Page 17 - incense-bearers of han

considerably abated. His obviously sincere attempts to marry her off, coupled with the

kindlier counsels of the better-disposed, had gradually eased the tension and cooled
the flames of criticism.

It seemed, however, that there was yet further chastisement in store for Mr. Lee. He

had arrayed himself in his best gown on a bright Sunday morning to attend the house
of worship. Two of his best friends had dropped by to accompany him to the morning
service. As the three issued from the front door and out on to the threshingfloor Mr.
Lee still hoping-to-get-rich observed that one branch of the locust tree that was beside

the threshingfloor and in close juxtaposition to the large circular cesspool, was
hanging limp and broken. He stopped and gave a grunt of displeasure as he mentally
debated his most profitable course. If he left the branch in that condition some
neighbor might take advantage of his absence and relieve him of a piece of

prospective firewood. On the other hand, to do anything in the way of servile work on
the Sabbath would not commend his piety to the elders who were with him. That
which the Chinese has in common with a Scotsman won the day. He asked his friends
to wait a moment as he hastened back into the house and presently came out again

with a small bench in his left hand and a saw in his right.

He placed the bench under the drooping branch, near the edge of the cesspool,
stood upon it and proceeded to saw. Perhaps you have already guessed it, but if not,

here it is. In the midst of his effort he overbalanced himself on the rickety bench and
plunged headlong (still grasping the saw) into the unspeakable filth of the cesspool.
His friends who witnessed the tragedy found it convenient to regard it as a divine
visitation on the ubiquitous Mr. Lee and fled in terror, real or feigned, leaving him to

extricate himself from his woeful plight.

They burst in upon the assembly gathered for worship and informed them of this
further misfortune that had overtaken Mr. Lee. Bedlam was again let loose. “Kai

Ying—Kai Ying! Just punishment, just punishment” and “we told you so” shouted
those who had been most violent in their denunciations before, but had been silenced
by the moderates.

The humiliation of poor Mr. Lee was complete. For weeks after his interment in
filth he did not show his face at the Jesus Hall, even though in that time he had
vindicated himself with respect to the woman from the South by contracting a
marriage for her to a respected member of the church and community.

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