teh again returned to a knowledge of the lower world he was
seated upon the throne to which the Emperor had borne him. His rest
had been made easy by the luxurious cloaks of the courtiers and
emissaries which had been lavishly heaped about him, while during his
trance the truly high-minded Kwo Kam had not disdained to wash his
feet in a golden basin of perfumed water, to shave his limbs, and to
anoint his head. The greater part of the assembly had been dismissed,
but some of the most trusted among the ministers and officials still
waited in attendance about the door.

"Great and enlightened one," said Ten-teh, as soon as his stupor was
lifted, "has this person delivered his message competently, for his
mind was still a seared vision of snow and sand and perchance his
tongue has stumbled?"

"Bend your ears to the wall, O my father," replied the Emperor, "and
be assured."

A radiance of the fullest satisfaction lifted the settling shadows for
a moment from Ten-teh's countenance as from the outer court came at
intervals the low and guarded words of command, the orderly clashing
of weapons as they fell into their appointed places, and the regular
and unceasing tread of armed men marching forth. "To the Seng
valley--by no chance to the west?" he demanded, trembling between
anxiety and hope, and drinking in the sound of the rhythmic tramp
which to his ears possessed a more alluring charm than if it were the
melody of blind singing girls.

"Even to the eleven villages," replied the Emperor. "At your
unquestioned word, though my kingdom should hang upon the outcome."

"It is sufficient to have lived so long," said Ten-teh. Then
perceiving that it was evening, for the jade and crystal lamps were
lighted, he cried out: "The time has leapt unnoted. How many are by
this hour upon the march?"

"Sixscore companies of a hundred spearmen each," said Kwo Kam. "By
dawn four times that number will be on their way. In less than three
days a like force will be disposed about the passes of the Han-sing
mountains and the river fords, while at the same time the guards from
less important towns will have been withdrawn to take their place upon
the city walls."

"Such words are more melodious than the sound of many marble lutes,"
said Ten-teh, sinking back as though in repose. "Now is mine that
peace spoken of by the philosopher Chi-chey as the greatest: 'The eye
closing upon its accomplished work.'"

"Assuredly do you stand in need o