inhabitants having
all rushed to the other side to repel the attack. They stopped at a
small gate in the wall, the Chinaman drew back the bolts and opened it,
and they passed out into the country. For an hour they kept on. By the
end of that time Jack could scarcely drag his limbs along. The Chinaman
halted at length in a clump of trees surrounded by a thick undergrowth.

"Allee safee here," he said, "no searchee so far; here food," and he
produced from a wallet a cold chicken and some boiled rice, and unslung
from his shoulder a gourd filled with cold tea.

"Me go back now, see what happen. Tomollow nightee come again--bringee
more food." And without another word went off at a rapid pace.

Jack moistened his lips with the tea, and then turned to his companion.
Percy had not spoken a word since he had been released from the cage,
and had been insensible during the greater part of his journey. Jack
poured some cold tea between his lips.

"Cheer up, Percy, old boy, we are free now, and with luck and that good
fellow's help we will work our way down to Canton yet."

"I shall never get down there; you may," Percy said feebly.

"Oh, nonsense, you will pick up strength like a steam engine now. Here,
let me prop you against this tree. That's better. Now drink a drop
of this tea; it's like nectar after that filthy water we have been
drinking. Now you will feel better. Now you must try and eat a little
of this chicken and rice. Oh, nonsense, you have got to do it. I am not
going to let you give way when our trouble is just over. Think of your
people at home, Percy, and make an effort for their sakes. Good Heavens!
now I think of it, it must be Christmas morning. We were caught on the
2d and we have been just twenty-two days on show. I am sure that it
must be past twelve o'clock, and it is Christmas Day. It is a good omen,
Percy. This food isn't like roast beef and plum pudding, but it's not to
be despised. I can tell you. Come, fire away, that's a good fellow."

Percy made an effort and ate a few mouthfuls of rice and chicken, then
he took another draught of tea, and lay down, and was almost immediately
asleep.

Jack ate his food slowly and contentedly till he finished half
the supply, then he, too, lay down, and after a short but hearty
thanksgiving for his escape from a slow and lingering death, he too,
fell off to sleep. The sun was rising when he woke, being aroused by a
slight movement on the part of Percy; he opene