 Chapter 18 of the Tribulations of a Chinaman in China. This is a LibriVox recording. Oh, LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by John Thomas Kuz, John Thomas Kuz Kuzmarski. The Tribulations of a Chinaman in China by Jules Verne. Translated by Virginia Champlain. Chapter number 18. In which Craig and Fry, urged by curiosity, visit the hold of the Samyep. Where are we now, Captain Yin? Asked Kinfo, when all danger was over. I cannot tell exactly, answered the captain, whose face had resumed its wanted jolity. In the Gulf of Peche-li, do you think? Perhaps. Or in the Gulf of Leotong, possibly. But where shall we land? Whoever the wind sends us. And when? That is impossible for me to say. A true Chinaman always keeps to the east, sir, resumed Kinfo, rather out of humor and quoting a very popular saying in the Central Empire. On land he does, but not at sea, replied Captain Yin, with a laugh that stretched his mouth from ear to ear. It is no laughing matter, said Kinfo, nor one to cry about, replied the captain. The truth is that, although the situation had nothing alarming in it, it was impossible for Captain Yin to tell where the Samyep lay. How could its course be reckoned, without a compass in a wind which blew from every quarter? The junk, with its sails reefed, and almost beyond the control of the runner, had been the plaything of the hurricane. Therefore there was reason for the captain to give such evasive answers, though he might have spoken in not quite so jovial a manner. However, whether the Samyep had been sent into the Gulf of Leotong, or driven back into the Gulf of Pejeli, she could not fail to round the Cape at the northwest. Land must be found in that direction. It was a mere question of distance. Captain Yin, therefore, would have hoisted his sails and steered his course by the sun, which was shining very brightly if it had been possible to do so just then. It was not. A dead calm succeeded the typhoon, and not a current of air nor a breath of wind ruffled the sea, which was scarcely rippled by the undulations of a heavy swell and gently rocked without the ferritest circle of outward motion. The junk rose and fell with the evening swell of the sea, but did not stir from where it lay. A warm vapor hung over the waters, and the sky, which was so wild and angry during the night, seemed now resting from the fury of the elements, powerless to combat them. It was one of those dead calms whose duration cannot be calculated. This is fine, said Kinfo, to himself. After the tempest has driven us about at will, it is the want of wind which now prevents us from returning to land. Then, addressing the captain, he asked, how long will this calm last? Pracer, how can one tell in this season, answered the captain, will it last for hours or days? Days or perhaps weeks, answered Yen, with a smile of perfect resignation, which almost put his passenger in a rage. Weeks, exclaimed Kinfo, do you think I can wait here for weeks? But you will have to, unless our junk is towed along, to the devil with your junk and all on board. Myself first, since I was fooling off to take passage with you, sir, replied the captain, do you wish me to give you two pieces of advice? Let us hear them. The first is to go quietly to sleep, as I shall, which will be a very wise thing to do after a whole night spent on deck. And the second, as Kinfo, whom the captain's calmness exasperated as much as did that of the sea, the second, answered Yen, is to imitate my passengers in the hold. They never complain, but take the weather as it comes. After these philosophical observations, which were worthy of Wang, the captain returned to his cabin, leaving two or three of the crew lying on deck. For a quarter of an hour Kinfo walked to and fro from Prou to stern with his arms crossed, and beating a tattoo with his fingers in his impatience, then casting a last look into the silent waste of waters, in the center of which the junk was sailing, he shrugged his shoulders and returned to the cabin, without having spoken a word to fry Craig. The two agents, however, were there, leaning on the railing and, according to their habit, sympathetically talking to each other without speaking. They heard Kinfo's questions and the captain's answers, without taking part in the conversation. What use would it have been for them to engage in it? And above all, why should they complain about a delay which put their charge in a bad humor? Indeed, what they lost in time they gained in security. Since Kinfo ran no danger on board, and since Leo Shen's hand could not reach him, what more could they ask? Besides, the time when their responsibility would end was approaching. Forty hours later, and the whole army of the Taiping might attack the ex-patron of the sentinary before they would risk a hair to defend him. Very practical were these Americans, devoted to Kinfo, as long as he was worth two hundred thousand dollars to the sentinary. But absolutely indifferent to whatever might happen to him when he was only worth a sepec. Craig and Fry, reasoning thus, ate very heartily an excellent breakfast. They used the same dish and the same plate, and ate the same number of mouthfuls of bread and pieces of cold meat. They drank the health of the Honorable William J. Bidolf in an equal number of glasses of excellent Chaochang wine. Each smoked half a dozen cigars, and each proved they could be Siamese twins in tastes and habits, if not by birth. Brave Yankees, they thought, their troubles were nearly over. The day passed without incidents or accidents. The calm continued, and there was the same quiet, cloudless sky and nothing to indicate a change in the meteorological conditions. The sea, too, was as motionless as a lake. About four o'clock sound appeared on deck, staggering and stumbling like a drunken man, although he had never drunk so little in all his life as in the last few days. After having been first violet, then indigo, then pale blue, then green, his face was now beginning to turn yellow again. When, once on land, where it would assume its natural orange hue, if it should become red through anger, it would have passed successively and in natural order through all the colors of the solar spectrum. Sound dragged himself along to the two agents, keeping his eyes partly closed and not daring to look over the railing of the same yelp. Arrived yet? He gasped. No, answered Frye. Shall we arrive? No, answered Craig. Aye, aye, yah! moaned sound. And in despair, without strength to say another word, he went and laid down at the foot of the main mist, his frame being shaken by convulsive starts, which made his clipped braid wag like the little tail of a dog. Captain Yin, like an intelligent man, ordered the scuttles to be opened, that the hold might have an airing, and it was a wise precaution, for the sun would quickly absorb the dampness which two or three waves coming on board during the typhoon had made inside of the junk. Craig Frye, while walking on deck, stopped several times in front of the main scuttles. A feeling of curiosity moved them to visit the funeral hold, and they descended through the hatchway which led to it. The sun made a large trapezium of light in a perpendicular line with the main trap, but the fore and rear part of the hold remained in deep darkness. However, Craig Frye's eyes soon became accustomed to it, and they could observe the stowage of the particular cargo of the Sam Yelp. The hold was not divided, as it is in the majority of junks of commerce, by partitions running crosswise, and therefore gave one free passage from one end to the other, and was entirely reserved for the cargo, whatever it might be, for the cabins on decks feist for the quarters of the crew. On each side of this hold, which was as clean as the outer chamber of a cenotaph, the seventy-five coffins which were being conveyed to Fu Ning were piled. Being firmly stowed, they could neither be displaced by sudden jolts or pitching, nor in any way endanger the safety of the junk. A passage that was left between the double row of beers allowed one to go, now guided by the broad light, from the opening in the two traps, and then coming into comparative darkness from one end of the hold to the other. Craig and Frye, silent as if they were in a mausoleum, went along through this passage, looking around them with considerable curiosity. There were coffins of every shape and dimension, some of them large and some small. Of these emigrants, whom the necessities of life had driven beyond the Pacific, some had made a fortune in California diggings, and in the mines of Colorado and Nevada. But they were few, in number or less. Others reached their poor, returned poor. But all were coming back to their native country equal in death. A dozen coffins of rare wood ornamented in the most fanciful and expensive Chinese fashion, and others, simply made of four boards rudely put together and painted yellow, made up the ship's cargo. Whether rich or poor, each coffin bore a name, which Frye Craig could read as they passed, the En Phu of Yon Ping Phu, Nian Lu of Phu Ninh, Shan Kin of Lin Kai, Luang of Cui Li Co., etc. It was not possible to confuse them, for each corpse, being carefully labelled, would be sent to its address, and would wait in orchards, fields, and plains for the final hour of burial. How nicely arranged, said Frye, nicely packed, answered Craig, they spoke as they would of the goods of a merchant, from the docks of a consignor, in New York, Oves, and Francisco. Craig and Frye, having reached the farther end of the hold in the darkest part towards the prow, snopped and looked down the passageway, which was as distinctly defined as the path in a cemetery. Having finished their exploration, they were preparing to return to the deck when a slight sound was heard, which attracted their attention. Arat! said Craig. Arat! repeated Frye. It was a poor cargo for these rodents. One of millet, rice, or maize would have suited them much better. However, the sound continued. It was heard about as high as a man's head, and somewhere, to starboard, and consequently, must come from the upper row of coffins. It was not a grating of teeth, but surely a grating of claws or nails. Frr! frr! said Craig and Frye. The sound did not cease, and the two agents, moving nearer and lessened, and held their breath. It was certain that this scratching came from one of the coffins. Can they have put a Chinaman in one of these coffins, while instead of lethargy? said Craig, and who would wake up after a passage of