Later, a huge military transport route for Hanchung arrived just Ume te connect witha the empty ferry. The coolles did-not appear over keen, for the machine was just a foot or so short of the total length St the deck and well loaded both with passengers and luggage. Many minor ofiais accompanied by numerous soldiers, armed to the teeth lection "of service rifles. revolvers, pistols and dogyers stood round while one of the men went board the ferry and urged the boatmen promptly to tow upstream preparatory to loading the bus.
The guards were swathed Lendoleers and ammunition belts; the boatmen looked frst at the bus and then at the swiftly Mowing river but eventually they reluctantly hauled their charge till they reached the loading stage when they proceeded to fa sim it scurdy in a very dilatory manner.
To load the bus the punt had to be moored at right angles to the bank in direct opposition to th current, it rocked and swayed dai ger ously while, every now and then, paris of the bank fell with a splash into the river. It was only after a {ood deal of argument on one hand and exhortation on the other, during which time the men disclaimed all responsibility should tha punt cap size, that a scheme was formulated.
The combined brains and elrongth of the party finally resulted in the bus cing unloaded and the driver sell fully brought it to rest in safety fon the ferry amidst the plaudits df the party. Only the bus could cross; the chocks were put in place, the ropes cast off and the crew toiled as the craft swung across to reach the far side with a sickening crunch, It had taken at least two and one halt ours to accomplish, One and a half hours later the] parly and baggage were still on the other side waiting to embark. "They were the frst in the line. Four hours excellent travelling time from Paoki to Tenghsien, a distance of 90 kilometres under normal circumstances, The Postal godown at Paoki packed with mail sacks while cities to the south are giving up all hope of receiving some of their mail; the rains are.bound to be partly responible but there must also be a lack. motor transport for, rain or shine, "he railway is bound to deliver the goods at the appointed time,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.