"’Don’ttemptme！’Isays。’Iwillnothaveanydealingswithawoman，nottillweareadam’sidemoresettledthanwearenow。I’vebeendoingtheworko’twomen，andyou’vebeendoingtheworkofthree。Let’slieoffabit，andseeifwecangetsomebettertobaccofromAfghancountryandruninsomegoodliquor;andnowomen。’

"’Who’stalkingo’/women/？’saysDravot。’Isaid/wife/——aQueentobreedaKing’ssonfortheKing。AQueenoutofthestrongesttribe，that’llmakethemyourblood-brothers，andthat’llliebyyoursideandtellyouallthepeoplethinksaboutyouandtheirownaffairs。

That’swhatIwant。’

"’DoyourememberthatBengaliwomanIkeptatMogulSeraiwhenIwasaplate-layer？’saysI。’Afatloto’goodshewastome。Shetaughtmethelingoandoneortwootherthings;butwhathappened？SheranawaywiththeStation-master’sservantandhalfmymonth’spay。ThensheturnedupatDadurJunctionintowofahalf-caste，andhadtheimpidencetosayIwasherhusband——allamongthedriversintherunning-shedtoo！’

"’We’vedonewiththat，’saysDravot;’thesewomenarewhiterthanyouorme，andaQueenIwillhaveforthewintermonths。’

"’Forthelasttimeo’asking，Dan，do/not/，’Isays。’It’llonlybringusharm。TheBiblesaysthatKingsain’ttowastetheirstrengthonwomen，’speciallywhenthey’vegotanewrawKingdomtoworkover。’

"’Forthelasttimeofanswering，Iwill，’saidDravot，andhewentawaythroughthepine-treeslookinglikeabigreddevil，thesunbeingonhiscrownandbeardandall。

"ButgettingawifewasnotaseasyasDanthought。HeputitbeforetheCouncil，andtherewasnoanswertillBillyFishsaidthathe’dbetteraskthegirls。Dravotdamnedthemallround。’What’swrongwithme？’heshouts，standingbytheidolImbra。’AmIadog，oramInotenoughofamanforyourwenches？Haven’tIputtheshadowofmyhandoverthiscountry？WhostoppedthelastAfghanraid？’Itwasmereally，butDravotwastooangrytoremember。’Whoboughtyourguns？

Whorepairedthebridges？Who’stheGrandMasterofthesigncutinthestone？’sayshe，andhethumpedhishandontheblockthatheusedtositoninLodge，andatCouncil，whichopenedlikeLodgealways。

BillyFishsaidnothing，andnomoredidtheothers。’Keepyourhairon，Dan，’saidI，’andaskthegirls。That’showit’sdoneatHome，andthesepeoplearequiteEnglish。’

"’ThemarriageoftheKingisamatterofState，’saysDan，inawhite-hotrage，forhecouldfeel，Ihope，thathewasgoingagainsthisbettermind。HewalkedoutoftheCouncil-room，andtheotherssatstill，lookingattheground。

"’BillyFish，’saysItotheChiefofBashkai，’what’sthedifficultyhere？Astraightanswertoatruefriend。’

"’Youknow，’saysBillyFish。’Howshouldamantellyouwhoknowseverything？HowcandaughtersofmenmarryGodsorDevils？It’snotproper。’

"IrememberedsomethinglikethatintheBible;but，ifafterseeingusaslongastheyhad，theystillbelievedwewereGods，itwasn’tformetoundeceivethem。

"’AGodcandoanything，’saysI。’IftheKingisfondofagirlhe’llnotletherdie。’’She’llhaveto，’saidBillyFish。’ThereareallsortsofGodsandDevilsinthesemountains，andnowandagainagirlmarriesoneofthemandisn’tseenanymore。Besides，youtwoknowtheMarkcutinthestone。OnlytheGodsknowthat。WethoughtyouwerementillyoushowedthesignoftheMaster。’

"IwishedthenthatwehadexplainedaboutthelossofthegenuinesecretsofaMasterMasonatthefirstgo-off;butIsaidnothing。Allthatnighttherewasablowingofhornsinalittledarktemplehalf-

waydownthehill，andIheardthegirlcryingfittodie。OneoftheprieststoldusthatshewasbeingpreparedtomarrytheKing。

"’I’llhavenononsenseofthatkind，’saysDan。’Idon’twanttointerferewithyourcustoms，butI’lltakemyownwife。’’Thegirl’salittlebitafraid，’saysthepriest。’Shethinksshe’sgoingtodie，andtheyarea-hearteningofherupdowninthetemple。’

"’Heartenherverytender，then，’saysDravot，’orI’llheartenyouwiththebuttofagunsoyou’llneverwanttobeheartenedagain。’Helickedhislips，didDan，andstayedupwalkingaboutmorethanhalfthenight，thinkingofthewifethathewasgoingtogetinthemorning。Iwasn’tanymeanscomfortable，forIknewthatdealingswithawomaninforeignparts，thoughyouwasacrownedKingtwentytimesover，couldnotbutberisky。IgotupveryearlyinthemorningwhileDravotwasasleep，andIsawtheprieststalkingtogetherinwhispers，andtheChiefstalkingtogethertoo，andtheylookedatmeoutofthecornersoftheireyes。

"’Whatisup，Fish？’IsaytotheBashkaiman，whowaswrappedupinhisfursandlookingsplendidtobehold。

"’Ican’trightlysay，’sayshe;’butifyoucanmaketheKingdropallthisnonsenseaboutmarriage，you’llbedoinghimandmeandyourselfagreatservice。’

"’ThatIdobelieve，’saysI。’Butsure，youknow，Billy，aswellasme，havingfoughtagainstandforus，thattheKingandmearenothingmorethantwoofthefinestmenthatGodAlmightyevermade。Nothingmore，Idoassureyou。’

"’Thatmaybe，’saysBillyFish，’andyetIshouldbesorryifitwas。’Hesinkshisheaduponhisgreatfurcloakforaminuteandthinks。’King，’sayshe，’beyoumanorGodorDevil，I’llstickbyyouto-day。Ihavetwentyofmymenwithme，andtheywillfollowme。

We’llgotoBashkaiuntilthestormblowsover。’

"Alittlesnowhadfalleninthenight，andeverythingwaswhiteexceptthegreasyfatcloudsthatblewdownanddownfromthenorth。

Dravotcameoutwithhiscrownonhishead，swinginghisarmsandstampinghisfeet，andlookingmorepleasedthanPunch。

"’Forthelasttime，dropit，Dan，’saysI，inawhisper;’BillyFishheresaysthattherewillbearow。’

"’Arowamongmypeople！’saysDravot。’Notmuch。Peachey，you’reafoolnottogetawifetoo。Where’sthegirl？’sayshe，withavoiceasloudasthebrayingofajackass。’CallupalltheChiefsandpriests，andlettheEmperorseeifhiswifesuitshim。’

"Therewasnoneedtocallanyone。Theywereallthereleaningontheirgunsandspearsroundtheclearinginthecentreofthepinewood。Alotofpriestswentdowntothelittletempletobringupthegirl，andthehornsblewfittowakethedead。BillyFishsauntersroundandgetsasclosetoDanielashecould，andbehindhimstoodhistwentymenwithmatchlocks——notamanofthemundersixfeet。I

wasnexttoDravot，andbehindmewastwentymenoftheregularArmy。

Upcomesthegirl，andastrappingwenchshewas，coveredwithsilverandturquoises，butwhiteasdeath，andlookingbackeveryminuteatthepriests。

