The Yunnanese, Mr.Warry tells me, do not readily speak of the devil for fear he should appear.
On my journey I made it a rule, acting advisedly, to refuse to occupy any other than the best room in the inn, and, if there was only one room, I required that the best bed in the room, as regards elevation, should be given to me.

So, too, at every inn I insisted that the best table should be given me, and, if there were already Chinese seated at it, I gravely bowed to them, and by a wave of my hand signified that it was my pleasure that they should make way for the distinguished stranger.

When there was only the one table, I occupied, as by right, its highest seat, refusing to sit in any other.

I required, indeed, by politeness and firmness, that the Chinese take me at my own valuation.
And they invariably did so.

They always gave way to me.