
 realised, together with some money added by Harkavay, 
 Dick Harvey, and Jefferson. 
 
 The ship thus became the joint piupau of the four persons 
 named Isaac Mole, Harkavay, Jefeson, and Dick Harrey. 
 
 Long consultations vere held vith Spirillo vith regard to 
 the treasure island of the Greek Archipelago, and the ex- 
 pirate shoved them to their entire satisfaction that young 
 Jack's confidence in him had been entirely warranted. 
 
 He had not only charts and plans of the treasure island, 
 but he had also a vritten description of the place, giving the 
 most elaborate details. 
 
 So Harkavay and his friends quickly made arrangements 
 to start in search of the pirate's treasure on the Greek 
 
 Jack and his party had their adventures, bat as they did 
 m>t materially affect the progress of this veritable narrative: 
 
 _ _ ."..,_ ^_1_ J __ 1"_1* ___ *!.._ , ~. !A ___ * ' 
 
 we propose suupiy giKnng ower CTC wagr BO BBB jmmpetago 
 itseK. changing the scene as rapidly as though our pen vere 
 a harlequin's wand. 
 
 And vben they first sighted land, after a vearr waste of 
 water had been passed, Isaac Mole, vho had been Hmp and 
 
 J|i.MViii through seasickness, suddenly stumped along 
 the deck, and regained his vonted joyous demeanour. 
 
 "So this is Greece? ' he exclaimed to his pupil, vho stood 
 beside him. 
 
 -Ye* sir," said joong Jack,
 
 282 JA CK HARKA WA Y AND HIS SOAPS 
 
 " Classic Greece. ' Those Isles of Greece,' as the poet has 
 sung." 
 
 " He and grease is much of a muchness, sir, I thought," 
 said young Jack. 
 
 " My dear boy," replied the tutor, " don't give your mind 
 to vulgar joking ; punning is the lowest kind of wit." 
 
 Spirillo here came up with Dick Harvey and Mr. Jefferson. 
 
 " We shall have to shift our course a point, sir," said the 
 former. 
 
 "Is that our destination ? " asked Mr. Jefferson, pointing 
 to the land ahead. 
 
 " No, sir." 
 
 " What is the name of that place then ? " 
 
 "That sir, must be the Island of Scio." 
 
 " ' Scio's rocky isle, ' " said Mr. Mole, who was irrepressible, 
 when he had a quoting fit on him. 
 
 " So that is Scio, of which we have all heard and read so 
 much ; and how far is our journey now ? " 
 
 " We shall sight our island, sir, in less than an hour." 
 
 Some of the party were for landing at Scio, and making a 
 short stay upon the island. 
 
 But this was opposed by Jack Harkaway upon several 
 grounds. 
 
 " Let us get through our work first," said he, " and then 
 we can play as much as you wish, and I'll join you, for I long 
 to get over to the place myself. " 
 
 " But I don't see that the case is so urgent," suggested one. 
 
 " No," answered Harkaway, "but you must remember that 
 our friend Spirillo has made this journey with that one sole 
 object the pirate's secret cave." 
 
 " Yes, it is best," said Jefferson, " for it would not do to risk 
 every thing after coming thus far." 
 
 Scio was passed about an hour when they sighted land 
 again. 
 
 Spirillo and young Jack were standing upon the quarter- 
 deck together, and the former handed young Jack his glass. 
 
 " There," said he, " that is our destination." 
 
 The boy took the glass, saying 
 
 "That?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " The coasts seem to be covered with vegetation," said 
 young Jack. 
 
 " They are."
 
 ADVENTURES IN CHINA. Sj 
 
 "And is it possible that that island is uninhabited ?" 
 
 "Xot quite," replied Spirillo. 
 
 " Then how is it the pirates contrive to - " 
 
 Keep it to themselves. Easily," answered Spirillo. *By 
 his unscrupulous daring he got the treasure, and the place, too, 
 to himself. The few he has chosen to keep are men devoted 
 to him partly by love, but a great deal more, I doubt not, by 
 fear. Monastos is a man to dread. " 
 
 Young Jack stared. 
 
 " He must be a very desperate character." 
 
 "He is." 
 
 " Quite a magician in point of fact." 
 
 The ex-pirate smiled. 
 
 "I don't quite believe in magic," he said: "but this I 
 know Monastos is a man who in tne dark ages would have 
 been a king. He has been a great power in the political 
 world, as it is." 
 
 "Indeed." 
 
 " Aye, indeed. You may laugh, Master Jack, but you don't 
 know this part of the world : you can not imagine the state 
 of things here. Why, Monastos has been such a power that 
 the government truckled to him the government has bar- 
 gained with him." 
 