"’She’lldo，’saidDan，lookingherover。’What’stobeafraidof，lass？Comeandkissme。’Heputshisarmroundher。Sheshutshereyes，givesabitofasqueak，anddowngoesherfaceinthesideofDan’sflaming-redbeard。

"’Theslut’sbittenme！’sayshe，clappinghishandtohisneck，and，sureenough，hishandwasredwithblood。BillyFishandtwoofhismatchlockmencatchesholdofDanbytheshouldersanddragshimintotheBashkailot，whilethepriestshowlsintheirlingo，’NeitherGodnorDevil，butaman！’Iwasalltakenaback，forapriestcutatmeinfront，andtheArmybehindbeganfiringintotheBashkaimen。

"’GodA’mighty！’saysDan，’whatisthemeaningo’this？’

"’Comeback！Comeaway！’saysBillyFish。’RuinandMutinyisthematter。We’llbreakforBashkaiifwecan。’

"Itriedtogivesomesortoforderstomymen，——themeno’theregularArmy，——butitwasnouse，soIfiredintothebrownof’emwithanEnglishMartinianddrilledthreebeggarsinaline。Thevalleywasfullofshouting，howlingcreatures，andeverysoulwasshrieking，’NotaGodnoraDevil，butonlyaman！’TheBashkaitroopsstucktoBillyFishalltheywereworth，buttheirmatchlockswasn’thalfasgoodastheKabulbreech-loaders，andfourofthemdropped。

Danwasbellowinglikeabull，forhewasverywrathy;andBillyFishhadahardjobtopreventhimrunningoutatthecrowd。

"’Wecan’tstand，’saysBillyFish。’Makearunforitdownthevalley！Thewholeplaceisagainstus。’Thematchlock-menran，andwewentdownthevalleyinspiteofDravot。HewasswearinghorribleandcryingoutthathewasaKing。Thepriestsrolledgreatstonesonus，andtheregularArmyfiredhard，andtherewasn’tmorethansixmen，notcountingDan，BillyFish，andMe，thatcamedowntothebottomofthevalleyalive。

"Thentheystoppedfiring，andthehornsinthetempleblewagain。

’Comeaway——forGord’ssakecomeaway！’saysBillyFish。’They’llsendrunnersouttoallthevillagesbeforeeverwegettoBashkai。Icanprotectyouthere，butIcan’tdoanythingnow。"

"MyownnotionisthatDanbegantogomadinhisheadfromthathour。

Hestaredupanddownlikeastuckpig。Thenhewasallforwalkingbackaloneandkillingthepriestswithhisbarehands;whichhecouldhavedone。’AnEmperoramI，’saysDaniel，’andnextyearIshallbeaKnightoftheQueen。’

"’Allright，Dan，’saysI;’butcomealongnowwhilethere’stime。’

"’It’syourfault，’sayshe，’fornotlookingafteryourArmybetter。

Therewasmutinyinthemidst，andyoudidn’tknow——youdamnedengine-

driving，plate-laying，missionary’s-pass-huntinghound！’Hesatuponarockandcalledmeeveryfoulnamehecouldlaytongueto。Iwastooheart-sicktocare，thoughitwasallhisfoolishnessthatbroughtthesmash。

"’I’msorry，Dan，’saysI，’butthere’snoaccountingfornatives。

ThisbusinessisourFifty-seven。Maybewe’llmakesomethingoutofityet，whenwe’vegottoBashkai。’

"’Let’sgettoBashkai，then，’saysDan，’and，byGod，whenIcomebackhereagainI’llsweepthevalleysothereisn’tabuginablanketleft！’

"Wewalkedallthatday，andallthatnightDanwasstumpingupanddownonthesnow，chewinghisbeardandmutteringtohimself。

"’There’snohopeo’gettingclear，’saidBillyFish。’Thepriestshavesentrunnerstothevillagestosaythatyouareonlymen。Whydidn’tyoustickonasGodstillthingswasmoresettled？I’madeadman，’saysBillyFish，andhethrowshimselfdownonthesnowandbeginstopraytohisGods。

"Nextmorningwewasinacruelbadcountry——allupanddown，nolevelgroundatall，andnofood，either。ThesixBashkaimenlookedatBillyFishhungry-wayasiftheywantedtoasksomething，buttheyneversaidaword。Atnoonwecametothetopofaflatmountainallcoveredwithsnow，andwhenweclimbedupintoit，behold，therewasanArmyinpositionwaitinginthemiddle！

"’Therunnershavebeenveryquick，’saysBillyFish，withalittlebitofalaugh。’Theyarewaitingforus。’

"Threeorfourmenbegantofirefromtheenemy’sside，andachanceshottookDanielinthecalfoftheleg。Thatbroughthimtohissenses。HelooksacrossthesnowattheArmy，andseestheriflesthatwehadbroughtintothecountry。

"’We’redonefor，’sayshe。’TheyareEnglishmen，thesepeople，——andit’smyblastednonsensethathasbroughtyoutothis。Getback，BillyFish，andtakeyourmenaway;you’vedonewhatyoucould，andnowcutforit。Carnehan，’sayshe，’shakehandswithmeandgoalongwithBilly，Maybetheywon’tkillyou。I’llgoandmeet’emalone。It’smethatdidit！Me，theKing！’

"’Go！’saysI。’GotoHell，Dan！I’mwithyouhere。BillyFish，youclearout，andwetwowillmeetthosefolk。’

"’I’maChief，’saysBillyFish，quitequiet。’Istaywithyou。Mymencango。’

"TheBashkaifellowsdidn’twaitforasecondword，butranoff，andDanandMeandBillyFishwalkedacrosstowherethedrumsweredrummingandthehornswerehorning。Itwascold——awfulcold。I’vegotthatcoldinthebackofmyheadnow。There’salumpofitthere。"

Thepunka-coolieshadgonetosleep。Twokerosenelampswereblazingintheoffice，andtheperspirationpoureddownmyfaceandsplashedontheblotterasIleanedforward。Carnehanwasshivering，andI

fearedthathismindmightgo。Iwipedmyface，tookafreshgripofthepiteouslymangledhands，andsaid，"Whathappenedafterthat？"

Themomentaryshiftofmyeyeshadbrokentheclearcurrent。

"Whatwasyoupleasedtosay？"whinedCarnehan。"Theytookthemwithoutanysound。Notalittlewhisperallalongthesnow，notthoughtheKingknockeddownthefirstmanthatsethandonhim——notthougholdPeacheyfiredhislastcartridgeintothebrownof’em。Notasinglesolitarysounddidthoseswinesmake。Theyjustcloseduptight，andItellyoutheirfursstunk。TherewasamancalledBillyFish，agoodfriendofusall，andtheycuthisthroat，Sir，thenandthere，likeapig;andtheKingkicksupthebloodysnowandsays，’We’vehadadashedfinerunforourmoney。What’scomingnext？’ButPeachey，PeacheyTaliaferro，Itellyou，Sir，inconfidenceasbetwixttwofriends，helosthishead，Sir。No，hedidn’t，neither。TheKinglosthishead，sohedid，allalongo’oneofthosecunningropebridges。Kindlyletmehavethepaper-cutter，Sir。Ittiltedthisway。

