“Thus positioned,” continued the leader, indicating by a gesture that while he agreed with these sentiments the moment was not opportune for their full recital, “we await.  If he who lurks in our past draws near he will doubtless accept from our hands that which he will assuredly possess behind our backs.  Thus mutual help will lighten the toil of all.”

“The one whom you require dwells beneath my scanty roof,” said the youth.  “He is now, however, absent on a secret mission.  Entrust to me the burden of your harassment and I will answer, by the sanctity of the Four-eyed Image, that it shall reach his speedy hand.”

When Lao Ting gained his own room, bowed down but rejoicing beneath the weight of his unexpected fortune, his eyes were gladdened by the soft light that hung about his books.  Although it was not yet dark, the radiance of the glow seemed greater than before.  Going to the spot the delighted student saw that in place of one there were now four, the grateful insect having meanwhile summoned others to his cause.  All these stood in an expectant attitude awaiting his control, so that through the night he plied an untiring brush and leapt onward in the garden of similitudes.

From this time forward Lao Ting could not fail to be aware that the faces of those whom he familiarly encountered were changed towards him.  Men greeted him as one worthy of their consideration, and he even heard his name spoken of respectfully in the society of learned strangers.  More than once he found garlands of flowers hung upon his outer door, harmonious messages, and—­once—­a gift of food.  Incredible as it seemed to him it had come to be freely admitted that the unknown scholar Lao Ting would take a very high place in the forthcoming competition, and those who were alert and watchful did not hesitate to place him first.  To this general feeling a variety of portents had contributed.  Doubtless the beginning was the significant fact, known to the few at first, that the miracle-working Tzu-lu had staked his inner garment on Lao Ting’s success.  Brilliant lights were seen throughout the night to be moving in the meagre dwelling (for the four efficacious creatures had by this time greatly added to their numbers), and the one within was credited with being assisted by the Forces.  It is well said that that which passes out of one mouth passes into a hundred ears, and before dawn had become dusk all the early and astute were following the inspired hermit’s example.  They who conducted the lotteries, becoming suddenly aware of the burden of the hazard they incurred, thereat declared that upon the venture of Lao Ting’s success there must be set two taels in return for one.  Whereupon the desire of those who had refrained waxed larger than before, and thus the omens grew.

When the days that remained before the opening of the trial could be counted on the fingers of one hand, there came, at a certain hour, a summons on the outer door of Lao Ting’s house, and in response to his spoken invitation there entered one, Sheng-yin, a competitor.