While excavating the foundations of a new house not long ago in the southern part of China, some workmen chanced to uncover an ancient tomb. Fearing the anger of the spirit of the dead, the workmen fled and could only be persuaded to return to their labor on a promise from their master, that he would keep watch over the coffin in his own house until the time came when it could be reinterred after their work was finished.
This is just the beginning of a strange and fascinating story in which the customs and way of life of ancient China come to life with great vividness.
