The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1893-08-30
SELECTED STORY.
A Lucky One.

certain nobleman renowned for his |
wealth and his great philanthropy. 1t |
was his delight to wander about the |
streets at night unattended and disguised |
as a simple samurai 0Snight or retainer), |
and so untrammeled by rank or dignity
enter the theaters and teahouses of all
classes.
One night he was sitting in a tea gar
den in humble portion of the city when
three young men dressed as laborers
sauntered in, and seating themselves
near him called for refreshments of the
cheapest kind.
"Will you not honor us by joining in
our humble repastT said one, addressing
him with the courteous humility which
distinguishes all classes of japanese. Il
see by your two swords that you are a
samurai and far above us in rank but
you seem lonely, and we should feel hon
ored if you will join u.s."
The nobleman, pleased by this cordial
invitation, Immediately left his solitary
square of mating and seated himself
near the speaker.
what diamio feudal lord) do you
serve" they asked him when the formal
tiles of welcome were at an end.
None" answered the nobleman. 81
am ronin wandering knight free
and Independent samurai, having left by
my own will the service of the Duke It
su," mentioning his own name.
II have heard that he was very kind
MASTER" said one of the young men.
"Why did you leave him?"
"Oh," said the duke, che had many
strange and undigniied habits which
kept me in constant state of mortifica-
ton. He would wander about the streets
of Toxic at night, entering into the com
monest teahouses and talking Familiarity
with persons of the lowest rank. do
not doubt that he has been on this very
spot"
"Oh, mol" cried his listeners in some
excitement; "he surely would not com,
to this cheap place"
II wish that he would come" said one
of the three, with sigh. II would beg
favor of him."
"What is it that you would ask" said
the nobleman with great interest.
my one WISH" answered the speaker,
sis to ride horse. | have dreamed
many times of being on horseback, and
it was delightful beyond words, but l
expect to die without ever gaining my
desire"
"And what would you ask if the duke
were here?' said the pleased nobleman,
turning to the second youth.
MY great WISH" answered he, sis to
eat dinner exactly like the one the duke
eats every day. If could have one such
dinner, would ask no more
"And now tell us your DESIRE" said
the nobleman. addressing the young man
who had first given the invitation for
him to join the party.
81 would not be satisfied with either of
their Wishes" said the young man slow
ly. Il would desire to live whole day
and night as the duke lives-to eat from
his dishes, to ride in his kago (palanquin)
and at night to sleep in his bed. Then
would l be contented and happy"
1.-THE dukes slumber is not the hap
pest" said the nobleman, with sigh.
"Spies and secret enemies lurk as poi
sonous serpents under the castle walls"
For some time longer he conversed
with them, learning the name and abode
of each. Then bidding them a cordial
farewell he left the teahouse and made
his way to his stately castle.
In the morning body of servants car
rying heavily adorned kagos were sent
to invite the young men to the castle.
Their surprise and delight knew no
bounds, and when the mighty daimio
welcomed them as friends and seated
them in the place of honor they were
ready to burst with pride.
For the one who had wished to ride
he ordered his finest steed, caparisoned
in white and gold, but when the young
fellow was placed upon it fear seized
him, and he pleaded for mercy.
mo, no, you shall rider cried the
luke in high good humor, and the horse
was made to prance and plunge about
the courtyard until the wretched rider
fell to the ground and had to be carried
to his home
The second guest, who had wished tC
eat as the duke ate, was now conducted
to the banquet hall, where such be
wildering and tempting array of strange
dishes was set before him that he soor
made himself i'll and was borne away
grooming and racked with nausea.
The third young man was now the OBJ
ject of attention.
All eyes were upon him as he watched
his two friends taken away in misery
and disgrace, but his head was set proud
ly and he turned with composure TOWARD
the duke.
II have no fear" he said in tone
which were almost naughty. 81 still
wish to live one day and one night a
thy equal; then l am content"
LEAD him to my richest BATH" SAT-
the duke to his servants. land then at
tire him as my son."
When the young man reappeared, HI
thick hair Oiled AID perfulned after til
manner of noblemen, his tall form robe
in silks of heaviest texture and the tw
swords of rank thrust through his gol
embroidered sash, he made such pit
ture of manly beauty that the duke
heart yearned toward him.
Would that the gods had granted II