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.