Theymarchedhimamileacrossthatsnowtoaropebridgeoveraravinewithariveratthebottom。Youmayhaveseensuch。Theyproddedhimbehindlikeanox。’Damnyoureyes！’saystheKing。’D’

yousupposeIcan’tdielikeagentleman？’HeturnstoPeachey——

Peacheythatwascryinglikeachild。’I’vebroughtyoutothis，Peachey，’sayshe。’BroughtyououtofyourhappylifetobekilledinKafiristan，whereyouwaslateCommander-in-ChiefoftheEmperor’sforces。Sayyouforgiveme，Peachey。’’Ido，’saysPeachey。’FullyandfreelydoIforgiveyou，Dan。’’Shakehands，Peachey，’sayshe。’I’mgoingnow。’Outhegoes，lookingneitherrightnorleft，andwhenhewasplumbinthemiddleofthosedizzydancingropes，’Cutyoubeggars，’heshouts;andtheycut，andoldDanfell，turningroundandroundandround，twentythousandmiles，forhetookhalfanhourtofalltillhestruckthewater，andIcouldseehisbodycaughtonarockwiththegoldcrownclosebeside。

"ButdoyouknowwhattheydidtoPeacheybetweentwopine-trees？Theycrucifiedhim，Sir，asPeachey’shandwillshow。Theyusedwoodenpegsforhishandsandfeet;buthedidn’tdie。Hehungthereandscreamed，andtheytookhimdownnextday，andsaiditwasamiraclethathewasn’tdead。Theytookhimdown——pooroldPeacheythathadn’tdonethemanyharm——thathadn’tdonethemany——"

Herockedtoandfroandweptbitterly，wipinghiseyeswiththebackofhisscarredhandsandmoaninglikeachildforsometenminutes。

"Theywascruelenoughtofeedhimupinthetemple，becausetheysaidhewasmoreofaGodthanoldDanielthatwasaman。Thentheyturnedhimoutonthesnow，andtoldhimtogohome，andPeacheycamehomeinaboutayear，beggingalongtheroadsquitesafe;forDanielDravothewalkedbeforeandsaid，’Comealong，Peachey。It’sabigthingwe’redoing。’Themountainstheydancedatnight，andthemountainstheytriedtofallonPeachey’shead，butDanhehelduphishand，andPeacheycamealongbentdouble。HeneverletgoofDan’shand，andheneverletgoofDan’shead。Theygaveittohimasapresentinthetemple，toremindhimnottocomeagain;andthoughthecrownwaspuregoldandPeacheywasstarving，neverwouldPeacheysellthesame。YouknowDravot，Sir！YouknewRightWorshipfulBrotherDravot！Lookathimnow！"

Hefumbledinthemassofragsroundhisbentwaist;broughtoutablackhorsehairbagembroideredwithsilverthread;andshooktherefromontomytable——thedried，witheredheadofDanielDravot！

Themorningsun，thathadlongbeenpalingthelamps，strucktheredbeardandblindsunkeneyes;struck，too，aheavycircletofgoldstuddedwithrawturquoises，thatCarnehanplacedtenderlyonthebatteredtemples。

"Yoube’oldnow，"saidCarnehan，"theEmperorinhis’abitashelived——theKingofKafiristanwithhiscrownuponhishead。PooroldDanielthatwasamonarchonce！"

Ishuddered，for，inspiteofdefacementsmanifold，IrecognisedtheheadofthemanofMarwarJunction。Carnehanrosetogo。Iattemptedtostophim。Hewasnotfittowalkabroad。"Letmetakeawaythewhisky，andgivemealittlemoney，"hegasped。"IwasaKingonce。

I’llgototheDeputyCommissionerandasktosetinthePoorhousetillIgetmyhealth。No，thankyou，Ican’twaittillyougetacarriageforme。I’veurgentprivateaffairs——inthesouth——atMarwar。"

HeshambledoutoftheofficeanddepartedinthedirectionoftheDeputyCommissioner’shouse。ThatdayatnoonIhadoccasiontogodowntheblinding-hotMall，andIsawacrookedmancrawlingalongthewhitedustoftheroadside，hishatinhishand，quaveringdolorouslyafterthefashionofstreet-singersatHome。Therewasnotasoulinsight，andhewasoutofallpossibleearshotofthehouses。Andhesangthroughhisnose，turninghisheadfromrighttoleft：

"TheSonofMangoesforthtowar，Agoldencrowntogain;

Hisblood-redbannerstreamsafar——

WhofollowsinHistrain？"

Iwaitedtohearnomore，butputthepoorwretchintomycarriageanddrovehimofftothenearestmissionaryforeventualtransfertotheAsylum。Herepeatedthehymntwicewhilehewaswithme，whomhedidnotintheleastrecognise，andIlefthimsingingittothemissionary。

TwodayslaterIinquiredafterhiswelfareoftheSuperintendentoftheAsylum。

"Hewasadmittedsufferingfromsunstroke。Hediedearlyyesterdaymorning，"saidtheSuperintendent。"Isittruethathewashalfanhourbareheadedinthesunatmidday？"

"Yes，"saidI;"butdoyouhappentoknowifhehadanythinguponhimbyanychancewhenhedied？"

"Nottomyknowledge，"saidtheSuperintendent。

Andtherethematterrests。

TAJIMA

BY

MISSMITFORD

Onceuponatime，acertainronin，TajimaShumebyname，anableandwell-readman，beingonhistravelstoseetheworld，wentuptoKiyotobytheTokaido。[TheroadoftheEasternSea，thefamoushighroadleadingfromKiyototoYedo。Thenameisalsousedtoindicatetheprovincesthroughwhichitruns。]Oneday，intheneighbourhoodofNagoya，intheprovinceofOwari，hefellinwithawanderingpriest，withwhomheenteredintoconversation。Findingthattheywereboundforthesameplace，theyagreedtotraveltogether，beguilingtheirwearywaybypleasanttalkondiversmatters;andsobydegrees，astheybecamemoreintimate，theybegantospeakwithoutrestraintabouttheirprivateaffairs;andthepriest，trustingthoroughlyinthehonourofhiscompanion，toldhimtheobjectofhisjourney。

"Forsometimepast，"saidhe，"Ihavenourishedawishthathasengrossedallmythoughts;forIambentonsettingupamoltenimageinhonourofBuddha;withthisobjectIhavewanderedthroughvariousprovincescollectingalms，and（whoknowsbywhatwearytoil？）wehavesucceededinamassingtwohundredouncesofsilver——enough，Itrust，toerectahandsomebronzefigure。"

Whatsaystheproverb？"Hewhobearsajewelinhisbosombearspoison。"Hardlyhadtheroninheardthesewordsofthepriestthananevilheartarosewithinhim，andhethoughttohimself，"Man’slife，fromthewombtothegrave，ismadeupofgoodandofillluck。HereamI，nearlyfortyyearsold，awanderer，withoutacalling，orevenahopeofadvancementintheworld。Tobesure，itseemsashame;yetifIcouldstealthemoneythispriestisboastingabout，Icouldliveateasefortherestofmydays;"andsohebegancastingabouthowbesthemightcompasshispurpose。Butthepriest，farfromguessingthedriftofhiscomrade’sthoughts，journeyedcheerfullyontilltheyreachedthetownofKuana。Herethereisanarmofthesea，whichiscrossedinferry-boats，thatstartassoonassometwentyorthirtypassengersaregatheredtogether;andinoneoftheseboatsthetwotravellersembarked。Abouthalf-wayacross，thepriestwastakenwithasuddennecessitytogotothesideoftheboat;andtheronin，followinghim，trippedhimupwhilenoonewaslooking，andflunghimintothesea。Whentheboatmenandpassengersheardthesplash，andsawtheprieststrugglinginthewater，theywereafraid，andmadeeveryefforttosavehim;butthewindwasfair，andtheboatrunningswiftlyunderthebellyingsails;sotheyweresoonafewhundredyardsofffromthedrowningman，whosankbeforetheboatcouldbeturnedtorescuehim。

