eng Cho, who, when faced with the
alternative of either defying the Avenging Societies or of opposing
fixed authority found a way out of escaping both."

"That should be worth--that is to say, if you base your defence upon
an existing case--"

"Providing the notorious thug Kai Lung is not thereby brought in,"
suggested the narrow-minded Ming-shu, who equally desired to learn the
stratagem involved.

"Weng Cho was the only one concerned," replied the ancient
obtusely--"he who escaped the consequences. Is it permitted to this
one to make clear her plea?"

"If the fatigue is not more than your venerable personality can
reasonably bear," replied Shan Tien courteously.

"To bear is the lot of every woman, be she young or old," replied the
one before them. "I comply, omnipotence."

The Story of Weng Cho; or, the One Devoid of Name

There was peach-blossom in the orchards of Kien-fi, a blue sky above,
and in the air much gladness; but in Wu Chi's yamen gloom hung like
the herald of a thunderstorm. At one end of a table in the ceremonial
hall sat Wu Chi, heaviness upon his brow, deceit in his eyes, and a
sour enmity about the lines of his mouth; at the other end stood his
son Weng, and between them, as it were, his whole life lay.

Wu Chi was an official of some consequence and had two wives, as
became him. His union with the first had failed in its essential
purpose; therefore he had taken another to carry on the direct line
which alone could bring him contentment in this world and a reputable
existence in the next. This degree of happiness was supplied by Weng's
mother, yet she must ever remain but a "secondary wife," with no
rights and a very insecure position. In the heart of the chief wife
smouldered a most bitter hatred, but the hour of her ascendancy came,
for after many years she also bore her lord a son. Thenceforward she
was strong in her authority; but Weng's mother remained, for she was
very beautiful, and despite all the arts of the other woman Wu Chi
could not be prevailed upon to dismiss her. The easy solution of this
difficulty was that she soon died--the "white powder death" was the
shrewd comment of the inner chambers of Kien-fi.

Wu Chi put on no mourning, custom did not require it; and now that the
woman had Passed Beyond he saw no necessity to honour her memory at
the expense of his own domestic peace. His wife donned her gayest
robes and made a feast. Weng alone stood apart, and in f