five weeks? concluded Frye. The two agents placed their hands on the suspicious-looking coffin to assure themselves that there was a movement inside. The devil! said Craig. The devil! said Frye. The same idea that some near danger threatened their charge had naturally come to both, and with drawing their hands very slowly they felt the lid being cautiously raised. Craig and Frye, being men whom nothing can surprise, stood motionless, and as they could see nothing in the profound darkness, listened with some anxiety. Is it you? said a voice that was repressed through excessive prudence, almost at the same moment from another coffin that was opened to crack. Another voice whispered, is it you? said Faye Ken, and the following words were rapidly exchanged. Is it to be to-night, to-night, before the moon rises in the second period? And our companions, they are warned, thirty-six hours in a coffin. I have had enough of it, and I too much, but Laotian commanded hush! The name of the famous typing, Craig Frye, masters of themselves as they were, could not restrain a slight movement. Suddenly the lids of the oblong boxes closed, and perfect silence reigned in the hold of the Samyap. Frye and Craig, crawling on their knees, reached the part of the passage which was lighted by the main hatchway, and ascended at the steps. A moment afterwards they stopped in the rear of the cabin where no one could hear them. Dead people who talk, said Craig, are not dead, answered Frye. One name had revealed everything, Laotian. It was plain to be seen that the companions of this formidable typing had smuggled themselves on board. And one doubt, that it was with the complicity of Captain Yin, his crew, and the consignors in the port of Taekwoo, who had put this funeral cargo on board. No! After having disembarked from the American ship, which brought them from San Francisco, the coffins remained in the dock for two nights and two days. A dozen or twenty or more perhaps of these pirates of Laotian's band took possession of the coffins, had tumbled out the corpses in order to take their places. But in making this move at the instigation of their chief, they knew that Kin Foe was to take passage on board the Samyap. Now, how could they have learned this? This subject was a perfectly dark one, and it was inopportune to throw light on it at this time. It was certain, however, that Chinese of the worst kind had been on board the junk ever since the departure from Taekwoo, and that the name Laotian had just been spoken by one of them. And that Kin Foe's life was in imminent danger. This very night, between the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth of June, would cost the sentenary two hundred thousand dollars, when, fifty-four hours later, the policy not being renewed, they would not have to pay anything to the beneficiaries of this ruinous patron. It would show little knowledge of Frye and Craig, to suppose that they would lose their heads in this grave situation. Their course was decided upon at once. They must insist on Kin Foe's leaving the junk before the second period, and they would fly with him. But how would they escape? Take possession of the only boat on board? Impossible. It was a heavy canoe, which required the efforts of all the crew to lift from the deck and lower to the sea. Now Captain Yin and his accomplices would not help them do this. Therefore, they must resort to some other measure, whatever risks they might run. Then seven in the evening, the captain, who had shut himself up in his cabin, had not again made his appearance. He was evidently waiting, or the hour agreed upon, with Laotian's companions. There is not an instant lose, said Frye Craig. No, not one. The two agents could not have been in greater danger if they had been sailing out to sea on a fire ship, to which the match had been applied. The junk seemed to be left drift, and only one sailor was in the prowl, and he was asleep. Craig and Frye pushed open the door in the rear cabin, and crept up to Kin Foe. He was fast asleep, but he awoke when they touched him. In a few words the situation was explained to him, but his usual courage and coolness did not forsake him. Let us throw all those make-believe culprits into the sea, he exclaimed, a grand idea, and absolutely impossible to carry out on account of the complicity of Captain Yin with his companions in the hold. What is to be done, then, he asked. Dress yourself in this, answered Frye Craig, saying which they opened one of the packages they had put on board at Tong Chiu, and presented their charge with one of those wonderful nautical rubber suits invented by Captain Boyton. The bundle contained three other suits, with the different articles which made them first-class life preservers. Very well, said Kin Foe, go find sound. A moment after, Frye brought in sound, thoroughly stupefied. He had to be dressed, to which he submitted mechanically, expressing his thoughts only in heart-rending ay-ay-yas. At eight o'clock Kin Foe and his companions were ready, and one would have taken them for four seals from the frozen seas, preparing to make a plunge. But it must be confessed that the seal sound would not have given a very favorable idea to the wonderful subtleness of these marine mammifera, because he was so lank and flabby in his floating garments. It was already growing dark in the east, and the junk was drifting in perfect stillness over the calm surface of the waters. Craig and Frye pushed open one of the portholes, which closed the windows in the rear cabin, and the top of which opened above the crowning of the junk. Sound, whom they lifted up without ceremony, was shoved through the porthole, and dropped into the sea. Kin Foe immediately followed him. Then, Craig and Frye, gathering up the necessary apparatus, jumped in after. And no one would suspect that the passengers of the Samyep had just left the deck. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of the Tribulations of a Chinaman in China. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Phil Chenevere. The Tribulations of a Chinaman in China by Jules Verne, translated by Virginia Champlain. Chapter 19. Which does not finish well, either for Captain Yin, the commander of the Samyep, or for her crew. Captain Boiton Zapparellis consists simply of a rubber suit made up of pantaloons and a tunic with a hood. From the nature of the material the suit is perfectly waterproof, but would not prevent the wearer suffering from the cold during a long immersion. Were there not a lining between which and the rubber, a certain amount of air can be introduced. This air serves two ends. The one to maintain the apparatus on the water, the other to prevent contact with it, and to guarantee against cold, so that the wearer may remain in the water for an indefinite time. It is unnecessary to say that the joints are perfectly tight and strong. The pantaloons, which extend to and cover the feet, are fastened to a steel belt at the waist large enough to give free play to the body, and at their feet have stout soles. The tunic, which is also secured to the belt, has a solid color and terminates in a hood, while the latter, by means of an elastic band, adheres hermetically to the forehead, cheeks, and chin, and nothing is seen of the face but the eyes, nose, and mouth. To the tunic several rubber tubes are fastened, which introduce the air and permit its regulation according to the density required. Thus one can plunge at will to the neck, or only to the waist, or even take a horizontal position. In short, perfect freedom of action and motion and absolute safety are ensured. Such is the apparatus, which has brought so great honor to its ingenious and bold inventor, and its real utility will be proved in accidents at sea. There are various accessories, a watertight bag to be suspended by a strap, and containing necessary utensils, a stout stick to be set in a socket at the feet, and to carry a small Latine sail, and a light paddle, either for an oar or rudder, according to circumstances. Kinfo, Craig Frye, and Sun, thus equipped, were now floating on top of the waves. Sun, being pushed by one of the agents, permitted the apparatus to bear him along, while, with a few moves of the paddle, all four soon out distanced the junk. The night which was still very dark favored their progress. But if Captain Yin or any of his sailors had come on deck they could not have seen the fugitives, besides no one would have supposed that they could leave the deck in this fashion, and the rascals shut up in the hold could not know of it till the last moment. In the second period, the make-believe corpse in the last coffin said, that is about the middle of the night. Kinfo and his companions, therefore, had a few hours in which to escape, and in that time they hoped with the wind in their favor to gain a mile over the Sam Yip. Indeed, a breeze now began to ripple the mirror-like waters, but still so lightly, that they could only depend on the paddle to take them out of reach of the junk. In a few moments Kinfo, Craig, and Fry were so well accustomed to their apparatus that they worked it instinctively without once hesitating about the manner of moving or on the position to take in the soft yielding element. Soon soon discovered his wits and found himself incomparably more at his ease than on board the junk. His seasickness had suddenly ended, for the sensation caused by the rolling and pitching of a boat is wholly unlike that given by the seaswell when one is in it up to his waist, which soon attested with great satisfaction. But if soon was no longer sick, he was terribly afraid. He thought that possibly the sharks had not gone to their rest, and he instinctively doubled up his legs as if he were about to be snapped up, and to speak frankly a slight degree of anxiety was not out of place in the situation. Thus Kinfo and his companions, whom Miss Chance continued to place in the most unnatural situations, floated along and, when using the paddle, lay in an almost horizontal position, resuming the perpendicular when resting. An hour after they left the Samyap she was half a mile behind sailing with the wind. Then they stopped, leaned on their paddles, which were lying flat on the water, and held counsel in a very low voice. That rascal of a captain cried Craig to start a conversation. That scoundrel of a Leo Shin, replied Fry, do they astonish you? said Kinfo, like a man whom nothing can surprise. Yes, answered Craig, for I cannot understand how those wretches found out that we took