The Wallet of Kai Lung

THE WALLET OF KAI LUNG

By Ernest Bramah

“Ho, illustrious passers-by!” says Kai Lung as he spreads out his

embroidered mat under the mulberry-tree. “It is indeed unlikely

that you could condescend to stop and listen to the foolish words

of such an insignificant and altogether deformed person as myself.

Nevertheless, if you will but retard your elegant footsteps for a

few moments, this exceedingly unprepossessing individual will

endeavour to entertain you.” This is a collection of Kai Lung’s

entertaining tales, told professionally in the market places as he

travelled about; told sometimes to occupy and divert the minds of

his enemies when they were intent on torturing him.

I.

THE TRANSMUTATION OF LING

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The sun had dipped behind the western mountains before Kai Lung, with

twenty li or more still between him and the city of Knei Yang, entered

the camphor-laurel forest which stretched almost to his destination.

No person of consequence ever made the journey unattended; but Kai Lung

professed to have no fear, remarking with extempore wisdom, when warned

at the previous village, that a worthless garment covered one with

better protection than that afforded by an army of bowmen. Nevertheless,

when within the gloomy aisles, Kai Lung more than once wished himself

back at the village, or safely behind the mud walls of Knei Yang; and,

making many vows concerning the amount of prayer-paper which he would

assuredly burn when he was actually through the gates, he stepped

out more quickly, until suddenly, at a turn in the glade, he stopped

altogether, while the watchful expression into which he had unguardedly

dropped at once changed into a mask of impassiveness and extreme

unconcern. From behind the next tree projected a long straight rod, not

unlike a slender bamboo at a distance, but, to Kai Lung’s all-seeing

eye, in reality the barrel of a matchlock, which would come into line

with his breast if he took another step. Being a prudent man, more

accustomed to guile and subservience to destiny than to force, he

therefore waited, spreading out his hands in proof of his peaceful

acquiescence, and smiling cheerfully until it should please the owner

of the weapon to step forth. This the unseen did a moment later, still

keeping his gun in an easy and convenient attitude, revealing a stout

body and a scarred face, which in conjunction made it plain to Kai Lung

that he was in the power of Lin Yi, a noted brigand of whom he had heard

much in the villages.

“O illustrious person,” said Kai Lung very earnestly, “this is evidently

an unfortunate mistake. Doubtless you were expecting some exalted

Mandarin to come and render you homage, and were preparing to overwhelm

him with gratified confusion by escorting him yourself to your

well-appointed abode. Indeed, I passed such a one on the road, very

richly apparelled, who inquired of me the way to the mansion of the

dignified and upright Lin Yi. By this time he is perhaps two or three li

towards the east.”

“However distinguished a Mandarin may be, it is fitting that I should

first attend to one whose manners and accomplishments betray him to be

of the Royal House,” replied Lin Yi, with extreme affability. “Precede

me, therefore, to my mean and uninviting hovel, while I gain more

honour than I can reasonably bear by following closely in your elegant

footsteps, and guarding your Imperial person with this inadequate but

heavily-loaded weapon.”

Seeing no chance of immediate escape, Kai Lung led the way, instructed

by the brigand, along a very difficult and bewildering path, until they

reached a cave hidden among the crags. Here Lin Yi called out some words

in the Miaotze tongue, whereupon a follower appeared, and opened a gate

in the stockade of prickly mimosa which guarded the mouth of the den.

Within the enclosure a fire burned, and food was being prepared. At a

word from the chief, the unfortunate Kai Lung found his hands seized and

tied behind his back, while a second later a rough hemp rope was fixed

round his neck, and the other end tied to an overhanging tree.

Lin Yi smiled pleasantly and critically upon these preparations, and

when they were complete dismissed his follower.

“Now we can converse at our ease and without restraint,” he remarked to

Kai Lung. “It will be a distinguished privilege for a person occupying

the important public position which you undoubtedly do; for myself,

my instincts are so degraded and low-minded that nothing gives me more

gratification than to dispense with ceremony.”

To this Kai Lung made no reply, chiefly because at that moment the wind

swayed the tree, and compelled him to stand on his toes in order to

escape suffocation.

“It would be useless to try to conceal from a person of your inspired

intelligence that I am indeed Lin Yi,” continued the robber. “It is a

dignified position to occupy, and one for which I am quite incompetent.

In the sixth month of the third year ago, it chanced that this unworthy

person, at that time engaged in commercial affairs at Knei Yang, became

inextricably immersed in the insidious delights of quail-fighting.

Having been entrusted with a large number of taels with which to

purchase elephants’ teeth, it suddenly occurred to him that if he

doubled the number of taels by staking them upon an exceedingly powerful

and agile quail, he would be able to purchase twice the number of teeth,

and so benefit his patron to a large extent. This matter was clearly

forced upon his notice by a dream, in which he perceived one whom he

then understood to be the benevolent spirit of an ancestor in the act

of stroking a particular quail, upon whose chances he accordingly

placed all he possessed. Doubtless evil spirits had been employed in the

matter; for, to this person’s great astonishment, the quail in question

failed in a very discreditable manner at the encounter. Unfortunately,

this person had risked not only the money which had been entrusted to

him, but all that he had himself become possessed of by some years of

honourable toil and assiduous courtesy as a professional witness in

law cases. Not doubting that his patron would see that he was himself

greatly to blame in confiding so large a sum of money to a comparatively

young man of whom he knew little, this person placed the matter before

him, at the same time showing him that he would suffer in the eyes of

the virtuous if he did not restore this person’s savings, which but for

the presence of the larger sum, and a generous desire to benefit his

patron, he would never have risked in so uncertain a venture as that of

quail-fighting. Although the facts were laid in the form of a dignified

request instead of a demand by legal means, and the reasoning carefully

drawn up in columns of fine parchment by a very illustrious writer, the

reply which this person received showed him plainly that a wrong view

had been taken of the matter, and that the time had arrived when it

became necessary for him to make a suitable rejoinder by leaving the

city without delay.”

“It was a high-minded and disinterested course to take,” said Kai

Lung with great conviction, as Lin Yi paused. “Without doubt evil will

shortly overtake the avaricious-souled person at Knei Yang.”

“It has already done so,” replied Lin Yi. “While passing through this

forest in the season of Many White Vapours, the spirits of his bad deeds

appeared to him in misleading and symmetrical shapes, and drew him out

of the path and away from his bowmen. After suffering many torments, he

found his way here, where, in spite of our continual care, he perished

miserably and in great bodily pain.... But I cannot conceal from

myself, in spite of your distinguished politeness, that I am becoming

intolerably tiresome with my commonplace talk.”

“On the contrary,” replied Kai Lung, “while listening to your voice I

seemed to hear the beating of many gongs of the finest and most polished

brass. I floated in the Middle Air, and for the time I even became

unconscious of the fact that this honourable appendage, though

fashioned, as I perceive, out of the most delicate silk, makes it

exceedingly difficult for me to breathe.”

“Such a thing cannot be permitted,” exclaimed Lin Yi, with some

indignation, as with his own hands he slackened the rope and, taking it

from Kai Lung’s neck, fastened it around his ankle. “Now, in return for

my uninviting confidences, shall not my senses be gladdened by a recital

of the titles and honours borne by your distinguished family? Doubtless,

at this moment many Mandarins of the highest degree are anxiously

awaiting your arrival at Knei Yang, perhaps passing the time by outdoing

one another in protesting the number of taels each would give rather

than permit you to be tormented by fire-brands, or even to lose a single

ear.”

“Alas!” replied Kai Lung, “never was there a truer proverb than that

which says, ‘It is a mark of insincerity of purpose to spend one’s

time in looking for the sacred Emperor in the low-class tea-shops.’

Do Mandarins or the friends of Mandarins travel in mean garments and

unattended? Indeed, the person who is now before you is none other than

the outcast Kai Lung, the story-teller, one of degraded habits and no

very distinguished or reputable ancestors. His friends are few, and

mostly of the criminal class; his wealth is not more than some six or

eight cash, concealed in his left sandal; and his entire stock-in-trade

consists of a few unendurable and badly told stories, to which, however,

it is his presumptuous intention shortly to add a dignified narrative

of the high-born Lin Yi, setting out his domestic virtues and the

honour which he has reflected upon his house, his valour in war, the

destruction of his enemies, and, above all, his great benevolence and

the protection which he extends to the poor and those engaged in the

distinguished arts.”

“The absence of friends is unfortunate,” said Lin Yi thoughtfully, after

he had possessed himself of the coins indicated by Kai Lung, and also

of a much larger amount concealed elsewhere among the story-teller’s

clothing. “My followers are mostly outlawed Miaotze, who have been

driven from their own tribes in Yun Nan for man-eating and disregarding

the sacred laws of hospitality. They are somewhat rapacious, and in this

way it has become a custom that they should have as their own, for

the purpose of exchanging for money, persons such as yourself, whose

insatiable curiosity has led them to this place.”

“The wise and all-knowing Emperor Fohy instituted three degrees of

attainment: Being poor, to obtain justice; being rich, to escape

flattery; and being human, to avoid the passions,” replied Kai Lung.

“To these the practical and enlightened Kang added yet another, the

greatest: Being lean, to yield fatness.”

“In such cases,” observed the brigand, “the Miaotze keep an honoured and

very venerable rite, which chiefly consists in suspending the offender

by a pigtail from a low tree, and placing burning twigs of hemp-palm

between his toes. To this person it seems a foolish and meaningless

habit; but it would not be well to interfere with their religious

observances, however trivial they may appear.”

“Such a course must inevitably end in great loss,” suggested Kai Lung;

“for undoubtedly there are many poor yet honourable persons who would

leave with them a bond for a large number of taels and save the money

with which to redeem it, rather than take part in a ceremony which is

not according to one’s own Book of Rites.”

“They have already suffered in that way on one or two occasions,”

replied Lin Yi; “so that such a proposal, no matter how nobly intended,

would not gladden their faces. Yet they are simple and docile persons,

and would, without doubt, be moved to any feeling you should desire by

the recital of one of your illustrious stories.”

“An intelligent and discriminating assemblage is more to a story-teller

than much reward of cash from hands that conceal open mouths,” replied

Kai Lung with great feeling. “Nothing would confer more pleasurable

agitation upon this unworthy person than an opportunity of narrating

his entire stock to them. If also the accomplished Lin Yi would bestow

renown upon the occasion by his presence, no omen of good would be

wanting.”

“The pleasures of the city lie far behind me,” said Lin Yi, after

some thought, “and I would cheerfully submit myself to an intellectual

accomplishment such as you are undoubtedly capable of. But as we have

necessity to leave this spot before the hour when the oak-leaves change

into night-moths, one of your amiable stories will be the utmost we can

strengthen our intellects with. Select which you will. In the meantime,

food will be brought to refresh you after your benevolent exertions

in conversing with a person of my vapid understanding. When you have

partaken, or thrown it away as utterly unendurable, the time will have

arrived, and this person, together with all his accomplices, will put

themselves in a position to be subjected to all the most dignified

emotions.”

CHAPTER II

“The story which I have selected for this gratifying occasion,” said Kai

Lung, when, an hour or so later, still pinioned, but released from the

halter, he sat surrounded by the brigands, “is entitled ‘Good and

Evil,’ and it is concerned with the adventures of one Ling, who bore the

honourable name of Ho. The first, and indeed the greater, part of

the narrative, as related by the venerable and accomplished writer

of history Chow-Tan, is taken up by showing how Ling was assuredly

descended from an enlightened Emperor of the race of Tsin; but as the

no less omniscient Ta-lin-hi proves beyond doubt that the person in

question was in no way connected with any but a line of hereditary

ape-worshippers, who entered China from an unknown country many

centuries ago, it would ill become this illiterate person to express

an opinion on either side, and he will in consequence omit the first

seventeen books of the story, and only deal with the three which refer

to the illustrious Ling himself.”

THE STORY OF LING

Narrated by Kai Lung when a prisoner in the camp of Lin Yi.

Ling was the youngest of three sons, and from his youth upwards proved

to be of a mild and studious disposition. Most of his time was spent in

reading the sacred books, and at an early age he found the worship of

apes to be repulsive to his gentle nature, and resolved to break through

the venerable traditions of his family by devoting his time to literary

pursuits, and presenting himself for the public examinations at Canton.

In this his resolution was strengthened by a rumour that an army of

bowmen was shortly to be raised from the Province in which he lived,

so that if he remained he would inevitably be forced into an occupation

which was even more distasteful to him than the one he was leaving.

Having arrived at Canton, Ling’s first care was to obtain particulars of

the examinations, which he clearly perceived, from the unusual

activity displayed on all sides, to be near at hand. On inquiring from

passers-by, he received very conflicting information; for the persons to

whom he spoke were themselves entered for the competition, and therefore

naturally misled him in order to increase their own chances of success.

Perceiving this, Ling determined to apply at once, although the light

was past, to a Mandarin who was concerned in the examinations, lest by

delay he should lose his chance for the year.

“It is an unfortunate event that so distinguished a person should have

selected this day and hour on which to overwhelm us with his affable

politeness!” exclaimed the porter at the gate of the Yamen, when Ling

had explained his reason for going. “On such a day, in the reign of the

virtuous Emperor Hoo Chow, a very benevolent and unassuming ancestor of

my good lord the Mandarin was destroyed by treachery, and ever since his

family has observed the occasion by fasting and no music. This person

would certainly be punished with death if he entered the inner room from

any cause.”

At these words, Ling, who had been simply brought up, and chiefly in the

society of apes, was going away with many expressions of self-reproach

at selecting such a time, when the gate-keeper called him back.

“I am overwhelmed with confusion at the position in which I find

myself,” he remarked, after he had examined his mind for a short time.

“I may meet with an ungraceful and objectionable death if I carry out

your estimable instructions, but I shall certainly merit and receive

a similar fate if I permit so renowned and versatile a person to leave

without a fitting reception. In such matters a person can only trust to

the intervention of good spirits; if, therefore, you will permit this

unworthy individual to wear, while making the venture, the ring which he

perceives upon your finger, and which he recognizes as a very powerful

charm against evil, misunderstandings, and extortion, he will go without

fear.”

Overjoyed at the amiable porter’s efforts on his behalf, Ling did as he

was desired, and the other retired. Presently the door of the Yamen was

opened by an attendant of the house, and Ling bidden to enter. He

was covered with astonishment to find that this person was entirely

unacquainted with his name or purpose.

“Alas!” said the attendant, when Ling had explained his object, “well

said the renowned and inspired Ting Fo, ‘When struck by a thunderbolt it

is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to the precise meaning

of the omen.’ At this moment my noble-minded master is engaged in

conversation with all the most honourable and refined persons in Canton,

while singers and dancers of a very expert and nimble order have been

sent for. The entertainment will undoubtedly last far into the night,

and to present myself even with the excuse of your graceful and delicate

inquiry would certainly result in very objectionable consequences to

this person.”

“It is indeed a day of unprepossessing circumstances,” replied Ling,

and after many honourable remarks concerning his own intellect and

appearance, and those of the person to whom he was speaking, he had

turned to leave when the other continued:

“Ever since your dignified presence illumined this very ordinary

chamber, this person has been endeavouring to bring to his mind an

incident which occurred to him last night while he slept. Now it has

come back to him with a diamond clearness, and he is satisfied that it

was as follows: While he floated in the Middle Air a benevolent spirit

in the form of an elderly and toothless vampire appeared, leading by

the hand a young man, of elegant personality. Smiling encouragingly upon

this person, the spirit said, ‘O Fou, recipient of many favours from

Mandarins and of innumerable taels from gratified persons whom you have

obliged, I am, even at this moment, guiding this exceptional young man

towards your presence; when he arrives do not hesitate, but do as he

desires, no matter how great the danger seems or how inadequately you

may appear to be rewarded on earth.’ The vision then melted, but I now

clearly perceive that with the exception of the embroidered cloak which

you wear, you are the person thus indicated to me. Remove your cloak,

therefore, in order to give the amiable spirit no opportunity of denying

the fact, and I will advance your wishes; for, as the Book of Verses

indicates, ‘The person who patiently awaits a sign from the clouds

for many years, and yet fails to notice the earthquake at his feet, is

devoid of intellect.’”

Convinced that he was assuredly under the especial protection of the

Deities, and that the end of his search was in view, Ling gave his rich

cloak to the attendant, and was immediately shown into another room,

where he was left alone.

After a considerable space of time the door opened and there entered a

person whom Ling at first supposed to be the Mandarin. Indeed, he was

addressing him by his titles when the other interrupted him. “Do not

distress your incomparable mind by searching for honourable names

to apply to so inferior a person as myself,” he said agreeably. “The

mistake is, nevertheless, very natural; for, however miraculous it may

appear, this unseemly individual, who is in reality merely a writer of

spoken words, is admitted to be exceedingly like the dignified Mandarin

himself, though somewhat stouter, clad in better garments, and, it is

said, less obtuse of intellect. This last matter he very much doubts,

for he now finds himself unable to recognize by name one who is

undoubtedly entitled to wear the Royal Yellow.”

With this encouragement Ling once more explained his position, narrating

the events which had enabled him to reach the second chamber of the

Yamen. When he had finished the secretary was overpowered with a

high-minded indignation.

“Assuredly those depraved and rapacious persons who have both misled and

robbed you shall suffer bow-stringing when the whole matter is brought

to light,” he exclaimed. “The noble Mandarin neither fasts nor receives

guests, for, indeed, he has slept since the sun went down. This person

would unhesitatingly break his slumber for so commendable a purpose were

it not for a circumstance of intolerable unavoidableness. It must not

even be told in a low breath beyond the walls of the Yamen, but my

benevolent and high-born lord is in reality a person of very miserly

instinct, and nothing will call him from his natural sleep but the sound

of taels shaken beside his bed. In an unexpected manner it comes about

that this person is quite unsupplied with anything but thin printed

papers of a thousand taels each, and these are quite useless for the

purpose.”

“It is unendurable that so obliging a person should be put to such

inconvenience on behalf of one who will certainly become a public

laughing-stock at the examinations,” said Ling, with deep feeling; and

taking from a concealed spot in his garments a few taels, he placed them

before the secretary for the use he had indicated.

Ling was again left alone for upwards of two strokes of the gong, and

was on the point of sleep when the secretary returned with an expression

of dignified satisfaction upon his countenance. Concluding that he

had been successful in the manner of awakening the Mandarin, Ling was

opening his mouth for a polite speech, which should contain a delicate

allusion to the taels, when the secretary warned him, by affecting a

sudden look of terror, that silence was exceedingly desirable, and at

the same time opened another door and indicated to Ling that he should

pass through.

In the next room Ling was overjoyed to find himself in the presence

of the Mandarin, who received him graciously, and paid many estimable

compliments to the name he bore and the country from which he came.

When at length Ling tore himself from this enchanting conversation, and

explained the reason of his presence, the Mandarin at once became a prey

to the whitest and most melancholy emotions, even plucking two hairs

from his pigtail to prove the extent and conscientiousness of his grief.

“Behold,” he cried at length, “I am resolved that the extortionate and

many-handed persons at Peking who have control of the examination rites

and customs shall no longer grow round-bodied without remark. This

person will unhesitatingly proclaim the true facts of the case without

regarding the danger that the versatile Chancellor or even the sublime

Emperor himself may, while he speaks, be concealed in some part of this

unassuming room to hear his words; for, as it is wisely said, ‘When

marked out by destiny, a person will assuredly be drowned, even though

he passes the whole of his existence among the highest branches of a

date tree.’”

“I am overwhelmed that I should be the cause of such an engaging display

of polished agitation,” said Ling, as the Mandarin paused. “If it would

make your own stomach less heavy, this person will willingly follow your

estimable example, either with or without knowing the reason.”

“The matter is altogether on your account, O most unobtrusive young

man,” replied the Mandarin, when a voice without passion was restored

to him. “It tears me internally with hooks to reflect that you, whose

refined ancestors I might reasonably have known had I passed my youth

in another Province, should be victim to the cupidity of the ones in

authority at Peking. A very short time before you arrived there came a

messenger in haste from those persons, clearly indicating that a legal

toll of sixteen taels was to be made on each printed paper setting forth

the time and manner of the examinations, although, as you may see, the

paper is undoubtedly marked, ‘Persons are given notice that they are

defrauded of any sum which they may be induced to exchange for this

matter.’ Furthermore, there is a legal toll of nine taels on all persons

who have previously been examined--”

“I am happily escaped from that,” exclaimed Ling with some satisfaction

as the Mandarin paused.

“--and twelve taels on all who present themselves for the first time.

This is to be delivered over when the paper is purchased, so that you,

by reason of this unworthy proceeding at Peking, are required to forward

to that place, through this person, no less than thirty-two taels.”

“It is a circumstance of considerable regret,” replied Ling; “for had

I only reached Canton a day earlier, I should, it appears, have avoided

this evil.”

“Undoubtedly it would have been so,” replied the Mandarin, who had

become engrossed in exalted meditation. “However,” he continued a

moment later, as he bowed to Ling with an accomplished smile, “it

would certainly be a more pleasant thought for a person of your refined

intelligence that had you delayed until to-morrow the insatiable persons

at Peking might be demanding twice the amount.”

Pondering the deep wisdom of this remark, Ling took his departure; but

in spite of the most assiduous watchfulness he was unable to discern any

of the three obliging persons to whose efforts his success had been due.

CHAPTER III

It was very late when Ling again reached the small room which he had

selected as soon as he reached Canton, but without waiting for food or

sleep he made himself fully acquainted with the times of the forthcoming

examinations and the details of the circumstances connected with them.

With much satisfaction he found that he had still a week in which to

revive his intellect on the most difficult subjects. Having become

relieved on these points, Ling retired for a few hours’ sleep, but rose

again very early, and gave the whole day with great steadfastness to

contemplation of the sacred classics Y-King, with the exception of a

short period spent in purchasing ink, brushes and writing-leaves. The

following day, having become mentally depressed through witnessing

unaccountable hordes of candidates thronging the streets of Canton,

Ling put aside his books, and passed the time in visiting all the most

celebrated tombs in the neighbourhood of the city. Lightened in mind

by this charitable and agreeable occupation, he returned to his studies

with a fixed resolution, nor did he again falter in his purpose. On the

evening of the examination, when he was sitting alone, reading by the

aid of a single light, as his custom was, a person arrived to see him,

at the same time manifesting a considerable appearance of secrecy

and reserve. Inwardly sighing at the interruption, Ling nevertheless

received him with distinguished consideration and respect, setting tea

before him, and performing towards it many honourable actions with his

own hands. Not until some hours had sped in conversation relating to

the health of the Emperor, the unexpected appearance of a fiery dragon

outside the city, and the insupportable price of opium, did the visitor

allude to the object of his presence.

“It has been observed,” he remarked, “that the accomplished Ling, who

aspires to a satisfactory rank at the examinations, has never before

made the attempt. Doubtless in this case a preternatural wisdom will

avail much, and its fortunate possessor will not go unrewarded. Yet

it is as precious stones among ashes for one to triumph in such

circumstances.”

“The fact is known to this person,” replied Ling sadly, “and the thought

of the years he may have to wait before he shall have passed even the

first degree weighs down his soul with bitterness from time to time.”

“It is no infrequent thing for men of accomplished perseverance, but

merely ordinary intellects, to grow venerable within the four walls

of the examination cell,” continued the other. “Some, again, become

afflicted with various malignant evils, while not a few, chiefly those

who are presenting themselves for the first time, are so overcome on

perceiving the examination paper, and understanding the inadequate

nature of their own accomplishments, that they become an easy prey to

the malicious spirits which are ever on the watch in those places; and,

after covering their leaves with unpresentable remarks and drawings

of men and women of distinguished rank, have at length to be forcibly

carried away by the attendants and secured with heavy chains.”

“Such things undoubtedly exist,” agreed Ling; “yet by a due regard paid

to spirits, both good and bad, a proper esteem for one’s ancestors, and

a sufficiency of charms about the head and body, it is possible to be

closeted with all manner of demons and yet to suffer no evil.”

“It is undoubtedly possible to do so, according to the Immortal

Principles,” admitted the stranger; “but it is not an undertaking in

which a refined person would take intelligent pleasure; as the proverb

says, ‘He is a wise and enlightened suppliant who seeks to discover

an honourable Mandarin, but he is a fool who cries out, “I have found

one.”’ However, it is obvious that the reason of my visit is understood,

and that your distinguished confidence in yourself is merely a graceful

endeavour to obtain my services for a less amount of taels than I should

otherwise have demanded. For half the usual sum, therefore, this person

will take your place in the examination cell, and enable your versatile

name to appear in the winning lists, while you pass your moments in

irreproachable pleasures elsewhere.”

Such a course had never presented itself to Ling. As the person who

narrates this story has already marked, he had passed his life beyond

the influence of the ways and manners of towns, and at the same time

he had naturally been endowed with an unobtrusive highmindedness. It

appeared to him, in consequence, that by accepting this engaging offer

he would be placing those who were competing with him at a disadvantage.

This person clearly sees that it is a difficult matter for him to

explain how this could be, as Ling would undoubtedly reward the services

of the one who took his place, nor would the number of the competitors

be in any way increased; yet in such a way the thing took shape before

his eyes. Knowing, however, that few persons would be able to understand

this action, and being desirous of not injuring the estimable emotions

of the obliging person who had come to him, Ling made a number of

polished excuses in declining, hiding the true reason within himself. In

this way he earned the powerful malignity of the person in question,

who would not depart until he had effected a number of very disagreeable

prophecies connected with unpropitious omens and internal torments, all

of which undoubtedly had a great influence on Ling’s life beyond that

time.

Each day of the examination found Ling alternately elated or depressed,

according to the length and style of the essay which he had written

while enclosed in his solitary examination cell. The trials each lasted

a complete day, and long before the fifteen days which composed the full

examination were passed, Ling found himself half regretting that he had

not accepted his visitor’s offer, or even reviling the day on which he

had abandoned the hereditary calling of his ancestors. However, when,

after all was over, he came to deliberate with himself on his chances of

attaining a degree, he could not disguise from his own mind that he had

well-formed hopes; he was not conscious of any undignified errors, and,

in reply to several questions, he had been able to introduce

curious knowledge which he possessed by means of his exceptional

circumstances--knowledge which it was unlikely that any other candidate

would have been able to make himself master of.

At length the day arrived on which the results were to be made public;

and Ling, together with all the other competitors and many distinguished

persons, attended at the great Hall of Intellectual Coloured Lights

to hear the reading of the lists. Eight thousand candidates had been

examined, and from this number less than two hundred were to be selected

for appointments. Amid a most distinguished silence the winning names

were read out. Waves of most undignified but inevitable emotion passed

over those assembled as the list neared its end, and the chances of

success became less at each spoken word; and then, finding that his

was not among them, together with the greater part of those present, he

became a prey to very inelegant thoughts, which were not lessened by the

refined cries of triumph of the successful persons. Among this confusion

the one who had read the lists was observed to be endeavouring to make

his voice known, whereupon, in the expectation that he had omitted a

name, the tumult was quickly subdued by those who again had pleasurable

visions.

“There was among the candidates one of the name of Ling,” said he, when

no-noise had been obtained. “The written leaves produced by this person

are of a most versatile and conflicting order, so that, indeed, the

accomplished examiners themselves are unable to decide whether they

are very good or very bad. In this matter, therefore, it is clearly

impossible to place the expert and inimitable Ling among the foremost,

as his very uncertain success may have been brought about with the

assistance of evil spirits; nor would it be safe to pass over his

efforts without reward, as he may be under the protection of powerful

but exceedingly ill-advised deities. The estimable Ling is told to

appear again at this place after the gong has been struck three times,

when the matter will have been looked at from all round.”

At this announcement there arose another great tumult, several crying

out that assuredly their written leaves were either very good or very

bad; but no further proclamation was made, and very soon the hall was

cleared by force.

At the time stated Ling again presented himself at the Hall, and was

honourably received.

“The unusual circumstances of the matter have already been put forth,”

said an elderly Mandarin of engaging appearance, “so that nothing

remains to be made known except the end of our despicable efforts to

come to an agreeable conclusion. In this we have been made successful,

and now desire to notify the result. A very desirable and not

unremunerative office, rarely bestowed in this manner, is lately vacant,

and taking into our minds the circumstances of the event, and the fact

that Ling comes from a Province very esteemed for the warlike instincts

of its inhabitants, we have decided to appoint him commander of the

valiant and blood-thirsty band of archers now stationed at Si-chow, in

the Province of Hu-Nan. We have spoken. Let three guns go off in honour

of the noble and invincible Ling, now and henceforth a commander in

the ever-victorious Army of the Sublime Emperor, brother of the Sun and

Moon, and Upholder of the Four Corners of the World.”

CHAPTER IV

Many hours passed before Ling, now more downcast in mind than the most

unsuccessful student in Canton, returned to his room and sought his

couch of dried rushes. All his efforts to have his distinguished

appointment set aside had been without avail, and he had been ordered to

reach Si-chow within a week. As he passed through the streets, elegant

processions in honour of the winners met him at every corner, and drove

him into the outskirts for the object of quietness. There he remained

until the beating of paper drums and the sound of exulting voices could

be heard no more; but even when he returned lanterns shone in many

dwellings, for two hundred persons were composing verses, setting forth

their renown and undoubted accomplishments, ready to affix to their

doors and send to friends on the next day. Not giving any portion of

his mind to this desirable act of behaviour, Ling flung himself upon the

floor, and, finding sleep unattainable, plunged himself into profound

meditation of a very uninviting order. “Without doubt,” he exclaimed,

“evil can only arise from evil, and as this person has always

endeavoured to lead a life in which his devotions have been equally

divided between the sacred Emperor, his illustrious parents, and his

venerable ancestors, the fault cannot lie with him. Of the excellence of

his parents he has full knowledge; regarding the Emperor, it might

not be safe to conjecture. It is therefore probable that some of his

ancestors were persons of abandoned manner and inelegant habits, to

worship whom results in evil rather than good. Otherwise, how could it

be that one whose chief delight lies in the passive contemplation of the

Four Books and the Five Classics, should be selected by destiny to fill

a position calling for great personal courage and an aggressive nature?

Assuredly it can only end in a mean and insignificant death, perhaps not

even followed by burial.”

In this manner of thought he fell asleep, and after certain very base

and impressive dreams, from which good omens were altogether absent, he

awoke, and rose to begin his preparations for leaving the city. After

two days spent chiefly in obtaining certain safeguards against treachery

and the bullets of foemen, purchasing opium and other gifts with

which to propitiate the soldiers under his charge, and in consulting

well-disposed witches and readers of the future, he set out, and by

travelling in extreme discomfort, reached Si-chow within five days.

During his journey he learned that the entire Province was engaged in

secret rebellion, several towns, indeed, having declared against

the Imperial army without reserve. Those persons to whom Ling spoke

described the rebels, with respectful admiration, as fierce and

unnaturally skilful in all methods of fighting, revengeful and merciless

towards their enemies, very numerous and above the ordinary height of

human beings, and endowed with qualities which made their skin capable

of turning aside every kind of weapon. Furthermore, he was assured that

a large band of the most abandoned and best trained was at that moment

in the immediate neighbourhood of Si-chow.

Ling was not destined long to remain in any doubt concerning the truth

of these matters, for as he made his way through a dark cypress wood,

a few li from the houses of Si-chow, the sounds of a confused outcry

reached his ears, and on stepping aside to a hidden glade some distance

from the path, he beheld a young and elegant maiden of incomparable

beauty being carried away by two persons of most repulsive and

undignified appearance, whose dress and manner clearly betrayed them to

be rebels of the lowest and worst-paid type. At this sight Ling became

possessed of feelings of a savage yet agreeable order, which until

that time he had not conjectured to have any place within his mind, and

without even pausing to consider whether the planets were in favourable

positions for the enterprise to be undertaken at that time, he drew his

sword, and ran forward with loud cries. Unsettled in their intentions

at this unexpected action, the two persons turned and advanced upon Ling

with whirling daggers, discussing among themselves whether it would be

better to kill him at the first blow or to take him alive, and, when

the day had become sufficiently cool for the full enjoyment of the

spectacle, submit him to various objectionable tortures of so degraded a

nature that they were rarely used in the army of the Emperor except upon

the persons of barbarians. Observing that the maiden was not bound, Ling

cried out to her to escape and seek protection within the town, adding,

with a magnanimous absence of vanity:

“Should this person chance to fall, the repose which the presence of

so lovely and graceful a being would undoubtedly bring to his departing

spirit would be out-balanced by the unendurable thought that his

commonplace efforts had not been sufficient to save her from the two

evilly-disposed individuals who are, as he perceives, at this moment,

neglecting no means within their power to accomplish his destruction.”

Accepting the discernment of these words, the maiden fled, first

bestowing a look upon Ling which clearly indicated an honourable regard

for himself, a high-minded desire that the affair might end profitably

on his account, and an amiable hope that they should meet again, when

these subjects could be expressed more clearly between them.

In the meantime Ling had become at a disadvantage, for the time occupied

in speaking and in making the necessary number of bows in reply to

her entrancing glance had given the other persons an opportunity

of arranging their charms and sacred written sentences to greater

advantage, and of occupying the most favourable ground for the

encounter. Nevertheless, so great was the force of the new emotion which

had entered into Ling’s nature that, without waiting to consider the

dangers or the best method of attack, he rushed upon them, waving his

sword with such force that he appeared as though surrounded by a circle

of very brilliant fire. In this way he reached the rebels, who both fell

unexpectedly at one blow, they, indeed, being under the impression that

the encounter had not commenced in reality, and that Ling was merely

menacing them in order to inspire their minds with terror and raise his

own spirits. However much he regretted this act of the incident which

he had been compelled to take, Ling could not avoid being filled with

intellectual joy at finding that his own charms and omens were more

distinguished than those possessed by the rebels, none of whom, as he

now plainly understood, he need fear.

Examining these things within his mind, and reflecting on the events

of the past few days, by which he had been thrown into a class of

circumstances greatly differing from anything which he had ever sought,

Ling continued his journey, and soon found himself before the southern

gate of Si-chow. Entering the town, he at once formed the resolution of

going before the Mandarin for Warlike Deeds and Arrangements, so that he

might present, without delay, the papers and seals which he had brought

with him from Canton.

“The noble Mandarin Li Keen?” replied the first person to whom Ling

addressed himself. “It would indeed be a difficult and hazardous

conjecture to make concerning his sacred person. By chance he is in the

strongest and best-concealed cellar in Si-chow, unless the sumptuous

attractions of the deepest dry well have induced him to make a short

journey”; and, with a look of great unfriendliness at Ling’s dress and

weapons, this person passed on.

“Doubtless he is fighting single-handed against the armed men by whom

the place is surrounded,” said another; “or perhaps he is constructing

an underground road from the Yamen to Peking, so that we may all escape

when the town is taken. All that can be said with certainty is that the

Heaven-sent and valorous Mandarin has not been seen outside the walls of

his well-fortified residence since the trouble arose; but, as you carry

a sword of conspicuous excellence, you will doubtless be welcome.”

Upon making a third attempt Ling was more successful, for he inquired

of an aged woman, who had neither a reputation for keen and polished

sentences to maintain, nor any interest in the acts of the Mandarin

or of the rebels. From her he learned how to reach the Yamen, and

accordingly turned his footsteps in that direction. When at length

he arrived at the gate, Ling desired his tablets to be carried to the

Mandarin with many expressions of an impressive and engaging nature,

nor did he neglect to reward the porter. It was therefore with the

expression of a misunderstanding mind that he received a reply setting

forth that Li Keen was unable to receive him. In great doubt he

prevailed upon the porter, by means of a still larger reward, again to

carry in his message, and on this occasion an answer in this detail was

placed before him.

“Li Keen,” he was informed, “is indeed awaiting the arrival of one Ling,

a noble and valiant Commander of Bowmen. He is given to understand,

it is true, that a certain person claiming the same honoured name is

standing in somewhat undignified attitudes at the gate, but he is unable

in any way to make these two individuals meet within his intellect. He

would further remind all persons that the refined observances laid down

by the wise and exalted Board of Rites and Ceremonies have a marked and

irreproachable significance when the country is in a state of disorder,

the town surrounded by rebels, and every breathing-space of time of more

than ordinary value.”

Overpowered with becoming shame at having been connected with so

unseemly a breach of civility, for which his great haste had in reality

been accountable, Ling hastened back into the town, and spent many hours

endeavouring to obtain a chair of the requisite colour in which to

visit the Mandarin. In this he was unsuccessful, until it was at length

suggested to him that an ordinary chair, such as stood for hire in the

streets of Si-chow, would be acceptable if covered with blue paper.

Still in some doubt as to what the nature of his reception would be,

Ling had no choice but to take this course, and accordingly he again

reached the Yamen in such a manner, carried by two persons whom he had

obtained for the purpose. While yet hardly at the residence a salute was

suddenly fired; all the gates and doors were, without delay, thrown open

with embarrassing and hospitable profusion, and the Mandarin himself

passed out, and would have assisted Ling to step down from his chair

had not that person, clearly perceiving that such a course would be

too great an honour, evaded him by an unobtrusive display of versatile

dexterity. So numerous and profound were the graceful remarks which each

made concerning the habits and accomplishments of the other that more

than the space of an hour was passed in traversing the small enclosed

ground which led up to the principal door of the Yamen. There an almost

greater time was agreeably spent, both Ling and the Mandarin having

determined that the other should enter first. Undoubtedly Ling, who

was the more powerful of the two, would have conferred this courteous

distinction upon Li Keen had not that person summoned to his side

certain attendants who succeeded in frustrating Ling in his high-minded

intentions, and in forcing him through the doorway in spite of his

conscientious protests against the unsurmountable obligation under which

the circumstance placed him.

Conversing in this intellectual and dignified manner, the strokes of

the gong passed unheeded; tea had been brought into their presence many

times, and night had fallen before the Mandarin allowed Ling to refer

to the matter which had brought him to the place, and to present his

written papers and seals.

“It is a valuable privilege to have so intelligent a person as the

illustrious Ling occupying this position,” remarked the Mandarin, as he

returned the papers; “and not less so on account of the one who

preceded him proving himself to be a person of feeble attainments and an

unendurable deficiency of resource.”

“To one with the all-knowing Li Keen’s mental acquisitions, such a

person must indeed have become excessively offensive,” replied Ling

delicately; “for, as it is truly said, ‘Although there exist many

thousand subjects for elegant conversation, there are persons who cannot

meet a cripple without talking about feet.’”

“He to whom I have referred was such a one,” said Li Keen, appreciating

with an expression of countenance the fitness of Ling’s proverb. “He was

totally inadequate to the requirements of his position; for he possessed

no military knowledge, and was placed in command by those at Peking as

a result of his taking a high place at one of the examinations. But more

than this, although his three years of service were almost completed,

I was quite unsuccessful in convincing him that an unseemly degradation

probably awaited him unless he could furnish me with the means with

which to propitiate the persons in authority at Peking. This he

neglected to do with obstinate pertinacity, which compelled this person

to inquire within himself whether one of so little discernment could be

trusted with an important and arduous office. After much deliberation,

this person came to the decision that the Commander in question was not

a fit person, and he therefore reported him to the Imperial Board

of Punishment at Peking as one subject to frequent and periodical

eccentricities, and possessed of less than ordinary intellect. In

consequence of this act of justice, the Commander was degraded to the

rank of common bowman, and compelled to pay a heavy fine in addition.”

“It was a just and enlightened conclusion of the affair,” said Ling, in

spite of a deep feeling of no enthusiasm, “and one which surprisingly

bore out your own prophecy in the matter.”

“It was an inspired warning to persons who should chance to be in a like

position at any time,” replied Li Keen. “So grasping and corrupt are

those who control affairs in Peking that I have no doubt they would

scarcely hesitate in debasing even one so immaculate as the exceptional

Ling, and placing him in some laborious and ill-paid civil department

should he not accede to their extortionate demands.”

This suggestion did not carry with it the unpleasurable emotions which

the Mandarin anticipated it would. The fierce instincts which had been

aroused within Ling by the incident in the cypress wood had died out,

while his lamentable ignorance of military affairs was ever before his

mind. These circumstances, together with his naturally gentle habits,

made him regard such a degradation rather favourably than otherwise.

He was meditating within himself whether he could arrange such a course

without delay when the Mandarin continued:

“That, however, is a possibility which is remote to the extent of at

least two or three years; do not, therefore, let so unpleasing a thought

cast darkness upon your brows or remove the unparalleled splendour of

so refined an occasion... Doubtless the accomplished Ling is a master of

the art of chess-play, for many of our most thoughtful philosophers have

declared war to be nothing but such a game; let this slow-witted and

cumbersome person have an opportunity, therefore, of polishing his

declining facilities by a pleasant and dignified encounter.”

CHAPTER V

On the next day, having completed his business at the Yamen, Ling left

the town, and without desiring any ceremony quietly betook himself to

his new residence within the camp, which was situated among the millet

fields some distance from Si-chow. As soon as his presence became known

all those who occupied positions of command, and whose years of service

would shortly come to an end, hastened to present themselves before

him, bringing with them offerings according to the rank they held, they

themselves requiring a similar service from those beneath them. First

among these, and next in command to Ling himself, was the Chief of

Bowmen, a person whom Ling observed with extreme satisfaction to be very

powerful in body and possessing a strong and dignified countenance

which showed unquestionable resolution and shone with a tiger-like

tenaciousness of purpose.

“Undoubtedly,” thought Ling, as he observed this noble and prepossessing

person, “here is one who will be able to assist me in whatever

perplexities may arise. Never was there an individual who seemed more

worthy to command and lead; assuredly to him the most intricate and

prolonged military positions will be an enjoyment; the most crafty

stratagems of the enemy as the full moon rising from behind a screen

of rushes. Without making any pretence of knowledge, this person will

explain the facts of the case to him and place himself without limit in

his hands.”

For this purpose he therefore detained the Chief of Bowmen when the

others departed, and complimented him, with many expressive phrases, on

the excellence of his appearance, as the thought occurred to him that

by this means, without disclosing the full measure of his ignorance, the

person in question might be encouraged to speak unrestrainedly of the

nature of his exploits, and perchance thereby explain the use of the

appliances employed and the meaning of the various words of order,

in all of which details the Commander was as yet most disagreeably

imperfect. In this, however, he was disappointed, for the Chief of

Bowmen, greatly to Ling’s surprise, received all his polished sentences

with somewhat foolish smiles of great self-satisfaction, merely replying

from time to time as he displayed his pigtail to greater advantage or

rearranged his gold-embroidered cloak:

“This person must really pray you to desist; the honour is indeed too

great.”

Disappointed in his hope, and not desiring after this circumstance to

expose his shortcomings to one who was obviously not of a highly-refined

understanding, no matter how great his valour in war or his knowledge of

military affairs might be, Ling endeavoured to lead him to converse of

the bowmen under his charge. In this matter he was more successful, for

the Chief spoke at great length and with evilly-inspired contempt of

their inelegance, their undiscriminating and excessive appetites, and

the frequent use which they made of low words and gestures. Desiring to

become acquainted rather with their methods of warfare than with their

domestic details, Ling inquired of him what formation they relied upon

when receiving the foemen.

“It is a matter which has not engaged the attention of this one,”

replied the Chief, with an excessive absence of interest. “There are so

many affairs of intelligent dignity which cannot be put aside, and

which occupy one from beginning to end. As an example, this person may

describe how the accomplished Li-Lu, generally depicted as the Blue-eyed

Dove of Virtuous and Serpent-like Attitudes, has been scattering glory

upon the Si-chow Hall of Celestial Harmony for many days past. It is

an enlightened display which the high-souled Ling should certainly

endeavour to dignify with his presence, especially at the portion

where the amiable Li-Lu becomes revealed in the appearance of a Peking

sedan-chair bearer and describes the manner and likenesses of certain

persons--chiefly high-priests of Buddha, excessively round-bodied

merchants who feign to be detained within Peking on affairs of commerce,

maidens who attend at the tables of tea-houses, and those of both sexes

who are within the city for the first time to behold its temples and

open spaces--who are conveyed from place to place in the chair.”

“And the bowmen?” suggested Ling, with difficulty restraining an

undignified emotion.

“Really, the elegant Ling will discover them to be persons of deficient

manners, and quite unworthy of occupying his well-bred conversation,”

replied the Chief. “As regards their methods--if the renowned Ling

insists--they fight by means of their bows, with which they discharge

arrows at the foemen, they themselves hiding behind trees and rocks.

Should the enemy be undisconcerted by the cloud of arrows, and advance,

the bowmen are instructed to make a last endeavour to frighten them back

by uttering loud shouts and feigning the voices of savage beasts of the

forest and deadly snakes.”

“And beyond that?” inquired Ling.

“Beyond that there are no instructions,” replied the Chief. “The

bowmen would then naturally take to flight, or, if such a course became

impossible, run to meet the enemy, protesting that they were convinced

of the justice of their cause, and were determined to fight on their

side in the future.”

“Would it not be of advantage to arm them with cutting weapons also?”

inquired Ling; “so that when all their arrows were discharged they would

still be able to take part in the fight, and not be lost to us?”

“They would not be lost to us, of course,” replied the Chief, “as we

would still be with them. But such a course as the one you suggest could

not fail to end in dismay. Being as well armed as ourselves, they

would then turn upon us, and, having destroyed us, proceed to establish

leaders of their own.”

As Ling and the Chief of Bowmen conversed in this enlightened manner,

there arose a great outcry from among the tents, and presently there

entered to them a spy who had discovered a strong force of the enemy not

more than ten or twelve li away, who showed every indication of marching

shortly in the direction of Si-chow. In numbers alone, he continued,

they were greatly superior to the bowmen, and all were well armed. The

spreading of this news threw the entire camp into great confusion, many

protesting that the day was not a favourable one on which to fight,

others crying that it was their duty to fall back on Si-chow and protect

the women and children. In the midst of this tumult the Chief of Bowmen

returned to Ling, bearing in his hand a written paper which he regarded

in uncontrollable anguish.

“Oh, illustrious Ling,” he cried, restraining his grief with difficulty,

and leaning for support upon the shoulders of two bowmen, “how

prosperous indeed are you! What greater misfortune can engulf a person

who is both an ambitious soldier and an affectionate son, than to lose

such a chance of glory and promotion as only occurs once within the

lifetime, and an affectionate and venerable father upon the same day?

Behold this mandate to attend, without a moment’s delay, at the funeral

obsequies of one whom I left, only last week, in the fullness of health

and power. The occasion being an unsuitable one, I will not call upon

the courteous Ling to join me in sorrow; but his own devout filial piety

is so well known that I can conscientiously rely upon an application for

absence to be only a matter of official ceremony.”

“The application will certainly be regarded as merely official

ceremony,” replied Ling, without resorting to any delicate pretence of

meaning, “and the refined scruples of the person who is addressing me

will be fully met by the official date of his venerated father’s

death being fixed for a more convenient season. In the meantime, the

unobtrusive Chief of Bowmen may take the opportunity of requesting that

the family tomb be kept unsealed until he is heard from again.”

Ling turned away, as he finished this remark, with a dignified feeling

of not inelegant resentment. In this way he chanced to observe a large

body of soldiers which was leaving the camp accompanied by their lesser

captains, all crowned with garlands of flowers and creeping plants. In

spite of his very inadequate attainments regarding words of order, the

Commander made it understood by means of an exceedingly short sentence

that he was desirous of the men returning without delay.

