nd likely to add rather than detract from what
actually took place. Even the Colonnade was empty and silent. Shiraz had
gone with the crowd to see what might be seen, and Leh Shin's assistant,
furtive and watchful, and in great terror of the Burman's knife, was
also in the throng that climbed the Pagoda steps.

The moon that was to have shone on Mhtoon Pah's feast rose in a yellow
ring, and clouds came up, hazy, gaudy clouds that dimmed its light and
made the shadows in the silent streets dense and heavy. Usually there
was a police guard at the corner where Paradise Street met the
Colonnade, but that night Hartley considered the police would be more
necessary in the neighbourhood of the Pagoda. Mhtoon Pah did not think
of this. His conscience was easy, he had propitiated the _Nats_.

The Pagoda was one blaze of light, and a thousand candles flamed before
every shrine; even the oldest and most neglected had its ring of light.
Small coloured lamps dotted the outlines of some of the booths, and the
whole spectacle presented a moving mass of brilliant colour. Sahibs had
come there. Hartley Sahib had agreed to appear for half an hour, and he
too looked at the crowd with curious, travelling eyes. Coryndon might be
among them, and probably was, he thought, but in any case there was
little chance of his recognizing him if he were.

Mhtoon Pah had not spared magnificent display, and the crowd told each
other that it was indeed a night to remember in Mangadone. Whispering
winds came out and rang the Temple bells, but even when the breeze
strengthened, the rain-clouds held off. It became a matter for
compliment and congratulation, and Mhtoon Pah accepted his friends'
flattery without pride. He was a good man, a benefactor, a
shrine-builder who followed "the Way" with zeal and fervour, and
besides, he had propitiated _Nats_; _Nats_ who blew up storms, caused
earthquakes and were evilly disposed towards men.

Mhtoon Pah would have been at the point where a man's life touches
sublimity, but for one thing. The words of Leh Shin echoed in his ears
over all the applause and adulation.

"It is in my thought, friend, to make my peace. On the night of the full
moon I am minded to do so."

The moon riding clear of clouds, shone out over the concourse of men and
women. Anywhere among them all might be Leh Shin, the needy Chinaman,
and gripping his large hands into fists, Mhtoon Pah watched for him and
expected him, but watch as he migh