passage on the junk. It is indeed incomprehensible, added Fry. But it is of little consequence, said Kinfo, since we have escaped. Escaped, answered Craig, we cannot say that, for so long as the Samyap is in sight, we shall not be out of danger. Well, what can we do? asked Kinfo. Use all our strength, and get so far that we shall not be seen at daybreak, answered Fry. And, inflating his rubber suit with a sufficient quantity of air, he rose out of the water as far as his waist. He then drew his bag in front, opened it, and took out a flask and a glass, which he filled with refreshing Brandy, and passed it to Kinfo, who needed no urging, but emptied it to the last drop. Craig Fry followed his example as did Soon, who was not forgotten. How does that suit you, asked Craig? Better, answered Soon, when he had swallowed the Brandy, if we could only have a bite of something to eat. Tomorrow, said Craig, we shall have breakfast at daybreak, and have several cups of tea. Cold cried Soon, making up a face. Warm, answered Craig. Can you make a fire? Yes. But why wait till tomorrow? asked Soon. Would you have our fire betray us to Captain Yin and his accomplices? No, no. Well, then wait until tomorrow. Thus these good men chatted as if they were really in their own houses. The slight swell made them rise up and down in a singularly comical manner, first one then the other, at the caprice of the waves, like the hammers on a keyboard under the touch of a penis. The breeze is springing up, observed Kinfo. Let us set sail, replied Fry Craig, and they were preparing to make a mast of their stick on which to hoist their sail, when Soon uttered a cry of fear. Hold your tongue, you fool, said his master. Would you betray us? But I thought I saw, wept Soon. What? A monstrous animal coming near me, a shark. You are mistaken Soon, said Craig, after carefully scanning the surface of the water. But I thought I felt, continued Soon. Hold your tongue, you coward, said Kinfo. Placing one hand on his servant's shoulder. Even if you feel your leg being snapped off, I forbid you to cry out or, or, added Fry, we will thrust our knives into his rubber suit and send him to the bottom of the sea where he can cry out as much as he pleases. The unhappy Soon was not at the end of his troubles. He was almost frightened out of his senses but dared not utter a word. If he did not now wish himself back on the junk with the passengers in the hold and even seasick, he would before long. As Kinfo observed, the wind was rising, but it was only one of those light breezes which generally die away at sunrise. Nevertheless, they must profit by it to get as far as possible from the sun yet. When Leo Shin's companions discovered that Kinfo was no longer in his cabin, they would probably start in search of him and if he were in sight the canoe would make it very easy to overtake him. Therefore they must at all costs be far distant before dawn. The breeze was blowing from the east so that to whatever latitude the junk might be driven by the hurricane sailing in a westerly direction from the Gulf of Leotong, Pichili, or even from the Yellow Sea it would probably be going toward the shore where boats of commerce on their way to the mouth of the payhoe and fishing-crafts which sail along the coast day and night might be found. Therefore the chances of being rescued would increase with their number. If on the contrary, the wind should come from the west and the sum yet should be carried farther south than the coast of Korea, Kinfo and his companions would have no hope. Before them spread the wide sea and if they should reach the shores of Japan they would arrive as corpses encased in their floating rubber suits. But as we have said, the breeze would probably die away by sunrise and it was necessary to profit by it and get safely out of sight. It was now about ten o'clock in the evening and the moon would rise a little before midnight and there was not a moment to lose. Let us start, cried Fry Craig. They got under sail in a moment. Nothing was easier, far to the right foot of the rubber suit a socket was fastened in which the stick which served as a mast was set. Kinfo soon and the two agents first stretched themselves out on their backs. Then by bending their knee brought one foot around and drove the stick into the socket first moving the halyards of the little sail to the end of it. As soon as they resumed the horizontal, the stick making a right angle with the line of their bodies stood perpendicular. Hoist the sail, cried Fry Craig, and each leaning his right hand on the halyards raised to the upper corner of the Latin sail to the end of the mast. The halyard was fastened to the steel belt of the suit and the sheet was held in the hand while the breeze, swelling the four jibs, bore away the little flotilla of aquatic voyagers with the waters rippling around them. Ten minutes later each was managing the apparatus with perfect safety and ease and sailing close to the other. One would have taken them for enormous seagulls flitting lightly over the water without spread wings. Their navigation was greatly aided by the state of the sea in which there was no surf or tide or waves to disturb the quiet swell. Two or three times the awkward soon forgetting Fry Craig's advice tried to turn his head and swallowed a few mouthfuls of the bitter liquid but he soon relieved himself of them. This did not trouble him however so much as the dread of meeting a band of ferocious sharks. They tried to make him understand that he ran less risk in a horizontal than in a vertical position. Indeed the position of a shark's mouth obliges it to turn round to catch its prey and this movement is not easy when it wishes to seize an object which is floating horizontally. Besides it is said that if these voracious animals attacked inert bodies they are less likely to attack those in motion. Soon therefore was told to keep perpetually moving and we leave the reader to judge whether he did so. The voyagers sailed about an hour in this fashion. It was not necessary for them to go faster or slower. If they went slower they would not get away from the junk fast enough. If they went faster they would be fatigued as much by the tension of their little sail as by the disturbed motion of the waves. Craig Fry then gave orders to halt. The sheets were slackened and the float tillers stopped. Five minutes rest if you please, sir, said Craig addressing Kinfo. Certainly. All set upright with the exception of Soon who wished to remain for the sake of prudence and kept constantly kicking about. Another glass of brandy called Fry with pleasure said Kinfo. A few swallows of the refreshing liquid was all that was needed. For hunger did not yet torment them. They dined an hour before leaving the junk and could wait till the next morning and they needed nothing to warm them for the cooling of air between their bodies and the water saved them from being chilled. The normal temperature of their bodies had not diminished one degree since their departure. Was the Samyup still in sight? Craig and Fry turned around to see. Fry taking a nightglass from his bag and looking searchingly along the eastern horizon. There was nothing to be seen. One of those almost invisible shadows cast my boats on the dark background of the sky. The night was dark with a slight mist and hardly a star was to be seen while the planets were clouded in the firmament. But most probably the moon which would soon show her half disk above the horizon would clear the fog. The junk is far behind, said Fry. The rogues are still sleeping, answered Craig, and will not profit by the breeze. Are you ready? asked Kinfo tightening his sheet and again throwing his sail to the wind. His companions did the same and all renewed their first course with a stronger breeze. They sailed westward and consequently the moon rising in the east could not shine directly in their faces but cast its first rays on the opposite shore. In that place if they watched the horizon perhaps a sharp outline luminous in the moonlight would appear instead of a circle clearly defined by sky and sea. The aquatic voyagers could not be mistaken for it would be the shore of the celestial empire. And wherever they might approach there would be no risk. Its coast was clear and its surf was light and it was a safe place for a landing. When once on dry land they could make their final plans. At nearly quarter of twelve white streaks were fatally defined in the midst at the zenith as the moon's quarter rose from the water's edge. Neither Kinfo nor his companions turned round. The breeze which was freshening and dispersing the vapors in mid-heaven carried them on with considerable speed and they felt that a larger space was clearing around them. At the same time the constellations became more distinct. The wind blew away the fog and there was an agitation of the water at the heads of the voyagers. The moon, pilling from copper red to silver white soon lighted the whole sky. Suddenly a good round American oath escaped from Craig's mouth. The junk, he cried. All stopped. Down with the sails, said Frye. In a moment the four jibs were reefed and the sticks taken from their sockets. Kinfo and his companions, resuming a vertical position, looked behind them. There stood the Samyup with all sails flying less than a mile away. A dark outline against the bright horizon. It was really the junk. She had set sail and was now profiting by the breeze. Captain Yin, no doubt, had discovered Kinfo's disappearance without understanding how he succeeded in escaping. He was in league with his accomplices in the hold and taking the risk, set out in pursuit, and in less than a quarter of the power he would have Kinfo, Sun, Craig, and Frye in his power. But had they been seen in the brightness the moon cast around them on the water, perhaps not. Lower your heads, said Craig, who clung to this hope. They understood him and, letting out the air through the tubes of their rubber suits, sank beneath the water till only their heads were visible. There was nothing to do but wait in perfect silence. The junk was approaching very swiftly, its tall sails casting two broad shadows over the water. Five minutes later the Samyup was only half a mile off. Above the railings the sailors were seen moving to and fro when the captain was apt at the helm. Was he sailing in pursuit of the fugitives or only following the wind? They could not tell. Suddenly shouts and cries were heard and a mass of men appeared on deck. The noise increased. Evidently