“Doubtless the accomplished Commander, being but newly arrived in this

neighbourhood, is unacquainted with the significance of this display,”

said one of the lesser captains pleasantly. “Know then, O wise and

custom-respecting Ling, that on a similar day many years ago this

valiant band of bowmen was engaged in a very honourable affair with

certain of the enemy. Since then it has been the practice to commemorate

the matter with music and other forms of delight within the large square

at Si-chow.”

“Such customs are excellent,” said Ling affably. “On this occasion,

however, the public square will be so insufferably thronged with the

number of timorous and credulous villagers who have pressed into the

town that insufficient justice would be paid to your entrancing display.

In consequence of this, we will select for the purpose some convenient

spot in the neighbourhood. The proceedings will be commenced by a

display of arrow-shooting at moving objects, followed by racing and

dancing, in which this person will lead. I have spoken.”

At these words many of the more courageous among the bowmen became

destructively inspired, and raised shouts of defiance against the enemy,

enumerating at great length the indignities which they would heap upon

their prisoners. Cries of distinction were also given on behalf of Ling,

even the more terrified exclaiming:

“The noble Commander Ling will lead us! He has promised, and assuredly

he will not depart from his word. Shielded by his broad and sacred body,

from which the bullets glance aside harmlessly, we will advance upon the

enemy in the stealthy manner affected by ducks when crossing the swamp.

How altogether superior a person our Commander is when likened unto the

leaders of the foemen--they who go into battle completely surrounded by

their archers!”

Upon this, perceiving the clear direction in which matters were turning,

the Chief of Bowmen again approached Ling.

“Doubtless the highly-favoured person whom I am now addressing has been

endowed with exceptional authority direct from Peking,” he remarked with

insidious politeness. “Otherwise this narrow-minded individual would

suggest that such a decision does not come within the judgment of a

Commander.”

In his ignorance of military matters it had not entered the mind of

Ling that his authority did not give him the power to commence an

attack without consulting other and more distinguished persons. At the

suggestion, which he accepted as being composed of truth, he paused, the

enlightened zeal with which he had been inspired dying out as he plainly

understood the difficulties by which he was enclosed. There seemed a

single expedient path for him in the matter; so, directing a person

of exceptional trustworthiness to prepare himself for a journey, he

inscribed a communication to the Mandarin Li Keen, in which he narrated

the facts and asked for speedy directions, and then despatched it with

great urgency to Si-chow.

CHAPTER VI

When these matters were arranged, Ling returned to his tent, a victim

to feelings of a deep and confused doubt, for all courses seemed to

be surrounded by extreme danger, with the strong possibility of final

disaster. While he was considering these things attentively, the spy who

had brought word of the presence of the enemy again sought him. As he

entered, Ling perceived that his face was the colour of a bleached linen

garment, while there came with him the odour of sickness.

“There are certain matters which this person has not made known,” he

said, having first expressed a request that he might not be compelled to

stand while he conversed. “The bowmen are as an inferior kind of jackal,

and they who lead them are pigs, but this person has observed that the

Heaven-sent Commander has internal organs like steel hardened in a white

fire and polished by running water. For this reason he will narrate

to him the things he has seen--things at which the lesser ones would

undoubtedly perish in terror without offering to strike a blow.”

“Speak,” said Ling, “without fear and without concealment.”

“In numbers the rebels are as three to one with the bowmen, and are,

in addition, armed with matchlocks and other weapons; this much I have

already told,” said the spy. “Yesterday they entered the village of Ki

without resistance, as the dwellers there were all peaceable persons,

who gain a living from the fields, and who neither understood nor

troubled about the matters between the rebels and the army. Relying on

the promises made by the rebel chiefs, the villagers even welcomed them,

as they had been assured that they came as buyers of their corn and

rice. To-day not a house stands in the street of Ki, not a person lives.

The men they slew quickly, or held for torture, as they desired at the

moment; the boys they hung from the trees as marks for their arrows.

Of the women and children this person, who has since been subject to

several attacks of fainting and vomiting, desires not to speak. The

wells of Ki are filled with the bodies of such as had the good fortune

to be warned in time to slay themselves. The cattle drag themselves from

place to place on their forefeet; the fish in the Heng-Kiang are dying,

for they cannot live on water thickened into blood. All these things

this person has seen.”

When he had finished speaking, Ling remained in deep and funereal

thought for some time. In spite of his mild nature, the words which

he had heard filled him with an inextinguishable desire to slay in

hand-to-hand fighting. He regretted that he had placed the decision of

the matter before Li Keen.

“If only this person had a mere handful of brave and expert warriors, he

would not hesitate to fall upon those savage and barbarous characters,

and either destroy them to the last one, or let his band suffer a like

fate,” he murmured to himself.

The return of the messenger found him engaged in reviewing the bowmen,

and still in this mood, so that it was with a commendable feeling of

satisfaction, no less than virtuous contempt, that he learned of the

Mandarin’s journey to Peking as soon as he understood that the rebels

were certainly in the neighbourhood.

“The wise and ornamental Li Keen is undoubtedly consistent in all

matters,” said Ling, with some refined bitterness. “The only

information regarding his duties which this person obtained from him

chanced to be a likening of war to skilful chess-play, and to this end

the accomplished person in question has merely availed himself of a

common expedient which places him at the remote side of the divine

Emperor. Yet this act is not unwelcome, for the responsibility of

deciding what course is to be adopted now clearly rests with this

person. He is, as those who are standing by may perceive, of under the

usual height, and of no particular mental or bodily attainments. But he

has eaten the rice of the Emperor, and wears the Imperial sign

embroidered upon his arm. Before him are encamped the enemies of his

master and of his land, and in no way will he turn his back upon them.

Against brave and skilful men, such as those whom this person commands,

rebels of a low and degraded order are powerless, and are, moreover,

openly forbidden to succeed by the Forty-second Mandate in the Sacred

Book of Arguments. Should it have happened that into this assembly any

person of a perfidious or uncourageous nature has gained entrance by

guile, and has not been detected and driven forth by his outraged

companions (as would certainly occur if such a person were discovered),

I, Ling, Commander of Bowmen, make an especial and well-considered

request that he shall be struck by a molten thunderbolt if he turns to

flight or holds thoughts of treachery.”

Having thus addressed and encouraged the soldiers, Ling instructed them

that each one should cut and fashion for himself a graceful but weighty

club from among the branches of the trees around, and then return to the

tents for the purpose of receiving food and rice spirit.

When noon was passed, allowing such time as would enable him to reach

the camp of the enemy an hour before darkness, Ling arranged the bowmen

in companies of convenient numbers, and commenced the march, sending

forward spies, who were to work silently and bring back tidings from

every point. In this way he penetrated to within a single li of the

ruins of Ki, being informed by the spies that no outposts of the enemy

were between him and that place. Here the first rest was made to

enable the more accurate and bold spies to reach them with trustworthy

information regarding the position and movements of the camp. With

little delay there returned the one who had brought the earliest

tidings, bruised and torn with his successful haste through the forest,

but wearing a complacent and well-satisfied expression of countenance.

Without hesitation or waiting to demand money before he would reveal his

knowledge, he at once disclosed that the greater part of the enemy were

rejoicing among the ruins of Ki, they having discovered there a quantity

of opium and a variety of liquids, while only a small guard remained in

the camp with their weapons ready. At these words Ling sprang from

the ground in gladness, so great was his certainty of destroying the

invaders utterly. It was, however, with less pleasurable emotions that

he considered how he should effect the matter, for it was in no way

advisable to divide his numbers into two bands. Without any feeling of

unendurable conceit, he understood that no one but himself could hold

the bowmen before an assault, however weak. In a similar manner, he

determined that it would be more advisable to attack those in the

village first. These he might have reasonable hopes of cutting down

without warning the camp, or, in any event, before those from the camp

arrived. To assail the camp first would assuredly, by the firing, draw

upon them those from the village, and in whatever evil state these might

arrive, they would, by their numbers, terrify the bowmen, who without

doubt would have suffered some loss from the matchlocks.

Waiting for the last light of day, Ling led on the men again, and

sending forward some of the most reliable, surrounded the place of the

village silently and without detection. In the open space, among broken

casks and other inconsiderable matters, plainly shown by the large fires

at which burned the last remains of the houses of Ki, many men moved

or lay, some already dull or in heavy sleep. As the darkness dropped

suddenly, the signal of a peacock’s shriek, three times uttered, rang

forth, and immediately a cloud of arrows, directed from all sides,

poured in among those who feasted. Seeing their foemen defenceless

before them, the archers neglected the orders they had received, and

throwing away their bows they rushed in with uplifted clubs, uttering

loud shouts of triumph. The next moment a shot was fired in the wood,

drums beat, and in an unbelievably short space of time a small but

well-armed band of the enemy was among them. Now that all need of

caution was at an end, Ling rushed forward with raised sword, calling

to his men that victory was certainly theirs, and dealing discriminating

and inspiriting blows whenever he met a foeman. Three times he formed

the bowmen into a figure emblematic of triumph, and led them against the

line of matchlocks. Twice they fell back, leaving mingled dead under

the feet of the enemy. The third time they stood firm, and Ling threw

himself against the waving rank in a noble and inspired endeavour to

lead the way through. At that moment, when a very distinguished victory

seemed within his hand, his elegant and well-constructed sword broke

upon an iron shield, leaving him defenceless and surrounded by the

enemy.

“Chief among the sublime virtues enjoined by the divine Confucius,”

began Ling, folding his arms and speaking in an unmoved voice, “is an

intelligent submission--” but at that word he fell beneath a rain of

heavy and unquestionably well-aimed blows.

CHAPTER VII

Between Si-chow and the village of Ki, in a house completely hidden from

travellers by the tall and black trees which surrounded it, lived an

aged and very wise person whose ways and manner of living had become so

distasteful to his neighbours that they at length agreed to regard him

as a powerful and ill-disposed magician. In this way it became a custom

that all very unseemly deeds committed by those who, in the ordinary

course, would not be guilty of such behaviour, should be attributed

to his influence, so that justice might be effected without persons of

assured respectability being put to any inconvenience. Apart from the

feeling which resulted from this just decision, the uncongenial person

in question had become exceedingly unpopular on account of certain

definite actions of his own, as that of causing the greater part of

Si-chow to be burned down by secretly breathing upon the seven sacred

water-jugs to which the town owed its prosperity and freedom from fire.

Furthermore, although possessed of many taels, and able to afford such

food as is to be found upon the tables of Mandarins, he selected from

choice dishes of an objectionable nature; he had been observed to eat

eggs of unbecoming freshness, and the Si-chow Official Printed Leaf made

it public that he had, on an excessively hot occasion, openly partaken

of cow’s milk. It is not a matter for wonder, therefore, that when

unnaturally loud thunder was heard in the neighbourhood of Si-chow

the more ignorant and credulous persons refused to continue in any

description of work until certain ceremonies connected with rice spirit,

and the adherence to a reclining position for some hours, had been

conscientiously observed as a protection against evil.

Not even the most venerable person in Si-chow could remember the time

when the magician had not lived there, and as there existed no written

record narrating the incident, it was with well-founded probability

that he was said to be incapable of death. Contrary to the most general

practice, although quite unmarried, he had adopted no son to found a

line which would worship his memory in future years, but had instead

brought up and caused to be educated in the most difficult varieties

of embroidery a young girl, to whom he referred, for want of a more

suitable description, as the daughter of his sister, although he would

admit without hesitation, when closely questioned, that he had never

possessed a sister, at the same time, however, alluding with some

pride to many illustrious brothers, who had all obtained distinction in

various employments.

Few persons of any high position penetrated into the house of the

magician, and most of these retired with inelegant haste on perceiving

that no domestic altar embellished the great hall. Indeed, not to make

concealment of the fact, the magician was a person who had entirely

neglected the higher virtues in an avaricious pursuit of wealth. In that

way all his time and a very large number of taels had been expended,

testing results by means of the four elements, and putting together

things which had been inadequately arrived at by others. It was

confidently asserted in Si-chow that he possessed every manner of

printed leaf which had been composed in whatsoever language, and all the

most precious charms, including many snake-skins of more than ordinary

rarity, and the fang of a black wolf which had been stung by seven

scorpions.

On the death of his father the magician had become possessed of great

wealth, yet he contributed little to the funeral obsequies nor did any

suggestion of a durable and expensive nature conveying his enlightened

name and virtues down to future times cause his face to become

gladdened. In order to preserve greater secrecy about the enchantments

which he certainly performed, he employed only two persons within the

house, one of whom was blind and the other deaf. In this ingenious

manner he hoped to receive attention and yet be unobserved, the

blind one being unable to see the nature of the incantations which he

undertook, and the deaf one being unable to hear the words. In this,

however, he was unsuccessful, as the two persons always contrived to

be present together, and to explain to one another the nature of the

various matters afterwards; but as they were of somewhat deficient

understanding, the circumstance was unimportant.

It was with more uneasiness that the magician perceived one day that the

maiden whom he had adopted was no longer a child. As he desired secrecy

above all things until he should have completed the one important

matter for which he had laboured all his life, he decided with extreme

unwillingness to put into operation a powerful charm towards her, which

would have the effect of diminishing all her attributes until such time

as he might release her again. Owing to his reluctance in the matter,

however, the magic did not act fully, but only in such a way that her

feet became naturally and without binding the most perfect and beautiful

in the entire province of Hu Nan, so that ever afterwards she was called

Pan Fei Mian, in delicate reference to that Empress whose feet were so

symmetrical that a golden lily sprang up wherever she trod. Afterwards

the magician made no further essay in the matter, chiefly because he

was ever convinced that the accomplishment of his desire was within his

grasp.

The rumours of armed men in the neighbourhood of Si-chow threw the

magician into an unendurable condition of despair. To lose all, as would

most assuredly happen if he had to leave his arranged rooms and secret

preparations and take to flight, was the more bitter because he felt

surer than ever that success was even standing by his side. The very

subtle liquid, which would mix itself into the component parts of the

living creature which drank it, and by an insidious and harmless process

so work that, when the spirit departed, the flesh would become resolved

into a figure of pure and solid gold of the finest quality, had engaged

the refined minds of many of the most expert individuals of remote

ages. With most of these inspired persons, however, the search had

been undertaken in pure-minded benevolence, their chief aim being an

honourable desire to discover a method by which one’s ancestors might

be permanently and effectively preserved in a fit and becoming manner to

receive the worship and veneration of posterity. Yet, in spite of these

amiable motives, and of the fact that the magician merely desired the

possession of the secret to enable him to become excessively wealthy,

the affair had been so arranged that it should come into his possession.

The matter which concerned Mian in the dark wood, when she was only

saved by the appearance of the person who is already known as Ling,

entirely removed all pleasurable emotions from the magician’s mind, and

on many occasions he stated in a definite and systematic manner that he

would shortly end an ignoble career which seemed to be destined only

to gloom and disappointment. In this way an important misunderstanding

arose, for when, two days later, during the sound of matchlock

firing, the magician suddenly approached the presence of Mian with an

uncontrollable haste and an entire absence of dignified demeanour,

and fell dead at her feet without expressing himself on any subject

whatever, she deliberately judged that in this manner he had carried his

remark into effect, nor did the closed vessel of yellow liquid which he

held in his hand seem to lead away from this decision. In reality, the

magician had fallen owing to the heavy and conflicting emotions which

success had engendered in an intellect already greatly weakened by

his continual disregard of the higher virtues; for the bottle, indeed,

contained the perfection of his entire life’s study, the very expensive

and three-times purified gold liquid.

On perceiving the magician’s condition, Mian at once called for the two

attendants, and directed them to bring from an inner chamber all the

most effective curing substances, whether in the form of powder or

liquid. When these proved useless, no matter in what way they were

applied, it became evident that there could be very little hope of

restoring the magician, yet so courageous and grateful for the benefits

which she had received from the person in question was Mian, that, in

spite of the uninviting dangers of the enterprise, she determined to

journey to Ki to invoke the assistance of a certain person who was known

to be very successful in casting out malicious demons from the bodies

of animals, and from casks and barrels, in which they frequently took

refuge, to the great detriment of the quality of the liquid placed

therein.

Not without many hidden fears, Mian set out on her journey, greatly

desiring not to be subjected to an encounter of a nature similar to the

one already recorded; for in such a case she could hardly again hope for

the inspired arrival of the one whom she now often thought of in secret

as the well-formed and symmetrical young sword-user. Nevertheless, an

event of equal significance was destined to prove the wisdom of

the well-known remark concerning thoughts which are occupying one’s

intellect and the unexpected appearance of a very formidable evil

spirit; for as she passed along, quickly yet with so dignified a motion

that the moss received no impression beneath her footsteps, she became

aware of a circumstance which caused her to stop by imparting to her

mind two definite and greatly dissimilar emotions.

In a grassy and open space, on the verge of which she stood, lay

the dead bodies of seventeen rebels, all disposed in very degraded

attitudes, which contrasted strongly with the easy and becoming position

adopted by the eighteenth--one who bore the unmistakable emblems of the

Imperial army. In this brave and noble-looking personage Mian at once

saw her preserver, and not doubting that an inopportune and treacherous

death had overtaken him, she ran forward and raised him in her arms,

being well assured that however indiscreet such an action might appear

in the case of an ordinary person, the most select maiden need not

hesitate to perform so honourable a service in regard to one whose

virtues had by that time undoubtedly placed him among the Three Thousand

Pure Ones. Being disturbed in this providential manner, Ling opened his

eyes, and faintly murmuring, “Oh, sainted and adorable Koon Yam, Goddess

of Charity, intercede for me with Buddha!” he again lost possession of

himself in the Middle Air. At this remark, which plainly proved Ling to

be still alive, in spite of the fact that both the maiden and the person

himself had thoughts to the contrary, Mian found herself surrounded by

a variety of embarrassing circumstances, among which occurred a

remembrance of the dead magician and the wise person at Ki whom she had

set out to summon; but on considering the various natural and sublime

laws which bore directly on the alternative before her, she discovered

that her plain destiny was to endeavour to restore the breath in the

person who was still alive rather than engage on the very unsatisfactory

chance of attempting to call it back to the body from which it had so

long been absent.

Having been inspired to this conclusion--which, when she later examined

her mind, she found not to be repulsive to her own inner feelings--Mian

returned to the house with dexterous speed, and calling together the two

attendants, she endeavoured by means of signs and drawings to explain to

them what she desired to accomplish. Succeeding in this after some delay

(for the persons in question, being very illiterate and narrow-minded,

were unable at first to understand the existence of any recumbent male

person other than the dead magician, whom they thereupon commenced to

bury in the garden with expressions of great satisfaction at their

own intelligence in comprehending Mian’s meaning so readily) they all

journeyed to the wood, and bearing Ling between them, they carried him

to the house without further adventure.

CHAPTER VIII

It was in the month of Hot Dragon Breaths, many weeks after the fight in

the woods of Ki, that Ling again opened his eyes to find himself in an

unknown chamber, and to recognize in the one who visited him from time

to time the incomparable maiden whose life he had saved in the cypress

glade. Not a day had passed in the meanwhile on which Mian had neglected

to offer sacrifices to Chang-Chung, the deity interested in drugs and

healing substances, nor had she wavered in her firm resolve to bring

Ling back to an ordinary existence even when the attendants had

protested that the person in question might without impropriety be sent

to the Restoring Establishment of the Last Chance, so little did his

hope of recovering rest upon the efforts of living beings.

After he had beheld Mian’s face and understood the circumstances of his

escape and recovery, Ling quickly shook off the evil vapours which had

held him down so long, and presently he was able to walk slowly in the

courtyard and in the shady paths of the wood beyond, leaning upon Mian

for the support he still required.

“Oh, graceful one,” he said on such an occasion, when little stood

between him and the full powers which he had known before the battle,

“there is a matter which has been pressing upon this person’s mind for

some time past. It is as dark after light to let the thoughts dwell

around it, yet the thing itself must inevitably soon be regarded, for in

this life one’s actions are for ever regulated by conditions which are

neither of one’s own seeking nor within one’s power of controlling.”

At these words all brightness left Mian’s manner, for she at once

understood that Ling referred to his departure, of which she herself had

lately come to think with unrestrained agitation.

“Oh, Ling,” she exclaimed at length, “most expert of sword-users and

most noble of men, surely never was a maiden more inelegantly placed

than the one who is now by your side. To you she owes her life, yet it

is unseemly for her even to speak of the incident; to you she must

look for protection, yet she cannot ask you to stay by her side. She is

indeed alone. The magician is dead, Ki has fallen, Ling is going, and

Mian is undoubtedly the most unhappy and solitary person between the

Wall and the Nan Hai.”

“Beloved Mian,” exclaimed Ling, with inspiring vehemence, “and is not

the utterly unworthy person before you indebted to you in a double

measure that life is still within him? Is not the strength which now

promotes him to such exceptional audacity as to aspire to your

lovely hand, of your own creating? Only encourage Ling to entertain a

well-founded hope that on his return he shall not find you partaking

of the wedding feast of some wealthy and exceptionally round-bodied

Mandarin, and this person will accomplish the journey to Canton and back

as it were in four strides.”

“Oh, Ling, reflexion of my ideal, holder of my soul, it would indeed

be very disagreeable to my own feelings to make any reply save one,”

replied Mian, scarcely above a breath-voice. “Gratitude alone would

direct me, were it not that the great love which fills me leaves no

resting-place for any other emotion than itself. Go if you must,

but return quickly, for your absence will weigh upon Mian like a

dragon-dream.”

“Violet light of my eyes,” exclaimed Ling, “even in surroundings which

with the exception of the matter before us are uninspiring in the

extreme, your virtuous and retiring encouragement yet raises me to such

a commanding eminence of demonstrative happiness that I fear I

shall become intolerably self-opinionated towards my fellow-men in

consequence.”

“Such a thing is impossible with my Ling,” said Mian, with conviction.

“But must you indeed journey to Canton?”

“Alas!” replied Ling, “gladly would this person decide against such

a course did the matter rest with him, for as the Verses say, ‘It

is needless to apply the ram’s head to the unlocked door.’ But Ki is

demolished, the unassuming Mandarin Li Keen has retired to Peking, and

of the fortunes of his bowmen this person is entirely ignorant.”

“Such as survived returned to their homes,” replied Mian, “and Si-chow

is safe, for the scattered and broken rebels fled to the mountains

again; so much this person has learned.”

“In that case Si-chow is undoubtedly safe for the time, and can be left

with prudence,” said Ling. “It is an unfortunate circumstance that there

is no Mandarin of authority between here and Canton who can receive from

this person a statement of past facts and give him instructions for the

future.”

“And what will be the nature of such instructions as will be given at

Canton?” demanded Mian.

“By chance they may take the form of raising another company of bowmen,”

said Ling, with a sigh, “but, indeed, if this person can obtain any

weight by means of his past service, they will tend towards a pleasant

and unambitious civil appointment.”

“Oh, my artless and noble-minded lover!” exclaimed Mian, “assuredly a

veil has been before your eyes during your residence in Canton, and your

naturally benevolent mind has turned all things into good, or you would

not thus hopefully refer to your brilliant exploits in the past. Of what

commercial benefit have they been to the sordid and miserly persons

in authority, or in what way have they diverted a stream of taels into

their insatiable pockets? Far greater is the chance that had Si-chow

fallen many of its household goods would have found their way into the

Yamens of Canton. Assuredly in Li Keen you will have a friend who will

make many delicate allusions to your ancestors when you meet, and yet

one who will float many barbed whispers to follow you when you have

passed; for you have planted shame before him in the eyes of those who

would otherwise neither have eyes to see nor tongues to discuss the

matter. It is for such a reason that this person distrusts all things

connected with the journey, except your constancy, oh, my true and

strong one.”

“Such faithfulness would alone be sufficient to assure my safe return if

the matter were properly represented to the supreme Deities,” said Ling.

“Let not the thin curtain of bitter water stand before your lustrous

eyes any longer, then, the events which have followed one another in the

past few days in a fashion that can only be likened to thunder following

lightning are indeed sufficient to distress one with so refined and

swan-like an organization, but they are now assuredly at an end.”

“It is a hope of daily recurrence to this person,” replied Mian,

honourably endeavouring to restrain the emotion which openly exhibited

itself in her eyes; “for what maiden would not rather make successful

offerings to the Great Mother Kum-Fa than have the most imposing and

verbose Triumphal Arch erected to commemorate an empty and unsatisfying

constancy?”

In this amiable manner the matter was arranged between Ling and Mian, as

they sat together in the magician’s garden drinking peach-tea, which the

two attendants--not without discriminating and significant expressions

between themselves--brought to them from time to time. Here Ling made

clear the whole manner of his life from his earliest memory to the

time when he fell in dignified combat, nor did Mian withhold anything,

explaining in particular such charms and spells of the magician as she

had knowledge of, and in this graceful manner materially assisting her

lover in the many disagreeable encounters and conflicts which he was

shortly to experience.

It was with even more objectionable feelings than before that Ling now

contemplated his journey to Canton, involving as it did the separation

from one who had become as the shadow of his existence, and by whose

side he had an undoubted claim to stand. Yet the necessity of the

undertaking was no less than before, and the full possession of all his

natural powers took away his only excuse for delaying in the matter.

Without any pleasurable anticipations, therefore, he consulted the

Sacred Flat and Round Sticks, and learning that the following day would

be propitious for the journey, he arranged to set out in accordance with

the omen.

When the final moment arrived at which the invisible threads of

constantly passing emotions from one to the other must be broken, and

when Mian perceived that her lover’s horse was restrained at the door by

the two attendants, who with unsuspected delicacy of feeling had taken

this opportunity of withdrawing, the noble endurance which had hitherto

upheld her melted away, and she became involved in very melancholy

and obscure meditations until she observed that Ling also was quickly

becoming affected by a similar gloom.

“Alas!” she exclaimed, “how unworthy a person I am thus to impose upon

my lord a greater burden than that which already weighs him down! Rather

ought this one to dwell upon the happiness of that day, when, after

successfully evading or overthrowing the numerous bands of assassins

which infest the road from here to Canton, and after escaping or

recovering from the many deadly pestilences which invariably reduce that

city at this season of the year, he shall triumphantly return. Assuredly

there is a highly-polished surface united to every action in life,

no matter how funereal it may at first appear. Indeed, there are many

incidents compared with which death itself is welcome, and to this end

Mian has reserved a farewell gift.”

Speaking in this manner the devoted and magnanimous maiden placed in

Ling’s hands the transparent vessel of liquid which the magician had

grasped when he fell. “This person,” she continued, speaking with

difficulty, “places her lover’s welfare incomparably before her own

happiness, and should he ever find himself in a situation which is

unendurably oppressive, and from which death is the only escape--such

as inevitable tortures, the infliction of violent madness, or the

subjection by magic to the will of some designing woman--she begs him

to accept this means of freeing himself without regarding her anguish

beyond expressing a clearly defined last wish that the two persons in

question may be in the end happily reunited in another existence.”

Assured by this last evidence of affection, Ling felt that he had no

longer any reason for internal heaviness; his spirits were immeasurably

raised by the fragrant incense of Mian’s great devotion, and under its

influence he was even able to breathe towards her a few words of similar

comfort as he left the spot and began his journey.

CHAPTER IX

On entering Canton, which he successfully accomplished without any

unpleasant adventure, the marked absence of any dignified ostentation

which had been accountable for many of Ling’s misfortunes in the past,

impelled him again to reside in the same insignificant apartment that

he had occupied when he first visited the city as an unknown

and unimportant candidate. In consequence of this, when Ling was

communicating to any person the signs by which messengers might

find him, he was compelled to add, “the neighbourhood in which this

contemptible person resides is that officially known as ‘the mean

quarter favoured by the lower class of those who murder by treachery,’”

and for this reason he was not always treated with the regard to which

his attainments entitled him, or which he would have unquestionably

received had he been able to describe himself as of “the partly-drained

and uninfected area reserved to Mandarins and their friends.”

It was with an ignoble feeling of mental distress that Ling exhibited

himself at the Chief Office of Warlike Deeds and Arrangements on the

following day; for the many disadvantageous incidents of his past life

had repeated themselves before his eyes while he slept, and the not

unhopeful emotions which he had felt when in the inspiring presence of

Mian were now altogether absent. In spite of the fact that he reached

the office during the early gong strokes of the morning, it was not

until the withdrawal of light that he reached any person who was in a

position to speak with him on the matter, so numerous were the lesser

ones through whose chambers he had to pass in the process. At length he

found himself in the presence of an upper one who had the appearance

of being acquainted with the circumstances, and who received him with

dignity, though not with any embarrassing exhibition of respect or

servility.

“‘The hero of the illustrious encounter beyond the walls of Si-chow,’”

exclaimed that official, reading the words from the tablet of

introduction which Ling had caused to be carried into him, and at the

same time examining the person in question closely. “Indeed, no such one

is known to those within this office, unless the words chance to point

to the courteous and unassuming Mandarin Li Keen, who, however, is at

this moment recovering his health at Peking, as set forth in the amiable

and impartial report which we have lately received from him.”

At these words Ling plainly understood that there was little hope of the

last events becoming profitable on his account.

“Did not the report to which allusion has been made bear reference to

one Ling, Commander of the Archers, who thrice led on the fighting men,

and who was finally successful in causing the rebels to disperse towards

the mountains?” he asked, in a voice which somewhat trembled.

“There is certainly reference to one of the name you mention,” said

the other; “but regarding the terms--perhaps this person would better

protect his own estimable time by displaying the report within your

sight.”

With these words the upper one struck a gong several times, and after

receiving from an inner chamber the parchment in question, he placed

it before Ling, at the same time directing a lesser one to interpose

between it and the one who read it a large sheet of transparent

substance, so that destruction might not come to it, no matter in

what way its contents affected the reader. Thereon Ling perceived the

following facts, very skilfully inscribed with the evident purpose of

inducing persons to believe, without question, that words so elegantly

traced must of necessity be truthful also.

A Benevolent Example of the Intelligent Arrangement by which the

most Worthy Persons outlive those who are Incapable.

The circumstances connected with the office of the valuable and

accomplished Mandarin of Warlike Deeds and Arrangements at Si-chow

have, in recent times, been of anything but a prepossessing order.

Owing to the very inadequate methods adopted by those who earn a

livelihood by conveying necessities from the more enlightened

portions of the Empire to that place, it so came about that for a

period of five days the Yamen was entirely unsupplied with the

fins of sharks or even with goats’ eyes. To add to the polished

Mandarin’s distress of mind the barbarous and slow-witted rebels

who infest those parts took this opportunity to destroy the town

and most of its inhabitants, the matter coming about as follows:

The feeble and commonplace person named Ling who commands the

bowmen had but recently been elevated to that distinguished

position from a menial and degraded occupation (for which, indeed,

his stunted intellect more aptly fitted him); and being in

consequence very greatly puffed out in self-gratification, he

became an easy prey to the cunning of the rebels, and allowed

himself to be beguiled into a trap, paying for this contemptible

stupidity with his life. The town of Si-chow was then attacked,

and being in this manner left defenceless through the weakness--or

treachery--of the person Ling, who had contrived to encompass the

entire destruction of his unyielding company, it fell after a

determined and irreproachable resistance; the Mandarin Li Keen

being told, as, covered with the blood of the foemen, he was

dragged away from the thickest part of the unequal conflict by his

followers, that he was the last person to leave the town. On his

way to Peking with news of this valiant defence, the Mandarin was

joined by the Chief of Bowmen, who had understood and avoided the

very obvious snare into which the stagnant-minded Commander had

led his followers, in spite of disinterested advice to the

contrary. For this intelligent perception, and for general

nobility of conduct when in battle, the versatile Chief of Bowmen

is by this written paper strongly recommended to the dignity of

receiving the small metal Embellishment of Valour.

It has been suggested to the Mandarin Li Keen that the bestowal of

the Crystal Button would only be a fit and graceful reward for his

indefatigable efforts to uphold the dignity of the sublime

Emperor; but to all such persons the Mandarin has sternly replied

that such a proposal would more fitly originate from the renowned

and valuable Office of Warlike Deeds and Arrangements, he well

knowing that the wise and engaging persons who conduct that

indispensable and well-regulated department are gracefully

voracious in their efforts to reward merit, even when it is

displayed, as in the case in question, by one who from his

position will inevitably soon be urgently petitioning in a like

manner on their behalf.

When Ling had finished reading this elegantly arranged but exceedingly

misleading parchment, he looked up with eyes from which he vainly

endeavoured to restrain the signs of undignified emotion, and said to

the upper one:

“It is difficult employment for a person to refrain from unendurable

thoughts when his unassuming and really conscientious efforts are

represented in a spirit of no satisfaction, yet in this matter the very

expert Li Keen appears to have gone beyond himself; the Commander Ling,

who is herein represented as being slain by the enemy, is, indeed, the

person who is standing before you, and all the other statements are in a

like exactness.”

“The short-sighted individual who for some hidden desire of his own is

endeavouring to present himself as the corrupt and degraded creature

Ling, has overlooked one important circumstance,” said the upper one,

smiling in a very intolerable manner, at the same time causing his head

to move slightly from side to side in the fashion of one who rebukes

with assumed geniality; and, turning over the written paper, he

displayed upon the under side the Imperial vermilion Sign. “Perhaps,”

he continued, “the omniscient person will still continue in his remarks,

even with the evidence of the Emperor’s unerring pencil to refute him.”

At these words and the undoubted testimony of the red mark, which

plainly declared the whole of the written matter to be composed of

truth, no matter what might afterwards transpire, Ling understood that

very little prosperity remained with him.

“But the town of Si-chow,” he suggested, after examining his mind; “if

any person in authority visited the place, he would inevitably find it

standing and its inhabitants in agreeable health.”

“The persistent person who is so assiduously occupying my intellectual

moments with empty words seems to be unaccountably deficient in his

knowledge of the customs of refined society and of the meaning of the

Imperial Signet,” said the other, with an entire absence of benevolent

consideration. “That Si-chow has fallen and that Ling is dead are two

utterly uncontroversial matters truthfully recorded. If a person visited

Si-chow, he might find it rebuilt or even inhabited by those from the

neighbouring villages or by evil spirits taking the forms of the ones

who formerly lived there; as in a like manner, Ling might be restored

to existence by magic, or his body might be found and possessed by

an outcast demon who desired to revisit the earth for a period. Such

circumstances do not in any way disturb the announcement that Si-chow

has without question fallen, and that Ling has officially ceased to

live, of which events notifications have been sent to all who are

concerned in the matters.”

As the upper one ceased speaking, four strokes sounded upon the gong,

and Ling immediately found himself carried into the street by the

current of both lesser and upper ones who poured forth at the signal.

The termination of this conversation left Ling in a more unenviable

state of dejection than any of the many preceding misfortunes had

done, for with enlarged inducements to possess himself of a competent

appointment he seemed to be even further removed from this attainment

than he had been at any time in his life. He might, indeed, present

himself again for the public examinations; but in order to do even that

it would be necessary for him to wait almost a year, nor could he assure

himself that his efforts would again be likely to result in an equal

success. Doubts also arose within his mind of the course which he should

follow in such a case; whether to adopt a new name, involving as it

would certain humiliation and perhaps disgrace if detection overtook

his footsteps, or still to possess the title of one who was in a measure

dead, and hazard the likelihood of having any prosperity which he might

obtain reduced to nothing if the fact should become public.

As Ling reflected upon such details he found himself without intention

before the house of a wise person who had become very wealthy by

advising others on all matters, but chiefly on those connected with

strange occurrences and such events as could not be settled definitely

either one way or the other until a remote period had been reached.

Becoming assailed by a curious desire to know what manner of evils

particularly attached themselves to such as were officially dead but who

nevertheless had an ordinary existence, Ling placed himself before this

person, and after arranging the manner of reward related to him so many

of the circumstances as were necessary to enable a full understanding to

be reached, but at the same time in no way betraying his own interest in

the matter.

“Such inflictions are to no degree frequent,” said the wise person after

he had consulted a polished sphere of the finest red jade for some

time; “and this is in a measure to be regretted, as the hair of these

persons--provided they die a violent death, which is invariably the

case--constitutes a certain protection against being struck by falling

stars, or becoming involved in unsuccessful law cases. The persons in

question can be recognized with certainty in the public ways by the

unnatural pallor of their faces and by the general repulsiveness of

their appearance, but as they soon take refuge in suicide, unless

they have the fortune to be removed previously by accident, it is an

infrequent matter that one is gratified by the sight. During their

existence they are subject to many disorders from which the generality

of human beings are benevolently preserved; they possess no rights

of any kind, and if by any chance they are detected in an act of a

seemingly depraved nature, they are liable to judgment at the hands of

the passers-by without any form whatever, and to punishment of a more

severe order than that administered to commonplace criminals. There

are many other disadvantages affecting such persons when they reach the

Middle Air, of which the chief--”

“This person is immeasurably indebted for such a clear explanation of

the position,” interrupted Ling, who had a feeling of not desiring

to penetrate further into the detail; “but as he perceives a line

of anxious ones eagerly waiting at the door to obtain advice and

consolation from so expert and amiable a wizard, he will not make

himself uncongenial any longer with his very feeble topics of

conversation.”

By this time Ling plainly comprehended that he had been marked out

from the beginning--perhaps for all the knowledge which he had to the

opposite effect, from a period in the life of a far-removed ancestor--to

be an object of marked derision and the victim of all manner of

malevolent demons in whatever actions he undertook. In this condition

of understanding his mind turned gratefully to the parting gift of Mian

whom he had now no hope of possessing; for the intolerable thought

of uniting her to so objectionable a being as himself would have been

dismissed as utterly inelegant even had he been in a manner of living

to provide for her adequately, which itself seemed clearly impossible.

Disregarding all similar emotions, therefore, he walked without pausing

to his abode, and stretching his body upon the rushes, drank the entire

liquid unhesitatingly, and prepared to pass beyond with a tranquil mind

entirely given up to thoughts and images of Mian.

CHAPTER X

Upon a certain occasion, the particulars of which have already been

recorded, Ling had judged himself to have passed into the form of a

spirit on beholding the ethereal form of Mian bending over him. After

swallowing the entire liquid, which had cost the dead magician so much

to distil and make perfect, it was with a well-assured determination of

never again awakening that he lost the outward senses and floated in the

Middle Air, so that when his eyes next opened upon what seemed to be

the bare walls of his own chamber, his first thought was a natural

conviction that the matter had been so arranged either out of a

charitable desire that he should not be overcome by a too sudden

transition to unparalleled splendour, or that such a reception was the

outcome of some dignified jest on the part of certain lesser and more

cheerful spirits. After waiting in one position for several hours,

however, and receiving no summons or manifestation of a celestial

nature, he began to doubt the qualities of the liquid, and applying

certain tests, he soon ascertained that he was still in the lower world

and unharmed. Nevertheless, this circumstance did not tend in any way

to depress his mind, for, doubtless owing to some hidden virtue of

the fluid, he felt an enjoyable emotion that he still lived; all his

attributes appeared to be purified, and he experienced an inspired

certainty of feeling that an illustrious and highly-remunerative future

lay before one who still had an ordinary existence after being both

officially killed and self-poisoned.

In this intelligent disposition thoughts of Mian recurred to him with

unreproved persistence, and in order to convey to her an account of the

various matters which had engaged him since his arrival at the city, and

a well-considered declaration of the unchanged state of his own feelings

towards her, he composed and despatched with impetuous haste the

following delicate verses:

CONSTANCY

About the walls and gates of Canton

Are many pleasing and entertaining maidens;

Indeed, in the eyes of their friends and of the passers-by

Some of them are exceptionally adorable.

The person who is inscribing these lines, however,

Sees before him, as it were, an assemblage of deformed and un-prepossessing hags,

Venerable in age and inconsiderable in appearance;

For the dignified and majestic image of Mian is ever before him,

Making all others very inferior.

Within the houses and streets of Canton

Hang many bright lanterns.

The ordinary person who has occasion to walk by night

Professes to find them highly lustrous.

But there is one who thinks contrary facts,

And when he goes forth he carries two long curved poles

To prevent him from stumbling among the dark and hidden places;

For he has gazed into the brilliant and pellucid orbs of Mian,

And all other lights are dull and practically opaque.

In various parts of the literary quarter of Canton

Reside such as spend their time in inward contemplation.

In spite of their generally uninviting exteriors

Their reflexions are often of a very profound order.

Yet the unpopular and persistently-abused Ling

Would unhesitatingly prefer his own thoughts to theirs,

For what makes this person’s thoughts far more pleasing

Is that they are invariably connected with the virtuous and ornamental Mian.

Becoming very amiably disposed after this agreeable occupation, Ling

surveyed himself at the disc of polished metal, and observed with

surprise and shame the rough and uninviting condition of his person. He

had, indeed, although it was not until some time later that he became

aware of the circumstance, slept for five days without interruption, and

it need not therefore be a matter of wonder or of reproach to him that

his smooth surfaces had become covered with short hair. Reviling himself

bitterly for the appearance which he conceived he must have exhibited

when he conducted his business, and to which he now in part attributed

his ill-success, Ling went forth without delay, and quickly discovering

one of those who remove hair publicly for a very small sum, he placed

himself in the chair, and directed that his face, arms, and legs should

be denuded after the manner affected by the ones who make a practice of

observing the most recent customs.

“Did the illustrious individual who is now conferring distinction on

this really worn-out chair by occupying it express himself in favour of

having the face entirely denuded?” demanded the one who conducted the

operation; for these persons have become famous for their elegant and

persistent ability to discourse, and frequently assume ignorance in

order that they themselves may make reply, and not for the purpose

of gaining knowledge. “Now, in the objectionable opinion of this

unintelligent person, who has a presumptuous habit of offering his

very undesirable advice, a slight covering on the upper lip, delicately

arranged and somewhat fiercely pointed at the extremities, would

bestow an appearance of--how shall this illiterate person explain

himself?--dignity?--matured reflexion?--doubtless the accomplished

nobleman before me will understand what is intended with a more

knife-like accuracy than this person can describe it--but confer that

highly desirable effect upon the face of which at present it is entirely

destitute... ‘Entirely denuded?’ Then without fail it shall certainly be

so, O incomparable personage... Does the versatile Mandarin now present

profess any concern as to the condition of the rice plants?... Indeed,

the remark is an inspired one; the subject is totally devoid of interest

to a person of intelligence ... A remarkable and gravity-removing event

transpired within the notice of this unassuming person recently. A

discriminating individual had purchased from him a portion of his justly

renowned Thrice-extracted Essence of Celestial Herb Oil--a preparation

which in this experienced person’s opinion, indeed, would greatly

relieve the undoubted afflictions from which the one before him is

evidently suffering--when after once anointing himself--”

A lengthy period containing no words caused Ling, who had in the

meantime closed his eyes and lost Canton and all else in delicate

thoughts of Mian, to look up. That which met his attention on doing so

filled him with an intelligent wonder, for the person before him held in

his hand what had the appearance of a tuft of bright yellow hair, which

shone in the light of the sun with a most engaging splendour, but which

he nevertheless regarded with a most undignified expression of confusion

and awe.

“Illustrious demon,” he cried at length, kow-towing very respectfully,

“have the extreme amiableness to be of a benevolent disposition, and do

not take an unworthy and entirely unremunerative revenge upon this

very unimportant person for failing to detect and honour you from the

beginning.”

“Such words indicate nothing beyond an excess of hemp spirit,” answered

Ling, with signs of displeasure. “To gain my explicit esteem, make me

smooth without delay, and do not exhibit before me the lock of hair

which, from its colour and appearance, has evidently adorned the head of

one of those maidens whose duty it is to quench the thirst of travellers

in the long narrow rooms of this city.”

“Majestic and anonymous spirit,” said the other, with extreme reverence,

and an entire absence of the appearance of one who had gazed into

too many vessels, “if such be your plainly-expressed desire, this

superficial person will at once proceed to make smooth your peach-like

skin, and with a carefulness inspired by the certainty that the most

unimportant wound would give forth liquid fire, in which he would

undoubtedly perish. Nevertheless, he desires to make it evident that

this hair is from the head of no maiden, being, indeed, the uneven

termination of your own sacred pigtail, which this excessively

self-confident slave took the inexcusable liberty of removing, and which

changed in this manner within his hand in order to administer a fit

reproof for his intolerable presumption.”

Impressed by the mien and unquestionable earnestness of the remover of

hair, Ling took the matter which had occasioned these various emotions

in his hand and examined it. His amazement was still greater when he

perceived that--in spite of the fact that it presented every appearance

of having been cut from his own person--none of the qualities of hair

remained in it; it was hard and wire-like, possessing, indeed, both the

nature and the appearance of a metal.

As he gazed fixedly and with astonishment, there came back into

the remembrance of Ling certain obscure and little-understood facts

connected with the limitless wealth possessed by the Yellow Emperor--of

which the great gold life-like image in the Temple of Internal Symmetry

at Peking alone bears witness now--and of his lost secret. Many very

forcible prophecies and omens in his own earlier life, of which

the rendering and accomplishment had hitherto seemed to be dark and

incomplete, passed before him, and various matters which Mian had

related to him concerning the habits and speech of the magician took

definite form within his mind. Deeply impressed by the exact manner in

which all these circumstances fitted together, one into another, Ling

rewarded the person before him greatly beyond his expectation, and

hurried without delay to his own chamber.

CHAPTER XI

For many hours Ling remained in his room, examining in his mind all

passages, either in his own life or in the lives of others, which might

by any chance have influence on the event before him. In this thorough

way he became assured that the competition and its results, his journey

to Si-chow with the encounter in the cypress wood, the flight of the

incapable and treacherous Mandarin, and the battle of Ki, were all,

down to the matter of the smallest detail, parts of a symmetrical and

complete scheme, tending to his present condition. Cheered and upheld

by this proof of the fact that very able deities were at work on

his behalf, he turned his intellect from the entrancing subject to a

contemplation of the manner in which his condition would enable him to

frustrate the uninventive villainies of the obstinate person Li Keen,

and to provide a suitable house and mode of living to which he would be

justified in introducing Mian, after adequate marriage ceremonies had

been observed between them. In this endeavour he was less successful

than he had imagined would be the case, for when he had first fully

understood that his body was of such a substance that nothing was

wanting to transmute it into fine gold but the absence of the living

spirit, he had naturally, and without deeply examining the detail,

assumed that so much gold might be considered to be in his possession.

Now, however, a very definite thought arose within him that his own

wishes and interests would have been better secured had the benevolent

spirits who undertook the matter placed the secret within his knowledge

in such a way as to enable him to administer the fluid to some very

heavy and inexpensive animal, so that the issue which seemed inevitable

before the enjoyment of the riches could be entered upon should not

have touched his own comfort so closely. To a person of Ling’s refined

imagination it could not fail to be a subject of internal reproach that

while he would become the most precious dead body in the world, his

value in life might not be very honourably placed even by the most

complimentary one who should require his services. Then came the

thought, which, however degraded, he found himself unable to put quite

beyond him, that if in the meantime he were able to gain a sufficiency

for Mian and himself, even her pure and delicate love might not be able

to bear so offensive a test as that of seeing him grow old and remain

intolerably healthy--perhaps with advancing years actually becoming

lighter day by day, and thereby lessening in value before her eyes--when

the natural infirmities of age and the presence of an ever-increasing

posterity would make even a moderate amount of taels of inestimable

value.

