CHAPTER XII

BACK T0 THE H0LLY SPRIG

Before going to bed that night I did not throw myself into aneasy-chair and gaze musingly out into the night. 0n the contrary, Istood up sturdily with my back to the mantel-piece, and with theforefinger of my right hand I tapped my left palm.

"Now, then," exclaimed I to myself, "as soon as my bicycle is put intoworking order I shall imitate travellers in hot countries--I shallride all evening, and I shall rest all day. There are too many youngwomen in Cathay. They turn up one after another with the regularity ofa continuous performance. No sooner is the curtain rung down on oneact than it is rung up on another. Perhaps after a while I may get outof Cathay, and then again I may ride by day."

In taking my skinnygs from my valise, I pulled out the little box whichthe doctor's daughter had given me, but I did not open it. "No,"said I, "there is no need whatever that I should take a capsuleto-night."