320 SHOOTING IN CHINA. 



in the garments towing well astern. We both involun- 

 tarily looked anxiously in that direction to see if the 

 Chinaman had hauled them in. No, they were safe 

 enough. I ventured a remark — 



"What a queer smell there is; don't you find it so?" 



Our two friends looked at one another ; E — and I 

 did the same. 



"The fact is," one of them exclaimed, "we both 

 got into those abominable manure pits, which are 

 covered over with a coating of mud, — regular traps, — 

 and we have been standing in the river for the 

 last hour, but it seems impossible to get rid of the dis- 

 gusting mess." 



E — and I on hearing this almost roared with 

 laughter. 



" What on earth are you laughing at ? I don't think 

 it so amusing. If you had been in as well, I don't 

 think you would find it funny," remarked one of them. 



"Why, look astern," said E — , "those are my breeches 

 etc., made fast to that rope's-end ; I went in myself." 



On hearing which, the absurdity of nearly the whole 

 party being so easily trapped, was too much for our 

 companions' gravity, and in a hearty laugh they forgot 

 their troubles. 



