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 The Bamboo River." 117

man who bought did not realise much profit in his violation of the order published against, trafficking with the foreigner or his men. He was arrested, and fined one hundred dollars ; his shop was closed by official order, and he so severely beaten in punishment for his offence, that he died a few days after from the effects, This was not a very promising beginning of intercourse with the people of that district. I had long had the purpose in mind to visit the place, and took occasion, a year later, to do so, and was gratified at the change in the spirit and manner of the people. Immediately upon my arrival the magistrate sent a messenger and an escort with a sedan chair for me to visit him in his official residence, and was yery cordial in all his offers of assistance and protec- tion. Traces of the former hostility were seen in the conduct of some of the people. I took a supply of books and went through the city, and by persistent friendliness induced them to enter into conversation and listen to my story. Some rough fellows tried to make trouble, and frightened u few of the people by referring to the fate of the man who had bought the salt a year before. The last attempt of this sort was made by a young man, who rushed among the people who had gathered around me and commanded them to disperse. Feeling assured of the friendliness of the people, [ confronted him, and sternly asked,

“What do you mean by such conduct ?”

Unprepared for such an attitude on my part, he be- came greatly confused, and said,

“J only told the people it was time for them to eat

rice.”