Page 30 - incense-bearers of han

city of refuge for the terror-stricken burghers of other towns, till property values were

at a high premium and there was considerable concentration of wealth within the
walls. The town had never been attacked.

One day Mr. Hu received a message from the bandit chieftain who had scourged

and bled the whole country. Said he, “The country is a great circle like unto a nether
mill-stone and you are the hub at the center. We have done our will on all four sides
and now we are coming after the hub. If you will pay us two hundred thousand dollars
I will spare you, otherwise we shall attack and it will fare very much harder with

you!”

Deep consternation was spread through the town of Hu. Several of the leaders
came in to confer with Mr. Hu and tremblingly advised that the chieftain‟s demand

should be met.

“I shall do nothing of the kind,” said Mr. Hu. “If we give him two hundred
thousand dollars now, he will demand the same amount or more ten days later. Our

sergeant here will set a watch on the tower and our men shall be kept in constant
readiness on the walls, and I shall tarry each night in the bottom room of the tower
praying to the Lord of Hosts for His care and protection.”

Whereupon Mr. Hu sent word to the bandit chief that he would give him nothing. If
he chose to attack he would find the men of Hu village prepared.

A few nights later an attack was attempted, but the volleys of lead from all parts of

the wall were so disastrous to the bandits that they beat a hasty retreat and decided to
confine their efforts to localities where the competition was less keen.

I was enjoying a wonderful visit in his home, preaching to his people and

discussing the things of God with him each night till the “wee sma‟ hours.”
Particularly did he love to speak of the hope of the near return of Christ. The next day
he said, “I have something to show you!”

I followed him as he called for his servant to get certain keys and then hobbled on
his crutches through several circular gateways and through a series of courtyards.
Presently he stopped before a two-leaved door and ordered the servant to unlock it.
All that could be seen in the room when the doors were thrown open were two coffins.

Of excellent workmanship they were, and finished with the best varnish, but coffins

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