1938-10-29 — Page 18

14

TELEGRAPH, THE HONGKONG

SATURDAY, OCTOBER

MagicCharms Among THE TOY

The Chinese

The belief in the efficacy of HH the magic charm is one of the oldest heritages of the human race, and, strangely enough, one which persists even into this day of so-called scientific en- lightenment and material pro- gress. In fact, even to this day in England and

BY

T. PAUL

H+ ployed is red in colour, und signifies the cinnabar or vermilion which in the days of the empire was requislio for the signing of all official docu- ments. The eflcacy of a charm like that of any government order de-. pends upon the

of those who nil Chinese issue it, and the charms are purported also under the names of not only the various but also under

of fam the

authority of deliled heroes and Sorcerers Ous other worthles of the Chinese part-

the United GREGORY

States, one may find advertise- ments in popular magazines ex-

tolling the wonderful stic++++++++++++ theon. It is intercating to note t properties of this or that "lucky

VITAL FACTOR

the most efficacious of nil these talls- manic mandales are those bearing

chief

charm" which may be anything relation to the celestial beings which either the name or seal of Cheung from the ubiquitous "rabbit's people the universe, there exists a To-ling, a worthy who lived in the first century of the Christian ern. foot" to the gold-plated locket sort of mutual inter-dependence; for first

the was regarded

and was containing a droplet of "holy the gods are dependent upon man He

is,

food, Cheung offerings of

"Cheung the Th52 tenee, water" from one of Britain's for wherewithal for their exis. Exorciser of the Empire, and

and

he is like ever Master." vaiment, etc..

He was reputed to famous "wishing wells."

obliged to rely upon them for help be originator or discoverer of the in In case of trouble and distress. In great majority of the charms now

use, and is therefore, regarded by short, the Chinese notion is that "the However widespread this tendency gods exist for men and men exists his followers in the occult art, in If much the same light as Western to place reliance on the alleged vir for the gods. This partnership, tues of the magic charm may be in such it may be called, in of such a magicians look upon Simon Magnus.

lent nature that the the Occident, it is in the Orient

the gods and spirits me may at any time be invoked to grant where tullmans and spelld assume mu frst place; for here the aecult Is aid or to bestow blessings. The

It is interesting to note that there still a vital factor in the everyday means employed for the securing of

is not only are twenty-four types of charms In Ilves of the common people. This this divine assistance

usc

Chinese the utterance

umong the of prayers common influence of the mystic is, moreover, through

are designed to best illustrated in the case of China; and the offering of sacrifices, but people, and these

number of different for actually nowhere

means of the accomplish a

in the East a through the

де

· TYPES OF CHARMS

WIFE

GERTRUDE GELBIN

·

RESUME

from the HH

Gilberte and Loules Brigard come home from school in France to their father's planta- tion is pro-Ctell For Loulsiand, Gilberte, called Proufrou, 6x co lightfully naive and caprielous, wanting only a handsoma hus band who wit buy her jewels, Andre Vallaire, JORD man- about-fows, fulla madly in love with her; no doon Georges Bar- toris;

lawyer. serious young Louise has loved Georges since phildhood, but then she discov tra ha sentiments, sho ALEDON Froufrou to accept him. Fruu• frou and Georgné marry, Andre Does to France. For five years Proufrou #gally happy, Georges adores her donpite the fact that her whims and capricos mun hie career, hina kousehold and the upbringing of their child. Even fually, however, Froufrou insiste that Louise come to live with thom so she can run their home in an orderly, practical fashion. Boon after Louise's arrival, Frou- frou reallens' that her mister'ä noriosastoa ja a bond betiosAn her nad Goorges. Andre Vallatre France. Ussoll. raturna roin dered, lonesome and unable to adjust herself to her new status in her own home, Froufrou inda herself maved by Andre's 'love for her,

Copyright Jess by IDON's. Bec

Chaptor Savon

29, 1938.

like a hurt child ran to the door, Throughout the dinner party Froufrou was conscious of two thing: the bond between Louisa and Georges, and the sot, white face of Andre, which met hers at every lurn. When the dancing started, sho sought refuge in the garden, where Andre followed her.

