The Glenwood post., 1924-07-17

rushed DOWN the gangplank, saw Al
bsrta roach for him, and the long en-
brace.
sYsA," he whispered to Nllsn.
These people touch their mouths to-
gsthsr. japanese do not kiss. 1t =
foolish custom" fhfa. 0N'
nilsn falt his hand tighten upon her
own. but she said nothing. She hoped
that he did not see her smile.
Az he and Ellen. in that order, de-
scended from the boat, every one who
had not been staring at the handsome,
arrogant man began to stare. Wells
was not displeased. It was the en-
trance that he desired. He knew that
Sanderson must be watching him; the
welcome by the Japanese delegation
would show clearly that Kayama-San
was q Japanese noble, and that what
Kayama-San said. being disinterested.
would be accepted as approximate
truth. Attention was focused upon
him, and path opened before him.
Instead Of feeling asinine, as he had
feared he would, his kimono with
thread-of-gold insignia gave him as
surance. He did not glance back at
Ellen, but strode ahead, careful to
make his steps short
The leader Of the delegation pressed
to Kayama-San, Lord of the Thunder
Gate. made triple prostration and said
in greeting: Na
I'VE are honorsd BY your presence.
Wells bowed deeply, his kimono CIV
ing him more graceful appearance
as he bent forward. II am utterly
unworthy Of this attention." he an
swered, also in japanese; deprecating-
ly, which his arrogant air belied.
The others all bobbed their heads
In unison. a perfect chorus. They
wore a curious gathering, from
wealthy merchant Of broad feature to
4 professor Of language. with face as
angular and clearly cut as Wells own.
Wells saw instantly. from the glances
at his kimono, that he was certain to
be told, very apologetcally, that It
would be well to acquire an Occidental
wardrobe-which he had NO desire to
do.
"AnA the reversd and honoeed 40
chi-san. your father, is deadY" the
leader asked
HE Is doubtless In the Highest
Heaven. by mercy of Kaminari and
Kwannon of the Horses Head" Wells
agreed.
"It is very sad for you. The gods
must be delighted by the many virtues
Of Aochi-San, now in their midst"
Wells bowed In assent.
you will follow In your fathers
footsteps" ingratiatingly.
II hope to be found worthy" Where
was the Interrogation leading him? 1t
was not in accordance with strict
bushido.
mo assurance is needed as to that.
I meant -. you are a conserva-
tive7 One of the few? The leaders?"
Very softly: you wish Old JapanT
Wells wished the questioning were
well over. "Yes."
"That il well. 1t delights us all.
But q. you must be careful,
Kayama."
"Howf why is care necessaryT
II dislike speaking of It 30 soon,
Kayama.San. But-you must be pre-
pared. Many Of the Japanese In Amer.
lea have queer ideas. They are unset
tied in the head. They do not believe
In the old order of land-owning mobiles.
such as yourself. They believe that
all should be permitted to own land,
but instead of using their influence
and votes toward that result. have an
unpleasant way of lmpressing their
ideas. With knife. We must fur
nlsh you with bodygaard."
"Who would hurt the son of my
father?" Wells asked. ~ do not fear.
None will harm me-"
"They grow brave and reckless,
Kayama-San. At least, we will select
as Interpreter one who Is powerful az
well as learned"
II understand the language Of these
people," Wells answered. "Also my
wlfe"-nodding his head toward the
rear, where Ellen would be-"my wife
speaks no other" He smiled. showing
! every tooth. "I also understand the
customs. was in this land before,
| but rev knew OF II.
"You were not the head Of your
house then" hissed the other politely.
ut Is different now"
A boy set down hngs behind Wells;
cabin-boy with thin features and
burning eyes. He stood behind Wells.
waiting an order. His face was turned
up to the noblerIan's In apparently
rapt devotion. What perfect servant,
Ellen decided. ta
Wells stood a half-head taller than
the others. His bare head marked him
plainly, and Williams, a. sandsrson's
messenger, had no dlfficulty In finding
him. williams face was still flushed.
for San,lsrson's greeting had been
curt, cold.
"Are Jon Kayama-sanr' hs asked.
at out Of breath. tiffl