Cnapr. IX.] AMONG THE CHINESE. — 161 
to do down there,” and began to retrace my steps 
down the hill. The Chinese now closed upon me, 
and seemed determined to obstruct my progress. 
Some laid hold of my arms; one fellow seized my 
cap, and ran off with it, another did the same with 
my umbrella, several hands were in my pockets, and 
others were even attempting to get my coat off. I 
now saw that nothing short of getting every thing 
I possessed would satisfy them, as each one wanted 
something, and ‘their name was legion.” Collecting 
all my strength, I threw myself upon those who 
were below me, and sent several of them rolling 
down the side of the hill. This, however, was 
nearly fatal to me, for, owing to the force which I 
exerted, and the uneven nature of the ground, I 
stumbled and fell; but fortunately I instantly re- 
covered myself, and renewed the unequal struggle, 
my object being to reach the door of the cemetery 
by which I had entered. The Chinese on the hill 
now called out to their friends below to shut the 
door, and thus prevent me from reaching the open 
road. Seeing at once that if this were accom- 
plished I should be an easy prey to them, I deter- 
mined if possible to prevent it. Springing out of 
the grasp of those by whom I was surrounded, I 
made for the door, which I reached just as it was 
closed, but fortunately before it was fastened on 
the other side. The force with which I came 
against it burst it open, and threw the Chinamen 
on their backs who were busily fastening ee 
was now in the open road, where some hun- 
M 
