182 ALL ABOARD FOR SUNRISE LANDS.

very heavily tiled. Before the temple-steps stood four men, their
heads reverently bowed. The sight touched me, though the men
were idolaters;.and made me long for the time when the light of
a better day would come to them, and show them the Saviour.” 3

When twilight came they stopped the jinrikishas at the door of
a public house, or yadoya. The landlord met them when entering, and
prostrated himself, bowing his shiny scalp, and with his forehead
touched the floor several times. The building was quite large.

“Slide back all these paper walls about us, boys, and you would
get an immense room; a plan they resort to. in Japan when they
want plenty of space,” said the doctor.

“Supper most ready?” asked the captain, as they paeted into
an inner room. :

“ Almost, I guess,” replied the doctor. “I noticed in the kitchen
that things seemed to be in the condition of a lively bake or a
lively boil.”

They all sat down upon the mat- sere floor, and supper was
brought in and placed on little low tables.

_ “What have we here?” asked Uncle Nat. “Jack Bobstay has
been in Japan, and we ought to have him here to give his opinion,
boys. But here comes the doctor, and he will tell us.” |

Blessed old Jack Bobstay! How Ralph and Rick wished him
there. The doctor, who had been out of the room, now returned, and
gave his opinion about the dishes furnished for supper.

‘«Tet’s see! Here are egos, and here is rice, and here is tea,
and here is—give it up!. It is some mysterious Japanese vegetable
compound. Ah, here is some fish!”

_*“T can’t say I like Japanese living as well as I do the roast-
beef style,” said Uncle Nat; and it was the opinion of all.

Supper over, Ralph and Rick clamored for a story.