“‘Yung Chang,’ said the merchant, ’I am informed that you have made a discovery that would be of great value to me, as it undoubtedly would if it is all that you say.  Let us discuss the matter without ceremony.  Can you prove to me that your system possesses the merit you claim for it?  If so, then the matter of arrangement will be easy.’

“’I am convinced of the absolute certainty and accuracy of the discovery,’ replied Yung Chang.  ’It is not as though it were an ordinary matter of human intelligence, for this was discovered to me as I was worshipping at the tomb of my ancestors.  The method is regulated by a system of squares, triangles, and cubes.  But as the practical proof might be long, and as I hesitate to keep your adorable daughter out in the damp night air, may I not call at your inimitable dwelling in the morning, when we can go into the matter thoroughly?’

“I will not weary this intelligent gathering, each member of which doubtless knows all the books on mathematics off by heart, with a recital of the means by which Yung Chang proved to Ti Hung the accuracy of his tables and the value of his discovery of the multiplication table, which till then had been undreamt of,” continued the story-teller.  “It is sufficient to know that he did so, and that Ti Hung agreed to his terms, only stipulating that Li Ting should not be made aware of his dismissal until he had returned and given in his accounts.  The share of the profits that Yung was to receive was cut down very low by Ti Hung, but the young man did not mind that, as he would live with his father-in-law for the future.

“With the introduction of this new system, the business increased like a river at flood-time.  All rivals were left far behind, and Ti Hung put out this sign: 

“Nowaiting here!

“Good-morning!  Have you worshipped one of Ti Hung’s refined
ninety-nine cash idols?

“Let the purchasers of ill-constructed idols at other establishments, where they have grown old and venerable while waiting for the all-thumb proprietors to count up to ten, come to the shop of Ti Hung and regain their lost youth.  Our ninety-nine cash idols are worth a tael a set.  We do not, however, claim that they will do everything.  The ninety-nine cash idols of Ti Hung will not, for example, purify linen, but even the most contented and frozen-brained person cannot be happy until he possesses one.  What is happiness?  The exceedingly well-educated Philosopher defines it as the accomplishment of all our desires.  Everyone desires one of the Ti Hung’s ninety-nine cash idols, therefore get one; but be sure that it is Ti Hung’s.

  “Have you a bad idol?  If so, dismiss it, and get one of Ti Hung’s
  ninety-nine cash specimens.

  “Why does your idol look old sooner than your neighbours?  Because
  yours is not one of Ti Hung’s ninety-nine cash marvels.

    “They bring all delights to the old and the young,
    The elegant idols supplied by Ti Hung.