Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/185

 stiles Chow and the Lu sss sal 181

Pleuns the obstructiveness at tie Beu-Pyatict, a —- of the great Tseng-kwok-fan, who, while professing great friendliness and willingness to assist us to the utmost extent of his power, arrests the men who attempt to sell or rent to us, beats the agent employed, and deters, through fear of punishment, those who would be glad to meet our wants. He is a typical Chinese mandarin, so completely and conspicuously two-faced. When we see him he is all smiles and profuseness ; nothing can exceed his delight aud willingness to serve us. The slightest hint that unnecessary obstructions are thrown in our way calls forth a storm of protestation. ‘The people are so ignorant ;” “ Their eyes are so small;” ‘They cannot see what is for their benefit, and therefore do not appreciate you. I understand your lofty and disinterested motives ; Iam the grandson of Tseng-kwok-fan, the nephew of the Marquis Tseng, you can trust me;” and laying his hands on our shoulders, or striking a melodramatic attitude with his hand over his heart, says, “There are no secrets between us; we speak heart to heart.” After such an interview we depart with every assurance of help, but feel sure that only fresh obstacles will be thrown in our way; and so it proves. Many assure us of their readiness to sell or rent, but the Ta-lo-ye (the Prefect) will not permit them, and will punish them if they attempt it. An incident that occurred a short time ago will illustrate one side of the character of this man. IL was visiting Lien-chow on work in connection with the chapel, and, on the day after my arrival, had the misfortune to be severely gored by a water-buffalo, which attacked my little daughter as we were walking