The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1904-12-05

ure disguised In the folds OF a mys-
terious silken headgear 1t was O'Toya-
san. Her heart palpitated wildly
whenever a shadow fell across her
path, or the voices or the night as
sumed unwonted sound. Not that she
feared man or beast Far from III II
was the terror Of the demon foxes that
blanched her cheek; those gaunt spec
ters that skulk in dark olaces and in-
tercept their victims, that they may
take dlabolical possession OF them.
Everyone knows that the demon foxes
are almost omnipotent for evil Yes,
and the wltch-flres that lure one on 10
destruction, and the tsubaki trees,
which walk about at night. She re-
called fearful tale Of an attack on
ono OF these goblin trees which
dripped blood as its branches were
hewn of.
O'Toya-san's poor little heart al
most burst with fear at the picture
conjured up, and she clutched desper-
ately at the prayer amulet In her
sleeve
\ She believed that she would die II
she saw any ghostly forms Of the un-
der world; yet she pushed on, for only
AT the tori OF the Temple shrine could
she pierce the veil OF the future.
Breathless and trembling. she stood
at last before this graceful symbol
Of the Shinto religion, which stood
like huge Chinese telegraph, its
arms stretched heavenward Along
the top Of It's upper horizontal beam
could be distinguished little bullets Of
crumpled paper thrown there by other
pilgrims, in their quest for prophetic
presages
Quickly she drew out from the capa-
cious sleeve Of her kincna some deli
cate sheets Of rice paper. which she
proceeded TO chew into pulp. Then.
taking careful aim, she threw them one
by one, aiming for the top Of the hor-
lzontal bar as her target She had
seven chances OF fortune The first
one missed. So did the second. The
third time the little round wad landed
safely, and OToya-san's heart gave a
bound. successful was the fourth
venture. She threw again and yet
again. Only one more throw re-
NAMED; there must be three success
ful throws out OF the seven. With
prayer to Benten. the divinity OF low
ers. she threw her last paper bullet.
II stuck fast. and O'Toya-san's welded
bliss was assured.
She knew now that a successful mar |
riage and devoted husband awaited
her Then came the triumphant |
though that she could never belong TO
Goddess Benten knew Of her one true
love and had smiled upon It. O'Toya-
sans journey home was made on
wings Of hope.
AS she neared her parents home, the
sound OF the tinkling samisen, accom-
panying a love song in a mans voice.
greeted her ears 60 forward.
Straightforward. that way. to the
house that thou seest before thee. The
nearer thou goest thereto. the nearer
10 her shalt thou be-
1T is Haru,H she murmured ecstat-
lcally. as she came upon him.
Il thought that the song would
bring you. my beloved" he said. "but
| grew afraid when the moments
passed and still you came not. You
are TO 90 with me. for cannot give
you up to the Rice Merchant. We will
take the ship tomorrow morning TO
he New Country over the Seas. Gath
,r what things You require an a bun
ale, and we will take them down to
The Nippon Ushen Kaisha. which sails
n daybreak We viii be rich in the
new world. for am told that artisans
are paid even as the retainers OF the
noblel are in Japan; therefore. fear
nothing. my O'Toya-san.
Two figures stood upon the middle
ieck OF an outgoing steamer while the
lay was young. T3esr faees were
turned toward the rising sun. Il had
risen in their hearts