an, save for one or two
unimportant details, is the reflected personification of your own
exalted image, nor would those most intimate with your form and
outline be able to pronounce definitely unless you stood side by side
before them. Furthermore, he is by nature unable to hear any remark
addressed to him, and is incapable of expressing himself in spoken
words. Doubtless by these indications my lord's locust-like
intelligence will already have leapt to an inspired understanding of
the full project?"

"Assuredly," replied Chou-hu, caressing himself approvingly. "The
essential details of the scheme are built about the ease with which
this person could present himself at the abode of Yuen Yan in his
absence and, gathering together that one's store of wealth
unquestioned, retire with it to a distant and unknown spot and thereby
elude the implacable Heng-cho's vengeance."

"Leaving your menial one in the 'walled city' referred to, to share
its fate, and, in particular, to undertake the distressing obligation
of gathering up the atrocious Heng-cho after he has carried his final
threat into effect? Truly must the crystal stream of your usually
undimmed intelligence have become vaporized. Listen well. Disguising
your external features slightly so that the resemblance may pass
without remark, present yourself openly at the residence of the Yuen
Yan in question--"

"First learning where it is situated?" interposed Chou-hu, with a
desire to grasp the details competently.

"Unless a person of your retrospective taste would prefer to leave so
trivial a point until afterwards," replied his wife in a tone of
concentrated no-sincerity. "In either case, however, having arrived
there, bargain with the one who has authority over Yuen Yan's
movements, praising his demeanour and offering to accept him into the
honours and profits of your craft. The words of acquiescence should
spring to meet your own, for the various branches of mendicancy are
languishing, and Yuen Yan can have no secret store of wealth. Do not
hesitate to offer a higher wage than you would as an affair of
ordinary commerce, for your safety depends upon it. Having secured
Yan, teach him quickly the unpolished outlines of your business and
then clothing him in robes similar to your own let him take his stand
within the shop and withdraw yourself to the inner chamber. None will
suspect the artifice, and Yuen Yan is manifestly incapable of
betraying it. Heng-cho, seein