No doubt remained in Ling’s mind that the process of frequently making

smooth his surfaces would yield an amount of gold enough to suffice for

his own needs, but a brief consideration of the matter convinced him

that this source would be inadequate to maintain an entire household

even if he continually denuded himself to an almost ignominious extent.

As he fully weighed these varying chances the certainty became more

clear to him with every thought that for the virtuous enjoyment of

Mian’s society one great sacrifice was required of him. This act, it

seemed to be intimated, would without delay provide for an affluent

and lengthy future, and at the same time would influence all the

spirits--even those who had been hitherto evilly-disposed towards

him--in such a manner that his enemies would be removed from his path

by a process which would expose them to public ridicule, and he would be

assured in founding an illustrious and enduring line. To accomplish this

successfully necessitated the loss of at least the greater part of one

entire member, and for some time the disadvantages of going through an

existence with only a single leg or arm seemed more than a sufficient

price to pay even for the definite advantages which would be made

over to him in return. This unworthy thought, however, could not long

withstand the memory of Mian’s steadfast and high-minded affection,

and the certainty of her enlightened gladness at his return even in the

imperfect condition which he anticipated. Nor was there absent from his

mind a dimly-understood hope that the matter did not finally rest with

him, but that everything which he might be inspired to do was in reality

only a portion of the complete and arranged system into which he had

been drawn, and in which his part had been assigned to him from the

beginning without power for him to deviate, no matter how much to the

contrary the thing should appear.

As no advantage would be gained by making any delay, Ling at once sought

the most favourable means of putting his resolution into practice, and

after many skilful and insidious inquiries he learnt of an accomplished

person who made a consistent habit of cutting off limbs which had become

troublesome to their possessors either through accident or disease.

Furthermore, he was said to be of a sincere and charitable disposition,

and many persons declared that on no occasion had he been known to

make use of the helpless condition of those who visited him in order to

extort money from them.

Coming to the ill-considered conclusion that he would be able to conceal

within his own breast the true reason for the operation, Ling placed

himself before the person in question, and exhibited the matter to

him so that it would appear as though his desires were promoted by the

presence of a small but persistent sprite which had taken its abode

within his left thigh, and there resisted every effort of the most

experienced wise persons to induce it to come forth again. Satisfied

with this explanation of the necessity of the deed, the one who

undertook the matter proceeded, with Ling’s assistance, to sharpen his

cutting instruments and to heat the hardening irons; but no sooner had

he made a shallow mark to indicate the lines which his knife should

take, than his subtle observation at once showed him that the facts had

been represented to him in a wrong sense, and that his visitor, indeed,

was composed of no common substance. Being of a gentle and forbearing

disposition, he did not manifest any indication of rage at the

discovery, but amiably and unassumingly pointed out that such a course

was not respectful towards himself, and that, moreover, Ling might incur

certain well-defined and highly undesirable maladies as a punishment for

the deception.

Overcome with remorse at deceiving so courteous and noble-minded

a person, Ling fully explained the circumstances to him, not even

concealing from him certain facts which related to the actions of remote

ancestors, but which, nevertheless, appeared to have influenced the

succession of events. When he had made an end of the narrative, the

other said:

“Behold now, it is truly remarked that every Mandarin has three hands

and every soldier a like number of feet, yet it is a saying which is

rather to be regarded as manifesting the deep wisdom and discrimination

of the speaker than as an actual fact which can be taken advantage of

when one is so minded--least of all by so valiant a Commander as the one

before me, who has clearly proved that in time of battle he has exactly

reversed the position.”

“The loss would undoubtedly be of considerable inconvenience

occasionally,” admitted Ling, “yet none the less the sage remark of Huai

Mei-shan, ‘When actually in the embrace of a voracious and powerful

wild animal, the desirability of leaving a limb is not a matter to be

subjected to lengthy consideration,’ is undoubtedly a valuable guide for

general conduct. This person has endured many misfortunes and suffered

many injustices; he has known the wolf-gnawings of great hopes, which

have withered and daily grown less when the difficulties of maintaining

an honourable and illustrious career have unfolded themselves within his

sight. Before him still lie the attractions of a moderate competency to

be shared with the one whose absence would make even the Upper Region

unendurable, and after having this entrancing future once shattered

by the tiger-like cupidity of a depraved and incapable Mandarin, he is

determined to welcome even the sacrifice which you condemn rather than

let the opportunity vanish through indecision.”

“It is not an unworthy or abandoned decision,” said the one whose aid

Ling had invoked, “nor a matter in which this person would refrain from

taking part, were there no other and more agreeable means by which the

same results may be attained. A circumstance has occurred within

this superficial person’s mind, however: A brother of the one who

is addressing you is by profession one of those who purchase large

undertakings for which they have not the money to pay, and who thereupon

by various expedients gain the ear of the thrifty, enticing them by fair

offers of return to entrust their savings for the purpose of paying off

the debt. These persons are ever on the watch for transactions by which

they inevitably prosper without incurring any obligation, and doubtless

my brother will be able to gather a just share of the value of your

highly-remunerative body without submitting you to the insufferable

annoyance of losing a great part of it prematurely.”

Without clearly understanding how so inviting an arrangement could be

effected, the manner of speaking was exceedingly alluring to Ling’s

mind, perplexed as he had become through weighing and considering

the various attitudes of the entire matter. To receive a certain and

sufficient sum of money without his person being in any way mutilated

would be a satisfactory, but as far as he had been able to observe an

unapproachable, solution to the difficulty. In the mind of the amiable

person with whom he was conversing, however, the accomplishment did not

appear to be surrounded by unnatural obstacles, so that Ling was content

to leave the entire design in his hands, after stating that he would

again present himself on a certain occasion when it was asserted that

the brother in question would be present.

So internally lightened did Ling feel after this inspiring conversation,

and so confident of a speedy success had the obliging person’s words

made him become, that for the first time since his return to Canton he

was able to take an intellectual interest in the pleasures of the city.

Becoming aware that the celebrated play entitled “The Precious Lamp

of Spotted Butterfly Temple” was in process of being shown at the Tea

Garden of Rainbow Lights and Voices, he purchased an entrance, and after

passing several hours in this conscientious enjoyment, returned to

his chamber, and passed a night untroubled by any manifestations of an

unpleasant nature.

CHAPTER XII

Chang-ch’un, the brother of the one to whom Ling had applied in his

determination, was confidently stated to be one of the richest persons

in Canton. So great was the number of enterprises in which he had

possessions, that he himself was unable to keep an account of them,

and it was asserted that upon occasions he had run through the streets,

crying aloud that such an undertaking had been the subject of most

inferior and uninviting dreams and omens (a custom observed by those who

wish a venture ill), whereas upon returning and consulting his written

parchments, it became plain to him that he had indulged in a very

objectionable exhibition, as he himself was the person most interested

in the success of the matter. Far from discouraging him, however, such

incidents tended to his advantage, as he could consistently point to

them in proof of his unquestionable commercial honourableness, and in

this way many persons of all classes, not only in Canton, or in the

Province, but all over the Empire, would unhesitatingly entrust money

to be placed in undertakings which he had purchased and was willing to

describe as “of much good.” A certain class of printed leaves--those in

which Chang-ch’un did not insert purchased mentions of his forthcoming

ventures or verses recording his virtues (in return for buying many

examples of the printed leaf containing them)--took frequent occasion of

reminding persons that Chang-ch’un owed the beginning of his prosperity

to finding a written parchment connected with a Mandarin of exalted rank

and a low caste attendant at the Ti-i tea-house among the paper

heaps, which it was at that time his occupation to assort into various

departments according to their quality and commercial value. Such

printed leaves freely and unhesitatingly predicted that the day on which

he would publicly lose face was incomparably nearer than that on which

the Imperial army would receive its back pay, and in a quaint and

gravity-removing manner advised him to protect himself against an

obscure but inevitable poverty by learning the accomplishment of

chair-carrying--an occupation for which his talents and achievements

fitted him in a high degree, they remarked.

In spite of these evilly intentioned remarks, and of illustrations

representing him as being bowstrung for treacherous killing, being

seized in the action of secretly conveying money from passers-by to

himself and other similar annoying references to his private life,

Chang-ch’un did not fail to prosper, and his undertakings succeeded to

such an extent that without inquiry into the detail many persons were

content to describe as “gold-lined” anything to which he affixed his

sign, and to hazard their savings for staking upon the ventures. In all

other departments of life Chang was equally successful; his chief wife

was the daughter of one who stood high in the Emperor’s favour; his

repast table was never unsupplied with sea-snails, rats’ tongues,

or delicacies of an equally expensive nature, and it was confidently

maintained that there was no official in Canton, not even putting aside

the Taotai, who dare neglect to fondle Chang’s hand if he publicly

offered it to him for that purpose.

It was at the most illustrious point of his existence--at the time,

indeed, when after purchasing without money the renowned and proficient

charm-water Ho-Ko for a million taels, he had sold it again for

ten--that Chang was informed by his brother of the circumstances

connected with Ling. After becoming specially assured that the matter

was indeed such as it was represented to be, Chang at once discerned

that the venture was of too certain and profitable a nature to be put

before those who entrusted their money to him in ordinary and doubtful

cases. He accordingly called together certain persons whom he was

desirous of obliging, and informing them privately and apart

from business terms that the opportunity was one of exceptional

attractiveness, he placed the facts before them. After displaying a

number of diagrams bearing upon the matter, he proposed that they should

form an enterprise to be called “The Ling (After Death) Without Much

Risk Assembly.” The manner of conducting this undertaking he explained

to be as follows: The body of Ling, whenever the spirit left it, should

become as theirs to be used for profit. For this benefit they would pay

Ling fifty thousand taels when the understanding was definitely arrived

at, five thousand taels each year until the matter ended, and when that

period arrived another fifty thousand taels to persons depending upon

him during his life. Having stated the figure business, Chang-ch’un

put down his written papers, and causing his face to assume the look of

irrepressible but dignified satisfaction which it was his custom to wear

on most occasions, and especially when he had what appeared at first

sight to be evil news to communicate to public assemblages of those

who had entrusted money to his ventures, he proceeded to disclose the

advantages of such a system. At the extreme, he said, the amount which

they would be required to pay would be two hundred and fifty

thousand taels; but this was in reality a very misleading view of the

circumstance, as he would endeavour to show them. For one detail, he had

allotted to Ling thirty years of existence, which was the extreme amount

according to the calculations of those skilled in such prophecies; but,

as they were all undoubtedly aware, persons of very expert intellects

were known to enjoy a much shorter period of life than the gross and

ordinary, and as Ling was clearly one of the former, by the fact of his

contriving so ingenious a method of enriching himself, they might with

reasonable foresight rely upon his departing when half the period had

been attained; in that way seventy-five thousand taels would be restored

to them, for every year represented a saving of five thousand. Another

agreeable contemplation was that of the last sum, for by such a time

they would have arrived at the most pleasurable part of the enterprise:

a million taels’ worth of pure gold would be displayed before them, and

the question of the final fifty thousand could be disposed of by cutting

off an arm or half a leg. Whether they adopted that course, or decided

to increase their fortunes by exposing so exceptional and symmetrical a

wonder to the public gaze in all the principal cities of the Empire, was

a circumstance which would have to be examined within their minds when

the time approached. In such a way the detail of purchase stood

revealed as only fifty thousand taels in reality, a sum so despicably

insignificant that he had internal pains at mentioning it to so wealthy

a group of Mandarins, and he had not yet made clear to them that each

year they would receive gold to the amount of almost a thousand taels.

This would be the result of Ling making smooth his surfaces, and it

would enable them to know that the person in question actually existed,

and to keep the circumstances before their intellects.

When Chang-Ch’un had made the various facts clear to this extent, those

who were assembled expressed their feelings as favourably turned towards

the project, provided the tests to which Ling was to be put should prove

encouraging, and a secure and intelligent understanding of things to be

done and not to be done could be arrived at between them. To this end

Ling was brought into the chamber, and fixing his thoughts steadfastly

upon Mian, he permitted portions to be cut from various parts of his

body without betraying any signs of ignoble agitation. No sooner had

the pieces been separated and the virtue of Ling’s existence passed from

them than they changed colour and hardened, nor could the most delicate

and searching trials to which they were exposed by a skilful worker

in metals, who was obtained for the purpose, disclose any particular,

however minute, in which they differed from the finest gold. The hair,

the nails, and the teeth were similarly affected, and even Ling’s

blood dried into a fine gold powder. This detail of the trial being

successfully completed, Ling subjected himself to intricate questioning

on all matters connected with his religion and manner of conducting

himself, both in public and privately, the history and behaviour of his

ancestors, the various omens and remarkable sayings which had reference

to his life and destiny, and the intentions which he then possessed

regarding his future movements and habits of living. All the wise

sayings and written and printed leaves which made any allusion to the

existence of and possibility of discovery of the wonderful gold fluid

were closely examined, and found to be in agreement, whereupon those

present made no further delay in admitting that the facts were indeed

as they had been described, and indulged in a dignified stroking of

each other’s faces as an expression of pleasure and in proof of their

satisfaction at taking part in so entrancing and remunerative an affair.

At Chang’s command many rare and expensive wines were then brought

in, and partaken of without restraint by all persons, the repast being

lightened by numerous well-considered and gravity-removing jests having

reference to Ling and the unusual composition of his person. So amiably

were the hours occupied that it was past the time of no light when Chang

rose and read at full length the statement of things to be done and

things not to be done, which was to be sealed by Ling for his part and

the other persons who were present for theirs. It so happened, however,

that at that period Ling’s mind was filled with brilliant and versatile

thoughts and images of Mian, and many-hued visions of the manner in

which they would spend the entrancing future which was now before them,

and in this way it chanced that he did not give any portion of his

intellect to the reading, mistaking it, indeed, for a delicate and very

ably-composed set of verses which Chang-ch’un was reciting as a formal

blessing on parting. Nor was it until he was desired to affix his

sign that Ling discovered his mistake, and being of too respectful and

unobtrusive a disposition to require the matter to be repeated then, he

carried out the obligation without in any particular understanding the

written words to which he was agreeing.

As Ling walked through the streets to his chamber after leaving the

house and company of Chang-Ch’un, holding firmly among his garments the

thin printed papers to the amount of fifty thousand taels which he had

received, and repeatedly speaking to himself in terms of general and

specific encouragement at the fortunate events of the past few days, he

became aware that a person of mean and rapacious appearance, whom he

had some memory of having observed within the residence he had but

just left, was continually by his side. Not at first doubting that

the circumstance resulted from a benevolent desire on the part of

Chang-ch’un that he should be protected on his passage through the city,

Ling affected not to observe the incident; but upon reaching his own

door the person in question persistently endeavoured to pass in also.

Forming a fresh judgment about the matter, Ling, who was very powerfully

constructed, and whose natural instincts were enhanced in every degree

by the potent fluid of which he had lately partaken, repeatedly threw

him across the street until he became weary of the diversion. At

length, however, the thought arose that one who patiently submitted

to continually striking the opposite houses with his head must have

something of importance to communicate, whereupon he courteously invited

him to enter the apartment and unweigh his mind.

“The facts of the case appear to have been somewhat inadequately

represented,” said the stranger, bowing obsequiously, “for this

unornamental person was assured by the benignant Chang-ch’un that the

one whose shadow he was to become was of a mild and forbearing nature.”

“Such words are as the conversation of birds to me,” replied Ling, not

conjecturing how the matter had fallen about. “This person has just left

the presence of the elegant and successful Chang-ch’un, and no word that

he spoke gave indication of such a follower or such a service.”

“Then it is indeed certain that the various transactions have not been

fully understood,” exclaimed the other, “for the exact communication to

this unseemly one was, ‘The valuable and enlightened Ling has heard and

agreed to the different things to be done and not to be done, one

phrase of which arranges for your continual presence, so that he will

anticipate your attentions.’”

At these words the truth became as daylight before Ling’s eyes, and

he perceived that the written paper to which he had affixed his sign

contained the detail of such an office as that of the person before him.

When too late, more than ever did he regret that he had not formed some

pretext for causing the document to be read a second time, as in view of

his immediate intentions such an arrangement as the one to which he had

agreed had every appearance of becoming of an irksome and perplexing

nature. Desiring to know the length of the attendant’s commands, Ling

asked him for a clear statement of his duties, feigning that he had

missed that portion of the reading through a momentary attack of the

giddy sickness. To this request the stranger, who explained that his

name was Wang, instantly replied that his written and spoken orders

were: never to permit more than an arm’s length of space to separate

them; to prevent, by whatever force was necessary for the purpose, all

attempts at evading the things to be done and not to be done, and to

ignore as of no interest all other circumstances. It seemed to Ling,

in consequence, that little seclusion would be enjoyed unless an

arrangement could be effected between Wang and himself; so to this end,

after noticing the evident poverty and covetousness of the person in

question, he made him an honourable offer of frequent rewards, provided

a greater distance was allowed to come between them as soon as Si-chow

was reached. On his side, Ling undertook not to break through the

wording of the things to be done and not to be done, and to notify to

Wang any movements upon which he meditated. In this reputable manner

the obstacle was ingeniously removed, and the intelligent nature of the

device was clearly proved by the fact that not only Ling but Wang also

had in the future a much greater liberty of action than would have

been possible if it had been necessary to observe the short-sighted and

evidently hastily-thought-of condition which Chang-ch’un had endeavoured

to impose.

CHAPTER XIII

In spite of his natural desire to return to Mian as quickly as possible,

Ling judged it expedient to give several days to the occupation of

purchasing apparel of the richest kinds, weapons and armour in large

quantities, jewels and ornaments of worked metals and other objects to

indicate his changed position. Nor did he neglect actions of a pious

and charitable nature, for almost his first care was to arrange with the

chief ones at the Temple of Benevolent Intentions that each year, on the

day corresponding to that on which he drank the gold fluid, a sumptuous

and well-constructed coffin should be presented to the most deserving

poor and aged person within that quarter of the city in which he had

resided. When these preparations were completed, Ling set out with an

extensive train of attendants; but riding on before, accompanied only by

Wang, he quickly reached Si-chow without adventure.

The meeting between Ling and Mian was affecting to such an extent

that the blind and deaf attendants wept openly without reproach,

notwithstanding the fact that neither could become possessed of more

than a half of the occurrence. Eagerly the two reunited ones examined

each other’s features to discover whether the separation had brought

about any change in the beloved and well-remembered lines. Ling

discovered upon Mian the shadow of an anxious care at his absence, while

the disappointments and trials which Ling had experienced in Canton had

left traces which were plainly visible to Mian’s penetrating gaze. In

such an entrancing occupation the time was to them without hours until

a feeling of hunger recalled them to lesser matters, when a variety

of very select foods and liquids was placed before them without delay.

After this elegant repast had been partaken of, Mian, supporting herself

upon Ling’s shoulder, made a request that he would disclose to her all

the matters which had come under his observation both within the city

and during his journey to and from that place. Upon this encouragement,

Ling proceeded to unfold his mind, not withholding anything which

appeared to be of interest, no matter how slight. When he had reached

Canton without any perilous adventure, Mian breathed more freely; as he

recorded the interview at the Office of Warlike Deeds and Arrangements,

she trembled at the insidious malignity of the evil person Li Keen. The

conversation with the wise reader of the future concerning the various

states of such as be officially dead almost threw her into the rigid

sickness, from which, however, the wonderful circumstance of the

discovered properties of the gold fluid quickly recalled her. But to

Ling’s great astonishment no sooner had he made plain the exceptional

advantages which he had derived from the circumstances, and the nature

of the undertaking at which he had arrived with Chang-ch’un, than she

became a prey to the most intolerable and unrestrained anguish.

“Oh, my devoted but excessively ill-advised lover,” she exclaimed

wildly, and in tones which clearly indicated that she was inspired by

every variety of affectionate emotion, “has the unendurable position

in which you and all your household will be placed by the degrading

commercial schemes and instincts of the mercenary-souled person

Chang-ch’un occupied no place in your generally well-regulated

intellect? Inevitably will those who drink our almond tea, in order

to have an opportunity of judging the value of the appointments of the

house, pass the jesting remark that while the Lings assuredly have ‘a

dead person’s bones in the secret chamber,’ at the present they will not

have one in the family graveyard by reason of the death of Ling himself.

Better to lose a thousand limbs during life than the entire person after

death; nor would your adoring Mian hesitate to clasp proudly to her

organ of affection the veriest trunk that had parted with all its

attributes in a noble and sacrificing endeavour to preserve at least

some dignified proportions to embellish the Ancestral Temple and to

receive the worship of posterity.”

“Alas!” replied Ling, with extravagant humiliation, “it is indeed true;

and this person is degraded beyond the common lot of those who break

images and commit thefts from sacred places. The side of the transaction

which is at present engaging our attention never occurred to this

superficial individual until now.”

“Wise and incomparable one,” said Mian, in no degree able to restrain

the fountains of bitter water which clouded her delicate and expressive

eyes, “in spite of this person’s biting and ungracious words do not, she

makes a formal petition, doubt the deathless strength of her affection.

Cheerfully, in order to avert the matter in question, or even to save

her lover the anguish of unavailing and soul-eating remorse, would she

consign herself to a badly-constructed and slow-consuming fire or expose

her body to various undignified tortures. Happy are those even to whom

is left a little ash to be placed in a precious urn and diligently

guarded, for it, in any event, truly represents all that is left of the

once living person, whereas after an honourable and spotless existence

my illustrious but unthinking lord will be blended with a variety of

baser substances and passed from hand to hand, his immaculate organs

serving to reward murderers for their deeds and to tempt the weak and

vicious to all manner of unmentionable crimes.”

So overcome was Ling by the distressing nature of the oversight he had

permitted that he could find no words with which to comfort Mian, who,

after some moments, continued:

“There are even worse visions of degradation which occur to this person.

By chance, that which was once the noble-minded Ling may be disposed of,

not to the Imperial Treasury for converting into pieces of exchange, but

to some undiscriminating worker in metals who will fashion out of his

beautiful and symmetrical stomach an elegant food-dish, so that from the

ultimate developments of the circumstance may arise the fact that his

own descendants, instead of worshipping him, use his internal organs

for this doubtful if not absolutely unclean purpose, and thereby suffer

numerous well-merited afflictions, to the end that the finally-despised

Ling and this discredited person, instead of founding a vigorous and

prolific generation, become the parents of a line of feeble-minded and

physically-depressed lepers.”

“Oh, my peacock-eyed one!” exclaimed Ling, in immeasurable distress, “so

proficient an exhibition of virtuous grief crushes this misguided person

completely to the ground. Rather would he uncomplainingly lose his

pigtail than--”

“Such a course,” said a discordant voice, as the unpresentable person

Wang stepped forth from behind a hanging curtain, where, indeed, he had

stood concealed during the entire conversation, “is especially forbidden

by the twenty-third detail of the things to be done and not to be done.”

“What new adversity is this?” cried Mian, pressing to Ling with a still

closer embrace. “Having disposed of your incomparable body after death,

surely an adequate amount of liberty and seclusion remains to us during

life.”

“Nevertheless,” interposed the dog-like Wang, “the refined person in

question must not attempt to lose or to dispose of his striking and

invaluable pigtail; for by such an action he would be breaking through

his spoken and written word whereby he undertook to be ruled by the

things to be done and not to be done; and he would also be robbing the

ingenious-minded Chang-ch’un.”

“Alas!” lamented the unhappy Ling, “that which appeared to be the end of

all this person’s troubles is obviously simply the commencement of a new

and more extensive variety. Understand, O conscientious but exceedingly

inopportune Wang, that the words which passed from this person’s mouth

did not indicate a fixed determination, but merely served to show the

unfeigned depth of his emotion. Be content that he has no intention of

evading the definite principles of the things to be done and not to

be done, and in the meantime honour this commonplace establishment by

retiring to the hot and ill-ventilated chamber, and there partaking of a

suitable repast which shall be prepared without delay.”

When Wang had departed, which he did with somewhat unseemly haste,

Ling made an end of recording his narrative, which Mian’s grief had

interrupted. In this way he explained to her the reason of Wang’s

presence, and assured her that by reason of the arrangement he had made

with that person, his near existence would not be so unsupportable to

them as might at first appear to be the case.

While they were still conversing together, and endeavouring to divert

their minds from the objectionable facts which had recently come within

their notice, an attendant entered and disclosed that the train of

servants and merchandise which Ling had preceded on the journey was

arriving. At this fresh example of her lover’s consistent thought

for her, Mian almost forgot her recent agitation, and eagerly lending

herself to the entrancing occupation of unfolding and displaying the

various objects, her brow finally lost the last trace of sadness.

Greatly beyond the imaginings of anticipation were the expensive

articles with which Ling proudly surrounded her; and in examining and

learning the cost of the set jewels and worked metals, the ornamental

garments for both persons, the wood and paper appointments for the

house--even incenses, perfumes, spices and rare viands had not been

forgotten--the day was quickly and profitably spent.

When the hour of sunset arrived, Ling, having learned that certain

preparations which he had commanded were fully carried out, took Mian by

the hand and led her into the chief apartment of the house, where were

assembled all the followers and attendants, even down to the illiterate

and superfluous Wang. In the centre of the room upon a table of the

finest ebony stood a vessel of burning incense, some dishes of the most

highly-esteemed fruit, and an abundance of old and very sweet wine.

Before these emblems Ling and Mian placed themselves in an attitude of

deep humiliation, and formally expressed their gratitude to the Chief

Deity for having called them into existence, to the cultivated earth

for supplying them with the means of sustaining life, to the Emperor for

providing the numerous safeguards by which their persons were protected

at all times, and to their parents for educating them. This adequate

ceremony being completed, Ling explicitly desired all those present to

observe the fact that the two persons in question were, by that fact and

from that time, made as one being, and the bond between them, incapable

of severance.

When the ruling night-lantern came out from among the clouds, Ling and

Mian became possessed of a great desire to go forth with pressed hands

and look again on the forest paths and glades in which they had spent

many hours of exceptional happiness before Ling’s journey to Canton.

Leaving the attendants to continue the feasting and drum-beating in a

completely unrestrained manner, they therefore passed out unperceived,

and wandering among the trees, presently stood on the banks of the

Heng-Kiang.

“Oh, my beloved!” exclaimed Mian, gazing at the brilliant and unruffled

water, “greatly would this person esteem a short river journey, such as

we often enjoyed together in the days when you were recovering.”

Ling, to whom the expressed desires of Mian were as the word of the

Emperor, instantly prepared the small and ornamental junk which was

fastened near for this purpose, and was about to step in, when a

presumptuous and highly objectionable hand restrained him.

“Behold,” remarked a voice which Ling had some difficulty in ascribing

to any known person, so greatly had it changed from its usual tone,

“behold how the immature and altogether too-inferior Ling observes his

spoken and written assertions!”

At this low-conditioned speech, Ling drew his well-tempered sword

without further thought, in spite of the restraining arms of Mian,

but at the sight of the utterly incapable person Wang, who stood near

smiling meaninglessly and waving his arms with a continuous and backward

motion, he again replaced it.

“Such remarks can be left to fall unheeded from the lips of one who

bears every indication of being steeped in rice spirit,” he said with

unprovoked dignity.

“It will be the plain duty of this expert and uncorruptible person

to furnish the unnecessary, but, nevertheless, very severe and

self-opinionated Chang-ch’un with a written account of how the

traitorous and deceptive Ling has endeavoured to break through the

thirty-fourth vessel of the liquids to be consumed and not to be

consumed,” continued Wang with increased deliberation and an entire

absence of attention to Ling’s action and speech, “and how by this

refined person’s unfailing civility and resourceful strategy he has been

frustrated.”

“Perchance,” said Ling, after examining his thoughts for a short space,

and reflecting that the list of things to be done and not to be done was

to him as a blank leaf, “there may even be some small portion of that

which is accurate in his statement. In what manner,” he continued,

addressing the really unendurable person, who was by this time preparing

to pass the night in the cool swamp by the river’s edge, “does this

one endanger any detail of the written and sealed parchment by such an

action?”

“Inasmuch,” replied Wang, pausing in the process of removing his

outer garments, “as the seventy-ninth--the intricate name given

to it escapes this person’s tongue at the moment--but the

ninety-seventh--experLingknowswhamean--provides that any person, with or

without, attempting or not avoiding to travel by sea, lake, or river,

or to place himself in such a position as he may reasonably and

intelligently be drowned in salt water, fresh water, or--or honourable

rice spirit, shall be guilty of, and suffer--complete loss of memory.”

With these words the immoderate and contemptible person sank down in a

very profound slumber.

“Alas!” said Ling, turning to Mian, who stood near, unable to retire

even had she desired, by reason of the extreme agitation into which

the incident had thrown her delicate mind and body, “how intensely

aggravating a circumstance that we are compelled to entertain so

dissolute a one by reason of this person’s preoccupation when the matter

was read. Nevertheless, it is not unlikely that the detail he spoke of

was such as he insisted, to the extent of making it a thing not to be

done to journey in any manner by water. It shall be an early endeavour

of this person to get these restraining details equitably amended; but

in the meantime we will retrace our footsteps through the wood, and

the enraptured Ling will make a well-thought-out attempt to lighten the

passage by a recital of his recently-composed verses on the subject of

‘Exile from the Loved One; or, Farewell and Return.’”

CHAPTER XIV

“My beloved lord!” said Mian sadly, on a morning after many days had

passed since the return of Ling, “have you not every possession for

which the heart of a wise person searches? Yet the dark mark is scarcely

ever absent from your symmetrical brow. If she who stands before you,

and is henceforth an integral part of your organization, has failed you

in any particular, no matter how unimportant, explain the matter to her,

and the amendment will be a speedy and a joyful task.”

It was indeed true that Ling’s mind was troubled, but the fault did not

lie with Mian, as the person in question was fully aware, for before

her eyes as before those of Ling the unevadable compact which had been

entered into with Chang-ch’un was ever present, insidiously planting

bitterness within even the most select and accomplished delights. Nor

with increasing time did the obstinate and intrusive person Wang become

more dignified in his behaviour; on the contrary, he freely made use of

his position to indulge in every variety of abandonment, and almost each

day he prevented, by reason of his knowledge of the things to be done

and not to be done, some refined and permissible entertainment

upon which Ling and Mian had determined. Ling had despatched many

communications upon this subject to Chang-ch’un, praying also that

some expert way out of the annoyance of the lesser and more unimportant

things not to be done should be arrived at, but the time when he might

reasonably expect an answer to these written papers had not yet arrived.

It was about this period that intelligence was brought to Ling from the

villages on the road to Peking, how Li Keen, having secretly ascertained

that his Yamen was standing and his goods uninjured, had determined

to return, and was indeed at that hour within a hundred li of Si-chow.

Furthermore, he had repeatedly been understood to pronounce clearly

that he considered Ling to be the head and beginning of all his

inconveniences, and to declare that the first act of justice which

he should accomplish on his return would be to submit the person in

question to the most unbearable tortures, and then cause him to lose his

head publicly as an outrager of the settled state of things and an

enemy of those who loved tranquillity. Not doubting that Li Keen would

endeavour to gain an advantage by treachery if the chance presented

itself, Ling determined to go forth to meet him, and without delay

settle the entire disturbance in one well-chosen and fatally-destructive

encounter. To this end, rather than disturb the placid mind of Mian,

to whom the thought of the engagement would be weighted with many

disquieting fears, he gave out that he was going upon an expedition

to surprise and capture certain fish of a very delicate flavour, and

attended by only two persons, he set forth in the early part of the day.

Some hours later, owing to an ill-considered remark on the part of the

deaf attendant, to whom the matter had been explained in an imperfect

light, Mian became possessed of the true facts of the case, and

immediately all the pleasure of existence went from her. She despaired

of ever again beholding Ling in an ordinary state, and mournfully

reproached herself for the bitter words which had risen to her lips when

the circumstance of his condition and the arrangement with Chang-ch’un

first became known to her. After spending an interval in a polished

lament at the manner in which things were inevitably tending, the

thought occurred to Mian whether by any means in her power she could

influence the course and settled method of affairs. In this situation

the memory of the person Wang, and the fact that on several occasions he

had made himself objectionable when Ling had proposed to place himself

in such a position that he incurred some very remote chance of death

by drowning or by fire, recurred to her. Subduing the natural and

pure-minded repulsion which she invariably experienced at the mere

thought of so debased an individual, she sought for him, and discovering

him in the act of constructing cardboard figures of men and animals,

which it was his custom to dispose skilfully in little-frequented paths

for the purpose of enjoying the sudden terror of those who passed by,

she quickly put the matter before him, urging him, by some means, to

prevent the encounter, which must assuredly cost the life of the one

whom he had so often previously obstructed from incurring the slightest

risk.

“By no means,” exclaimed Wang, when he at length understood the full

meaning of the project; “it would be a most unpresentable action for

this commonplace person to interfere in so honourable an undertaking.

Had the priceless body of the intrepid Ling been in any danger of

disappearing, as, for example, by drowning or being consumed in fire,

the nature of the circumstance would have been different. As the

matter exists, however, there is every appearance that the far-seeing

Chang-ch’un will soon reap the deserved reward of his somewhat

speculative enterprise, and to that end this person will immediately

procure a wooden barrier and the services of four robust carriers, and

proceed to the scene of the conflict.”

Deprived of even this hope of preventing the encounter, Mian betook

herself in extreme dejection to the secret room of the magician, which

had been unopened since the day when the two attendants had searched for

substances to apply to their master, and there she diligently examined

every object in the remote chance of discovering something which might

prove of value in averting the matter in question.

Not anticipating that the true reason of his journey would become known

to Mian, Ling continued on his way without haste, and passing through

Si-chow before the sun had risen, entered upon the great road to Peking.

At a convenient distance from the town he came to a favourable piece of

ground where he decided to await the arrival of Li Keen, spending the

time profitably in polishing his already brilliant sword, and making

observations upon the nature of the spot and the condition of the

surrounding omens, on which the success of his expedition would largely

depend.

As the sun reached the highest point in the open sky the sound of an

approaching company could be plainly heard; but at the moment when the

chair of the Mandarin appeared within the sight of those who waited, the

great luminary, upon which all portents depend directly or indirectly,

changed to the colour of new-drawn blood and began to sink towards

the earth. Without any misgivings, therefore, Ling disposed his two

attendants in the wood, with instructions to step forth and aid him if

he should be attacked by overwhelming numbers, while he himself remained

in the way. As the chair approached, the Mandarin observed a person

standing alone, and thinking that it was one who, hearing of his return,

had come out of the town to honour him, he commanded the bearers to

pause. Thereupon, stepping up to the opening, Ling struck the deceptive

and incapable Li Keen on the cheek, at the same time crying in a full

voice, “Come forth, O traitorous and two-stomached Mandarin! for this

person is very desirous of assisting you in the fulfilment of your

boastful words. Here is a most irreproachable sword which will serve

excellently to cut off this person’s undignified head; here is a

waistcord which can be tightened around his breast, thereby producing

excruciating pains over the entire body.”

At the knowledge of who the one before him was, and when he heard the

words which unhesitatingly announced Ling’s fixed purpose, Li Keen first

urged the carriers to fall upon Ling and slay him, and then, perceiving

that such a course was exceedingly distasteful to their natural

tendencies, to take up the chair and save him by flight. But Ling in

the meantime engaged their attention, and fully explained to them the

treacherous and unworthy conduct of Li Keen, showing them how his death

would be a just retribution for his ill-spent life, and promising them

each a considerable reward in addition to their arranged payment when

the matter in question had been accomplished. Becoming convinced of the

justice of Ling’s cause, they turned upon Li Keen, insisting that he

should at once attempt to carry out the ill-judged threats against Ling,

of which they were consistent witnesses, and announcing that, if he

failed to do so, they would certainly bear him themselves to a not far

distant well of stagnant water, and there gain the approbation of the

good spirits by freeing the land of so unnatural a monster.

Seeing only a dishonourable death on either side, Li Keen drew his

sword, and made use of every artifice of which he had knowledge in

order to disarm Ling or to take him at a disadvantage. In this he was

unsuccessful, for Ling, who was by nature a very expert sword-user,

struck him repeatedly, until he at length fell in an expiring condition,

remarking with his last words that he had indeed been a narrow-minded

and extortionate person during his life, and that his death was an

enlightened act of celestial accuracy.

Directing Wang and his four hired persons, who had in the meantime

arrived, to give the body of the Mandarin an honourable burial in the

deep of the wood, Ling rewarded and dismissed the chairbearers, and

without delay proceeded to Si-chow, where he charitably distributed the

goods and possessions of Li Keen among the poor of the town. Having

in this able and conscientious manner completely proved the misleading

nature of the disgraceful statements which the Mandarin had spread

abroad concerning him, Ling turned his footsteps towards Mian, whose

entrancing joy at his safe return was judged by both persons to be a

sufficient reward for the mental distress with which their separation

had been accompanied.

CHAPTER XV

After the departure of Ling from Canton, the commercial affairs of

Chang-ch’un began, from a secret and undetectable cause, to assume an

ill-regulated condition. No venture which he undertook maintained a

profitable attitude, so that many persons who in former times had been

content to display the printed papers setting forth his name and

virtues in an easily-seen position in their receiving-rooms, now placed

themselves daily before his house in order to accuse him of using their

taels in ways which they themselves had not sufficiently understood, and

for the purpose of warning passers-by against his inducements. It was

in vain that Chang proposed new undertakings, each of an infallibly

more prosperous nature than those before; the persons who had hitherto

supported him were all entrusting their money to one named Pung Soo, who

required millions where Chang had been content with thousands, and who

persistently insisted on greeting the sacred Emperor as an equal.

In this unenviable state Chang’s mind continually returned to thoughts

of Ling, whose lifeless body would so opportunely serve to dispel the

embarrassing perplexities of existence which were settling thickly about

him. Urged forward by a variety of circumstances which placed him in

an entirely different spirit from the honourable bearing which he had

formerly maintained, he now closely examined all the papers connected

with the matter, to discover whether he might not be able to effect his

purpose with an outward exhibition of law forms. While engaged in this

degrading occupation, a detail came to his notice which caused him to

become very amiably disposed and confident of success. Proceeding with

the matter, he caused a well-supported report to be spread about that

Ling was suffering from a wasting sickness, which, without in any

measure shortening his life, would cause him to return to the size and

weight of a newly-born child, and being by these means enabled to secure

the entire matter of “The Ling (After Death) Without Much Risk Assembly”

at a very small outlay, he did so, and then, calling together a company

of those who hire themselves out for purposes of violence, journeyed to

Si-chow.

Ling and Mian were seated together at a table in the great room,

examining a vessel of some clear liquid, when Chang-ch’un entered with

his armed ones, in direct opposition to the general laws of ordinary

conduct and the rulings of hospitality. At the sight, which plainly

indicated a threatened display of violence, Ling seized his renowned

sword, which was never far distant from him, and prepared to carry out

his spoken vow, that any person overstepping a certain mark on the floor

would assuredly fall.

“Put away your undoubtedly competent weapon, O Ling,” said Chang, who

was desirous that the matter should be arranged if possible without any

loss to himself, “for such a course can be honourably adopted when it

is taken into consideration that we are as twenty to one, and have,

moreover, the appearance of being inspired by law forms.”

“There are certain matters of allowed justice which over-rule all

other law forms,” replied Ling, taking a surer hold of his sword-grasp.

“Explain, for your part, O obviously double-dealing Chang-ch’un, from

whom this person only recently parted on terms of equality and courtesy,

why you come not with an agreeable face and a peaceful following,

but with a countenance which indicates both violence and terror, and

accompanied by many whom this person recognizes as the most outcast and

degraded from the narrow and evil-smelling ways of Canton?”

“In spite of your blustering words,” said Chang, with some attempt at an

exhibition of dignity, “this person is endowed by every right, and

comes only for the obtaining, by the help of this expert and proficient

gathering, should such a length become necessary, of his just claims.

Understand that in the time since the venture was arranged this person

has become possessed of all the property of ‘The Ling (After Death)

Without Much Risk Assembly,’ and thereby he is competent to act fully

in the matter. It has now come within his attention that the one Ling

to whom the particulars refer is officially dead, and as the written

and sealed document clearly undertook that the person’s body was to be

delivered up for whatever use the Assembly decided whenever death should

possess it, this person has now come for the honourable carrying out of

the undertaking.”

At these words the true nature of the hidden contrivance into which he

had fallen descended upon Ling like a heavy and unavoidable thunderbolt.

Nevertheless, being by nature and by reason of his late exploits

fearless of death, except for the sake of the loved one by his side, he

betrayed no sign of discreditable emotion at the discovery.

“In such a case,” he replied, with an appearance of entirely

disregarding the danger of the position, “the complete parchment must be

of necessity overthrown; for if this person is now officially dead, he

was equally so at the time of sealing, and arrangements entered into by

dead persons have no actual existence.”

“That is a matter which has never been efficiently decided,” admitted

Chang-ch’un, with no appearance of being thrown into a state of

confusion at the suggestion, “and doubtless the case in question can by

various means be brought in the end before the Court of Final Settlement

at Peking, where it may indeed be judged in the manner you assert. But

as such a process must infallibly consume the wealth of a province and

the years of an ordinary lifetime, and as it is this person’s unmoved

intention to carry out his own view of the undertaking without delay,

such speculations are not matters of profound interest.”

Upon this Chang gave certain instructions to his followers, who

thereupon prepared to advance. Perceiving that the last detail of the

affair had been arrived at, Ling threw back his hanging garment, and

was on the point of rushing forward to meet them, when Mian, who had

maintained a possessed and reliant attitude throughout, pushed towards

him the vessel of pure and sparkling liquid with which they had been

engaged when so presumptuously broken in upon, at the same time speaking

to him certain words in an outside language. A new and Heaven-sent

confidence immediately took possession of Ling, and striking his sword

against the wall with such irresistible force that the entire chamber

trembled and the feeble-minded assassins shrank back in unrestrained

terror, he leapt upon the table, grasping in one hand the open vessel.

“Behold the end, O most uninventive and slow-witted Chang-ch’un!” he

cried in a dreadful and awe-compelling voice. “As a reward for your

faithless and traitorous behaviour, learn how such avaricious-minded

incompetence turns and fastens itself upon the vitals of those who beget

it. In spite of many things which were not of a graceful nature

towards him, this person has unassumingly maintained his part of the

undertaking, and would have followed such a course conscientiously to

the last. As it is, when he has made an end of speaking, the body

which you are already covetously estimating in taels will in no way

be distinguishable from that of the meanest and most ordinary maker of

commercial ventures in Canton. For, behold! the fluid which he holds in

his hand, and which it is his fixed intention to drain to the last drop,

is in truth nothing but a secret and exceedingly powerful counteractor

against the virtues of the gold drug; and though but a single particle

passed his lips, and the swords of your brilliant and versatile

murderers met the next moment in his breast, the body which fell at your

feet would be meet for worms rather than for the melting-pot.”

It was indeed such a substance as Ling represented it to be, Mian

having discovered it during her very systematic examination of the dead

magician’s inner room. Its composition and distillation had involved

that self-opinionated person in many years of arduous toil, for with a

somewhat unintelligent lack of foresight he had obstinately determined

to perfect the antidote before he turned his attention to the drug

itself. Had the matter been more ingeniously arranged, he would

undoubtedly have enjoyed an earlier triumph and an affluent and

respected old age.

At Ling’s earnest words and prepared attitude an instant conviction of

the truth of his assertions took possession of Chang. Therefore, seeing

nothing but immediate and unevadable ruin at the next step, he called

out in a loud and imploring voice that he should desist, and no harm

would come upon him. To this Ling consented, first insisting that the

followers should be dismissed without delay, and Chang alone remain to

have conversation on the matter. By this just act the lower parts of

Canton were greatly purified, for the persons in question being driven

forth into the woods, mostly perished by encounters with wild animals,

or at the hands of the enraged villagers, to whom Ling had by this time

become greatly endeared.

When the usual state had been restored, Ling made clear to Chang the

altered nature of the conditions to which he would alone agree. “It is

a noble-minded and magnanimous proposal on your part, and one to which

this misguided person had no claim,” admitted Chang, as he affixed his

seal to the written undertaking and committed the former parchment to

be consumed by fire. By this arrangement it was agreed that Ling should

receive only one-half of the yearly payment which had formerly been

promised, and that no sum of taels should become due to those depending

on him at his death. In return for these valuable allowances, there were

to exist no details of things to be done and not to be done, Ling merely

giving an honourable promise to observe the matter in a just spirit,

while--most esteemed of all--only a portion of his body was to pass to

Chang when the end arrived, the upper part remaining to embellish the

family altar and receive the veneration of posterity.

* * * * *

As the great sky-lantern rose above the trees and the time of no-noise

fell upon the woods, a flower-laden pleasure-junk moved away from its

restraining cords, and, without any sense of motion, gently bore Ling

and Mian between the sweet-smelling banks of the Heng-Kiang. Presently

Mian drew from beneath her flowing garment an instrument of stringed

wood, and touching it with a quick but delicate stroke, like the flight

and pausing of a butterfly, told in well-balanced words a refined

narrative of two illustrious and noble-looking persons, and how, after

many disagreeable evils and unendurable separations, they entered upon a

destined state of earthly prosperity and celestial favour. When she made

an end of the verses, Ling turned the junk’s head by one well-directed

stroke of the paddle, and prepared by using similar means to return to

the place of mooring.

“Indeed,” he remarked, ceasing for a moment to continue this skilful

occupation, “the words which you have just spoken might, without

injustice, be applied to the two persons who are now conversing

together. For after suffering misfortunes and wrongs beyond an

appropriate portion, they have now reached that period of existence when

a tranquil and contemplative future is assured to them. In this manner

is the sage and matured utterance of the inspired philosopher Nien-tsu

again proved: that the life of every person is largely composed of two

varieties of circumstances which together build up his existence--the

Good and the Evil.”

THE END OF THE STORY OF LING

CHAPTER XVI

When Kai Lung, the story-teller, made an end of speaking, he was

immediately greeted with a variety of delicate and pleasing remarks, all

persons who had witnessed the matter, down even to the lowest type of

Miaotze, who by reason of their obscure circumstances had been unable to

understand the meaning of a word that had been spoken, maintaining

that Kai Lung’s accomplishment of continuing for upwards of three hours

without a pause had afforded an entertainment of a very high and refined

order. While these polished sayings were being composed, together with

many others of a similar nature, Lin Yi suddenly leapt to his feet with

a variety of highly objectionable remarks concerning the ancestors of

all those who were present, and declaring that the story of Ling

was merely a well-considered stratagem to cause them to forget the

expedition which they had determined upon, for by that time it should

have been completely carried out. It was undoubtedly a fact that the

hour spoken of for the undertaking had long passed, Lin Yi having

completely overlooked the speed of time in his benevolent anxiety that

the polite and valorous Ling should in the end attain to a high and

remunerative destiny.

