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