Chap. XVII. 



A MISFOKTUNE. 



295 



proaches; but when I looked at my servant, who 

 stood covered with perspiration and dripping with 

 rain, I had not the heart to reproach him. With the 

 broken pieces of the bamboo in his hand, and the 

 luggage (which included his own packages of grass- 

 cloth) scattered about in the mud and water, he 

 looked perfectly miserable. 



About half a mile farther on I observed one of 

 those sheds which are often built across the road in 

 this country for the accommodation of travellers, and 

 determined to make for it, as we could at least obtain 

 shelter there from the rain. Shouldering part of the 

 luggage, and desiring Sing-Hoo to take the re- 

 mainder, I hurried onwards towards this place of 

 shelter. These sheds are generally tenanted at night 

 by beggars, who have nowhere else to lay their heads. 

 When we entered we found a number of them fast 

 asleep, and one preparing breakfast. Our arrival did 

 not seem to attract more notice from them than a 

 passing glance. Some of the sleepers lazily opened 

 their eyes, but soon closed them again, and the cook 

 went on with his culinary preparations. 



It being impossible to proceed in the plight we 

 were now in, I despatched Sing-Hoo back to the town 

 for a chair and coolies, whilst I remained amongst 

 the beggars to look after the luggage. Being afraid 

 that he might fall into the hands of his enemies, who 

 might detain him, or do him a serious injury, I de- 

 sired him on no account to go near that part of the 

 city where they were. I believe he was fully alive 

 to the importance of taking these precautions. 



