Evening star., 1922-01-22
BY H. Bedford-J Jones

I guests activities, and Toptit did not
mention them. Each man knew that
the other man knew. however.
At dinner that evening discussion
again fell upon the screen in the din
ing room.
II was thinking about that screen
today" observed Toptit. drawing forth
his notebook. TN fact, it suggested
a poem to me-or perhaps I should
say a verse"
The mandarin chuckled. II appre-
ciate the distinction. Mr.. Toptit'" he
answered. II have heard that you are
a poet, however"
"well," resumed Toptit, 7 was
thinking about that old syce over
there, and it suggested something to
me. If I might bore you with the
fragment"
my dear sir, the pleasure will be
tremendous" averred the mandarin
with sincerity. by all means"
'very WELL" said Toptit. opening
the notebook. I'VE must imagine
Chang Now at work. you know.
by the roadside sat Chang Now,
And with cunning fingers lad
His ink and paint to the silk-strip quaint
While the dapple- gray dozed in the shade.
Then the old syce, moppinE his brow,
The critics art essayed,
As he propped his foot on q gnarled brown root
And discou1sed on the painters trade:
I've always had an idea,' quoth he.
That had the soul Of an artist In ME;
Now, II ! were you. I'd change that tree.
By the roadside sat Chang Now.
Craftsman Of paint and ink;
He limned bough as he best knew how.
And his left eye closed in 4 wink"
Toptit cleared his throat.
"You understand" no said apollo
mon quality Of human nature which
The mandarin smiled and lifted his
hand protestingly.
MY dear sir. I understand perfectly,
The verse is a gem Of words. an ex-
quisite fancy! II I might suggest q
slight change in the final line
by all means" hastened Toptit
eagerly.
Instead Of saying his left eye
why not make it his slant eye? Don't
you think this would be little more
general. q triae less exact and pro-
saic?'
Certainly. But you said that
Chang Now was a Manchu. There
fore, he would scarcely have almond
eyes"
"Of course" agreed the mandarin.
stroking his wispy gray beard. still.
the art Of poesy has very catholic
latitude, don't you Think
Toptit regarded his host with some
suspicion, but the mandarin remained
gravely dignifed. Suddenly Wing
turned to him.
"You must accept small and un-
worthy gift. my friend" he said
earnestly. Il have discovered a very
fine bit of real Ming cloisonne in a
nearby temple, and have sent for it.
1t is a hsiang vi, an insence urn. and
1t is rather remarkable. 1t will give
me great pleasure If you will accept
it."
II shall be indeed honored." said
Toptit in delight. "Why-'
And if you know Of any one who
cares to buy this humble screen" the
mandarin waved his taper fingers to-
ward the screen, Il shall gladly sell it
for a thousand dollars-Mexican."
X + ,
lroPTIT started. His bio had been a
thousand gold. or had been SO in
tended. However, if the mandarin
wanter silver, all right!
I'll write a check Immediately" he
responded.
That night in his own room Toptit
| frowned portentously to himself. He
was distinctly worried. troubled, un-
easy over some hidden matter. At
| length he drew out his notebook and
once more read over the verse to him.
self Then he threw down the little
book with an exclamation of annoy
ance.
Darn it" he said. II don't believe
he thought this poem was worth a
hang. He didn't even ask to have a
i copy Of it. wonder II he was maxi
| ing fun about it after read it?'
He sadly shook his head as he
| climbed into bed.