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204
THE WONDERFUL CITY OF TOKIO.
He then took the rods from the vase, rolled the bundle between
his hands and raised it to his forehead, after which he
withdrew one splint and placed it on the book upon his left,
saying,
" I now select a portion of these," suiting the action to
the word, "and reject the others. I count those I keep by
fours, and according to the number left, move one of the sangi
in a certain direction. This process I repeat twice, counting
JUNKS BECALMED IN THE GULF OF OSAKA.
them by threes and twos, and moving the sangi according to
the results. The combination indicates a certain number, hav-
ing
ascertained which I consult this book and learn from it the
reply to your question."
He said this for the benefit of the Americans, knowing
very well that his customer understood his method of working.
"Are you obliged to use those sticks and blocks?" inquired
Sallie.
"Oh. dear me, no! honorable young lady," replied the for-
tune-teller, bowing and smiling in a self-satisfied manner. "I
knew you were going to ask me that question. At a certain