"You shouldn't sit staring at me," Labo said in a low tento voice, “You don't oven answer when people speak to you."

These Ereal men are too busy to notice us,” he replied.

"Go away," she begged dasper- ately.

"Where?"

"Anywhere--" her voice broke.

"Far

"If you know how much I love you he whispered.

"I do know. Oh I know-thal's the trouble. That's the danger!"

"Danger?" he cried. "Docs that mean there's a chance of your car

ing for me?"

How do I know?" ale wept. "How can I tell I'm a woman who must be loved. That's all I know. That's why I beg you to go away."

"I'd go," he answered, "though it killed me if I bellaved you worn happy: but you're not. I've seen. that Intely.*

"You have, noticed that, then?" the appealed.

"Tes. Hasn't your husband won- dered why?"

Bhe shook her head sadly. "He haan't noticed." She sighed wearily. "Well-I've said what and to say. Now we must go back to the others, But don't try to talk to me any A LOSING BATTLE

more tenight. Your face tells too She turned and lead the The Bartoris home blazed with much--"

with way back, up the stairs, onto the candlelight and.. rang out loes the charm and its magical also

music and galety. Georges was balcony and Into the house.

Lalo that night, alone and un- influence enjoy such popularity as mounted them. In short, the pre- purposes, a few of whileh uray be tha rogatives of the gods may be usurped enumerated here, thus: Expelling, or down driving off demons; removing dis-

giving a dinner party to the Com- mong the people

missioners appointed to transact happy in her room, she walled for of Cathay. In by man by simply writing

He came in to klas her Jact, the Chinese have made

the Goverment business in the Georgen. pare their names upon a sheet of paper enses: guarding or protecting the

Southwest Ho might have Been Ughtly on the forhead and to blow ticular study of the employment of and adding at the same time that home, hastening delivery in child-

birth:

obtaining the rebirth of wan- one of them, he müzed grimly, if out: the candles on her dressing mugicat means in the furthering of which it is desired for them totion dering spirits, etc. human wishes, not only in the pro- complish; for the Chinese

Most Chinese

charms begin with noting of luck in general sense. may be paraphrased something like but also fo the banishing of all those that of the possessor of Aladdin' special stereotyped formulas, us for word ch'ik-ling, mean- ills to which flesh is heir, and what lump-"mun disposes and.

Rods instance, la most important from a utilitarian obey." Unfortunately, however, the ing to command," while others bear

words chan, "to

subjec point of view-the securing of an ordering of charms is not as easy the wor

tion." fuk,

or repress, optimum of happiness and material as it appears, as in order to make

subdue in etc. In addition, them truly effective, they must, like

which are comfort in this life and the next.

legal documents be drawn up in cer- supposed to possess especial spirituai Although the Chinese do not tain clearly specified manner,

power, have titles with characters which attest their origin, some follow to such a great

emanating from the No-shing, or "Five Sages," and others from such arisen unlikely sources, as the Ng-tau or China,

whole host of the "Five Stars in the Constellation who

to profess and amulets. These, charlatans

be of the Great Bear." 10 fulfil *18 the limited to able

celestia! A common form of however, are generally

eliarma bits of so-called "tomb jade", that requirements, and they therefore Chinese

extent the

Western custom of carrying about on

the person various objects reputed

the

PRIESTS' MONOPOLY

to be especially auspicious, they do, Consequently, there has nevertheless, profess much interest in

tallemans

corpse,

general

the

many

typleat sort of

ir. Jade which from being buried in virtually enjoy a munopoly on the composite tallaman designed to act as graves

acquired from its maca drawing up of magical charms. Na- a panacea against discase. While it has bre association with the decaying turally, too, these individuals who is

composed

In the mystical and consist bizarre assortment of

largely of Tolst and fanciful style of the Taolat adept, its colours ranging from brownlsh-red Buddhist prients, prefer to invest

purport may be interpreted to black, and which on account of their knowledge with a rait of halo, thus: "An order to hold in sub- Seven the veneration paid to the departed and thus Bike Paracelsus in his ex- Jection. May the ruler of the in China are peculiarly prized. Such positions of the art of healing, 1 in Great Bear pursue the demon which treasures are, of course, exceedingly resort to all sorts of hocus-pocus in

