compelled by an innate
feeling of respect to agree to her wishes, and in this manner the
arrangement was definitely concluded. Thereupon Hiya, without delay,
returned to the dwelling, remarking that otherwise her absence might be
detected and the entire circumstance thereby discovered, leaving Yang Hu
to continue his journey and again present himself before Tung Fel, as he
had been instructed.

Tung Fel was engaged with brush and ink when Yang Hu entered. Round him
were many written parchments, some venerable with age, and a variety
of other matters, among which might be clearly perceived weapons, and
devices for reading the future. He greeted Yang with many tokens of
dignified respect, and with an evidently restrained emotion led him
towards the light of a hanging lantern, where he gazed into his face for
a considerable period with every indication of exceptional concern.

"Yang Hu," he said at length, "at such a moment many dark and searching
thoughts may naturally arise in the mind concerning objects and reasons,
omens, and the moving cycle of events. Yet in all these, out of a wisdom
gained by deep endurance and a hardly-won experience beyond the common
lot, this person would say, Be content. The hand of destiny, though it
may at times appear to move in a devious manner, is ever approaching its
appointed aim. To this end were you chosen."

"The choice was openly made by wise and proficient omens," replied Yang
Hu, without any display of uncertainty of purpose, "and this person is
content."

Tung Fel then administered to Yang the Oath of Buddha's Face and the One
called the Unutterable (which may not be further described in written
words) thereby binding his body and soul, and the souls and repose of
all who had gone before him in direct line and all who should in a like
manner follow after, to the accomplishment of the design. All spoken
matter being thus complete between them, he gave him a mask with which
he should pass unknown through the streets and into the presence of Ping
Siang, a variety of weapons to use as the occasion arose, and a sign
by which the attendants at the Yamen would admit him without further
questioning.

As Yang Hu passed through the streets of Ching-fow, which were in a
great measure deserted owing to the command of Tung Fel, he was aware of
many mournful and foreboding sounds which accompanied him on all sides,
while shadowy faces, bearing signs of intolerable anguish and despair,
con