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I Wish it Would Rain
185

violent?" "Oh no. The wind is natural enough, and it pleases me. I miss—oh, how I do miss the rumbling thunder of Kiang Sing, and the fall of lightning-shattered trees. I miss them and oh, I wish it would rain—real rain." The tears fell faster with each word.

Now King Ho Chu had a tremendous army encamped on the palace grounds. He Summoned General Chang and explained matters—with an order. No sooner ordered than accomplished. The soldiers in their heaviest shoes marched ponderously beneath the latticed window. "Boom. Boom. Bru-u-u-um. Bru-u-u-um. Bru-u-u-u-ump." And how do you like our thunder? Little drums and great, they rattled and roared. "Rap-p-p. Boom. Boom. . . ." In endless line the soldiers marched. One day. Two days. Three days. Four. Some of them slept while the others marched. Boom. Boom. Boom. The sun on their spears blazed and flickered—the lightning. By night there were flashing fires.

It is gratifying to relate that Tiao Fu was