In spite of Kai Lung’s consistent denials of any treachery, he could not

but be aware that the incident tended greatly to his disadvantage in

the eyes of those whom he had fixed a desire to conciliate, nor did

his well-intentioned offer that he would without hesitation repeat the

display for a like number of hours effect his amiable purpose. How the

complication would finally have been determined without interruption is

a matter merely of imagination, for at that moment an outpost, who had

been engaged in guarding the secrecy of the expedition, threw himself

into the enclosure in a torn and breathless condition, having run

through the forest many li in a winding direction for the explicit

purpose of warning Lin Yi that his intentions had become known, and that

he and his followers would undoubtedly be surprised and overcome if they

left the camp.

At this intimation of the eminent service which Kai Lung had rendered

them, the nature of their faces towards him at once changed completely,

those who only a moment before had been demanding his death particularly

hailing him as their inspired and unobtrusive protector, and in all

probability, indeed, a virtuous and benignant spirit in disguise.

Bending under the weight of offerings which Lin Yi and his followers

pressed upon him, together with many clearly set out desires for his

future prosperity, and assured of their unalterable protection on all

future occasions, Kai Lung again turned his face towards the lanterns

of Knei Yang. Far down the side of the mountain they followed his

footsteps, now by a rolling stone, now by a snapping branch of yellow

pine. Once again they heard his voice, cheerfully repeating to himself;

“Among the highest virtues of a pure existence--” But beyond that point

the gentle forest breath bore him away.

II.

THE STORY OF YUNG CHANG

Narrated by Kai Lung, in the open space of the tea-shop of The

Celestial Principles, at Wu-whei.

“Ho, illustrious passers-by!” said Kai Lung, the story-teller, as he

spread out his embroidered mat under the mulberry-tree. “It is indeed

unlikely that you would condescend to stop and listen to the foolish

words of such an insignificant and altogether deformed person as myself.

Nevertheless, if you will but retard your elegant footsteps for a few

moments, this exceedingly unprepossessing individual will endeavour

to entertain you with the recital of the adventures of the noble Yung

Chang, as recorded by the celebrated Pe-ku-hi.”

Thus adjured, the more leisurely-minded drew near to hear the history

of Yung Chang. There was Sing You the fruit-seller, and Li Ton-ti the

wood-carver; Hi Seng left his clients to cry in vain for water; and Wang

Yu, the idle pipe-maker, closed his shop of “The Fountain of Beauty,”

and hung on the shutter the gilt dragon to keep away customers in his

absence. These, together with a few more shopkeepers and a dozen or so

loafers, constituted a respectable audience by the time Kai Lung was

ready.

“It would be more seemly if this ill-conditioned person who is now

addressing such a distinguished assembly were to reward his fine and

noble-looking hearers for their trouble,” apologized the story-teller.

“But, as the Book of Verses says, ‘The meaner the slave, the greater the

lord’; and it is, therefore, not unlikely that this majestic concourse

will reward the despicable efforts of their servant by handfuls of coins

till the air appears as though filled with swarms of locusts in the

season of much heat. In particular, there is among this august crowd

of Mandarins one Wang Yu, who has departed on three previous occasions

without bestowing the reward of a single cash. If the feeble and

covetous-minded Wang Yu will place within this very ordinary bowl the

price of one of his exceedingly ill-made pipes, this unworthy person

will proceed.”

“Vast chasms can be filled, but the heart of man never,” quoted the

pipe-maker in retort. “Oh, most incapable of story-tellers, have you

not on two separate occasions slept beneath my utterly inadequate roof

without payment?”

But he, nevertheless, deposited three cash in the bowl, and drew nearer

among the front row of the listeners.

“It was during the reign of the enlightened Emperor Tsing Nung,” began

Kai Lung, without further introduction, “that there lived at a village

near Honan a wealthy and avaricious maker of idols, named Ti Hung. So

skilful had he become in the making of clay idols that his fame had

spread for many li round, and idol-sellers from all the neighbouring

villages, and even from the towns, came to him for their stock. No other

idol-maker between Honan and Nanking employed so many clay-gatherers or

so many modellers; yet, with all his riches, his avarice increased till

at length he employed men whom he called ‘agents’ and ‘travellers,’ who

went from house to house selling his idols and extolling his virtues in

verses composed by the most illustrious poets of the day. He did this

in order that he might turn into his own pocket the full price of the

idols, grudging those who would otherwise have sold them the few cash

which they would make. Owing to this he had many enemies, and his army

of travellers made him still more; for they were more rapacious than

the scorpion, and more obstinate than the ox. Indeed, there is still the

proverb, ‘With honey it is possible to soften the heart of the he-goat;

but a blow from an iron cleaver is taken as a mark of welcome by an

agent of Ti Hung.’ So that people barred the doors at their approach,

and even hung out signs of death and mourning.

“Now, among all his travellers there was none more successful, more

abandoned, and more valuable to Ti Hung than Li Ting. So depraved was

Li Ting that he was never known to visit the tombs of his ancestors;

indeed, it was said that he had been heard to mock their venerable

memories, and that he had jestingly offered to sell them to anyone who

should chance to be without ancestors of his own. This objectionable

person would call at the houses of the most illustrious Mandarins, and

would command the slaves to carry to their masters his tablets, on which

were inscribed his name and his virtues. Reaching their presence, he

would salute them with the greeting of an equal, ‘How is your stomach?’

and then proceed to exhibit samples of his wares, greatly overrating

their value. ‘Behold!’ he would exclaim, ‘is not this elegantly-moulded

idol worthy of the place of honour in this sumptuous mansion which my

presence defiles to such an extent that twelve basins of rose-water

will not remove the stain? Are not its eyes more delicate than the most

select of almonds? and is not its stomach rounder than the cupolas upon

the high temple at Peking? Yet, in spite of its perfections, it is not

worthy of the acceptance of so distinguished a Mandarin, and therefore

I will accept in return the quarter-tael, which, indeed, is less than my

illustrious master gives for the clay alone.’

“In this manner Li Ting disposed of many idols at high rates, and

thereby endeared himself so much to the avaricious heart of Ti Hung that

he promised him his beautiful daughter Ning in marriage.

“Ning was indeed very lovely. Her eyelashes were like the finest willow

twigs that grow in the marshes by the Yang-tse-Kiang; her cheeks were

fairer than poppies; and when she bathed in the Hoang Ho, her body

seemed transparent. Her brow was finer than the most polished jade;

while she seemed to walk, like a winged bird, without weight, her hair

floating in a cloud. Indeed, she was the most beautiful creature that

has ever existed.”

“Now may you grow thin and shrivel up like a fallen lemon; but it is

false!” cried Wang Yu, starting up suddenly and unexpectedly. “At

Chee Chou, at the shop of ‘The Heaven-sent Sugar-cane,’ there lives a

beautiful and virtuous girl who is more than all that. Her eyes are like

the inside circles on the peacock’s feathers; her teeth are finer than

the scales on the Sacred Dragon; her--”

“If it is the wish of this illustriously-endowed gathering that this

exceedingly illiterate paper tiger should occupy their august moments

with a description of the deformities of the very ordinary young person

at Chee Chou,” said Kai Lung imperturbably, “then the remainder of the

history of the noble-minded Yung Chang can remain until an evil fate has

overtaken Wang Yu, as it assuredly will shortly.”

“A fair wind raises no storm,” said Wang Yu sulkily; and Kai Lung

continued:

“Such loveliness could not escape the evil eye of Li Ting, and

accordingly, as he grew in favour with Ti Hung, he obtained his consent

to the drawing up of the marriage contracts. More than this, he had

already sent to Ning two bracelets of the finest gold, tied together

with a scarlet thread, as a betrothal present. But, as the proverb

says, ‘The good bee will not touch the faded flower,’ and Ning, although

compelled by the second of the Five Great Principles to respect her

father, was unable to regard the marriage with anything but abhorrence.

Perhaps this was not altogether the fault of Li Ting, for on the evening

of the day on which she had received his present, she walked in the

rice fields, and sitting down at the foot of a funereal cypress, whose

highest branches pierced the Middle Air, she cried aloud:

“‘I cannot control my bitterness. Of what use is it that I should be

called the “White Pigeon among Golden Lilies,” if my beauty is but for

the hog-like eyes of the exceedingly objectionable Li Ting? Ah, Yung

Chang, my unfortunate lover! what evil spirit pursues you that you

cannot pass your examination for the second degree? My noble-minded but

ambitious boy, why were you not content with an agricultural or even a

manufacturing career and happiness? By aspiring to a literary degree,

you have placed a barrier wider than the Whang Hai between us.’

“‘As the earth seems small to the soaring swallow, so shall insuperable

obstacles be overcome by the heart worn smooth with a fixed purpose,’

said a voice beside her, and Yung Chang stepped from behind the cypress

tree, where he had been waiting for Ning. ‘O one more symmetrical than

the chrysanthemum,’ he continued, ‘I shall yet, with the aid of my

ancestors, pass the second degree, and even obtain a position of high

trust in the public office at Peking.’

“‘And in the meantime,’ pouted Ning, ‘I shall have partaken of the

wedding-cake of the utterly unpresentable Li Ting.’ And she exhibited

the bracelets which she had that day received.

“‘Alas!’ said Yung Chang, ‘there are times when one is tempted to doubt

even the most efficacious and violent means. I had hoped that by this

time Li Ting would have come to a sudden and most unseemly end; for I

have drawn up and affixed in the most conspicuous places notifications

of his character, similar to the one here.’

“Ning turned, and beheld fastened to the trunk of the cypress an

exceedingly elegantly written and composed notice, which Yung read to

her as follows:

“‘BEWARE OF INCURRING DEATH FROM STARVATION

“‘Let the distinguished inhabitants of this district observe the

exceedingly ungraceful walk and bearing of the low person who

calls himself Li Ting. Truthfully, it is that of a dog in the act

of being dragged to the river because his sores and diseases

render him objectionable in the house of his master. So will this

hunchbacked person be dragged to the place of execution, and be

bowstrung, to the great relief of all who respect the five senses;

A Respectful Physiognomy, Passionless Reflexion, Soft Speech,

Acute Hearing, Piercing Sight.

“‘He hopes to attain to the Red Button and the Peacock’s Feather;

but the right hand of the Deity itches, and Li Ting will assuredly

be removed suddenly.’

“‘Li Ting must certainly be in league with the evil forces if he can

withstand so powerful a weapon,’ said Ning admiringly, when her lover

had finished reading. ‘Even now he is starting on a journey, nor will he

return till the first day of the month when the sparrows go to the sea

and are changed into oysters. Perhaps the fate will overtake him while

he is away. If not--’

“‘If not,’ said Yung, taking up her words as she paused, ‘then I have

yet another hope. A moment ago you were regretting my choice of a

literary career. Learn, then, the value of knowledge. By its aid

(assisted, indeed, by the spirits of my ancestors) I have discovered a

new and strange thing, for which I can find no word. By using this new

system of reckoning, your illustrious but exceedingly narrow-minded and

miserly father would be able to make five taels where he now makes one.

Would he not, in consideration for this, consent to receive me as a

son-in-law, and dismiss the inelegant and unworthy Li Ting?’

“‘In the unlikely event of your being able to convince my illustrious

parent of what you say, it would assuredly be so,’ replied Ning. ‘But

in what way could you do so? My sublime and charitable father already

employs all the means in his power to reap the full reward of his sacred

industry. His “solid house-hold gods” are in reality mere shells of

clay; higher-priced images are correspondingly constructed, and his clay

gatherers and modellers are all paid on a “profit-sharing system.”

Nay, further, it is beyond likelihood that he should wish for more

purchasers, for so great is his fame that those who come to buy have

sometimes to wait for days in consequence of those before them; for my

exceedingly methodical sire entrusts none with the receiving of money,

and the exchanges are therefore made slowly. Frequently an unnaturally

devout person will require as many as a hundred idols, and so the

greater part of the day will be passed.’

“‘In what way?’ inquired Yung tremulously.

“‘Why, in order that the countings may not get mixed, of course; it is

necessary that when he has paid for one idol he should carry it to a

place aside, and then return and pay for the second, carrying it to the

first, and in such a manner to the end. In this way the sun sinks behind

the mountains.’

“‘But,’ said Yung, his voice thick with his great discovery, ‘if he

could pay for the entire quantity at once, then it would take but a

hundredth part of the time, and so more idols could be sold.’

“‘How could this be done?’ inquired Ning wonderingly. ‘Surely it is

impossible to conjecture the value of so many idols.’

“‘To the unlearned it would indeed be impossible,’ replied Yung proudly,

‘but by the aid of my literary researches I have been enabled to

discover a process by which such results would be not a matter of

conjecture, but of certainty. These figures I have committed to tablets,

which I am prepared to give to your mercenary and slow-witted father

in return for your incomparable hand, a share of the profits, and the

dismissal of the uninventive and morally threadbare Li Ting.’

“‘When the earth-worm boasts of his elegant wings, the eagle can afford

to be silent,’ said a harsh voice behind them; and turning hastily they

beheld Li Ting, who had come upon them unawares. ‘Oh, most insignificant

of table-spoilers,’ he continued, ‘it is very evident that much

over-study has softened your usually well-educated brains. Were it

not that you are obviously mentally afflicted, I should unhesitatingly

persuade my beautiful and refined sword to introduce you to the spirits

of your ignoble ancestors. As it is, I will merely cut off your nose and

your left ear, so that people may not say that the Dragon of the Earth

sleeps and wickedness goes unpunished.’

“Both had already drawn their swords, and very soon the blows were so

hard and swift that, in the dusk of the evening, it seemed as though the

air were filled with innumerable and many-coloured fireworks. Each was

a practised swordsman, and there was no advantage gained on either side,

when Ning, who had fled on the appearance of Li Ting, reappeared, urging

on her father, whose usually leisurely footsteps were quickened by

the dread that the duel must surely result in certain loss to himself,

either of a valuable servant, or of the discovery which Ning had briefly

explained to him, and of which he at once saw the value.

“‘Oh, most distinguished and expert persons,’ he exclaimed breathlessly,

as soon as he was within hearing distance, ‘do not trouble to give so

marvellous an exhibition for the benefit of this unworthy individual,

who is the only observer of your illustrious dexterity! Indeed, your

honourable condescension so fills this illiterate person with shame that

his hearing is thereby preternaturally sharpened, and he can plainly

distinguish many voices from beyond the Hoang Ho, crying for the

Heaven-sent representative of the degraded Ti Hung to bring them more

idols. Bend, therefore, your refined footsteps in the direction of

Poo Chow, O Li Ting, and leave me to make myself objectionable to this

exceptional young man with my intolerable commonplaces.’

“‘The shadow falls in such a direction as the sun wills,’ said Li Ting,

as he replaced his sword and departed.

“‘Yung Chang,’ said the merchant, ‘I am informed that you have made a

discovery that would be of great value to me, as it undoubtedly would if

it is all that you say. Let us discuss the matter without ceremony. Can

you prove to me that your system possesses the merit you claim for it?

If so, then the matter of arrangement will be easy.’

“‘I am convinced of the absolute certainty and accuracy of the

discovery,’ replied Yung Chang. ‘It is not as though it were an ordinary

matter of human intelligence, for this was discovered to me as I was

worshipping at the tomb of my ancestors. The method is regulated by

a system of squares, triangles, and cubes. But as the practical proof

might be long, and as I hesitate to keep your adorable daughter out in

the damp night air, may I not call at your inimitable dwelling in the

morning, when we can go into the matter thoroughly?’

“I will not weary this intelligent gathering, each member of which

doubtless knows all the books on mathematics off by heart, with a

recital of the means by which Yung Chang proved to Ti Hung the accuracy

of his tables and the value of his discovery of the multiplication

table, which till then had been undreamt of,” continued the

story-teller. “It is sufficient to know that he did so, and that Ti Hung

agreed to his terms, only stipulating that Li Ting should not be made

aware of his dismissal until he had returned and given in his accounts.

The share of the profits that Yung was to receive was cut down very low

by Ti Hung, but the young man did not mind that, as he would live with

his father-in-law for the future.

“With the introduction of this new system, the business increased like

a river at flood-time. All rivals were left far behind, and Ti Hung put

out this sign:

“NO WAITING HERE!

“Good-morning! Have you worshipped one of Ti Hung’s refined

ninety-nine cash idols?

“Let the purchasers of ill-constructed idols at other

establishments, where they have grown old and venerable while

waiting for the all-thumb proprietors to count up to ten, come to

the shop of Ti Hung and regain their lost youth. Our ninety-nine

cash idols are worth a tael a set. We do not, however, claim that

they will do everything. The ninety-nine cash idols of Ti Hung

will not, for example, purify linen, but even the most contented

and frozen-brained person cannot be happy until he possesses one.

What is happiness? The exceedingly well-educated Philosopher

defines it as the accomplishment of all our desires. Everyone

desires one of the Ti Hung’s ninety-nine cash idols, therefore get

one; but be sure that it is Ti Hung’s.

“Have you a bad idol? If so, dismiss it, and get one of Ti Hung’s

ninety-nine cash specimens.

“Why does your idol look old sooner than your neighbours? Because

yours is not one of Ti Hung’s ninety-nine cash marvels.

“They bring all delights to the old and the young,

The elegant idols supplied by Ti Hung.

“N.B.--The ‘Great Sacrifice’ idol, forty-five cash; delivered,

carriage free, in quantities of not less than twelve, at any

temple, on the evening before the sacrifice.

“It was about this time that Li Ting returned. His journey had been more

than usually successful, and he was well satisfied in consequence. It

was not until he had made out his accounts and handed in his money that

Ti Hung informed him of his agreement with Yung Chang.

“‘Oh, most treacherous and excessively unpopular Ti Hung,’ exclaimed

Li Ting, in a terrible voice, ‘this is the return you make for all my

entrancing efforts in your services, then? It is in this way that you

reward my exceedingly unconscientious recommendations of your very

inferior and unendurable clay idols, with their goggle eyes and concave

stomachs! Before I go, however, I request to be inspired to make the

following remark--that I confidently predict your ruin. And now this

low and undignified person will finally shake the elegant dust of your

distinguished house from his thoroughly inadequate feet, and proceed to

offer his incapable services to the rival establishment over the way.’

“‘The machinations of such an evilly-disposed person as Li Ting will

certainly be exceedingly subtle,’ said Ti Hung to his son-in-law when

the traveller had departed. ‘I must counteract his omens. Herewith I

wish to prophecy that henceforth I shall enjoy an unbroken run of good

fortune. I have spoken, and assuredly I shall not eat my words.’

“As the time went on, it seemed as though Ti Hung had indeed spoken

truly. The ease and celerity with which he transacted his business

brought him customers and dealers from more remote regions than ever,

for they could spend days on the journey and still save time. The

army of clay-gatherers and modellers grew larger and larger, and the

work-sheds stretched almost down to the river’s edge. Only one thing

troubled Ti Hung, and that was the uncongenial disposition of his

son-in-law, for Yung took no further interest in the industry to which

his discovery had given so great an impetus, but resolutely set to work

again to pass his examination for the second degree.

“‘It is an exceedingly distinguished and honourable thing to have failed

thirty-five times, and still to be undiscouraged,’ admitted Ti Hung;

‘but I cannot cleanse my throat from bitterness when I consider that

my noble and lucrative business must pass into the hands of strangers,

perhaps even into the possession of the unendurable Li Ting.’

“But it had been appointed that this degrading thing should not happen,

however, and it was indeed fortunate that Yung did not abandon his

literary pursuits; for after some time it became very apparent to Ti

Hung that there was something radically wrong with his business. It was

not that his custom was falling off in any way; indeed, it had lately

increased in a manner that was phenomenal, and when the merchant came to

look into the matter, he found to his astonishment that the least order

he had received in the past week had been for a hundred idols. All the

sales had been large, and yet Ti Hung found himself most unaccountably

deficient in taels. He was puzzled and alarmed, and for the next few

days he looked into the business closely. Then it was that the reason

was revealed, both for the falling off in the receipts and for the

increase in the orders. The calculations of the unfortunate Yung Chang

were correct up to a hundred, but at that number he had made a gigantic

error--which, however, he was never able to detect and rectify--with

the result that all transactions above that point worked out at a

considerable loss to the seller. It was in vain that the panic-stricken

Ti Hung goaded his miserable son-in-law to correct the mistake; it

was equally in vain that he tried to stem the current of his enormous

commercial popularity. He had competed for public favour, and he had won

it, and every day his business increased till ruin grasped him by the

pigtail. Then came an order from one firm at Peking for five millions of

the ninety-nine cash idols, and at that Ti Hung put up his shutters, and

sat down in the dust.

“‘Behold!’ he exclaimed, ‘in the course of a lifetime there are many

very disagreeable evils that may overtake a person. He may offend the

Sacred Dragon, and be in consequence reduced to a fine dry powder; or he

may incur the displeasure of the benevolent and pure-minded Emperor, and

be condemned to death by roasting; he may also be troubled by demons or

by the disturbed spirits of his ancestors, or be struck by thunderbolts.

Indeed, there are numerous annoyances, but they become as Heaven-sent

blessings in comparison to a self-opinionated and more than ordinarily

weak-minded son-in-law. Of what avail is it that I have habitually

sold one idol for the value of a hundred? The very objectionable man in

possession sits in my delectable summer-house, and the unavoidable

legal documents settle around me like a flock of pigeons. It is indeed

necessary that I should declare myself to be in voluntary liquidation,

and make an assignment of my book debts for the benefit of my creditors.

Having accomplished this, I will proceed to the well-constructed tomb

of my illustrious ancestors, and having kow-towed at their incomparable

shrines, I will put an end to my distinguished troubles with this

exceedingly well-polished sword.’

“‘The wise man can adapt himself to circumstances as water takes the

shape of the vase that contains it,’ said the well-known voice of

Li Ting. ‘Let not the lion and the tiger fight at the bidding of the

jackal. By combining our forces all may be well with you yet. Assist

me to dispose of the entirely superfluous Yung Chang and to marry

the elegant and symmetrical Ning, and in return I will allot to you a

portion of my not inconsiderable income.’

“‘However high the tree, the leaves fall to the ground, and your hour

has come at last, O detestable Li Ting!’ said Yung, who had heard the

speakers and crept upon them unperceived. ‘As for my distinguished

and immaculate father-in-law, doubtless the heat has affected his

indefatigable brains, or he would not have listened to your contemptible

suggestion. For yourself, draw!’

“Both swords flashed, but before a blow could be struck the spirits

of his ancestors hurled Li Ting lifeless to the ground, to avenge the

memories that their unworthy descendant had so often reviled.

“‘So perish all the enemies of Yung Chang,’ said the victor. ‘And now,

my venerated but exceedingly short-sighted father-in-law, learn how

narrowly you have escaped making yourself exceedingly objectionable

to yourself. I have just received intelligence from Peking that I have

passed the second degree, and have in consequence been appointed to a

remunerative position under the Government. This will enable us to live

in comfort, if not in affluence, and the rest of your engaging days can

be peacefully spent in flying kites.’”

III.

THE PROBATION OF SEN HENG

Related by Kai Lung, at Wu-whei, as a rebuke to Wang Yu and

certain others who had questioned the practical value of his

stories.

“It is an undoubted fact that this person has not realized the direct

remunerative advantage which he confidently anticipated,” remarked the

idle and discontented pipe-maker Wang Yu, as, with a few other persons

of similar inclination, he sat in the shade of the great mulberry tree

at Wu-whei, waiting for the evil influence of certain very mysterious

sounds, which had lately been heard, to pass away before he resumed

his occupation. “When the seemingly proficient and trustworthy Kai Lung

first made it his practice to journey to Wu-whei, and narrate to us the

doings of persons of all classes of life,” he continued, “it seemed to

this one that by closely following the recital of how Mandarins obtained

their high position, and exceptionally rich persons their wealth, he

must, in the end, inevitably be rendered competent to follow in their

illustrious footsteps. Yet in how entirely contrary a direction has

the whole course of events tended! In spite of the honourable intention

which involved a frequent absence from his place of commerce, those

who journeyed thither with the set purpose of possessing one of his

justly-famed opium pipes so perversely regarded the matter that, after

two or three fruitless visits, they deliberately turned their footsteps

towards the workshop of the inelegant Ming-yo, whose pipes are

confessedly greatly inferior to those produced by the person who is now

speaking. Nevertheless, the rapacious Kai Lung, to whose influence

the falling off in custom was thus directly attributable, persistently

declined to bear any share whatever in the loss which his profession

caused, and, indeed, regarded the circumstance from so grasping and

narrow-minded a point of observation that he would not even go to the

length of suffering this much-persecuted one to join the circle of his

hearers without on every occasion making the customary offering. In this

manner a well-intentioned pursuit of riches has insidiously led this

person within measurable distance of the bolted dungeon for those who do

not meet their just debts, while the only distinction likely to result

from his assiduous study of the customs and methods of those high

in power is that of being publicly bowstrung as a warning to others.

Manifestedly the pointed finger of the unreliable Kai Lung is a very

treacherous guide.”

“It is related,” said a dispassionate voice behind them, “that a person

of limited intelligence, on being assured that he would certainly one

day enjoy an adequate competence if he closely followed the industrious

habits of the thrifty bee, spent the greater part of his life in

anointing his thighs with the yellow powder which he laboriously

collected from the flowers of the field. It is not so recorded; but

doubtless the nameless one in question was by profession a maker of

opium pipes, for this person has observed from time to time how that

occupation, above all others, tends to degrade the mental faculties, and

to debase its followers to a lower position than that of the beasts of

labour. Learn therefrom, O superficial Wang Yu, that wisdom lies in

an intelligent perception of great principles, and not in a slavish

imitation of details which are, for the most part, beyond your simple

and insufficient understanding.”

“Such may, indeed, be the case, Kai Lung,” replied Wang Yu sullenly--for

it was the story-teller in question who had approached unperceived, and

who now stood before them--“but it is none the less a fact that, on the

last occasion when this misguided person joined the attending circle

at your uplifted voice, a Mandarin of the third degree chanced to

pass through Wu-whei, and halted at the door-step of ‘The Fountain of

Beauty,’ fully intending to entrust this one with the designing and

fashioning of a pipe of exceptional elaborateness. This matter, by his

absence, has now passed from him, and to-day, through listening to the

narrative of how the accomplished Yuin-Pel doubled his fortune, he is

the poorer by many taels.”

“Yet to-morrow, when the name of the Mandarin of the third degree

appears in the list of persons who have transferred their entire

property to those who are nearly related to them in order to avoid it

being seized to satisfy the just claims made against them,” replied Kai

Lung, “you will be able to regard yourself the richer by so many taels.”

At these words, which recalled to the minds of all who were present the

not uncommon manner of behaving observed by those of exalted rank, who

freely engaged persons to supply them with costly articles without in

any way regarding the price to be paid, Wang Yu was silent.

“Nevertheless,” exclaimed a thin voice from the edge of the group which

surrounded Kai Lung, “it in nowise follows that the stories are in

themselves excellent, or of such a nature that the hearing of their

recital will profit a person. Wang Yu may be satisfied with empty words,

but there are others present who were studying deep matters when Wang

Yu was learning the art of walking. If Kai Lung’s stories are of such

remunerative benefit as the person in question claims, how does it

chance that Kai Lung himself who is assuredly the best acquainted with

them, stands before us in mean apparel, and on all occasions confessing

an unassuming poverty?”

“It is Yan-hi Pung,” went from mouth to mouth among the

bystanders--“Yan-hi Pung, who traces on paper the words of chants and

historical tales, and sells them to such as can afford to buy. And

although his motive in exposing the emptiness of Kai Lung’s stories may

not be Heaven-sent--inasmuch as Kai Lung provides us with such matter

as he himself purveys, only at a much more moderate price--yet his words

are well considered, and must therefore be regarded.”

“O Yan-hi Pung,” replied Kai Lung, hearing the name from those who

stood about him, and moving towards the aged person, who stood meanwhile

leaning upon his staff, and looking from side to side with quickly

moving eyelids in a manner very offensive towards the story-teller,

“your just remark shows you to be a person of exceptional wisdom, even

as your well-bowed legs prove you to be one of great bodily strength;

for justice is ever obvious and wisdom hidden, and they who build

structures for endurance discard the straight and upright and insist

upon such an arch as you so symmetrically exemplify.”

Speaking in this conciliatory manner, Kai Lung came up to Yan-hi Pung,

and taking between his fingers a disc of thick polished crystal,

which the aged and short-sighted chant-writer used for the purpose of

magnifying and bringing nearer the letters upon which he was engaged,

and which hung around his neck by an embroidered cord, the story-teller

held it aloft, crying aloud:

“Observe closely, and presently it will be revealed and made clear how

the apparently very conflicting words of the wise Yan-hi Pung, and those

of this unassuming but nevertheless conscientious person who is now

addressing you, are, in reality, as one great truth.”

With this assurance Kai Lung moved the crystal somewhat, so that it

engaged the sun’s rays, and concentrated them upon the uncovered crown

of the unsuspecting and still objectionably-engaged person before

him. Without a moment’s pause, Yan-hi Pung leapt high into the air,

repeatedly pressing his hand to the spot thus selected and crying aloud:

“Evil dragons and thunderbolts! but the touch was as hot as a scar left

by the uncut nail of the sublime Buddha!”

“Yet the crystal--” remarked Kai Lung composedly, passing it into the

hands of those who stood near.

“Is as cool as the innermost leaves of the riverside sycamore,” they

declared.

Kai Lung said nothing further, but raised both his hands above his head,

as if demanding their judgment. Thereupon a loud shout went up on his

behalf, for the greater part of them loved to see the manner in which

he brushed aside those who would oppose him; and the sight of the aged

person Yan-hi Pung leaping far into the air had caused them to become

exceptionally amused, and, in consequence, very amiably disposed towards

the one who had afforded them the entertainment.

“The story of Sen Heng,” began Kai Lung, when the discussion had

terminated in the manner already recorded, “concerns itself with one who

possessed an unsuspecting and ingenious nature, which ill-fitted him

to take an ordinary part in the everyday affairs of life, no matter how

engaging such a character rendered him among his friends and relations.

Having at an early age been entrusted with a burden of rice and other

produce from his father’s fields to dispose of in the best possible

manner at a neighbouring mart, and having completed the transaction in a

manner extremely advantageous to those with whom he trafficked but very

intolerable to the one who had sent him, it at once became apparent that

some other means of gaining a livelihood must be discovered for him.

“‘Beyond all doubt,’ said his father, after considering the matter for a

period, ‘it is a case in which one should be governed by the wise advice

and example of the Mandarin Poo-chow.’

“‘Illustrious sire,’ exclaimed Sen Heng, who chanced to be present, ‘the

illiterate person who stands before you is entirely unacquainted

with the one to whom you have referred; nevertheless, he will, as you

suggest, at once set forth, and journeying with all speed to the abode

of the estimable Poo-chow, solicit his experience and advice.’

“‘Unless a more serious loss should be occasioned,’ replied the father

coldly, ‘there is no necessity to adopt so extreme a course. The

benevolent Mandarin in question existed at a remote period of the Thang

dynasty, and the incident to which an allusion has been made arose in

the following way: To the public court of the enlightened Poo-chow there

came one day a youth of very inferior appearance and hesitating

manner, who besought his explicit advice, saying: “The degraded and

unprepossessing being before you, O select and venerable Mandarin, is by

nature and attainments a person of the utmost timidity and fearfulness.

From this cause life itself has become a detestable observance in his

eyes, for those who should be his companions of both sexes hold him in

undisguised contempt, making various unendurable allusions to the colour

and nature of his internal organs whenever he would endeavour to join

them. Instruct him, therefore, the manner in which this cowardice may be

removed, and no service in return will be esteemed too great.” “There

is a remedy,” replied the benevolent Mandarin, without any hesitation

whatever, “which if properly carried out is efficacious beyond the

possibility of failure. Certain component parts of your body are

lacking, and before the desired result can be obtained these must be

supplied from without. Of all courageous things the tiger is the most

fearless, and in consequence it combines all those ingredients which you

require; furthermore, as the teeth of the tiger are the instruments with

which it accomplishes its vengeful purpose, there reside the essential

principles of its inimitable courage. Let the person who seeks

instruction in the matter, therefore, do as follows: taking the teeth of

a full-grown tiger as soon as it is slain, and before the essences

have time to return into the body, he shall grind them to a powder, and

mixing the powder with a portion of rice, consume it. After seven days

he must repeat the observance, and yet again a third time, after another

similar lapse. Let him, then, return for further guidance; for the

present the matter interests this person no further.” At these words the

youth departed, filled with a new and inspired hope; for the wisdom of

the sagacious Poo-chow was a matter which did not admit of any doubt

whatever, and he had spoken with well-defined certainty of the success

of the experiment. Nevertheless, after several days industriously spent

in endeavouring to obtain by purchase the teeth of a newly-slain tiger,

the details of the undertaking began to assume a new and entirely

unforeseen aspect; for those whom he approached as being the most

likely to possess what he required either became very immoderately and

disagreeably amused at the nature of the request, or regarded it as a

new and ill-judged form of ridicule, which they prepared to avenge by

blows and by base remarks of the most personal variety. At length it

became unavoidably obvious to the youth that if he was to obtain the

articles in question it would first be necessary that he should become

adept in the art of slaying tigers, for in no other way were the

required conditions likely to be present. Although the prospect was one

which did not greatly tend to allure him, yet he did not regard it

with the utterly incapable emotions which would have been present on an

earlier occasion; for the habit of continually guarding himself from

the onslaughts of those who received his inquiry in an attitude of

narrow-minded distrust had inspired him with a new-found valour, while

his amiable and unrestrained manner of life increased his bodily vigour

in every degree. First perfecting himself in the use of the bow and

arrow, therefore, he betook himself to a wild and very extensive forest,

and there concealed himself among the upper foliage of a tall tree

standing by the side of a pool of water. On the second night of his

watch, the youth perceived a large but somewhat ill-conditioned tiger

approaching the pool for the purpose of quenching its thirst, whereupon

he tremblingly fitted an arrow to his bowstring, and profiting by the

instruction he had received, succeeded in piercing the creature to

the heart. After fulfilling the observance laid upon him by the

discriminating Poo-chow, the youth determined to remain in the forest,

and sustain himself upon such food as fell to his weapons, until the

time arrived when he should carry out the rite for the last time. At the

end of seven days, so subtle had he become in all kinds of hunting, and

so strengthened by the meat and herbs upon which he existed, that he

disdained to avail himself of the shelter of a tree, but standing openly

by the side of the water, he engaged the attention of the first tiger

which came to drink, and discharged arrow after arrow into its body with

unfailing power and precision. So entrancing, indeed, had the pursuit

become that the next seven days lengthened out into the apparent period

of as many moons, in such a leisurely manner did they rise and fall. On

the appointed day, without waiting for the evening to arrive, the youth

set out with the first appearance of light, and penetrated into the most

inaccessible jungles, crying aloud words of taunt-laden challenge to all

the beasts therein, and accusing the ancestors of their race of every

imaginable variety of evil behaviour. Yet so great had become the renown

of the one who stood forth, and so widely had the warning voice been

passed from tree to tree, preparing all who dwelt in the forest against

his anger, that not even the fiercest replied openly, though low growls

and mutterings proceeded from every cave within a bow-shot’s distance

around. Wearying quickly of such feeble and timorous demonstrations, the

youth rushed into the cave from which the loudest murmurs proceeded, and

there discovered a tiger of unnatural size, surrounded by the bones of

innumerable ones whom it had devoured; for from time to time its

ravages became so great and unbearable, that armies were raised in

the neighbouring villages and sent to destroy it, but more than a

few stragglers never returned. Plainly recognizing that a just and

inevitable vengeance had overtaken it, the tiger made only a very

inferior exhibition of resistance, and the youth, having first stunned

it with a blow of his closed hand, seized it by the middle, and

repeatedly dashed its head against the rocky sides of its retreat. He

then performed for the third time the ceremony enjoined by the Mandarin,

and having cast upon the cringing and despicable forms concealed in the

surrounding woods and caves a look of dignified and ineffable contempt,

set out upon his homeward journey, and in the space of three days’ time

reached the town of the versatile Poo-chow. “Behold,” exclaimed that

person, when, lifting up his eyes, he saw the youth approaching laden

with the skins of the tigers and other spoils, “now at least the youths

and maidens of your native village will no longer withdraw themselves

from the company of so undoubtedly heroic a person.” “Illustrious

Mandarin,” replied the other, casting both his weapons and his trophies

before his inspired adviser’s feet, “what has this person to do with the

little ones of either sex? Give him rather the foremost place in your

ever-victorious company of bowmen, so that he may repay in part the

undoubted debt under which he henceforth exists.” This proposal found

favour with the pure-minded Poo-chow, so that in course of time the

unassuming youth who had come supplicating his advice became the

valiant commander of his army, and the one eventually chosen to present

plighting gifts to his only daughter.’

“When the father had completed the narrative of how the faint-hearted

youth became in the end a courageous and resourceful leader of bowmen,

Sen looked up, and not in any degree understanding the purpose of the

story, or why it had been set forth before him, exclaimed:

“‘Undoubtedly the counsel of the graceful and intelligent Mandarin

Poo-chow was of inestimable service in the case recorded, and this

person would gladly adopt it as his guide for the future, on the chance

of it leading to a similar honourable career; but alas! there are no

tigers to be found throughout this Province.’

“‘It is a loss which those who are engaged in commerce in the city of

Hankow strive to supply adequately,’ replied his father, who had an

assured feeling that it would be of no avail to endeavour to show

Sen that the story which he had just related was one setting forth a

definite precept rather than fixing an exact manner of behaviour. ‘For

that reason,’ he continued, ‘this person has concluded an arrangement by

which you will journey to that place, and there enter into the house of

commerce of an expert and conscientious vendor of moving contrivances.

Among so rapacious and keen-witted a class of persons as they of Hankow,

it is exceedingly unlikely that your amiable disposition will involve

any individual one in an unavoidably serious loss, and even should

such an unforeseen event come to pass, there will, at least, be the

undeniable satisfaction of the thought that the unfortunate occurrence

will in no way affect the prosperity of those to whom you are bound by

the natural ties of affection.’

“‘Benevolent and virtuous-minded father,’ replied Sen gently, but

speaking with an inspired conviction; ‘from his earliest infancy this

unassuming one has been instructed in an inviolable regard for the Five

General Principles of Fidelity to the Emperor, Respect for Parents,

Harmony between Husband and Wife, Agreement among Brothers, and

Constancy in Friendship. It will be entirely unnecessary to inform so

pious-minded a person as the one now being addressed that no evil can

attend the footsteps of an individual who courteously observes these

enactments.’

“‘Without doubt it is so arranged by the protecting Deities,’ replied

the father; ‘yet it is an exceedingly desirable thing for those who are

responsible in the matter that the footsteps to which reference has been

made should not linger in the neighbourhood of the village, but should,

with all possible speed, turn in the direction of Hankow.’

“In this manner it came to pass that Sen Heng set forth on the following

day, and coming without delay to the great and powerful city of Hankow,

sought out the house of commerce known as ‘The Pure Gilt Dragon of

Exceptional Symmetry,’ where the versatile King-y-Yang engaged in the

entrancing occupation of contriving moving figures, and other devices of

an ingenious and mirth-provoking character, which he entrusted into the

hands of numerous persons to sell throughout the Province. From this

cause, although enjoying a very agreeable recompense from the sale

of the objects, the greatly perturbed King-y-Yang suffered continual

internal misgivings; for the habit of behaving of those whom he

appointed to go forth in the manner described was such that he could not

entirely dismiss from his mind an assured conviction that the details

were not invariably as they were represented to be. Frequently would

one return in a very deficient and unpresentable condition of garment,

asserting that on his return, while passing through a lonely and

unprotected district, he had been assailed by an armed band of robbers,

and despoiled of all he possessed. Another would claim to have been made

the sport of evil spirits, who led him astray by means of false signs

in the forest, and finally destroyed his entire burden of commodities,

accompanying the unworthy act by loud cries of triumph and remarks of

an insulting nature concerning King-y-Yang; for the honourable character

and charitable actions of the person in question had made him very

objectionable to that class of beings. Others continually accounted

for the absence of the required number of taels by declaring that at

a certain point of their journey they were made the object of marks

of amiable condescension on the part of a high and dignified public

official, who, on learning in whose service they were, immediately

professed an intimate personal friendship with the estimable

King-y-Yang, and, out of a feeling of gratified respect for him, took

away all such contrivances as remained undisposed of, promising to

arrange the payment with the refined King-y-Yang himself when they

should next meet. For these reasons King-y-Yang was especially desirous

of obtaining one whose spoken word could be received, upon all points,

as an assured fact, and it was, therefore, with an emotion of internal

lightness that he confidently heard from those who were acquainted

with the person that Sen Heng was, by nature and endowments, utterly

incapable of representing matters of even the most insignificant degree

to be otherwise than what they really were.

Filled with an acute anxiety to discover what amount of success would

be accorded to his latest contrivance, King-y-Yang led Sen Heng to a

secluded chamber, and there instructed him in the method of selling

certain apparently very ingeniously constructed ducks, which would have

the appearance of swimming about on the surface of an open vessel of

water, at the same time uttering loud and ever-increasing cries, after

the manner of their kind. With ill-restrained admiration at the skilful

nature of the deception, King-y-Yang pointed out that the ducks which

were to be disposed of, and upon which a seemingly very low price was

fixed, did not, in reality, possess any of these accomplishments, but

would, on the contrary, if placed in water, at once sink to the bottom

in a most incapable manner; it being part of Sen’s duty to exhibit only

a specially prepared creature which was restrained upon the surface by

means of hidden cords, and, while bending over it, to simulate the cries

as agreed upon. After satisfying himself that Sen could perform these

movements competently, King-y-Yang sent him forth, particularly charging

him that he should not return without a sum of money which fully

represented the entire number of ducks entrusted to him, or an adequate

number of unsold ducks to compensate for the deficiency.

“At the end of seven days Sen returned to King-y-Yang, and although

entirely without money, even to the extent of being unable to provide

himself with the merest necessities of a frugal existence, he honourably

returned the full number of ducks with which he had set out. It then

became evident that although Sen had diligently perfected himself in the

sounds and movements which King-y-Yang had contrived, he had not

fully understood that they were to be executed stealthily, but had,

in consequence, manifested the accomplishment openly, not unreasonably

supposing that such an exhibition would be an additional inducement to

those who appeared to be well-disposed towards the purchase. From this

cause it came about that although large crowds were attracted by Sen’s

manner of conducting the enterprise, none actually engaged to purchase

even the least expensively-valued of the ducks, although several

publicly complimented Sen on his exceptional proficiency, and repeatedly

urged him to louder and more frequent cries, suggesting that by such

means possible buyers might be attracted to the spot from remote and

inaccessible villages in the neighbourhood.

“When King-y-Yang learned how the venture had been carried out, he

became most intolerably self-opinionated in his expressions towards

Sen’s mental attainments and the manner of his bringing up. It was

entirely in vain that the one referred to pointed out in a tone of

persuasive and courteous restraint that he had not, down to the most

minute particulars, transgressed either the general or the specific

obligations of the Five General Principles, and that, therefore, he was

blameless, and even worthy of commendation for the manner in which he

had acted. With an inelegant absence of all refined feeling, King-y-Yang

most incapably declined to discuss the various aspects of the

controversy in an amiable manner, asserting, indeed, that for the

consideration of as many brass cash as Sen had mentioned principles

he would cause him to be thrown into prison as a person of unnatural

ineptitude. Then, without rewarding Sen for the time spent in his

service, or even inviting him to partake of food and wine, the

insufferable deviser of very indifferent animated contrivances again

sent him out, this time into the streets of Hankow with a number of

delicately inlaid boxes, remarking in a tone of voice which plainly

indicated an exactly contrary desire that he would be filled with an

overwhelming satisfaction if Sen could discover any excuse for returning

a second time without disposing of anything. This remark Sen’s ingenuous

nature led him to regard as a definite fact, so that when a passer-by,

who tarried to examine the boxes chanced to remark that the colours

might have been arranged to greater advantage, in which case he would

certainly have purchased at least one of the articles, Sen hastened

back, although in a distant part of the city, to inform King-y-Yang of

the suggestion, adding that he himself had been favourably impressed

with the improvement which could be effected by such an alteration.

“The nature of King-y-Yang’s emotion when Sen again presented himself

before him--and when by repeatedly applied tests on various parts of his

body he understood that he was neither the victim of malicious demons,

nor wandering in an insensible condition in the Middle Air, but that the

cause of the return was such as had been plainly stated--was of so mixed

and benumbing a variety, that for a considerable space of time he was

quite unable to express himself in any way, either by words or by signs.

By the time these attributes returned there had formed itself within

King-y-Yang’s mind a design of most contemptible malignity, which seemed

to present to his enfeebled intellect a scheme by which Sen would be

adequately punished, and finally disposed of, without causing him any

further trouble in the matter. For this purpose he concealed the real

condition of his sentiments towards Sen, and warmly expressed himself in

terms of delicate flattery regarding that one’s sumptuous and unfailing

taste in the matter of the blending of the colours. Without doubt, he

continued, such an alteration as the one proposed would greatly increase

the attractiveness of the inlaid boxes, and the matter should be engaged

upon without delay. In the meantime, however, not to waste the immediate

services of so discriminating and persevering a servant, he would

entrust Sen with a mission of exceptional importance, which would

certainly tend greatly to his remunerative benefit. In the district

of Yun, in the north-western part of the Province, said the crafty

and treacherous King-y-Yang, a particular kind of insect was greatly

esteemed on account of the beneficent influence which it exercised over

the rice plants, causing them to mature earlier, and to attain a greater

size than ever happened in its absence. In recent years this creature

had rarely been seen in the neighbourhood of Yun, and, in consequence,

the earth-tillers throughout that country had been brought into a most

disconcerting state of poverty, and would, inevitably, be prepared to

exchange whatever they still possessed for even a few of the insects, in

order that they might liberate them to increase, and so entirely reverse

the objectionable state of things. Speaking in this manner, King-y-Yang

entrusted to Sen a carefully prepared box containing a score of the

insects, obtained at a great cost from a country beyond the Bitter

Water, and after giving him further directions concerning the journey,

and enjoining the utmost secrecy about the valuable contents of the box,

he sent him forth.

“The discreet and sagacious will already have understood the nature of

King-y-Yang’s intolerable artifice; but, for the benefit of the amiable

and unsuspecting, it is necessary to make it clear that the words which

he had spoken bore no sort of resemblance to affairs as they really

existed. The district around Yun was indeed involved in a most

unprepossessing destitution, but this had been caused, not by the

absence of any rare and auspicious insect, but by the presence of vast

hordes of locusts, which had overwhelmed and devoured the entire face

the country. It so chanced that among the recently constructed devices

at ‘The Pure Gilt Dragon of Exceptional Symmetry’ were a number of

elegant representations of rice fields and fruit gardens so skilfully

fashioned that they deceived even the creatures, and attracted, among

other living things, all the locusts in Hankow into that place of

commerce. It was a number of these insects that King-y-Yang vindictively

placed in the box which he instructed Sen to carry to Yun, well knowing

that the reception which would be accorded to anyone who appeared there

on such a mission would be of so fatally destructive a kind that the

consideration of his return need not engage a single conjecture.

