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.We have as good a chance as any.Moreover, the Hochow officialshave sent down an escort of soldiers.It was Small Li's turn."When," he demanded, were soldiers known to facebandits? They will desert you at the first sign of danger.No, I prefer to stayin Chungking and work at pots.I sleep better with the city gates barredbetween me and such visitors." He moved hastily away as Tang came up and addressed Young Fu."Theday is almost ended," he said."Go to your home and prepare to meet me atdawn tomorrow morning, just within the Lin River Gate."Young Fu hurried through the streets.Why Tang had chosen him he didnot know, though it might in some way be connected with the foreignwoman's patronage.True to her word, she had come and purchased, andlater sent her cook back for more samples.In Chair-Makers' Way his stepsslowed.His mother, he realized suddenly, was not likely to rejoice with himover this honor.If the river were safe, she would envy him this chance toreturn to their native district, but not now when the air was rife with bandittales.Fu Be Be, he was thankful to remember, could not forbid his going.Asan apprentice, he followed the rules of the establishment rather than those ofthe home.When she returned at dusk from the bristle shop, she showed her surprise."Have you sickness, or has your master tired of your incompetence?"Her son's expression was mischievous."Neither, Most Honorable Parent!Behold in me the one preferred above all others in the shop!"Fu Be Be raised one hand as a shield to her eyes."Your importance blindsme," she said with sarcasm."Do not tell me that the new Tuchun has askedfor your release from Tang, that you may help in governing the province."Her son chuckled; then his face resumed its mock gravity."No, but I go toserve him, nevertheless.''Fu Be Be's lower jaw sagged."What?" she cried."Tomorrow at dawn, Tang leaves for Hochow to deliver the brasses whichare to be a gift to His Excellency from the Hochow officials--and I go withhim."She picked up her work again."Of course, and after a good sleep thecoppersmith will decide that you are a better representative than himself, andhe will remain here to do your work in the shop.She was still jibing, but herwords carried an undertone of anxiety. Young Fu recognized this and changed to seriousness."What I have said istrue, Deeply Respected Mother; Tang told me today; that is why I am homeearly."His mother's voice became shrill."Is it your meaning that you go withthem to Hochow?"For answer, the boy nodded."Is Tang a newcomer to talk of travel on theLittle River? Has he never heard of bandits? Only a mile above Chungkinghave they their first stronghold, it is said.There was T'sen, the Mandarin,captured, his goods taken, and his body beaten so badly that he will notrecover.Does Tang wish the same fate? And even if he does, why must hetake you? Why not Li who has brothers? Does he not know that I have noone but you?" Tears began to creep down her cheeks.Young Fu strove to comfort her."Tang was not born yesterday; he knowsthat to send the brasses by someone else would be almost certain loss.Onlytoo many messengers have used the excuse of bandits to steal goods for theirown profit.Finer work has not been done in Chungking, and the master isunwilling to trust itss delivery to hands other than his own.An escort ofsoldiers will go along.Fu Be Be wailed: "Now you are certain to be ruined! Is it not a bywordthat to have soldiers is an added danger, since it is the easiest way for theban-keh to acquire guns and ammunition? I myself will ask Tang to takeanother in your place.Her son's heart sank."Is Tang likely to be pleased with such a request?" heasked quietly."Many youths in this city wait to fill my vacancy as hisapprentice.There is no better coppersmith under whom to learn.This veryorder proves the truth of those words.After a few years I shall know enoughto open my own place, and if I am known as Tang's apprentice, trade willcome easily.She screwed up her eyes.Open a shop--this was something new."Wherewould you find money to start a business?"He smiled."That is not today's worry.Lay down your heart! When thattime comes, you shall have a small slave girl to do your bidding, and ladeornaments shall gleam in your hair!" Fu Be Be sighed.She might as well accept calmly what life brought ofgood or ill."What will you need besides your bedding?" she asked."Only my long blue garment to wear over these.I wish to look like Tang'sfirst assistant, not his coolie."The morning dawned fresh and crisp under the biting breath of winter.Forthe first two hours of sailing, Young Fu shivered behind his roll of bedding.The soldiers, ten in number, crowded one end of the boat.For the youth theirpresence added uneasiness.With a superior air they discussed previousdangerous exploits.Tang filled a brass water pipe and pulled at it.Theoarsmen rowed steadily against the swift current, chanting a prayer to theupriver wind for favor.The apprentice lay with eyes closed.That he was on the familiar way toTu-To was a dream; in a moment he would find himself back in his ownroom near Dai's pigpen.His eyelids opened hastily for reassurance.Abovehim the sun rose in the heavens, and his chilled body began to relax.Withinterest he looked about.On either bank small villages huddled underbanyans and willows.Farmers cultivated their fields on slanting hillsides;fishermen cast outstretched nets close to shore.All was at peace; it wasabsurd to think of bandits.One of the boatmen prepared the noon meal on a tiny charcoal stove.Thesoldiers ate heartily, demanding more than their share.They made it clearthat they did not underestimate their value to the coppersmith on thisjourney.Tang accepted their attitude without comment.At sunset they reached Tu-To.The coppersmith had friends in the town,and he sent a member of the crew ashore to invite then on board.In an houror so, they appeared and remained until midnight.Young Fu spread his pu-gai on the deck and rolled himself in it.Fromwhere he lay he could see the maze of boat life surrounding them.Anoccasional lantern flickered from a bamboo rod; smoke and the flash of redembers rose from many cooking pans.Families moved about on decks,settling children and pigs and chickens for the night.One boatman, moredaring than the rest, weighed anchor and turned in the dark towardChungking.In the tiny cabin their own crew gambled at dominoes [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]