could do no good in
attempting book-distribution. There was nothing to be done but quietly
to submit, and go along with our captors.

Once or twice a quarrel arose as to how we should be dealt with; the
more mild of our conductors saying that we ought to be taken to the
magistrate's office, but others wishing to kill us at once without
appeal to any authority. Our minds were kept in perfect peace; and when
thrown together on one of these occasions, we reminded each other that
the Apostles rejoiced that they were counted _worthy_ to suffer in the
cause of CHRIST. Having succeeded in getting my hand into my pocket, I
produced a Chinese card (if the large red paper, bearing one's name, may
be so called), and after this was treated with more respect. I demanded
it should be given to the chief official of the place, and that we
should be led to his office. Before this we had been unable, say what we
would, to persuade them that we were foreigners, although we were both
in English attire.

Oh the long weary streets that we were dragged through! I thought they
would never end; and seldom have I felt more thankful than when we
stopped at a place where we were told a mandarin resided. Quite
exhausted, bathed in perspiration, and with my tongue cleaving to the
roof of my mouth, I leaned against the wall, and saw that Mr. Burdon was
in much the same condition. I requested them to bring us chairs, but
they told us to wait; and when I begged them to give us some tea,
received only the same answer. Round the doorway a large crowd had
gathered; and Mr. Burdon, collecting his remaining strength, preached
CHRIST JESUS to them. Our cards and books had been taken in to the
mandarin, but he proved to be one of low rank, and after keeping us
waiting for some time he referred us to his superiors in office.

Upon hearing this, and finding that it was their purpose to turn us out
again into the crowded streets, we positively refused to move a single
step, and insisted on chairs being brought. After some demur this was
done; we seated ourselves in them, and were carried on. On the road we
felt so glad of the rest which the chairs afforded us, and so thankful
at having been able to preach JESUS in spite of Satan's malice, that our
joy was depicted on our countenances; and as we passed along we heard
some say that we did not look like bad men, while others seemed to pity
us. When we arrived at the magistrate's office, I wondered where we were