exclaimed that official, reading the words from the tablet of
introduction which Ling had caused to be carried into him, and at the
same time examining the person in question closely. "Indeed, no such
one is known to those within this office, unless the words chance to
point to the courteous and unassuming Mandarin Li Keen, who, however,
is at this moment recovering his health at Peking, as set forth in the
amiable and impartial report which we have lately received from him."

At these words Ling plainly understood that there was little hope of
the last events becoming profitable on his account.

"Did not the report to which allusion has been made bear reference to
one Ling, Commander of the Archers, who thrice led on the fighting
men, and who was finally successful in causing the rebels to disperse
towards the mountains?" he asked, in a voice which somewhat trembled.

"There is certainly reference to one of the name you mention," said
the other; "but regarding the terms--perhaps this person would better
protect his own estimable time by displaying the report within your
sight."

With these words the upper one struck a gong several times, and after
receiving from an inner chamber the parchment in question, he placed
it before Ling, at the same time directing a lesser one to interpose
between it and the one who read it a large sheet of transparent
substance, so that destruction might not come to it, no matter in what
way its contents affected the reader. Thereon Ling perceived the
following facts, very skilfully inscribed with the evident purpose of
inducing persons to believe, without question, that words so elegantly
traced must of necessity be truthful also.