Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-02-13


your intelligence were of the masculine or
der. And is it not written in the fifth
section of the third chapter of the eighth
and twentieth volume of the great master
that-that-but upon the whole need not
perplex my mind with the memory of un-
necessary learning. 1t is rare indeed that
this part OF the great masters collected
writings are made use of in the schools"
Il cannot see that you are to blame In
any wayP'
Nor are you asked to interest yourself
so deeply in what is, prechance, beyond you.
Behold, the beginning and the end for
which thou vast createdr'
With these words Seng pointed to the
child Of which he was the father. There
was no answering so forcible rejoinder.
In his heart our friend was, however, in
very much doubt after all las to his ability
to win for his unknown friends the money
they had invested upon him. He felt that
his learning was of halt and lame kind,
| and he knew only too well that unless the
conditions were all in his favor he should
not show at his best. With advancing
years, certain bodily distresses had come
upon him. That leaden dragon, indiges-
ton, in particular, harassed him, and tied
up the mouth of his wallet of memory only
too often.
Il pray that | may succeed, but cannot
tell, L cannot tell. As person of priceless
wisdom said in the reign of-in the reign
Of 1t was during the Ming dynasty,
but l cannot recollect the venerable indi-
vidual's name, nor his exact words, though
| / have a diamond clear sense of their sig
nificance'
So the days crept on until it was the eve
| of the opening of the great competition.
| Picking palpitated with the sound of re-
peated phrases and with the throbbing of
the hearts of the thousands of expectant
| students.
| Seng was washing his face preparatory
to eating his frugal supper, when visitor
of distinction was announced. Countless
| were the obeisances the visitors servant
| offered to Seng and Seng requited them to
the visitor himself.
The latter then expressed his wish to see
our friend by himself, and to say some
thing for his private ear. 1t was easily ar
ranged. And Immediately, without pre-
| amble, the visitor stated that he had come
! to do his utmost to induce Seng to with
/ draw from the examination.
Il am able, most learned sir, TO propose
toyou the sum Of 10000 taels as a compen-
sation for your obliging sacrifice"
Ten thousand taels!' exclaimed Seng,
with natural surprise.
ut is true need not disguise it from
person of your pcrspicacity. The public
! have backed you-pardon the unscholarly
! phrase entreat-have backed you to such
| an extent that rather than pay up your
| series, most respected Piseng, we win en-
/ dow you with this stupendous sum. You
! DO not surely think it too little, by the side
| of the beggarly 500 taels of income which
Z 10,
! ing success"
| "Oh, no" said Seng. 1T is indeed
! great dea0)f money, butt
| And by no means dishonest proposal,
most virtuous sir, to whom all the injunc-
| tons of our most Sapient and excellent an
! cestOrs are as familiar as your wife's face,
| If may be pardOned for mentioning it for
! the sake Of the smile"
/ 1t is not very honest" demurred the
| perpleNed Seng; but still have heard of
more objectionable deeds"
| Infinitely more objectionable deeds are
/ daily committed in the kingdom, and not
! 50 much as one house fly says, You are to
! blame to the persons who are guilty of
! them. But how far removed from the bo.
! derland of guilt is the action | am EN-
! powered to suggest to you, oh, long suffer
! ing Sirg You are to sacrifice yourself.
|
I reaping honor and u certain position (much
| overestimated though this assuredly is),
! you bow your head to some destitute
J youth who IS your inferior in mind power,
! and You say to him with a heart over
| crowded with generosity: Take, my
! brother, the reward that would have been
mine. | give it freely to you and retire
| into private life to enjoy the fruits of my
| life long acquaintance with virtue and
| noble sentences "
The ten thousand taels will be in cash
| | presume, not in landz" asked Seng, hest
family, and with hurried look round
! about him.
In the most undoubted of papers, great
| sir. They shall be turned into silver, if so
| it please you. Then your self renunciatory
| mind has decided!'
Seng thought earnestly for minute BY
accepting this proposal he would be saved
anxiety for the rest of his life. Even as an
official there would be no end but death to
the harassments and future examinations
| before him. Then there was his child, so
| pink and white, and likely to have a large
| appetite.
Besides, it was such huge sum. He
| might even begin with it and become a
millionaire. This was a terribly mean am
bition for his exalted mind to entertain
Nevertheless, entertain it he did, and espe-
cially in connection with the very grave be-
lief within him that he was far from being
in such candidate form as the public sup
posed. If he failed the people would have
! "a much cause to be angry with hin as if
he took this step which secured him from
penury for life.
Il will receive the 10000 taels," said
Seng, and having them, l will quit Pc
king at once. 1t shall suffice for me hence
forward that | pursue the three happi-
nesses of long life, wealth and family of
sons. My constitution, though impaired,
| may yet suffice for the first and last of
| these desirable ends As for the wealth.
your esteemed consideration and my own
self sacrifice in the present matter may
| serve as a stepping stone oft. have said"
Most discreet Piseng," was the others
reply, and after few more words he with
drew, promising that the money should be
sent that night.
off,. S.4-,+ and 81 4