 "Bargained!" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "That's rather a strong expression ! " said Jack. 
 
 " It answers exactly to the state of their relations with 
 this pirate chief. They would have beaten him under, had 
 
 they possessed the power. 
 "But they hadn't." 
 
 No. 
 
 " That sounds odd." 
 
 To Englishmen yes, I know it. But here ifs *oy Af- 
 ferent. What would you say if I told you that Monastos has 
 served the government as banker? " 
 
 " Banker ! Come, I say, Spirillo, that is stretching it a 
 little too far." 
 
 "Not a bit," Spirillo replied. "Monastos has, with his 
 enormous riches, helped to make up the deficit in more than 
 one budget Aey wink at ft, that's alL He has had money 
 to lend, and they have been willing to borrow. " 
 
 "Why, Spirillo," said Jefferson, coming up just then, a I 
 thought yon spoke of landing about here."
 
 284 JACK: HARK AWAY A ND HIS SOWS 
 
 "Yes, there is a creek so cunningly concealed in the coast, 
 that no one has ever yet detected it to my knowledge," said 
 Spirillo. 
 
 " Indeed ! " said Jefferson, with a stare. 
 
 " So well hidden, sir that you shall seek for it and not find 
 it, even knowing of its existence." 
 
 The confidence with which the ex-pirate spoke, excited 
 considerable curiosity, and the interest of the party increased 
 every minute. 
 
 The command of the vessel was left exclusively now to 
 Spirillo, who scanned the coast closely, as they glided by. 
 
 Watching his expression closely, they perceived that a smile 
 of satisfaction flitted across his face as he turned away and 
 closed his telescope. 
 
 Then he gave orders for swinging the ship round a bit so 
 as to set her full at a narrow little creek, whose banks were 
 covered with thickly-grown trees and shrubs. So thickly as 
 to appear wellnigh impenetrable. 
 
 Moreover, the creek did not appear to be more than a few 
 feet wide, and as for its depth, it must be insignificant. 
 
 " Why, I can see to the end of the creek," declared one of 
 the sailors. 
 
 " Well, if that's Cap'n Spriller's harbour, I think we shan't 
 want much harb'ring long," said another sailor. 
 
 " What do you mean by that, my good man ? " asked a 
 voice at his elbow. 
 
 It was Mr. Mole. 
 
 The worthy Isaac was getting a bit uneasy. 
 
 " What do you mean ? " repeated Mr. Mole, as the sailor 
 stared very hard at him. 
 
 " Why, if your honour must know and axing your pardon," 
 was the sailor's reply, with a scrape, " I think we shall find 
 the ' Sea Mew ' on the beach or mebbe on the rocks, keel 
 up'ards." 
 
 " Goodness me ! " ejaculated the tutor. " Don't you think 
 she's sound ? " 
 
 " Lawks, yes, she's right and tight." 
 
 " Tight," thought Mr. Mole, who was not to say strictly 
 compos mentis himself. "That's an insinuation. The 
 fellow means to hint that the ship'll roll over because she's 
 tight ; I'll report that fellow." 
 
 The "Sea Mew" swung round, answering her helm as 
 truly as one of the penny steamers on the Thames, and shot
 
 ADVEMTUZES m cam*. 
 
 to the tittle creek, and tfaioogh fie forage, which parted 
 oo being tooched as readily as if it had been a screen of 
 feathe^, and dosing in upon her, completely screened her 
 from the roew of any passing vessel om dK ocean higfaway. 
 as they passed bribe first dense screen of 
 
 propose that we cast anchor here, SpiriEu, " said 
 Harkaway. 
 
 "Good. 1 * 
 
 Youing Jack and his companion, Hany Giidwood, 
 amongst the crowd on deck, eagerly walching the 
 ;: :.-.- 7,- 
 
 "FD bet FBI the first to land," 
 
 m have yow, Jack," retorted Hairy. 
 
 And then they both made a rash and a scramble, 
 pretty musical voice, dose by, told them tint they had both 
 lost. 
 
 Somebody is there before you,"" said Bttle Em%, with a 
 
 Mny langh ;- look np there. 1 
 They obeyed,, 
 
 there they saw Nero, perched on lie 
 branch of a lofty tree. 
 
 yoong Jack, shaking his fist 
 have stokm a march on us.*" 
 
 Fm next at any rate,'* cried young Jack. 
 And before Hairy Giidwood could gness what he 
 ^^M>J A 
 
 i OB the deck cf the -Sea 
 "Brarchearts! Welcome to Magic Island! "cried
 
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