m the powerful "Pill of life" to the lesser "Pill of strength" and
the final "Pill of restoration."

He also knew by heart a number of verses from the New Testament, and
could sing hymns written by Pastor Hsi on the subjects of salvation and
the sin of opium smoking, several of which numbered twelve verses in
length.

All this caused much stir in the village, and became the general subject
of conversation when the men were home from the fields, during the
twilight hour devoted to social intercourse. He was referred to as a
competent authority on all matters relating to the ways and habits of
those "foreign devils" who went to and fro between the various stations
which they had opened, and even penetrated into the villages amongst the
homes of any who were rash enough to risk having them under their roof.

Both uncle and nephew had secretly entirely changed their opinion
concerning the foreigner and the Christian doctrine which he inculcated.
Fear had given place to confidence, and one or other would frequently
walk the four miles to Hwochow on a week day, or better still on Sunday,
to sit an hour with the Refuge-keeper, whom it was hard indeed not to
trust, and who always had some good matter to unfold and kind, earnest
words with which to help a man in the hour when his old vice threatened
to ensnare his soul afresh. Little sympathy was to be gained at home.
Mrs. Fan still took opium, endangering her husband's and nephew's
principles as they returned, weary from work, to a room reeking with the
odour so attractive to them.

She was a woman of no ordinary character, exceptionally intelligent,
strong-minded and wilful, capable in every duty which falls to the
woman's share in the home; by nature hard working and ambitious, in
physique of a pronounced Jewish type. Not easily led, and impossible to
drive, she flew into such a passion when her husband ventured to tell
her that two lady missionaries had arrived, and were prepared to
receive women as patients in the Hwochow Refuge, and gave such rein to
her tongue that he, poor man, was thankful to escape beyond earshot of
her loud recriminations and curses.

If his words were silenced we may believe that his actions were speaking
louder and more effectually, for influences stronger than the woman
realised were even now at work, preparing to overturn all her
preconceived prejudices and hatred of Christianity and its followers.

The climax came more suddenly than could h