“Does the Chinese resemble any of the European languages in words?” said I.
“I am scarcely competent to inform you,” said the old man; “but I believe not.”
“What does that character represent?” said I, pointing to one on the vase.
“A knife,” said the old man, “that character is one of the simplest radicals or keys.”
“And what is the sound of it?” said I.
“Tau,” said the old man.
“Tau!” said I; “tau!”
“A strange word for a knife is it not?” said the old man.
“Tawse!” said I; “tawse!”
“What is tawse?” said the old man.