34 2 



THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



Upon reaching the largest room a regal feast was spread. 

 Here, too, small woodland intricacies and miniature trees were in 

 each nook and niche. The rich luster of the banquet-room, so 

 filled with perfume and brilliancy, with mirrors on the walls, 

 making twin pictures of all this loveliness, utterly bewildered the 

 young bride. Then the groom reassuringly pressed her hand and 

 told her that this feast had been prepared for her and her at- 

 tendants. Happiness stole over her, and her rosy cheeks seemed 

 to absorb the delight of her lover as he gazed upon her. Joy and 

 gladness pervaded the guests, and the youthful bride tasted with 

 delight the dainty dishes set before her. 



Then, suddenly, a war cry resounded through the halls, and 

 clearly could be heard the neighing of excited steeds and the 



THE TOMB OF OGURIHANGUAN. A typical Japanese grave. The body is buried in a square 

 casket, and is placed in a crouching position. 



clash of drawn swords. The bride sprang up in terror, and her 

 trembling maidens surrounded her as they beheld a full-armed 

 knight, with threatening aspect, ride toward her. She turned 

 quickly to her bridegrom for protection but where was he ? 

 She shrieked, but nothing but the shriek and its echo were heard. 

 Where was the gorgeous palace with all its new-born delights ? 

 All had vanished. The stately music and the soft- voiced lutes 

 had ceased. A deadly silence, that seemed like a horrid presence, 

 was all that remained. Bridegroom and friends, paintings and 



