SIX WEEKS IN A TOWER. Gl 



There are some Chinese chairs which resemble noth- 

 ing so much as coffins raised on end, and which are 

 thorough instruments of torture. It is best to select 

 a roomy open chair, in which the traveller can stretch 

 himself at will, but with a cover to it to keep off the 

 sun, and sides which can be let down when rain falls. 

 Refreshments, two or three books, revolvers, and other 

 conveniences for the journey, can easily be carried in 

 the chair ; and if it is properly made, one can read, 

 sleep, smoke, and do anything short of dancing, within 

 its limits. 



The greater part of our journey was over rolling 

 hills covered with dry coarse grass, and with very few 

 villages amongst them. Before reaching the place 

 where our assailants were expected, it was seen that 

 our arms were in order ; but the theatre was only 

 half constructed, and only a very few disreputables 

 had collected, who of course offered no annoyance. 

 After the sterile plains immediately before it, we 

 were scarcely prepared for the size and appearance 

 of the residence of the Leu - YeJi, or " Venerable 

 Gentleman," with whom we were to reside, and for 

 the number of other castles, rather than houses, in 

 the neighbourhood. Our reception was all that could 

 be desired. The old gentleman and his sons wel- 

 comed us cordially, complimented me on my stature, 

 asked us to dinner with them, and offered us rooms 

 below ; but we preferred to establish ourselves in the 

 upper room of one of the towers, in order to secure 



