Page:Ernest Bramah - Kai Lungs Golden Hours.djvu/210

 Nevertheless it is true that once again in a later time Chang Tao encountered in a throng one whom he recognised. Encouraged by the presence of so many of his kind, he approached the other and saluted him.

"Greeting, O Pe-lung," he said, with outward confidence. "What bends your footsteps into this busy place of men?"

"I come to buy an imitation pig-tail to pass for one," replied Pe-lung, with quiet composure. "Greeting, valorous champion! How fares Melodious Vision?"

"Agreeably so," admitted Chang Tao, and then, fearing that so far his reply had been inadequate, he added: "Yet, despite the facts, there are moments when this person almost doubts if he did not make a wrong choice in the matter after all."

"That is a very common complaint," said Pe-lung, becoming most offensively amused.