there was a combat between the make-believe corpses escaped from the hold and the crew. But what was the cause? Were not all these rogues, sailors and pirates in league with each other? Kinfo and his companions could distinctly hear horrible oaths on one side and cries of grief and despair on the other which seized in a few moments. Then a violent commotion of the waters alongside the junk showed that the bodies were being cast into the sea. No, Captain Yin and his crew were not the accomplices of the bandits under Laotian. On the contrary, those poor men had been surprised and massacred. The rogues who had concealed themselves on board, no doubt with the aid of the freighters at Takau, had no other design than to take possession of the junk in behalf of the Tai Ping and certainly could not have known that Kinfo was on board. Now, if he were seen and should be captured, neither he, Fry Craig nor Soon could expect mercy from these wretches. The junk came nearer and nearer and finally reached them, but by unexpected good fortune the shadow from her sails fell on them. They dived for a moment and when they again appeared on the surface the junk had passed without seeing them and was scutting along with a foaming weight. A corpse floated behind and the current bore it nearer the aquatic voyagers. It was the dead body of the captain with a dagger in his side and the broad folds of his robe still floating on the surface. Then he sank and disappeared in the depths of the ocean. Thus perished the jolly Captain Yin, the commander of the Sam Yip. Ten minutes later the junk disappeared in the west and Kinfo, Fry Craig and Soon were again alone. Chapter 20 In which you will be seen to what dangers men are exposed to use Captain Boyton's nautical apparatus. Three hours later the first pale rays of dawn were faintly defined on the horizon and day soon appeared and the sea could be seen. In all a sextant the junk was no longer visible having quickly outdistance the aquatic voyagers who could not compete with her in speed. They followed the same route to the west being driven by the same wind but the Sam Yip must now be more than three leagues off therefore there was nothing to be feared from those who commanded her. But this danger being avoided did not render the situation less grave. The sea was deserted. There was not a ship nor a fishing boat in sight and no appearance of land at the north or east and nothing which indicated the proximity of a coast. Were these the waters of the Gulf of Peachile or of the Yellow Sea? On this point there was no certainty. A few puffs of wind still stirred the surface of the waters and they must not lose them. The direction which the junk followed proved that land would come in sight in the west sooner or later and that there it should be sought. The aquatic voyagers then decided to set sail again after having taken refreshments for their stomachs claimed their due and a ten hours voyage such as they had made rendered them imperative. Let us breakfast said Craig. Plentifully added fry. Kinfo made a sign of ascent and soon expressive movements of the jaws whose meaning was unmistakable. The famished man no longer thought about the danger of being himself devoured. Quite the contrary. The waterproof bag was then opened and fry took out several articles of food of excellent quality such as bread and preserves and also some utensils for the table and whatever was necessary to appease hunger and thirst. Of the hundred dishes which figure in the ordinary menu of a Chinese dinner there lacked ninety-eight to be sure but still there was enough to refresh these four men who under these circumstances would not be hard to please. They ate a hearty breakfast. The bag contained two days provisions and they would reach land in two days or never. But we feel hopeful said Craig. Why do you feel hopeful? asked Kinfo in a slightly ironical tone. Because luck is returning to us answered fry. Ah, you think so. Certainly answered Craig. Our greatest danger was the junk and we have succeeded in getting out of the way of it. Never sir, since we have had the honor of being attached to your person have you been safer than here added fry. All the type payings in the world said Craig. Could not reach you said fry. And you float beautifully added Craig. For a man who weighs two hundred thousand dollars added fry, Kinfo could not help laughing. If I float he replied. I owe it to you gentlemen for without your aid I should now be where poor Captain Yen is. And we also replied fry Craig. And I and I cried soon swallowing an enormous piece of bread with a good deal of effort. No matter resumed Kinfo I know what I owe you. You owe us nothing answered fry because you are a patron of the sentinary life insurance company capital guaranteed twenty million dollars. And we hope that it will have nothing to owe you. Kinfo was really very much touched by the devotion of the agents whatever their motive might be and he did not conceal his feelings. We will talk about this again he added when Lo Shin shall have returned the letter which Wang unfortunately gave up. Craig and fry looked at each other and an almost imperceptible smile played around their lips. Evidently the same thought was passing through the mind of each. Soon, said Kinfo, sir, the tea. Here it is, answered fry. Fry had his reasons for answering in Soon's name for the latter would have said that tea was out of the question. But to think that the two agents were embarrassed by so small a matter was not to know them. Fry then drew from the bag a small utensil which is the indispensable compliment of the Boydon apparatus. Indeed it can serve as a beacon when it is dark, a fireplace when it is cold, and a cooking stove when one wishes a warm drink. Nothing is simpler. It is a tube five or six inches long fastened to a metallic receptacle provided with an upper and lower plug and all encased in a cork plaque in the matter of those floating thermometers used in bathing houses. Fry placed this utensil on the surface of the water which was perfectly level. With one hand he opened the upper plug and with the other the lower one which was fastened to the immersed part and immediately a bright flame burst out at the end giving a very perceptible heat. Here is the cooking stove said Fry soon could not believe his eyes. What do you make fire with water he cried? With water and phosphoretic calcium answered Craig. Indeed this apparatus was constructed in a way to utilize a singular property of the phosphoretic calcium a compound of phosphorus which in contact with water produces phosphoretic hydrogen. Now this gas burns spontaneously in air and neither the wind nor the rain nor the sea can extinguish it. It is used to light life-boys which when they fall bring the phosphoretic calcium in contact with the water and a long flame instantly bursts out which enables the man who falls into the sea to find it in the night and sailors to come directly to his aid. While the hydrogen was burning at the end of the tube Craig held a tea kettle over it filled with fresh water which he took from a little flask in his bag. In a few minutes the water boiled and Craig poured into a teapot which contained several pinches of excellent tea and this time can foe and soon drank it in the American fashion without waiting for an invitation. This warm drink made an agreeable ending to this breakfast served on the surface of the water in such a latitude it only needed a sextant and a chronometer to determine the position within a few seconds. These instruments will one day be added to Captain Barton's bag of utensils and shipwrecked men will no longer run the risk of being lost on the ocean. Can foe and his companions now thoroughly rested and refreshed unfurled little sails and resumed their course to the west which had been agreeably interrupted by this morning repast. The breeze still kept up for twelve hours and the aquatic voyagers made good headway with the wind behind them and they only needed to guide their course from time to time by a slight move of the paddle. Being gently and slowly drawn along in this horizontal position they were somewhat inclined to fall asleep but it was necessary to resist this inclination which would have had inconvenient results. Craig and Fry in order not to succumb to it lighted a cigar and smoked like the dandy bathers in a swimming pool. Several times the voyagers were troubled by the gambles of several marine animals which caused the unhappy soon the greatest fear. Fortunately they were only in offensive purposes and these clowns of the sea had innocently come to take a good look at the singular beings who were floating in their element and who seemed to be memphora like themselves but no sailors. What a curious spectacle these purposes were as they approached in clusters darting along like arrows intending the waters with their emerald hues. They bounded five or six feet out of the waves making a kind of perilous leap which proved the suppleness and strength of their muscles. Ah if the aquatic voyagers could have cut through the waters with that rapidity greater than that of the fastest ships they would soon have reached land. It made one long to fasten himself to one of these fish and be towed along but what somersaults and plunges they made it would be much better to depend only on the wind to help oneself for although it was slower it was infinitely more available. However toward noon the breeze died away and only an occasional capricious whiff swelled the small sails one moment to leave them to fall inert the next. The sheet slackened in the hand that held it and there was no motion felt beneath their feet or head. A complication said Craig grave one answered Frye. They stopped a minute took in the sail took down the mast and each placing himself again in a vertical position looked at the horizon. The sea was still deserted neither a sail nor the smoke of a steamer against the sky being in sight. A hot sun had dried up the mists and cleared the air. The temperature would have seemed warm even to men not clad in a double envelope of rubber. Hopefully as Frye Craig declared themselves as to the result of this adventure they could not help feeling anxious. Indeed they could not calculate the distance they had traversed for about sixteen hours but what was more and more inexplicable was that nothing neither a ship of commerce nor a sailing boat gave evidence of the proximity of the shore. Fortunately Kinfo, Craig and Frye were not meant to despair before the journey's end if