252 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XVI. 
Bolaea mountains into the province of Chekiang. He 
returned saying that all was arranged, and that the 
men would come to the inn as soon as they had taken 
their breakfast. In the mean time we ordered break- 
fast, and began to make preparations for our departure. 
I felt anxious to leave Pouching-hien before Sing-Hoo's 
enemies could put into execution any scheme of revenge, 
which I had no doubt they would attempt if they had 
time. It turned out afterwards that my fears were not 
without foundation. 
While we were at breakfast one of the men who had 
been engaged in the brawl on the evening before went 
out and endeavoured to prevent us from getting men 
for our journey. He represented that Sing-Hoo was a 
bad man, and, however fair he promised, yet he would 
not pay at the end of the journey. He succeeded 
but too well, for a message came from the men who 
had been engaged informing us that they declined 
going. 
" Well, you see what you have done by your foolish 
conduct," said I to Sing-Hoo ; "it is no use attempting 
to get a chair and coolies in this quarter ; these men 
will prevent you by every means in their power.'" " Yes," 
said he, "I see the only way is to leave this house at 
once, and cut off all connexion with it and with those 
who were here last night. I will carry the luggage my- 
self until we have done this, and then we can easily 
engage a chair and coolies as before." This seemed the 
most feasible plan to adopt, and indeed the only one 
likely to succeed under the circumstances in which we 
were placed. I therefore desired him to go and pur- 