Whenhesawthis，theroninfeignedtheutmostgriefanddismay，andsaidtohisfellow-passengers，"Thispriest，whomwehavejustlost，wasmycousin;hewasgoingtoKiyoto，tovisittheshrineofhispatron;andasIhappenedtohavebusinessthereaswell，wesettledtotraveltogether。Now，alas！bythismisfortune，mycousinisdead，andIamleftalone。"

Hespokesofeelingly，andweptsofreely，thatthepassengersbelievedhisstory，andpitiedandtriedtocomforthim。Thentheroninsaidtotheboatmen：

"Weought，byrights，toreportthismattertotheauthorities;butasIampressedfortime，andthebusinessmightbringtroubleonyourselvesaswell，perhapswehadbetterhushitupforthepresent;

IwillatoncegoontoKiyotoandtellmycousin’spatron，besideswritinghomeaboutit。Whatthinkyou，gentlemen？"addedhe，turningtotheothertravellers。

They，ofcourse，wereonlytoogladtoavoidanyhindrancetotheironwardjourney，andallwithonevoiceagreedtowhattheroninhadproposed;andsothematterwassettled。When，atlength，theyreachedtheshore，theylefttheboat，andeverymanwenthisway;buttheronin，overjoyedinhisheart，tookthewanderingpriest’sluggage，and，puttingitwithhisown，pursuedhisjourneytoKiyoto。

Onreachingthecapital，theroninchangedhisnamefromShumetoTokubei，and，givinguphispositionasasamurai，turnedmerchant，andtradedwiththedeadman’smoney。Fortunefavouringhisspeculations，hebegantoamassgreatwealth，andlivedathisease，denyinghimselfnothing;andincourseoftimehemarriedawife，whoborehimachild。

Thusthedaysandmonthsworeon，tillonefinesummer’snight，somethreeyearsafterthepriest’sdeath，Tokubeisteppedoutontheverandaofhishousetoenjoythecoolairandthebeautyofthemoonlight。Feelingdullandlonely，hebeganmusingoverallkindsofthings，whenonasuddenthedeedofmurderandtheft，donesolongago，vividlyrecurredtohismemory，andhethoughttohimself，"HereamI，grownrichandfatonthemoneyIwantonlystole。Sincethen，allhasgonewellwithme;yet，hadInotbeenpoor，Ihadneverturnedassassinnorthief。Woebetideme！whatapityitwas！"andashewasrevolvingthematterinhismind，afeelingofremorsecameoverhim，inspiteofallhecoulddo。Whilehisconsciencethussmotehim，hesuddenly，tohisutteramazement，beheldthefaintoutlineofamanstandingnearafir-treeinthegarden;onlookingmoreattentively，heperceivedthattheman’swholebodywasthinandworn，andtheeyessunkenanddim;andinthatpoorghostthatwasbeforehimherecognisedtheverypriestwhomhehadthrownintotheseaatKuana。Chilledwithhorror，helookedagain，andsawthatthepriestwassmilinginscorn。Hewouldhavefledintothehouse，buttheghoststretchedforthitswitheredarm，and，clutchingthebackofhisneck，scowledathimwithavindictiveglareandahideousghastlinessofmiensounspeakablyawfulthatanyordinarymanwouldhaveswoonedwithfear。ButTokubei，tradesmanthoughhewas，hadoncebeenasoldier，andwasnoteasilymatchedfordaring;soheshookofftheghost，and，leapingintotheroomforhisdirk，laidabouthimboldlyenough;but，strikeashewould，thespirit，fadingintotheair，eludedhisblows，andsuddenlyreappearedonlytovanishagain;andfromthattimeforthTokubeiknewnorest，andwashauntednightandday。

Atlength，undonebysuchceaselessvexation，Tokubeifellill，andkeptmuttering，"Oh，misery！misery！thewanderingpriestiscomingtotortureme！"Hearinghismoansandthedisturbancehemade，thepeopleinthehousefanciedhewasmad，andcalledinaphysician，whoprescribedforhim。ButneitherpillnorpotioncouldcureTokubei，whosestrangefrenzysoonbecamethetalkofthewholeneighbourhood。

Nowitchancedthatthestoryreachedtheearsofacertainwanderingpriestwholodgedinthenextstreet。Whenheheardtheparticulars，thispriestgravelyshookhisheadasthoughheknewallaboutit，andsentafriendtoTokubei’shousetosaythatawanderingpriest，dwellinghardby，hadheardofhisillness，and，wereitneversogrievous，wouldundertaketohealitbymeansofhisprayers;andTokubei’swife，drivenhalfwildbyherhusband’ssickness，lostnotamomentinsendingforthepriestandtakinghimintothesickman’sroom。

ButnosoonerdidTokubeiseethepriestthanheyelledout，"Help！

help！Hereisthewanderingpriestcometotormentmeagain。Forgive！

forgive！"andhidinghisheadunderthecoverlet，helayquiveringallover。Thenthepriestturnedallpresentoutoftheroom，puthismouthtotheaffrightedman’sear，andwhispered：

"Threeyearsago，attheKuanaferry，youflungmeintothewater;andwellyourememberit。"

ButTokubeiwasspeechless，andcouldonlyquakewithfear。

"Happily，"continuedthepriest，"Ihadlearnedtoswimandtodiveasaboy;soIreachedtheshore，and，afterwanderingthroughmanyprovinces，succeededinsettingupabronzefiguretoBuddha，thusfulfillingthewishofmyheart。Onmyjourneyhomeward，Itookalodginginthenextstreet，andthereheardofyourmarvellousailment。ThinkingIcoulddivineitscause，Icametoseeyou，andamgladtofindIwasnotmistaken。Youhavedoneahatefuldeed;butamInotapriest，andhaveInotforsakenthethingsofthisworld，andwoulditnotillbecomemetobearmalice？Repent，therefore，andabandonyourevilways。ToseeyoudosoIshouldesteemtheheightofhappiness。Beofgoodcheer，now，andlookmeintheface，andyouwillseethatIamreallyalivingman，andnovengefulgoblincometotormentyou。"

Seeinghehadnoghosttodealwith，andoverwhelmedbythepriest’skindness，Tokubeiburstintotears，andanswered，"Indeed，indeed，I

don’tknowwhattosay。InafitofmadnessIwastemptedtokillandrobyou。Fortunebefriendedmeeverafter;butthericherIgrew，themorekeenlyIfelthowwickedIhadbeen，andthemoreIforesawthatmyvictim’svengeancewouldsomedayovertakeme。Hauntedbythisthought，Ilostmynerve，tillonenightIbeheldyourspirit，andfromthattimefellill。Buthowyoumanagedtoescape，andarestillalive，ismorethanIcanunderstand。"

"Aguiltyman，"saidthepriest，withasmile，"shuddersattherustlingofthewindorthechatteringofastork’sbeak;amurderer’sconsciencepreysuponhismindtillheseeswhatisnot。Povertydrivesamantocrimeswhichherepentsofinhiswealth。HowtrueisthedoctrineofMoshi[Mencius]，thattheheartofman，purebynature，iscorruptedbycircumstances！"

Thusheheldforth;andTokubei，whohadlongsincerepentedofhiscrime，imploredforgiveness，andgavehimalargesumofmoney，saying，"HalfofthisistheamountIstolefromyouthreeyearssince;theotherhalfIentreatyoutoacceptasinterest，orasagift。"

Thepriestatfirstrefusedthemoney;butTokubeiinsistedonhisacceptingit，anddidallhecouldtodetainhim，butinvain;forthepriestwentonhisway，andbestowedthemoneyonthepoorandneedy。

