ARITABLE QUEN-KI-TONG

FIRST PERIOD: THE PUBLIC OFFICIAL

"The motives which inspired the actions of the devout Quen-Ki-Tong have
long been ill-reported," said Kai Lung the story-teller, upon a certain
occasion at Wu-whei, "and, as a consequence, his illustrious memory has
suffered somewhat. Even as the insignificant earth-worm may bring
the precious and many coloured jewel to the surface, so has it been
permitted to this obscure and superficially educated one to discover
the truth of the entire matter among the badly-arranged and frequently
really illegible documents preserved at the Hall of Public Reference at
Peking. Without fear of contradiction, therefore, he now sets forth the
credible version.

"Quen-Ki-Tong was one who throughout his life had been compelled by
the opposing force of circumstances to be content with what was offered
rather than attain to that which he desired. Having been allowed to
wander over the edge of an exceedingly steep crag, while still a child,
by the aged and untrustworthy person who had the care of him, and yet
suffering little hurt, he was carried back to the city in triumph,
by the one in question, who, to cover her neglect, declared amid
many chants of exultation that as he slept a majestic winged form had
snatched him from her arms and traced magical figures with his body on
the ground in token of the distinguished sacred existence for which he
was undoubtedly set apart. In such a manner he became famed at a very
early age for an unassuming mildness of character and an almost inspired
piety of life, so that on every side frequent opportunity was given him
for the display of these amiable qualities. Should it chance that an
insufficient quantity of puppy-pie had been prepared for the family
repast, the undesirable but necessary portion of cold dried rat would
inevitably be allotted to the uncomplaining Quen, doubtless accompanied
by the engaging but unnecessary remark that he alone had a Heaven-sent
intellect which was fixed upon more sublime images than even the
best constructed puppy-pie. Should the number of sedan-chairs not be
sufficient to bear to the Exhibition of Kites all who were desirous of
becoming entertained in such a fashion, inevitably would Quen be the one
left behind, in order that he might have adequate leisure for dignified
and pure-minded internal reflexion.

"In this manner it came about that when a very wealthy but unnaturally
avaricious