that time should ever come. They still had enough provisions for one day and there was no indication of bad weather. Use your paddle said Kinfo. This was the signal for departure and the voyagers resumed their westward route sometimes on their backs sometimes on their faces. They did not go fast for working the paddle's soon-fatigued arms not accustomed to the motion and they often had to wait for Soon who kept behind and began his geromides again. His master called, abused and threatened him but Soon no longer fearing for what was left of his braid which was protected by the thick rubber hood let him talk on and the fear of being left behind was enough to keep him near. About two o'clock several birds appeared. They proved to be seagulls which are swift winged and fly far out to sea so that one could not infer from their presence that the coast was near. Nevertheless this was considered a favorable sign. An hour later the aquatic voyagers fell into a network of seaweed from which they had considerable trouble to extricate themselves. They were as securely caught as fishes in the meshes of a net and had to take knives and cut their way out of the marine thicket. This caused the loss of a full half-hour and an expenditure of strength that might have been better utilized. At four o'clock the little floating band stopped again very much fatigued it must be confessed. Quite a fresh breeze had arisen but it blew from the south which gave some cause for anxiety. Indeed the voyagers could not navigate under the headwind like a boat whose keel keeps it from drifting. If they unfurl their sails they ran the risk of being carried northward and of losing a part of what they had gained in the west. Besides a heavy swell was felt and the waves dashing against them as the tide rolled in made the situation much more painful. They made quite a long halt and made use of it not only to rest but to strengthen themselves by attacking the provisions again. This dinner was less cheerful than their breakfast. Night would return in a few hours the wind was starting up and now what course should they take? Kin Foe leaning on his paddle frowning and more irritated than disturbed at this spitefulness of fate did not utter a word. Soon gaped incessantly and sneezed like a mortal threatened with a terrible influenza. Craig and Fry felt that they were questioned by their companions but they did not know what to answer. Finally a very happy chance furnished a reply. Shortly before five o'clock Craig and Fry simultaneously pointing to the south exclaimed A SALE! Indeed three miles away and going with the wind a boat appeared under full sail. Now with the wind behind her to continue in the direction she was taken she would probably pass within a short distance of the place where Kin Foe and his companions were resting. There was but one thing to do to block her away by rising perpendicular to meet her. The aquatic voyagers therefore proposed to do this and their strength returned. Now that safety was once more in their hands as it were they could not let it escape. The direction of the wind no longer allowed them to make use of the small sails but the paddles would suffice the distance to be gone over being comparatively short. The boat was rapidly becoming larger to the site under the breeze which was growing stronger. It was only a fishing boat and its presence here evidently indicated that the coast could not be very far away for a Chinese fisherman rarely venture out to sea. Now then dash ahead bravely cried Fry Craig paddling with all their strength. They were not obliged to rouse their companions' order for Kin Foe lying flat on the water sped along like a race boat and as for soon he really surpassed himself and kept ahead of them all he was so afraid of being left behind. But they must make half a mile in order to reach the waters in the vicinity of the boat. Besides it was broad daylight and if the voyagers did not come near enough to be seen they could at least make themselves heard. But would not the fishermen take flight when they saw these singular marine animals according to them? That would be very serious. However they could not afford to lose a single moment and they struck out with their arms the paddles beat the crests of the waves with the utmost rapidity and the distance was perceptibly lessened when soon who was still ahead gave a terrible cry. A shark! A shark! This time soon was not mistaken. About twenty feet off two appendages were seen above the water. They were the fins of a voracious animal peculiar to these seas. The tiger shark, which is fully worthy of its name for nature has given him the twofold ferocity of the shark and the tiger. Your knives! cried Frye and Craig. They were the only arms they had at their disposal and perhaps were insufficient. Soon as one may judge stopped instantly and turned around and sailed off as fast as he could. The shark caught sight of the voyagers and started for them. His enormous body, spotted and striped with green was seen for a moment through the transparent waters. He measured from sixteen to eighteen feet in length and was a monster. He made a dive at Kinfo first turning half round as if to snap him up. Kinfo did not in the least lose his presence of mind but just as the shark was about to attack him gave it a blow on his back with his paddle and with one vigorous effort sailed quickly beyond. Craig and Frye approached ready for attack or defense. The shark dived for a moment and then came to the surface opening his mouth which was like a large pair of shears provided with four rows of teeth. Kinfo wished to try once more the exploit which had just been successful but his paddle came into contact with the animal's jaw which cut it close off. The shark which was partly lying on its side then threw itself on its prey. Immediately streams of blood gushed out and the sea was tinged with red. Craig and Frye had increased their blows on the animal and hard as its skin was their long-bladed American knives succeeded in cutting it. The monster's jaws then opened and closed with a horrible noise while its tail beat the water frightfully. Frye received a blow from its tail which hit him in the side and threw him back ten feet. Frye cried Craig in tones of the deepest grief as if he had received the blow himself. Ha! answered Frye returning to the onset. He was not wounded for his rubber curious didn't the blow. The shark was again attacked and with great fury. He turned around and around but Kinfo succeeded in driving the broken end of his paddle into his eye and tried at the risk of being cut in two to hold it still while Frye and Craig tried to strike the heart. It is to be supposed that the two agents succeeded of the monster after making a last struggle sank in a wave of blood. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! shouted Frye, Craig waving their knives. Thank you, was all that Kinfo said. You are welcome, Craig replied. Do you think we would let a mouthful of two hundred thousand dollars go to this fish? Never, added Frye. And soon, where was soon? Ahead this time and already very near the boat which was not three cables left away. The coward had fled by the help of his paddle but came near getting into trouble. The fishermen saw him but they could not imagine that under this sea dog, a cootermint, there was a human being and therefore they prepared to fish for him as they would for a dolphin or seal. As soon as it was within reach a long rope with a strong harpoon at the end was flung into the sea. The harpoon struck soon above the belt of his garment and, as it slipped off, tore it from the middle of the back to the neck. Soon, being now kept up only by the air in the lining of the pantaloons, tumbled over and stood with his head in the water and legs in the air. Kinfo, Craig, and Frye, just arriving, took the precaution to hail the fishermen in good Chinese. Imagine the fright of these good men. Seals would talk. They put on sail and depart with utmost speed. But Kinfo reassured them and made himself and his companions known as men and Chinese like themselves. Shortly after, these terrestrial mimifera found themselves on board. But soon was left behind. They hauled him in with a hook and raising his head above the waters while one of the fishermen took hold of the end of his braid. They drew him up but the whole braid came off in his hand and the poor devil plunged into the water again. The fishermen then threw a rope around him and succeeded, after some trouble, in pulling him into the boat. He was hardly on deck and had barely time to spurt the salt water out of his mouth when Kinfo approached him and said in a severe tone, then it was false. But if it had not been answered soon should I, who knew your habits, ever have been able to enter your service? And he said this so comically that all burst out laughing. These fishermen were from Fuding and less than two leagues off was the very port Kinfo wish to reach. That same evening, about eight o'clock, he landed there with his companions and, taking off Captain Boynton's rubber suits, all four resumed the appearance of human beings. End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of the Tribulations of a Chinaman in China This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Phil Chenevere The Tribulations of a Chinaman in China by Jules Verne Translated by Virginia Champlain Chapter 21 In which Craig and Fry see the moon rise with extreme satisfaction. Now to Tai Ping. These were the first words Kinfo spoke the next morning, the thirtieth of June, after a restful night which he owed to the two heroes of these singular adventures. They were at last on the scene of Laotian's exploits and the battle was about to begin in earnest. And would Kinfo come out of it a conqueror? Yes, no doubt, if he could capture the Tai Ping. For he would pay whatever price Laotian might exact in order but he would certainly not be the conqueror if a dagger should strike him in the bosom before he even had time to bargain with Wang's ferocious substitute. To the Tai Ping, answered Fry Craig after silently consulting each other with their eyes. The arrival of Kinfo, Fry Craig, and soon in their singular costume and the manner in which the fisherman had taken them from the sea would tend to create a certain excitement in the little port of Fu Ning. It would be difficult to escape public curiosity and they were therefore escorted to the inn in the evening where, thanks to the money kept in Kinfo's belt and Craig Fry's bag, they procured