AsforTokubeihimself，hesoonshookoffhisdisorder，andthenceforwardlivedatpeacewithallmen，reveredbothathomeandabroad，andeverintentongoodandcharitabledeeds。

ACHINESEGIRLGRADUATE

BY

R。K。DOUGLAS

WhoamongthethreehundredmillionsonsofHandoesnotknowthesaying：

There’sParadiseabove，’tistrue;

Butherebelowwe’veHangandSoo？

[HangchowandSoochow]

Andthoughnoonewilldenythebeautyofthosefar-famedcities，theycannotcompareingrandeurofsituationandboldnessoffeatureswithmanyofthetownsoftheprovidenceofthe"FourStreams。"ForemostamongthefavouredspotsofthispartoftheempireisMienchu，which，asitsnameimplies，iscelebratedforthesilkybambooswhichgrowinitsimmediateneighbourhood。Theseform，however，onlyoneofthefeaturesofitsloveliness。Situatedatthefootofarangeofmountainswhichrisethroughallthegradationsfromrichandabundantverduretotheregionofeternalsnow，itliesembosomedingrovesofbeech，cypress，andbamboo，throughtheleafyscreensofwhichrisetheupturnedyellowroofsofthetemplesandofficialresidences，whichdotthelandscapelikegoldenislandsinanemeraldsea;whilebeyondthewallhurries，betweenhighandruggedbanks，thetributaryoftheFuRiver，whichbearstothemightywatersoftheYangtsze-

Kiangthegoodsandpassengerswhichseekanoutlettotheeasternprovinces。

Thestreetswithinthewallsofthecityarescenesoflifeandbustle，whileinthesuburbsstandtheresidencesofthosewhocanaffordtoliveinpeaceandquiet，undisturbedbytheclamouroftheLesandChangs[i。e。，thepeople。LeandChangarethetwocommonestnamesinChina。]ofthetown。There，inasituationwhichtheSonofHeavenmightenvy，standstheofficialresidenceofColonelWen。

Outwardlyithasalltheappearanceofagrandee’spalace，andwithinthemassiveboundary-wallswhichsurroundit，thecourtyards，halls，grounds，summer-houses，andpavilionsarenottobeexceededingrandeurandbeauty。TheofficewhichhadfallentothelotofColonelWenwasoneofthemostsoughtafterintheprovince，andcommonlyonlyfelltoofficersofdistinction。Thoughnotwithoutfameinthefield，ColonelWen’smainclaimtohonourlayinthehighdegreeshehadtakenintheexaminations。Hisliteraryacquirementsgainedhimfriendsamongthecivilofficersofthedistrict，andthepositionheoccupiedwasaltogetheroneofexceptionaldignity。

Unfortunately，hisfirstwifehaddied，leavingonlyadaughtertokeephermemoryalive;butatthetimewhenourstoryopens，hissecondspouse，morekindthanhisfirst，hadpresentedhimwithamuch-desiredson。Themotherofthisboywasoneofthosebright，pretty，gaycreatureswhocommonlygaintheaffectionsofmenmucholderthanthemselves。Shesanginthemostfaultlessfalsetto，sheplayedtheguitarwithtasteandexpression，andshedancedwithgraceandagility。Whatwonder，then，thatwhenthecolonelreturnedfromhistoursofinspectionsandparades，wearywithtravelanddust，hefoundreliefandrelaxationinthejoyouscompanyofHyacinth！Andwasshenotalsothemotherofhisson？Nexttoherself，therecanbenoquestionthatthisyounggentlemanheldthechiefplaceinthecolonel’saffections;whilepoorJasmine，hisdaughterbyhisfirstventure，wasleftverymuchtoherownresources。Noonetroubledthemselvesaboutwhatshedid，andshewasallowed，asshegrewup，tofollowherownpursuitsandtogivereintoherfancieswithoutletorhindrance。Fromherearliestchildhoodoneofherlonelyamusementshadbeentodressasaboy，andsouncheckedhadthehabitbecomethatshegraduallydriftedintothecharacterwhichshehadchosentoassume。Sheevenpersuadedherfathertolethergototheneighbouringboys’school。HermotherhaddiedbeforethecolonelhadbeenpostedtoMienchu，andamongthepeopleofthatplace，whohadalwaysseenherinboy’sattire，shewasregardedasanadoptedsonofherfather。Hyacinthwasonlytoogladtogetheroutofthewayasmuchaspossible，andsoencouragedtheideaofallowinghertolearntoreadandwriteinthecompanyoftheirneighbours’urchins。

Beingbrightandclever，shesoongainedanintellectualleadamongtheboys，andheruncommonbeauty，coupledwiththemagnetismbelongingtohersex，securedforherapopularitywhichalmostamountedtoadoration。Shewastallforherage，asaremostyoungdaughtersofHan;andherperfectlyovalface，almond-shapedeyes，willow-leafeyebrows，small，well-shapedmouth，brilliantlywhiteteeth，andraven-blackhair，completedafaceandfigurewhichwouldhavebeennoticeableanywhere。Bytheboysshewasworshipped，andnoundertakingwastoodifficultortootroublesomeifitwastogivepleasuretoTsunk’ing，orthe"YoungNoble，"asshewascalled;fortohaveansweredtothenameofJasminewouldhavebeentoproclaimhersexatonce。Eventhegrimoldmastersmiledatherthroughhishornspectaclesassheenteredtheschool-houseofamorning，andanygracefulturninherpoetryorscholarlydictioninherprosewassuretowinforherhisunsparingpraise。Manyaneveningheinvitedthe"youngnoble"tohishousetoreadoverchaptersfromConfuciusandthepoemsofLeTaipoh;andyearsafterward，whenhedied，amonghismostcherishedpaperswerefoundodessignedbyTsunk’ing，inwhichtherewasagooddealaboutbendingwillows，light，flickeringbamboos，hornedmoons，wildgeese，thesoundofafluteonarainyday，andthepleasuresofwine，instrictaccordwiththemodelssetforthinthe"AidstoPoetry-making"whicharecommonintheland。

Ifithadnotbeenfortheindifferencewithwhichshewastreatedinherhome，thefavourwithwhichshewasregardedabroadwouldhavebeenmostprejudicialtoJasmine;butanyconceitwhichmighthavebeenengenderedintheschool-housewasspeedilycounteractedwhenshegotwithintheportalsofthecolonel’sdomain。Comingintothepresenceofherfatherandhiswife，withalltheincenseofkindness，affection，and，itmustbeconfessed，flattery，withwhichshewassurroundedbyherschool-fellows，freshabouther，waslikesteppingintoacoldbath。Wholesomeandinvigoratingthechangemayhavebeen，butitwasveryunpleasant，andJasmineoftenlongedtobealonetogiveventtoherfeelingsintears。

Onedeepconsolationshehad，however：shewasadevotedstudent，andinthesocietyofherbookssheforgotthecallousnessofherparents，and，livinginimaginationinthebygoneannalsoftheempire，shewasabletotakepart，asitwere，inthegreatdeedswhichmarkthepasthistoryofthestate，andtoenjoytheconverseandsocietyofthesagesandpoetsofantiquity。Whenthetimecamethatshehadgainedalltheknowledgewhichtheoldschoolmastercouldimparttoher，shelefttheschool，andformedareading-partywithtwoyouthsofherownage。Theselads，bynameWeiandTu，hadbeenherschool-fellows，andweredelightedatobtainingherpromisetojointhemintheirstudies。

SoindustriouslywerethesepursuedthatthethreefriendssucceededintakingtheirB。A。degreeatthenextexamination，and，encouragedbythissuccess，determinedtoventureonastruggleforastillhigherdistinction。