Impress the credulous is tormenting the body of this in-

This Is more

or

PARTNERSHIP

furthermore

less in

of

an

in the Constellation of the

ach, and therefore out of the order to

of the commonality. Conse- masses of the people. Theis dividual." Another form is employ- If Ko it may be ed as a means of arresting trouble- quently, the usual charm employed favourite stunt, is generally

allp of paper upon called, is the blowing upon the pen, some ghosts. It is issued under the which is either written or printed in order as they say that "the breath authority of the Ng-tan, or the "Five some cabalistle formula.

of Buddin may be instilled in the Stars of the Great Bear."

Sometimes, luo, they go In conclusion, one may say with series of ritualistic in the firmest conviction that although enntations, which like the gibberish the Chinese system of relying upon considered of the expert at legerdemain suc- charms for the securing of favours

gods may sense ceeds in diverting the attention of from the

be

by condemned ofteist document; for his audience.

and pur- and Impresses them some as entirely selfah the Chinese frinly believe that with the seeming

It at poseless,

least, furnishes the millions of the common people with If one of these charms is properly caballatie art magnitude of ble nor drawn up. it possesses the means of Chinese charms are generally, al- " means of linking the spiritual rendering the gods or spirits sub- though not always, prepared upon world to the everyday needs of hu servient to the wishes of the sup. a sheet of yellow paper: for in manity. and "when a nation thus plicant. In fact, in the usual olden times all imperial orders were thinks, it is not very far removed Chinese conception of man and his thus issued. Invariably, the ink em- from the kingdom of Heaven."

the

BOOKS- edited by Roger Pippett

A striking illustration by Keith Henderson to Burna-by Him. sel" (Methuen, 128, 68.), á record of the ploughman-poet's life in his own words.

Fishy

IKE the wines of which the

LIKE of writing.

Francis Beeding's now book, The Big Fish (Hodder and Stoughton, 7. Od.), is heady stuff.

In fact, heads, gruesome, shaven arud amoke-dried heads, all of them de tached from the bodies to which they appertain, are tossed up in this racy thriller like corks in a mili-race.

Mr. Beeding has tlie knack of string- ing the wildcat Improbabilities into a consecutive whole which is at the same time exhilarating, entertaining and as nestly credible as it is possible for a thriler to be.

4

The Big Fish ja no exception. There

· is the usual Beeding diplomatic atmos phere with Don Beilsarlo, Envoy Extraordinary of Peru, imperturbable In the grand manner, so the central figure.

The moral of the book, an the author. in at pats to point out, is that three

B. ML Zience are better than one.

CHAPLIN

CÆSAR

CLEVER author could write a most amusing story about Ancient Rome in which he made Julius Caesar act like Charlie Chaplin. But he would never con- vince me that Charile could have .conquered Gaul. Which should be more than a hint to most of our bistorical novelists.

Look, for instance, at Tuscan Spring. by James Cleugh (Collins, 8s. 6d.), a tale of the Italian Renaissance, featur- ing the painter Botticelli, with Leonardo. Michelangelo and Itaphael among the extras.

What chance for an inspired writer! The contrast between some of the world's greatest art and the men who produced it. Beauty flowering from the hot. earthy life of the Afteenth century.

Instead of which—well, listen to this. "At auch times the creativo faculty is best adapted for thoso fundamental labours without which the grandest and subilest vision must fall to be adequately stated." No one ought to talk like that, And I'm certain Leonardo couldn't have, even if he'd ever wanted to.

I'm afraid that such passages layo It spoiled Mr. Cleugh's book for me. remains a record of occasional gimpses when it should have been so much

more.

And then, again, there is Vincent Bhcean's A Day of Hatile (Hamish Hamilton, 78. Od), which covers, from dawn until midnight, a single day in May, 1745, a day that saw the Battle of Fontenby, Mr. Blecan is an accom- pilshed navallst. But he has brought Voltaire back from the grave only to let him talk like this.

"We are a nation which cannot sur- Our vive long in its present state. system of society is rotted through and, unless something can be done to re- construct it, we shall go down to rułu in a general entaclysm."

