Some Chinese attribute the latest earthquake shocks to the
water-dragon of Canton, whose anger has been raised by the
reclamation works. Coolies are dumping daily boatloads of sand
and stone on the poor dragon’s back, and the beast naturally
feels hurt.
It appears, however, that the real causes of the earthquakes
were the Macao crabs! Here is the story:
Close by the hot springs in the neighborhood of Macao stands a
small village wherein lives an old woman who has the misfortune
to be the mother of an unworthy young man whose sole occupation
is fishing. A few days previous to the first earthquake shock
experienced in Macao the young man returned home with a couple
of crabs and a few small fish.
Nothing extraordinary was noticed at first, but when the crabs
had been boiled, one of them presented a peculiar appearance, as
on the red background of its shell stood in bold relief a design
in white which resembled a Chinese character.
Neighbors were called, and the wise man of the village soon
explained that it was the king of the crabs that had found its
way into the old woman’s kettle.
Thereupon the village prophet predicted that some great calamity
would visit the unfortunate village.
Meanwhile the crabs of Macao and the neighborhood, having
learned the fate of their king, assembled in great numbers,
filling up every available hole, and started to shake the earth.
Thus was their displeasure at the death of the king crab clearly
shown.
(856)
=East, The, Amazed at Western Achievements=--See INCREDULITY.