of the wine shop. Approaching the counter, he thrust out from his loins a handful of silver and coppers, which he tossed upon the counter, saying, "Cash, bring on the wine!"
He wore a new lined jacket, while from his loins hung a large purse, which with its great weight sagged his trouser-string into a very sharp loop. In accordance with the old established customs of Weichuang, a newcomer of imposing appearance was to be treated with respect rather than with disdain; and in this present case, although it was obvious that this was Ah Q, still, because of the slight difference from the Ah Q of the tattered jacket—the Ancients say: "When a scholar has been absent from his village for three days, he is treated with increased honor" — the waiters, the cashier, the patrons, and the passers-by unconsciously revealed a kind of respect commingled with suspicion.
The cashier first nodded his head and followed the nod with the words: "Hello, Ah Q. You've come back?"
"I've come back!"
"Good fortune, good fortune! You've been—"
"— in the city!"
On the following day, this bit of news had spread throughout the entire length of Weichuang. Every one was anxious to know just how Ah Q, with his ready cash and new lined jacket, had