ThoughatoneintheiraffectionforJasmine，TuandWeiwereunlikeineverythingelse，whichprobablyaccountedforthefriendshipwhichexistedbetweenthem。Weiwasthemorecleverofthetwo。Hewrotepoetrywitheaseandfluency，andhisessaysweremarkedbycorrectnessofstyleandaptnessofquotation。Buttherewasawantofstrengthinhischaracter。Hewasexceedinglyvain，andwasalwaysseekingtoexciteadmirationamonghiscompanions。Thisunhappyfailingmadehimverysusceptibleofadversecriticism，andatthesametimeextremelyjealousofanyonewhomighthappentoexcelhiminanyway。Tu，ontheotherhand，thoughnotsointellectuallyfavoured，hadaroughkindoforiginality，whichalwayssecuredforhisexercisesarespectfulattention，andmadehimatalltimesanagreeablecompanion。Havingnoexaggeratedideasofhiscapabilities，heneverstrovetoappearotherwisethanhewas，andbeingquiteindependentoftheopinionsofothers，hewasalwaysnatural。Thushewasonewhowassoughtoutbyhisfriends，andwasbestesteemedbythosewhoseesteemwasbestworthhaving。Inoutwardappearancetheyouthswereasdifferentastheircharacterswerediverse。Weiwasdecidedlygood-looking，butofakindofbeautywhichsuggestedneitherrestnorsincerity;whileinTu’sfeatures，thoughtherewaslessgrace，thewantwasfullycompensatedforbythestrengthandhonestfirmnessofhiscountenance。

ForboththeseyoungmenJasminehadaliking，buttherewasnoquestionastowhichshepreferred。Assheherselfsaid，"Weiispleasantenoughasacompanion，butifIhadtolooktooneofthemforanactoftruefriendship——orasalover，"shementallyadded——"I

shouldturnatoncetoTu。"Itwasoneofheramusementstocomparetheyoungmeninhermind，andonedaywhensooccupiedTusuddenlylookedupfromhisbookandsaidtoher：

"Whatapityitisthatthegodshavemadeusbothmen！If/I/wereawoman，theobjectofmyheartwouldbetobeyourwife，andif/you/

wereawoman，thereisnothingIshouldlikebetterthantobeyourhusband。"

Jasmineblusheduptotherootsofherhairathavingherownthoughtsthuscapped，asitwere;butbeforeshecouldanswer，Weibrokeinwith：

"Whatnonsenseyoutalk！Andwhy，Ishouldliketoknow，shouldyoubetheonlyonethe’youngnoble’mightchoose，supposinghebelongedtotheothersex？"

"Youarebothtalkingnonsense，"saidJasmine，whohadhadtimetorecoverhercomposure，"andremindmeofmytwooldchildlessaunts，"

sheadded，laughing，"whoarealwaysquarrellingaboutthenamestheywouldhavegiventheirchildrenifthegoddessKwanyinhadgrantedthemanyhalfacenturyago。Asamatterofact，wearethreefriendsreadingforourM。A。degrees，neithermorenorless。AndIwilltroubleyou，myelderbrother，"sheadded，turningtoTu，"toexplaintomewhatthepoetmeansbytheexpression’tunefulTung’intheline：

’ThegreedyflamesdevourthetunefulTung。’"

AlearneddisquisitionbyTuonthecelebratedmusicianwhorecognisedthesonorousqualitiesofapieceofTungtimberburninginthekitchenfireeffectuallydivertedtheconversationfromtheinconvenientdirectionithadtaken，andshortlyafterwardJasminetookherleave。

Hauntedbythethoughtofwhathadpassed，shewanderedontotheverandaofherarcherypavilion，andwhilegazinghalfunconsciouslyheavenwardhereyeswereattractedbyahawkwhichflewpastandalightedonatreebeyondtheboundary-wall，andinfrontofthestudyshehadlatelyleft。Inarestlessandthoughtlessmood，shetookupherbowandarrow，andwithunerringaimcompassedthedeathofhervictim。Nosooner，however，hadthehawkfallen，carryingthearrowwithit，thansherememberedthathernamewasinscribedontheshaft，andfearinglestitshouldbefoundbyeitherWeiorTu，shehurriedroundinthehopeofrecoveringit。Butshewastoolate。Onapproachingthestudy，shefoundTuinthegardeninfront，examiningthebirdandarrow。

"Look，"hesaid，ashesawhercoming，"whatagoodshotsomeonehasmade！andwhoeveritis，hehasadueappreciationofhisownskill。

Listentotheselineswhicharescrapedonthearrow：

’Donotlightlydrawyourbow;

Butifyoumust，bringdownyourfoe。’"

Jasminewasgladenoughtofindthathehadnotdiscoveredhername，andeagerlyexchangedbanterwithhimontheconceitoftheownerofthearrow。Butbeforeshecouldrecoverit，Wei，whohadheardthetalkingandlaughter，joinedthem，andtookthearrowoutofTu’shandtoexamineit。JustatthatmomentamessengercametosummonTutohisfather’spresence，andhehadnosoonergonethanWeiexclaimed：

"Butsee，hereisthenameofthemysteriousownerofthearrow，and，asIlive，itisagirl’sname——Jasmine！Who，amongthegoddessesofheavencanJasminebe？"

"Oh，Iwilltakethearrowthen，"saidJasmine。"Itmustbelongtomysister。Thatishername。"

"Ididnotknowthatyouhadasister，"saidWei。

"Ohyes，Ihave，"answeredJasmine，quiteforgetfulofthecelebrateddictumofConfucius："Betruthful。""SheisjustoneyearyoungerthanIam，"sheadded，thinkingitwelltobecircumstantial。

"Whyhaveyounevermentionedher？"askedWei，withanimation。"Whatisshelike？Issheanythinglikeyou？"

"Sheistheveryimageofme。"

"What！Inheightandfeaturesandways？"

"Theveryimage，sothatpeoplehaveoftensaidthatifwechangedclotheseachmightpassfortheother。"

"Whatagood-lookinggirlshemustbe！"saidWei，laughing。"But，seriously，Ihavenot，asyouknow，yetsetupahousehold;andifyoursisterhasnotreceivedbridalpresents，Iwouldbegtobeallowedtoinvitehertoentermylowlyhabitation。Whatdoesmyelderbrothersaytomyproposal？"

"Idon’tknowwhatmysisterwouldfeelaboutit，"saidJasmine。"I

wouldneveranswerforagirl，ifIlivedtobeasoldastheGodofLongevity。"

"Willyoufindoutforme？"

"CertainlyIwill。Butremember，notawordmustbementionedonthesubjecttomyfather，or，infact，toanybody，untilIgiveyouleave。"

"Solongasmyelderbrotherwillundertakeforme，Iwillpromiseanything，"saidthedelightedWei。"IalreadyfeelasthoughIwerenine-tenthsofthewaytotheabodeofthephenix。Takethisboxofpreciousointmenttoyoursisterasanearnestofmyintentions，andI

willkeepthearrowasatokenfromheruntilshedemandsitsreturn。

Ifeelinclinedtoexpressmyselfinverse。MayI？"

"Byallmeans，"saidJasmine，laughing。

Thusencouraged，Weiimprovisedasfollows：

"’TwassungofoldthatLofuhadnomate，ThoughChewaswilling;fornowordwassaid。

Atlastanarrowlikeaheraldcame，Andnowanhonouredbrotherlendshisaid。"

"Excellent，"saidJasmine，laughing。"Withsuchapoeticgiftasyoupossess，youcertainlydeserveabetterfatethanbefellLofu。"

