ulation of
an estimated profit on a junk-load of birds' nests, sharks' fins and
other seasonable delicacies, there came a distracting interruption
occasioned by a wandering poet who sat down within the shade provided
by Wong Pao's ornamental gate in the street outside. As he reclined
there he sang ballads of ancient valour, from time to time beating a
hollow wooden duck in unison with his voice, so that the charitable
should have no excuse for missing the entertainment.

Unable any longer to continue his occupation, Wong Pao struck an iron
gong.

"Bear courteous greetings to the accomplished musician outside our
gate," he said to the slave who had appeared, "and convince him--by
means of a heavily-weighted club if necessary--that the situation he
has taken up is quite unworthy of his incomparable efforts."

When the slave returned it was with an entire absence of the
enthusiasm of one who has succeeded in an enterprise.

"The distinguished mendicant outside disarmed the one who is relating
the incident by means of an unworthy stratagem, and then struck him
repeatedly on the head with the image of a sonorous wooden duck,"
reported the slave submissively.

Meanwhile the voice with its accompaniment continued to chant the
deeds of bygone heroes.

"In that case," said Wong Pao coldly, "entice him into this inadequate
chamber by words suggestive of liberal entertainment."

This device was successful, for very soon the slave returned with the
stranger. He was a youth of studious appearance and an engaging
openness of manner. Hung about his neck by means of a cord were a
variety of poems suitable to most of the contingencies of an ordinary
person's existence. The name he bore was Sun and he was of the house
of Kiau.

"Honourable greeting, minstrel," said Wong Pao, with dignified
condescension. "Why do you persist in exercising your illustrious
talent outside this person's insignificant abode?"

"Because," replied Sun modestly, "the benevolent mandarin who has just
spoken had not then invited me inside. Now, however, he will be able
to hear to greater advantage the very doubtful qualities of my
entertainment."

With these words Kiau Sun struck the duck so proficiently that it
emitted a life-like call, and prepared to raise his voice in a chant.

"Restrain your undoubted capacity," exclaimed Wong Pao hastily. "The
inquiry presented itself to you at an inaccurate angle. Why, to
restate it, did you continue before t