When all was over the crowd dispersed, and Captain Woodward marched his men back to the wharf and embarked them in boats in which they were conveyed on board the ship. Of course there was no help for it, and it was all right according to the Chinese way of reckoning, but the gallant officer determined, that when next asked to a Chinese banquet, he would, before accepting the civility, ascertain if it were "a dinner to be followed by an execution," or only a friendly "chin-chin." FOOTNOTE: [1] Mr. Beauman informed the captain that he need not fear the pirates throwing fire-pots upon his decks, as none of them had the usual basket (from which they throw those missiles) at their mast-heads. CHAPTER XIX. Little A-tae improved wonderfully in health, and within five days after her mother's visit to Nan-woo announced that she was ready to set out for the sacred grove. Her parent did not content herself with sending only some fruit and tea, but added sweetmeats and sundry delicacies, including a little rock salt, which she packed in a neat bamboo basket, and gave her daughter, with many minute instructions as to her deportment. It was a lovely autumnal day; and as the girl bent her steps towards the hill she mechanically sang a very old Chinese ditty called "The life of a leaf," while her thoughts, wandering more fleetly on, were already with her beloved Yung-Yung-Sho. Strange to say, after the first few stanzas she altered the words in a manner, which would have puzzled any Celestial who overheard her. The original song ran as follows:-- "Of the young bud, covered with down, Soft as the breath of a zephyr, Unfolding to the sun, a leaf appears, Tender as the cheek of an infant. At first thin, delicate, transparent, Developing quickly, veined like the hand of a maiden From first to last always beautiful. After reclining in the light of the golden sun, And coquetting with the silver moon, For many days, The early (eager, forward) frost kisses it gently, Gemming it with beauty. It blushes at the embrace; Emboldened, the touch is repeated, When lo, the ruddy colour flies, and The leaf, pale and trembling, Drops upon the bosom of the earth." That is what she should have sung, but she altered it in this manner, for after uttering the words, "From first to last always beautiful," pouring her heart out in melody, she sang, "Oh! charming Yung-Yung-Sho, By day my sun, by night my moon, Always thus to remain. I cannot forget the gentle embrace You gave me in the tea field. My face burns with happiness, But you will never repeat it? Oh! will you? Soon again I shall behold the bright light of your eyes! Ah me! then pale and trembling Shall I sink upon the earth, And die of very happiness."