greatest: Being lean, to yield fatness."

"In such cases," observed the brigand, "the Miaotze keep an honoured
and very venerable rite, which chiefly consists in suspending the
offender by a pigtail from a low tree, and placing burning twigs of
hemp-palm between his toes. To this person it seems a foolish and
meaningless habit; but it would not be well to interfere with their
religious observances, however trivial they may appear."

"Such a course must inevitably end in great loss," suggested Kai Lung;
"for undoubtedly there are many poor yet honourable persons who would
leave with them a bond for a large number of taels and save the money
with which to redeem it, rather than take part in a ceremony which is
not according to one's own Book of Rites."

"They have already suffered in that way on one or two occasions,"
replied Lin Yi; "so that such a proposal, no matter how nobly
intended, would not gladden their faces. Yet they are simple and
docile persons, and would, without doubt, be moved to any feeling you
should desire by the recital of one of your illustrious stories."

"An intelligent and discriminating assemblage is more to a story-
teller than much reward of cash from hands that conceal open mouths,"
replied Kai Lung with great feeling. "Nothing would confer more
pleasurable agitation upon this unworthy person than an opportunity of
narrating his entire stock to them. If also the accomplished Lin Yi
would bestow renown upon the occasion by his presence, no omen of good
would be wanting."

"The pleasures of the city lie far behind me," said Lin Yi, after some