Page:Weird Tales Volume 36 Number 11 (1943-05).djvu/30

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 * It is bad form to murder one's customers. But the ancient Chinese alchemist had other, more subtle methods with which to take care of his country's invaders.
 * }

HROUGH the lattice-work screen, Doctor Shen Fu watched the Japanese officer enter "The Drug Shop of a Thousand Years." In his heart was a sharp sword but his face was bland as he walked out to meet the smug little man.

"I am the proprietor, Doctor Shen Fu," he said aloofly.

"And I, General Nishikori, in charge of this district."

The Doctor nodded but he did not bow. He stood tall and straight as a bamboo reed, despite his years. He was shrewd, a Han-lin graduate, a famed alchemist who had discovered the secret of immortality, so he spoke without fear.

"The district needs no one to take charge of it. It has been Chinese soil for countless centuries and so forever shall it remain, unless by some fantastic power you are able to carry it back to Nippon."

The stunted general wondered whether he should be insulted and claim that he had lost face. It was the usual trick of his people but he turned from it. He could make better use of the famed Doctor by treating him with a modicum of respect. Therefore, he ate bitterness and managed a somewhat bilious-looking smile.

"I wish tea," he said.

"This is a drug shop, not a tea house."

"Nevertheless, I wish tea."

The Doctor said gently, "I accept your command. Tea shall it be."

A clerk went to fetch the divine beverage, and though he was overly long, the General made no comment. He could afford to be patient since he had caused this noted Doctor of Hangchow to bend to his will.

Finally the tea was ready and the clerk brought a small table and one chair.

"Will you not join me?" asked General Nishikori.

"Alas, I had seven cups before you came. I can drink no more."

"At least sit at the table with me," said the General. He was provoked beyond reason but he did not show it. "I have important matters to discuss with you."

"I prefer to stand."

"And if I command?"

"I will obey, but I will not listen. The heart is without fear. If you have come to me for help, choose your words well. I was walking this earth, a free man even before your grandfather was born. I refuse to cringe before his grandson. Honor should be bestowed upon age as well as bombs, the firing squad and poison gas."

The General's education had been extensive. He repeated maneuvers by rote. But here was a set of circumstances that had not been drilled into him. He tried to sit straight and tall, drawing his back up till it looked as though his neck was being goose-stretched. He was a member of the Bushido. He loomed large in his own 28