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Chinese Merry Tales Chapter LXXX VIII.— The Two Pairs of Boots. (恍忽)

HERE was a man who wore the wrong pair of boots. When he walked, it appeared that one of his legs was shorter than the other. He looked very awkward and he himself felt there was something wrong. He said: "Why is one of my legs shorter than the other to-day; perhaps the cause is that the roads are not level." The others then told him: "You have worn the wrong pair of boots." He at once ordered his servant to go home and bring him another pair. After the servant was gone for a long time, he came back empty-handed and said: "Master, you need not change; the pair at home also has soles one thicker than the other."

Chapter LXXXIX.— The Mud Shoes. (泥鞋.)

H HSI, a native of Soochow, came to Shanghai to look for employment. A friend recommended him to a family to act as sedan carrier. One day he happened to pass a shoemaker's shop at the New North Gate. There were shoes with nailed soles exposed for sale. On the signboard was written: "Just arrived from Peking, water-proof cloth shoes with paper and hob-nail soles, 500 cash per pair." There were small characters on the side of the signboard stating that the shoes are most suitable for those who ride in sedan chairs. Ah Hsi, seeing the shoes were strong and cheap, bought a pair. One night it rained; the streets were wet and slippery; he wore the new shoes and walked into a ditch full of water. The soles of his shoes came off. The spikes cut through to his feet, which were so sore that he could not stand up. He fell into the ditch, and some one assisted him to his feet. He wondered why the shoes did not last longer, as they appeared