Page 384 - Child's own book

acquired some skill in that cxprcisc, He took up his spear with
much seeming indifference, and taking his aim at the mark
{which was a gauze cage that hung in the hall, having a bird
painted in the middle), he hit itlhrough the head* to the amaze­
ment of all his competitors, who, at the same distance, could
hardly hit even the cage : a striking proof this of the effect of
habit and practice. Among all uncivilised nations the spear is
a weapon in constant use from their childhood, by which they
ohtain a drgree of skill beyond all competition. The stone
buildings and spacious rooms at Canton gave Lee Boo much
pleasure ; hut the flat ceilings still remained marvellous; he
compared them with the sloping thatched roofs at Pelew, saying,
“ he hoped soon to know how it was done, that he might tell
his countrymen, when he went hack, how they ought to build.”
Thus, in all his observations, the first thought of his heart was
for the advantage of his country. Captain Wilson having com­
pleted the sale <>f his ship, and the stores belonging to himself
and crcw, laid before his partners in calamity the accounts, and
equally divided the produce among them. After this, he told
them that they were at liberty to provide for themselves as
they thi-ught proper. For himself, he said, he should return to
England by the first opportunity ; and he recommended to them
to follow his example, particularly his officers, as the East India
C om pany, he doubted not, would liberally reward them, accord­
ing to 1 heir deserts. Mr. Sharp, to whose care Lee Boo had
been committed, as before mentioned, now gave tip his charge
to Captain H'ilson, the officers and men taking their passage in
different ships,
'I hose companions in distress, as may well bo imagined, did
not part without feelings of regret and concern. Lee Boo em­
barked with Captain H'ilson in the Morse lndiaman* Captain
Joseph Klliotf, who treated them in the most friendly manner