far more to be envied than the renowned scholar because he believes everything that is told him and has utter faith. To be happy one need have no greater intellect than the cow."
But of all the outlandish wanderers Scobee listened to none interested him more than the eight sons of Cheng Foong who looked after the estate. They had been born to their tasks. Their futures had been carved for them. They were supremely happy, perfectly contented. Surely from them there was much of the real wisdom of life to be gleaned.
From Hoo, master of the jewels, he heard many wild tales and legends of fabulous stones.
"Rare stones are alive," he said. "They possess a certain elusive fragrance. They glow brightest when they are happiest. Sometimes they fade if they are handled by people with whom they are not in tune. Opals are unlucky for some people because their natures are so sensitive. There are few with whom they are in accord. Pearls are fragile. When they are unhappy, they die."