FromthisdaytheideaofmarryingJasmine’ssisterpossessedthesoulofWei。ButnotaworddidhesaytoTuonthematter，forhewasconsciousthat，asTuwasthefirsttopickupthearrowthroughwhichhehadbecomeacquaintedwiththeexistenceofJasmine’ssister，hisfriendmightpossiblylayaclaimtoherhand。ToJasminealsothesubjectwasamostabsorbingone。Shefeltthatshewasbecomingmostunpleasantlyinvolvedinariskymatter，andthat，ifthetimeshouldevercomewhensheshouldhavetomakeanexplanation，shemightinhonourbecompelledtomarryWei——aprospectwhichfilledherwithdismay。Theturneventshadtakenhadmadeheranalyseherfeelingsmorethanshehadeverdonebefore，andtheprocessmadeherdoublyconsciousofthedepthofheraffectionforTu。"Ahorse，"shesaidtoherself，"cannotcarrytwosaddles，andawomancannotmarrymorethanoneman。"Wiseasthissawwas，itdidnothelpheroutofherdifficulty，andsheturnedtothechapterofaccidents，anddeterminedtotrusttotime，thatolddisposerofevents，tosettlethematter。

ButWeiwasinclinedtobeimpatient，andJasminewasobligedtoresorttomoreofthosedeparturesfromtruthwhichcircumstanceshadforceduponthisgenerallyveryuprightyounglady。

"Ihaveconsultedmyfatheronthesubject，"shesaidtotheexpectantWei，"andheinsistsonyourwaitinguntiltheautumnexaminationisover。HehaseveryconfidencethatyouwillthentakeyourM。A。

degree，andyourmarriagewill，hehopes，putthecoping-stoneonyourhappinessandhonour。"

"Thatisallverywell，"saidWei;"butautumnisalongtimehence，andhowdoIknowthatyoursistermaynotchangehermind？"

"Hasnotyouryoungerbrotherundertakentolookafteryourinterests，andcannotyoutrusthimtodohisbestonyourbehalf？"

"Icantrustmyelderbrotherwithanythingintheworld。ItisyoursisterthatIamafraidof，"saidWei。"Butsinceyouwillundertakeforher——"

"No，no，"saidJasmine，laughing，"IdidnotsaythatIwouldundertakeforher。Amanwhoanswersforawomandeservestohave’fool’writtenonhisforehead。"

"Well，atallevents，Iwillbecontenttoleavethematterinyourhands，"saidWei。

Atlastthetimeoftheautumnexaminationdrewnear，andTuandWeimadepreparationsfortheirdeparturetotheprovincialcapital。TheywerebothbitterlydisappointedwhenJasmineannouncedthatshewasnotgoingupthattime。Thisdeterminationwastheresultofaconferencewithherfather。ShehadpointedouttothecolonelthatifshepassedandtookherM。A。degreeshemightbecalledupontotakeofficeatanytime，andthatthenshewouldbecompelledtoconfesshersex;andasshewasbynomeansdisposedtogiveupthefreedomwhichherdoubletandhoseconferreduponher，itwasagreedbetweenthemthatsheshouldpleadillnessandnotgoup。Hertwofriends，therefore，wentalone，andbrilliantsuccessattendedtheirventure。

Theybothpassedwithhonours，andreturnedtoMienchutoreceivethecongratulationsoftheirfriends。Jasmine’sdelightwasverygenuine，moreespeciallyasregardedTu，andthefirsteveningwasspentbythethreestudentsinjoyousconverseandinconfidentanticipationofthefuture。AsJasminetookleaveofthetwonewM。A。’s，Weifollowedhertotheouterdoorandwhisperedatparting：

"Iamcomingto-morrowtomakemyformalproposaltoyoursister。"

Jasminehadnotimetoanswer，butwenthomefullofanxiousanddisturbedthoughts，whichweredestinedtotakeamoretragicturnthanshehadeveranticipatedeveninhermostgloomymoments。ThesamecruelfatehadalsodecreedthatWei’sproposalwastobesuspended，likeBuddha，betweenheavenandearth。Theblowfelluponhimwhenhewasattiringhimselfinthegarmentsofhisnewdegree，inpreparationforhisvisit。Hewasintheactoftyinghissashandappendingittohispurseandtrinkets，whenJasmineburstintotheyoungmen’sstudy，lookingdeadlypaleandbearingtracesofacutementaldistressonherusuallybrightandjoyouscountenance。

"Whatisthematter？"criedTu，withalmostasmuchagitationaswasshownbyJasmine。"Tellmewhathashappened。"

"Oh，myfather，mypoorfather！"sobbedJasmine。

"Whatisthematterwithyourfather？Heisnotdead，ishe？"criedtheyoungmeninonebreath。

"No，itisnotsobadasthat，"saidJasmine，"butagreatandbittermisfortunehascomeuponus。Asyouknow，sometimeagomyfatherhadaquarrelwiththemilitaryintendant，andthathorridmanhas，outofspite，broughtchargesagainsthimforwhichhewascarriedoffthismorningtoprison。"

ThestatementofhermiseryandtheshameinvolvedinitcompletelyunnervedpoorJasmine，who，truetoherinnersex，burstintotearsandrockedherselftoandfroinhergrief。TuandWei，ontheirkneesbeforeher，triedtopourinwordsofconsolation。Withalackofreasonwhichmightbeexcusedunderthecircumstances，theyvowedthatherfatherwasinnocentbeforetheyknewthenatureofthechargesagainsthim，andtheypledgedthemselvestorestneitherdaynornightuntiltheyhadrescuedhimfromhisdifficulty。When，undertheinfluenceoftheirgenuinesympathy，Jasminerecoveredsomecomposure，Tubeggedhertotellhimofwhatherfatherwasaccused。

"Thevillain，"saidJasmine，throughhertears，"hasdaredtosaythatmyfatherhasmadeuseofgovernmenttaxes，hastakenbribesforrecommendingmenforpromotion，hasappropriatedthesoldiers’ration-

money，andhasbeeninleaguewithhighwaymen。"

"Isitpossible？"saidTu，whowasratherstaggeredbythislongcatalogueofcrimes。"Ishouldnothavebelievedthatanyonecouldhaveventuredtohavechargedyourhonouredfatherwithsuchthings，leastofalltheintendant，whoisnotoriouslypossessedofanitchingpalm。ButItellyouwhatwecandoatonce。WeiandI，beingM。A。’s，havearighttocallontheprefect，anditwillbearealpleasuretoustoexerciseournewprivilegeforthefirsttimeinyourservice。

Wewillurgehimtoinquireintothematter，andIcannotdoubtthathewillatoncequashtheproceedings。"

Unhappily，Tu’shopeswerenotrealised。Theprefectwasverycivil，butpointedoutthat，sinceahighercourthadorderedthearrestofthecolonel，hewaspowerlesstointerfereinthematter。Manyweretheconsultationsheldbythethreefriends，andmuchpersonalreliefJasminegotfromthesupportandsympathyoftheyoungmen。Onehopeyetremainedtoher：TuandWeiwereabouttogotoPekingfortheirdoctor’sdegrees，andiftheypassedtheymightbeabletobringsuchinfluencetobearaswouldsecurethereleaseofherfather。

"Letnotthe’youngnoble’distresshimselfovermuch，"saidWeitoher，withsomeimportance。"Thisaffairwillbeengravenonourheartsandminds，andifwetakeourdegreeswewilluseourutmostexertionstowipeawaytheinjusticewhichhasbeendoneyourfather。"