more suitable clothing. If Kinfo and his companions had not been surrounded by so many people on the way to the inn, they might have seen a certain Celestial who kept close in their footsteps and their surprise, no doubt, would have been great if they had seen him keep watch at the door of the hotel all night and their mistrust would surely have been excited if they had seen him in the same place in the morning. But they saw and suspected nothing and had no reason to be surprised when this suspicious looking person came up to them as they were about their services as a guide. He was a man about 30 years old who seemed to be very honest. However, some suspicion was awakened in the minds of Craig Fry and they questioned him, why they asked him do you offer yourself as a guide and where do you propose to escort us? There was nothing more natural than this double question and nothing more natural than the answer that was made. Have you ever tried that you intend to visit the Great Wall as do all travelers who come to Fooning? I am acquainted with the country so I offer to be your guide. My friend said Ken-Foe interposing before making any arrangement I would like to know if the province is safe. Very safe, answered the guide. Have you ever heard anything in the country round about Laotian the Taiping? Yes, indeed there is nothing to fear from him. On this side of the Great Wall, said the guide, he would not venture on the imperial territory for his band wanders around outside the Mongolian provinces. Does anyone know where he is at present? asked Ken-Foe. He was heard from lately in the environs of Chang-Tang-Roe only a few leagues from the Great Wall. From Fooning to Chang-Tang-Roe about fifty leagues well I accept your services. To take you to the Great Wall? To take me to Laotian's encampment. The guide could not restrain a certain movement of surprise. You will be paid well, added Ken-Foe. The guide shook his head as if to signify that he did not wish to pass the frontier. As far as I am concerned, but not beyond, for that would be risking one's life. Set a price on yours and I will pay it. Very well, replied the guide, Ken-Foe, turning round to the two agents, added, you are free gentlemen, not to accompany me. Where you go, said Craig, we will go, said Fry. The patron of the centenary had not yet ceased to be worth two hundred thousand dollars to them. After the cessation the agents seemed to be perfectly easy in regard to the guide, but to believe them one would meet the greatest dangers beyond that barrier which the Chinese have raised against the encouragement of Mongolian hordes. The preparations for departure were immediately made. They did not ask soon if it would be agreeable to him to make the journey, for he could not help himself. Conveyances such as carriages were absolutely wanting in the little town of Funing, nor were their horses or mules, but there was a certain number of Mongolian camels which are used for business purposes by the natives of Mongolia. These adventurous traders, driving their innumerable flocks of sheep with long tails, travel in caravans on the road from Peking to Kyacha. They thus established communication between Asiatic Russia and the Celestial Empire. However, they only ventured across these long steps in numerous and well-armed troops. They are a ferocious, haughty race to whom the China men is only an object of scorn, says Monsieur Dubouvoy. Five camels with their very primitive harnesses were purchased. They loaded them with provisions, supplied themselves with arms, and set out on their journey under the lead of the guide. But these preparations had consumed much time, and they would not be ready to leave before one o'clock in the afternoon, but in spite of this delay the guide relied on reaching the foot of the Great Wall before midnight. There he would organize an encampment, and the next day if Kinfo persevered in his imprudent resolution they would pass the frontier. The country in the environs of Funing was elevated, clouds of yellow sand rolled in thick columns along the roads which ran between cultivated fields, and one saw the productive territory of the Celestial Empire. The camels went at an even and steady, though not rapid pace. The guide preceded Kinfo, Soon, and Craig and Fry, who were perched between the two humps of their steeds. Soon greatly approved of this style of travelling, and would have gone to the end of the world in this position. Though the journey was not fatiguing, the heat was great. The most curious effects of a mirage were produced in the atmosphere that was heated by the reflection from the ground. Vast watery plains, as large as a sea, were seen at the horizon, but soon vanished to the great satisfaction of Soon who feared some new voyage was to be his fate. Although this province was situated at the extreme limits of China, it must not be supposed that it was deserted. The Celestial Empire, vast as it is, is still too small for its constantly increasing population, and therefore the inhabitants are numerous even on the border of the Asiatic Desert. Men were working in the fields, and Tartar women, who could be recognized by their red and blue men, attended to outdoor work. Flocks of yellow sheep with long tails, which soon could not look upon without envy, were grazing here and there under the eye of the Black Eagle. Woe to the unlucky ruminant which went astray! For these birds of prey are formidable and carnivorous, and wage a terrible war on sheep, rams and young antelopes, and even serve as hounds to the Fergus in the steppes of Central Asia. Flocks of feathered game were flying about everywhere, and a gun would not have been idle in this portion of the territory, but the true hunter would not have looked favorably upon the nets, traps, and other methods of destruction, worthy of a poacher at most, and which covered the ground between the furrows of wheat, millet, and maize. Kinfo and his companions traveled on through the whirlwinds of this Mongolian dust, and stopped neither in the shade at the roadside, nor at the few scattered farms in the province, nor in the villages which they could here and there describe by the funeral towers which were erected to the memory of heroes of Buddhic legends. They marched in file, leaving the lead to their camels which are accustomed to walk one behind the other, while a red neck keeps time with their measured step. Under these circumstances no conversation was possible. The guide, who was but little of a talker by nature, kept ahead of the small party, looking around the country in a circle whose extent was constantly diminished by the thick dust. He never was at loss as to the road to take, even where a landmark was wanting at some crossings. So fry no longer feeling mistrustful of him, gave all their vigilance to the precious patron of the sentinary. Through a very natural sentiment they felt their anxiety increase as they approached the end, for at any moment without being able to warn him, they might find themselves in the presence of a man who, with one well applied blow, could make them lose two hundred thousand dollars. As for Kinfo he found himself in that state of mind in which the memory of the past predominates over the anxieties of the present and future. He reviewed his life for the past two months, and the continuance of his misfortunes did not fail to disturb him very seriously, for, since the day when his San Francisco correspondent sent him the news of his pretended failure, had he not had a series of truly extraordinary ill luck, and would there not be some compensation between the second part of his life and the first, whose advantages he had been so foolish as to disregard. With this succession of adverse experiences end, by his getting possession of the letter which was in Loh Shin's hands, if perchance he should succeed in getting it away from him without striking a blow, with the amiable leu by her presence, love, and charming gaiety ever be able to drive away the evil spirits which pursued him? Yes. The memory of the past was returning to him, filling his thoughts and disturbing him, and Wang, he certainly could not blame him for having tried to keep his oath, but Wang, the philosopher, the constant guest in the Yamen at Shanghai, would no longer be there to teach him wisdom. He will fall, cried the guy just later, whose camel had just knocked against that of Kin Foe, who came near tumbling in the middle of his reverie. Have we arrived, he asked? It is eight o'clock, answer the guide, and I intend to halt for dinner. And afterwards? Afterwards we will resume our journey. It will be dark. Oh, don't fear that I shall lead you astray. The Great Wall is not twenty leagues from here, and we very well answered Kin Foe. On the road, not far distant, stood a forsaken ruin, and through a winding ravine nearby ran a little brook in which the camels could quench their thirst. While waiting, and before it was quite dark, Kin Foe and his companions seated themselves in the ruins and ate a lunch with an appetite sharpened by their long journey. The conversation, however, was not affected. Once or twice Kin Foe directed it to Lao Shen and asked the guide who this Tai Ping was, and if he knew him. The guide shook his head as if he were not positive and avoided answering as much as possible. Does he ever come into the province, asked Kin Foe? No, answered the guide, but Tai Ping's from his band have passed the Great Wall several times, and it would not be well to make Buddha save us from the Tai Ping's. At these responses, which the guide evidently did not know were considered very important by his questioner, Craig and Fry looked at each other and frowned, drew out their watch, consulted it, and finally shook their heads. Why should we not remain quietly here till daylight, said they? In these ruins exclaimed the guide, I prefer the flat country where there is less danger of being surprised. But we agreed to be at the Great Wall this evening, answered Kin Foe. I must be there, and I will. This was said in a tone that admitted of no discussion. Even soon, who was already half dead with fear, dared not protest. The repast being over, it was nearly nine o'clock, the guide rose and gave the signal to depart. Kin Foe then went towards his steed, and Craig and Fry followed him. Sir, said they, have you decided to place yourself in the hands of Loh Shin? I have fully decided, answered Kin Foe. I must have my letter at any price. It is playing for a very high stake there resumed to go into the Tai