ancients inserted into the anus of the dead at encoffining time," His Honor Seven was saying as he held up a mottled stone object. He rubbed it a couple of times against the side of his nose and continued, "Too bad it is comparatively new. But it is worth buying. At the latest, Han. Look at this, it is known as 'quick silver impregnate' . . . "
Several heads were immediately bent over the mysterious phenomenon. His Honor Wei's head was, naturally, among these, but there were also the heads of several young masters, whom Ai-ku had not noticed as their presence had been overwhelmed by more luminous personages.
She did not comprehend the last remark, but she had neither the curiosity nor the courage to seek enlightenment. Therefore, she took the opportunity to steal a look around the room and behold! there close to the wall at one side of the door stood the "old beast" and the "little beast." Though it was only a glance, she could see clearly that both seemed older and more weary than when she saw them last, about a half year ago.
The crowd around the "quick silver impregnate" broke up. His Honor Wei took the "anus-stopper" and sat down. Then turning to Chuang Mu-san he said, while fondling the extraordinary object:
"Just you two?"
"Yes."
"Didn't any of your sons come with you?"
"They didn't have time."
"I did not mean to disturb you at New Year time. But—it is still about that matter . . . I think you have done enough. Has it not gone on for more than two years now? It is my opinion that it is better to reconcile enmities than
