important-looking mail which he received with a sudden dignity. He also
was paid attentions from notable Chinese people, such as servants would
not seem likely to meet.

Mr. Van Buren finally explained it to himself. He carried letters to
many consuls and commercial houses. Sky-High was noticed because he was
in his service. "In such countries," said Mr. Van Buren, "customs are
different from ours."

Certain high Chinamen in the hongs--the trade-houses--bowed low in a
most respectful way to Sky-High, their manner very noticeable. Whenever
Lucy and Charles accompanied him they were offered Chinese sweetmeats
or novel toys of ivory and jade.

"The people are very kind and polite to you," said Mr. Van Buren to
Sky-High, one day. "You are fortunate to come back in our service.
Our family has traded with China for three generations; I suppose we
are known nearly everywhere."

"I am fortunate, master," said the little Chinaman.

They prepared to go on to Canton. Sky-High arranged the journey, and
explained the details to Mr. Van Buren. He had an air of taking the
family under his protection, and seemed to be wholly familiar with the
way along the boat-lined waters.

"We are to stop just before we reach the city," he said to Mr. Van
Buren, "to meet a mandarin of Manchuria of the Crystal Sea. He is
visiting at the summer palace of a grand mandarin of Canton. A barge
will come out to meet us. There will be fireworks. I have arranged it