ly all members of our enlightened tribe have tails," he
replied, with distant precision, "nor does this one see how any other
state is possible. Changing as we constantly do, both male and female,
into Beings, Influences, Shadows and unclothed creatures of the lower
parts, it is essential for our mutual self-esteem that in every
manifestation we should be thus equipped. At this moment, though in
the guise of a substantial trader, I possess a tail--small but
adequate. Is it possible that you and those of your insolvent race are
destitute?"

"In this particular, magnificence, I and those of my threadbare
species are most lamentably deficient. To the proving of this end
shall I display myself?"

"It is not necessary," said Pe-lung coldly. "It is inconceivable that,
were it otherwise, you would admit the humiliating fact."

"Yet out of your millenaries of experience you must already--"

"It is well said that after passing a commonplace object a hundred
times a day, at nightfall its size and colour are unknown to one,"
replied Pe-lung. "In this matter, from motives which cannot have been
otherwise than delicate, I took too much for granted it would
seem. . . . Then you--all--Shen Yi, Melodious Vision, the military
governor of this province, even the sublime Emperor--all--?"

"All tailless," admitted Chang Tao, with conscious humility.
"Nevertheless there is a tradition that in distant aeons--"

"Doubtless on some issue you roused the High Ones past forgiveness and
were thus deprived as the most signal mark of their displeasure."

"Doubtless," assented Chang Tao, with unquenchable politeness.

"Coming to the correct attitude that you have maintained throughout, it
would appear that during the silent gong-strokes of the night, by some
obscure and indirect guidance it was revealed to you that Fuh--that
any Being of my superior race was, on the contrary--" The menace of
Pe-lung's challenging eye, though less direct and assured than
formerly, had the manner of being uncertainly restrained by a single
much-frayed thread, but Chang Tao continued to meet it with respectful
self-possession.

"The inference is unflinching," he replied acquiescently. "I prostrate
myself expectantly."

"You have competently performed your part," admitted Pe-lung, although
an occasional jet of purple vapour clouded his upper person and the
passage of his breath among his teeth would have been distasteful to
one of sensitive refinement. "Nothi