258 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. Chap. XVI. 
This he presented to me, and intimated that " the 
smallest sum would be thankfully received." Sing-Hoo 
now explained to him that I was not a Buddhist, and 
would not subscribe to the support of that religion. 
Giving him a small sum for the tea, and thanking him 
for his civility, I took my departure. He closed the book 
and carried it off, apparently perfectly satisfied. 
About mid-day we reached the top of another pass, 
having a temple somewhat like the last, and a large 
tea-house or refreshment-room attached to it. 
We were now on the borders of two provinces, namely, 
Fokien and Chekiang, and had to pass through a border- 
town where a number of troops were stationed. This 
place is called Ching-che, and stands on the banks of a 
small mountain-stream which flows to the westward. 
As we entered the town I observed soldiers idling about 
in all directions ; some were washing their clothes in the 
river, others were smoking in the tea-shops, while many 
were sitting chatting at the doors. All seemed to have 
eager eyes for the passing traveller, whom it was their 
duty to examine. 
When we had got about half way through the town 
we stopped at a tea-shop for refreshment. Sing-Hoo 
begged me to remain in my chair until we had passed 
the Tartar lines, and I judged it prudent to do so. 
During the time we stopped, a mandarin of an inferior 
grade came and examined us, and, seeing nothing out of 
the common way, he merely inquired of Sing-Hoo where 
we had come from, and where we were going to. When 
he had obtained the requisite information, he walked 
away, seemingly perfectly satisfied. 
