Untitled

194
THE WONDERFUL CITY OF TOKIO.
At breakfast Johnnie referred to his brother's dream, on
hearing which, Sallie said, " Oh, do tell us, Fitz. Did you
really sleep through that earthquake?"
The merry lad nodded his head and said, in a very solemn
manner, " I saw it, Sallie Jewett. You all know the Japanese
believe that their beloved islands rest on the back of a cat-fish,
and that, when the creature wags its tail, we get shocks of the
earthquake."
:f
Yes," said the Professor approvingly, "such is the popular
belief."
" Well, I saw the cat-fish," said Fitz.
" It is no good look-
senses. This was
ing so amazed, Sallie. I am not out of my
my dream. First of all, I was gazing on Tokio in winter,
through branches of beautiful white and red plum-blossoms,
from which hung many poems and a mask of the god-Fox.
The city and the peak of glorious Fuji-yama beyond were cov-
ered with snow, which contrasted charmingly with the flowers
of the ume. As I was looking I saw a tremendous monster
appear in the sky, and, on regarding it closely, found it was a
gigantic cat-fish, ridden by Yebis, the smiling god, who used
the fish's feelers as reins, and whipped it vigorously with his
bamboo fishing-rod. As it approached me, I saw poor old
Fuku-roku-jin (the god of longevity)
seated on the flattened
tail of the fish, holding up his hands in fright.* The purple
cloth was nearly off his venerable head, and he was shouting
with fear. Presently he called to Yebis, saying, f
Honorable
brother, do not drive so fast. If I have much of this, I shall
tumble off.'
r
Yeh!' said the smiling one, regarding
chievously.
his comrade mis-
r
Don't lose your balance, dear boy. You are a
long distance above the earth, and if you were to tumble, you
* Vide illuminated cover.