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.


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