lf to be capable and sincere in the past, and
this matter is one of delicacy," said the leader. "Furthermore, it is
reported that you know something of the paths about Kien-fi?"

"There is not a forgotten turn within those paths by which I might
stumble in the dark," replied Weng, striving to subdue his mind.

"See that out of so poignant a memory no more formidable barrier than
a forgotten path arises," said the leader, observing him closely.
"Know you, then a house bearing as a sign the figure of a golden
ibis?"

"Truly; I have noted it," replied Weng, changing his position, so that
he now leaned against a rock. "There dwelt an old man of some lower
official rank, who had no son but many daughters."

"He has Passed, and one of those--Tiao by name," said the other,
referring to a parchment--"has schemingly driven out the rest and held
the patrimony. Crafty and ambitious, she has of late married a high
official who has ever been hostile to ourselves. Out of a private
enmity the woman seeks the lives of two who are under our most solemn
protection, and now uses her husband's wealth and influence to that
end. It is on him that the blow must fall, for men kill only men, and
she, having no son, will then be discredited and impotent."

"And concerning this official?" asked Weng.

"It has not been thought prudent to speak of him by name," replied the
chief. "Stricken with a painful but not dangerous malady he has
retired for a time to the healthier seclusion of his wife's house, and
there he may be found. The woman you will know with certainty by a
crescent scar--above the right eye."

"Beneath the eye," corrected Weng instantly.

"Assuredly, beneath: I misread the sign," said the head, appearing to
consult the scroll. "Yet, out of a keen regard for your virtues,
Thang, let me point a warning that it is antagonistic to our strict
rule to remember these ancient scars too well. Further, in accordance
with that same esteem, do not stoop too closely nor too long to
identify the mark. By our pure and exacting standard no high
attainment in the past can justify defection. The pains and penalties
of failure you well know."

"I bow, chieftain," replied Weng acquiescently.

"It is well," said the chief. "Your strategy will be easy. To cure
this lord's disorder a celebrated physician is even now travelling
from the Capital towards Kien-fi. A day's journey from that place he
will encounter obstacles and fall into the hands o