MISS DUNHAM’S RETURN. 117

half a mile off shore and out of the strength of the tide, is six to
seven fathoms. Victoria, the seat alike of government and trade, is
the chief centre of population, but in recent years a tract of four
square miles on the mainland has been covered with public buildings
and villa residences.

“Practically an outlying suburb of Victoria, Kan-lung (Nine
Dragons), or as it is commonly called, Konloon, is free from the
extreme heat of the capital, being exposed to the southwest monsoon.
The buildings of Victoria, mostly of stone and brick, are greatly
superior to those of the Chinese city. The merchants’ houses are
elegant and spacious, with broad verandas and tasteful gardens.

“Including the Chinese town, Victoria extends for three miles
along the bay, toward which it slopes from the base of the hills. It
is lighted with gas, and supplied with water from an enormous reser-
voir. The main thoroughfare is protected by a massive sea-wall.
The streets are guarded by a strong force of Indian sepoys, and the
natives are not allowed to go abroad after eight o’clock without a
pass. The common mode of street conveyance is by chairs, while
the passage across to Kan-lung is usually effected in sampans or pull-
away boats.”

“Well, I suppose I ought to know something about
Hong Kong from that description,’ Ben said, as Miss
Dunham laid down the book; “but I had a great deal
rather see it than accept any such account.”

“You'll have an opportunity fora hurried glimpse when
you visit the agents, and at some later day, —for of course a
sea-captain as well-known as you will be after this voyage
must necessarily anchor in that port many times in his
life, —you can enjoy yourself to the utmost, for it is a
pleasant place.”

“You have been there before?”