“Entirely tranquil in intellect--for the possibility of King-y-Yang’s

intention being in any way other than what he had represented it to

be did not arise within Sen’s ingenuous mind--the person in question

cheerfully set forth on his long but unavoidable march towards the

region of Yun. As he journeyed along the way, the nature of his

meditation brought up before him the events which had taken place since

his arrival at Hankow; and, for the first time, it was brought within

his understanding that the story of the youth and the three tigers,

which his father had related to him, was in the likeness of a proverb,

by which counsel and warning is conveyed in a graceful and inoffensive

manner. Readily applying the fable to his own condition, he could not

doubt but that the first two animals to be overthrown were represented

by the two undertakings which he had already conscientiously performed

in the matter of the mechanical ducks and the inlaid boxes, and the

conviction that he was even then engaged on the third and last trial

filled him with an intelligent gladness so unobtrusive and refined that

he could express his entrancing emotions in no other way than by lifting

up his voice and uttering the far-reaching cries which he had used on

the first of the occasions just referred to.

“In this manner the first part of the journey passed away with engaging

celerity. Anxious as Sen undoubtedly was to complete the third task, and

approach the details which, in his own case, would correspond with the

command of the bowmen and the marriage with the Mandarin’s daughter of

the person in the story, the noontide heat compelled him to rest in the

shade by the wayside for a lengthy period each day. During one of

these pauses it occurred to his versatile mind that the time which was

otherwise uselessly expended might be well disposed of in endeavouring

to increase the value and condition of the creatures under his care by

instructing them in the performance of some simple accomplishments,

such as might not be too laborious for their feeble and immature

understanding. In this he was more successful than he had imagined could

possibly be the case, for the discriminating insects, from the first,

had every appearance of recognizing that Sen was inspired by a sincere

regard for their ultimate benefit, and was not merely using them for

his own advancement. So assiduously did they devote themselves to their

allotted tasks, that in a very short space of time there was no detail

in connexion with their own simple domestic arrangements that was not

understood and daily carried out by an appointed band. Entranced at this

intelligent manner of conducting themselves, Sen industriously applied

his time to the more congenial task of instructing them in the refined

arts, and presently he had the enchanting satisfaction of witnessing a

number of the most cultivated faultlessly and unhesitatingly perform a

portion of the well-known gravity-removing play entitled “The Benevolent

Omen of White Dragon Tea Garden; or, Three Times a Mandarin.” Not even

content with this elevating display, Sen ingeniously contrived, from

various objects which he discovered at different points by the wayside,

an effective and life-like representation of a war-junk, for which he

trained a crew, who, at an agreed signal, would take up their appointed

places and go through the required movements, both of sailing, and of

discharging the guns, in a reliable and efficient manner.

“As Sen was one day educating the least competent of the insects in the

simpler parts of banner-carriers, gong-beaters, and the like, to their

more graceful and versatile companions, he lifted up his eyes and

beheld, standing by his side, a person of very elaborately embroidered

apparel and commanding personality, who had all the appearance of one

who had been observing his movements for some space of time. Calling

up within his remembrance the warning which he had received from

King-y-Yang, Sen was preparing to restore the creatures to their closed

box, when the stranger, in a loud and dignified voice, commanded him to

refrain, adding:

“‘There is, resting at a spot within the immediate neighbourhood,

a person of illustrious name and ancestry, who would doubtless be

gratified to witness the diverting actions of which this one has

recently been a spectator. As the reward of a tael cannot be unwelcome

to a person of your inferior appearance and unpresentable garments, take

up your box without delay, and follow the one who is now before you.’

“With these words the richly-clad stranger led the way through a narrow

woodland path, closely followed by Sen, to whom the attraction of the

promised reward--a larger sum, indeed, than he had ever possessed--was

sufficiently alluring to make him determined that the other should not,

for the briefest possible moment, pass beyond his sight.

“Not to withhold that which Sen was entirely ignorant of until a later

period, it is now revealed that the person in question was the official

Provider of Diversions and Pleasurable Occupations to the sacred

and illimitable Emperor, who was then engaged in making an unusually

extensive march through the eight Provinces surrounding his Capital--for

the acute and well-educated will not need to be reminded that Nanking

occupied that position at the time now engaged with. Until his

providential discovery of Sen, the distinguished Provider had been

immersed in a most unenviable condition of despair, for his enlightened

but exceedingly perverse-minded master had, of late, declined to be

in any way amused, or even interested, by the simple and unpretentious

entertainment which could be obtained in so inaccessible a region. The

well-intentioned efforts of the followers of the Court, who engagingly

endeavoured to divert the Imperial mind by performing certain feats

which they remembered to have witnessed on previous occasions, but

which, until the necessity arose, they had never essayed, were entirely

without result of a beneficial order. Even the accomplished Provider’s

one attainment--that of striking together both the hands and the feet

thrice simultaneously, while leaping into the air, and at the same time

producing a sound not unlike that emitted by a large and vigorous bee

when held captive in the fold of a robe, an action which never failed

to throw the illustrious Emperor into a most uncontrollable state of

amusement when performed within the Imperial Palace--now only drew

from him the unsympathetic, if not actually offensive, remark that the

attitude and the noise bore a marked resemblance to those produced by a

person when being bowstrung, adding, with unprepossessing significance,

that of the two entertainments he had an unevadable conviction that the

bowstringing would be the more acceptable and gravity-removing.

“When Sen beheld the size and the silk-hung magnificence of the camp

into which his guide led him, he was filled with astonishment, and at

the same time recognized that he had acted in an injudicious and hasty

manner by so readily accepting the offer of a tael; whereas, if he had

been in possession of the true facts of the case, as they now appeared,

he would certainly have endeavoured to obtain double that amount before

consenting. As he was hesitating within himself whether the matter might

not even yet be arranged in a more advantageous manner, he was suddenly

led forward into the most striking and ornamental of the tents, and

commanded to engage the attention of the one in whose presence he found

himself, without delay.

“From the first moment when the inimitable creatures began, at Sen’s

spoken word, to go through the ordinary details of their domestic

affairs, there was no sort of doubt as to the nature of the success with

which their well-trained exertions would be received. The dark shadows

instantly forsook the enraptured Emperor’s select brow, and from time

to time he expressed himself in words of most unrestrained and intimate

encouragement. So exuberant became the overjoyed Provider’s emotion at

having at length succeeded in obtaining the services of one who was

able to recall his Imperial master’s unclouded countenance, that he came

forward in a most unpresentable state of haste, and rose into the air

uncommanded, for the display of his usually not unwelcome acquirement.

This he would doubtless have executed competently had not Sen, who stood

immediately behind him, suddenly and unexpectedly raised his voice in

a very vigorous and proficient duck cry, thereby causing the one before

him to endeavour to turn around in alarm, while yet in the air--an

intermingled state of movements of both the body and the mind that

caused him to abandon his original intention in a manner which removed

the gravity of the Emperor to an even more pronounced degree than had

been effected by the diverting attitudes of the insects.

“When the gratified Emperor had beheld every portion of the tasks

which Sen had instilled into the minds of the insects, down even to the

minutest detail, he called the well-satisfied Provider before him,

and addressing him in a voice which might be designed to betray either

sternness or an amiable indulgence, said:

“‘You, O Shan-se, are reported to be a person of no particular intellect

or discernment, and, for this reason, these ones who are speaking have a

desire to know how the matter will present itself in your eyes. Which

is it the more commendable and honourable for a person to train to

a condition of unfailing excellence, human beings of confessed

intelligence or insects of a low and degraded standard?’

“To this remark the discriminating Shan-se made no reply, being, indeed,

undecided in his mind whether such a course was expected of him. On

several previous occasions the somewhat introspective Emperor had

addressed himself to persons in what they judged to be the form of a

question, as one might say, ‘How blue is the unapproachable air canopy,

and how delicately imagined the colour of the clouds!’ yet when they had

expressed their deliberate opinion on the subjects referred to,

stating the exact degree of blueness, and the like, the nature of

their reception ever afterwards was such that, for the future, persons

endeavoured to determine exactly the intention of the Emperor’s mind

before declaring themselves in words. Being exceedingly doubtful on this

occasion, therefore, the very cautious Shan-se adopted the more prudent

and uncompromising attitude, and smiling acquiescently, he raised both

his hands with a self-deprecatory movement.

“‘Alas!’ exclaimed the Emperor, in a tone which plainly indicated that

the evasive Shan-se had adopted a course which did not commend itself,

‘how unendurable a condition of affairs is it for a person of acute

mental perception to be annoyed by the inopportune behaviour of one

who is only fit to mix on terms of equality with beggars, and low-caste

street cleaners--’

“‘Such a condition of affairs is indeed most offensively unbearable,

illustrious Being,’ remarked Shan-se, who clearly perceived that his

former silence had not been productive of a delicate state of feeling

towards himself.

“‘It has frequently been said,’ continued the courteous and pure-minded

Emperor, only signifying his refined displeasure at Shan-se’s really

ill-considered observation by so arranging his position that the person

in question on longer enjoyed the sublime distinction of gazing upon his

benevolent face, ‘that titles and offices have been accorded, from time

to time, without any regard for the fitting qualifications of those to

whom they were presented. The truth that such a state of things does

occasionally exist has been brought before our eyes during the past

few days by the abandoned and inefficient behaviour of one who will

henceforth be a marked official; yet it has always been our endeavour

to reward expert and unassuming merit, whenever it is discovered. As

we were setting forth, when we were interrupted in a most obstinate and

superfluous manner, the one who can guide and cultivate the minds of

unthinking, and not infrequently obstinate and rapacious, insects would

certainly enjoy an even greater measure of success if entrusted with the

discriminating intellects of human beings. For this reason it appears

that no more fitting person could be found to occupy the important and

well-rewarded position of Chief Arranger of the Competitive Examinations

than the one before us--provided his opinions and manner of expressing

himself are such as commend themselves to us. To satisfy us on this

point let Sen Heng now stand forth and declare his beliefs.’

“On this invitation Sen advanced the requisite number of paces, and not

in any degree understanding what was required of him, determined that

the occasion was one when he might fittingly declare the Five General

Principles which were ever present in his mind. ‘Unquestioning Fidelity

to the Sacred Emperor--’ he began, when the person in question signified

that the trial was over.

“‘After so competent and inspired an expression as that which has just

been uttered, which, if rightly considered, includes all lesser things,

it is unnecessary to say more,’ he declared affably. ‘The appointment

which has already been specified is now declared to be legally

conferred. The evening will be devoted to a repetition of the entrancing

manoeuvres performed by the insects, to be followed by a feast and music

in honour of the recognized worth and position of the accomplished Sen

Heng. There is really no necessity for the apparently over-fatigued

Shan-se to attend the festival.’

“In such a manner was the foundation of Sen’s ultimate prosperity

established, by which he came in the process of time to occupy a very

high place in public esteem. Yet, being a person of honourably-minded

conscientiousness, he did not hesitate, when questioned by those who

made pilgrimages to him for the purpose of learning by what means he

had risen to so remunerative a position, to ascribe his success, not

entirely to his own intelligent perception of persons and events, but,

in part, also to a never-failing regard for the dictates of the Five

General Principles, and a discriminating subservience to the inspired

wisdom of the venerable Poo-chow, as conveyed to him in the story of

the faint-hearted youth and the three tigers. This story Sen furthermore

caused to be inscribed in letters of gold, and displayed in a prominent

position in his native village, where it has since doubtless been the

means of instructing and advancing countless observant ones who have not

been too insufferable to be guided by the experience of those who have

gone before.”

IV.

THE EXPERIMENT OF THE MANDARIN CHAN HUNG

Related by Kai Lung at Shan Tzu, on the occasion of his receiving

a very unexpected reward.

“There are certainly many occasions when the principles of the Mandarin

Chan Hung appear to find practical favour in the eyes of those who form

this usually uncomplaining person’s audiences at Shan Tzu,” remarked Kai

Lung, with patient resignation, as he took up his collecting-bowl and

transferred the few brass coins which it held to a concealed place among

his garments. “Has the village lately suffered from a visit of one

of those persons who come armed with authority to remove by force or

stratagem such goods as bear names other than those possessed by their

holders? or is it, indeed--as they of Wu-whei confidently assert--that

when the Day of Vows arrives the people of Shan Tzu, with one accord,

undertake to deny themselves in the matter of gifts and free offerings,

in spite of every conflicting impulse?”

“They of Wu-whei!” exclaimed a self-opinionated bystander, who had

by some means obtained an inferior public office, and who was, in

consequence, enabled to be present on all occasions without contributing

any offering. “Well is that village named ‘The Refuge of Unworthiness,’

for its dwellers do little but rob and illtreat strangers, and spread

evil and lying reports concerning better endowed ones than themselves.”

“Such a condition of affairs may exist,” replied Kai Lung, without

any indication of concern either one way or the other; “yet it is an

undeniable fact that they reward this commonplace story-teller’s too

often underestimated efforts in a manner which betrays them either to

be of noble birth, or very desirous of putting to shame their less

prosperous neighbouring places.”

“Such exhibitions of uncalled-for lavishness are merely the signs of an

ill-regulated and inordinate vanity,” remarked a Mandarin of the eighth

grade, who chanced to be passing, and who stopped to listen to Kai

Lung’s words. “Nevertheless, it is not fitting that a collection of

decaying hovels, which Wu-whei assuredly is, should, in however small

a detail, appear to rise above Shan Tzu, so that if the versatile and

unassuming Kai Lung will again honour this assembly by allowing his

well-constructed bowl to pass freely to and fro, this obscure and

otherwise entirely superfluous individual will make it his especial care

that the brass of Wu-whei shall be answered with solid copper, and its

debased pewter with doubly refined silver.”

With these encouraging words the very opportune Mandarin of the eighth

grade himself followed the story-teller’s collecting-bowl, observing

closely what each person contributed, so that, although he gave nothing

from his own store, Kai Lung had never before received so honourable an

amount.

“O illustrious Kai Lung,” exclaimed a very industrious and ill-clad

herb-gatherer, who, in spite of his poverty, could not refrain from

mingling with listeners whenever the story-teller appeared in Shan Tzu,

“a single piece of brass money is to this person more than a block

of solid gold to many of Wu-whei; yet he has twice made the customary

offering, once freely, once because a courteous and pure-minded

individual who possesses certain written papers of his connected with

the repayment of some few taels walked behind the bowl and engaged

his eyes with an unmistakable and very significant glance. This fact

emboldens him to make the following petition: that in place of the not

altogether unknown story of Yung Chang which had been announced the

proficient and nimble-minded Kai Lung will entice our attention with the

history of the Mandarin Chan Hung, to which reference has already been

made.”

“The occasion is undoubtedly one which calls for recognition to an

unusual degree,” replied Kai Lung with extreme affability. “To that end

this person will accordingly narrate the story which has been suggested,

notwithstanding the fact that it has been specially prepared for

the ears of the sublime Emperor, who is at this moment awaiting this

unseemly one’s arrival in Peking with every mark of ill-restrained

impatience, tempered only by his expectation of being the first to hear

the story of the well-meaning but somewhat premature Chan Hung.

“The Mandarin in question lived during the reign of the accomplished

Emperor Tsint-Sin, his Yamen being at Fow Hou, in the Province of

Shan-Tung, of which place he was consequently the chief official. In his

conscientious desire to administer a pure and beneficent rule, he not

infrequently made himself a very prominent object for public disregard,

especially by his attempts to introduce untried things, when from

time to time such matters arose within his mind and seemed to promise

agreeable and remunerative results. In this manner it came about that

the streets of Fow Hou were covered with large flat stones, to the great

inconvenience of those persons who had, from a very remote period, been

in the habit of passing the night on the soft clay which at all

seasons of the year afforded a pleasant and efficient resting-place.

Nevertheless, in certain matters his engaging efforts were attended by

an obvious success. Having noticed that misfortunes and losses are much

less keenly felt when they immediately follow in the steps of an earlier

evil, the benevolent and humane-minded Chan Hung devised an ingenious

method of lightening the burden of a necessary taxation by arranging

that those persons who were the most heavily involved should be made the

victims of an attack and robbery on the night before the matter became

due. By this thoughtful expedient the unpleasant duty of parting from so

many taels was almost imperceptibly led up to, and when, after the lapse

of some slight period, the first sums of money were secretly returned,

with a written proverb appropriate to the occasion, the public rejoicing

of those who, had the matter been left to its natural course,

would still have been filling the air with bitter and unendurable

lamentations, plainly testified to the inspired wisdom of the

enlightened Mandarin.

“The well-merited success of this amiable expedient caused the Mandarin

Chan Hung every variety of intelligent emotion, and no day passed

without him devoting a portion of his time to the labour of discovering

other advantages of a similar nature. Engrossed in deep and very sublime

thought of this order, he chanced upon a certain day to be journeying

through Fow Hou, when he met a person of irregular intellect, who

made an uncertain livelihood by following the unassuming and

charitably-disposed from place to place, chanting in a loud voice set

verses recording their virtues, which he composed in their honour. On

account of his undoubted infirmities this person was permitted a greater

freedom of speech with those above him than would have been the case had

his condition been merely ordinary; so that when Chan Hung observed him

becoming very grossly amused on his approach, to such an extent indeed,

that he neglected to perform any of the fitting acts of obeisance,

the wise and noble-minded Mandarin did not in any degree suffer his

complacency to be affected, but, drawing near, addressed him in a calm

and dignified manner.

“‘Why, O Ming-hi,’ he said, ‘do you permit your gravity to be removed

to such an exaggerated degree at the sight of this in no way striking

or exceptional person? and why, indeed, do you stand in so unbecoming

an attitude in the presence of one who, in spite of his depraved

inferiority, is unquestionably your official superior, and could,

without any hesitation, condemn you to the tortures or even to

bowstringing on the spot?’

“‘Mandarin,’ exclaimed Ming-hi, stepping up to Chan Hung, and, without

any hesitation, pressing the gilt button which adorned the official’s

body garment, accompanying the action by a continuous muffled noise

which suggested the repeated striking of a hidden bell, ‘you wonder that

this person stands erect on your approach, neither rolling his lowered

head repeatedly from side to side, nor tracing circles in the dust

of Fow Hou with his submissive stomach? Know then, the meaning of the

proverb, “Distrust an inordinate appearance of servility. The estimable

person who retires from your presence walking backwards may adopt that

deferential manner in order to keep concealed the long double-edged

knife with which he had hoped to slay you.” The excessive amusement that

seized this offensive person when he beheld your well-defined figure in

the distance arose from his perception of your internal satisfaction,

which is, indeed, unmistakably reflected in your symmetrical

countenance. For, O Mandarin, in spite of your honourable endeavours

to turn things which are devious into a straight line, the matters upon

which you engage your versatile intellect--little as you suspect the

fact--are as grains of the finest Foo-chow sand in comparison with that

which escapes your attention.’

“‘Strange are your words, O Ming-hi, and dark to this person your

meaning,’ replied Chan Hung, whose feelings were evenly balanced between

a desire to know what thing he had neglected and a fear that his dignity

might suffer if he were observed to remain long conversing with a person

of Ming-hi’s low mental attainments. ‘Without delay, and with an entire

absence of lengthy and ornamental forms of speech, express the omission

to which you have made reference; for this person has an uneasy inside

emotion that you are merely endeavouring to engage his attention to

the end that you may make an unseemly and irrelevant reply, and thereby

involve him in an undeserved ridicule.’

“‘Such a device would be the pastime of one of immature years, and could

have no place in this person’s habit of conduct,’ replied Ming-hi, with

every appearance of a fixed sincerity. ‘Moreover, the matter is one

which touches his own welfare closely, and, expressed in the fashion

which the proficient Mandarin has commanded, may be set forth as

follows: By a wise and all-knowing divine system, it is arranged that

certain honourable occupations, which by their nature cannot become

remunerative to any marked degree, shall be singled out for special

marks of reverence, so that those who engage therein may be compensated

in dignity for what they must inevitably lack in taels. By this

refined dispensation the literary occupations, which are in general the

highroads to the Establishment of Public Support and Uniform Apparel,

are held in the highest veneration. Agriculture, from which it is

possible to wrest a competency, follows in esteem; while the various

branches of commerce, leading as they do to vast possessions and the

attendant luxury, are very justly deprived of all the attributes

of dignity and respect. Yet observe, O justice-loving Mandarin, how

unbecomingly this ingenious system of universal compensation has been

debased at the instance of grasping and avaricious ones. Dignity, riches

and ease now go hand in hand, and the highest rewarded in all matters

are also the most esteemed, whereas, if the discriminating provision of

those who have gone before and so arranged it was observed, the direct

contrary would be the case.’

“‘It is a state of things which is somewhat difficult to imagine in

general matters of life, in spite of the fair-seemingness of your

words,’ said the Mandarin thoughtfully; ‘nor can this rather obtuse and

slow-witted person fully grasp the practical application of the system

on the edge of the moment. In what manner would it operate in the case

of ordinary persons, for example?’

“‘There should be a fixed and settled arrangement that the low-minded

and degrading occupations--such as that of following charitable persons

from place to place, chanting verses composed in their honour, that of

misleading travellers who inquire the way, so that they fall into the

hands of robbers, and the like callings--should be the most highly

rewarded to the end that those who are engaged therein may obtain

some solace for the loss of dignity they experience, and the mean

intellectual position which they are compelled to maintain. By this

device they would be enabled to possess certain advantages and degrees

of comfort which at present are utterly beyond their grasp, so that in

the end they would escape being entirely debased. To turn to the other

foot, those who are now high in position, and engaged in professions

which enjoy the confidence of all persons, have that which in itself is

sufficient to insure contentment. Furthermore, the most proficient

and engaging in every department, mean or high-minded, have certain

attributes of respect among those beneath them, so that they might

justly be content with the lowest reward in whatever calling they

professed, the least skilful and most left-handed being compensated for

the mental anguish which they must undoubtedly suffer by receiving the

greatest number of taels.’

“‘Such a scheme would, as far as the matter has been expressed, appear

to possess all the claims of respect, and to be, indeed, what was

originally intended by those who framed the essentials of existence,’

said Chan Hung, when he had for some space of time considered the

details. ‘In one point, however, this person fails to perceive how

the arrangement could be amiably conducted in Fow Hou. The one who

is addressing you maintains, as a matter of right, a position of

exceptional respect, nor, if he must express himself upon such a detail,

are his excessively fatiguing duties entirely unremunerative...’

“‘In the case of the distinguished and unalterable Mandarin,’ exclaimed

Ming-hi, with no appearance of hesitation, ‘the matter would of

necessity be arranged otherwise. Being from that time, as it were, the

controller of the destinies and remunerations of all those in Fow Hou,

he would, manifestly, be outside the working of the scheme; standing

apart and regulating, like the person who turns the handle of the

corn-mill, but does not suffer himself to be drawn between the

stones, he could still maintain both his respect and his remuneration

unaltered.’

“‘If the detail could honourably be regarded in such a light,’ said Chan

Hung, ‘this person would, without delay, so rearrange matters in Fow

Hou, and thereby create universal justice and an unceasing contentment

within the minds of all.’

“‘Undoubtedly such a course could be justly followed,’ assented Ming-hi,

‘for in precisely that manner of working was the complete scheme

revealed to this highly-favoured person.’

“Entirely wrapped up in thoughts concerning the inception and manner of

operation of this project Chan Hung began to retrace his steps towards

the Yamen, failing to observe in his benevolent abstraction of mind,

that the unaffectedly depraved person Ming-hi was stretching out his

feet towards him and indulging in every other form of low-minded and

undignified contempt.

“Before he reached the door of his residence the Mandarin overtook

one who occupied a high position of confidence and remuneration in the

Department of Public Fireworks and Coloured Lights. Fully assured of

this versatile person’s enthusiasm on behalf of so humane and charitable

a device, Chan Hung explained the entire matter to him without delay,

and expressly desired that if there were any details which appeared

capable of improvement, he would declare himself clearly regarding them.

“‘Alas!’ exclaimed the person with whom the Mandarin was conversing,

speaking in so unfeignedly disturbed and terrified a voice that several

who were passing by stopped in order to learn the full circumstance,

‘have this person’s ears been made the object of some unnaturally

light-minded demon’s ill-disposed pastime, or does the usually

well-balanced Chan Hung in reality contemplate so violent and un-Chinese

an action? What but evil could arise from a single word of the change

which he proposes to the extent of a full written book? The entire fixed

nature of events would become reversed; persons would no longer be fully

accountable to one another; and Fow Hou being thus thrown into a most

unendurable state of confusion, the protecting Deities would doubtless

withdraw their influence, and the entire region would soon be given over

to the malicious guardianship of rapacious and evilly-disposed spirits.

Let this person entreat the almost invariably clear-sighted Chan Hung

to return at once to his adequately equipped and sumptuous Yamen, and

barring well the door of his inner chamber, so that it can only be

opened from the outside, partake of several sleeping essences of unusual

strength, after which he will awake in an undoubtedly refreshed state

of mind, and in a condition to observe matters with his accustomed

diamond-like penetration.’

“‘By no means!’ cried one of those who had stopped to learn the occasion

of the incident--a very inferior maker of unserviceable imitation

pigtails--‘the devout and conscientious-minded Mandarin Chan Hung speaks

as the inspired mouth-piece of the omnipotent Buddha, and must, for

that reason, be obeyed in every detail. This person would unhesitatingly

counsel the now invaluable Mandarin to proceed to his well-constructed

residence without delay, and there calling together his entire staff of

those who set down his spoken words, put the complete Heaven-sent

plan into operation, and beyond recall, before he retires to his inner

chamber.’

“Upon this there arose a most inelegant display of undignified emotions

on the part of the assembly which had by this time gathered together.

While those who occupied honourable and remunerative positions very

earnestly entreated the Mandarin to act in the manner which had been

suggested by the first speaker, others--who had, in the meantime, made

use of imagined figures, and thereby discovered that the proposed change

would be greatly to their advantage--raised shouts of encouragement

towards the proposal of the pigtail-maker, urging the noble Mandarin not

to become small in the face towards the insignificant few who were ever

opposed to enlightened reform, but to maintain an unflaccid upper lip,

and carry the entire matter through to its destined end. In the course

of this very unseemly tumult, which soon involved all persons present

in hostile demonstrations towards each other, both the Mandarin and

the official from the Fireworks and Coloured Lights Department found

an opportunity to pass away secretly, the former to consider well the

various sides of the matter, towards which he became better disposed

with every thought, the latter to find a purchaser of his appointment

and leave Fow Hou before the likelihood of Chan Hung’s scheme became

generally known.

“At this point an earlier circumstance, which affected the future

unrolling of events to no insignificant degree, must be made known,

concerning as it does Lila, the fair and very accomplished daughter

of Chan Hung. Possessing no son or heir to succeed him, the Mandarin

exhibited towards Lila a very unusual depth of affection, so marked,

indeed, that when certain evil-minded ones endeavoured to encompass

his degradation, on the plea of eccentricity of character, the written

papers which they dispatched to the high ones at Peking contained no

other accusation in support of the contention than that the individual

in question regarded his daughter with an obvious pride and pleasure

which no person of well-balanced intellect lavished on any but a son.

“It was his really conscientious desire to establish Lila’s welfare

above all things that had caused Chan Hung to become in some degree

undecided when conversing with Ming-hi on the detail of the scheme; for,

unaffected as the Mandarin himself would have been at the prospect of

an honourable poverty, it was no part of his intention that the adorable

and exceptionally-refined Lila should be drawn into such an existence.

That, indeed, had been the essential of his reply on a certain and not

far removed occasion, when two persons of widely differing positions

had each made a formal request that he might be allowed to present

marriage-pledging gifts to the very desirable Lila. Maintaining an

enlightened openness of mind upon the subject, the Mandarin had replied

that nothing but the merit of undoubted suitableness of a person would

affect him in such a decision. As it was ordained by the wise and

unchanging Deities that merit should always be fittingly rewarded,

he went on to express himself, and as the most suitable person was

obviously the one who could the most agreeably provide for her, the

two circumstances inevitably tended to the decision that the one chosen

should be the person who could amass the greatest number of taels. To

this end he instructed them both to present themselves at the end of

a year, bringing with them the entire profits of their undertakings

between the two periods.

“This deliberate pronouncement affected the two persons in question in

an entirely opposite manner, for one of them was little removed from a

condition of incessant and most uninviting poverty, while the other was

the very highly-rewarded picture-maker Pe-tsing. Both to this latter

person, and to the other one, Lee Sing, the ultimate conclusion of the

matter did not seem to be a question of any conjecture therefore, and,

in consequence, the one became most offensively self-confident, and

the other leaden-minded to an equal degree, neither remembering the

unswerving wisdom of the proverb, ‘Wait! all men are but as the black,

horn-cased beetles which overrun the inferior cooking-rooms of the city,

and even at this moment the heavily-shod and unerring foot of Buddha may

be lifted.’

“Lee Sing was, by profession, one of those who hunt and ensnare the

brilliantly-coloured winged insects which are to be found in various

parts of the Empire in great variety and abundance, it being his duty

to send a certain number every year to Peking to contribute to the

amusement of the dignified Emperor. In spite of the not too intelligent

nature of the occupation, Lee Sing took an honourable pride in all

matters connected with it. He disdained, with well-expressed contempt,

to avail himself of the stealthy and somewhat deceptive methods employed

by others engaged in a similar manner of life. In this way he had, from

necessity, acquired agility to an exceptional degree, so that he could

leap far into the air, and while in that position select from a passing

band of insects any which he might desire. This useful accomplishment

was, in a measure, the direct means of bringing together the person in

question and the engaging Lila; for, on a certain occasion, when Lee

Sing was passing through the streets of Fow Hou, he heard a great

outcry, and beheld persons of all ranks running towards him, pointing

at the same time in an upward direction. Turning his gaze in the manner

indicated, Lee beheld, with every variety of astonishment, a powerful

and unnaturally large bird of prey, carrying in its talons the

lovely and now insensible Lila, to whom it had been attracted by the

magnificence of her raiment. The rapacious and evilly-inspired creature

was already above the highest dwelling-houses when Lee first beheld it,

and was plainly directing its course towards the inaccessible mountain

crags beyond the city walls. Nevertheless, Lee resolved upon an

inspired effort, and without any hesitation bounded towards it with such

well-directed proficiency, that if he had not stretched forth his hand

on passing he would inevitably have been carried far above the desired

object. In this manner he succeeded in dragging the repulsive and

completely disconcerted monster to the ground, where its graceful and

unassuming prisoner was released, and the presumptuous bird itself

torn to pieces amid continuous shouts of a most respectful and engaging

description in honour of Lee and of his versatile attainment.

“In consequence of this incident the grateful Lila would often

deliberately leave the society of the rich and well-endowed in order

to accompany Lee on his journeys in pursuit of exceptionally-precious

winged insects. Regarding his unusual ability as the undoubted cause of

her existence at that moment, she took an all-absorbing pride in such

displays, and would utter loud and frequent exclamations of triumph when

Lee leaped out from behind some rock, where he had lain concealed, and

with unfailing regularity secured the object of his adroit movement. In

this manner a state of feeling which was by no means favourable to

the aspiring picture-maker Pe-tsing had long existed between the two

persons; but when Lee Sing put the matter in the form of an explicit

petition before Chan Hung (to which adequate reference has already been

made), the nature of the decision then arrived at seemed to clothe

the realization of their virtuous and estimable desires with an air of

extreme improbability.

“‘Oh, Lee,’ exclaimed the greatly-disappointed maiden when her lover had

explained to her the nature of the arrangement--for in her unassuming

admiration of the noble qualities of Lee she had anticipated that Chan

Hung would at once have received him with ceremonious embraces and

assurances of his permanent affection--‘how unendurable a state of

things is this in which we have become involved! Far removed from this

one’s anticipations was the thought of becoming inalienably associated

with that outrageous person Pe-tsing, or of entering upon an existence

which will necessitate a feigned admiration of his really unpresentable

efforts. Yet in such a manner must the entire circumstance complete its

course unless some ingenious method of evading it can be discovered in

the meantime. Alas, my beloved one! the occupation of ensnaring winged

insects is indeed an alluring one, but as far as this person has

observed, it is also exceedingly unproductive of taels. Could not some

more expeditious means of enriching yourself be discovered? Frequently

has the unnoticed but nevertheless very attentive Lila heard her father

and the round-bodied ones who visit him speak of exploits which seem

to consist of assuming the shapes of certain wild animals, and in that

guise appearing from time to time at the place of exchange within

the city walls. As this form of entertainment is undoubtedly very

remunerative in its results, could not the versatile and ready-witted

Lee conceal himself within the skin of a bear, or some other untamed

beast, and in this garb, joining them unperceived, play an appointed

part and receive a just share of the reward?’

“‘The result of such an enterprise might, if the matter chanced to take

an unforeseen development, prove of a very doubtful nature,’ replied

Lee Sing, to whom, indeed, the proposed venture appeared in a somewhat

undignified light, although, with refined consideration, he withheld

such a thought from Lila, who had proposed it for him, and also

confessed that her usually immaculate father had taken part in such an

exhibition. ‘Nevertheless, do not permit the dark shadow of an inward

cloud to reflect itself upon your almost invariably amiable countenance,

for this person has become possessed of a valuable internal suggestion

which, although he has hitherto neglected, being content with a small

but assured competency, would doubtless bring together a serviceable

number of taels if rightly utilized.’

“‘Greatly does this person fear that the valuable internal suggestion

of Lee Sing will weigh but lightly in the commercial balance against

the very rapidly executed pictures of Pe-tsing,’ said Lila, who had not

fully recalled from her mind a disturbing emotion that Lee would

have been well advised to have availed himself of her ingenious and

well-thought-out suggestion. ‘But of what does the matter consist?’

“‘It is the best explained by a recital of the circumstances leading up

to it,’ said Lee. ‘Upon an occasion when this person was passing through

the streets of Fow Hou, there gathered around him a company of those who

had, on previous occasions, beheld his exceptional powers of hurtling

himself through the air in an upward direction, praying that he would

again delight their senses by a similar spectacle. Not being unwilling

to afford those estimable persons of the amusement they desired, this

one, without any elaborate show of affected hesitancy, put himself

into the necessary position, and would without doubt have risen

uninterruptedly almost into the Middle Air, had he not, in making the

preparatory movements, placed his left foot upon an over-ripe wampee

which lay unperceived on the ground. In consequence of this really

blameworthy want of caution the entire manner and direction of this

short-sighted individual’s movements underwent a sudden and complete

change, so that to those who stood around it appeared as though he were

making a well-directed endeavour to penetrate through the upper surface

of the earth. This unexpected display had the effect of removing the

gravity of even the most aged and severe-minded persons present, and for

the space of some moments the behaviour and positions of those who stood

around were such that they were quite unable to render any assistance,

greatly as they doubtless wished to do so. Being in this manner allowed

a period for inward reflexion of a very concentrated order, it arose

within this one’s mind that at every similar occurrence which he had

witnessed, those who observed the event had been seized in a like

fashion, being very excessively amused. The fact was made even more

undoubted by the manner of behaving of an exceedingly stout and

round-faced person, who had not been present from the beginning, but who

was affected to a most incredible extent when the details, as they had

occurred, were made plain to him, he declaring, with many references to

the Sacred Dragon and the Seven Walled Temple at Peking, that he would

willingly have contributed a specified number of taels rather than

have missed the diversion. When at length this person reached his own

chamber, he diligently applied himself to the task of carrying into

practical effect the suggestion which had arisen in his mind. By an

arrangement of transparent glasses and reflecting surfaces--which, were

it not for a well-defined natural modesty, he would certainly be tempted

to describe as highly ingenious--he ultimately succeeded in bringing

about the effect he desired.’

“With these words Lee put into Lila’s hands an object which closely

resembled the contrivances by which those who are not sufficiently

powerful to obtain positions near the raised platform, in the Halls of

Celestial Harmony, are nevertheless enabled to observe the complexions

and attire of all around them. Regulating it by means of a hidden

spring, he requested her to follow closely the actions of a

heavily-burdened passerby who was at that moment some little distance

beyond them. Scarcely had Lila raised the glass to her eyes than she

became irresistibly amused to a most infectious degree, greatly to the

satisfaction of Lee, who therein beheld the realization of his hopes.

Not for the briefest space of time would she permit the object to pass

from her, but directed it at every person who came within her sight,

with frequent and unfeigned exclamations of wonder and delight.

“‘How pleasant and fascinating a device is this!’ exclaimed Lila at

length. ‘By what means is so diverting and gravity-removing a result

obtained?’

“‘Further than that it is the concentration of much labour of

continually trying with glasses and reflecting surfaces, this person is

totally unable to explain it,’ replied Lee. ‘The chief thing, however,

is that at whatever moving object it is directed--no matter whether a

person so observed is being carried in a chair, riding upon an animal,

or merely walking--at a certain point he has every appearance of being

unexpectedly hurled to the ground in a most violent and mirth-provoking

manner. Would not the stout and round-faced one, who would cheerfully

have contributed a certain number of taels to see this person manifest a

similar exhibition, unhesitatingly lay out that sum to secure the means

of so gratifying his emotions whenever he felt the desire, even with

the revered persons of the most dignified ones in the Empire? Is there,

indeed, a single person between the Wall and the Bitter Waters on the

South who is so devoid of ambition that he would miss the opportunity of

subjecting, as it were, perhaps even the sacred Emperor himself to the

exceptional feat?’

“‘The temptation to possess one would inevitably prove overwhelming to

any person of ordinary intelligence,’ admitted Lila. ‘Yet, in spite of

this one’s unassumed admiration for the contrivance, internal doubts

regarding the ultimate happiness of the two persons who are now

discussing the matter again attack her. She recollects, somewhat dimly,

an almost forgotten, but nevertheless, very unassailable proverb, which

declares that more contentment of mind can assuredly be obtained from

the unexpected discovery of a tael among the folds of a discarded

garment than could, in the most favourable circumstances, ensue from

the well-thought-out construction of a new and hitherto unknown

device. Furthermore, although the span of a year may seem unaccountably

protracted when persons who reciprocate engaging sentiments are

parted, yet when the acceptance or refusal of Pe-tsing’s undesirable

pledging-gifts hangs upon the accomplishment of a remote and not very

probable object within that period, it becomes as a breath of wind

passing through an autumn forest.’

“Since the day when Lila and Lee had sat together side by side, and

conversed in this unrestrained and irreproachable manner, the great

sky-lantern had many times been obscured for a period. Only an

insignificant portion of the year remained, yet the affairs of Lee Sing

were in no more prosperous a condition than before, nor had he found an

opportunity to set aside any store of taels. Each day the unsupportable

Pe-tsing became more and more obtrusive and self-conceited, even to

the extent of throwing far into the air coins of insignificant value

whenever he chanced to pass Lee in the street, at the same time urging

him to leap after them and thereby secure at least one or two pieces of

money against the day of calculating. In a similar but entirely opposite

fashion, Lila and Lee experienced the acutest pangs of an ever-growing

despair, until their only form of greeting consisted in gazing into each

other’s eyes with a soul-benumbing expression of self-reproach.

“Yet at this very time, when even the natural and unalterable powers

seemed to be conspiring against the success of Lee’s modest and

inoffensive hopes, an event was taking place which was shortly to

reverse the entire settled arrangement of persons and affairs, and

involved Fow Hou in a very inextricable state of uncertainty. For, not

to make a pretence of concealing a matter which has been already in part

revealed, the Mandarin Chan Hung had by this time determined to act in

the manner which Ming-hi had suggested; so that on a certain morning

Lee Sing was visited by two persons, bearing between them a very weighty

sack of taels, who also conveyed to him the fact that a like amount

would be deposited within his door at the end of each succeeding seven

days. Although Lee’s occupation had in the past been very meagrely

rewarded, either by taels or by honour, the circumstance which resulted

in his now receiving so excessively large a sum is not made clear until

the detail of Ming-hi’s scheme is closely examined. The matter then

becomes plain, for it had been suggested by that person that the most

proficient in any occupation should be rewarded to a certain extent,

and the least proficient to another stated extent, the original amounts

being reversed. When those engaged by Chang Hung to draw up the various

rates came to the profession of ensnaring winged insects, however, they

discovered that Lee Sing was the only one of that description in Fow

Hou, so that it became necessary in consequence to allot him a double

portion, one amount as the most proficient, and a much larger amount as

the least proficient.

“It is unnecessary now to follow the not altogether satisfactory

condition of affairs which began to exist in Fow Hou as soon as the

scheme was put into operation. The full written papers dealing with the

matter are in the Hall of Public Reference at Peking, and can be seen by

any person on the payment of a few taels to everyone connected with

the establishment. Those who found their possessions reduced thereby

completely overlooked the obvious justice of the arrangement, and

immediately began to take most severe measures to have the order put

aside; while those who suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves

raised to positions of affluence tended to the same end by conducting

themselves in a most incapable and undiscriminating manner. And during

the entire period that this state of things existed in Fow Hou the

really contemptible Ming-hi continually followed Chan Hung about from

place to place, spreading out his feet towards him, and allowing himself

to become openly amused to a most unseemly extent.

“Chief among those who sought to have the original manner of rewarding

persons again established was the picture-maker, Pe-tsing, who now found

himself in a condition of most abject poverty, so unbearable, indeed,

that he frequently went by night, carrying a lantern, in the hope that

he might discover some of the small pieces of money which he had been

accustomed to throw into the air on meeting Lee Sing. To his pangs of

hunger was added the fear that he would certainly lose Lila, so that

from day to day he redoubled his efforts, and in the end, by using false

statements and other artifices of a questionable nature, the party which

he led was successful in obtaining the degradation of Chan Hung and his

dismissal from office, together with an entire reversal of all his plans

and enactments.

“On the last day of the year which Chan Hung had appointed as the period

of test for his daughter’s suitors, the person in question was seated

in a chamber of his new abode--a residence of unassuming appearance but

undoubted comfort--surrounded by Lila and Lee, when the hanging curtains

were suddenly flung aside, and Pe-tsing, followed by two persons of low

rank bearing sacks of money, appeared among them.

“‘Chan Hung,’ he said at length, ‘in the past events arose which

compelled this person to place himself against you in your official

position. Nevertheless, he has always maintained towards you personally

an unchanging affection, and understanding full well that you are one of

those who maintain their spoken word in spite of all happenings, he has

now come to exhibit the taels which he has collected together, and to

claim the fulfilment of your deliberate promise.’

“With these words the commonplace picture-maker poured forth the

contents of the sacks, and stood looking at Lila in a most confident and

unprepossessing manner.

“‘Pe-tsing,’ replied Chan Hung, rising from his couch and speaking in so

severe and impressive a voice that the two servants of Pe-tsing at once

fled in great apprehension, ‘this person has also found it necessary, in

his official position, to oppose you; but here the similarity ends,

for, on his part, he has never felt towards you the remotest degree of

affection. Nevertheless, he is always desirous, as you say, that persons

should regard their spoken word, and as you seem to hold a promise

from the Chief Mandarin of Fow Hou regarding marriage-gifts towards

his daughter, he would advise you to go at once to that person.

A misunderstanding has evidently arisen, for the one whom you are

addressing is merely Chan Hung, and the words spoken by the Mandarin

have no sort of interest for him--indeed, he understands that all that

person’s acts have been reversed, so that he fails to see how anyone

at all can regard you and your claim in other than a gravity-removing

light. Furthermore, the maiden in question is now definitely and

irretrievably pledged to this faithful and successful one by my side,

who, as you will doubtless be gracefully overjoyed to learn, has

recently disposed of a most ingenious and diverting contrivance for an

enormous number of taels, so many, indeed, that both the immediate and

the far-distant future of all the persons who are here before you are

now in no sort of doubt whatever.’

“At these words the three persons whom he had interrupted again turned

their attention to the matter before them; but as Pe-tsing walked away,

he observed, though he failed to understand the meaning, that they all

raised certain objects to their eyes, and at once became amused to a

most striking and uncontrollable degree.”

V.

THE CONFESSION OF KAI LUNG

Related by himself at Wu-whei when other matter failed him.

As Kai Lung, the story-teller, unrolled his mat and selected, with grave

deliberation, the spot under the mulberry-tree which would the longest

remain sheltered from the sun’s rays, his impassive eye wandered round

the thin circle of listeners who had been drawn together by his uplifted

voice, with a glance which, had it expressed his actual thoughts, would

have betrayed a keen desire that the assembly should be composed of

strangers rather than of his most consistent patrons, to whom his stock

of tales was indeed becoming embarrassingly familiar. Nevertheless, when

he began there was nothing in his voice but a trace of insufficiently

restrained triumph, such as might be fitly assumed by one who has

discovered and makes known for the first time a story by the renowned

historian Lo Cha.

“The adventures of the enlightened and nobly-born Yuin-Pel--”

“Have already thrice been narrated within Wu-whei by the versatile but

exceedingly uninventive Kai Lung,” remarked Wang Yu placidly. “Indeed,

has there not come to be a saying by which an exceptionally frugal

host’s rice, having undoubtedly seen the inside of the pot many times,

is now known in this town as Kai-Pel?”

“Alas!” exclaimed Kai Lung, “well was this person warned of Wu-whei

in the previous village, as a place of desolation and excessively

bad taste, whose inhabitants, led by an evil-minded maker of very

commonplace pipes, named Wang Yu, are unable to discriminate in all

matters not connected with the cooking of food and the evasion of just

debts. They at Shan Tzu hung on to my cloak as I strove to leave them,

praying that I would again entrance their ears with what they termed the

melodious word-music of this person’s inimitable version of the inspired

story of Yuin-Pel.”

“Truly the story of Yuin-Pel is in itself excellent,” interposed the

conciliatory Hi Seng; “and Kai Lung’s accomplishment of having three

times repeated it here without deviating in the particular of a single

word from the first recital stamps him as a story-teller of no ordinary

degree. Yet the saying ‘Although it is desirable to lose persistently

when playing at squares and circles with the broad-minded and sagacious

Emperor, it is none the less a fact that the observance of this

etiquette deprives the intellectual diversion of much of its interest

for both players,’ is no less true today than when the all knowing H’sou

uttered it.”

“They well said--they of Shan Tzu--that the people of Wu-whei were

intolerably ignorant and of low descent,” continued Kai Lung, without

heeding the interruption; “that although invariably of a timorous

nature, even to the extent of retiring to the woods on the approach of

those who select bowmen for the Imperial army, all they require in a

story is that it shall be garnished with deeds of bloodshed and violence

to the exclusion of the higher qualities of well-imagined metaphors and

literary style which alone constitute true excellence.”

“Yet it has been said,” suggested Hi Seng, “that the inimitable Kai

Lung can so mould a narrative in the telling that all the emotions

are conveyed therein without unduly disturbing the intellects of the

hearers.”

“O amiable Hi Seng,” replied Kai Lung with extreme affability,

“doubtless you are the most expert of water-carriers, and on a hot

and dusty day, when the insatiable desire of all persons is towards a

draught of unusual length without much regard to its composition, the

sight of your goat-skins is indeed a welcome omen; yet when in the

season of Cold White Rains you chance to meet the belated chair-carrier

who has been reluctantly persuaded into conveying persons beyond the

limit of the city, the solitary official watchman who knows that his

chief is not at hand, or a returning band of those who make a practise

of remaining in the long narrow rooms until they are driven forth at a

certain gong-stroke, can you supply them with the smallest portion of

that invigorating rice spirit for which alone they crave? From this

simple and homely illustration, specially conceived to meet the

requirements of your stunted and meagre understanding, learn not to

expect both grace and thorns from the willow-tree. Nevertheless, your

very immature remarks on the art of story-telling are in no degree more

foolish than those frequently uttered by persons who make a living by

such a practice; in proof of which this person will relate to the select

and discriminating company now assembled an entirely new and unrecorded

story--that, indeed, of the unworthy, but frequently highly-rewarded Kai

Lung himself.”

