business any longer!"

"I have never deceived you, master," said the little serving-man.
"I am as the great George Washington in his youth. The mandarin of the
province of the Crystal Sea holds you in high esteem, and he wishes to
entertain the children."

Mr. Van Buren inquired at the American consular office concerning this
"Mandarin of the province of the Crystal Sea." The consul informed him,
with a smile, that the mandarin in question was especially rich and
powerful, that he took an interest in American manners and customs, and
often entertained Americans who had been kind to his people in America
as well as merchants who had dealt honorably with the Chinese.

Still, Mr. Van Buren could not understand how a great and high-born
mandarin should be in communication with his servant.

Here little Lucy spoke up. "Papa, I _know_ it is all _so_! Our
Sky-High has never told a lie. Even General George Washington would have
liked him."




XVI.

IN THE LITTLE WANG'S LAND.


The family set out for Canton under the direction of their little