Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-04-27

order"
yes" he nodded. "Of course We
want the most expensive. Bring us some
hand-akari. never drink such stuff us
.fuku-Jotcn. Hurry up"
When she had returned / remarked,
DO you notice strange perfume in this
place? 1t makes me feel quite sick
: He shifted once or twice in an uncon-
cerned manner, lighted his pipe, blew
the smoke, through his nostrils and re-
garding me, with an amused expression,
answered, "After you have been in Toxic
as long as l have You will be used to
these triiies 1 suppose You perceive
the odor arising from the sewer outside
the window. If you so desire, we will
change to another room."
Upon my replying that 1 very much
wished to do so, he summoned the attendant
who conducted us to an apartment over
looking the street, then retired for few
moments, and returned, bearing two
small trays containing little covered bowls
and bottle of the Glover in full
bloom"
She knelt near us, and, filling two tiny
cups with the wine, proffered them to us,
murmuring, "The wine is served"
As | slipped the delicious liquor 1
glanced at the pretty waitress, who was
sitting on her heels, holding the bottle in
her hand ready to replenish our cups.
"What is your name ?" asked.
"Ki-ku" (chrysanthemum).
"What food is there on this tray?"
She reached forward, and uncovering the
bowls, said, as she revealed their con-
tents, "Sliced daikon "a rank-smelling
radish), cakes of fish jelly, sliced raw tai
(carp), ginger root and seven kinds of
vegetables"
PLEASE give me some shoyu" (soy.)
| Away she went, and was soon back with
n red-lacquered tray, on which We're two
tiny, shallow saucers, and small teapot
containing the sauce.
She served each of us with some of the
latter, then again sat upon her heels and
modestly cast down her eyes
Tho chopsticks of fragrant red cedar
resting on the trays were unsplit at the
top, showing they had never been used,
and that the restaurant was frst-class
one.
Taking up my pair pulled them apart,
and, grasping them in the regulation fash
ion, proceeded to enjoy the food my COM
panion, who politely waited until had
tasted it, following my example.
The daikon was hot, hard and salt, and
l did not relish it, but the fish, Jelly cakes,
raw tai and vegetables were exceedingly
nice.
''These are only introductions to the
real feast" remarked my friend. "Do
not eat too freely, or you will be unable
to enjoy the delicacy Of the season."
When We had cleared the bowls the
waitress removed them, and quickly re-
turned with some trays containing square,
black, lacquered boxes, bearing the signs
of the house and number. Placing one
before each Of lis, she removed the tight
ly-fitting lids and revealed the contents,
which were sections Of nicely Drowned,
hroiled, split cells, skewered together,
that gave out most appetizing odor.
The girl smiled as she watched my
looks, and replenishing my saucer with
shOyu, placed it near me, murmuring-
81 think you will find the unogi very
pleasant to your taste"
l took my chopsticks in my right hand,
inserted the points in the fish, broke off
morsel and ate.
Yc gods 1t was delicious rich, ten
der, delicately favored and boneless
drew my box toward me, nodded ap-
provingly ut the attendant, and enjoyed
the delectable food
The smiling girl brought in box after
box, the contents of each being nicer
than the last.
l have partnken of fried oysters at
home, broiled fish in all countries, and
the delicacies Of every cline, but have
never more thoroughly enjoyed any dish
than did those unagi.
AT last laid down my chopsticks, and
glancing at my friend exclaimed, "You
were right in saying that this is dish for
the gods. We ought to introduce it at
home"
The waitress bowed in acknowledge
ment OF my praise, and inquired if we
would like to eat some rice.
Yes nodded my companion. II
think l could empty bowl or two."
Away went the girl, who, after brief
delay, returned bearing n large tray on
which was covered wooden tub contain
ing hot rice, two lacquered bowls, tea
pot and some tiny cups.
contrlved to eat one portion of the
delicious, well-cooked cereal, then light
ed my pipe and watched my friend, who
had his bowl refilled dozen times, and
moistened his food by saturating it with
| tea
GLOW do you contrive to render the
i
girl.
81 do not know, she answered, glancing
timidly at the mats. 'The cooks never
permit us to learn their secrets. If YOU
would like to visit the kitchen, they will
no doubt explain everything to you"
so Kiku bring something to help us
digest our food, " said my companion. ~
am afraid the cells will disagree with us. "
The girl quilted the room and soon re-
appeared with tray, on which was IL lac
quer cup containing some seeds of the
HanthOuyton piperitum, called by the
japanese Sdncho, which tastes like Or
ange peel.
"Try those" he said "if you feel any
Inconvenience from your dinner, they
will quickly relieve you"
Not having emptied tub OF rice, l did
not require any Of the medicine How
ever, l asked the waitress if she would
put up few of the seeds in piece of pa
per for me to take home to the States
"Now for the BILL" said my companion,
reflling his pipe. altogether, you have
given us very tolerable meal.
In few moments she came back, car
rying a small, scoop-like tray, in which
was placed slip of paper containing the
reckoning. This she pushed along the
mat toward him then she bowed and re.
mained with her face olose to the floor,
while he minutely scrutinized the docu-
ment. Taking his purse from his sleeve,
he dropped some paper money into the
tray. and remarked in low tone
"You may keep the change" (ten
cents).
His muniicence almost overpowered
the waitress, who bowed repeatedly mud
gratefully murmured, "Your generosity
resembles that OF foreigner. Anyone can
see that you have travelled"