THE RAIN, 235

“Yes, sir.”

“That is an interesting time —a festival. A matsuri-procession I
- once saw was several miles long. Gay banners were displayed in
the procession, musical instruments sounded, and I saw a legendary
character represented. The people turned out in holiday-clothes to
admire the show.”

It was a bright spring day when Rogers brothers neared Kiyoto.

_As they journeyed on they heard the notes of a bell —rising, falling,
then rolling away in soft, tuneful echoes.

“That reminds me,” said the doctor, “that there is a big temple-
bell here in Kiyoto that I want the boys to hear. Then there are
shops and factories to be seen. It is a big place, and its situation
is one of much beauty. The mikado once had his residence here. It
is known as the sacred city, and the Japanese are proud of it.”

A lot of sight-seeing awaited the travellers. Silks, fans, and fine
porcelain are turned: out in large quantities, and the Rogers-eyes
must necessarily look into these things.

“That bell, doctor!” said Rick the second day. -

“Oh, I won't forget it.”

The doctor led his companions to a oan where they saw an
immense bell. It was struck by a heavy beam swung against it
by a row of men..

“There, boys,” said the doctor, “I could stand inside that bell,
and Uncle Nat stand on top of me, and we could each afford to
wear our tallest hat, I guess.”

When struck, what tones issued from it, the echoes rolling far off!
They visited another temple, and Ralph noticed a peculiarity needing
explanation.

“What are those spit-balls stuck all over the idols?”

“ Spit-balls! Oh, there are prayers on those papers. People have