all means," we replied,
"let us go together to the residence of the ambassador; you will fulfil
your duty, and we a politeness."

We entered, our guide and ourselves, the apartment where Ki-Chan sat.
The fifteen soldiers drew up in file at the threshold of the door, after
prostrating themselves thrice and striking the earth with their
foreheads. The pacificator of kingdoms did the same, but the poor wretch
could not himself get up again without our assistance. According to our
custom, we saluted by placing our caps under our arms. Ki-Chan opened
the discourse, and addressed a short speech to each of us.

Addressing us first, he assumed a wheedling tone: "You," said he, "are
going to return to your country; I do not think you have any complaint to
make of me; my conduct towards you has been irreproachable. I do not
allow you to stay here, but this is the will of the grand Emperor, not
mine. I do not suffer you to go to India, because the laws of the empire
forbid it; if it were otherwise, I, old as I am, would accompany you
myself to the frontiers. The road you are about to travel is not so
horrible as you are led to imagine; you will have, it is true, a little
snow, you will pass some high mountains, and some of the days will be
cold. You see I do not conceal the truth from you. Why should I try to
mislead you? but at all events, you will have attendants to wait upon
you, and every evening you will have a lodging for the night ready for
you; you will have no need to put up a tent. Is not this travelling
better than that on your way hither? You will be obliged to travel on
horseback; I cannot give you a palanquin; there are none to be got in
this country. The report I am going to address to the grand Emperor will
be sent in a few days. As my couriers go day and night they will pass
you. When you have reached in safety the capital of Sse-Tchouen, the
viceroy, Pao, will take charge of you, and my responsibility will be at
an end. You may depart in confidence and with joyful hearts. I have
sent on orders that you shall be well treated throughout. May the star
of happiness guide you in your journey from beginning to end." "Although
we consider ourselves oppressed," replied we to Ki-Chan, "we do not the
less on that account offer up wishes for your prosperity. Since it is to
dignities you aspire, may you recover all those you have lost, and attain
still higher." "Oh, my star is unlucky! my star is unlucky!