PRINCE LEE BOO, 377

acquired some skill in that exercise. 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 it through 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
obtain a degree of skill beyond all competition. The stone
buildings and spacious rooms at Canton gave Lee Boo much
pleasure ; but the flat ceilings still remained marvellous ; he
compared them with the sloping thatched roofsat Pelew, saying,
“he hoped soon to know how it was done, that he might tell
his countrymen, when he went back, 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 of his ship, and the stores belonging to himself
and crew, 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 thought 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 Kast India
Company, he doubted not, would liberally reward them, accord-
ing to their deserts. Mr. Sharp, to whose care Lee Boo had
been committed, as before mentioned, now gave up his charge
to Captain Wilson, the officers and men taking their passage in
different ships.

‘These companions in distress, as may well be imagined, did
not part without feelings of regret and concern. Lee Boo em-
barked with Captain Wilson in the Morse Indiaman, Captain
Joseph Elliott, who treated them in the most friendly manner