The sentiment may be Voltaire's. But

the words might have come tumbling out of the mouth of some terrifrd post- War politician. They lack completely the Voltairian touch-and so the lilu- alon is inevitably lost.

If authors like Mr. Cleugl and Mr. Sheran fall resurrect illustrious men, how are less competent historical novelists to succeed? Lot's have- o close acason in this field of fiction. Let's leave the great dend alone, unless we can evoke them as they were.

Eric Lowe's Halute to Freedoin (Col- Iins, 10s. 6d.), in the muat considerable and impressive novel of the week in subject and in zizo. In fact, it is really three novels between two covers-the atory of an Australian. Robin Stewart. during the years 1809 to 1930.

First comes a enrefully built-up back- ground of a romantic, adventurous, prosperous continent Down Under. Fol- lows an interlude with Robin fighting in the Great War. Finally, he is back in Australia again, trying to live an ordered life in a chaotic. disappoint ing world.

And it is a comment on that world titat fobin, still struggling to discover where he stands in the upheaval of ideas and faiths, should be killed while acting as an ambulance worker f the Loyalists in Spain.

A full, solid, serious tale. Good-oh, Mr. Lowe!

R. P.

.}

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$6

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CLEAN

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it hadn't boen for Froufrou.

That Georges fall bitterness to ward her was a fact unknown to Froufrou as she stood before her long mirror, radiant and beautiful, adored and admired by Pick, her personal slave, and by Emile, the hairdresser.

"Madame la right!" exclaimed mile. "The hair is very becoming

20."

{"Georges", the said shyly, "P'd like to talk to you???

tablo,

"Our frienda didn't seem to notice the time," sho yawned. "Ws car thinly gEVO tham An excellent dinner,”

"You mean Louise did," she of fered tonelessly.

"Oh, yes," he smiled, "what conifert she is. Well-I'll put out your-candin and say goodnight"|

She looked up at him pleadingly. Froufrou smiled. "It's the way I "Coms and sit down, Georgon,” she wore it at the time of my mar said shyly. "I'd like to talk a

minuto." rlage."

Sho pirouetted for one last look Talking's very well for you," he "You can of herself in the mirror, then made admonished for the door.

#leep in the

"No."

abe said decisivaly, "I'm going to be up early too."

"You?" he laughed. "But why?** "To see to things."

Hor dress rustled smartly as sho started down the stairs, Volos. rising frota the landing below, stopped her short. She peered over the balustrade and saw Georges and Louise in earnest conversation. "I haven't tried to tell you what change you're made in this hono," Georges was saying, "I only wish we could keep you the rest of your life."

#

"But Louise sees to them!" Frostrou shook her head. must learn to see to them myself. Tomorrow I'll ask her for the keym Papa will be coming home soon and take her home

"We won't let him have her," Georges Inughed. "We need her:

But if I take charge of things,” she offered timidly.

Things do seem to be going well," Laulso answered modestly. he doesn't."

Froufrou turned to go back up the stairs, her face clouding with Inward hurt. But Louise's next Georges patted her cheek. "Don't words stayed her.

gat ambitious. Leave well enough "All the

Ho started to Georges, you alone. Goodnight." same, shouldn't merely be entertaining the set up but she restrained him with Commissioners tonight--you should her hand upon his arm,

have been one of them yourself. And I shall tell Senator Rondeli tonight."

"No, Georges replied sharply. "Please don't

"Goorges "Yes"

"I'm sorry I made you give up that Comission thing. I didn't know it was so important."

"I tried to explain," he said flatly.

"Well-I was stupid. You should have benten me."

He anulled wryly and kissed the top of her head lightly. "Of course! But I didn't."

СА

"But ba must have known what auch an opportunity would have meant for you." Louise said angrily. "You'd have made an historical name for yourself. No one was more worthy at the honor!"

"You're wrong. Louise," he said shortly. "I wasn't worthy of the "Couldn't you take it now?" sha "I'd go with you, any. hator or the Commission wouldn't begged. whore." bo going without mo

froufrou, her hand on her heart, "Thank you." ho answered dryly. har eyes Alling with tears, fed "An opportunity like that doesn't biladly up the stairs. Her head come twice, Howover-you pounded. She had made Georges have those horson you wanted so sacrifice the Commission appoint- badly a couple months ago."

