“He has Passed, and one of those—­Tiao by name,” said the other, referring to a parchment—­“has schemingly driven out the rest and held the patrimony.  Crafty and ambitious, she has of late married a high official who has ever been hostile to ourselves.  Out of a private enmity the woman seeks the lives of two who are under our most solemn protection, and now uses her husband’s wealth and influence to that end.  It is on him that the blow must fall, for men kill only men, and she, having no son, will then be discredited and impotent.”

“And concerning this official?” asked Weng.

“It has not been thought prudent to speak of him by name,” replied the chief.  “Stricken with a painful but not dangerous malady he has retired for a time to the healthier seclusion of his wife’s house, and there he may be found.  The woman you will know with certainty by a crescent scar—­above the right eye.”

“Beneath the eye,” corrected Weng instantly.

“Assuredly, beneath:  I misread the sign,” said the head, appearing to consult the scroll.  “Yet, out of a keen regard for your virtues, Thang, let me point a warning that it is antagonistic to our strict rule to remember these ancient scars too well.  Further, in accordance with that same esteem, do not stoop too closely nor too long to identify the mark.  By our pure and exacting standard no high attainment in the past can justify defection.  The pains and penalties of failure you well know.”

“I bow, chieftain,” replied Weng acquiescently.

“It is well,” said the chief.  “Your strategy will be easy.  To cure this lord’s disorder a celebrated physician is even now travelling from the Capital towards Kien-fi.  A day’s journey from that place he will encounter obstacles and fall into the hands of those who will take away his robes and papers.  About the same place you will meet one with a bowl on the roadside who will hail you, saying, ’Charity, out of your superfluity, noble mandarin coming from the north!’ To him you will reply, ’Do mandarins garb thus and thus and go afoot?  It is I who need a change of raiment and a chair; aye, by the token of the Locust’s Head!’ He will then lead you to a place where you will find all ready and a suitable chair with trusty bearers.  The rest lies beneath your grinding heel.  Prosperity!”

Weng prostrated himself and withdrew.  The meeting by the wayside befell as he had received assurance—­they who serve the Triad do not stumble—­and at the appointed time he stood before Tiao’s door and called for admission.  He looked to the right and the left as one who examines a new prospect, and among the azalea flowers the burnished roof of the summer-house glittered in the sun.

“Lucky omens attend your coming, benevolence,” said the chief attendant obsequiously; “for since he sent for you an unpropitious planet has cast its influence upon our master, so that his power languishes.”

“Its malignity must be controlled,” said Weng, in a feigned voice, for he recognized the one before him.  “Does any watch?”