hundred cash for wine money. As he had no money, he gave him his felt cap as security. Five conditions were imposed:
1. Ah Q was to go to the Chaos' house to apologize, bringing with him a pair of candles—weighing a pound each—and a package of incense sticks.
2. Ah Q was to foot the expenses incurred in exorcizing the evil spirits that might be trying to induce Wu-ma to commit suicide.
3. Ah Q was never to cross Chao's gate again.
4. Ah Q was to be held responsible if anything should happen to Wu-ma in spite of the exorcism.
5. Ah Q was not to demand his wages and his shirt.
Ah Q, needless to say, agreed to all these conditions, but he had no money. Fortunately it was spring and as he had no immediate use for his quilt he pawned it for two thousand cash and carried out the terms. He actually had a few cash left after he went to the Chaos and kowtowed. However, he did not redeem his cap but spent the rest of the money all on drinking. The Chaos did not engage any exorcist but saved the candles and incense for future occasions when the mistress made offerings to Buddha. Ah Q's shirt was cut up; the larger pieces were used as diapers for the baby that the young mistress bore in the eighth moon, the smaller patches went to make soles for Wu-ma's shoes.
That evening, as the sun went down. Ah Q began to feel that something was definitely wrong with the world. After a careful analysis he came to the conclusion that it was because he had nothing on above his waist. He remembered that he still had his lined shirt. He put it on and lay down.
