Lin John has worked tirelessly for three years in order to save 400 dollars “to release his only sister from a humiliating and secret bondage” (125). She is a kept woman for Moy Loy, a wealthy merchant, and Lin John plans to exchange the money for his sister’s freedom. The money is tucked away in one of his sleeves, but in the middle of the night, a woman comes in and steals the money while Lin John sleeps. When Lin John wakes, he is devastated.

Lin John’s sister confesses to her maid, Pau Sang, that she stole the money from her brother. She has no wish to be liberated from her comfortable situation, and so she took the money and bought a sealskin coat, “such is worn by fashionable American women” (126).

Lin John tells Moy Loy: “I made the money with which to redeem my sister and I have lost it […] I will engage myself laboriously and conform to virtue till three more New Years have grown old and that though I merit blame for my carelessness, yet I am faithful unto her” (127).

Pau Sang sees her mistress’ brother walk dejectedly away from the house, and under her breath calls out “Fool!” (127).