The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1894-12-01
THE SILK CORD.

usually a~OCltCatt, the White MOVERS OF
the tea plant filled his gardens; his silk
cocooas were never richer; he was the
lucky possessor OF al autograph letter
from the emperor, in which could be
seen the word cllaon, q c~redential Of
long life, and, lastly, he had seen divided
in 10, 600 pieces the body of his enemy
Pe-kong, who had affronted him by cut
ting off his pigtail.
Why, then, had our noble Chinese or
dered the irrage of 70 to be beiabored
with sticks, leaving @ mere week CT
that deity standing amid fragments Of
his former porcelain ard imposing fig
ure: And that evening Ct sapper why
had he disputed with his ancient cook
the excellence Of u magnificent dish Of
roast dog tl.at all the guests had pro-
rc8ncod exquisite, disdaiEed a cup Of
this Gnczt kyson tea and paid no atton-
ton to his pet monkey, in spite Of all
his playfat carcsscs?
Respected kinsEnen," said Chao-Se
gravely, after the meal had ended, to
the three venerable Cinnamon sqratting
at his side, "you all know that I he'd
intended presenting my soa at the court
of our Celestial Kingdom"
+, The speaker and his hearers inclined
their heads until their pigtails swept the
floor, and it became necessary to remove
the monkey. who initiated the action of
these grave personages, Chao-Se contin-
ued:
"..lIy son, Te-Ku, has not regarded
my teachings. He does not know how to
bend the body gracefully is times III
making our court bow, nor is he familiar
with the unalterable forms of our Celes-
tial etiquette. He has rejected my old
friend Ling's virtuous daughter, whose
tiny feet could be incased in nutshells,
and, let this a~stonish you, dear friends,
defied by Chung, whose honorcd bod?
now reposes in the tomb, he refused to
disembowel himself, while his adversary
expired triumphant with his abdomen
ripped open in the most approved fash
ion. In this disgrace I have called yoE
together, being resolved to follow your
advice as to the best means of saving
the family honor"
"You should, above all, disinherit
Tc-hu," said the eldest of the council.
AIu uAflu0 yOuE pOSSSSSlOuS dIiOiS
u.s., added the second.
"And as the family honor is furnished
a sacrifice is necessary" said the third.
lyon should strangle yourself in order
that the reputation of our house may
not perish"
Such was the decision of the council.
Chao-Se now, too late, regretted having
convoked it.
ing me?" asked the wife of Chao-Se that
same night, noticing that her husband
had placed a small ivory box upon the
table of her room.
Beautiful and dearly beloved Tian,
1 have a surprise for you, replied the
noble Chinese CALAMITY.
Tian gathered herself up on her couch,
exposing to view a pair of tiny feet
some two or three inches in length.
lyon have been a good wife" con-
tinued Chao-Se kindly, land I desire
that you should figure in history as a
model of virtue. Well, then, the family
council has decided that l must sacrifice
myself to restore u lost reputation,
but as | have q certificate of long life
from my sovereign it would be an act
OF lngratltude on my part to cut short
my own existence. / have therefore Sc
lectcd you, dear Tian, as my substitute,
that you may save our honor with the
silk cord you will find in that box. l
am sure you will be grateful to me for
this mark of distinction and proof of
my deep affection"
Sir" exclaimed Tian terrified. 1T
dare not kill myself. l am as timid as a
chicken"
Calm yourself, my dear. If you can
not do it alone, being as timid as a
chicken, I'll get the cook to help you."
and the noble Chao-Se embraced his
wife tenderly and withdrew from the
apartment.
, Tian appeared calm. Kin, the cook,
was uneasy.
Kim" said she, ''thou needest re-
pose"
II sleep little, my lady, replied Kin,
rubbing his eyes.
'"Thou shouldst have desires of enjoy
ing in the next world the pleasures that
have been reserved for thee"
II am ignorant of what the great
Buddha may have in store for me there"
"Dost thou wish to fly with me?:''
asked Tian, gazing lovingly at the poor
cook.
my LADY," exclaimed he, trembling.
"To fly from a house where they do
not appreciate thy roasts, to unite thy