“However, thinking my life unsafe, I thought it better to leave Ten Li village at once; so I once more started as an outcast and wandered alone till——”
The sound of wheels cut short Hong’s story, and as the Consul swings through the gates in a dog-cart a small figure can be seen fleeing across the lighted verandah. The amah’s shrill scolding is cut short by two chubby arms being flung round her neck, and any further remarks of hers are smothered by a small boy’s kisses showered on her ugly old parchment-like face.
Before going to sleep Jack tells Dorothy in confidence that he thinks Hong’s next story must be about real fighting, as he has heard up to the point when he gives up being an actor for ever.
THE MELANCHOLY MAGISTRATE OF FOH LIN
THE MELANCHOLY MAGISTRATE OF FOH LIN
THE new “chow” puppy certainly possessed a sense of humour. He was very funny just now, and appeared to know it, and the more his efforts were rewarded by laughter the more he strove to satisfy his audience. He resembled a diminutive square black bear, his small tail curled so tightly on his back that it appeared to be almost lifting his hind feet off the ground, and his front legs seemed to be so set on his body that he would of necessity tumble on his nose should he essay to travel rapidly. His beady eyes, like animated boot buttons, seemed brimful of merriment, and his final effort at carrying an old shoe in his mouth across the compound had reduced Jack and Dorothy to a state of helplessness from laughter. Hong, the gate-keeper, stood by enjoying the scene and laughing inwardly. He possessed the trait common to most Chinamen of being intensely amused without showing any outward sign, and although possessed of an enormous appreciation of humour, he was seldom seen to smile, and never known to laugh.
“What for you never laugh?” demanded Jack, turning suddenly on the burly servant. “Isn’t that funny enough for you?” pointing to the puppy.
“It is funny, very funny indeed,” replied Hong, “but, Excellency, this person has learned not to laugh and has learned it in a hard school.”