ABSTRACT

Cash-and-Carry, who had completely dismissed Silver Vase from his mind, blithely continued his journey with Yuh Kiao on board the new junk towards the seaport of Kwa chow tsu. He was in the highest of spirits because of his advantageous bargain, which, as he thought, was as profitable as it was soothing to his vanity. That first night, he enjoyed the pleasures of the table and the bed with equal, carefree zest. For a long time Cash-and-Carry steeped himself in the enchanting beauty of the scene. He could not tear his eyes away from it. Cash-and-Carry responded by pulling out a pair of sandalwood castanets from his belt pocket, with which he accompanied his friend's tune, at the same time singing the appropriate song in his most dulcet tones. Cash-and-Carry lost a number of games in succession and was fined by having to swallow a large cup of punch at one gulp.