“The story of Kai Lung!” exclaimed Wang Yu. “Why not the story of Ting,

the sightless beggar, who has sat all his life outside the Temple of

Miraculous Cures? Who is Kai Lung, that he should have a story? Is he

not known to us all here? Is not his speech that of this Province, his

food mean, his arms and legs unshaven? Does he carry a sword or wear

silk raiment? Frequently have we seen him fatigued with journeying; many

times has he arrived destitute of money; nor, on those occasions when a

newly-appointed and unnecessarily officious Mandarin has commanded

him to betake himself elsewhere and struck him with a rod has Kai Lung

caused the stick to turn into a deadly serpent and destroy its master,

as did the just and dignified Lu Fei. How, then, can Kai Lung have a

story that is not also the story of Wang Yu and Hi Seng, and all others

here?”

“Indeed, if the refined and enlightened Wang Yu so decides, it must

assuredly be true,” said Kai Lung patiently; “yet (since even trifles

serve to dispel the darker thoughts of existence) would not the

history of so small a matter as an opium pipe chain his intelligent

consideration? such a pipe, for example, as this person beheld only

today exposed for sale, the bowl composed of the finest red clay,

delicately baked and fashioned, the long bamboo stem smoother than the

sacred tooth of the divine Buddha, the spreading support patiently and

cunningly carved with scenes representing the Seven Joys, and the Tenth

Hell of unbelievers.”

“Ah!” exclaimed Wang Yu eagerly, “it is indeed as you say, a Mandarin

among masterpieces. That pipe, O most unobserving Kai Lung, is the work

of this retiring and superficial person who is now addressing you, and,

though the fact evidently escaped your all-seeing glance, the place

where it is exposed is none other than his shop of ‘The Fountain of

Beauty,’ which you have on many occasions endowed with your honourable

presence.”

“Doubtless the carving is the work of the accomplished Wang Yu, and the

fitting together,” replied Kai Lung; “but the materials for so refined

and ornamental a production must of necessity have been brought many

thousand li; the clay perhaps from the renowned beds of Honan, the wood

from Peking, and the bamboo from one of the great forests of the North.”

“For what reason?” said Wang Yu proudly. “At this person’s very door

is a pit of red clay, purer and infinitely more regular than any to

be found at Honan; the hard wood of Wu-whei is extolled among carvers

throughout the Empire, while no bamboo is straighter or more smooth than

that which grows in the neighbouring woods.”

“O most inconsistent Wang Yu!” cried the story-teller, “assuredly a very

commendable local pride has dimmed your usually penetrating eyesight.

Is not the clay pit of which you speak that in which you fashioned

exceedingly unsymmetrical imitations of rat-pies in your childhood? How,

then, can it be equal to those of Honan, which you have never seen?

In the dark glades of these woods have you not chased the gorgeous

butterfly, and, in later years, the no less gaily attired maidens of

Wu-whei in the entrancing game of Kiss in the Circle? Have not the

bamboo-trees to which you have referred provided you with the ideal

material wherewith to roof over those cunningly-constructed pits into

which it has ever been the chief delight of the young and audacious to

lure dignified and unnaturally stout Mandarins? All these things you

have seen and used ever since your mother made a successful offering to

the Goddess Kum-Fa. How, then, can they be even equal to the products of

remote Honan and fabulous Peking? Assuredly the generally veracious Wang

Yu speaks this time with closed eyes and will, upon mature reflexion,

eat his words.”

The silence was broken by a very aged man who arose from among the

bystanders.

“Behold the length of this person’s pigtail,” he exclaimed, “the

whiteness of his moustaches and the venerable appearance of his beard!

There is no more aged person present--if, indeed, there be such a one

in all the Province. It accordingly devolves upon him to speak in this

matter, which shall be as follows: The noble-minded and proficient Kai

Lung shall relate the story as he has proposed, and the garrulous Wang

Yu shall twice contribute to Kai Lung’s bowl when it is passed round,

once for himself and once for this person, in order that he may learn

either to be more discreet or more proficient in the art of aptly

replying.”

“The events which it is this person’s presumptuous intention to describe

to this large-hearted and providentially indulgent gathering,” began

Kai Lung, when his audience had become settled, and the wooden bowl had

passed to and fro among them, “did not occupy many years, although they

were of a nature which made them of far more importance than all the

remainder of his existence, thereby supporting the sage discernment of

the philosopher Wen-weng, who first made the observation that man is

greatly inferior to the meanest fly, inasmuch as that creature, although

granted only a day’s span of life, contrives during that period to

fulfil all the allotted functions of existence.

“Unutterably to the astonishment and dismay of this person and all those

connected with him (for several of the most expensive readers of the

future to be found in the Empire had declared that his life would be

marked by great events, his career a source of continual wonder, and his

death a misfortune to those who had dealings with him) his efforts to

take a degree at the public literary competitions were not attended with

any adequate success. In view of the plainly expressed advice of his

father it therefore became desirable that this person should turn his

attention to some other method of regaining the esteem of those upon

whom he was dependent for all the necessaries of existence. Not having

the means wherewith to engage in any form of commerce, and being

entirely ignorant of all matters save the now useless details of

attempting to pass public examinations, he reluctantly decided that he

was destined to become one of those who imagine and write out stories

and similar devices for printed leaves and books.

“This determination was favourably received, and upon learning it, this

person’s dignified father took him aside, and with many assurances of

regard presented to him a written sentence, which, he said, would be of

incomparable value to one engaged in a literary career, and should

in fact, without any particular qualifications, insure an honourable

competency. He himself, he added, with what at the time appeared to

this one as an unnecessary regard for detail, having taken a very

high degree, and being in consequence appointed to a distinguished and

remunerative position under the Board of Fines and Tortures, had never

made any use of it.

“The written sentence, indeed, was all that it had been pronounced. It

had been composed by a remote ancestor, who had spent his entire life in

crystallizing all his knowledge and experience into a few written lines,

which as a result became correspondingly precious. It defined in a very

original and profound manner several undisputable principles, and was so

engagingly subtle in its manner of expression that the most superficial

person was irresistibly thrown into a deep inward contemplation upon

reading it. When it was complete, the person who had contrived this

ingenious masterpiece, discovering by means of omens that he still had

ten years to live, devoted each remaining year to the task of reducing

the sentence by one word without in any way altering its meaning. This

unapproachable example of conciseness found such favour in the eyes

of those who issue printed leaves that as fast as this person could

inscribe stories containing it they were eagerly purchased; and had it

not been for a very incapable want of foresight on this narrow-minded

individual’s part, doubtless it would still be affording him an

agreeable and permanent means of living.

“Unquestionably the enlightened Wen-weng was well acquainted with the

subject when he exclaimed, ‘Better a frugal dish of olives flavoured

with honey than the most sumptuously devised puppy-pie of which the

greater portion is sent forth in silver-lined boxes and partaken of

by others.’ At that time, however, this versatile saying--which so

gracefully conveys the truth of the undeniable fact that what a person

possesses is sufficient if he restrain his mind from desiring

aught else--would have been lightly treated by this self-conceited

story-teller even if his immature faculties had enabled him fully to

understand the import of so profound and well-digested a remark.

“At that time Tiao Ts’un was undoubtedly the most beautiful maiden in

all Peking. So frequently were the verses describing her habits and

appearances affixed in the most prominent places of the city, that many

persons obtained an honourable livelihood by frequenting those spots

and disposing of the sacks of written papers which they collected to

merchants who engaged in that commerce. Owing to the fame attained by

his written sentence, this really very much inferior being had many

opportunities of meeting the incomparable maiden Tiao at flower-feasts,

melon-seed assemblies, and those gatherings where persons of both sexes

exhibit themselves in revolving attitudes, and are permitted to embrace

openly without reproach; whereupon he became so subservient to her

charms and virtues that he lost no opportunity of making himself utterly

unendurable to any who might chance to speak to, or even gaze upon, this

Heaven-sent creature.

“So successful was this person in his endeavour to meet the sublime

Tiao and to gain her conscientious esteem that all emotions of prudence

forsook him, or it would soon have become apparent even to his enfeebled

understanding that such consistent good fortune could only be the work

of unforgiving and malignant spirits whose ill-will he had in some way

earned, and who were luring him on in order that they might accomplish

his destruction. That object was achieved on a certain evening when this

person stood alone with Tiao upon an eminence overlooking the city and

watched the great sky-lantern rise from behind the hills. Under these

delicate and ennobling influences he gave speech to many very ornamental

and refined thoughts which arose within his mind concerning the graceful

brilliance of the light which was cast all around, yet notwithstanding

which a still more exceptional and brilliant light was shining in his

own internal organs by reason of the nearness of an even purer and more

engaging orb. There was no need, this person felt, to hide even his most

inside thoughts from the dignified and sympathetic being at his side, so

without hesitation he spoke--in what he believes even now must have been

a very decorative manner--of the many thousand persons who were then

wrapped in sleep, of the constantly changing lights which appeared in

the city beneath, and of the vastness which everywhere lay around.

“‘O Kai Lung,’ exclaimed the lovely Tiao, when this person had made an

end of speaking, ‘how expertly and in what a proficient manner do you

express yourself, uttering even the sentiments which this person has

felt inwardly, but for which she has no words. Why, indeed, do you not

inscribe them in a book?’

“Under her elevating influence it had already occurred to this

illiterate individual that it would be a more dignified and, perhaps,

even a more profitable course for him to write out and dispose of, to

those who print such matters, the versatile and high-minded expressions

which now continually formed his thoughts, rather than be dependent upon

the concise sentence for which, indeed, he was indebted to the wisdom of

a remote ancestor. Tiao’s spoken word fully settled his determination,

so that without delay he set himself to the task of composing a story

which should omit the usual sentence, but should contain instead a large

number of his most graceful and diamond-like thoughts. So engrossed did

this near-sighted and superficial person become in the task (which daily

seemed to increase rather than lessen as new and still more sublime

images arose within his mind) that many months passed before the

matter was complete. In the end, instead of a story, it had assumed the

proportions of an important and many-volumed book; while Tiao had in the

meantime accepted the wedding gifts of an objectionable and excessively

round-bodied individual, who had amassed an inconceivable number of

taels by inducing persons to take part in what at first sight appeared

to be an ingenious but very easy competition connected with the order in

which certain horses should arrive at a given and clearly defined spot.

By that time, however, this unduly sanguine story-teller had become

completely entranced in his work, and merely regarded Tiao-Ts’un as a

Heaven-sent but no longer necessary incentive to his success. With

every hope, therefore, he went forth to dispose of his written leaves,

confident of finding some very wealthy person who would be in a

condition to pay him the correct value of the work.

“At the end of two years this somewhat disillusionized but still

undaunted person chanced to hear of a benevolent and unassuming body of

men who made a habit of issuing works in which they discerned merit,

but which, nevertheless, others were unanimous in describing as ‘of no

good.’ Here this person was received with gracious effusion, and

being in a position to impress those with whom he was dealing with his

undoubted knowledge of the subject, he finally succeeded in making a

very advantageous arrangement by which he was to pay one-half of the

number of taels expended in producing the work, and to receive in return

all the profits which should result from the undertaking. Those who

were concerned in the matter were so engagingly impressed with the

incomparable literary merit displayed in the production that they

counselled a great number of copies being made ready in order, as they

said, that this person should not lose by there being any delay

when once the accomplishment became the one topic of conversation in

tea-houses and yamens. From this cause it came about that the matter of

taels to be expended was much greater than had been anticipated at the

beginning, so that when the day arrived on which the volumes were to

be sent forth this person found that almost his last piece of money had

disappeared.

“Alas! how small a share has a person in the work of controlling his own

destiny. Had only the necessarily penurious and now almost degraded Kai

Lung been born a brief span before the great writer Lo Kuan Chang, his

name would have been received with every mark of esteem from one end of

the Empire to the other, while taels and honourable decorations would

have been showered upon him. For the truth, which could no longer be

concealed, revealed the fact that this inopportune individual possessed

a mind framed in such a manner that his thoughts had already been the

thoughts of the inspired Lo Kuan, who, as this person would not be so

presumptuous as to inform this ornamental and well-informed gathering,

was the most ingenious and versatile-minded composer of written words

that this Empire--and therefore the entire world--has seen, as, indeed,

his honourable title of ‘The Many-hued Mandarin Duck of the Yang-tse’

plainly indicates.

“Although this self-opinionated person had frequently been greatly

surprised himself during the writing of his long work by the brilliance

and manysidedness of the thoughts and metaphors which arose in his mind

without conscious effort, it was not until the appearance of the printed

leaves which make a custom of warning persons against being persuaded

into buying certain books that he definitely understood how all these

things had been fully expressed many dynasties ago by the all-knowing

Lo Kuan Chang, and formed, indeed, the great national standard of

unapproachable excellence. Unfortunately, this person had been so deeply

engrossed all his life in literary pursuits that he had never found an

opportunity to glance at the works in question, or he would have escaped

the embarrassing position in which he now found himself.

“It was with a hopeless sense of illness of ease that this unhappy one

reached the day on which the printed leaves already alluded to would

make known their deliberate opinion of his writing, the extremity of his

hope being that some would at least credit him with honourable motives,

and perhaps a knowledge that if the inspired Lo Kuan Chan had never

been born the entire matter might have been brought to a very different

conclusion. Alas! only one among the many printed leaves which

made reference to the venture contained any words of friendship or

encouragement. This benevolent exception was sent forth from a city

in the extreme Northern Province of the Empire, and contained many

inspiring though delicately guarded messages of hope for the one to whom

they gracefully alluded as ‘this undoubtedly youthful, but nevertheless,

distinctly promising writer of books.’ While admitting that altogether

they found the production undeniably tedious, they claimed to have

discovered indications of an obvious talent, and therefore they

unhesitatingly counselled the person in question to take courage at the

prospect of a moderate competency which was certainly within his grasp

if he restrained his somewhat over-ambitious impulses and closely

observed the simple subjects and manner of expression of their own Chang

Chow, whose ‘Lines to a Wayside Chrysanthemum,’ ‘Mongolians who Have,’

and several other composed pieces, they then set forth. Although it

became plain that the writer of this amiably devised notice was, like

this incapable person, entirely unacquainted with the masterpieces of

Lo Kuan Chang, yet the indisputable fact remained that, entirely on

its merit, the work had been greeted with undoubted enthusiasm, so that

after purchasing many examples of the refined printed leaf containing

it, this person sat far into the night continually reading over the one

unprejudiced and discriminating expression.

“All the other printed leaves displayed a complete absence of good

taste in dealing with the matter. One boldly asserted that the entire

circumstance was the outcome of a foolish jest or wager on the part of

a person who possessed a million taels; another predicted that it was a

cunning and elaborately thought-out method of obtaining the attention of

the people on the part of certain persons who claimed to vend a reliable

and fragrantly-scented cleansing substance. The _Valley of Hoang Rose

Leaves and Sweetness_ hoped, in a spirit of no sincerity, that the

ingenious Kai Lung would not rest on his tea-leaves, but would soon

send forth an equally entertaining amended example of the _Sayings of

Confucious_ and other sacred works, while the _Pure Essence of the Seven

Days’ Happenings_ merely printed side by side portions from the two

books under the large inscription, ‘IS THERE REALLY ANY NEED FOR US TO

EXPRESS OURSELVES MORE CLEARLY?’

“The disappointment both as regards public esteem and taels--for, after

the manner in which the work had been received by those who advise

on such productions, not a single example was purchased--threw this

ill-destined individual into a condition of most unendurable depression,

from which he was only aroused by a remarkable example of the unfailing

wisdom of the proverb which says ‘Before hastening to secure a possible

reward of five taels by dragging an unobservant person away from a

falling building, examine well his features lest you find, when too

late, that it is one to whom you are indebted for double that amount.’

Disappointed in the hope of securing large gains from the sale of his

great work, this person now turned his attention again to his former

means of living, only to find, however, that the discredit in which he

had become involved even attached itself to his concise sentence; for in

place of the remunerative and honourable manner in which it was formerly

received, it was now regarded on all hands with open suspicion. Instead

of meekly kow-towing to an evidently pre-arranged doom, the last

misfortune aroused this usually resigned story-teller to an ungovernable

frenzy. Regarding the accomplished but at the same time exceedingly

over-productive Lo Kuan Chang as the beginning of all his evils, he took

a solemn oath as a mark of disapproval that he had not been content to

inscribe on paper only half of his brilliant thoughts, leaving the other

half for the benefit of this hard-striving and equally well-endowed

individual, in which case there would have been a sufficiency of taels

and of fame for both.

“For a very considerable space of time this person could conceive no

method by which he might attain his object. At length, however, as

a result of very keen and subtle intellectual searching, and many

well-selected sacrifices, it was conveyed by means of a dream that

one very ingenious yet simple way was possible. The renowned and

universally-admired writings of the distinguished Lo Kuan for the most

part take their action within a few dynasties of their creator’s

own time: all that remained for this inventive person to accomplish,

therefore, was to trace out the entire matter, making the words and

speeches to proceed from the mouths of those who existed in still

earlier periods. By this crafty method it would at once appear as though

the not-too-original Lo Kuan had been indebted to one who came before

him for all his most subtle thoughts, and, in consequence, his tomb

would become dishonoured and his memory execrated. Without any delay

this person cheerfully set himself to the somewhat laborious task

before him. Lo Kuan’s well-known exclamation of the Emperor Tsing on the

battlefield of Shih-ho, ‘A sedan-chair! a sedan-chair! This person will

unhesitatingly exchange his entire and well-regulated Empire for such an

article,’ was attributed to an Emperor who lived several thousand years

before the treacherous and unpopular Tsing. The new matter of a no less

frequently quoted portion ran: ‘O nobly intentioned but nevertheless

exceedingly morose Tung-shin, the object before you is your

distinguished and evilly-disposed-of father’s honourably-inspired

demon,’ the change of a name effecting whatever alteration was

necessary; while the delicately-imagined speech beginning ‘The person

who becomes amused at matters resulting from double-edged knives has

assuredly never felt the effect of a well-directed blow himself’ was

taken from the mouth of one person and placed in that of one of his

remote ancestors. In such a manner, without in any great degree altering

the matter of Lo Kuan’s works, all the scenes and persons introduced

were transferred to much earlier dynasties than those affected by the

incomparable writer himself, the final effect being to give an air of

extreme unoriginality to his really undoubtedly genuine conceptions.

“Satisfied with his accomplishment, and followed by a hired person

of low class bearing the writings, which, by nature of the research

necessary in fixing the various dates and places so that even the wary

should be deceived, had occupied the greater part of a year, this now

fully confident story-teller--unmindful of the well-tried excellence of

the inspired saying, ‘Money is hundred-footed; upon perceiving a

tael lying apparently unobserved upon the floor, do not lose the time

necessary in stooping, but quickly place your foot upon it, for one

fails nothing in dignity thereby; but should it be a gold piece,

distrust all things, and valuing dignity but as an empty name, cast your

entire body upon it’--went forth to complete his great task of finally

erasing from the mind and records of the Empire the hitherto venerated

name of Lo Kuan Chang. Entering the place of commerce of the one who

seemed the most favourable for the purpose, he placed the facts as they

would in future be represented before him, explained the undoubtedly

remunerative fame that would ensue to all concerned in the enterprise

of sending forth the printed books in their new form, and, opening at a

venture the written leaves which he had brought with him, read out the

following words as an indication of the similarity of the entire work:

“‘_Whai-Keng_. Friends, Chinamen, labourers who are engaged in

agricultural pursuits, entrust to this person your acute and

well-educated ears;

“‘He has merely come to assist in depositing the body of Ko’ung in

the Family Temple, not for the purpose of making remarks about him

of a graceful and highly complimentary nature;

“‘The unremunerative actions of which persons may have been guilty

possess an exceedingly undesirable amount of endurance;

“‘The successful and well-considered almost invariably are

involved in a directly contrary course;

“‘This person desires nothing more than a like fate to await

Ko’ung.’

“When this one had read so far, he paused in order to give the other

an opportunity of breaking in and offering half his possessions to

be allowed to share in the undertaking. As he remained unaccountably

silent, however, an inelegant pause occurred which this person at length

broke by desiring an expressed opinion on the matter.

“‘O exceedingly painstaking, but nevertheless highly inopportune Kai

Lung,’ he replied at length, while in his countenance this person

read an expression of no-encouragement towards his venture, ‘all your

entrancing efforts do undoubtedly appear to attract the undesirable

attention of some spiteful and tyrannical demon. This closely-written

and elaborately devised work is in reality not worth the labour of a

single stroke, nor is there in all Peking a sender forth of printed

leaves who would encourage any project connected with its issue.’

“‘But the importance of such a fact as that which would clearly show the

hitherto venerated Lo Kuan Chang to be a person who passed off as his

own the work of an earlier one!’ cried this person in despair, well

knowing that the deliberately expressed opinion of the one before him

was a matter that would rule all others. ‘Consider the interest of the

discovery.’

“‘The interest would not demand more than a few lines in the ordinary

printed leaves,’ replied the other calmly. ‘Indeed, in a manner of

speaking, it is entirely a detail of no consequence whether or not the

sublime Lo Kuan ever existed. In reality his very commonplace name may

have been simply Lung; his inspired work may have been written a score

of dynasties before him by some other person, or they may have been

composed by the enlightened Emperor of the period, who desired to

conceal the fact, yet these matters would not for a moment engage the

interest of any ordinary passer-by. Lo Kuan Chang is not a person in the

ordinary expression; he is an embodiment of a distinguished and utterly

unassailable national institution. The Heaven-sent works with which

he is, by general consent, connected form the necessary unchangeable

standard of literary excellence, and remain for ever above rivalry and

above mistrust. For this reason the matter is plainly one which does not

interest this person.’

“In the course of a not uneventful existence this self-deprecatory

person has suffered many reverses and disappointments. During his youth

the high-minded Empress on one occasion stopped and openly complimented

him on the dignified outline presented by his body in profile, and when

he was relying upon this incident to secure him a very remunerative

public office, a jealous and powerful Mandarin substituted a somewhat

similar, though really very much inferior, person for him at the

interview which the Empress had commanded. Frequently in matters of

commerce which have appeared to promise very satisfactorily at the

beginning this person has been induced to entrust sums of money to

others, when he had hoped from the indications and the manner of

speaking that the exact contrary would be the case; and in one

instance he was released at a vast price from the torture dungeon in

Canton--where he had been thrown by the subtle and unconscientious

plots of one who could not relate stories in so accurate and unvarying

a manner as himself--on the day before that on which all persons were

freely set at liberty on account of exceptional public rejoicing. Yet in

spite of these and many other very unendurable incidents, this impetuous

and ill-starred being never felt so great a desire to retire to a

solitary place and there disfigure himself permanently as a mark of

his unfeigned internal displeasure, as on the occasion when he endured

extreme poverty and great personal inconvenience for an entire year in

order that he might take away face from the memory of a person who was

so placed that no one expressed any interest in the matter.

“Since then this very ill-clad and really necessitous person has

devoted himself to the honourable but exceedingly arduous and in general

unremunerative occupation of story-telling. To this he would add nothing

save that not infrequently a nobly-born and highly-cultured audience

is so entranced with his commonplace efforts to hold the attention,

especially when a story not hitherto known has been related, that in

order to afford it an opportunity of expressing its gratification, he

has been requested to allow another offering to be made by all persons

present at the conclusion of the entertainment.”

VI.

THE VENGEANCE OF TUNG FEL

For a period not to be measured by days or weeks the air of Ching-fow

had been as unrestful as that of the locust plains beyond the Great

Wall, for every speech which passed bore two faces, one fair to hear,

as a greeting, but the other insidiously speaking behind a screen, of

rebellion, violence, and the hope of overturning the fixed order of

events. With those whom they did not mistrust of treachery persons spoke

in low voices of definite plans, while at all times there might appear

in prominent places of the city skilfully composed notices setting

forth great wrongs and injustices towards which resignation and a lowly

bearing were outwardly counselled, yet with the same words cunningly

inflaming the minds, even of the patient, as no pouring out of

passionate thoughts and undignified threatenings could have done. Among

the people, unknown, unseen, and unsuspected, except to the proved ones

to whom they desired to reveal themselves, moved the agents of the Three

Societies. While to the many of Ching-fow nothing was desired or even

thought of behind the downfall of their own officials, and, chief of

all, the execution of the evil-minded and depraved Mandarin Ping Siang,

whose cruelties and extortions had made his name an object of wide and

deserved loathing, the agents only regarded the city as a bright spot in

the line of blood and fire which they were fanning into life from Peking

to Canton, and which would presumably burst forth and involve the entire

Empire.

Although it had of late become a plain fact, by reason of the manner

of behaving of the people, that events of a sudden and turbulent nature

could not long be restrained, yet outwardly there was no exhibition of

violence, not even to the length of resisting those whom Ping Siang sent

to enforce his unjust demands, chiefly because a well-founded whisper

had been sent round that nothing was to be done until Tung Fel should

arrive, which would not be until the seventh day in the month of Winged

Dragons. To this all persons agreed, for the more aged among them,

who, by virtue of their years, were also the formers of opinion in all

matters, called up within their memories certain events connected with

the two persons in question which appeared to give to Tung Fel the

privilege of expressing himself clearly when the matter of finally

dealing with the malicious and self-willed Mandarin should be engaged

upon.

Among the mountains which enclose Ching-fow on the southern side dwelt

a jade-seeker, who also kept goats. Although a young man and entirely

without relations, he had, by patient industry, contrived to collect

together a large flock of the best-formed and most prolific goats to be

found in the neighbourhood, all the money which he received in exchange

for jade being quickly bartered again for the finest animals which he

could obtain. He was dauntless in penetrating to the most inaccessible

parts of the mountains in search of the stone, unfailing in his skilful

care of the flock, in which he took much honourable pride, and on all

occasions discreet and unassumingly restrained in his discourse and

manner of life. Knowing this to be his invariable practice, it was with

emotions of an agreeable curiosity that on the seventh day of the month

of Winged Dragons those persons who were passing from place to place in

the city beheld this young man, Yang Hu, descending the mountain path

with unmistakable signs of profound agitation, and an entire absence of

prudent care. Following him closely to the inner square of the city, on

the continually expressed plea that they themselves had business in

that quarter, these persons observed Yang Hu take up a position of

unendurable dejection as he gazed reproachfully at the figure of the

all-knowing Buddha which surmounted the Temple where it was his custom

to sacrifice.

“Alas!” he exclaimed, lifting up his voice, when it became plain that

a large number of people was assembled awaiting his words, “to what end

does a person strive in this excessively evilly-regulated district? Or

is it that this obscure and ill-destined one alone is marked out as with

a deep white cross for humiliation and ruin? Father, and Sacred Temple

of Ancestral Virtues, wherein the meanest can repose their trust, he has

none; while now, being more destitute than the beggar at the gate, the

hope of honourable marriage and a robust family of sons is more remote

than the chance of finding the miracle-working Crystal Image which marks

the last footstep of the Pure One. Yesterday this person possessed no

secret store of silver or gold, nor had he knowledge of any special

amount of jade hidden among the mountains, but to his call there

responded four score goats, the most select and majestic to be found in

all the Province, of which, nevertheless, it was his yearly custom to

sacrifice one, as those here can testify, and to offer another as a duty

to the Yamen of Ping Siang, in neither case opening his eyes widely when

the hour for selecting arrived. Yet in what an unseemly manner is his

respectful piety and courteous loyalty rewarded! To-day, before this

person went forth on his usual quest, there came those bearing written

papers by which they claimed, on the authority of Ping Siang, the

whole of this person’s flock, as a punishment and fine for his not

contributing without warning to the Celebration of Kissing the Emperor’s

Face--the very obligation of such a matter being entirely unknown to

him. Nevertheless, those who came drove off this person’s entire

wealth, the desperately won increase of a life full of great toil and

uncomplainingly endured hardship, leaving him only his cave in the

rocks, which even the most grasping of many-handed Mandarins cannot

remove, his cloak of skins, which no beggar would gratefully receive,

and a bright and increasing light of deep hate scorching within his mind

which nothing but the blood of the obdurate extortioner can efficiently

quench. No protection of charms or heavily-mailed bowmen shall

avail him, for in his craving for just revenge this person will meet

witchcraft with a Heaven-sent cause and oppose an unsleeping subtlety

against strength. Therefore let not the innocent suffer through an

insufficient understanding, O Divine One, but direct the hand of your

faithful worshipper towards the heart that is proud in tyranny, and

holds as empty words the clearly defined promise of an all-seeing

justice.”

Scarcely had Yang Hu made an end of speaking before there happened an

event which could be regarded in no other light than as a direct answer

to his plainly expressed request for a definite sign. Upon the clear

air, which had become unnaturally still at Yang Hu’s words, as though

to remove any chance of doubt that this indeed was the requested answer,

came the loud beating of many very powerful brass gongs, indicating the

approach of some person of undoubted importance. In a very brief period

the procession reached the square, the gong-beaters being followed

by persons carrying banners, bowmen in armour, others bearing various

weapons and instruments of torture, slaves displaying innumerable

changes of raiment to prove the rank and consequence of their master,

umbrella carriers and fan wavers, and finally, preceded by incense

burners and surrounded by servants who cleared away all obstructions by

means of their formidable and heavily knotted lashes, the unworthy and

deceitful Mandarin Ping Siang, who sat in a silk-hung and elaborately

wrought chair, looking from side to side with gestures and expressions

of contempt and ill-restrained cupidity.

At the sign of this powerful but unscrupulous person all those who were

present fell upon their faces, leaving a broad space in their midst,

except Yang Hu, who stepped back into the shadow of a doorway, being

resolved that he would not prostrate himself before one whom Heaven had

pointed out as the proper object of his just vengeance.

When the chair of Ping Siang could no longer be observed in the

distance, and the sound of his many gongs had died away, all the persons

who had knelt at his approach rose to their feet, meeting each other’s

eyes with glances of assured and profound significance. At length there

stepped forth an exceedingly aged man, who was generally believed to

have the power of reading omens and forecasting futures, so that at his

upraised hand all persons became silent.

“Behold!” he exclaimed, “none can turn aside in doubt from the

deliberately pointed finger of Buddha. Henceforth, in spite of the

well-intentioned suggestions of those who would shield him under the

plea of exacting orders from high ones at Peking or extortions practised

by slaves under him of which he is ignorant, there can no longer be any

two voices concerning the guilty one. Yet what does the knowledge of

the cormorant’s cry avail the golden carp in the shallow waters of the

Yuen-Kiang? A prickly mormosa is an adequate protection against a naked

man armed only with a just cause, and a company of bowmen has been known

to quench an entire city’s Heaven-felt desire for retribution. This

person, and doubtless others also, would have experienced a more

heartfelt enthusiasm in the matter if the sublime and omnipotent

Buddha had gone a step further, and pointed out not only the one to

be punished, but also the instrument by which the destiny could be

prudently and effectively accomplished.”

From the mountain path which led to Yang Hu’s cave came a voice, like

an expressly devised reply to this speech. It was that of some person

uttering the “Chant of Rewards and Penalties”:

“How strong is the mountain sycamore!

“Its branches reach the Middle Air, and the eye of none can pierce

its foliage;

“It draws power and nourishment from all around, so that weeds

alone may flourish under its shadow.

“Robbers find safety within the hollow of its trunk; its branches

hide vampires and all manner of evil things which prey upon

the innocent;

“The wild boar of the forest sharpen their tusks against the bark,

for it is harder than flint, and the axe of the woodsman turns

back upon the striker.

“Then cries the sycamore, ‘Hail and rain have no power against me,

nor can the fiercest sun penetrate beyond my outside fringe;

“‘The man who impiously raises his hand against me falls by his

own stroke and weapon.

“‘Can there be a greater or a more powerful than this one?

Assuredly, _I_ am Buddha; let all things obey me.’

“Whereupon the weeds bow their heads, whispering among themselves,

‘The voice of the Tall One we hear, but not that of Buddha.

Indeed, it is doubtless as he says.’

“In his musk-scented Heaven Buddha laughs, and not deigning to

raise his head from the lap of the Phœnix Goddess, he thrusts

forth a stone which lies by his foot.

“Saying, ‘A god’s present for a god. Take it carefully, O

presumptuous Little One, for it is hot to the touch.’

“The thunderbolt falls and the mighty tree is rent in twain. ‘They

asked for my messenger,’ said the Pure One, turning again to

repose.

“_Lo, he comes_!”

With the last spoken word there came into the sight of those who were

collected together a person of stern yet engaging appearance. His hands

and face were the colour of mulberry stain by long exposure to the sun,

while his eyes looked forth like two watch-fires outside a wolf-haunted

camp. His long pigtail was tangled with the binding tendrils of the

forest, and damp with the dew of an open couch. His apparel was in no

way striking or brilliant, yet he strode with the dignity and air of a

high official, pushing before him a covered box upon wheels.

“It is Tung Fel!” cried many who stood there watching his approach,

in tones which showed those who spoke to be inspired by a variety of

impressive emotions. “Undoubtedly this is the seventh day of the month

of Winged Dragons, and, as he specifically stated would be the case, lo!

he has come.”

Few were the words of greeting which Tung Fel accorded even to the most

venerable of those who awaited him.

“This person has slept, partaken of fruit and herbs, and devoted an

allotted time to inward contemplation,” he said briefly. “Other and

more weighty matters than the exchange of dignified compliments and the

admiration of each other’s profiles remain to be accomplished. What, for

example, is the significance of the written parchment which is displayed

in so obtrusive a manner before our eyes? Bring it to this person

without delay.”

At these words all those present followed Tung Fel’s gaze with

astonishment, for conspicuously displayed upon the wall of the Temple

was a written notice which all joined in asserting had not been there

the moment before, though no man had approached the spot. Nevertheless

it was quickly brought to Tung Fel, who took it without any fear or

hesitation and read aloud the words which it contained.

“TO THE CUSTOM-RESPECTING PERSONS OF CHING-FOW.

“Truly the span of existence of any upon this earth is brief and

not to be considered; therefore, O unfortunate dwellers of

Ching-fow, let it not affect your digestion that your bodies are

in peril of sudden and most excruciating tortures and your Family

Temples in danger of humiliating disregard.

“Why do your thoughts follow the actions of the noble Mandarin

Ping Siang so insidiously, and why after each unjust exaction do

your eyes look redly towards the Yamen?

“Is he not the little finger of those at Peking, obeying their

commands and only carrying out the taxation which others have

devised? Indeed, he himself has stated such to be the fact. If,

therefore, a terrible and unforeseen fate overtook the usually

cautious and well-armed Ping Siang, doubtless--perhaps after the

lapse of some considerable time--another would be sent from Peking

for a like purpose, and in this way, after a too-brief period of

heaven-sent rest and prosperity, affairs would regulate themselves

into almost as unendurable a condition as before.

“Therefore ponder these things well, O passer-by. Yesterday the

only man-child of Huang the wood-carver was taken away to be sold

into slavery by the emissaries of the most just Ping Siang (who

would not have acted thus, we are assured, were it not for the

insatiable ones at Peking), as it had become plain that the very

necessitous Huang had no other possession to contribute to the

amount to be expended in coloured lights as a mark of public

rejoicing on the occasion of the moonday of the sublime Emperor.

The illiterate and prosaic-minded Huang, having in a most unseemly

manner reviled and even assailed those who acted in the matter,

has been effectively disposed of, and his wife now alternately

laughs and shrieks in the Establishment of Irregular Intellects.

“For this reason, gazer, and because the matter touches you more

closely than, in your self-imagined security, you are prone to

think, deal expediently with the time at your disposal. Look twice

and lingeringly to-night upon the face of your first-born, and

clasp the form of your favourite one in a closer embrace, for he

by whose hand the blow is directed may already have cast devouring

eyes upon their fairness, and to-morrow he may say to his armed

men: ‘The time is come; bring her to me.’”

“From the last sentence of the well-intentioned and undoubtedly

moderately-framed notice this person will take two phrases,” remarked

Tung Fel, folding the written paper and placing it among his

garments, “which shall serve him as the title of the lifelike and

accurately-represented play which it is his self-conceited intention

now to disclose to this select and unprejudiced gathering. The scene

represents an enlightened and well-merited justice overtaking an

arrogant and intolerable being who--need this person add?--existed many

dynasties ago, and the title is:

“THE TIME IS COME!

BY WHOSE HAND?”

Delivering himself in this manner, Tung Fel drew back the hanging

drapery which concealed the front of his large box, and disclosed to

those who were gathered round, not, as they had expected, a passage

from the Record of the Three Kingdoms, or some other dramatic work of

undoubted merit, but an ingeniously constructed representation of a

scene outside the walls of their own Ching-fow. On one side was a small

but minutely accurate copy of a wood-burner’s hut, which was known to

all present, while behind stood out the distant but nevertheless

unmistakable walls of the city. But it was the nearest part of the

spectacle that first held the attention of the entranced beholders, for

there disported themselves, in every variety of guileless and

attractive attitude, a number of young and entirely unconcerned doves.

Scarcely had the delighted onlookers fully observed the pleasing and

effective scene, or uttered their expressions of polished satisfaction

at the graceful and unassuming behaviour of the pretty creatures before

them, than the view entirely changed, and, as if by magic, the massive

and inelegant building of Ping Siang’s Yamen was presented before them.

As all gazed, astonished, the great door of the Yamen opened

stealthily, and without a moment’s pause a lean and ill-conditioned

rat, of unnatural size and rapacity, dashed out and seized the most

select and engaging of the unsuspecting prey in its hungry jaws. With

the expiring cry of the innocent victim the entire box was immediately,

and in the most unexpected manner, involved in a profound darkness,

which cleared away as suddenly and revealed the forms of the despoiler

and the victim lying dead by each other’s side.

Tung Fel came forward to receive the well-selected compliments of all

who had witnessed the entertainment.

“It may be objected,” he remarked, “that the play is, in a manner of

expressing one’s self, incomplete; for it is unrevealed by whose hand

the act of justice was accomplished. Yet in this detail is the accuracy

of the representation justified, for though the time has come, the hand

by which retribution is accorded shall never be observed.”

In such a manner did Tung Fel come to Ching-fow on the seventh day of

the month of Winged Dragons, throwing aside all restraint, and no longer

urging prudence or delay. Of all the throng which stood before him

scarcely one was without a deep offence against Ping Siang, while those

who had not as yet suffered feared what the morrow might display.

A wandering monk from the Island of Irredeemable Plagues was the first

to step forth in response to Tung Fel’s plainly understood suggestion.

“There is no necessity for this person to undertake further acts of

benevolence,” he remarked, dropping the cloak from his shoulder and

displaying the hundred and eight scars of extreme virtue; “nor,” he

continued, holding up his left hand, from which three fingers were burnt

away, “have greater endurances been neglected. Yet the matter before

this distinguished gathering is one which merits the favourable

consideration of all persons, and this one will in no manner turn away,

recounting former actions, while he allows others to press forward

towards the accomplishment of the just and divinely-inspired act.”

With these words the devout and unassuming person in question inscribed

his name upon a square piece of rice-paper, attesting his sincerity to

the fixed purpose for which it was designed by dipping his thumb into

the mixed blood of the slain animals and impressing this unalterable

seal upon the paper also. He was followed by a seller of drugs and

subtle medicines, whose entire stock had been seized and destroyed by

order of Ping Siang, so that no one in Ching-fow might obtain poison

for his destruction. Then came an overwhelming stream of persons, all of

whom had received some severe and well-remembered injury at the hands

of the malicious and vindictive Mandarin. All these followed a similar

observance, inscribing their names and binding themselves by the Blood

Oath. Last of all Yang Hu stepped up, partly from a natural modesty

which restrained him from offering himself when so many more versatile

persons of proved excellence were willing to engage in the matter, and

partly because an ill-advised conflict was taking place within his mind

as to whether the extreme course which was contemplated was the most

expedient to pursue. At last, however, he plainly perceived that he

could not honourably withhold himself from an affair that was in a

measure the direct outcome of his own unendurable loss, so that without

further hesitation he added his obscure name to the many illustrious

ones already in Tung Fel’s keeping.

When at length dark fell upon the city and the cries of the watchmen,

warning all prudent ones to bar well their doors against robbers,

as they themselves were withdrawing until the morrow, no longer rang

through the narrow ways of Ching-fow, all those persons who had pledged

themselves by name and seal went forth silently, and came together at

the place whereof Tung Fel had secretly conveyed them knowledge. There

Tung Fel, standing somewhat apart, placed all the folded papers in the

form of a circle, and having performed over them certain observances

designed to insure a just decision and to keep away evil influences,

submitted the selection to the discriminating choice of the Sacred

Flat and Round Sticks. Having in this manner secured the name of

the appointed person who should carry out the act of justice and

retribution, Tung Fel unfolded the paper, inscribed certain words upon

it, and replaced it among the others.

“The moment before great deeds,” began Tung Fel, stepping forward and

addressing himself to the expectant ones who were gathered round, “is

not the time for light speech, nor, indeed, for sentences of dignified

length, no matter how pleasantly turned to the ear they may be. Before

this person stand many who are undoubtedly illustrious in various

arts and virtues, yet one among them is pre-eminently marked out for

distinction in that his name shall be handed down in imperishable

history as that of a patriot of a pure-minded and uncompromising degree.

With him there is no need of further speech, and to this end I have

inscribed certain words upon his namepaper. To everyone this person will

now return the paper which has been entrusted to him, folded so that

the nature of its contents shall be an unwritten leaf to all others. Nor

shall the papers be unfolded by any until he is within his own chamber,

with barred doors, where all, save the one who shall find the message,

shall remain, not venturing forth until daybreak. I, Tung Fel, have

spoken, and assuredly I shall not eat my word, which is that a certain

and most degrading death awaits any who transgress these commands.”

It was with the short and sudden breath of the cowering antelope when

the stealthy tread of the pitiless tiger approaches its lair, that Yang

Hu opened his paper in the seclusion of his own cave; for his mind was

darkened with an inspired inside emotion that he, the one doubting among

the eagerly proffering and destructively inclined multitude, would

be chosen to accomplish the high aim for which, indeed, he felt

exceptionally unworthy. The written sentence which he perceived

immediately upon unfolding the paper, instructing him to appear again

before Tung Fel at the hour of midnight, was, therefore, nothing but

the echo and fulfilment of his own thoughts, and served in reality to

impress his mind with calmer feelings of dignified unconcern than would

have been the case had he not been chosen. Having neither possessions

nor relations, the occupation of disposing of his goods and making

ceremonious and affectionate leavetakings of his family, against the

occurrence of any unforeseen disaster, engrossed no portion of Yang Hu’s

time. Yet there was one matter to which no reference has yet been made,

but which now forces itself obtrusively upon the attention, which was

in a large measure responsible for many of the most prominent actions

of Yang Hu’s life, and, indeed, in no small degree influenced his

hesitation in offering himself before Tung Fel.

Not a bowshot distance from the place where the mountain path entered

the outskirts of the city lived Hiya-ai-Shao with her parents, who

were persons of assured position, though of no particular wealth. For a

period not confined to a single year it had been the custom of Yang Hu

to offer to this elegant and refined maiden all the rarest pieces

of jade which he could discover, while the most symmetrical and

remunerative she-goat in his flock enjoyed the honourable distinction of

bearing her incomparable name. Towards the almond garden of Hiya’s abode

Yang Hu turned his footsteps upon leaving his cave, and standing there,

concealed from all sides by the white and abundant flower-laden foliage,

he uttered a sound which had long been an agreed signal between them.

Presently a faint perfume of choo-lan spoke of her near approach, and

without delay Hiya herself stood by his side.

“Well-endowed one,” said Yang Hu, when at length they had gazed upon

each other’s features and made renewals of their protestations of mutual

regard, “the fixed intentions of a person have often been fitly likened

to the seed of the tree-peony, so ineffectual are their efforts among

the winds of constantly changing circumstance. The definite hope of

this person had long pointed towards a small but adequate habitation,

surrounded by sweet-smelling olive-trees and not far distant from the

jade cliffs and pastures which would afford a sufficient remuneration

and a means of living. This entrancing picture has been blotted out for

the time, and in its place this person finds himself face to face with

an arduous and dangerous undertaking, followed, perhaps, by hasty and

immediate flight. Yet if the adorable Hiya will prove the unchanging

depths of her constantly expressed intention by accompanying him as

far as the village of Hing where suitable marriage ceremonies can be

observed without delay, the exile will in reality be in the nature of

a triumphal procession, and the emotions with which this person has

hitherto regarded the entire circumstance will undergo a complete and

highly accomplished change.”

“Oh, Yang!” exclaimed the maiden, whose feelings at hearing these words

were in no way different from those of her lover when he was on the

point of opening the folded paper upon which Tung Fel had written; “what

is the nature of the mission upon which you are so impetuously resolved?

and why will it be followed by flight?”

“The nature of the undertaking cannot be revealed by reason of a

deliberately taken oath,” replied Yang Hu; “and the reason of its

possible consequence is a less important question to the two persons who

are here conversing together than of whether the amiable and graceful

Hiya is willing to carry out her often-expressed desire for an

opportunity of displaying the true depths of her emotions towards this

one.”

“Alas!” said Hiya, “the sentiments which this person expressed with

irreproachable honourableness when the sun was high in the heavens and

the probability of secretly leaving an undoubtedly well-appointed home

was engagingly remote, seem to have an entirely different significance

when recalled by night in a damp orchard, and on the eve of their

fulfilment. To deceive one’s parents is an ignoble prospect;

furthermore, it is often an exceedingly difficult undertaking. Let the

matter be arranged in this way: that Yang leaves the ultimate details

of the scheme to Hiya’s expedient care, he proceeding without delay

to Hing, or, even more desirable, to the further town of Liyunnan,

and there awaiting her coming. By such means the risk of discovery and

pursuit will be lessened, Yang will be able to set forth on his journey

with greater speed, and this one will have an opportunity of getting

together certain articles without which, indeed, she would be very

inadequately equipped.”

In spite of his conscientious desire that Hiya should be by his side

on the journey, together with an unendurable certainty that evil would

arise from the course she proposed, Yang was compelled by an innate

feeling of respect to agree to her wishes, and in this manner the

arrangement was definitely concluded. Thereupon Hiya, without delay,

returned to the dwelling, remarking that otherwise her absence might be

detected and the entire circumstance thereby discovered, leaving Yang Hu

to continue his journey and again present himself before Tung Fel, as he

had been instructed.

Tung Fel was engaged with brush and ink when Yang Hu entered. Round him

were many written parchments, some venerable with age, and a variety

of other matters, among which might be clearly perceived weapons, and

devices for reading the future. He greeted Yang with many tokens of

dignified respect, and with an evidently restrained emotion led him

towards the light of a hanging lantern, where he gazed into his face for

a considerable period with every indication of exceptional concern.

