Behind him, and drawn
straight across the chamber, was a sheet of fine white cloth, embroidered
with strange designs. He was clothed in a rich jacket of blue, and a
pair of sandal-like shoes was placed neatly in front of the bamboo mat.
On either side and in front of all, raised a little from the ground, were
bowls or calabashes containing fruit, grain and dried and pickled meats.
It was all orderly, circumspect, weird, and even stately though the place
was small. Finally, in front of the motionless figure was a tiny brazier
in which was a small fire.
Before the spectators had taken in the whole picture, the Chinaman who
had entered with them came and stood on the right of the space occupied
by the mat, near to the banners and the screens, and under a yellow light
which hung from the vaulted roof.
The figure on the fine bamboo mat was Li Choo, but not the Li Choo which
Tralee and Askatoon had known. He was seated with legs crossed in
Oriental fashion and with head slightly bowed. His face was calm and
dignified.
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