I am a little Chinese boy. I was born in the city of Hang-kong, on the 1st of February, 1860. My father was a merchant, and my mother the daughter of a small farmer. I was named Teh-King, which may be translated, Free Contact. My father’s business prospered, and he was able to give me a good education. I was taught to read by my schoolmasters, and I came on to a knowledge of the Four Books, and Five Classics, which are considered as the standard of literary proficiency in China. I was early employed in my father’s business, and I have never been idle. I am now twenty-one years old, and I think I may be considered a practical member of a somewhat practical community.
