The Wallet of Kai Lung | Page 6

brigands, "is entitled 'Good and Evil',
and it is concerned with the adventures of one Ling, who bore the

honourable name of Ho. The first, and indeed the greater, part of the
narrative, as related by the venerable and accomplished writer of
history Chow-Tan, is taken up by showing how Ling was assuredly
descended from an enlightened Emperor of the race of Tsin; but as the
no less omniscient Ta-lin-hi proves beyond doubt that the person in
question was in no way connected with any but a line of hereditary
ape-worshippers, who entered China from an unknown country many
centuries ago, it would ill become this illiterate person to express an
opinion on either side, and he will in consequence omit the first
seventeen books of the story, and only deal with the three which refer
to the illustrious Ling himself."
THE STORY OF LING
Narrated by Kai Lung when a prisoner in the camp of Lin Yi.
Ling was the youngest of three sons, and from his youth upwards
proved to be of a mild and studious disposition. Most of his time was
spent in reading the sacred books, and at an early age he found the
worship of apes to be repulsive to his gentle nature, and resolved to
break through the venerable traditions of his family by devoting his
time to literary pursuits, and presenting himself for the public
examinations at Canton. In this his resolution was strengthened by a
rumour that an army of bowmen was shortly to be raised from the
Province in which he lived, so that if he remained he would inevitably
be forced into an occupation which was even more distasteful to him
than the one he was leaving.
Having arrived at Canton, Ling's first care was to obtain particulars of
the examinations, which he clearly perceived, from the unusual activity
displayed on all sides, to be near at hand. On inquiring from passers-by,
he received very conflicting information; for the persons to whom he
spoke were themselves entered for the competition, and therefore
naturally misled him in order to increase their own chances of success.
Perceiving this, Ling determined to apply at once, although the light
was past, to a Mandarin who was concerned in the examinations, lest
by delay he should lose his chance for the year.

"It is an unfortunate event that so distinguished a person should have
selected this day and hour on which to overwhelm us with his affable
politeness!" exclaimed the porter at the gate of the Yamen, when Ling
had explained his reason for going. "On such a day, in the reign of the
virtuous Emperor Hoo Chow, a very benevolent and unassuming
ancestor of my good lord the Mandarin was destroyed by treachery, and
ever since his family has observed the occasion by fasting and no music.
This person would certainly be punished with death if he entered the
inner room from any cause."
At these words, Ling, who had been simply brought up, and chiefly in
the society of apes, was going away with many expressions of
self-reproach at selecting such a time, when the gate-keeper called him
back.
"I am overwhelmed with confusion at the position in which I find
myself," he remarked, after he had examined his mind for a short time.
"I may meet with an ungraceful and objectionable death if I carry out
your estimable instructions, but I shall certainly merit and receive a
similar fate if I permit so renowned and versatile a person to leave
without a fitting reception. In such matters a person can only trust to
the intervention of good spirits; if, therefore, you will permit this
unworthy individual to wear, while making the venture, the ring which
he perceives upon your finger, and which he recognizes as a very
powerful charm against evil, misunderstandings, and extortion, he will
go without fear."
Overjoyed at the amiable porter's efforts on his behalf, Ling did as he
was desired, and the other retired. Presently the door of the Yamen was
opened by an attendant of the house, and Ling bidden to enter. He was
covered with astonishment to find that this person was entirely
unacquainted with his name or purpose.
"Alas!" said the attendant, when Ling had explained his object, "well
said the renowned and inspired Ting Fo, 'When struck by a thunderbolt
it is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to the precise meaning
of the omen.' At this moment my noble-minded master is engaged in
conversation with all the most honourable and refined persons in

Canton, while singers and dancers of a very expert and nimble order
have been sent for. The entertainment will undoubtedly last far into the
night, and to present myself even with the excuse of your graceful and
delicate inquiry would certainly