Ping's camp. I have not come thus far to draw back now, replied Kin Foe. I am free not to follow me if you do not wish. The guide lighted a little pocket lantern, and the two agents approached and consulted their watch a second time. It would certainly be more prudent to wait till tomorrow, they urged. Why so, answered Kin Foe? Loh Shin will be as dangerous tomorrow or day after tomorrow as he is today. Let us start. Let us start, repeated Fry Craig. The guide was the last part of this conversation and several times during the halt when the two agents wished to dissuade Kin Foe from going on. A certain look of dissatisfaction was seen on his face, and now when he saw them renewing their objections he could not restrain a gesture of impatience. This did not escape Kin Foe, who was quite determined not to yield an inch, but his surprise was extreme when the guide, as he assisted him to mount his beast, leaned over and whispered in his ear, beware of those two men. Kin Foe was about to ask him to explain his words, but the guide, motioned to him to be silent, gave the signal for departure and the little band ventured out into the country through the dark night. Had a slight mistrust into the mind of Fry Craig's charge, and inexplicable words of the guide counterbalance with him their two months' devotion? No, certainly not. And yet Kin Foe wondered why Fry Craig had advised him to put off his visit to the Taiping's camp, or to give it up. Was it not in order to join Low Shin that they suddenly left Peking? Was it not also for the interest of the Centenaries two agents that their charge should get out of that absurd and compromising letter? Their objections, therefore, were incomprehensible. Kin Foe did not show the feelings which disturbed him, and took his place again behind the guide. Craig Fry followed him, and they traveled thus for two long hours. It must have been near midnight when the guide, stopping, pointed to a long black line in the north which was faintly defined as a somewhat lighter background of the sky. Behind this line rose a number of hills, silvered by the rising moon which was not yet above the horizon. The Great Wall, said the guide. Can we cross it this evening? asked Kin Foe. Yes, if few insist upon it, answered the guide. I do. The camels, having stopped, the guide said, I am going to wait. Just then Craig and Fry approached Kin Foe. Sir? said Craig. Sir? said Fry. Have you been satisfied with our services during these two months that we have watched over your person by the orders of the honorable William J. Bydolf? Perfectly satisfied. Would you please sign this little paper, sir, to show that you have Kin Foe somewhat surprised at the sight of a leaf torn from a notebook and which Craig presented him. This certificate, said Fry, will perhaps bring us a compliment from our employer and no doubt extra pay. Here is my back, which you can use as a desk, sir, said Craig bending over. And here is the ink which will enable you to give us this written proof of your kind and signed the paper and now he asked why all this ceremony in this place and at this hour. In this place, answered Fry, because it is our intention not to accompany you further. At this hour, answered Craig, because in a few moments it will be midnight. And what matters the hour to you? Sir, continued Craig, the interest that our insurance company felt for you will cease in a few moments, said Fry, and you can kill yourself or have yourself killed as much as you please. Kin Foe, without understanding a word, looked at these two agents who spoke in the most amiable tone. At this moment, the moon rose above the horizon and its first beam shown on them. The moon cried Fry and today is the 30th of June, cried Craig. It rises at midnight and the policy not being renewed, you are no longer insured by the centenary. Good evening, Mr. Kin Foe, said Craig. Mr. Kin Foe, good evening, said Fry. And the two agents, turning about, soon were lost to sight leaving their clients stunned. The steps of the camels, which bore away these, perhaps, rather too practical Americans, were hardly out of hearing when a troop of men, led by the guide, Kin Foe, who tried in vain to defend himself and on soon who tried in vain to run away. A moment later, the master and the valet were shoved up in the dungeon of one of the abandoned bastions in the Great Wall. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Of the Tribulations of a Chinaman in China. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Phil Chenevere. The Tribulations of a Chinaman in China by Jules Verne translated by Virginia Champlain. Chapter 22 Which the reader might have written himself. It ends in so surprising a way. The Great Wall, which is like a Chinese screen four hundred leagues long, was built in the third century by the emperor T.C.C. Huangti and extends from the Gulf of Leotong, whose water is bathed its two wharves, to the Kansu, where it is reduced to the proportions of a wall of ordinary size. It is an uninterrupted succession of double ramparts defended by bastions and towers fifty feet high and twenty feet broad, whose foundation is of granite and the upper part of brick, and which boldly follow the outline of the mountains between Russia and China. Where it approaches the celestial empire, the wall is in rather a poor condition, but presents a better appearance towards Mandashuria, and its battlements become magnificent stone ornaments. This long line of fortifications is not protected, either by guards or cannon, and Russians, Tartars and Kyrgyz, as well as the Sons of Heaven, freely pass through its gates. The screen no longer protects the western frontier, not even from that fine Mongolian dust which the north wind sometimes brings to its capital. It was under the pustern of one of these deserted bastions that Kenfo and Sun, after a wretched night passed on the straw, disappeared the next morning, escorted by a dozen men who could only belong to this band. As for the guide, he had vanished, but it was no longer possible for Kenfo to deceive himself, for it was not chance that brought this traitor in his way, and the ex-patron of the sentinary had evidently been expected by the wretch. His hesitation to venture beyond the Great Wall was only a ruse to turn a slight suspicion, for he probably belonged to the Taiping, and could only have acted by his orders. Kenfo had no doubts on this subject after he questioned one of the men who seemed to direct his escort. You are taking me no doubt to the camp of Lao Shen, your chief, he said. We shall be there in less than an hour, replied the man. But for what purpose had Wang's pupil come here? To seek the philosopher's substitute? Well, they would take him as they wished to go, and whether he went of his own free will, or by compulsion he could have no cause to find fault. He must leave that to soon whose teeth were already chalering, and who felt as if his head were spinning on his shoulders. Kenfo, who was always phlegmatic, had his own plans in regard to the adventure, and followed his escort, for at last he would have a chance to create for his letter with Lao Shen. That was his sole desire, and now everything was progressing favorably. After crossing the Great Wall, the little party followed not only the main road to Mongolia, but the steep paths which enter the mountainous parts of the province at the right. They walked on for an hour as fast as the ascent would permit. Kenfo and soon were closely over, did not once think of doing so. In an hour and a half both guards and prisoners perceived the partial ruins of an edifice around the corner of a wall. It was an ancient bronze temple, a curious monument of buddhist architecture, erected on a brow of the mountain. But in this remote part of the Russian frontier of China, in the center of this deserted country one could but wonder what kind of venture to frequent this temple for it was very dangerous to pass through these defiles which were favorable places for spies and ambuscades. If the Tai Ping, Lao Shen, established his camp in this mountainous part of the province one must confess he chose a locality worthy of his exploits. To Kenfo's question the chief escort answered that Lao Shen really lived in this bronze temple. I wish to see him this very moment, said Kenfo. You shall see him this very moment, replied the chief. Kenfo, and soon whose arms had previously been taken from them, were led into a broad vestibule which formed the actrium of the temple. There stood nearly twenty armed men who looked very picturesque in their banded costume, whose ferocious countenances did not exactly inspire confidence. Kenfo passed deliberately between this double row of Tai Ping's as for soon they had to push him forward by main force. This vestibule at the farther end opened on a staircase in the thick wall and the steps descended to quite a depth in the mountain. This evidently indicated that a sort of crypt was hollowed out under the principal part of the bronze temple and to one who did not hold the thread to these windings underground passages it would have been very difficult not to say impossible to reach them. After descending about thirty steps then going forward twenty by the smoky light of their guides torches the prisoners reached the center of a vast hall which was dimly lighted in the same way. It was indeed a crypt. Massive pillars ornamented by those hideous heads of monsters which belonged to the grotesque fauna of Chinese mythology support elliptic arches whose moldings were again united to the keystone of the heavy vaults. A low murmur was heard in this subterranean hall on the arrival of the two prisoners. It was not deserted for a crowd filled it to its darkest recesses and this crowd was made up of the whole Taiping band who had assembled there for some mysterious ceremony. At the end of the crypt on a broad stone platform stood a very tall man who appeared to be the president of a secret tribunal and three or four of his companions who stood motionless at his side appeared to fill the place of assistance. The tall man made a sign and immediately moved aside and made way for the prisoners. Lo Shen was all that the chief escort said as he pointed to the personage who was standing. Kin Foe went forward and entered it once upon his business like a man who was determined to bring it to an end. Lo Shen said he you have a letter in your hands which was sent to you by your former companion Wang. And I have come to ask you to return it to me. At these words, spoken in a firm