"The man believed him, and allowed himself to be taken to the house of Lang-Ho.
"But it was in vain that Lang-Ho unfolded all his most subtle arguments. Neither the fear of punishment, nor the hope of pardon, could conquer the obstinacy which can always be observed in impulsive people when their resolution has not accomplished its purpose.
"It was then that my master employed a ruse, whose fantastic character brings a smile, but which, however, demonstrates a profound knowledge of the human heart when acting under the influence of common sense.
"During the sleep of his guest, Lang-Ho took off his robe, replacing it by a garment made of two materials. One was golden yellow, the other a brilliant green. After attacks of terrible anger, in spite of the solicitation of his impulsive nature which incited him to go out, he did not dare to venture into the streets in such a costume.
"That which the most subtle arguments had been unable to accomplish, was obtained through fear of ridicule.
"Two days passed; his fury was changed into great mental exhaustion, because impulsive people can not withstand the contact with obstacles for any length of time.
"It was this moment which my master chose to undertake the cure, in which he was so vitally interested.
"With the most delicate art, he explained to the impulsive man all the chain of sentiments leading from perception to judgment.
"He caused common sense to intervene so happily that the man was permeated by it. My master kept him near by for several weeks, always using very simple arguments to combat the instinctive resolutions which were formulated in his brain many times a day.
"Common sense, thus solicited, was revealed to the impulsive one, and appeared like a peaceful counselor.