198
12
things of the like in respect of the boy. If anything unforeseen happens to the boy, it will be held to be the will of heaven, and no one can gainsay these words. Further, if there should be anything doubtful about the boy's antecedents, this must be cleared up satisfactorily by the vendors and go- between: it is no concern of the buyer. Lest there is no proof of this bargain, this deed of perma- nent sale of the boy is executed, and banded to Mr. C in evidence thereof.
Received from Mr. C the sum of
dollars as nursing money.
(Signed)
B
go-between.
Mrs. B
"
""
A
Witness.
Mrs. A (Finger mark).
Dated
day
moon
year.
D.
+
Copy of the Bill of Sale where the Kaulung' Druggist bought a boy who was decoyed from Canton—See page 33 of Blue-book C. 3185 of 1882,
TRANSLATION.
An absolute deed of gift of a male child aged 13 years is executed by Li-piu, a native of Ko Iu. In consequence of want of maintenance, I at first offered (the child) to my nearest relatives to bring (him) up, which offer, however, was not accepted. Through the introduction of a go-be- tween (I was introduced) to one Lau-pak-cheung, who agreed to rear (the child) and to adopt (him) as (his) nephew. This day $28 at 7.1 as ginger money (compensation) is paid over to Li-piu, who has received it with his own hand for his family expenses, and Lau-pak-cheung will bring him up and use him (as a nephew). On (the child) being handed over there can for ever be no claim whatever.
There is no compulsion or extortion between both parties. For fear of oral words not being sufficient evidence, (this) deed is therefore executed, and is to be retained (by him or her) as proof hereof.
Witnesses to payment,
WONG SHI
CHAN SHI Finger marks. KWAN SHI
The boy's age is 13 years, born at 10 A.M. on the 16th day of the 8th month. Dated 24th day of the 2nd moon in the Ki Mo 5th year of Kwong Sü (ie. 16th March, 1879).
E.
r¢
Form from Vol. 12 of the “ Ka-lai-tai-tsün” or “ Complete Set of Domestic Rites.”
DEED OF SALE OF A SERVANT.
aud wife
hour of
of a daughter, have a daughter named
been born at
day of
the parties executing this deed of sale who is at present years of age, having moon. She has not yet been betrothed
to
to any one. Being poor, and finding it hard to earn our livelihood, and wishing to sell our daughter we have been introduced, through the agency of the go-between who undertakes to purchase her. The price, which is
dollars, has been paid to us this
day, and will be taken to our home to meet our wants. On the same day, the daughter will go over to the house (of the purchaser), who will be at liberty to change her name, use her as a servant, and to betroth her when she is grown-up. If she should abscond, we the said
will co-operate (with the purchaser) in making search for her, and deliver her back (to the purchaser if found). If anything unforeseen should happen to her, such will be held to be the will of Heaven. This is agreed to by both parties. The sum given above is the exact amount paid. This is not a case of giving her up as a set-off against a debt. In future, we cannot avail of any pretext to go back on our words, or redeem her. As a proof (of the transaction), this deed of sale is executed, and handed over (to the purchaser).
Dated
Signed.
The party executing this deed of sale of a daughter.
Signed_
Witness to payment and go-between.
Signed.
Wife who has taken part in the sale
and received the money.