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