plied, "that is the case,
and also to help the women in the counties of Chaocheng, Hungtung, and
Fensi, until such time as lady workers shall be in residence there;
moreover, our schools are to be for the women and girls of these
counties as well as Hwochow."

This item of information fell as a severe blow. Hwochow is a curious
district, its natives physically and mentally being of a totally
different type to all around, in all relationships with whom there
exists mutual distrust and suspicion. It was odious to men and women of
this exclusive type to hear that the foreigner, in coming, viewed the
nurturing of a small band of discontents as of very secondary importance
to the opportunity of spreading the news of the Gospel far and wide
amongst the heathen. It was at this point of the conversation that the
first traces of that terror-striking expression began to flit across his
features, and his eyebrows gathered themselves into a most terrifying
bunch. "Are you aware that I have been a Christian for twelve years, and
that I am known far and wide by Chinese and foreigners alike?" "I am
fully aware of it," said Miss French, and might have added, "known and
dreaded of all men."

"Should not the missionaries' conduct be regulated in accordance with
the command, 'Seek the lost until it be found'?" "It should," acquiesced
Miss French. "Then are you aware that during the past three months we
have been as sheep without a shepherd, left as prey to wolves, with no
one to care for us, our homes have been unvisited, and members who have
absented themselves from Church service have had no inquiries made as to
the cause of their non-appearance?"

"Did you say _twelve_ years a Church member?" inquired Miss French.
"Nearly thirteen," he replied. "Then no longer a babe in Christ, but
yourself able to seek the lost, and to come to our assistance as we take
up the responsibilities of our new work. We have come here," she added,
"for the people who need us, whether Chaocheng or Hwochow."

"Then go to Chaocheng and leave us alone; _our_ missionaries must
shepherd _our_ Church." At this point wrath overcame him, and throwing
himself into the classical position of the Chinese brave, "A couple of
youngsters," he yelled, "untaught in the wisdom of Confucius." With
these words he flung himself out of the room. His spirit was too much
perturbed to call to mind the wisdom of the sage, "In archery we have
something like the way of the superior m