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17. Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of

the truth of their reports.

[Mei Yao-ch'en says: "Be on your guard against the possibility of

spies going over to the service of the enemy."]

18. Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of

business.

[Cf. VI. § 9.]

19. If a secret piece of news is divulged by a spy before the

time is ripe, he must be put to death together with the man to

whom the secret was told.