and contusions, and, enjoying
a high character in the Chinese Materia Medica, is sold in all chemists'
shops. The veterinary doctors also apply it with great success to the
internal diseases of cattle and sheep. In the north of China we have
often witnessed the salutary effects of the Kou-Kouo.

We infused the powder of one of these beans in some cold water, with
which we washed the poor man's wound, and we supplied some clean linen,
in place of the disgustingly dirty rags which previously served for a
bandage. When we had done all we could for the sufferer, we observed
that he still seemed very embarrassed in his manner. His face was red
with blushes, he held down his eyes, and he began several sentences which
he could not complete. "Brother," said we, "you have something on your
mind." "Holy personages, you see how poor I am! you have tended my
wound, and you have given me a great mug of healing water to take; I know
not what I can offer in exchange for all this." "If this be the subject
of your uneasiness," said we, "be at once reassured. In doing what we
could for your leg, we only fulfilled a duty commanded by our religion.
The remedies we have prepared, we freely give you." Our words evidently
relieved the poor fisherman from a very grave embarrassment. He
immediately prostrated himself before us, and touched the ground thrice
with his forehead, in token of his gratitude. Before withdrawing, he
asked us whether we intended to remain where we were for any length of
time. We told him that we should gladly depart the next day, but that we
had not as yet agreed with the ferryman as to the fare. "I have a boat,"
said the fisherman, "and since you have tended my wound, I will endeavour
to-morrow, to convey you over the water. If my boat belonged entirely to
myself, I would at once undertake the matter; but as I have two partners,
I must first get their consent. Moreover, we must procure some
particulars as to our course; we fishermen are not acquainted with the
depth of water at all the points of the passage. There are dangerous
places here and there, which we must ascertain the exact nature and
locality of beforehand, so that we may not incur some misfortune. Don't
say anything more about the matter to the ferry people. I will come back
in the course of the evening, and we will talk over the subject."

These words gave us hopes of being able to continue our journey, without
too heavy an outlay for the