In this chapter, we learn that the ghost of the Monkey of the West has decided to take part in an archery contest. He wants to see who can shoot the apple first. The first person to hit the apple wins, and the second person wins if he can keep an eye on the first person. This is part of the "chal lenge" he's planning. He's going to make sure that the first archer loses, and that the second archer wins if the first one doesn't. He also wants to know who the second-best archer is, so that he can decide which of the two of them will be the winner of the contest. The monkey of the western says that the contest has just begun, and he and the ghost have already stolen the bow from the house where they're staying. They're sorry that they stole it, but they don't want to give up the bow until someone solves the mystery of the house.