TRACKING THE THIEF

Evening Star, Issue 21828, 18 September 1934, Page 11

TRACKING THE THIEF

CHINESE ANECDOTE Semendo, in his ‘ History of China,’ relates a curious anecdote of penetration and quickness of mind which occurred in that country. A certain chageu, or governor of a province, was taken very ill, and refused to admit any visitors into his house. This being told to a mandarin of his acquaintance, he was very much concerned, and alter many importunities obtained an interview with him. On his entrance he was surprised to find no signs of sickness in his friend, and asked what was the matter with him. The governor at length told him that he had lost the Emperor’s seal out of the cabinet where it used to be kept, and that, as the lock remained uninjured he was sensible that the seal was stolen ; of course, he could transact no business, and must soon be deprived qf Ids government, and probably also of his life. The mandarin, perceiving the extraordinary nature of the case, asked him if he had any enemy m the city. The other answered: Yes, and that he was an officer of rank who had long owed him a grudge. “ Away, then,” replied the mandarin ; let your most valuable goods be secretly removed this evening; then set fire to the empty part, and call out for help, to which this officer must of necessity repair with the rest, it being one of the principal duties of his place. As soon as you sec him amongst the people, deliver him in the public presence the

cabinet, shut as it is, that it may bo secured in his possession, and if he has caused the seal to be stolen he will put it in its place again when he restores the cabinet; and if he is not the thief, yet the fault will lie upon him for taking so little care of it, and you will not only be free from the danger, but also be revenged on your enemy.” The governor followed his advice, and the next day received back his cabinet with the seal in it, both parties keeping the secret for their ftuitual safety.