pride in all
matters connected with it. He disdained, with well-expressed contempt,
to avail himself of the stealthy and somewhat deceptive methods employed
by others engaged in a similar manner of life. In this way he had, from
necessity, acquired agility to an exceptional degree, so that he could
leap far into the air, and while in that position select from a passing
band of insects any which he might desire. This useful accomplishment
was, in a measure, the direct means of bringing together the person in
question and the engaging Lila; for, on a certain occasion, when Lee
Sing was passing through the streets of Fow Hou, he heard a great
outcry, and beheld persons of all ranks running towards him, pointing
at the same time in an upward direction. Turning his gaze in the manner
indicated, Lee beheld, with every variety of astonishment, a powerful
and unnaturally large bird of prey, carrying in its talons the
lovely and now insensible Lila, to whom it had been attracted by the
magnificence of her raiment. The rapacious and evilly-inspired creature
was already above the highest dwelling-houses when Lee first beheld it,
and was plainly directing its course towards the inaccessible mountain
crags beyond the city walls. Nevertheless, Lee resolved upon an
inspired effort, and without any hesitation bounded towards it with such
well-directed proficiency, that if he had not stretched forth his hand
on passing he would inevitably have been carried far above the desired
object. In this manner he succeeded in dragging the repulsive and
completely disconcerted monster to the ground, where its graceful and
unassuming prisoner was released, and the presumptuous bird itself
torn to pieces amid continuous shouts of a most respectful and engaging
description in honour of Lee and of his versatile attainment.

"In consequence of this incident the grateful Lila would often
deliberately leave the society of the rich and well-endowed in order
to accompany Lee on his journeys in pursuit of exceptionally-precious
winged insects. Regarding his unusual ability as the undoubted cause of
her existence at that moment, she took an all-absorbing pride in such
displays, and would utter loud and frequent exclamations of triumph when
Lee leaped out from behind some rock, where he had lain concealed, and
with unfailing regularity secured the object of his adroit movement. In
this manner a state of feeling which was by no means favourable to
the aspirin