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junk was in front of the Nam-pak Hong. He took the junk over to Yaumáti and on evening of 6th set sail for Swatow about 8 o'clock. We got off Lápsápwán about 10 o'clock. There was no wind and we were making very little progress. At Lápsáp- wán a steam launch followed after us, came alongside the junk, lowered a sampan and some men came on board the junk with swords, guns, and muskets. I only saw 3 armed. The prisoners are the men. I recognize all. The 3rd prisoner took a bundle of my clothes, he had a revolver in his waist and a sword in his hand, he took $47 in silver and a pair of shoes. I did not know 3rd prisoner before. I was in the hold; We were in the hold about an hour. I mean by the hold, in the cabin. Saltpetre was in the forehold and some in the after hold. I was a passenger. I don't know how long I was in the cabin. I saw the 3 prisoners go into the hold and take my things. I could see from the cabin. I only saw the 3 prisoners they threatened to kill me and drove me into the hold, I was standing outside of the cabin and they drove me into the hold. The master and crew were driven into the hold, I mean into the large cabin.
When I came out, the saltpetre was gone, the men were gone, the launch was gone, and we sailed back for Sai Ying-pun. I came ashore at daylight to report the matter. I saw a cargo boat on the Praya. I looked into it and saw my saltpetre. I saw the prisoners there; they were in the cargo boat rowing towards the Praya, when I saw saltpetre on board. They went on shore. I recognized them as being men who had robbed me and I followed them. They ran into a shop. I waited for them at the door of the shop. They saw me and got frightened and ran out and called to the people of the cargo boat to row away. The saltpetre was worth about $350. I have no previous knowledge of prisoners. After I was driven into the cabin I could see one of them had a bull's eye lantern.
Cross examined by Mr. FRANCIS:-I live at Ip Yuen in Hongkong on the Praya but don't know the number of the house. I am a travelling trader and have no interest in the shop. I belong to Husan; Chiu Chow district. I have been in Hongkong since last year. I was formerly in Chefoo. I have not done very much business. I have sent some English cargo to Swatow by junk and steamer. When I sent by junk formerly I paid duty. I do not pay duty on sending goods, but when I get goods I pay duty. Duty is paid at Swatow. Sometimes I accompany goods sometimes not. I don't know that there are Chinese Customs stations near Hongkong. I never heard of it. I never heard of an office in Hongkong. I purchased saltpetre from Wing Cheung Tye shop in Hongkong. I bought it on 24th, 9th moon (4th November) I put it on junk on 5th, no mistake about date. I spoke to last witness about engaging junk on several occasions, agreement was made on 4th, first spoke to him don't remember date. It was in the 9th Junk went to Yaumáti 25th 9th moon (5th November), she left Hongkong in the afternoon before sunset. I never saw 3rd defendant before. I do not know if he belongs to shop in Hongkong. He was arrested on the wharf near Hongkong steamers. I saw a man about to run away and called a Constable and arrested him. 3rd prisoner was arrested on the Praya; he was going to run. On night of 27th I saw 1st and 2nd prisoners on board the junk. Depositions read.
moon.
That was the evidence I gave. I did not say I knew 3rd prisoner. I said I had passed his shop several times and knew his shop Kwong Yet Cheong. I said I was locked in cabin and could not see anything. I heard them moving the goods. I said I saw 3rd prisoner come on board first and I saw 1st and 2nd come after him. I might have made a mistake. 3rd prisoner was arrested in the road. It is a mistake to say he was arrested
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