260 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XVI. 
The day was now far advanced, and we had still a 
considerable distance to go before reaching the town in 
which we intended to spend the night. Almost every 
evening we had had a terrific thunder-storm amongst 
these mountains, and several hours of heavy rain. The 
clouds were already threatening, so we pressed on as fast 
as we could. 
The town came at last into view, beautifully situated 
in the bosom of the hills. It is called Er-she-pa-tu. 
Just as we entered it the storm came on, the thunder 
sounded nearer and nearer, large drops of rain began to 
fall, and there was no time to lose in seeking an inn. 
We soon found a comfortable one, and spent the night 
agreeably enough. 
