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148
THE WONDERFUL CITY OF TOKIO.
The master of the ceremonies danced round them, as
a small boy does in a street fight, the audience yelled their
approval or disapprobation, and the muscles of the wrestlers
stood out like whipcord.
Suddenly the shorter of the two raised his opponent clear
off the ground and threw him among the spectators outside the
ring, who received him with loud jeers.
The victor glanced proudly round at his party, and stepping
out of the ring, resumed his place among them and was petted
and patted like a spoilt child.
The herald re-entered the arena, and proclaimed the
conqueror's name four times.
Between each match, vendors of candy, roasted beans, and
the foreign luxury of ice-water, mingled among the people,
and shouted the names of their wares, while the audience
smoked and chatted about the contest.
Two other wrestlers were announced and took their places
in the ring.
"Why have two of the umpires retired?" asked Johnnie.
"Because these are second-class athletes," replied O.o.
"The celebrated artists have two umpires each, while one
is considered enough for these fellows."
There was nothing offensive in the exhibition, it being
merely a trial of strength between giants.
The boys witnessed several matches, during some of which,
the spectators, delighted with the ability of their proteges,
rolled their kimono (coats) into balls and threw them into the
ring, to be redeemed after the performance by payment of
money
or treats of food and sake.
The Americans fourtd that squatting in the confined space
allotted to them, was very painful work, so they reluctantly
summoned the ladder man, descended to the floor, and quitted
the building.