"There are certain matters of allowed justice which over-rule all
other law forms," replied Ling, taking a surer hold of his sword-
grasp. "Explain, for your part, O obviously double-dealing Chang-
ch'un, from whom this person only recently parted on terms of equality
and courtesy, why you come not with an agreeable face and a peaceful
following, but with a countenance which indicates both violence and
terror, and accompanied by many whom this person recognizes as the
most outcast and degraded from the narrow and evil-smelling ways of
Canton?"

"In spite of your blustering words," said Chang, with some attempt at
an exhibition of dignity, "this person is endowed by every right, and
comes only for the obtaining, by the help of this expert and
proficient gathering, should such a length become necessary, of his
just claims. Understand that in the time since the venture was
arranged this person has become possessed of all the property of 'The
Ling (After Death) Without Much Risk Assembly,' and thereby he is
competent to act fully in the matter. It has now come within his
attention that the one Ling to whom the particulars refer is
officially dead, and as the written and sealed document clearly
undertook that the person's body was to be delivered up for whatever
use the Assembly decided whenever death should possess it, this person
has now come for the honourable carrying out of the undertaking."

At these words the true nature of the hidden contrivance into which he
had fallen descended upon Ling like a heavy and unavoidable
thunderbolt. Nevertheless, being by nature and by reason of his late
exploits fearless of death, except for the sake of the loved one by
his side, he betrayed no sign of discreditable emotion at the
discovery.