There he asked to see the foreign teacher. Father Somazzo
came into the reception room, and learned to his utter astonishment
that the old Chinaman had called to demand his beloved pupil, little
Peppo. Quietly the priest listened while the old man spoke, then took
a pinch of snuff, and said: "My dear friend, for twelve years we have
had this boy in our care, and have spent much time and money on him,
and now that he is old enough to be of use, you ask us to give him to
you. You are unreasonable. Prove in the court that the child is
yours, and then, that we took him illegally, and you can have him. He
has not been brought up in your religion, as you know, but is a
Christian. We have many plans and hopes for him, and I am sure he will
not care to leave us. Go, and may peace attend you."
"But I am the boy's uncle, and an uncle has paternal power over his
sister's children according to Chinese law. I know the boy by the
birthmark on his wrist," said Lihoa.
"Take your claims into court, and we will settle them there. In the
meantime may peace attend you," repeated the missioner as he left the
man.
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