voice, the Taiping did not even move his head but seemed like a bronze statue. For what some will you give up the letter? resumed Kin Foe. He waited for an answer that did not come. Lo Shen said Kin Foe I will draw on whatever banker you please and in whatever city you choose an order that will be honorably paid without giving any anxiety to the businessman whom you may send for it. The Sumber Taiping preserved the same icy silence which did not promise well. Kin Foe continued emphasizing his words what some shall I make this order? I offer you five thousand tells. There was no answer. Ten thousand tells. Lo Shen and his companions were as mute as the statues in the strange bronze temple. Kin Foe could not help feeling angry and impatient for his offers to serve some sort of answer. Do you not understand me he said addressing the Taiping? Lo Shen this time deigned to lower his head gave him to understand that he thoroughly comprehended. Twenty thousand tells thirty thousand tells cried Kin Foe I offer you what the centenary would pay you if I were dead I will double the sum triple it speak is it enough? Kin Foe whom this mute put beside himself approached this speechless group of men around the Taiping and crossing his arms said to him for a white price then will you sell me that letter for no some whatever the Taiping finally answered you offended Buddha in scarning the life he gave you and Buddha will be avenged not till you face death will you know the value of the privilege of being in the world a privilege so long unacknowledged by you and having said this in a tone which admitted of no reply Lo Shen beckoned to his men and Kin Foe who was seized before he could defend himself was garotted and carried off a few moments later he was shut up in a kind of cage which was hermetically closed and was intended to take the place of a palanquin soon the unfortunate soon in spite of his cries and in treaties had to submit to the same treatment this means death said Kin Foe to himself well so be it one who has despised life deserves to die but his death although it appeared inevitable was not so near as he thought he could not imagine what horrible torment this cruel Taiping was reserving for him hours passed and Kin Foe still imprisoned in his cage felt himself lifted and then carried along in some sort of vehicle the jolts and the noise of the horses hoofs with the rattling of his escorts weapons left him no doubt on this subject they were carrying him far away but where it would be useless for him to try to discover seven or eight hours after he started Kin Foe felt that the chair had stopped and that the box in which he was shut up was being lifted in men's arms and soon a quieter motion succeeded the joltings on the road am I on a ship he wondered very decided motions of rolling and pitching and a revolving kind of motion confirmed him in the idea that he was on a steamer death in the waves he thought so be it they spare me tortures which might be worse thanks Laotian but twice twenty four hours again passed by and twice each day a little food was put into his cage through a small sliding trap though the prisoner could not see the hand that brought it or receive an answer to his questions ah, Kin Foe before leaving this life which heaven made so beautiful to him had sought emotions he did not wish his heart to cease to beat without once being thrilled well his wishes were granted and far beyond his expectations however although he had sacrificed his life he wished to die in the light of heaven the thought that this cage might any moment be cast into the sea was horrible to die without having seen the light of day again nor poor Leu who filled his every thought was too hard finally after a lapse of time which he could not reckon it seemed to him that his long sail suddenly came to an end the revolving motion suddenly ceased the ship which bore his prison stopped and Kin Foe felt that his cage was lifted again now was his last hour and the condemned man could hope for nothing but that his sins might be forgiven a few moments elapsed then years since centuries went to his great astonishment Kin Foe felt sure that his cage rested on solid ground once more all at once his prison opened and he was seized by the arms of someone who immediately placed a large bandage over his eyes and pulled him out and then firmly held by his guards he walked a few steps and was then told to halt if I must die at last he cried I will not ask you to spare a life that I have not known how to use wisely but allow me at least to die in the light since I am not afraid to look death in the face granted said a gray voice let it be as the prisoner wishes and the bandage which covered his eyes was removed Kin Foe then looked eagerly around him was he the victim of a dream? there was a table sumptuously served and before it sat five guests smiling and appearing to await his presence before beginning their repast two vacant places seemed to be left for two guests is it you? you? my friends, my dear friends is it really you whom I see here? cried Kin Foe in accents it would be impossible to render but no, he was not mistaken it was Wang the philosopher and Yin Peng Huo, Pao Xin and Tim, his Canton friends the very ones he entertained two months before on the flower boat on the river of pearls the companions of his youth the witnesses of his farewell to bachelor life Kin Foe could not believe his eyes he was at home in the dining room in his yamen at Shanghai if it is you he cried addressing Wang if it is not your shadow speak to me it is I, my friend answered the philosopher will you forgive your old master the last and somewhat rude lesson in philosophy which he felt it necessary to give you what? cried Kin Foe was it you? you, Wang? it was I, answered Wang I, who only took upon myself the mission of depriving you of life to prevent another from doing it I, who knew before you did that you were not ruined and that the time would come when you would no longer wish to die my farmer companion Lao Xin who has become submissive and who will henceforth be the strongest in the government desired to aid me in teaching you the worth of life by bringing you face to face with death if I forsook you in the midst of your terrible anguish and what is worse made you run round the country as was almost inhuman to do although it made my heart bleed it was because I was sure that you were pursuing happiness and would find it on the way Kin Foe threw himself into Wang's arms who pressed him warmly to his heart my poor Wang he said very much moved if I had been the only one to run around the country what trouble have I not caused you how much have you had to run around yourself and what a bath I made you take from the bridge of Polly Cowell I, yes, that bath answered Wang, laughing it made me fear for my five years in my philosophy for I was very warm and the water was very cold but bah I came out of it all right and one never runs nor swims so well as when for others for others, said Kin Foe gravely yes it is for others one must learn to do everything for there lies the secret of happiness soon now entered pale as a man can only be when seasickness has tortured him for forty-eight mortal hours for the unfortunate valet as well as his master had been obliged to make that voyage from Fu Ning to Shanghai again and under what conditions one could judge by the looks of his face Kin Foe, after releasing himself from Wang's embrace clasped the hands of his friends really I like this so much better he said I have been a fool till now and you may become a sage answered the philosopher I will try said Kin Foe and I must begin at once and see about putting my affairs in order a little piece of paper has been running round the world that has been the cause of too much trouble to allow me to be indifferent about it what has become of the cursed letter I gave you my dear Wang can you really go out of your hands I should be glad to see it for what if it should get lost again if Luo Xin still keeps it he cannot attach importance to a mere script of paper and I should be sorry to have it fall into hands that would be less considerate at this everyone began to laugh my friends said Wang Kin Foe has really profited by his adventures and is no longer our farmer different friend for he reasons like a methodical man of business all this does not give me back my letter resumed Kin Foe my absurd letter I confess without shame that I shall not feel easy till I have burned it and have seen the ashes scattered to the forewinds seriously then you value that letter asked Wang certainly answered Kin Foe you guarantee against a return of folly on my part no well my dear pupil there is only one obstacle in the way of your wishes and unfortunately it does not come from me for Luo Xin has not your letter nor have I you have not my letter no have you destroyed it no alas no were you so imprudent as to trust it to the hands yes to whom to whom said Kin Foe eagerly his patience at an end tell me to whom to someone who desired to return it to no one but yourself at this moment the charming Liu who was concealed behind the screen and had lost nothing of the scene now appeared holding the famous letter at the end of her pretty little fingers and waving it in playful defiance Kin Foe held out his arms to her no no patience a while longer if you please said the amiable woman pretending to hide behind the screen business before everything else oh my wise husband and holding the letter before his eyes she said does my little younger brother recognize his deed do I recognize it Kin Foe who other than myself could have written that foolish letter well then before everything answered Liu since you have shown a proper desire tear burn and annihilate that imprudent letter let nothing remain of the foolish Kin Foe who wrote it agreed said Kin Foe holding it up to a light but now my dear love permit your husband to give his wife one loving kiss I am honored to preside over this very happy repast I feel very much inclined to do honor to it and we also cried the five guests it makes one very hungry to be very happy a few days later the imperial prohibition being removed the marriage took place the young married couple loved each other and were likely to continue to love each other forever a thousand ten thousand joys in life one must go to China to prove this the end end of chapter 22 recording by Phil Chenevere Baton Rouge Louisiana end of the tripulations of a Chinaman in China by Jules Verne translated by Virginia Champlain