Connecticut western news., 1910-05-19
WHAT CAME OF A FILTRATION By E. BARTLET THORPE Copyright, 1910, by American Press
 Association.

AOSClhCI III tue y. Oue day while our ship was lying at anchor in Japanese waters Jack and I got per mission to go ashore together.
 We sauntered along one of the streets till we came to the outskirts, where the houses were farther apart and their surroundings more ample. Passing d garden inclosed by a low wall, we saw couple of pretty Japa- nese girls picking flowers. Jack took out his handkerchief-the method in those days of flirting; I don't know how they do it now-and waved it. We were not more than a dozen yards from the girls. one of whom, seeing couple of European youngsters in uni form, tossed rose over the wall. It fell at Jacks feet. -H He picked it up, inhaled its odor, kissed it and put it in the buttonhole of his jacket.
 Both girls laughed, and the other girl threw another rose, which I pick ed up, inhaled, kissed and put in my own buttonholes. Then. like good boys, we walked on. We didn't care to ap- pear too presuming, and we didn't wish to frighten the little birds by rushing matters. But we didn't walk very far. We soon turned and went back toward the place where we had seen the girls. We argued that if they wished for our further acquaintance they would remain where they were, expecting our return.
 We found them in exactly the same place, but as we drew near they turn ed their backs upon us. Jack gave loud "Ahemr One of the girls turned and smiled. 1 gave another "Ahemw and the other girl turned also. This was enough for Jack. who needed only moiety of encouragement, and he vaulted the wall. 1 followed him. It was making on acquaintance under difficulties, we not speaking the Japa- nese language and they not knowing a word of English. Jack, whose bold ness naturally gave him the initiative, pointed to the flowers growing about us and by a well enacted pantomime indicated that we would like some of them. The girls understood, plucked a lot for each of us, then by pantomime asked us to inspect the grounds.
 Of course we got separated. Jack go- ing with her who had thrown him the rose, I with her companion, who had favored me. Why they took the lib erty of receiving us so unceremonious- ly I didn't know. They were surely of the samurai class and must have been of wealthy and respectable par ents, for the place in which they lived was a large one and their kimonos were made of the finest texture. l was inclined to think that papa and mamma were not at home. At any rate, we spent a couple of hours with them, chatting all the while in the un- spoken language of love which young people don't need to study. Before parting with them we exhibited suffi- cient ingenuity to inform them that we would call again as soon as we could get another leave.
 It was two days after this that we were ordered to report in the captains cabin. We found there a couple of Japanese men of the higher class and third who was an interpreter. The men looked as solemn as owls.
 Young gentlemen" said the cap tain, "since you were the only officers ashore on leave the day before yes terday think that a message brought by these persons must be for you. Besides, recognize these gewgaws as belonging to you"
 He held up a scarfpin that had given one of the girls and a ring Jack had given the other. Jack and l were dumfounded. The captain motioned the interpreter to speak. He told us that each of us having given a pres ent to a young girl-a- gift in Japan being considered proposition of mar riage-their fathers had come aboard to say that two noble Japanese fami- lies would feel honored at an alliance with so great a nation as the United States by giving a daughter to each of the young officers who had asked for her hand.
 The matter was far too serious to warrant any expression of amusement. The captain saw at once that we had got into a filtration and unwittingly proposed marriage. Not wishing to give offense, he took the matter into his own hands, much to the relief of us youngsters who had got into the scrape.
 Tell the gentlemen" he said to the interpreter, that, representing the United States. I am highly honored that the propositions of my officers should be accepted, but that since the offer was made without permission l shall be obliged to lay the matter be- fore the president. sail for America tomorrow, will discover his excellen- cys wishes. if possible obtain his per mission and act accordingly"
 The interpreter translated the cap tain's speech, and the Japanese gentle men signified acquiescence and after leaving their addresses, with all nec- essary information. departed.
 "Gentlemen," said the captain when our would be fathers-in-law had gone, "vou may consider yourselves under