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 begged for a trial. "Well, if you are determined," said the prince, "take my spear and raise it above your head." The prince's spear was solid iron from point to heel, and longer than the mast of a sea-venturing junk. Furthermore, it had been greased with tiger fat to prevent rust. Han grasped the spear to raise it. His fingers slipped. Down crashed the heavy weapon. "Take whips and lash him out of the city—clumsy knave that he is," Prince Chin roared in a great voice—angrily. The spear had missed His Royal Person by the merest mite.

An old councillor spoke. "Your Highness, surely it cannot be that you intend to let the rogue live? He will some day return with an army to take revenge." "Nonsense," said the prince. "He is no more than an ant—and idiotic besides. How could such a fellow secure an army?" "Nevertheless, I fear the ant will work your downfall. He must be killed." The councillor insisted. He argued so strongly for Han's death that, rather than hear more, the prince consented. "It is useless. But do as you wish. Send a squad of