THE new “chow” puppy certainly possessed a sense of humour. He was very funny just now, and appeared to know it, and the more his efforts were rewarded by laughter the more he strove to satisfy his audience. He resembled a diminutive square black bear, his small tail curled so tightly on his back that it appeared to be almost lifting his hind feet off the ground, and his front legs seemed to be so set on his body that he would of necessity tumble on his nose should he essay to travel rapidly. His beady eyes, like animated boot buttons, seemed brimful of merriment, and his final effort at carrying an old shoe in his mouth across the compound had reduced Jack and Dorothy to a state of helplessness from laughter. Hong, the gate-keeper, stood by enjoying the scene and laughing inwardly. He possessed the trait common to most Chinamen of being intensely amused without showing any outward sign, and although possessed of an enormous appreciation of humour, he was seldom seen to smile, and never known to laugh. “What for you never laugh?” demanded Jack, turning suddenly on the burly servant. “Isn’t that funny enough for you?” pointing to the puppy. “It is funny, very funny indeed,” replied Hong, “but, Excellency, this person has learned not to laugh and has learned it in a hard school.” “Come, tell us about it,” orders the youngster; and the two children are soon seated near Hong, Dorothy cuddling the new puppy and looking up in the huge Chinaman’s face with big questioning eyes. “It is hardly a story, Excellencies,” begins Hong, “but such as it is this person will tell it. After the trial at Ten Li village I left the Brethren of the Pear Orchard.” “What’s that?” interrupts Jack. “Brethren of the Pear Orchard, Excellency, for so we style play-actors in our country. In addition to the money given me by the juggler, the good people of Ten Li gave me quite a large sum, for I was still the popular idol of a play-actor to them. So once more I started on my travels, and on this occasion in good circumstance, having fine clothes, a white mule to ride, a servant to carry my baggage, and money in my pocket. Thus with a light heart I set out from Ten Li, trusting that fortune would continue to smile on me, and give me employment before my money should be exhausted. We journeyed some sixteen li that day, and arrived near nightfall at a fairly big town. Here I engaged the guest-room in the biggest inn and entertained royally. It was a most pleasant evening that I spent, for a rich man has no lack of friends, provided he spend his money freely.