Held by Chinese Brigands

At night, Hong-Kong’s sampans flicker beneath a China moon; by day, ferry-boats dart among anchored warships “like mice romping in a cage of sleeping tigers.” Into this dazzling gateway strides Hennessy K. Waldron, sure he can “do” South China in six weeks.

In early-twentieth-century China, Waldron joins Sir Thomas Armitage on a journey up the West River to visit an ancient Taoist temple near Pinglo. But the country beyond the harbour is no sightseeing stop: armed brigands haunt the river routes, and their chief, Cheong-Chau, rules through cunning and fear. Waldron is eager to explore, while Sir Thomas knows how little even years in China can teach a visitor. How far will Waldron’s confidence carry him when the journey leaves the safety of Hong-Kong behind?

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