Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/141

RV 136 (LADY T'AI CHÊN) "If I summoned the dragon, it would result in terrific storms."

"No matter. The farms would be blessed with water. The people would not mind even the deafening roar of thunder or the unleashed fury of great winds."

Wu Wei sighed. "If it is the Emperor's wish, I will do it, even though I believe the wisest course is not to tamper with things that cannot be controlled."

He roused from his lethargy. Preparations were solemnly made. Banners were set out, also scrolls and images.

Wu Wei's expression was almost a sneer. "These will not bring rain," he said. "Remove them. All that I wish is one small bowl of water."

When the bowl had been set before him by Kao, he stirred it with a small knife, repeating a gibberish of incantations over and over again, almost endlessly. At last, from the surface of the water, a small dragon appeared, no bigger than a man's thumb. For a moment only it was visible, then it faded off into mist. Once more Wu Wei stirred the water, muttering an unintelligible sentence thrice over. From the bowl a white vapor arose. It was like unto smoke.

"Now go!" cried Wu Wei. "Go as fast as you can. Tell the Emperor at Loyang that I have acceded to his wishes. Rain is coming."

Kao sprang on his horse and galloped away. Wu Wei watched him until his horse smalled into shadow. On, on, Kao went. Once he looked back, to behold a white RV 136 (136)