Page:A wandering student in the Far East vol.1 - Zetland.djvu/222

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ACROSS THE HEART OF CHINA.

them. In the event of no one evincing any desire to perform this last rite for them, they would be disposed of without further ceremony by the authorities. Next I gazed into a cell known as the "Tiger's Mouth." On the securely barred door giving access to this dungeon is depicted a roaring tiger with jaws distended. The gaping throat does actually consist of a circular hole in the panel, perhaps 10 inches in diameter, which acts as a small window to the cell. Inside this chamber dwelt such prisoners as were condemned to life sentences, and who would consequently only emerge again dead or to die at the hands of the executioner. They appeared to be quite happy and contented, and were engaged in carrying on a lucrative trade with the outside world as pawnbrokers. One inmate of many years' standing was said to be worth many thousands of taels. Beyond the "Tiger's Mouth" was to be seen a motley collection of minor malefactors, clothed in rags and secured with chains, squatting in unsavoury groups on either side of the gateway. Some were chained together in pairs, and were obliged