ve you with us, Mr. Psi-ning."

"Then I shall be too happy to accept your cordial invitation," replied
the mandarin. That matter was settled; and the new passenger went to his
palace to prepare for his journey, though he did not forget to send one
of his people to Tung-chow to arrange for the reception of the party the
next day.

The horses the young men rode, the mule-litters, wheelbarrows, and
jinrikishas were at the door of the hotel early in the morning; and the
mandarin, with his valet, were on time. The company reached Tung-chow
before noon; and a Chinese lunch was ready for them, ordered by the new
passenger. The Blanchita was all ready for them to step on board when
they had partaken of roast goose, duck, and chicken at the inn. The
passage down the river was a frolic all the way, and the guest told them
more about China than they had learned before in regard to matters not
generally known.

Felipe hurried the steamer, and she was alongside the Guardian-Mother
before five in the afternoon. Mr. Psi-ning had several pieces of
baggage, including despatch-bags, which were placed in the finest
stateroom on board. The commander had telegraphed for dinner at the
usual hour. Mr. Smithers came on board before it was ready, and was
invited to join the company. From him they learned that Mr. Psi-ning was
in the diplomatic service of the government, and that he would be of
great assistance to them in Japan.

The ships had to wait only one day for him; and on Wednesday, May 10, at
six in the morning, they sailed for Tokyo, though the commander's
original intention had been to go first to Nagasaki. The Blanche's party
went on board of the Guardian-Mother before she sailed, with the Italian
band. They played to the great delight of the boatmen around the ship,
as well as of those on board. The consul went to the mouth of the river,
and took a tug home. It was a frolic all day and till midnight, when the
Blanche's passengers returned to her.

It was a smooth sea all the four days of the voyage, even on the Pacific
shores; and the Guardian-Mother's people spent the next day on board of
the consort. On the third day there was a lecture on Japan in Conference
Hall, given by Mr. Psi-ning, who was as familiar with that country as
with China. But his discourse must be reported in another volume.

Those who are disposed to follow the tourists through Japan, and then on
their long voyage of two thousand miles to Australia, New Ze