10 



THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



Long he rode ; the giant cryptomarias that flanked the high- 

 way towered overhead, and well-nigh shut out the remnant of 

 the dying day. Night dropped her black pall over the earth as 

 he entered the dark forests of the mountain, but far, far above the 

 tree-tops the silver moon shone forth, with the stars peeping out 



A GEISHA, OR PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINER AND MUSICIAN. 



one by one, as though desiring to aid the loyal retainer in his 

 search. Again and again he would check his horse and stop to 

 listen, for it seemed that he could hear the melodious tones of a 

 koto. At last, when, far late into the night, he arrived at the 

 ancient temple of Horin, the sounds became more audible, al- 



