And now this low and undignified person will finally shake the elegant dust of your distinguished house from his thoroughly inadequate feet, and proceed to offer his incapable services to the rival establishment over the way.' "'The machinations of such an evilly-disposed person as Li Ting will certainly be exceedingly subtle,' said Ti Hung to his son-in-law when the traveller had departed.

'I must counteract his omens.

Herewith I wish to prophecy that henceforth I shall enjoy an unbroken run of good fortune.

I have spoken, and assuredly I shall not eat my words.' "As the time went on, it seemed as though Ti Hung had indeed spoken truly.

The ease and celerity with which he transacted his business brought him customers and dealers from more remote regions than ever, for they could spend days on the journey and still save time.