Chap. X. 



DINNER AT A CHINESE INN. 



191 



Excepting the fingers, nature's own invention, nothing 

 is so convenient as the chopsticks. 



When I had finished dinner, a wooden basin con- 

 taining warm water and a wet cloth were placed 

 before me, in order that I might wash my hands and 

 face. Wringing the wet cloth, I rubbed my face, 

 neck, and hands well over with it in Chinese style. 

 Having finished my ablution, I returned again to the 

 table. The dinner and dishes having in the mean 

 time been removed, tea was again set before me. 



The Canton men still remained at the opposite 

 table, but the greater part of the others, who, at their 

 instigation, had been taking sly peeps at me, had 

 gone away. I suppose, when they saw that I ate and 

 drank just like the rest, they must have felt some 

 little surprise, and had their original opinion strength- 

 ened, namely, that after all I was only one of them- 

 selves. 



My chair-bearers having dined as well as myself, 

 they sent a message by Sing-Hoo to say that they 

 were ready to proceed. Making a slight bow to mine 

 host, and a slighter one to the Canton gentlemen, in 

 Chinese style, I got into my chair and went my way. 

 As soon as I had left the house, Sing-Hoo, who was 

 paying our bill, was closely questioned about me. 

 According to his account he had completely mysti- 

 fied them, by informing them, as he had done others 

 before, that I came from some far country beyond 

 the great wall, a statement which those who knew 

 best would not have called in question. 



Our road was still crowded with coolies: indeed 