"Unhappily，"saidthemorepracticalTu，"itistooplainthattheexaminingmagistratesareallinleaguetoruinhim。Butletourelderbrotherremainquietlyathome，doingallhecantocollectevidenceinthecolonel’sfavour，whilewewilldoourbestatthecapital。Ifthingsturnoutwellwithusthere，ourelderbrotherhadbetterfollowatoncetoassistuswithhisadvice。"

Beforethefriendsparted，Wei，whoseownaffairswerealwayshisfirstconsideration，tookanopportunityofwhisperingtoJasmine，"Don’tforgetyourhonouredsister’spromise，Ibeseechyou。Whetherwesucceedornot，Ishallaskforherinmarriageonmyreturn。"

"Underpresentcircumstances，wemustnolongerconsidertheengagement，"saidJasmine，shockedathisintroducingthesubjectatsuchamoment，"andthebestthingthatyoucandoistoforgetallaboutit。"

Themomentforthedepartureoftheyoungmenhadcome，andtheyhadnotimetosaymore。Withbittertears，thetwoyouthstookleaveoftheweepingJasmine，who，astheircartsdisappearedinthedistance，feltforthefirsttimewhatitwastobealoneinmisery。Shesawlittleofherstepmotherinthosedays。Thatpoorladymadeherselfsoillwithunrestrainedgriefthatshewasquiteincapableofrenderingeitherhelporadvice。Fortunatelytheofficialsshowednodispositiontoproceedwiththeindictment，andbythejudicioususeofthemoneyathercommandJasmineinducedtheprisonauthoritiestomakeherfather’sconfinementaslittleirksomeaspossible。Shewasallowedtoseehimatalmostanytime，andononeoccasion，whenhewasenjoyingherpresenceasinhisprosperousdayshehadneverexpectedtodo，heremarked：

"Sincetheofficialsarenotproceedingwiththebusiness，IthinkmybestplanwillbetosendapetitiontoPekingaskingtheBoardofWartoacquitme。ButmydifficultyisthatIhavenoonewhomIcansendtolookafterthebusiness。"

"Let/me/go，"saidJasmine。"WhenTuandWeiwereleaving，theybeggedmetofollowthemtoconsultastothebestmeansofhelpingyou，andwiththemtodependonIhavenothingtofear。"

"Iquitebelievethatyouareascapableofmanagingthematterasanybody，"saidherfather，admiringly;"butPekingisalongwayoff，andIcannotbeartothinkofthethingswhichmighthappentoyouontheroad。"

"Fromalltime，"answeredJasmine，"ithasbeenconsideredthedutyofadaughtertoriskanythingintheserviceofherfather;andthoughthewayislong，Ishallhaveweaponstodefendmyselfwithagainstinjury，andaclearconsciencewithwhichtoansweranyinterrogatorieswhichmaybeputtome。Besides，Iwilltakeourmessenger，’TheDragon，’andhiswifewithme。Iwillmakeherdressasaman——whatfunitwillbetoseeMrs。Dragon’sportlyformintrousers，andgabardine！Whenthattransformationismade，weshallbeapartyofthreemen。So，yousee，sheandIwillhaveamantoprotectus，andIshallhaveawomantowaituponme;andifsuchagallantcompanycannottravelfromthistoPekinginsafety，I’llforswearbootsandtrousersandwillretireintotheharemforever。"

"Well，"saidherfather，laughing，"ifyoucanarrangeinthatway，gobyallmeans，andthesooneryoustartthesoonerIhopeyouwillbeback。"

Delightedathavinggainedtheapprovalofherfathertoherscheme，Jasminequicklymadethearrangementsforherjourney。Onthemorningofthedayonwhichshewastostart，theresultsofthedoctors’

examinationatPekingreachedMienchu，and，toJasmine’sinfinitedelight，shefoundthenamesofTuandWeiamongthesuccessfulcandidates。Armedwiththisgoodnews，shehurriedtotheprison。AlldifficultiesseemedtodisappearlikemistbeforethesunasshethoughtofthepowerfuladvocatesshenowhadatPeking。

"TuandWeihavepassed，"shesaid，assherushedintoherfather’spresence，"andnowtheendofourtroublesisapproaching。"

WithimpatienthopeJasminetookleaveofherfather，andstartedonhereventfuljourney。AseveningdrewonsheenteredthesuburbsofCh’engtu，theprovincialcapital，andsent"TheDragon"ontofindasuitableinnforthecoupleofnightswhichsheknewshewouldbecompelledtospendinthecity。"TheDragon"wassuccessfulinhissearch，andconductedJasmineandhiswifetoacomfortablehostelryinoneofthebusiestpartsofthetown。Havingrefreshedherselfwithanexcellentdinner，Jasminewasgladtorestfromthefatiguesandheatofthedayinthecoolcourtyardintowhichherroomopened。

Fortuneandbuildershadsoarrangedthataneighbouringhouse，toweringabovetheinn，overlookedthisrestfulspot，andoneofthehigherwindowsfacedexactlythepositionwhichJasminehadtakenup。

Suchafactwouldnot，inordinarycircumstances，havetroubledherintheleast;butshehadnotbeensittinglongbeforeshebegantofeelanextraordinaryattractiontowardthewindow。Shedidherbesttolooktheotherway，butshewasoftenunconsciouslyimpelledtoglanceupatthelattice。Onceshefanciedshesawthecurtainmove。

Determinedtoverifyherimpression，shesuddenlyraisedhereyes，afteraprolongedcontemplationofthepavement，andcaughtamomentarysightofagirl’sface，whichasinstantlydisappeared，butnotbeforeJasminehadbeenabletorecognisethatitwasoneofexceptionalbeauty。

"Now，ifIwereayoungman，"saidshetoherself，"Ioughttofeelmyheartbeatatthesightofsuchloveliness，anditwouldbemyboundendutytoswearthatIwouldwintheownerofitintheteethofdragons。Butasmymanhoodgoesnodeeperthanmyoutergarments，I

canaffordtositherewithaquietpulseandawholeskin。"

ThenextdayJasminewasbusilyengagedininterviewingsomeofficialsintheinterestofherfather，andonlyreachedtheshelterofherinntowardevening。Asshepassedthroughthecourtyardsheinstinctivelylookedupatthewindow，andagaincaughtaglimpseofthevisionofbeautywhichshehadseentheeveningbefore。"Ifsheonlyknew，"

thoughtJasmine，"thatIwassuchaoneasherself，shewouldbelessanxioustoseeme，andmorelikelytoavoidme。"

Whileamusingherselfatthethoughtofthefairwatcher，theinndooropened，andawaiting-womanenteredcarryingasmallbox。AssheapproachedJasmineshebowedlow，andwithbatedbreaththusaddressedher：

"Mayeveryhappinessbeyours，sir。Myyounglady，MissKing，whosehumbledwellingistheadjoininghouse，seeingthatyouarelivinginsolitude，hassentmewiththisfruitandteaasacomplimentaryoffering。"

Sosaying，shepresentedtoJasminethebox，whichcontainedpearsandapacketofscentedtea。

"TowhatamIindebtedforthishonour？"repliedJasmine;"Icanclaimnorelationshipwithyourlady，norhaveIthehonourofheracquaintance。"

"Myyoungladysays，"answeredthewaiting-woman，"that，amongthemyriadswhocometothisinnandthethousandswhogofromit，shehasseennoonetoequalyourExcellencyinformandfeature。Atsightofyoushewasconfidentthatyoucamefromaloftyandnoblefamily，andhavinglearnedfromyourattendantsthatyouarethesonofacolonel，sheventuredtosendyouthesetriflestosupplementtheneedyfareofthisrudeinn。"

"Tellmesomethingaboutyouryounglady，"saidJasmine，inamomentofidlecuriosity。

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