CHAPTER XXI.
THE SHAN TOWN OF SANTA, AND MANYUEN, THE SCENE OF CONSUL MARGARY'S MURDER.
It was market day in Santa, and the accustomed crowd gathered round me as I stood in the open square in front of the Sawbwa's yamen.

I was hot and hungry, for it was still early in the afternoon, and the attentions of the people were oppressive.

Presently two men pushed their way through the spectators, and politely motioning to me to follow them, they led me to a neighbouring temple, to the upper storey, where the side pavilion off the chief hall was being prepared for my reception.

My quarters overlooked the main court; the pony was comfortably stabled in the corner below me.

Nothing could have been pleasanter than the attention I received here.