a smile, that the mandarin in question was especially rich and
powerful, that he took an interest in American manners and customs, and
often entertained Americans who had been kind to his people in America
as well as merchants who had dealt honorably with the Chinese.

Still, Mr. Van Buren could not understand how a great and high-born
mandarin should be in communication with his servant.

Here little Lucy spoke up. "Papa, I _know_ it is all _so_! Our
Sky-High has never told a lie. Even General George Washington would have
liked him."

XVI.

IN THE LITTLE WANG'S LAND.

The family set out for Canton under the direction of their little
servant, whose heart seemed full of anticipation and delight.

The boat stopped when some distance still from the city. A gilded barge
with a dragon's head and silken curtains had come to meet them. Not far
away they saw a landing, with boats and people.

"You are to wait for me here," said little Sky-High, as he went aboard
the barge. "I will return soon."

Gongs sounded, banners waved, as the gilded boat made its way through
the river craft. Mr. Van Buren could see a row of sedan chairs standing
upon the landing, gorgeous in gilded frames and silk curtains, with
bearers and servants in rich costumes. Presently, among these people
they saw their little Sky-High approach a tall man, who seemed to be a
master of ceremonies, when the gongs were again beaten.

"Well, this is growing somewhat remarkable!" said Mr. Van Buren. "Yes,
even if the boy is returning from America with Americans whose name is
noted in the commerce of the country!"

Sky-High returned; the family went aboard the cushioned boat, and at the
landing were assisted into the sedans, and carried up the water-steps
into a high garden, with pavilions, and then on to other gardens away
from the river. Golden gables shone above the trees. The hedges were
full of blooms and bees, and lovely birds went flashing by. The trees
were hung with red lanterns that seemed as light as air; and there were
dragon kites in the sky. It was like an ethereal paradise, even to the
now silent Boston merchant.

A vista opened, showing a house where guards in brilliant Chinese
uniforms stood at the door. Then again gongs sounded.

Three mandarins in robes of silk, their buttons of rank glittering in
their caps, came down the wide pathway, as though to meet the visitors,
before whose chairs little Sky-High walked. One of them, a sta