concealing from him certain facts which related to the actions of
remote ancestors, but which, nevertheless, appeared to have influenced
the succession of events. When he had made an end of the narrative,
the other said:

"Behold now, it is truly remarked that every Mandarin has three hands
and every soldier a like number of feet, yet it is a saying which is
rather to be regarded as manifesting the deep wisdom and
discrimination of the speaker than as an actual fact which can be
taken advantage of when one is so minded--least of all by so valiant a
Commander as the one before me, who has clearly proved that in time of
battle he has exactly reversed the position."

"The loss would undoubtedly be of considerable inconvenience
occasionally," admitted Ling, "yet none the less the sage remark of
Huai Mei-shan, 'When actually in the embrace of a voracious and
powerful wild animal, the desirability of leaving a limb is not a
matter to be subjected to lengthy consideration,' is undoubtedly a
valuable guide for general conduct. This person has endured many
misfortunes and suffered many injustices; he has known the wolf-
gnawings of great hopes, which have withered and daily grown less when
the difficulties of maintaining an honourable and illustrious career
have unfolded themselves within his sight. Before him still lie the
attractions of a moderate competency to be shared with the one whose
absence would make even the Upper Region unendurable, and after having
this entrancing future once shattered by the tiger-like cupidity of a
depraved and incapable Mandarin, he is determined to welcome even the
sacrifice which you condemn rather than let the opportunity vanish
through indecision."