THE captain’s MISTAKE. 
287 
we remarked, consisted in huge drums placed at 
intervals on gailj-decorated stands. As the many- 
headed ” passed along, some lively member would 
perform an impromptu solo on this noisy instru- 
ment, to the accompaniment of a laughing chorus. 
Following in the wake of the throng, we at length 
arrived at the entrance of a clean broad avenue, 
flanked by splendid trees, and with handsome 
granite candelabra-like lamp-posts between them. 
On an elevated basement at the end we perceived 
a temple, with a noble flight of steps leading to the 
open portals. A lean old man, in a quaint gold cap, 
was squatting on a platform by the door. To him 
the captain spoke very politely, for he imagined him 
to be the high priest, and the old fellow, who was 
remarkably lively, seemed to take much interest in 
the captain’s sword and spyglass. A roar of laughter 
from the upturned faces of the close-j)acked crowd 
below excited our attention, and Araki explained 
that the old man with the gilded cap was but the 
beater of the wooden drum which summoned the 
faithful citizens of Tomo to their prayers. 
