170 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. X. 
claiming that the Hong-mou-jins, or "red-haired men," 
were upon them. Without further parley we sprang 
into the junk, and when we looked round we found her 
decks deserted — the watch and everybody else having 
hid themselves below. The captain directed our men to 
go down the hatchways and try to get the Chinese upon 
deck, but he gave them strict orders to use them kindly. 
It was not a little amusing to see our tars going about 
this part of the business, which they did with right good 
will and glee. They soon dragged the Chinamen out of 
their hiding-places, and, much against their inclination, 
mustered them on deck. I now explained to their cap- 
tain that our intentions were peaceful, but that our 
vessel was in very great danger, and that it was abso- 
lutely necessary they should get up their anchor imme- 
diately, and come to our assistance. At the same time, 
I told them that they should receive twenty dollars for 
their trouble. They now held a consultation amongst 
themselves, and at last came and informed us that they 
would render the required assistance on the following 
morning. This, however, would not answer our purpose, 
and besides, we knew enough of the Chinese to be 
perfectly aware that this "to-morrow" would never 
come, and was only said to get rid of us altogether, and 
leave us to our fate. We therefore told them that this 
arrangement would not suit us, and again requested them 
to get up their anchor. Another consultation was held, 
and, as it was quite evident to me that they were pro- 
crastinating, and that we might go on in this manner all 
night, I advised the master of our schooner to set his 
own men to work to heave up the Chinaman's anchor 
