I took particular note of them because they were stepping in admirable order, and, though small of stature, I thought they were the first armed men I had met in all my journey across China who could without shame be presented as soldiers in any civilised country.
They passed me, but seemed struck by my appearance; and I had not gone a dozen yards before they all stopped by a common impulse, and when I looked back they were still there in a group talking, with the officers' horses turned towards me; and it was very evident I was the subject of their conversation.

I was alone at the time, far from all my men, without weapon of any kind.

I was dressed in full Chinese dress and mounted on an unmistakably Chinese pony.

I rode unconcernedly on, but I must confess that I did not feel comfortable till I was assured that they did not intend to obtrude an interview upon me.

At length, to my relief, the party continued on its way, while I hurried on to my coolies, and made them wait till my party was complete.