large flat rock protruding from a deep ravine; but he knew that it must have still been very high, because in the sky the polar star still could be seen sparkling brightly, as large as a cup. Being a deserted part of the country, all was very still, and they could only hear the whispering of the wind in a twisted pinetree- that grew on the edge of a cliff near by.
When they alighted on the rock, Tiehkuantzu told Tu Tzuchun to rest there under the shelter of the cliff, saying:
“I am going to heaven to see Hsiwangmu, so you must wait until I come back. Probably during my absence many devils will appear before you, but whatever you do make no noise at all. If you give vent to a single word, you must know that you will not be fit to become a magician. Mark what I say! You must keep absolute silence even if the earth should split asunder!”
“You can count upon it. I will never make a noise. I will keep silent, even though I may lose my life,” answered Tu Tzuchun.
“Then I am content,” said Tiehkuantzu, “and, now I am going.”
With a word of parting the old man rose again on his bamboo stick, flew straight up into the sky, and disappeared above the steep mountains which stood vertically against the night sky, looking as if they had been hewn and shaped by the axe of some giant.
Tu Tzuchun sat alone on the flat rock, and in silence he watched the stars in the evening sky. After