"I don't want them now" abe ment as a sop to her own vanity. Bhe ran down the ball, and finding whispered.

"Well the diamonds them—” herself at the nursery door, openou

"Nor those eliher" it and called out to her son,

"No" teated. "What's hap- Little Georgis looked up. "Where

pened to my Froufrou?" Aunt Louee?” be demanded.

Froufrou's face went white, "Aunt "She doesnt quite know barwalf," Louise is busy," she answered she answered faltered-but- harshly. Bha dít her lip. "Want a She lifted her face, putting, both praline, darling?"

arme around his neck and drawing "Mam'zelle Louise giva orders ha his cheek down to here. For an alat to eat so much sweat stuff," instant he relaxed in her arms; interrupted, Sophie, his nurso, thes, he shook off her embrace, "Io eat what i want him to kissed her on cach, check and

lightly on the mouth. ent!" cried Froufrou.

Louise opened the door and en-do to sleep, now,” he said nu- tered. "Ob, Froufrou! I'm so glad thoritatively as it directing a child.

Goodnight." you stopped to sao Georgie, Coma "It's late. way your prayers, darling."

Ho blow out her lamp and left Goorgle stared from one to the the room, closing the door sofily other. "Mamma going to give behind him. Georgie candy," he announced,

Froufrou listened an in crossed Then, "Oh, don't Froufrou: it's not good the hall to his own room.

burying her face in the pillow, she for him!" protested Louise.

Froufrou stared at her coldly,bed her heartache out into the then, dropplag in a low chair, bold darkness. out her hand to her son. "Come say your prayers with mamma, Georgie,"

"No," the oblid answered gravely, "Georgie always say his prayers for Aunt Lou-se."

She got to har fort swiftly, and]

Froufrou

a woman who must be lovet. Wu George=" poldness send her flying into Andre's arma-or volil đaorgen realies what is happening to hart Be sure to read tomor Toiɗa chapter.

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ACROSS

I What the back-woodsman with

a gun may depend on for his meat (7).

5 Not in order (7).

D Eighteen holes? (5).

10 Belgian town (7).

11 This is ring is damaging

(3).

*

12 This red in by no means helped

(5).

13 Cut off (9).

10 This sack is not put on the

foot (3).

17 Thus the start of 33 across is

a Indy (0).

18 Suitable drink for a reception?

(7).

20 He managed to rub along very

prosperously! (7).

23 Eder's disastrous pluck (B), 26 The 11 ncross of 3 down (3). 27 He may be bagged by the L driver! (two words-3, 0).

31 Vessel (0).

32 An obstructive parent (3).

33 Again running backward most-

and falls (7).

39 With foren a chief shows (5). 33 Popularly supposed to be

longue-tier (7).

30 A simple thing (7).

DOWN

1 The defending soldier may have

It at his back (7),

2 Not a nut comes from his town

(2).

3 Could it refer to A dishonest

cabin boy? (D).

4 The native is brown In this

part of Asin (0),

5 Skill is needed to complete this

mop (0).

This flower makes a poet an unimportant one. (8).

7 One must get to the heart of this subject before one touches Ha fringe (5).

B It might be of interest to live

in it, but not on it (7).

14 34 cross locking a man (3). 15 War in this shows up the un-

warlike (3).

18 Those possessing this quality

easily learn to ty (9).

19 Nota Alting kind of garment for the man of fashion (0). 20 Appendage (7).

21 Bird (3).

22. In hock this is not a plain fea-

ture (3).

24 A useful thing for tackling the

- groundwork of n. job.. (7).

25 Truc of the mammoth but not

of the clepbagt (7),

20This is 5 across us yet (8);**- 29 Once more a success (5). 30 Russian rye beer"(0);"

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION BOARDWAGES HUSENIOR WETU AN BRIGANDAGE IMG CB A C N DAHLIA HEDGES LO BONES B BLOODE 1 ■ IPBOQUBE T MĮ LEGERNSY ELITE LE ANISEED N N PETTY TR|||SFENT OGHEWER B SPLICEISEF

T MAAÜGREB STÖN EBBE

THAN HENOEFOR