Page:Leaves from my Chinese Scrapbook - Balfour, 1887.djvu/215

 fore made out a warrant of arrest, and despatched an officer with Pa to take Tsiu into custody. Chang was in high feather, and distributed largess lavishly among the yamên runners, following them at some short distance, that he might enjoy the scene. The poor old man was walking, as usual, in his garden, and paid no attention to the crowd of people whom he saw approaching, thinking they were visitors like the rest. But he was soon undeceived. They suddenly set up a wild halloo, rushed forward in a body, and pinioned his arms securely. The old man was horribly frightened, and cried, "Why, what fault have I committed? What is my crime? I do beseech you, gentlemen, to explain." Then they all bawled out in concert, abusing him for a wicked old sorcerer and rebel; and without allowing him to say a word in his defence, dragged him violently towards the gate. When the neighbours witnessed these proceedings they came flocking together in amazement, and asked what was the matter. "Matter!" retorted the leader of the gang; "do you still ask what is the matter? He's a vile old rebel, and you are every one of you inculpated in the affair." This startled the simple people not a little, and they one and all made off as fast as they could in all directions, fearing lest by some means or other they too should be involved. A few of Tsiu's friends, however, followed him at a distance. Chang remained behind with his parasites, and as soon as the garden was clear they took formal possession of it. They then searched in every nook and corner to see that there were none of Tsiu's people hidden away anywhere; and finding that nobody was left, they locked the garden-gate and trooped off to the magistrate's.