CHINESE TRADESMEN.
It was only a day or two before the arrival of our large craft had attracted the swarms of the native trades-people. Every forenoon for some time our deck was filled with cases loaded with carved ivory, sandal wood work, jewelry, fans, curious boxes, shawls and scarfs of India work, with articles of wearing apparel, both useful and ornamental. The pilot whom we took at the end of Yat Moon Pass, a native Chinaman, had given us our first lesson in pidgin English; for by noticing his use of our language and copying his forms of expression, we soon found ourselves able to make ourselves understood. We were instructed by friendly visitors to be on our guard against paying anything near the price demanded for an article by these hucksters. Their effrontery in demanding enormous sums for trifles became a constant source of amusement. For example: One of our company would hold up a Japanese bamboo watch chain and say, “How muchee pricee?” “Half dollar.” “No; my no can do; that belong too muchee pricee.” “No, no, not too muchee; that very fine; that belong number one thing.” But the purchaser lays it down, and resumes a book or work. The tradesman waits and finally says, “Well, how muchee you pay?” “One quarter.” He gives an expression of contempt, pretends to pack up his things in haste, but keeps an eye on the customer to see some sign of relenting, and at last in despair comes with the chain, saying, “Here, you take; give me one quart;”—which is much nearer the real worth.