At a convenient distance from the town he came to a
favourable piece of ground where he decided to await the arrival of Li
Keen, spending the time profitably in polishing his already brilliant
sword, and making observations upon the nature of the spot and the
condition of the surrounding omens, on which the success of his
expedition would largely depend.
As the sun reached the highest point in the open sky the sound of an
approaching company could be plainly heard; but at the moment when the
chair of the Mandarin appeared within the sight of those who waited,
the great luminary, upon which all portents depend directly or
indirectly, changed to the colour of new-drawn blood and began to sink
towards the earth. Without any misgivings, therefore, Ling disposed
his two attendants in the wood, with instructions to step forth and
aid him if he should be attacked by overwhelming numbers, while he
himself remained in the way. As the chair approached, the Mandarin
observed a person standing alone, and thinking that it was one who,
hearing of his return, had come out of the town to honour him, he
commanded the bearers to pause.
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