CRUISING AFTEE PIRATES. 289 



He was a hptanist, and full of intelligence on most 

 subjects. Although he resided at this particular spot, 

 his district was extensive, running inland about fifty 

 miles, and to a greater distance along the coast. He 

 had built a small chapel and school ; how he managed 

 this out of a monthly pittance of eight dollars was 

 always a mystery to me. I believe, however, he made 

 pilgrimages to Hong-Kong, and there, by his energy 

 and charm of manner, managed to raise occasional 

 help by subscriptions. Fifteen native children he 

 entirely supported. He was the doctor, the friend, the 

 counsellor of the village, and on more occasions than 

 one had he, by his influence and the respect in which 

 he was held in the surrounding district, not only kept 

 the peace, but made villagers who had turned out 

 against each other on some petty quarrel return home 

 in friendship. His influence for good was very great ; 

 considering the people he was amongst, it was marvel- 

 lous. His small, thin, delicate figure looked as if his 

 life hung on a very slender thread. 



"I suppose you are looking after pirates?" he 

 remarked, as we walked up from the beach to his house. 

 " A few days ago I had to cross the bay, and I feel sure 

 there was a large piratical craft at anchor under one of 

 the rocky points ; they are a bad lot about here, I fear ; 



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