Los Angeles herald., 1906-01-28

ing the city concerning the movements OF mere
individuals, be they Of the court Of the Shotgun
or the court Of thieves. In the storytellers
nails and the theatres, on the street corner and
IN all public places, groups speculated upon the
presence Of the foreigners in Japan. There was
abroad a subtle, indeGnable fear that in some
way the coming Of the foreigners was to change
the destiny of the empire. The more ignorant
could not see clearly in what way this was to
come about, but there was present in their con-
seriousness fear of an impending evil.
Mobiles of both parties were unsettled. The
foreign visitation might mean humiliation to
either party. Ruin 10 did mean to one, but
which? The shogunatc seemed in the ascendant,
since it had been recognized, blndy, but still
recognized, by the foreigners. Thus among all
classes there was manifest a great unrest none
the less threatening and fearful because its i'm
port was hidden. Plainly the shadow Of events
to come had darkened the nations mind.
The tradesman in his shop, showing his wares
to purchaser, stated their price uncertainty.
Just now, honorable sir, the price is three
yen, but the gods alone know what it will be to.
morrow, whether more, less, priceless beyond
measure, smaller than nothing at all. The
barbarians--"
"Ah yes, these barbarians." His purchaser
would nod understandingly.
At street corner woman approached a
strolling samurai in the Shogun's uniform.
Honorable samurai" she said, what Of the
foreigners who have Gomez"
The samurai shrugged his shoulders.
''I'll tell you all I know of them" he muir
INJURED, without enthusiasm.
A group formed about him.
"What do you know of them" pressed one.
Tell us ALL" said another.
The samurai shifted one of the swords.
'Of certainty I'll tell you all"
"Yes?"
"Of truth they have come,' he answered, as
with movement Of disclaimer he passed up the
street.
In the story-tellers' halls the reciter was be
sieged with requests for stories and information
concerning the Americans In some cases he
frankly avowed his ignorance, and in others re-
called his hearers with the weirdest tales Of
resourceful imagination.
witnessing incidents Of this kind upon every
side, Keiki continued on his way TO the palace
Of one thing he now fully assured. What
ever policy for the future might be decided on
by him and his associates could not be put into
immediate effect. The popular impulse, the pop
ular mind was dazed and was not ready for ac-
ton. Meanwhile he would learn all he could
of the intentions Of both foreigners and Shotgun
Keik was now quite near the palace of the
Shotgun. His cloak he threw carelessly about
him in such wise that while his uniform was
exposed his features were muffed. The gate
before which stood the samurai on guard at the
outer post Open Without word Keiki
STROBE haughty past the guards. They gave no
challenge.
Within the grounds inclosed by the stone walls
there was reflection of the disquiet manifest
throughout the city. From the broad elevated
balconies of the palace shining in the soft light
diffused through the fusuma, there hoated down
to the strained ears of Keiki the sound of wo-
mems laughter and the harsher tone of mems
voices. Music mingled with other sounds that
indicated the quiet enjoyment of the night. The
very guards at the doors were careless in the
performance of their duties, looking with the
eyes of artistic appreciation upon the nights
gentle festivities.
Still undisturbed Keiki passed through the
palace entrances. An officer of the guard stared
curiously for moment after him once, then
turned in forgetfulness to answer womans
jest. Keil1 assembled a stairway. In an upper
ante-room he met an under-menial.
'The chamber of the Shogun" he said, coldly
Honorable lord, began the mental.
PRINCE Mori thrust a parchment before his
eyes.
''The chamber of the Shotgun at once" he
said, sternly; "these dispatches admit of no
delay"
Ellis august excelency is very i'll and has re-
tired" said the servant.
"I know. Col"
The attendant preceded him.
Gone minute" said Keiki; understand, my
mission is secret But pronounce the name Sa-
kura to his augustness."
The man bent low. Then he entered a cham
ber He reappeared shortly, and having signed
to Keiki to enter, disappeared down stairway
Keiki waited until his footsteps had passed away
Then he crossed the threshold, hesitatng in the
fashion of one who enters a strange apartment
for the first time, conscious that its occupant
has an advantage of prior acquaintance.