ng remains but the fulfilling of my
iron word."

Thereupon he pronounced a mystic sign and revealing the opening to a
cave he presently brought forth six sets of armoured skin. Binding
these upon Chang Tao's back, he dismissed him, yet the manner of his
parting was as of one who is doubtful even to the end.

Thus equipped--

But who having made a distant journey into Outer Land speaks lengthily
of the level path of his return, or of the evening glow upon the
gilded roof of his awaiting home? Thus, this limit being reached in
the essential story of Chang Tao, Melodious Vision and the Dragon, he
who relates their commonplace happenings bows submissively.

Nevertheless it is true that once again in a later time Chang Tao
encountered in the throng one whom he recognized. Encouraged by the
presence of so many of his kind, he approached the other and saluted
him.

"Greeting, O Pe-lung," he said, with outward confidence. "What bends
your footsteps to this busy place of men?"

"I come to buy an imitation pig-tail to pass for one," replied
Pe-lung, with quiet composure. "Greeting, valorous champion! How fares
Melodious Vision?"

"Agreeably so," admitted Chang Tao, and then, fearing that so far his
reply had been inadequate, he added: "Yet, despite the facts, there
are moments when this person almost doubts if he did not make a wrong
decision in the matter after all."

"That is a very common complaint," said Pe-lung, becoming most
offensively amused.

CHAPTER IX

The Propitious Dissension between Two whose General
Attributes have already been sufficiently Described

When Kai Lung had related the story of Chang Tao and had made an end
of speaking, those who were seated there agreed with an undivided
voice that he had competently fulfilled his task. Nor did Shan Tien
omit an approving word, adding:

"On one point the historical balance of a certain detail seemed open
to contention. Accompany me, therefore, to my own severe retreat,
where this necessarily flat and unentertaining topic can be looked at
from all round."

When they were alone together the Mandarin unsealed a jar of wine,
apportioned melon seeds, and indicated to Kai Lung that he should sit
upon the floor at a suitable distance from himself.

"So long as we do not lose sight of the necessity whereby my official
position will presently involve me in condemning you to a painful
death, and your loyal s