THE STORY OF THE DAVIDIA 283 



especially as my own boat in crossing a dangerous 

 rapid had lost masts and sail and was so nearly swamped 

 that I had to transfer everything to my companion's 

 boat. On September 1st we arrived at Manhao and 

 three days later with no untoward event reached 

 Mengtsze. 



The Custom House and the French Consulate 

 which adjoined were situated nearly half a mile from 

 the city of Mengtsze. The attack had taken place after 

 midnight; the Consulate was little damaged but the 

 house of the Commissioner of Customs was completely 

 gutted by fire and its contents entirely destroyed. 

 The Commissioner, an American, Mr. W. F. Spin- 

 ney, with his wife and members of his staff, escaped 

 in their night clothes and though pursued by a howl- 

 ing mob fortunately found, after some difficulty, 

 safe lodgment within the city. One or two servants 

 were burnt to death. The officials made some effort 

 to capture and punish the ringleaders and on my 

 arrival at the entrance to the ruined Custom House, 

 I saw suspended from the branches of a tree, wooden 

 cages containing the heads of five of the rioters. 

 Later I met a posse of soldiers bringing in another 

 gruesome looking head. 



His own troubles and difficulties notwithstanding, 

 Mr. Spinney lent me ready assistance and engaged 



