ce acquired hard to throw off. Our political horizon has been draped
in storm-clouds ever since 1911, and our local social plans liable to
disintegration on account of rumours calculated to disturb the mind of
the people. White Wolf, Wolf King, and other robber chiefs have
announced their intention of visiting us. Our walls have been inscribed
with the terrifying announcement that "White Wolf is a devourer of
sheep," which in Chinese, by a play on the last word, can be understood
to mean: "White Wolf is a devourer of foreigners." A bold sketch of a
drawn sword was added that no doubt might be in our minds as to the
bloodthirsty intention of the threat! Mohammedan rebellions to the west,
Mongolian raids to the north, have alternated with the political
difficulties brought about by international negotiations, to add to the
sense of insecurity inevitably resulting from the removal of the very
central foundation of governmental stability--the "Son of Heaven"--to
whom four hundred million subjects bowed in reverential obedience.

Transition periods are difficult, and China has been troubled by those
who in their enthusiasm for change have lost the sense of proportion,
and sought to revolutionise much that is dearer than life itself to many
of their countrymen; nevertheless, this great nation, permeated with
ideals so free from sordidity, will surely carve for herself a future
worthy of her past.

ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY

"In tragic life, God wot,
No villain need be! Passions spin the plot:
We are betrayed by what is false within."
GEORGE MEREDITH.

"Oh Christians, at your Cross of Hope a hopeless hand was clinging."
E. B. BROWNING.

"After all what would he have had to sacrifice had
he followed Jesus? He would have had to give up
his house in Jerusalem. He would have had to
renounce society; but society would soon have
forgotten him, for society has a short memory for
people who for any reason have fallen out of it.
That is what he would have lost, and what would he
have gained? He would have had those walks with
Jesus across the fields, and he would have heard
Him say: 'Consider the lilies.'"--MARK RUTHERFORD.

CHAPTER XXI

ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY

WHEREIN THE READER IS INTRODUCED TO SOME