Mr. Ware arranged that we should call on the way at several out-stations in his district. This made it needful for us to go partly by water and partly by land. The first place which we wished to visit is Tsungming. This is a large island in the mouth of the Yangtsze, with a population of a million.

“Make haste now and go up and tell your mother to hide the poteen”—his mother used to sell poteen—“for I’m after seeing the biggest party of peelers and yeomanry passing by on the rocks was ever seen on the island.”

Of course, it helps if you are very rich and regularly pay more than $40,000 for a couture outfit to be guaranteed of a near-front-row possie at the bi-annual parades (winter and summer collections).

BENEDICK. I have almost matter enough in me for such an embassage; and so I commit you— CLAUDIO. To the tuition of God: from my house, if I had it,— DON PEDRO. The sixth of July: your loving friend, Benedick. BENEDICK. Nay, mock not, mock not.