Chap. VII. 
A DRUNKEN MAN. 
117 
The day was now far advanced; indeed, my 
yakoneens had been hinting some time before this 
that it was time to return to Yedo. First, they 
looked to the heavens, and gravely informed me 
they thought it was going to rain ; and when they 
saw this did not produce the desired effect, they 
told me evening was approaching, and that it 
was dangerous for me to be out after dark. This 
was no doubt quite true, and during my residence 
in Yedo I invariably made it a rule to get back to 
the Legation as soon after nightfall as possible. 
On the present occasion I intimated to them that I 
was now quite ready to return to the city, and we 
were soon on our way. 
On our way back, and just when we were 
opposite to the residence of the Prince of 
Kanga — the Daimio whom I have already men- 
tioned as unfavourable to foreigners — a drunken 
man was monopolizing the road, who, I was 
afraid, might give us some trouble. He had 
a long wooden pole in his hands, and was endea- 
vouring to strike all who came in his path. One 
of my betos, or grooms, was struck by him ; but as 
the poor wretch could scarcely stand, it was very 
easy to get out of his way. He had no idea that 
a foreigner was behind him; and I shall never 
forget the peculiar wild and drunken stare he 
’gave me when he observed me. Under the cir- 
cumstances I judged it prudent to leave him in his 
trance of astonishment, and trotted onwards. 
Intemperance in the use of ardent spirits is one 
