254. 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XVI. 
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 remainder, I hurried on- 
wards towards this place of shelter. These sheds are 
generally tenanted at night by beggars, who have no- 
where 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 pre- 
parations. 
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 desired 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. 
He left me on his errand, and I sat down amongst 
the beggars. Never before had I had the honour of 
such company, and I devoutly hope I may never have 
again. Some of them were covered with natural sores, 
and others with artificial ones ; while the low forehead, 
restless eye, and sturdy form of others told of a mind 
diseased. All were unshaven and covered with dirt and 
filth. Beggars are numerous in China, and generally 
belong to three very distinct classes. The first are really 
objects of pity, and consist of the blind, the lame, and 
