Page:Chinese Merry Tales (1909).djvu/68

Chinese Merry Tales

HERE was a very poor man who met a wealthy man, who said: "I will present you with Tls. 1,000 if you let me kill you outright." The poor man, after meditating for a while, answered: "You give me Tls. 500; then you may half kill me."

DOCTOR boasted that he could cure hunchbacks, similar to those whose backs are like a bow, or a dried shrimp. He said: "If anyone asks me to make the cure, I could make them straight as a penholder." A hunchback happened to believe his words, and requested him to cure his deformity. The doctor brought two large pieces of boards; he put one on the ground and asked the hunchback to lie down on it. He placed the other board on top of the hunchback. He then got a big rope and tied the boards together at both ends as tight as possible. The hunchback felt the pain and loudly screamed out saying: "I do not wish to be cured; loosen me." The doctor did not mind what he said, but stood on the top of the boards, used his utmost strength, and stamped with his feet. Although the hunchback's spine was straightened, he had no breath left. The bystanders took hold of the doctor, and would not stand this method of treatment, and said: "Why have you killed him by your method of healing?" The doctor replied: "I only know how to straighten his spine, and do not care whether he lives or dies."

HERE was a man who fell into the water. His son shouted out in a loud voice: "Come and rescue! If any one can save him, I will give him a handsome reward." His