“Yang Hu,” he said at length, “at such a moment many dark and searching

thoughts may naturally arise in the mind concerning objects and reasons,

omens, and the moving cycle of events. Yet in all these, out of a wisdom

gained by deep endurance and a hardly-won experience beyond the common

lot, this person would say, Be content. The hand of destiny, though it

may at times appear to move in a devious manner, is ever approaching its

appointed aim. To this end were you chosen.”

“The choice was openly made by wise and proficient omens,” replied Yang

Hu, without any display of uncertainty of purpose, “and this person is

content.”

Tung Fel then administered to Yang the Oath of Buddha’s Face and the One

called the Unutterable (which may not be further described in written

words) thereby binding his body and soul, and the souls and repose of

all who had gone before him in direct line and all who should in a like

manner follow after, to the accomplishment of the design. All spoken

matter being thus complete between them, he gave him a mask with which

he should pass unknown through the streets and into the presence of Ping

Siang, a variety of weapons to use as the occasion arose, and a sign

by which the attendants at the Yamen would admit him without further

questioning.

As Yang Hu passed through the streets of Ching-fow, which were in a

great measure deserted owing to the command of Tung Fel, he was aware of

many mournful and foreboding sounds which accompanied him on all sides,

while shadowy faces, bearing signs of intolerable anguish and despair,

continually formed themselves out of the wind. By the time he reached

the Yamen a tempest of exceptional violence was in progress, nor were

other omens absent which tended to indicate that matters of a very

unpropitious nature were about to take place.

At each successive door of the Yamen the attendant stepped back and

covered his face, so that he should by no chance perceive who had come

upon so destructive a mission, the instant Yang Hu uttered the sign with

which Tung Fel had provided him. In this manner Yang quickly reached the

door of the inner chamber upon which was inscribed: “Let the person who

comes with a doubtful countenance, unbidden, or meditating treachery,

remember the curse and manner of death which attended Lai Kuen, who

slew the one over him; so shall he turn and go forth in safety.” This

unworthy safeguard at the hands of a person who passed his entire life

in altering the fixed nature of justice, and who never went beyond his

outer gate without an armed company of bowmen, inspired Yang Hu with

so incautious a contempt, that without any hesitation he drew forth his

brush and ink, and in a spirit of bitter signification added the words,

“‘Come, let us eat together,’ said the wolf to the she-goat.”

Being now within a step of Ping Siang and the completion of his

undertaking, Yang Hu drew tighter the cords of his mask, tested and

proved his weapons, and then, without further delay, threw open the door

before him and stepped into the chamber, barring the door quickly so

that no person might leave or enter without his consent.

At this interruption and manner of behaving, which clearly indicated

the nature of the errand upon which the person before him had come,

Ping Siang rose from his couch and stretched out his hand towards a gong

which lay beside him.

“All summonses for aid are now unavailing, Ping Siang,” exclaimed Yang,

without in any measure using delicate or set phrases of speech; “for,

as you have doubtless informed yourself, the slaves of tyrants are the

first to welcome the downfall of their lord.”

“The matter of your speech is as emptiness to this person,” replied the

Mandarin, affecting with extreme difficulty an appearance of no-concern.

“In what manner has he fallen? And how will the depraved and self-willed

person before him avoid the well-deserved tortures which certainly await

him in the public square on the morrow, as the reward of his intolerable

presumptions?”

“O Mandarin,” cried Yang Hu, “the fitness and occasion for such speeches

as the one to which you have just given utterance lie as far behind you

as the smoke of yesterday’s sacrifice. With what manner of eyes have you

frequently journeyed through Ching-fow of late, if the signs and

omens there have not already warned you to prepare a coffin adequately

designed to receive your well-proportioned body? Has not the pungent

vapour of burning houses assailed your senses at every turn, or the salt

tears from the eyes of forlorn ones dashed your peach-tea and spiced

foods with bitterness?”

“Alas!” exclaimed Ping Siang, “this person now certainly begins to

perceive that many things which he has unthinkingly allowed would

present a very unendurable face to others.”

“In such a manner has it appeared to all Ching-fow,” said Yang Hu; “and

the justice of your death has been universally admitted. Even should

this one fail there would be an innumerable company eager to take his

place. Therefore, O Ping Siang, as the only favour which it is within

this person’s power to accord, select that which in your opinion is the

most agreeable manner and weapon for your end.”

“It is truly said that at the Final Gate of the Two Ways the necessity

for elegant and well-chosen sentences ends,” remarked Ping Siang with a

sigh, “otherwise the manner of your address would be open to reproach.

By your side this person perceives a long and apparently highly-tempered

sword, which, in his opinion, will serve the purpose efficiently. Having

no remarks of an improving but nevertheless exceedingly tedious nature

with which to imprint the occasion for the benefit of those who come

after, his only request is that the blow shall be an unhesitating and

sufficiently well-directed one.”

At these words Yang Hu threw back his cloak to grasp the sword-handle,

when the Mandarin, with his eyes fixed on the naked arm, and evidently

inspired by every manner of conflicting emotions, uttered a cry of

unspeakable wonder and incomparable surprise.

“The Serpent!” he cried, in a voice from which all evenness and control

were absent. “The Sacred Serpent of our Race! O mysterious one, who and

whence are you?”

Engulfed in an all-absorbing doubt at the nature of events, Yang could

only gaze at the form of the serpent which had been clearly impressed

upon his arm from the earliest time of his remembrance, while Ping

Siang, tearing the silk garment from his own arm and displaying thereon

a similar form, continued:

“Behold the inevitable and unvarying birthmark of our race! So it was

with this person’s father and the ones before him; so it was with his

treacherously-stolen son; so it will be to the end of all time.”

Trembling beyond all power of restraint, Yang removed the mask which had

hitherto concealed his face.

“Father or race has this person none,” he said, looking into Ping

Siang’s features with an all-engaging hope, tempered in a measure by a

soul-benumbing dread; “nor memory or tradition of an earlier state than

when he herded goats and sought for jade in the southern mountains.”

“Nevertheless,” exclaimed the Mandarin, whose countenance was lightened

with an interest and a benevolent emotion which had never been seen

there before, “beyond all possibility of doubting, you are this

person’s lost and greatly-desired son, stolen away many years ago by

the treacherous conduct of an unworthy woman, yet now happily and

miraculously restored to cherish his declining years and perpetuate an

honourable name and race.”

“Happily!” exclaimed Yang, with fervent indications of uncontrollable

bitterness. “Oh, my illustrious sire, at whose venerated feet this

unworthy person now prostrates himself with well-merited marks of

reverence and self-abasement, has the errand upon which an ignoble son

entered--the every memory of which now causes him the acutest agony

of the lost, but which nevertheless he is pledged to Tung Fel by the

Unutterable Oath to perform--has this unnatural and eternally cursed

thing escaped your versatile mind?”

“Tung Fel!” cried Ping Siang. “Is, then, this blow also by the hand of

that malicious and vindictive person? Oh, what a cycle of events and

interchanging lines of destiny do your words disclose!”

“Who, then, is Tung Fel, my revered Father?” demanded Yang.

“It is a matter which must be made clear from the beginning,” replied

Ping Siang. “At one time this person and Tung Fel were, by nature

and endowments, united in the most amiable bonds of an inseparable

friendship. Presently Tung Fel signed the preliminary contract of

a marriage with one who seemed to be endowed with every variety of

enchanting and virtuous grace, but who was, nevertheless, as the

unrolling of future events irresistibly discovered, a person of

irregular character and undignified habits. On the eve of the marriage

ceremony this person was made known to her by the undoubtedly enraptured

Tung Fel, whereupon he too fell into the snare of her engaging

personality, and putting aside all thoughts of prudent restraint, made

her more remunerative offers of marriage than Tung Fel could by any

possible chance overbid. In such a manner--for after the nature of

her kind riches were exceptionally attractive to her degraded

imagination--she became this person’s wife, and the mother of his only

son. In spite of these great honours, however, the undoubted perversity

of her nature made her an easy accomplice to the duplicity of Tung

Fel, who, by means of various disguises, found frequent opportunity of

uttering in her presence numerous well-thought-out suggestions specially

designed to lead her imagination towards an existence in which this

person had no adequate representation. Becoming at length terrified at

the possibility of these unworthy emotions, obtruding themselves upon

this person’s notice, the two in question fled together, taking with

them the one who without any doubt is now before me. Despite the most

assiduous search and very tempting and profitable offers of reward, no

information of a reliable nature could be obtained, and at length

this dispirited and completely changed person gave up the pursuit as

unavailing. With his son and heir, upon whose future he had greatly

hoped, all emotions of a generous and high-minded nature left him, and

in a very short space of time he became the avaricious and deservedly

unpopular individual against whose extortions the amiable and

long-suffering ones of Ching-fow have for so many years protested

mildly. The sudden and not altogether unexpected fate which is now

on the point of reaching him is altogether too lenient to be entirely

adequate.”

“Oh, my distinguished and really immaculate sire!” cried Yang Hu, in a

voice which expressed the deepest feelings of contrition. “No oaths or

vows, however sacred, can induce this person to stretch forth his hand

against the one who stands before him.”

“Nevertheless,” replied Ping Siang, speaking of the matter as though it

were one which did not closely concern his own existence, “to neglect

the Unutterable Oath would inevitably involve not only the two persons

who are now conversing together, but also those before and those who are

to come after in direct line, in a much worse condition of affairs. That

is a fate which this person would by no means permit to exist, for one

of his chief desires has ever been to establish a strong and vigorous

line, to which end, indeed, he was even now concluding a marriage

arrangement with the beautiful and refined Hiya-ai-Shao, whom he had

at length persuaded into accepting his betrothal tokens without

reluctance.”

“Hiya-ai-Shao!” exclaimed Yang; “she has accepted your silk-bound

gifts?”

“The matter need not concern us now,” replied the Mandarin, not

observing in his complicated emotions the manner in which the name of

Hiya had affected Yang, revealing as it undoubtedly did the treachery of

his beloved one. “There only appears to be one honourable way in which

the full circumstances can be arranged, and this person will in no

measure endeavour to avoid it.”

“Such an end is neither ignoble nor painful,” he said, in an unchanging

voice; “nor will this one in any way shrink from so easy and honourable

a solution.”

“The affairs of the future do not exhibit themselves in delicately

coloured hues to this person,” said Yang Hu; “and he would, if the thing

could be so arranged, cheerfully submit to a similar fate in order that

a longer period of existence should be assured to one who has every

variety of claim upon his affection.”

“The proposal is a graceful and conscientious one,” said Ping Siang,

“and is, moreover, a gratifying omen of the future of our race, which

must of necessity be left in your hands. But, for that reason itself,

such a course cannot be pursued. Nevertheless, the events of the past

few hours have been of so exceedingly prosperous and agreeable a nature

that this short-sighted and frequently desponding person can now

pass beyond with a tranquil countenance and every assurance of divine

favour.”

With these words Ping Siang indicated that he was desirous of setting

forth the Final Expression, and arranging the necessary matters upon the

table beside him, he stretched forth his hands over Yang Hu, who placed

himself in a suitable attitude of reverence and abasement.

“Yang Hu,” began the Mandarin, “undoubted son, and, after the

accomplishment of the intention which it is our fixed purpose to carry

out, fitting representative of the person who is here before you,

engrave well within your mind the various details upon which he now

gives utterance. Regard the virtues; endeavour to pass an amiable and

at the same time not unremunerative existence; and on all occasions

sacrifice freely, to the end that the torments of those who have gone

before may be made lighter, and that others may be induced in turn to

perform a like benevolent charity for yourself. Having expressed

himself upon these general subjects, this person now makes a last and

respectfully-considered desire, which it is his deliberate wish should

be carried to the proper deities as his final expression of opinion:

That Yang Hu may grow as supple as the dried juice of the bending-palm,

and as straight as the most vigorous bamboo from the forests of the

North. That he may increase beyond the prolificness of the white-necked

crow and cover the ground after the fashion of the binding grass.

That in battle his sword may be as a vividly-coloured and many-forked

lightning flash, accompanied by thunderbolts as irresistible as Buddha’s

divine wrath; in peace his voice as resounding as the rolling of many

powerful drums among the Khingan Mountains. That when the kindled fire

of his existence returns to the great Mountain of Pure Flame the earth

shall accept again its component parts, and in no way restrain the

divine essence from journeying to its destined happiness. These words

are Ping Siang’s last expression of opinion before he passes beyond,

given in the unvarying assurance that so sacred and important a petition

will in no way be neglected.”

Having in this manner completed all the affairs which seemed to be of

a necessary and urgent nature, and fixing his last glance upon Yang Hu

with every variety of affectionate and estimable emotion, the Mandarin

drank a sufficient quantity of the liquid, and placing himself upon a

couch in an attitude of repose, passed in this dignified and unassuming

manner into the Upper Air.

After the space of a few moments spent in arranging certain objects and

in inward contemplation, Yang Hu crossed the chamber, still holding

the half-filled vessel of gold-leaf in his hand, and drawing back the

hanging silk, gazed over the silent streets of Ching-fow and towards the

great sky-lantern above.

“Hiya is faithless,” he said at length in an unspeaking voice; “this

person’s mother a bitter-tasting memory, his father a swiftly passing

shadow that is now for ever lost.” His eyes rested upon the closed

vessel in his hand. “Gladly would--” his thoughts began, but with

this unworthy image a new impression formed itself within his mind. “A

clearly-expressed wish was uttered,” he concluded, “and Tung Fel still

remains.” With this resolution he stepped back into the chamber and

struck the gong loudly.

VII.

THE CAREER OF THE CHARITABLE QUEN-KI-TONG

FIRST PERIOD

THE PUBLIC OFFICIAL

“The motives which inspired the actions of the devout Quen-Ki-Tong have

long been ill-reported,” said Kai Lung the story-teller, upon a certain

occasion at Wu-whei, “and, as a consequence, his illustrious memory has

suffered somewhat. Even as the insignificant earth-worm may bring

the precious and many coloured jewel to the surface, so has it been

permitted to this obscure and superficially educated one to discover

the truth of the entire matter among the badly-arranged and frequently

really illegible documents preserved at the Hall of Public Reference at

Peking. Without fear of contradiction, therefore, he now sets forth the

credible version.

“Quen-Ki-Tong was one who throughout his life had been compelled by

the opposing force of circumstances to be content with what was offered

rather than attain to that which he desired. Having been allowed to

wander over the edge of an exceedingly steep crag, while still a child,

by the aged and untrustworthy person who had the care of him, and yet

suffering little hurt, he was carried back to the city in triumph,

by the one in question, who, to cover her neglect, declared amid

many chants of exultation that as he slept a majestic winged form had

snatched him from her arms and traced magical figures with his body on

the ground in token of the distinguished sacred existence for which he

was undoubtedly set apart. In such a manner he became famed at a very

early age for an unassuming mildness of character and an almost inspired

piety of life, so that on every side frequent opportunity was given him

for the display of these amiable qualities. Should it chance that an

insufficient quantity of puppy-pie had been prepared for the family

repast, the undesirable but necessary portion of cold dried rat would

inevitably be allotted to the uncomplaining Quen, doubtless accompanied

by the engaging but unnecessary remark that he alone had a Heaven-sent

intellect which was fixed upon more sublime images than even the

best constructed puppy-pie. Should the number of sedan-chairs not be

sufficient to bear to the Exhibition of Kites all who were desirous of

becoming entertained in such a fashion, inevitably would Quen be the one

left behind, in order that he might have adequate leisure for dignified

and pure-minded internal reflexion.

“In this manner it came about that when a very wealthy but unnaturally

avaricious and evil-tempered person who was connected with Quen’s father

in matters of commerce expressed his fixed determination that the most

deserving and enlightened of his friend’s sons should enter into a

marriage agreement with his daughter, there was no manner of hesitation

among those concerned, who admitted without any questioning between

themselves that Quen was undeniably the one referred to.

“Though naturally not possessing an insignificant intellect, a

continuous habit, together with a most irreproachable sense of filial

duty, subdued within Quen’s internal organs whatever reluctance he might

have otherwise displayed in the matter, so that as courteously as was

necessary he presented to the undoubtedly very ordinary and slow-witted

maiden in question the gifts of irretrievable intention, and honourably

carried out his spoken and written words towards her.

“For a period of years the circumstances of the various persons did not

in any degree change, Quen in the meantime becoming more pure-souled

and inward-seeing with each moon-change, after the manner of the sublime

Lien-ti, who studied to maintain an unmoved endurance in all varieties

of events by placing his body to a greater extent each day in a vessel

of boiling liquid. Nevertheless, the good and charitable deities to

whom Quen unceasingly sacrificed were not altogether unmindful of his

virtues; for a son was born, and an evil disease which arose from a most

undignified display of uncontrollable emotion on her part ended in his

wife being deposited with becoming ceremony in the Family Temple.

“Upon a certain evening, when Quen sat in his inner chamber deliberating

upon the really beneficent yet somewhat inexplicable arrangement of the

all-seeing ones to whom he was very amiably disposed in consequence of

the unwonted tranquillity which he now enjoyed, yet who, it appeared to

him, could have set out the entire matter in a much more satisfactory

way from the beginning, he was made aware by the unexpected beating of

many gongs, and by other signs of refined and deferential welcome, that

a person of exalted rank was approaching his residence. While he was

still hesitating in his uncertainty regarding the most courteous and

delicate form of self-abasement with which to honour so important a

visitor--whether to rush forth and allow the chair-carriers to pass over

his prostrate form, to make a pretence of being a low-caste slave, and

in that guise doing menial service, or to conceal himself beneath

a massive and overhanging table until his guest should have availed

himself of the opportunity to examine at his leisure whatever the room

contained--the person in question stood before him. In every detail of

dress and appointment he had the undoubted appearance of being one to

whom no door might be safely closed.

“‘Alas!’ exclaimed Quen, ‘how inferior and ill-contrived is the mind

of a person of my feeble intellectual attainments. Even at this moment,

when the near approach of one who obviously commands every engaging

accomplishment might reasonably be expected to call up within it an

adequate amount of commonplace resource, its ill-destined possessor

finds himself entirely incapable of conducting himself with the fitting

outward marks of his great internal respect. This residence is certainly

unprepossessing in the extreme, yet it contains many objects of some

value and of great rarity; illiterate as this person is, he would not

be so presumptuous as to offer any for your acceptance, but if you will

confer upon him the favour of selecting that which appears to be the

most priceless and unreplaceable, he will immediately, and with every

manifestation of extreme delight, break it irredeemably in your honour,

to prove the unaffected depth of his gratified emotions.’

“‘Quen-Ki-Tong,’ replied the person before him, speaking with an evident

sincerity of purpose, ‘pleasant to this one’s ears are your words,

breathing as they do an obvious hospitality and a due regard for the

forms of etiquette. But if, indeed, you are desirous of gaining this

person’s explicit regard, break no articles of fine porcelain or rare

inlaid wood in proof of it, but immediately dismiss to a very distant

spot the three-score gong-beaters who have enclosed him within two solid

rings, and who are now carrying out their duties in so diligent a manner

that he greatly doubts if the unimpaired faculties of hearing will ever

be fully restored. Furthermore, if your exceedingly amiable intentions

desire fuller expression, cause an unstinted number of vessels of some

uninflammable liquid to be conveyed into your chrysanthemum garden and

there poured over the numerous fireworks and coloured lights which still

appear to be in progress. Doubtless they are well-intentioned marks of

respect, but they caused this person considerable apprehension as he

passed among them, and, indeed, give to this unusually pleasant and

unassuming spot the by no means inviting atmosphere of a low-class

tea-house garden during the festivities attending the birthday of the

sacred Emperor.’

“‘This person is overwhelmed with a most unendurable confusion that the

matters referred to should have been regarded in such a light,’ replied

Quen humbly. ‘Although he himself had no knowledge of them until this

moment, he is confident that they in no wise differ from the usual

honourable manifestations with which it is customary in this Province to

welcome strangers of exceptional rank and titles.’

“‘The welcome was of a most dignified and impressive nature,’ replied

the stranger, with every appearance of not desiring to cause Quen any

uneasy internal doubts; ‘yet the fact is none the less true that at the

moment this person’s head seems to contain an exceedingly powerful and

well-equipped band; and also, that as he passed through the courtyard

an ingeniously constructed but somewhat unmanageable figure of gigantic

size, composed entirely of jets of many-coloured flame, leaped out

suddenly from behind a dark wall and made an almost successful attempt

to embrace him in its ever-revolving arms. Lo Yuen greatly fears that

the time when he would have rejoiced in the necessary display of agility

to which the incident gave rise has for ever passed away.’

“‘Lo Yuen!’ exclaimed Quen, with an unaffected mingling of the emotions

of reverential awe and pleasureable anticipation. ‘Can it indeed be

an uncontroversial fact that so learned and ornamental a person as the

renowned Controller of Unsolicited Degrees stands beneath this inelegant

person’s utterly unpresentable roof! Now, indeed, he plainly understands

why this ill-conditioned chamber has the appearance of being filled with

a Heaven-sent brilliance, and why at the first spoken words of the one

before him a melodious sound, like the rushing waters of the sacred

Tien-Kiang, seemed to fill his ears.’

“‘Undoubtedly the chamber is pervaded by a very exceptional splendour,’

replied Lo Yuen, who, in spite of his high position, regarded graceful

talk and well-imagined compliments in a spirit of no-satisfaction; ‘yet

this commonplace-minded one has a fixed conviction that it is caused

by the crimson-eyed and pink-fire-breathing dragon which, despite your

slave’s most assiduous efforts, is now endeavouring to climb through

the aperture behind you. The noise which still fills his ears, also,

resembles rather the despairing cries of the Ten Thousand Lost Ones at

the first sight of the Pit of Liquid and Red-hot Malachite, yet

without question both proceed from the same cause. Laying aside further

ceremony, therefore, permit this greatly over-estimated person to

disclose the object of his inopportune visit. Long have your amiable

virtues been observed and appreciated by the high ones at Peking, O

Quen-Ki-Tong. Too long have they been unrewarded and passed over in

silence. Nevertheless, the moment of acknowledgement and advancement has

at length arrived; for, as the Book of Verses clearly says, “Even the

three-legged mule may contrive to reach the agreed spot in advance of

the others, provided a circular running space has been selected and

the number of rounds be sufficiently ample.” It is this otherwise

uninteresting and obtrusive person’s graceful duty to convey to you the

agreeable intelligence that the honourable and not ill-rewarded office

of Guarder of the Imperial Silkworms has been conferred upon you, and

to require you to proceed without delay to Peking, so that fitting

ceremonies of admittance may be performed before the fifteenth day of

the month of Feathered Insects.’

“Alas! how frequently does the purchaser of seemingly vigorous and

exceptionally low-priced flower-seeds discover, when too late, that they

are, in reality, fashioned from the root of the prolific and valueless

tzu-ka, skilfully covered with a disguising varnish! Instead of

presenting himself at the place of commerce frequented by those who

entrust money to others on the promise of an increased repayment when

certain very probable events have come to pass (so that if all

else failed he would still possess a serviceable number of taels),

Quen-Ki-Tong entirely neglected the demands of a most ordinary prudence,

nor could he be induced to set out on his journey until he had passed

seven days in public feasting to mark his good fortune, and then devoted

fourteen more days to fasting and various acts of penance, in order to

make known the regret with which he acknowledged his entire unworthiness

for the honour before him. Owing to this very conscientious, but

nevertheless somewhat short-sighted manner of behaving, Quen found

himself unable to reach Peking before the day preceding that to which Lo

Yuen had made special reference. From this cause it came about that only

sufficient time remained to perform the various ceremonies of admission,

without in any degree counselling Quen as to his duties and procedure in

the fulfilment of his really important office.

“Among the many necessary and venerable ceremonies observed during the

changing periods of the year, none occupy a more important place than

those for which the fifteenth day of the month of Feathered Insects is

reserved, conveying as they do a respectful and delicately-fashioned

petition that the various affairs upon which persons in every

condition of life are engaged may arrive at a pleasant and remunerative

conclusion. At the earliest stroke of the gong the versatile Emperor,

accompanied by many persons of irreproachable ancestry and certain

others, very elaborately attired, proceeds to an open space set apart

for the occasion. With unassuming dexterity the benevolent Emperor for

a brief span of time engages in the menial occupation of a person of

low class, and with his own hands ploughs an assigned portion of land in

order that the enlightened spirits under whose direct guardianship the

earth is placed may not become lax in their disinterested efforts to

promote its fruitfulness. In this charitable exertion he is followed

by various other persons of recognized position, the first being, by

custom, the Guarder of the Imperial Silkworms, while at the same time

the amiably-disposed Empress plants an allotted number of mulberry

trees, and deposits upon their leaves the carefully reared insects

which she receives from the hands of their Guarder. In the case of the

accomplished Emperor an ingenious contrivance is resorted to by which

the soil is drawn aside by means of hidden strings as the plough passes

by, the implement in question being itself constructed from paper of the

highest quality, while the oxen which draw it are, in reality,

ordinary persons cunningly concealed within masks of cardboard. In this

thoughtful manner the actual labours of the sublime Emperor are greatly

lessened, while no chance is afforded for an inauspicious omen to be

created by the rebellious behaviour of a maliciously-inclined ox, or by

any other event of an unforeseen nature. All the other persons, however,

are required to make themselves proficient in the art of ploughing,

before the ceremony, so that the chances of the attendant spirits

discovering the deception which has been practised upon them in the case

of the Emperor may not be increased by its needless repetition. It was

chiefly for this reason that Lo Yuen had urged Quen to journey to Peking

as speedily as possible, but owing to the very short time which remained

between his arrival and the ceremony of ploughing, not only had the

person in question neglected to profit by instruction, but he was not

even aware of the obligation which awaited him. When, therefore, in

spite of every respectful protest on his part, he was led up to a

massively-constructed implement drawn by two powerful and undeniably

evilly-intentioned-looking animals, it was with every sign of great

internal misgivings, and an entire absence of enthusiasm in the

entertainment, that he commenced his not too well understood task. In

this matter he was by no means mistaken, for it soon became plain to all

observers--of whom an immense concourse was assembled--that the usually

self-possessed Guarder of the Imperial Silkworms was conducting

himself in a most undignified manner; for though he still clung to the

plough-handles with an inspired tenacity, his body assumed every variety

of base and uninviting attitude. Encouraged by this inelegant state

of affairs, the evil spirits which are ever on the watch to turn into

derision the charitable intentions of the pure-minded entered into

the bodies of the oxen and provoked within their minds a sudden and

malignant confidence that the time had arrived when they might with

safety break into revolt and throw off the outward signs of their

dependent condition. From these various causes it came about that Quen

was, without warning, borne with irresistible certainty against the

majestic person of the sacred Emperor, the inlaid box of Imperial

silkworms, which up to that time had remained safely among the folds

of his silk garment, alone serving to avert an even more violent and

ill-destined blow.

“Well said the wise and deep-thinking Ye-te, in his book entitled

_Proverbs of Everyday Happenings_, ‘Should a person on returning from

the city discover his house to be in flames, let him examine well the

change which he has received from the chair-carrier before it is too

late; for evil never travels alone.’ Scarcely had the unfortunate Quen

recovered his natural attributes from the effect of the disgraceful

occurrence which has been recorded (which, indeed, furnished the matter

of a song and many unpresentable jests among the low-class persons

of the city), than the magnanimous Empress reached that detail of the

tree-planting ceremony when it was requisite that she should deposit the

living emblems of the desired increase and prosperity upon the leaves.

Stretching forth her delicately-proportioned hand to Quen for this

purpose, she received from the still greatly confused person in question

the Imperial silkworms in so unseemly a condition that her eyes had

scarcely rested upon them before she was seized with the rigid

sickness, and in that state fell to the ground. At this new and entirely

unforeseen calamity a very disagreeable certainty of approaching evil

began to take possession of all those who stood around, many crying

aloud that every omen of good was wanting, and declaring that unless

something of a markedly propitiatory nature was quickly accomplished,

the agriculture of the entire Empire would cease to flourish, and the

various departments of the commerce in silk would undoubtedly be thrown

into a state of most inextricable confusion. Indeed, in spite of all

things designed to have a contrary effect, the matter came about in the

way predicted, for the Hoang-Ho seven times overcame its restraining

barriers, and poured its waters over the surrounding country, thereby

gaining for the first time its well-deserved title of ‘The Sorrow of

China,’ by which dishonourable but exceedingly appropriate designation

it is known to this day.

“The manner of greeting which would have been accorded to Quen had

he returned to the official quarter of the city, or the nature of his

treatment by the baser class of the ordinary people if they succeeded

in enticing him to come among them, formed a topic of such uninviting

conjecture that the humane-minded Lo Yuen, who had observed the

entire course of events from an elevated spot, determined to make

a well-directed effort towards his safety. To this end he quickly

purchased the esteem of several of those who make a profession of their

strength, holding out the hope of still further reward if they conducted

the venture to a successful termination. Uttering loud cries of an

impending vengeance, as Lo Yuen had instructed them in the matter,

and displaying their exceptional proportions to the astonishment and

misgivings of all beholders, these persons tore open the opium-tent in

which Quen had concealed himself, and, thrusting aside all opposition,

quickly dragged him forth. Holding him high upon their shoulders, in

spite of his frequent and ill-advised endeavours to cast himself to

the ground, some surrounded those who bore him--after the manner of

disposing his troops affected by a skilful leader when the enemy begin

to waver--and crying aloud that it was their unchanging purpose to

submit him to the test of burning splinters and afterwards to torture

him, they succeeded by this stratagem in bringing him through the

crowd; and hurling back or outstripping those who endeavoured to follow,

conveyed him secretly and unperceived to a deserted and appointed

spot. Here Quen was obliged to remain until other events caused the

recollection of the many to become clouded and unconcerned towards him,

suffering frequent inconveniences in spite of the powerful protection

of Lo Yuen, and not at all times being able to regard the most necessary

repast as an appointment of undoubted certainty. At length, in the guise

of a wandering conjurer who was unable to display his accomplishments

owing to an entire loss of the power of movement in his arms, Quen

passed undetected from the city, and safely reaching the distant and

unimportant town of Lu-Kwo, gave himself up to a protracted period of

lamentation and self-reproach at the unprepossessing manner in which he

had conducted his otherwise very inviting affairs.

SECOND PERIOD

THE TEMPLE BUILDER

Two hand-counts of years passed away and Quen still remained at Lu-kwo,

all desire of returning either to Peking or to the place of his birth

having by this time faded into nothingness. Accepting the inevitable

fact that he was not destined ever to become a person with whom taels

were plentiful, and yet being unwilling to forego the charitable manner

of life which he had always been accustomed to observe, it came about

that he spent the greater part of his time in collecting together such

sums of money as he could procure from the amiable and well-disposed,

and with them building temples and engaging in other benevolent works.

From this cause it arose the Quen obtained around Lu-kwo a reputation

for high-minded piety, in no degree less than that which had been

conferred upon him in earlier times, so that pilgrims from far distant

places would purposely contrive their journey so as to pass through the

town containing so unassuming and virtuous a person.

“During this entire period Quen had been accompanied by his only son, a

youth of respectful personality, in whose entertaining society he took

an intelligent interest. Even when deeply engaged in what he justly

regarded as the crowning work of his existence--the planning and

erecting of an exceptionally well-endowed marble temple, which was to

be entirely covered on the outside with silver paper, and on the inside

with gold-leaf--he did not fail to observe the various conditions of

Liao’s existence, and the changing emotions which from time to

time possessed him. Therefore, when the person in question, without

displaying any signs of internal sickness, and likewise persistently

denying that he had lost any considerable sum of money, disclosed a

continuous habit of turning aside with an unaffected expression of

distaste from all manner of food, and passed the entire night in

observing the course of the great sky-lantern rather than in sleep, the

sage and discriminating Quen took him one day aside, and asked him, as

one who might aid him in the matter, who the maiden was, and what class

and position her father occupied.

“‘Alas!’ exclaimed Liao, with many unfeigned manifestations of an

unbearable fate, ‘to what degree do the class and position of her

entirely unnecessary parents affect the question? or how little hope

can this sacrilegious one reasonably have of ever progressing as far as

earthly details of a pecuniary character in the case of so adorable and

far-removed a Being? The uttermost extent of this wildly-hoping person’s

ambition is that when the incomparably symmetrical Ts’ain learns of

the steadfast light of his devotion, she may be inspired to deposit an

emblematic chrysanthemum upon his tomb in the Family Temple. For such a

reward he will cheerfully devote the unswerving fidelity of a lifetime

to her service, not distressing her gentle and retiring nature by the

expression of what must inevitably be a hopeless passion, but patiently

and uncomplainingly guarding her footsteps as from a distance.’

“Being in this manner made aware of the reason of Liao’s frequent and

unrestrained exclamations of intolerable despair, and of his fixed

determination with regard to the maiden Ts’ain (which seemed, above

all else, to indicate a resolution to shun her presence) Quen could not

regard the immediately-following actions of his son with anything but an

emotion of confusion. For when his eyes next rested upon the exceedingly

contradictory Liao, he was seated in the open space before the house in

which Ts’ain dwelt, playing upon an instrument of stringed woods, and

chanting verses into which the names of the two persons in question

had been skilfully introduced without restraint, his whole manner of

behaving being with the evident purpose of attracting the maiden’s

favourable attention. After an absence of many days, spent in this

graceful and complimentary manner, Liao returned suddenly to the house

of his father, and, prostrating his body before him, made a specific

request for his assistance.

“‘As regards Ts’ain and myself,’ he continued, ‘all things are arranged,

and but for the unfortunate coincidence of this person’s poverty and

of her father’s cupidity, the details of the wedding ceremony would

undoubtedly now be in a very advanced condition. Upon these entrancing

and well-discussed plans, however, the shadow of the grasping and

commonplace Ah-Ping has fallen like the inopportune opium-pipe from the

mouth of a person examining substances of an explosive nature; for the

one referred to demands a large and utterly unobtainable amount of taels

before he will suffer his greatly-sought-after daughter to accept the

gifts of irretrievable intention.’

“‘Grievous indeed is your plight,’ replied Quen, when he thus understood

the manner of obstacle which impeded his son’s hopes; ‘for in the nature

of taels the most diverse men are to be measured through the same mesh.

As the proverb says, “‘All money is evil,’ exclaimed the philosopher

with extreme weariness, as he gathered up the gold pieces in exchange,

but presently discovering that one among them was such indeed as he had

described, he rushed forth without tarrying to take up a street garment;

and with an entire absence of dignity traversed all the ways of the city

in the hope of finding the one who had defrauded him.” Well does this

person know the mercenary Ah-Ping, and the unyielding nature of his

closed hand; for often, but always fruitlessly, he has entered his

presence on affairs connected with the erecting of certain temples.

Nevertheless, the matter is one which does not admit of any incapable

faltering, to which end this one will seek out the obdurate Ah-Ping

without delay, and endeavour to entrap him by some means in the course

of argument.’

“From the time of his earliest youth Ah-Ping had unceasingly devoted

himself to the object of getting together an overwhelming number of

taels, using for this purpose various means which, without being really

degrading or contrary to the written law, were not such as might have

been cheerfully engaged in by a person of high-minded honourableness. In

consequence of this, as he grew more feeble in body, and more venerable

in appearance, he began to express frequent and bitter doubts as to

whether his manner of life had been really well arranged; for, in spite

of his great wealth, he had grown to adopt a most inexpensive habit

on all occasions, having no desire to spend; and an ever-increasing

apprehension began to possess him that after he had passed beyond, his

sons would be very disinclined to sacrifice and burn money sufficient to

keep him in an affluent condition in the Upper Air. In such a state of

mind was Ah-Ping when Quen-Ki-Tong appeared before him, for it had just

been revealed to him that his eldest and favourite son had, by flattery

and by openly praising the dexterity with which he used his brush

and ink, entrapped him into inscribing his entire name upon certain

unwritten sheets of parchment, which the one in question immediately

sold to such as were heavily indebted to Ah-Ping.

“‘If a person can be guilty of this really unfilial behaviour during the

lifetime of his father,’ exclaimed Ah-Ping, in a tone of unrestrained

vexation, ‘can it be prudently relied upon that he will carry out his

wishes after death, when they involve the remitting to him of several

thousand taels each year? O estimable Quen-Ki-Tong, how immeasurably

superior is the celestial outlook upon which you may safely rely as your

portion! When you are enjoying every variety of sumptuous profusion,

as the reward of your untiring charitable exertions here on earth, the

spirit of this short-sighted person will be engaged in doing menial

servitude for the inferior deities, and perhaps scarcely able, even by

those means, to clothe himself according to the changing nature of the

seasons.’

“‘Yet,’ replied Quen, ‘the necessity for so laborious and unremunerative

an existence may even now be averted by taking efficient precautions

before you pass to the Upper Air.’

“‘In what way?’ demanded Ah-Ping, with an awakening hope that the matter

might not be entirely destitute of cheerfulness, yet at the same time

preparing to examine with even unbecoming intrusiveness any expedient

which Quen might lay before him. ‘Is it not explicitly stated that

sacrifices and acts of a like nature, when performed at the end of one’s

existence by a person who to that time has professed no sort of interest

in such matters, shall in no degree be entered as to his good, but

rather regarded as examples of deliberate presumptuousness, and made the

excuse for subjecting him to more severe tortures and acts of penance

than would be his portion if he neglected the custom altogether?’

“‘Undoubtedly such is the case,’ replied Quen; ‘and on that account it

would indicate a most regrettable want of foresight for you to conduct

your affairs in the manner indicated. The only undeniably safe course

is for you to entrust the amount you will require to a person of

exceptional piety, receiving in return his written word to repay the

full sum whenever you shall claim it from him in the Upper Air. By this

crafty method the amount will be placed at the disposal of the person

in question as soon as he has passed beyond, and he will be held by his

written word to return it to you whenever you shall demand it.’

“So amiably impressed with this ingenious scheme was Ah-Ping that he

would at once have entered more fully into the detail had the thought

not arisen in his mind that the person before him was the father of

Liao, who urgently required a certain large sum, and that for this

reason he might with prudence inquire more fully into the matter

elsewhere, in case Quen himself should have been imperceptibly led

aside, even though he possessed intentions of a most unswerving

honourableness. To this end, therefore, he desired to converse again

with Quen on the matter, pleading that at that moment a gathering

of those who direct enterprises of a commercial nature required his

presence. Nevertheless, he would not permit the person referred to to

depart until he had complimented him, in both general and specific

terms, on the high character of his life and actions, and the

intelligent nature of his understanding, which had enabled him with so

little mental exertion to discover an efficient plan.

“Without delay Ah-Ping sought out those most skilled in all varieties

of law-forms, in extorting money by devices capable of very different

meanings, and in expedients for evading just debts; but all agreed that

such an arrangement as the one he put before them would be unavoidably

binding, provided the person who received the money alluded to spent it

in the exercise of his charitable desires, and provided also that the

written agreement bore the duty seal of the high ones at Peking, and was

deposited in the coffin of the lender. Fully satisfied, and rejoicing

greatly that he could in this way adequately provide for his future and

entrap the avaricious ones of his house, Ah-Ping collected together the

greater part of his possessions, and converting it into pieces of gold,

entrusted them to Quen on the exact understanding that has already been

described, he receiving in turn Quen’s written and thumb-signed paper

of repayment, and his assurance that the whole amount should be expended

upon the silver-paper and gold-leaf Temple with which he was still

engaged.

“It is owing to this circumstance that Quen-Ki-Tong’s irreproachable

name has come to be lightly regarded by many who may be fitly likened to

the latter person in the subtle and experienced proverb, ‘The wise man’s

eyes fell before the gaze of the fool, fearing that if he looked he

must cry aloud, “Thou hopeless one!” “There,” said the fool to himself,

“behold this person’s power!”’ These badly educated and undiscriminating

persons, being entirely unable to explain the ensuing train of events,

unhesitatingly declare that Quen-Ki-Tong applied a portion of the money

which he had received from Ah-Ping in the manner described to the object

of acquiring Ts’ain for his son Liao. In this feeble and incapable

fashion they endeavour to stigmatize the pure-minded Quen as one who

acted directly contrary to his deliberately spoken word, whereas the

desired result was brought about in a much more artful manner; they

describe the commercially successful Ah-Ping as a person of very

inferior prudence, and one easily imposed upon; while they entirely pass

over, as a detail outside the true facts, the written paper preserved

among the sacred relics in the Temple, which announces, among other

gifts of a small and uninviting character, ‘Thirty thousand taels from

an elderly ginseng merchant of Lu-kwo, who desires to remain nameless,

through the hand of Quen-Ki-Tong.’ The full happening in its real and

harmless face is now set forth for the first time.

“Some weeks after the recorded arrangement had been arrived at by

Ah-Ping and Quen, when the taels in question had been expended upon the

Temple and were, therefore, infallibly beyond recall, the former person

chanced to be passing through the public garden in Lu-kwo when he heard

a voice lifted up in the expression of every unendurable feeling of

dejection to which one can give utterance. Stepping aside to learn the

cause of so unprepossessing a display of unrestrained agitation, and

in the hope that perhaps he might be able to use the incident in a

remunerative manner, Ah-Ping quickly discovered the unhappy being who,

entirely regardless of the embroidered silk robe which he wore, reclined

upon a raised bank of uninviting earth, and waved his hands from side to

side as his internal emotions urged him.

“‘Quen-Ki-Tong!’ exclaimed Ah-Ping, not fully convinced that the fact

was as he stated it in spite of the image clearly impressed upon his

imagination; ‘to what unpropitious occurrence is so unlooked-for an

exhibition due? Are those who traffic in gold-leaf demanding a high and

prohibitive price for that commodity, or has some evil and vindicative

spirit taken up its abode within the completed portion of the Temple,

and by its offensive but nevertheless diverting remarks and actions

removed all semblance of gravity from the countenances of those who

daily come to admire the construction?’

“‘O thrice unfortunate Ah-Ping,’ replied Quen when he observed the

distinguishing marks of the person before him, ‘scarcely can this

greatly overwhelmed one raise his eyes to your open and intelligent

countenance; for through him you are on the point of experiencing a very

severe financial blow, and it is, indeed, on your account more than on

his own that he is now indulging in these outward signs of a grief too

far down to be expressed in spoken words.’ And at the memory of his

former occupation, Quen again waved his arms from side to side with

untiring assiduousness.

“‘Strange indeed to this person’s ears are your words,’ said Ah-Ping,

outwardly unmoved, but with an apprehensive internal pain that he would

have regarded Quen’s display of emotion with an easier stomach if his

own taels were safely concealed under the floor of his inner chamber.

‘The sum which this one entrusted to you has, without any pretence

been expended upon the Temple, while the written paper concerning the

repayment bears the duty seal of the high ones at Peking. How, then, can

Ah-Ping suffer a loss at the hands of Quen-Ki-Tong?’

“‘Ah-Ping,’ said Quen, with every appearance of desiring that both

persons should regard the matter in a conciliatory spirit, ‘do not

permit the awaiting demons, which are ever on the alert to enter into

a person’s mind when he becomes distressed out of the common order of

events, to take possession of your usually discriminating faculties

until you have fully understood how this affair has come about. It is no

unknown thing for a person of even exceptional intelligence to reverse

his entire manner of living towards the end of a long and consistent

existence; the far-seeing and not lightly-moved Ah-Ping himself has

already done so. In a similar, but entirely contrary manner, the person

who is now before you finds himself impelled towards that which will

certainly bear a very unpresentable face when the circumstances

become known; yet by no other means is he capable of attaining his

greatly-desired object.’

“‘And to what end does that trend?’ demanded Ah-Ping, in no degree

understanding how the matter affected him.

“‘While occupied with enterprises which those of an engaging and

complimentary nature are accustomed to refer to as charitable,

this person has almost entirely neglected a duty of scarcely less

importance--that of establishing an unending line, through which his

name and actions shall be kept alive to all time,’ replied Quen. ‘Having

now inquired into the matter, he finds that his only son, through whom

alone the desired result can be obtained, has become unbearably attached

to a maiden for whom a very large sum is demanded in exchange. The

thought of obtaining no advantage from an entire life of self-denial

is certainly unprepossessing in the extreme, but so, even to a more

advanced degree, is the certainty that otherwise the family monuments

will be untended, and the temple of domestic virtues become an early

ruin. This person has submitted the dilemma to the test of omens, and

after considering well the reply, he has decided to obtain the price of

the maiden in a not very honourable manner, which now presents itself,

so that Liao may send out his silk-bound gifts without delay.’

“‘It is an unalluring alternative,’ said Ah-Ping, whose only inside

thought was one of gratification that the exchange money for Ts’ain

would so soon be in his possession, ‘yet this person fails to perceive

how you could act otherwise after the decision of the omens. He now

understands, moreover, that the loss you referred to on his part was in

the nature of a figure of speech, as one makes use of thunderbolts

and delicately-scented flowers to convey ideas of harsh and amiable

passions, and alluded in reality to the forthcoming departure of his

daughter, who is, as you so versatilely suggested, the comfort and

riches of his old age.’

“‘O venerable, but at this moment somewhat obtuse, Ah-Ping,’ cried

Quen, with a recurrence to his former method of expressing his unfeigned

agitation, ‘is your evenly-balanced mind unable to grasp the essential

fact of how this person’s contemplated action will affect your own

celestial condition? It is a distressing but entirely unavoidable fact,

that if this person acts in the manner which he has determined upon, he

will be condemned to the lowest place of torment reserved for those

who fail at the end of an otherwise pure existence, and in this he

will never have an opportunity of meeting the very much higher placed

Ah-Ping, and of restoring to him the thirty-thousand taels as agreed

upon.’

“At these ill-destined words, all power of rigidness departed from

Ah-Ping’s limbs, and he sank down upon the forbidding earth by Quen’s

side.

“‘O most unfortunate one who is now speaking,’ he exclaimed, when at

length his guarding spirit deemed it prudent to restore his power of

expressing himself in words, ‘happy indeed would have been your lot had

you been content to traffic in ginseng and other commodities of which

you have actual knowledge. O amiable Quen, this matter must be in some

way arranged without causing you to deviate from the entrancing paths of

your habitual virtue. Could not the very reasonable Liao be induced to

look favourably upon the attractions of some low-priced maiden, in which

case this not really hard-stomached person would be willing to advance

the necessary amount, until such time as it could be restored, at a very

low and unremunerative rate of interest?’

“‘This person has observed every variety of practical humility in the

course of his life,’ replied Quen with commendable dignity, ‘yet he now

finds himself totally unable to overcome an inward repugnance to the

thought of perpetuating his honoured name and race through the medium of

any low-priced maiden. To this end has he decided.’

“Those who were well acquainted with Ah-Ping in matters of commerce did

not hesitate to declare that his great wealth had been acquired by his

consistent habit of forming an opinion quickly while others hesitated.

On the occasion in question he only engaged his mind with the opposing

circumstances for a few moments before he definitely fixed upon the

course which he should pursue.

