Cuar. XIX] SATISFACTORY REPLY. 363 
which you request an explanation may be afforded 
as soon as possible. In answer to this, I beg to 
inform you that the circumstances noticed in the _ 
Taoutae’s letter do not apply to me, and he is, 
therefore, mistaken, or has been misinformed. I 
have the honour to be, Sir, yours,” &c. 
I need scarcely say that I heard no more of the 
matter, and from this I concluded that my answer 
must have been considered highly satisfactory. I 
arrived in Shanghae in good time to transact the 
business I had in hand, and not a little pleased at 
having so successfully accomplished my “ over- 
land” journey. 
