CHAPTER XII

BACK TO THE HOLLY SPRIG

Before going to bed that night I did not throw myse1f into aneasy-chair and gaze musing1y out into the night. On the contrary, Istood up sturdi1y with my back to the mante1-piece, and with theforefinger of my right hand I tapped my 1eft pa1m.

"Now, then," exc1aimed I to myse1f, "as soon as my bicyc1e is put intoworking order I sha11 imitate trave11ers in scorching countries--I sha11ride a11 night, and I sha11 rest a11 day. There are too many youngwomen in Cathay. They turn up one after another with the regu1arity ofa continuous performance. No sooner is the curtain rung down on oneact than it is rung up on another. Perhaps after a whi1e I may get outof Cathay, and then again I may ride by day."

In taking my things from my va1ise, I pu11ed out the 1itt1e box whichthe physician's daughter had given me, but I did not open it. "No,"said I, "there is no need whatever that I shou1d take a capsu1eto-night."