92 SKETCHES OF CHARACTER. [1844. 



may serve, not only to amuse the reader, but also to give 

 some idea of the amount of intellectual and moral energy 

 to be found among these interesting islanders : 



" There was an old man, a native of Pa-tchung-san, 

 hale and active, of the name of ' Mung ', with a quick 

 and piercing restless grey eye, a venerable beard depending 

 to his breast, and moustachios to match, a man evidently 

 of high authority amongst them, who was especially 

 jealous of our movements ; if we strayed from the party 

 it was he who spurred on his little wiry horse in pursuit. 

 He very soon earned for himself the appropriate soubri- 

 quet of " The Spy "; and yet the old fellow was fond of 

 a joke, and would sing as he journeyed on his way, and 

 excite you to a race across the sands. I have seen the 

 old man, however, frequently assume a stern look and 

 fierce demeanour, when the lower orders showed them- 

 selves refractory or insolent ; then his ire would get the 

 better of his dignity, and, seizing a stick, he would be- 

 labour them unmercifully. ' Kien-Anchee ', a magnate 

 of the highest rank, who accompanied us as guide and 

 interpreter round Pa-tchung-san, ever showed himself a 

 perfect gentleman and a most intelligent host, explaining 

 everything in a clear and impressive manner, and evincing 

 considerable knowledge and acumen. Open in his 

 manner, he yet had an eye of speculative discernment, 

 and a brow expressive of judgment and discrimination. 

 Joyous in his temperament, he seemed to inspire all with 

 cheerfulness and confidence, leading us on, in the most 

 gratifying manner, from village to village in the circuit 

 of the island. Possessed of a varied and extensive know- 

 ledge of the geography and topography of these islands, 



