The Red Cloud chief., 1880-10-14
CURIOUS CHINESE LEGEND.

in the Empire, there dwelt i'm "the
scented flower street a young man
named Sbu, who had lately lost his
father. By the death of this parent a
considerable amount Of wealth. in
money. houses and land, reverted 10
him. Being of a literary turn of mind
he seldom visited the places of public
resort, his time being generally occu-
pied with his studies or in attending To
the wants of his mother. Although he
was urged by his surviving parent to
contract a matrimonial alliance, yet he
persistently refused, saving that he had
never yet seen or heard of any damsel
upon whom he could center his afiec-
tions. Enjoying as he did good looks
in addition to his share of wealth, he
was the envy of all the marriage brok-
ers in the city, who vainly brought the
charms of numerous fair ones before
his mothers notice. but all in vain.
Now, one night while porting over
some ancient tones treating upon
magic and the occult sciences, he came
across a chapter wherein was described
the charms of a certain Princess, the
daughter of a mighty King, who lived
in a distant part Of China. Her innu-
1murable graces, her exquisite beauty
and attainments were all set forth.
Fired by the marvellous attributes of
this fair damsel he determined TO make
further inquiries upon the subject.
Not far from the young mans place OF
abode there lived an old Buddhist priest
who had the reputation OF being deeply
versed in magic and i'm ancient history.
Thither the youth repaired, and, hav-
ing acquainted him with the subject,
invoked his aid to inform him by what
means it was possible TO see this wond-
erful Princess. The priest endeavored
to dissuade him from making the at
tempt, but in vain. WELL" said the
priest, 81 war; you that nothing but
sorrow will be the result of your
wishes, but if at any future time you
should require my services, for the
sake of your father, who was very
kind TO me, L will save you from
misery" The rash youth was in no
way daunted by the evil forebodings OF
the priest, nor would he be dissuaded
from his resolve.
A DEMONIACAL DAMSEL.
Acco rdingly the old man gave him
the foil owing instructions: .'This beau
tiful Princess is the daughter of King
Wong, who, as you are aware by the
records of your books, is possessed OF
considerable nOtorietv and skill in the
magic art. This he has transmitted TO
his daughter, and by virtue of a super
natural power she has the means.
whenever she wills it, of Transforming
herself or any one she may wish into
the form of a serpent. Up to the pres
ent time she has been sought by many
s~uitors, but owing to her wickedness
and desire to wreak vengeance upon
the inhabitants of the kingdom of WI,
with whom in former years her ances-
tors were at endless warfare, she
makes a point of transforming young
men into serpents, and conveys them
by her magic art to that kingdom. thus
venting her wrath against the people of
the land. Now, my son, | alone have
the means TO prevent her using her
magic upon you. 1t may be that she
will be struck with your appearance,
and should you, by effecting a marriage
with her, dissolve the unholy spell that
now dominates her, then you will,
indeed, be privileged to enter into the
blessed state of Nirvana. Go home,
and / will command the Princess by
virtue of my power owe her TO appear
to you"
A PECULIAR INTERVIEW.
The young man retraced his steps,
and having seated himself in his study
was deeply immersed in thought, when
suddenly a ray of bright light struck
across the chamber and upon looking
up he beheld the object of his wishes.
DaZzled by the beauty of the lady he
could scarcely speak. but the fair DAM
sci approached, and thus began: MAS
ter Shu, by command of the sage Chang
i have come to you: in what manner
can l serve you?" Shu, regaining his
courage, replied: ssFair Lady Leen
(Lily), / have long read of your Won
drous charms. gaze upon your form and
features" The lady on her side was
evidently smitten with the youth, and
did not for the moment know what to
reply to the compliment. Said she,
shave you heard of my wickedneSs and
proficiency in the magic art, and are
you ready to undergo any test l may
put you to-" Being answered in the
affirmative, she said: swell, tonight
be at the foot of the 'teng Shan (PhG-
nix hill). and remain watching until
come to YOU" The youth promised to
be there. As evening approached he
felt somewhat alarmed and having Wis
tied his mother, telling her that she
was not TO be alarmed as he would not
be home before morning, made a dis
position of his property and having as
sumed his best garments repaired to
the spot indicated by the Princess.
To his establishment, Just at the foot
of the hill, he wa suddenly stopped by
the Priest Chang, who drew him aside
and endeavored, by all the persuasion
in his power, to deter him from keep
ing his appointment.
A VISION Of sERPENTS.
The sage, seeing that all his speech
was useless, determined to resort to his
power of sum moning unearthly beings
to his aid, to combat the art OF the
Princess Leen. The moon which had
hitherto shown brightly on the scene.
now became clouded over. Suddenly the
Kissing of serpents became audible,
the noise of the leaves rustling and the
branches cracking caused our hero to
look I'D. What a sight met his gaze!
Numberless serpents were visible OF all
sizes and shapes, twisting and coliing
themselves in and out of the branches.
He started back in horror and hall re-
solved to return, when from amidst
the largest heap of the reptiles a white
serpent, whose eyes g%listened like dia-
monds, and whose head was the color
of the purest jade, came forth and ap,,
preached the young man. Nearer n
nearer it drew, when, on an instant,
the grove became illumined with q
lurid glare, and the sage Chang was to
be seen surrounded by a number OF
demons. Addressingthe white serpent,
who had paused on its path, he SAD;
.Vile woman, l have long awaited a
chance to put an end to your nefarious
Hoings. and o is my opportunity"
R0Ij0g hjaE hand he cried: '.Assume