“‘Quen-Ki-Tong,’ he said, with an evident intermingling of many very

conflicting emotions, ‘retain to the end this well-merited reputation

for unaffected honourableness which you have so fittingly earned. Few

in the entire Empire, with powers so versatilely pointing to an eminent

position in any chosen direction, would have been content to pass their

lives in an unremunerative existence devoted to actions of charity. Had

you selected an entirely different manner of living, this person has

every confidence that he, and many others in Lu-kwo, would by this time

be experiencing a very ignoble poverty. For this reason he will make

it his most prominent ambition to hasten the realization of the amiable

hopes expressed both by Liao and by Ts’ain, concerning their

future relationship. In this, indeed, he himself will be more than

exceptionally fortunate should the former one prove to possess even a

portion of the clear-sighted sagaciousness exhibited by his engaging

father.’

“VERSES COMPOSED BY A MUSICIAN OF LU-KWO, ON THE

OCCASION OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY OF

LIAO AND TS’AIN

“Bright hued is the morning, the dark clouds have fallen;

At the mere waving of Quen’s virtuous hands they melted away.

Happy is Liao in the possession of so accomplished a parent,

Happy also is Quen to have so discriminating a son.

“The two persons in question sit, side by side, upon an

embroidered couch,

Listening to the well-expressed compliments of those who pass to

and fro.

From time to time their eyes meet, and glances of a very

significant amusement pass between them;

Can it be that on so ceremonious an occasion they are recalling

events of a gravity-removing nature?

“The gentle and rainbow-like Ts’ain has already arrived,

With the graceful motion of a silver carp gliding through a screen

of rushes, she moves among those who are assembled.

On the brow of her somewhat contentious father there rests the

shadow of an ill-repressed sorrow;

Doubtless the frequently-misjudged Ah-Ping is thinking of his

lonely hearth, now that he is for ever parted from that which

he holds most precious.

“In the most commodious chamber of the house the elegant

wedding-gifts are conspicuously displayed; let us stand beside

the one which we have contributed, and point out its

excellence to those who pass by.

Surely the time cannot be far distant when the sound of many gongs

will announce that the very desirable repast is at length to

be partaken of.”

VIII.

THE VISION OF YIN, THE SON OF YAT HUANG

When Yin, the son of Yat Huang, had passed beyond the years assigned

to the pursuit of boyhood, he was placed in the care of the hunchback

Quang, so that he might be fully instructed in the management of the

various weapons used in warfare, and also in the art of stratagem, by

which a skilful leader is often enabled to conquer when opposed to an

otherwise overwhelming multitude. In all these accomplishments Quang

excelled to an exceptional degree; for although unprepossessing in

appearance he united matchless strength to an untiring subtlety. No

other person in the entire Province of Kiang-si could hurl a javelin so

unerringly while uttering sounds of terrifying menace, or could cause

his sword to revolve around him so rapidly, while his face looked

out from the glittering circles with an expression of ill-intentioned

malignity that never failed to inspire his adversary with irrepressible

emotions of alarm. No other person could so successfully feign to

be devoid of life for almost any length of time, or by his manner of

behaving create the fixed impression that he was one of insufficient

understanding, and therefore harmless. It was for these reasons that

Quang was chosen as the instructor of Yin by Yat Huang, who, without

possessing any official degree, was a person to whom marks of obeisance

were paid not only within his own town, but for a distance of many li

around it.

At length the time arrived when Yin would in the ordinary course of

events pass from the instructorship of Quang in order to devote himself

to the commerce in which his father was engaged, and from time to time

the unavoidable thought arose persistently within his mind that although

Yat Huang doubtless knew better than he did what the circumstances of

the future required, yet his manner of life for the past years was not

such that he could contemplate engaging in the occupation of buying and

selling porcelain clay with feelings of an overwhelming interest. Quang,

however, maintained with every manifestation of inspired assurance that

Yat Huang was to be commended down to the smallest detail, inasmuch

as proficiency in the use of both blunt and sharp-edged weapons, and a

faculty for passing undetected through the midst of an encamped body

of foemen, fitted a person for the every-day affairs of life above all

other accomplishments.

“Without doubt the very accomplished Yat Huan is well advised on this

point,” continued Quang, “for even this mentally short-sighted person

can call up within his understanding numerous specific incidents in the

ordinary career of one engaged in the commerce of porcelain clay when

such attainments would be of great remunerative benefit. Does the

well-endowed Yin think, for example, that even the most depraved person

would endeavour to gain an advantage over him in the matter of buying or

selling porcelain clay if he fully understood the fact that the one with

whom he was trafficking could unhesitatingly transfix four persons with

one arrow at the distance of a hundred paces? Or to what advantage would

it be that a body of unscrupulous outcasts who owned a field of inferior

clay should surround it with drawn swords by day and night, endeavouring

meanwhile to dispose of it as material of the finest quality, if the one

whom they endeavoured to ensnare in this manner possessed the power of

being able to pass through their ranks unseen and examine the clay at

his leisure?”

“In the cases to which reference has been made, the possession of those

qualities would undoubtedly be of considerable use,” admitted Yin;

“yet, in spite of his entire ignorance of commercial matters, this one

has a confident feeling that it would be more profitable to avoid such

very doubtful forms of barter altogether rather than spend eight years

in acquiring the arts by which to defeat them. That, however, is a

question which concerns this person’s virtuous and engaging father more

than his unworthy self, and his only regret is that no opportunity has

offered by which he might prove that he has applied himself diligently

to your instruction and example, O amiable Quang.”

It had long been a regret to Quang also that no incident of a disturbing

nature had arisen whereby Yin could have shown himself proficient in the

methods of defence and attack which he had taught him. This deficiency

he had endeavoured to overcome, as far as possible, by constructing

life-like models of all the most powerful and ferocious types of

warriors and the fiercest and most relentless animals of the forest,

so that Yin might become familiar with their appearance and discover in

what manner each could be the most expeditiously engaged.

“Nevertheless,” remarked Quang, on an occasion when Yin appeared to be

covered with honourable pride at having approached an unusually large

and repulsive-looking tiger so stealthily that had the animal been

really alive it would certainly have failed to perceive him, “such

accomplishments are by no means to be regarded as conclusive in

themselves. To steal insidiously upon a destructively-included wild

beast and transfix it with one well-directed blow of a spear is attended

by difficulties and emotions which are entirely absent in the case of a

wickerwork animal covered with canvas-cloth, no matter how deceptive in

appearance the latter may be.”

To afford Yin a more trustworthy example of how he should engage with

an adversary of formidable proportions, Quang resolved upon an ingenious

plan. Procuring the skin of a grey wolf, he concealed himself within it,

and in the early morning, while the mist-damp was still upon the ground,

he set forth to meet Yin, who had on a previous occasion spoken to

him of his intention to be at a certain spot at such an hour. In this

conscientious enterprise, the painstaking Quang would doubtless have

been successful, and Yin gained an assured proficiency and experience,

had it not chanced that on the journey Quang encountered a labourer of

low caste who was crossing the enclosed ground on his way to the rice

field in which he worked. This contemptible and inopportune person,

not having at any period of his existence perfected himself in the

recognized and elegant methods of attack and defence, did not act in

the manner which would assuredly have been adopted by Yin in similar

circumstances, and for which Quang would have been fully prepared. On

the contrary, without the least indication of what his intention was,

he suddenly struck Quang, who was hesitating for a moment what action to

take, a most intolerable blow with a formidable staff which he carried.

The stroke in question inflicted itself upon Quang upon that part of the

body where the head becomes connected with the neck, and would certainly

have been followed by others of equal force and precision had not Quang

in the meantime decided that the most dignified course for him to adopt

would be to disclose his name and titles without delay. Upon learning

these facts, the one who stood before him became very grossly and

offensively amused, and having taken from Quang everything of value

which he carried among his garments, went on his way, leaving Yin’s

instructor to retrace his steps in unendurable dejection, as he then

found that he possessed no further interest whatever in the undertaking.

When Yat Huang was satisfied that his son was sufficiently skilled in

the various arts of warfare, he called him to his inner chamber, and

having barred the door securely, he placed Yin under a very binding oath

not to reveal, until an appointed period, the matter which he was going

to put before him.

“From father to son, in unbroken line for ten generations, has such a

custom been observed,” he said, “for the course of events is not to be

lightly entered upon. At the commencement of that cycle, which period is

now fully fifteen score years ago, a very wise person chanced to incur

the displeasure of the Emperor of that time, and being in consequence

driven out of the capital, he fled to the mountains. There his subtle

discernment and the pure and solitary existence which he led resulted in

his becoming endowed with faculties beyond those possessed by ordinary

beings. When he felt the end of his earthly career to be at hand he

descended into the plain, where, in a state of great destitution and

bodily anguish, he was discovered by the one whom this person has

referred to as the first of the line of ancestors. In return for the

care and hospitality with which he was unhesitatingly received,

the admittedly inspired hermit spent the remainder of his days in

determining the destinies of his rescuer’s family and posterity. It

is an undoubted fact that he predicted how one would, by well-directed

enterprise and adventure, rise to a position of such eminence in the

land that he counselled the details to be kept secret, lest the envy

and hostility of the ambitious and unworthy should be raised. From this

cause it has been customary to reveal the matter fully from father

to son, at stated periods, and the setting out of the particulars in

written words has been severely discouraged. Wise as this precaution

certainly was, it has resulted in a very inconvenient state of things;

for a remote ancestor--the fifth in line from the beginning--experienced

such vicissitudes that he returned from his travels in a state of most

abandoned idiocy, and when the time arrived that he should, in turn,

communicate to his son, he was only able to repeat over and over again

the name of the pious hermit to whom the family was so greatly indebted,

coupling it each time with a new and markedly offensive epithet. The

essential details of the undertaking having in this manner passed beyond

recall, succeeding generations, which were merely acquainted with the

fact that a very prosperous future awaited the one who fulfilled the

conditions, have in vain attempted to conform to them. It is not an

alluring undertaking, inasmuch as nothing of the method to be pursued

can be learned, except that it was the custom of the early ones, who

held the full knowledge, to set out from home and return after a period

of years. Yet so clearly expressed was the prophecy, and so great the

reward of the successful, that all have eagerly journeyed forth when

the time came, knowing nothing beyond that which this person has now

unfolded to you.”

When Yat Huang reached the end of the matter which it was his duty to

disclose, Yin for some time pondered the circumstances before replying.

In spite of a most engaging reverence for everything of a sacred nature,

he could not consider the inspired remark of the well-intentioned hermit

without feelings of a most persistent doubt, for it occurred to him that

if the person in question had really been as wise as he was represented

to be, he might reasonably have been expected to avoid the unaccountable

error of offending the enlightened and powerful Emperor under whom he

lived. Nevertheless, the prospect of engaging in the trade of porcelain

clay was less attractive in his eyes than that of setting forth upon a

journey of adventure, so that at length he expressed his willingness to

act after the manner of those who had gone before him.

This decision was received by Yat Huang with an equal intermingling of

the feelings of delight and concern, for although he would have by no

means pleasurably contemplated Yin breaking through a venerable and

esteemed custom, he was unable to put entirely from him the thought of

the degrading fate which had overtaken the fifth in line who made the

venture. It was, indeed, to guard Yin as much as possible against

the dangers to which he would become exposed, if he determined on the

expedition, that the entire course of his training had been selected. In

order that no precaution of a propitious nature should be neglected, Yat

Huang at once despatched written words of welcome to all with whom he

was acquainted, bidding them partake of a great banquet which he was

preparing to mark the occasion of his son’s leave-taking. Every variety

of sacrifice was offered up to the controlling deities, both good and

bad; the ten ancestors were continuously exhorted to take Yin under

their special protection, and sets of verses recording his virtues and

ambitions were freely distributed among the necessitous and low-caste

who could not be received at the feast.

The dinner itself exceeded in magnificence any similar event that

had ever taken place in Ching-toi. So great was the polished ceremony

observed on the occasion, that each guest had half a score of cups of

the finest apricot-tea successively placed before him and taken away

untasted, while Yat Huang went to each in turn protesting vehemently

that the honour of covering such pure-minded and distinguished persons

was more than his badly designed roof could reasonably bear, and

wittingly giving an entrancing air of reality to the spoken compliment

by begging them to move somewhat to one side so that they might escape

the heavy central beam if the event which he alluded to chanced to take

place. After several hours had been spent in this congenial occupation,

Yat Huang proceeded to read aloud several of the sixteen discourses on

education which, taken together, form the discriminating and infallible

example of conduct known as the Holy Edict. As each detail was dwelt

upon Yin arose from his couch and gave his deliberate testimony that

all the required tests and rites had been observed in his own case.

The first part of the repast was then partaken of, the nature of the

ingredients and the manner of preparing them being fully explained,

and in a like manner through each succeeding one of the four-and-forty

courses. At the conclusion Yin again arose, being encouraged by the

repeated uttering of his name by those present, and with extreme modesty

and brilliance set forth his manner of thinking concerning all subjects

with which he was acquainted.

Early on the morning of the following day Yin set out on his travels,

entirely unaccompanied, and carrying with him nothing beyond a sum of

money, a silk robe, and a well-tried and reliable spear. For many days

he journeyed in a northerly direction, without encountering anything

sufficiently unusual to engage his attention. This, however, was

doubtless part of a pre-arranged scheme so that he should not be drawn

from a destined path, for at a small village lying on the southern shore

of a large lake, called by those around Silent Water, he heard of the

existence of a certain sacred island, distant a full day’s sailing,

which was barren of all forms of living things, and contained only a

single gigantic rock of divine origin and majestic appearance. Many

persons, the villagers asserted, had sailed to the island in the hope

of learning the portent of the rock, but none ever returned, and they

themselves avoided coming even within sight of it; for the sacred stone,

they declared, exercised an evil influence over their ships, and would,

if permitted, draw them out of their course and towards itself. For this

reason Yin could find no guide, whatever reward he offered, who would

accompany him; but having with difficulty succeeded in hiring a small

boat of inconsiderable value, he embarked with food, incense, and

materials for building fires, and after rowing consistently for nearly

the whole of the day, came within sight of the island at evening.

Thereafter the necessity of further exertion ceased, for, as they of the

village had declared would be the case, the vessel moved gently forward,

in an unswerving line, without being in any way propelled, and reaching

its destination in a marvellously short space of time, passed behind a

protecting spur of land and came to rest. It then being night, Yin did

no more than carry his stores to a place of safety, and after lighting

a sacrificial fire and prostrating himself before the rock, passed into

the Middle Air.

In the morning Yin’s spirit came back to the earth amid the sound of

music of a celestial origin, which ceased immediately he recovered full

consciousness. Accepting this manifestation as an omen of Divine favour,

Yin journeyed towards the centre of the island where the rock stood,

at every step passing the bones of innumerable ones who had come on a

similar quest to his, and perished. Many of these had left behind them

inscriptions on wood or bone testifying their deliberate opinion of the

sacred rock, the island, their protecting deities, and the entire train

of circumstances, which had resulted in their being in such a condition.

These were for the most part of a maledictory and unencouraging nature,

so that after reading a few, Yin endeavoured to pass without being in

any degree influenced by such ill-judged outbursts.

“Accursed be the ancestors of this tormented one to four generations

back!” was prominently traced upon an unusually large shoulder-blade.

“May they at this moment be simmering in a vat of unrefined dragon’s

blood, as a reward for having so undiscriminatingly reared the person

who inscribes these words only to attain this end!” “Be warned, O later

one, by the signs around!” Another and more practical-minded person had

written: “Retreat with all haste to your vessel, and escape while

there is yet time. Should you, by chance, again reach land through this

warning, do not neglect, out of an emotion of gratitude, to burn an

appropriate amount of sacrifice paper for the lessening of the torments

of the spirit of Li-Kao,” to which an unscrupulous one, who was plainly

desirous of sharing in the benefit of the requested sacrifice, without

suffering the exertion of inscribing a warning after the amiable manner

of Li-Kao, had added the words, “and that of Huan Sin.”

Halting at a convenient distance from one side of the rock which,

without being carved by any person’s hand, naturally resembled the

symmetrical countenance of a recumbent dragon (which he therefore

conjectured to be the chief point of the entire mass), Yin built

his fire and began an unremitting course of sacrifice and respectful

ceremony. This manner of conduct he observed conscientiously for

the space of seven days. Towards the end of that period a feeling of

unendurable dejection began to possess him, for his stores of all kinds

were beginning to fail, and he could not entirely put behind him the

memory of the various well-intentioned warnings which he had received,

or the sight of the fleshless ones who had lined his path. On the eighth

day, being weak with hunger and, by reason of an intolerable thirst,

unable to restrain his body any longer in the spot where he had hitherto

continuously prostrated himself nine-and-ninety times each hour without

ceasing, he rose to his feet and retraced his steps to the boat in order

that he might fill his water-skins and procure a further supply of food.

With a complicated emotion, in which was present every abandoned and

disagreeable thought to which a person becomes a prey in moments of

exceptional mental and bodily anguish, he perceived as soon as

he reached the edge of the water that the boat, upon which he was

confidently relying to carry him back when all else failed, had

disappeared as entirely as the smoke from an extinguished opium pipe.

At this sight Yin clearly understood the meaning of Li-Kao’s unregarded

warning, and recognized that nothing could now save him from adding his

incorruptible parts to those of the unfortunate ones whose unhappy

fate had, seven days ago, engaged his refined pity. Unaccountably

strengthened in body by the indignation which possessed him, and

inspired with a virtuous repulsion at the treacherous manner of behaving

on the part of those who guided his destinies, he hastened back to

his place of obeisance, and perceiving that the habitually placid and

introspective expression on the dragon face had imperceptibly changed

into one of offensive cunning and unconcealed contempt, he snatched up

his spear and, without the consideration of a moment, hurled it at

a score of paces distance full into the sacred but nevertheless very

unprepossessing face before him.

At the instant when the presumptuous weapon touched the holy stone the

entire intervening space between the earth and the sky was filled with

innumerable flashes of forked and many-tongued lightning, so that the

island had the appearance of being the scene of a very extensive but

somewhat badly-arranged display of costly fireworks. At the same

time the thunder rolled among the clouds and beneath the sea in an

exceedingly disconcerting manner. At the first indication of these

celestial movements a sudden blindness came upon Yin, and all power of

thought or movement forsook him; nevertheless, he experienced an emotion

of flight through the air, as though borne upwards upon the back of a

winged creature. When this emotion ceased, the blindness went from him

as suddenly and entirely as if a cloth had been pulled away from his

eyes, and he perceived that he was held in the midst of a boundless

space, with no other object in view than the sacred rock, which had

opened, as it were, revealing a mighty throng within, at the sight of

whom Yin’s internal organs trembled as they would never have moved at

ordinary danger, for it was put into his spirit that these in whose

presence he stood were the sacred Emperors of his country from the

earliest time until the usurpation of the Chinese throne by the

devouring Tartar hordes from the North.

As Yin gazed in fear-stricken amazement, a knowledge of the various Pure

Ones who composed the assembly came upon him. He understood that the

three unclad and commanding figures which stood together were the

Emperors of the Heaven, Earth, and Man, whose reigns covered a space of

more than eighty thousand years, commencing from the time when the world

began its span of existence. Next to them stood one wearing a robe of

leopard-skin, his hand resting upon a staff of a massive club, while on

his face the expression of tranquillity which marked his predecessors

had changed into one of alert wakefulness; it was the Emperor of Houses,

whose reign marked the opening of the never-ending strife between man

and all other creatures. By his side stood his successor, the Emperor of

Fire, holding in his right hand the emblem of the knotted cord, by which

he taught man to cultivate his mental faculties, while from his mouth

issued smoke and flame, signifying that by the introduction of fire he

had raised his subjects to a state of civilized life.

On the other side of the boundless chamber which seemed to be contained

within the rocks were Fou-Hy, Tchang-Ki, Tcheng-Nung, and Huang,

standing or reclining together. The first of these framed the calendar,

organized property, thought out the eight Essential Diagrams, encouraged

the various branches of hunting, and the rearing of domestic animals,

and instituted marriage. From his couch floated melodious sounds

in remembrance of his discovery of the property of stringed woods.

Tchang-Ki, who manifested the property of herbs and growing plants, wore

a robe signifying his attainments by means of embroidered symbols.

His hand rested on the head of the dragon, while at his feet flowed a

bottomless canal of the purest water. The discovery of written letters

by Tcheng-Nung, and his ingenious plan of grouping them after the manner

of the constellations of stars, was emblemized in a similar manner,

while Huang, or the Yellow Emperor, was surrounded by ores of the

useful and precious metals, weapons of warfare, written books, silks

and articles of attire, coined money, and a variety of objects, all

testifying to his ingenuity and inspired energy.

These illustrious ones, being the greatest, were the first to take

Yin’s attention, but beyond them he beheld an innumerable concourse of

Emperors who not infrequently outshone their majestic predecessors in

the richness of their apparel and the magnificence of the jewels which

they wore. There Yin perceived Hung-Hoang, who first caused the chants

to be collected, and other rulers of the Tcheon dynasty; Yong-Tching,

who compiled the Holy Edict; Thang rulers whose line is rightly called

“the golden,” from the unsurpassed excellence of the composed verses

which it produced; renowned Emperors of the versatile Han dynasty; and,

standing apart, and shunned by all, the malignant and narrow-minded

Tsing-Su-Hoang, who caused the Sacred Books to be burned.

Even while Yin looked and wondered, in great fear, a rolling voice,

coming from one who sat in the midst of all, holding in his right hand

the sun, and in his left the moon, sounded forth, like the music of many

brass instruments playing in unison. It was the First Man who spoke.

“Yin, son of Yat Huang, and creature of the Lower Part,” he said,

“listen well to the words I speak, for brief is the span of your

tarrying in the Upper Air, nor will the utterance I now give forth ever

come unto your ears again, either on the earth, or when, blindly groping

in the Middle Distance, your spirit takes its nightly flight. They who

are gathered around, and whose voices I speak, bid me say this: Although

immeasurably above you in all matters, both of knowledge and of power,

yet we greet you as one who is well-intentioned, and inspired with

honourable ambition. Had you been content to entreat and despair, as did

all the feeble and incapable ones whose white bones formed your pathway,

your ultimate fate would have in no wise differed from theirs. But

inasmuch as you held yourself valiantly, and, being taken, raised an

instinctive hand in return, you have been chosen; for the day to mute

submission has, for the time or for ever, passed away, and the hour is

when China shall be saved, not by supplication, but by the spear.”

“A state of things which would have been highly unnecessary if I had

been permitted to carry out my intention fully, and restore man to his

prehistoric simplicity,” interrupted Tsin-Su-Hoang. “For that reason,

when the voice of the assemblage expresses itself, it must be understood

that it represents in no measure the views of Tsin-Su-Hoang.”

“In the matter of what has gone before, and that which will follow

hereafter,” continued the Voice dispassionately, “Yin, the son

of Yat-Huang, must concede that it is in no part the utterance of

Tsin-Su-Hoang--Tsin-Su-Hoang who burned the Sacred Books.”

At the mention of the name and offence of this degraded being a great

sound went up from the entire multitude--a universal cry of execration,

not greatly dissimilar from that which may be frequently heard in the

crowded Temple of Impartiality when the one whose duty it is to take up,

at a venture, the folded papers, announces that the sublime Emperor,

or some mandarin of exalted rank, has been so fortunate as to hold

the winning number in the Annual State Lottery. So vengeance-laden and

mournful was the combined and evidently preconcerted wail, that Yin

was compelled to shield his ears against it; yet the inconsiderable

Tsin-Su-Hoang, on whose account it was raised, seemed in no degree to

be affected by it, he, doubtless, having become hardened by hearing

a similar outburst, at fixed hours, throughout interminable cycles of

time.

When the last echo of the cry had passed away the Voice continued to

speak.

“Soon the earth will again receive you, Yin,” it said, “for it is not

respectful that a lower one should be long permitted to gaze upon our

exalted faces. Yet when you go forth and stand once more among men this

is laid on you: that henceforth you are as a being devoted to a fixed

and unchanging end, and whatever moves towards the restoring of the

throne of the Central Empire the outcast but unalterably sacred line of

its true sovereigns shall have your arm and mind. By what combination

of force and stratagem this can be accomplished may not be honourably

revealed by us, the all-knowing. Nevertheless, omens and guidance shall

not be lacking from time to time, and from the beginning the weapon by

which you have attained to this distinction shall be as a sign of our

favour and protection over you.”

When the Voice made an end of speaking the sudden blindness came upon

Yin, as it had done before, and from the sense of motion which he

experienced, he conjectured that he was being conveyed back to the

island. Undoubtedly this was the case, for presently there came upon him

the feeling that he was awakening from a deep and refreshing sleep,

and opening his eyes, which he now found himself able to do without

any difficulty, he immediately discovered that he was reclining at full

length on the ground, and at a distance of about a score of paces from

the dragon head. His first thought was to engage in a lengthy course

of self-abasement before it, but remembering the words which had been

spoken to him while in the Upper Air, he refrained, and even ventured to

go forward with a confident but somewhat self-deprecatory air, to

regain the spear, which he perceived lying at the foot of the rock. With

feelings of a reassuring nature he then saw that the very undesirable

expression which he had last beheld upon the dragon face had melted into

one of encouraging urbanity and benignant esteem.

Close by the place where he had landed he discovered his boat, newly

furnished with wine and food of a much more attractive profusion than

that which he had purchased in the village. Embarking in it, he made as

though he would have returned to the south, but the spear which he held

turned within his grasp, and pointed in an exactly opposite direction.

Regarding this fact as an express command on the part of the Deities,

Yin turned his boat to the north, and in the space of two days’

time--being continually guided by the fixed indication of the spear--he

reached the shore and prepared to continue his travels in the same

direction, upheld and inspired by the knowledge that henceforth he moved

under the direct influence of very powerful spirits.

IX.

THE ILL-REGULATED DESTINY OF KIN YEN, THE PICTURE-MAKER

As recorded by himself before his sudden departure from Peking,

owing to circumstances which are made plain in the following

narrative.

There are moments in the life of a person when the saying of the wise

Ni-Hyu that “Misfortune comes to all men and to most women” is endowed

with double force. At such times the faithful child of the Sun is a prey

to the whitest and most funereal thoughts, and even the inspired

wisdom of his illustrious ancestors seems more than doubtful, while the

continued inactivity of the Sacred Dragon appears for the time to give

colour to the scoffs of the Western barbarian. A little while ago these

misgivings would have found no resting-place in the bosom of the writer.

Now, however--but the matter must be made clear from the beginning.

The name of the despicable person who here sets forth his immature story

is Kin Yen, and he is a native of Kia-Lu in the Province of Che-Kiang.

Having purchased from a very aged man the position of Hereditary

Instructor in the Art of Drawing Birds and Flowers, he gave lessons in

these accomplishments until he had saved sufficient money to journey

to Peking. Here it was his presumptuous intention to learn the art of

drawing figures in order that he might illustrate printed leaves of

a more distinguished class than those which would accept what true

politeness compels him to call his exceedingly unsymmetrical pictures

of birds and flowers. Accordingly, when the time arrived, he disposed of

his Hereditary Instructorship, having first ascertained in the interests

of his pupils that his successor was a person of refined morals and

great filial piety.

Alas! it is well written, “The road to eminence lies through the cheap

and exceedingly uninviting eating-houses.” In spite of this person’s

great economy, and of his having begged his way from Kia-Lu to Peking in

the guise of a pilgrim, journeying to burn incense in the sacred Temple

of Truth near that city, when once within the latter place his taels

melted away like the smile of a person of low class when he discovers

that the mandarin’s stern words were not intended as a jest. Moreover,

he found that the story-makers of Peking, receiving higher rewards

than those at Kia-Lu, considered themselves bound to introduce living

characters into all their tales, and in consequence the very ornamental

drawings of birds and flowers which he had entwined into a legend

entitled “The Last Fight of the Heaven-sent Tcheng”--a story which

had been entrusted to him for illustration as a test of his skill--was

returned to him with a communication in which the writer revealed his

real meaning by stating contrary facts. It therefore became necessary

that he should become competent in the art of drawing figures without

delay, and with this object he called at the picture-room of Tieng Lin,

a person whose experience was so great that he could, without discomfort

to himself, draw men and women of all classes, both good and bad. When

the person who is setting forth this narrative revealed to Tieng Lin the

utmost amount of money he could afford to give for instruction in the

art of drawing living figures, Tieng Lin’s face became as overcast as

the sky immediately before the Great Rains, for in his ignorance of

this incapable person’s poverty he had treated him with equality and

courtesy, nor had he kept him waiting in the mean room on the plea that

he was at that moment closeted with the Sacred Emperor. However, upon

receiving an assurance that a rumour would be spread in which the number

of taels should be multiplied by ten, and that the sum itself should be

brought in advance, Tieng Lin promised to instruct this person in the

art of drawing five characters, which, he said, would be sufficient

to illustrate all stories except those by the most expensive and

highly-rewarded story-tellers--men who have become so proficient that

they not infrequently introduce a score or more of living persons into

their tales without confusion.

After considerable deliberation, this unassuming person selected the

following characters, judging them to be the most useful, and the most

readily applicable to all phases and situations of life:

1. A bad person, wearing a long dark pigtail and smoking an opium pipe.

His arms to be folded, and his clothes new and very expensive.

2. A woman of low class. One who removes dust and useless things from

the rooms of the over-fastidious and of those who have long nails; she

to be carrying her trade-signs.

3. A person from Pe-ling, endowed with qualities which cause the

beholder to be amused. This character to be especially designed to go

with the short sayings which remove gravity.

4. One who, having incurred the displeasure of the sublime Emperor, has

been decapitated in consequence.

5. An ordinary person of no striking or distinguished appearance. One

who can be safely introduced in all places and circumstances without

great fear of detection.

After many months spent in constant practice and in taking measurements,

this unenviable person attained a very high degree of proficiency, and

could draw any of the five characters without hesitation. With renewed

hope, therefore, he again approached those who sit in easy-chairs, and

concealing his identity (for they are stiff at bending, and when once

a picture-maker is classed as “of no good” he remains so to the end, in

spite of change), he succeeded in getting entrusted with a story by

the elegant and refined Kyen Tal. This writer, as he remembered with

distrust, confines his distinguished efforts entirely to the doings of

sailors and of those connected with the sea, and this tale, indeed, he

found upon reading to be the narrative of how a Hang-Chow junk and its

crew, consisting mostly of aged persons, were beguiled out of their

course by an exceedingly ill-disposed dragon, and wrecked upon an island

of naked barbarians. It was, therefore, with a somewhat heavy stomach

that this person set himself the task of arranging his five characters

as so to illustrate the words of the story.

The sayings of the ancient philosopher Tai Loo are indeed very subtle,

and the truth of his remark, “After being disturbed in one’s dignity by

a mandarin’s foot it is no unusual occurrence to fall flat on the

face in crossing a muddy street,” was now apparent. Great as was the

disadvantage owing to the nature of the five characters, this became as

nothing when it presently appeared that the avaricious and clay-souled

Tieng Lin, taking advantage of the blindness of this person’s

enthusiasm, had taught him the figures so that they all gazed in the

same direction. In consequence of this it would have been impossible

that two should be placed as in the act of conversing together had not

the noble Kyen Tal been inspired to write that “his companions turned

from him in horror.” This incident the ingenious person who is recording

these facts made the subject of three separate drawings, and having

in one or two other places effected skilful changes in the writing, so

similar in style to the strokes of the illustrious Kyen Tal as to

be undetectable, he found little difficulty in making use of all his

characters. The risks of the future, however, were too great to be run

with impunity; therefore it was arranged, by means of money--for this

person was fast becoming acquainted with the ways of Peking--that an

emissary from one who sat in an easy-chair should call upon him for a

conference, the narrative of which appeared in this form in the _Peking

Printed Leaves of Thrice-distilled Truth:_

The brilliant and amiable young picture-maker Kin Yen, in spite of

the immediate and universal success of his accomplished efforts,

is still quite rotund in intellect, nor is he, if we may use a

form of speaking affected by our friends across the Hoang Hai,

“suffering from swollen feet.” A person with no recognized

position, but one who occasionally does inferior work of this

nature for us, recently surprised Kin Yen without warning, and

found him in his sumptuously appointed picture-room, busy with

compasses and tracing-paper. About the place were scattered in

elegant confusion several of his recent masterpieces. From the

subsequent conversation we are in a position to make it known that

in future this refined and versatile person will confine himself

entirely to illustrations of processions, funerals, armies on the

march, persons pursued by others, and kindred subjects which

appeal strongly to his imagination. Kin Yen has severe emotions on

the subject of individuality in art, and does not hesitate to

express himself forcibly with reference to those who are content

to degrade the names of their ancestors by turning out what he

wittily describes as “so much of varied mediocrity.”

The prominence obtained by this pleasantly-composed notice--for it was

copied by others who were unaware of the circumstance of its origin--had

the desired effect. In future, when one of those who sit in easy-chairs

wished for a picture after the kind mentioned, he would say to his

lesser one: “Oh, send to the graceful and versatile Kin Yen; he becomes

inspired on the subject of funerals,” or persons escaping from prison,

or families walking to the temple, or whatever it might be. In that way

this narrow-minded and illiterate person was soon both looked at and

rich, so that it was his daily practice to be carried, in silk garments,

past the houses of those who had known him in poverty, and on these

occasions he would puff out his cheeks and pull his moustaches, looking

fiercely from side to side.

True are the words written in the elegant and distinguished Book of

Verses: “Beware lest when being kissed by the all-seeing Emperor, you

step upon the elusive banana-peel.” It was at the height of eminence in

this altogether degraded person’s career that he encountered the being

who led him on to his present altogether too lamentable condition.

Tien Nung is the earthly name by which is known she who combines all the

most illustrious attributes which have been possessed of women since the

days of the divine Fou-Hy. Her father is a person of very gross habits,

and lives by selling inferior merchandise covered with some of good

quality. Upon past occasions, when under the direct influence of Tien,

and in the hope of gaining some money benefit, this person may have

spoken of him in terms of praise, and may even have recommended friends

to entrust articles of value to him, or to procure goods on his advice.

Now, however, he records it as his unalterable decision that the father

of Tien Nung is by profession a person who obtains goods by stratagem,

and that, moreover, it is impossible to gain an advantage over him on

matters of exchange.

The events that have happened prove the deep wisdom of Li Pen when

he exclaimed “The whitest of pigeons, no matter how excellent in the

silk-hung chamber, is not to be followed on the field of battle.” Tien

herself was all that the most exacting of persons could demand, but

her opinions on the subject of picture-making were not formed by heavy

thought, and it would have been well if this had been borne in mind by

this person. One morning he chanced to meet her while carrying open in

his hands four sets of printed leaves containing his pictures.

“I have observed,” said Tien, after the usual personal inquiries had

been exchanged, “that the renowned Kin Yen, who is the object of the

keenest envy among his brother picture-makers, so little regards the

sacredness of his accomplished art that never by any chance does he

depict persons of the very highest excellence. Let not the words of an

impetuous maiden disarrange his digestive organs if they should seem

too bold to the high-souled Kin Yen, but this matter has, since she has

known him, troubled the eyelids of Tien. Here,” she continued, taking

from this person’s hand one of the printed leaves which he was carrying,

“in this illustration of persons returning from extinguishing a fire,

is there one who appears to possess those qualities which appeal to

all that is intellectual and competitive within one? Can it be that the

immaculate Kin Yen is unacquainted with the subtle distinction between

the really select and the vastly ordinary? Ah, undiscriminating Kin Yen!

are not the eyelashes of the person who is addressing you as threads

of fine gold to junk’s cables when compared with those of the extremely

commonplace female who is here pictured in the art of carrying a bucket?

Can the most refined lack of vanity hide from you the fact that your own

person is infinitely rounder than this of the evilly-intentioned-looking

individual with the opium pipe? O blind Kin Yen!”

Here she fled in honourable confusion, leaving this person standing in

the street, astounded, and a prey to the most distinguished emotions of

a complicated nature.

“Oh, Tien,” he cried at length, “inspired by those bright eyes, narrower

than the most select of the three thousand and one possessed by the

sublime Buddha, the almost fallen Kin Yen will yet prove himself worthy

of your esteemed consideration. He will, without delay, learn to draw

two new living persons, and will incorporate in them the likenesses

which you have suggested.”

Returning swiftly to his abode, he therefore inscribed and despatched

this letter, in proof of his resolve:

“To the Heaven-sent human chrysanthemum, in whose body reside the

Celestial Principles and the imprisoned colours of the rainbow.

“From the very offensive and self-opinionated picture-maker.

“Henceforth this person will take no rest, nor eat any but the commonest

food, until he shall have carried out the wishes of his one Jade Star,

she whose teeth he is not worthy to blacken.

“When Kin Yen has been entrusted with a story which contains a being in

some degree reflecting the character of Tien, he will embellish it with

her irreproachable profile and come to hear her words. Till then he bids

her farewell.”

From that moment most of this person’s time was necessarily spent in

learning to draw the two new characters, and in consequence of this he

lost much work, and, indeed, the greater part of the connexion which

he had been at such pains to form gradually slipped away from him. Many

months passed before he was competent to reproduce persons resembling

Tien and himself, for in this he was unassisted by Tieng Lin, and his

progress was slow.

At length, being satisfied, he called upon the least fierce of those

who sit in easy-chairs, and requested that he might be entrusted with a

story for picture-making.

“We should have been covered with honourable joy to set in operation

the brush of the inspired Kin Yen,” replied the other with agreeable

condescension; “only at the moment, it does not chance that we have

before us any stories in which funerals, or beggars being driven from

the city, form the chief incidents. Perhaps if the polished Kin Yen

should happen to be passing this ill-constructed office in about six

months’ time--”

“The brush of Kin Yen will never again depict funerals, or labourers

arranging themselves to receive pay or similar subjects,” exclaimed this

person impetuously, “for, as it is well said, ‘The lightning discovers

objects which the paper-lantern fails to reveal.’ In future none

but tales dealing with the most distinguished persons shall have his

attention.”

“If this be the true word of the dignified Kin Yen, it is possible that

we may be able to animate his inspired faculties,” was the response.

“But in that case, as a new style must be in the nature of an

experiment, and as our public has come to regard Kin Yen as the

great exponent of Art Facing in One Direction, we cannot continue the

exceedingly liberal payment with which we have been accustomed to reward

his elegant exertions.”

“Provided the story be suitable, that is a matter of less importance,”

replied this person.

“The story,” said the one in the easy-chair, “is by the refined

Tong-king, and it treats of the high-minded and conscientious doubts

of one who would become a priest of Fo. When preparing for this

distinguished office he discovers within himself leanings towards

the religion of Lao-Tse. His illustrious scruples are enhanced by his

affection for Wu Ping, who now appears in the story.”

“And the ending?” inquired this person, for it was desirable that the

two should marry happily.

“The inimitable stories of Tong-king never have any real ending, and

this one, being in his most elevated style, has even less end than

most of them. But the whole narrative is permeated with the odour of

joss-sticks and honourable high-mindedness, and the two characters are

both of noble birth.”

As it might be some time before another story so suitable should be

offered, or one which would afford so good an opportunity of wafting

incense to Tien, and of displaying her incomparable outline in dignified

and magnanimous attitudes, this was eagerly accepted, and for the next

week this obscure person spent all his days and nights in picturing the

lovely Tien and his debased self in the characters of the nobly-born

young priest of Fo and Wu Ping. The pictures finished, he caused them to

be carefully conveyed to the office, and then, sitting down, spent

many hours in composing the following letter, to be sent to Tien,

accompanying a copy of the printed leaves wherein the story and his

drawing should appear:

“When the light has for a period been hidden from a person, it is

no uncommon thing for him to be struck blind on gazing at the sun;

therefore, if the sublime Tien values the eyes of Kin Yen, let her hide

herself behind a gauze screen on his approach.

“The trembling words of Tien have sunk deep into the inside of Kin Yen

and become part of his being. Never again can he depict persons of the

quality and in the position he was wont to do.

“With this he sends his latest efforts. In each case he conceives his

drawings to be the pictures of the written words; in the noble Tien’s

case it is undoubtedly so, in his own he aspires to it. Doubtless the

unobtrusive Tien would make no claim to the character and manner of

behaving of the one in the story, yet Kin Yen confidently asserts that

she is to the other as the glove is to the hand, and he is filled with

the most intelligent delight at being able to exhibit her in her true

robes, by which she will be known to all who see her, in spite of her

dignified protests. Kin Yen hopes; he will come this evening after

sunset.”

The week which passed between the finishing of the pictures and the

appearance of the eminent printed leaves containing them was the longest

in this near-sighted person’s ill-spent life. But at length the day

arrived, and going with exceedingly mean haste to the place of sale, he

purchased a copy and sent it, together with the letter of his honourable

intention, on which he had bestowed so much care, to Tien.

Not till then did it occur to this inconsiderable one that the

impetuousness of his action was ill-judged; for might it not be that the

pictures were evilly-printed, or that the delicate and fragrant words

painting the character of the one who now bore the features of Tien had

undergone some change?

To satisfy himself, scarce as taels had become with him, he purchased

another copy.

There are many exalted sayings of the wise and venerable Confucious

constructed so as to be of service and consolation in moments of strong

mental distress. These for the greater part recommend tranquillity

of mind, a complete abnegation of the human passions and the

like behaviour. The person who is here endeavouring to bring this

badly-constructed account of his dishonourable career to a close

pondered these for some moments after twice glancing through the matter

in the printed leaves, and then, finding the faculties of speech and

movement restored to him, procured a two-edged knife of distinguished

brilliance and went forth to call upon the one who sits in an

easy-chair.

“Behold,” said the lesser one, insidiously stepping in between this

person an the inner door, “my intellectual and all-knowing chief is not

here to-day. May his entirely insufficient substitute offer words of

congratulation to the inspired Kin Yen on his effective and striking

pictures in this week’s issue?”

“His altogether insufficient substitute,” answered this person, with

difficulty mastering his great rage, “may and shall offer words of

explanation to the inspired Kin Yen, setting forth the reason of his

pictures being used, not with the high-minded story of the elegant

Tong-king for which they were executed, but accompanying exceedingly

base, foolish, and ungrammatical words written by Klan-hi, the Peking

remover of gravity--words which will evermore brand the dew-like Tien

as a person of light speech and no refinement”; and in his agony this

person struck the lacquered table several times with his elegant knife.

“O Kin Yen,” exclaimed the lesser one, “this matter rests not here. It

is a thing beyond the sphere of the individual who is addressing you.

All he can tell is that the graceful Tong-king withdrew his exceedingly

tedious story for some reason at the final moment, and as your eminent

drawings had been paid for, my chief of the inner office decided to use

them with this story of Klan-hi. But surely it cannot be that there is

aught in the story to displease your illustrious personality?”

“Judge for yourself,” this person said, “first understanding that the

two immaculate characters figuring as the personages of the narrative

are exact copies of this dishonoured person himself and of the willowy

Tien, daughter of the vastly rich Pe-li-Chen, whom he was hopeful of

marrying.”

Selecting one of the least offensive of the passages in the work, this

unhappy person read the following immature and inelegant words:

“This well-satisfied writer of printed leaves had a highly-distinguished

time last night. After Chow had departed to see about food, and the junk

had been fastened up at the lock of Kilung, on the Yang-tse-Kiang, he

and the round-bodied Shang were journeying along the narrow path by the

river-side when the right leg of the graceful and popular person who

is narrating these events disappeared into the river. Suffering no

apprehension in the dark, but that the vanishing limb was the left leg

of Shang, this intelligent writer allowed his impassiveness to melt away

to an exaggerated degree; but at that moment the circumstance became

plain to the round-bodied Shang, who was in consequence very grossly

amused at the mishap and misapprehension of your good lord, the writer,

at the same time pointing out the matter as it really was. Then it

chanced that there came by one of the maidens who carry tea and jest for

small sums of money to the sitters at the little tables with round white

tops, at which this remarkable person, the confidant of many mandarins,

ever desirous of displaying his priceless power of removing gravity,

said to her:

“‘How much of gladness, Ning-Ning? By the Sacred Serpent this is plainly

your night out.’

“Perceiving the true facts of the predicament of this commendable

writer, she replied:

“‘Suffer not your illustrious pigtail to be removed, venerable Wang; for

in this maiden’s estimation it is indeed your night in.’

“There are times when this valued person wonders whether his method

of removing gravity be in reality very antique or quite new. On such

occasions the world, with all its schools, and those who interfere in

the concerns of others, continues to revolve around him. The wondrous

sky-lanterns come out silently two by two like to the crystallized music

of stringed woods. Then, in the mystery of no-noise, his head becomes

greatly enlarged with celestial and highly-profound thoughts; his

groping hand seems to touch matter which may be written out in his

impressive style and sold to those who print leaves, and he goes home to

write out such.”

When this person looked up after reading, with tears of shame in his

eyes, he perceived that the lesser one had cautiously disappeared.

Therefore, being unable to gain admittance to the inner office, he

returned to his home.

Here the remark of the omniscient Tai Loo again fixes itself upon the

attention. No sooner had this incapable person reached his house than he

became aware that a parcel had arrived for him from the still adorable

Tien. Retiring to a distance from it, he opened the accompanying letter

and read:

“When a virtuous maiden has been made the victim of a heartless jest or

a piece of coarse stupidity at a person’s hands, it is no uncommon thing

for him to be struck blind on meeting her father. Therefore, if the

degraded and evil-minded Kin Yen values his eyes, ears, nose, pigtail,

even his dishonourable breath, let him hide himself behind a fortified

wall at Pe-li-Chen’s approach.

“With this Tien returns everything she has ever accepted from Kin Yen.

She even includes the brace of puppies which she received anonymously

about a month ago, and which she did not eat, but kept for reasons of

her own--reasons entirely unconnected with the vapid and exceedingly

conceited Kin Yen.”

As though this letter, and the puppies of which this person now heard

for the first time, making him aware of the existence of a rival lover,

were not enough, there almost immediately arrived a letter from Tien’s

father:

“This person has taken the advice of those skilled in extorting money by

means of law forms, and he finds that Kin Yen has been guilty of a grave

and highly expensive act. This is increased by the fact that Tien had

conveyed his seemingly distinguished intentions to all her friends,

before whom she now stands in an exceedingly ungraceful attitude. The

machinery for depriving Kin Yen of all the necessaries of existence

shall be put into operation at once.”

At this point, the person who is now concluding his obscure and

commonplace history, having spent his last piece of money on joss-sticks

and incense-paper, and being convinced of the presence of the spirits of

his ancestors, is inspired to make the following prophecies: That Tieng

Lin, who imposed upon him in the matter of picture-making, shall come

to a sudden end, accompanied by great internal pains, after suffering

extreme poverty; that the one who sits in an easy-chair, together with

his lesser one and all who make stories for them, shall, while sailing

to a rice feast during the Festival of Flowers, be precipitated into the

water and slowly devoured by sea monsters, Klan-hi in particular being

tortured in the process; that Pel-li-Chen, the father of Tien, shall

be seized with the dancing sickness when in the presence of the august

Emperor, and being in consequence suspected of treachery, shall, to

prove the truth of his denials, be submitted to the tests of boiling

tar, red-hot swords, and of being dropped from a great height on to the

Sacred Stone of Goodness and Badness, in each of which he shall fail to

convince his judges or to establish his innocence, to the amusement of

all beholders.

These are the true words of Kin Yen, the picture-maker, who, having

unweighed his mind and exposed the avaricious villainy of certain

persons, is now retiring by night to a very select and hidden spot in

the Khingan Mountains.