The canal water flowed slowly, and a fat frog climbed onto the broad back protruding above the surface.
Black Snake watched He Ning talk with the old man. The young man took a black constable's uniform from his bag, changed into it, and hurried into town alone.
Before long, he returned in haste with two people.
They appeared to be the town's Village Elder and his son. Their somewhat worn clothes were washed and starched clean, without a single patch, and their hair was neatly arranged. They had a faintly scholarly air.
Both respectfully cupped their hands in greeting to the old man and He Ning.
The old man stroked his beard and nodded, while He Ning returned their greeting with a formal bow.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Village Elder led the party into town.
Black Snake stayed in the canal, too lazy to move.
During the day, that exceptionally skilled constable could keep everyone well protected.
His own responsibility would probably begin after nightfall.
He raised his head and surveyed his surroundings.
There were no trees near the town; the woods stood farther away. Apart from farmland, there were only untended weeds and a few large, solitary trees, probably places where humans hid corpses.
The Village Elder arranged a meal for the three of them: boiled eggs, tofu with pickled vegetables, and two additional bowls of pickles.
He Ning felt a little regretful. Had she known they would be fed, she would not have gnawed on her dry rations.
That afternoon.
They left some of their belongings in town and traveled light. He Ning was also given a docile donkey to ride, with the silent young man leading it from the front.
The three left the little town encircled by farmland and headed toward the rolling