THE LAST OF LANCHOW 237 



I have little doubt that a sanctimonious old 

 humbug who had been left in charge of the mission 

 house was the culprit. Ching-yii on seeing him 

 appropriate certain of the missionaries' eatables a 

 few days before and remarking on it, was greeted 

 with the answer, " Oh ! I haven't taken nearly as 

 much as the other man." Seeing the packet of 

 silver, he probably thought it was a good oppor- 

 tunity to make up for lost time and come out well 

 ahead of his friend. 



We could not afford to delay any longer and so, 

 having lunched with Mr. Ross, who came over the 

 bridge to see us safely off, about three o'clock, amid 

 the howls and tears of our erstwhile retainers, started 

 on our long journey. 



