Nevertheless, when within the gloomy aisles, Kai Lung more than once
wished himself back at the village, or safely behind the mud walls of
Knei Yang; and, making many vows concerning the amount of prayer-paper
which he would assuredly burn when he was actually through the gates,
he stepped out more quickly, until suddenly, at a turn in the glade,
he stopped altogether, while the watchful expression into which he had
unguardedly dropped at once changed into a mask of impassiveness and
extreme unconcern. From behind the next tree projected a long straight
rod, not unlike a slender bamboo at a distance, but, to Kai Lung's
all-seeing eye, in reality the barrel of a matchlock, which would come
into line with his breast if he took another step. Being a prudent
man, more accustomed to guile and subservience to destiny than to
force, he therefore waited, spreading out his hands in proof of his
peaceful acquiescence, and smiling cheerfully until it should please
the owner of the weapon to step forth. This the unseen did a moment
later, still keeping his gun in an easy and convenient attitude,
revealing a stout body and a scarred face, which in conjunction made
it plain to Kai Lung that he was in the power of Lin Yi, a noted
brigand of whom he had heard much in the villages.
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