Poor Pang Noo did his inspection work with a heavy heart as time wore
on, and the personal object of his search was not attained. In the
course of his travels he finally came to his uncle, the magistrate
who had dismissed the Cho family. The uncle welcomed his popular
nephew right warmly, but questioned him much as to the cause of his
poor health and haggard looks, which so ill-became a man of his youth
and prospects. At last the kind old man secured the secret with its
whole story, and then it was his turn to be sad, for had he not just
sent away the very person the Ussa so much desired to see?
When Pang learned this his malady increased, and he declared he could
do no more active service till this matter was cleared up. Consequently
he sent a despatch to court begging to be released, as he was in
such poor health he could not properly discharge his arduous duties
longer. His request was granted, and he journeyed to Seoul, hoping to
find some trace of her who more and more seemed to absorb his every
thought and ambition.