One of them went at once to warn the district chief of police, who came and examined the scene of the crime. He shut and sealed the house, and led Eternal Life to the Governor's Court. The girl knelt down and told all that she knew, and the Governor said: "If the door and windows were closed, and nothing has been stolen, the matter is dubious. Had your father an enemy?" "Not to my knowledge." "That is strange!" murmured the Governor, and thought for a moment. Suddenly he told the officers to take off the silken veil with which the young girl had half-covered her head. He could then see her exceptional beauty. "How old are you? Are you not betrothed?" "I am seventeen, and I am still free." "And you sleep on the ground-floor, while your parents have their room above? That is very curious." "Until quite recently your slave slept above. But fifteen days ago they made a change. I do not know why." The judge again reflected. Then he struck the table violently, crying out: "It is you who have killed your father and mother. Or, rather, it is your lover. Tell me his name." "Your slave never leaves the house. How could she have a forbidden love? Would not the neighbors know it?" The judge made a salacious grimace: "In a case of murder the neighbors know nothing. It is clear that you have had relations with a man. Your parents knew of it, and that is why they changed their room. Your lover killed them in a rage." Hearing these words, she became scarlet and then pale. At a sign from the Governor, the gaolers threw themselves like tigers upon the little girl, closing a cruel pair of iron nippers on her pellucid and delicate jade hand. As the jaws began to crush her fingers, she uttered loud cries: "Mercy, my lord. I have a lover." "What is his name?" "Chang Loyalty." And then she fainted. The Governor knew enough. He summoned the young man and, being convinced of his guilt, had him put in prison, while awaiting further information. It is well said in a certain proverb: "Even while you are sitting in your house with the doors shut, misfortune falls from heaven." In prison, Chang reflected upon this sudden accusation. Could he have committed this double crime in his sleep? In the end he offered his gaolers ten ounces if they would take him to Eternal Life. When they bargained, he promised twenty ounces. Then they led him as far as the grill of the women's prison. The girl was there, weeping without stint. As soon as she saw him, she reviled him between her sobs: "Ungrateful and dishonorable! You made me mad with love for you. Why should you cut my parents' throats, and cause my death?" "Do not make unnecessary noise," he interrupted. "Let us rather try to clear up this mystery. It is certain that I sent the old woman Lu to you with your little slipper. Did you see her?" "Naturally, wretch," she answered disdainfully. Again he interrupted: