"I expect that," replied the butterfly, with a sigh. "But my race is shortlived, anyway; it doesn't matter whether death comes sooner or later."
"Yet you like to live, do you not?" asked the mandarin.
"Yet; life is pleasant and the world is beautiful. I do not seek death."
"Then," said the mandarin, "I will give you life--a long and pleasant life--if you will promise to obey me for a time and carry out my instructions."
"How can a butterfly serve a man?" asked the creature, in surprise.
"Usually they cannot," was the reply. "But I have a book of magic which teaches me strange things. Do you promise?"
"Oh, yes; I promise," answered the butterfly; "for even as your slave I will get some enjoyment out of life, while should you kill me--that is the end of everything!