sat down again moodily. "Let others speak."

"Chieftain"--Tian threw forth his voice--"your word must be as
iron--'Six captains shall attend.' There is yet another way."

"Speak on," Ah-tang commanded.

"The quality of Ah-tang's chiefs resides not in a cloak of silk nor in
a silver-hilted sword, but in the sinews of their arms and the
lightning of their eyes. If they but carry these they proclaim their
rank for all to see. Let six attend taking neither sword nor shield,
neither hat nor sandal, nor yet anything between. 'There are six
thousand more,' shall be their taunt, 'but Ko'en Cheng's hospitality
drew rein at six. He feared lest they might carry arms; behold they
have come naked. Ti-foo need not tremble."

"It is well," agreed Ah-tang. "At least, nothing better offers. Let
five accompany you."

Seated on a powerful horse Tian led the way. The others, not being of
his immediate band, had not acquired the necessary control, so that
they walked in a company. Coming to the Lantern Gate Tian turned his
horse suddenly so that its angry hoof struck the gate. Looking back he
saw the others following, with no great space between, and so passed
in.

When the five naked captains reached the open gate they paused. Within
stood a great concourse of the people, these being equally of both
sexes, but they of the inner chambers pressing resolutely to the
front. Through the throng of these their way must lead, and at the
sight the hearts of all became as stagnant water in the sun.

"Tarry not for me, O brothers," said the one who led. "A thorn has
pierced my foot. Take honourable precedence while I draw it forth."

"Never," declared the second of the band, "never shall it be cast
abroad that Kang of the House of Ka failed his brother in necessity. I
sustain thy shoulder, comrade."

"Alas!" exclaimed the third. "This person broke his fast on rhubarb
stewed in fat. Inopportunely--" So he too turned aside.

"Have we considered well," said they who remained, "whether this be
not a subtle snare, and while the camp is denuded of its foremost
warriors a strong force--?"

Unconscious of these details, Tian went on alone. In spite of the
absence of gravity on the part of the more explicit portion of the
throng he suffered no embarrassment, partly because of his position,
but chiefly through his inability to understand that his condition
differed in any degree from theirs; for, owing to the piercing nature
of his vision, they w