Page:Inside Canton.djvu/17

16 the throat, tore a quantity of feathers from him, which he threw to the wind, and then resumed his place, waiting bravely for a second attack; but the recent conqueror, like a clever tactician, now prudently beat a retreat. As has been seen, a few passes sufficed to terminate the combat; however, on one occasion, two duellists of equal skill and valour prolonged the struggle for a long time. After each attack they separated to regain force, until, fatigued by their ineffectual efforts, they ceased to fight. In the hands of the avaricious Chinese, they resemble the plumed warriors whom rival ambitions cast upon the field of battle.

I withdrew from this barbarous spectacle, and went to the rear of the vessel to sit down, near the moveable fire-places, where the sailors were cooking their meals. Whilst I was examining their culinary processes, I suddenly heard the peaceful voice of a cricket, which was chirping in the loudest manner. I experienced a childish pleasure in finding on this floating habitation the guest of our humble hearths, the sprite of the smoky cabin, who, in European climates, continues to sing when all else is silent, as if to remind us of the beautiful days that are past, and to make us think of the slumbering inhabitants of the air, who are soon to be awaked. I went up to Callery. "The Chinese," I said, "are really a patriarchal people; even when travelling they surround