a good
account is given, but I must not use more space on the Lights, but turn to
the

SHADOWS--One example must suffice. I must not mention either place or
person, lest harm come of it. A teacher writes: "I feel sure that two
little boys whom you sent to assist in our anniversary will grow to
Christian manhood, fed as they are on the Word. With sorrow I compared
with their surroundings those of our little ---- ----, and I write to
know if something cannot be done. Two years ago he entered the school,
having come directly from China. He has always been studious and
well-behaved, loving his Bible and the gospel songs. The mission boys
tell me that those with whom he lives are not his parents, but that this
man bought him in China. The child remembers his mother and brothers. He
also remembers a man offering him something if he would go with him. He
did so and was carried off in a boat and sold. His owner is very fond of
him, but is away from home. The wife does not care much for him.
Sometimes there are black and blue marks on his hands where he says she
strikes him. Once there was a small burned place on both his lips. I
asked him about it, and he said "Mamma." One of the boys told me that he
talked too much and she put the hot poker on his lips. I have heard that
this man intends taking the boy back to China in a year or two, fearing
that in this county he will lose him. They are bad people, keeping an
opium den."

The shadow deepens when the question rises, "What can be done for this
boy?" He is in the grip of an "_Imperium in imperio_," to which some years
ago I had occasion to refer in these columns. Even Americans who know the
facts and are eager to help him, feel as though it would be scarcely safe
for them to rescue him. Our wisest Chinese helpers say: "Wait, watch over
him, but don't disturb existing relations. It would break up our mission
in that place. Chinese would not dare to be identified with it. The boy
will soon come to understand his rights and will assert them for himself,
and then you can help him." But it almost makes one's blood boil to think
that on American soil such counsel can be given and perhaps ought to be
observed.

Bureau Of Woman'S Work.
=======================

Miss D.E. Emerson, Secretary.

All ladies interested in missions are earnestly invited to be
present at the gathering of Women's Home Missionary
Organizations to be h