The Chinese Maze Murders

Chien Mow, the local tyrant who usurped power in Lan-fang.

Liu Wan-fang, his eldest counsellor.

Corporal Ling, a deserter from the regular army, reinstated by Judge Dee.

Orolakchee, an Uigur chieftain. His real name is Prince Ooljin. His false name 'Orolakchee' means agent or representative.

The Hunter, accomplice of Orolakchee.

Tulbee, an Uigur girl.

Occurs in Chapter XIX only:

Master Crane Robe, an old recluse.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

I Judge Dee attacked by two robbers.

II Chien Mow's men invade the tribunal

III Ma Joong and Chiao Tai arrest a criminal

IV Governor Yoo's picture…

V Three monks report a theft to the tribunal

VI Judge Dee in General Ding's library.

VII Judge Dee in Woo Feng's studio.

VIII The drinking bout in the Eternal Spring Wine shop…

IX Yoo Kee welcomes Judge Dee to his mansion…

X Woo Feng's strange encounter in the temple garden…

XI Dark Orchid reports to Judge Dee

XII Ma Joong meets Tulbee…

XIII Master Crane Robe and Judge Dee.

XIV A criminal confesses his nefarious schemes

XV Judge Dee confronts a criminal with the evidence…

XVI Plan of the Governor's maze…

XVII Dark Orchid surprised while taking a bath

XVIII Judge Dee on the ramparts of Lan-fang

XIX A depraved criminal on the execution ground…

SKETCH MAP OF LAN-FANG

1. Tribunal

2. Temple of the City God

3. Temple of Confucius

4. Temple of the War God

5. Bell Tower

6. Drum Tower

7. Pagoda

8. Northern Row

9. Southern Row

10. Chien Mow's Mansion

11. General Ding's Mansion

12. Eternal Spring Wineshop

13. Hermitage of the Three Treasures

14. Mrs. Lee's House

15. Former Yoo Mansion

16. Yoo Kee's Mansion

17. Watergate

18. Execution Ground

First Chapter

A STRANGE MEETING TAKES PLAGE ON A LOTUS LAKE; JUDGE DEE IS ATTACKED ON HIS WAY TO LAN-FANG

Heaven created an immutable pattern for ten thousand ages, Regulating sun and stars above, mountains and rivers below; Thereafter the sages of old did model our sacred social order, Taking Heavenly Justice as warp, and man-made Law as woof.

A wise and honest judge is Heaven's unerring instrument, The people's father and mother, both