1 
12() HKKLS OVER HEAD. 
efforts to regain the boat. Some of them were half 
flying, half swimming through the mud, weeds, and water 
of the field; others striking out like good fellows across 
a little creek that separated them from their home. All 
seemed anxious to arrive first; and, as they gained the 
boat’s side, they tumbled in, heels over head, without 
the least apparent regard to life or limb. I watched, 
with the pilot, to see one of them slapped; but, to his 
evident chagrin, there seemed to be no ‘ last duck’ that 
time.” 
So much for Southern China and ducks. That same 
night we anchored in IIong-Kong, and began to eount 
the hours that were yet to pass before our departure for 
more northern latitudes. 
