the button of emolument of the "Persimmon Oil Party," which was as high an honor as that of the Hanlin rank.13 For this reason, the Venerable Mr. Chao suddenly gained increased prestige and honor, which by far surpassed the honor he had received when his son had attained the rank of Hsiu-t'sai. Consequently, he felt far superior to every one; and when he saw Ah Q, he snubbed him a bit.
Filled with dissatisfaction and feeling lonesome every moment of the day, when Ah Q heard the talk concerning the silver peach, he immediately understood why he was thus alone. In order to be considered a Revolutionist, it was not enough just to say that one had joined the movement, nor was it enough merely to wrap one's queue about his head; above all, it was necessary to become acquainted with the Revolutionary party. In all his life, the Revolutionists he had known were only two in number. The one in the city had been decapitated with a "chit" sound long ago and the one who now remained was the "False Foreigner." There was no other course open to him if he was to join the party than to consult with the "False Foreigner" at once.
It so happened that the door of the Chin house was open when Ah Q timidly made his way in. As soon as he had entered, he became very much frightened, for before him, in the center of the
