Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/230

RV 225 (LI PO) speck of land known as Burning Island, upon which are to be found blue leopards no larger than a fox. If one is captured in a net and tossed into a blazing fire, he later emerges from the ashes, not even scorched. Here, too, is Fiery Forest Hill, habitat of the fire-luster animal. It is about the size of a rat with white hair three or four inches long. On dark nights the reflection of the luster of the animals, makes the forest visible from a far distance. The hair of these animals is woven into a fire-proof cloth by the natives. When clothes made from this cloth become dirty, the natives cleanse them with a solution of ashes. Should this fail, they are thrown into a fire and left there for the time required to eat one bowl of rice, at which time they are withdrawn and shaken. The dirt and ashes fall from them till they are without blemish. The cloth I exhibited to your Majesty today is a product of this Island."

He paused abruptly. Then turning to Li Po, he said, "Perhaps you are able to chant a song more fascinating than my little amusement."

Momentarily Li Po was taken back by the hidden sneer in the words. He yawned to hide his surprise, but it had its effect.

He rose to his feet and stepped to the side of Ch'i-ch'i.

"O Illustrious Emperor," said he, addressing Ming Huang. "What I am about to repeat is directed toward Ch'i-ch'i though I am happy that Your Majesty is a witness of it. I beg of Your Majesty, that you do not RV 225 (225)