THE GIFT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 233, 21 December 1927, Page 6

THE GIFT

SECOND PRIZE STORY The embroidered satin curtains of Ah-so’s litter swayed joltingly as he was borne swiftly on the shoulders of four lusty servants. At last the homestead of Hi-lee was in sight. At a word from their master the litter was lowered, and he descended and proceeded on foot. The noon sun beat down mercilessly, and the air was filled with tho drowsy drone of insects. The flowering cherry trees were in bloom, and the pathway was strewn with faintlypink blossoms, which Ah-so crushed underfoot. From the sombre shade of a clump of firs, a blue jay flew screaming into the sunshine, and on the hot air was borne the faint clang of brass gongs in some far temple. But Ah-so walked on heedlessly. His mind was on the task before him. Already he was at the. gates of Hi-lee’s home. Already the sons of Hi-lee were

greeting him with grave words of welcome. For three days he was feasted and entertained, but never once did he see Hi-lee. On the fourth day, however, the first-born son of Hi-lee summoned him to his father’s presence. Ah-so shuffled slowly into the gorgeously tapestried room, with his head bowed and his hands hidden respectfully in his sleeves. Hi-lee was seated at the far end of the room. For three minutes neither moved nor spoke, then Ili-lee rose and kow-towed, saying: “You wished to speak with me?” “If a mighty lord will deign to listen to the words of a humble worm.” “Speak, then.”

“Most illustrious one, I have long loved your daughter, Flower of Delight, and I desire your permission to seek her hand in marriage.” Hi-lee fanned himself thoughtfully with a huge fan of peacock feathers. Then: “What will you offer for the maiden?” “Noble one, I am a poor man, and have only the jewels of my honourable ancestors, who have gone on high.” “Show me the jewels.” From a pocket hidden in his ample robe Ah-so brought forth a most exquisitely carved ivory casket, encrusted with rare gems, and filled with jewels, which flooded the room with a soft light. “These are the jewels, most honourable,” and, kow-towing deeply, he placed the casket in the hands of Hilee, who, to his surprise, handed them back, saying: “Ah-so, long have I waited for this day, when you would come to claim my daughter. Wait!”

He struck a silver gong, and the sweet music of stringed instruments began. t Slowly the golden tapestries parted, and into the room came a maiden clad in scarlet, the Chinese bridal colour. It was Flower of Delight. “Take her, Ah-so, and cherish her; she is my gift to you, for I have not forgotten certain services your honourable father did for me.”

So were the lovers "'united, and so was Hi-lee’s debt of gratitude paid. —Dew of June (Helen Williams).