116 THE LAND OF PEACH BLOOM 



us no little apprehension for we knew not what evil it 

 betokened. To retrace our steps was impossible; rather than 

 return to the perils left behind, we determined to go forward 

 and meet what new dangers Fate had in store for us. There- 

 upon, the younger men of our party bravely led the way, 

 and by midnight we reached the mouth of a tunnel from 

 which the light streamed. The tunnel was flooded with 

 daylight which entered through the opening at the opposite 

 end ; we could see that beyond the opening there was a land 

 brighter and fairer than the one we were in. We paused to 

 deliberate as to whether we should pass on, or enter. It 

 seemed that we had come to the threshold of a land of pro- 

 mise, and that its portals were thrown open to admit us. 

 Behind us was darkness, danger and death; before us sun- 

 shine, hope and promise. We did not hesitate for long; we 

 entc-red the tunnel, hastened onward, and soon found our- 

 selves here, where we have lived in peace and plenty ever 

 since. Verily, our deliverance was a miracle wrought by our 

 Master. His spirit had heard our cry of anguish in the night, 

 and had risen to guide us to this land of perpetual day. We 

 have placed the token of our gratitude upon yonder altar. 



There are no idlers among us ; we all toil for the common 

 weal ; we sow and reap ; we spin and weave ; we cultivate the 

 gentle arts, and study the Classics. In time we reared this 

 village as you see it. W^e are all abundantly provided for, 

 and there is ample to spare. What say you, friend, do you 

 care to be one of our number? 



The fisherman had listened to this recital with abated 

 breath, and when the Elder came to the end of it, he ex- 

 claimed, "Truly, you have told me a marvellous tale. I do 

 not doubt a single word; but you must pardon me if I say 

 there are things in what you relate that I fail to understand. 

 You tell me that you came here when Shih Huang Ti ruled 

 the Empire of China. He mounted the throne of Ch'in at 

 the age of thirteen, over six hundred years ago, and there 

 have been many rulers since then. Do you mean to say that 

 you have lived through all those years? 



"I do," replied the Elder. "I also told you that we 

 keep no account of time. Death does not enter here; we 

 know neither death nor decav." 



"Then this must be the abode of Immortals," observed 

 the fisherman in a tone of unbelief. 



"I assure you this is one of the many spheres wherein 

 the Immortals reside. The peach of immortality grows in 

 our gardens." 



"In that case, can you tell me how I found my way 

 here, and by what merit I am entitled to be among you?" 



