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HARVESTING THE RICE. 2 7 I
While the strangers were watching the scene, they heard
a whirring sound, and presently a flock of pigeons alighted all
around them.
*
Why do they always have so many doves in the temple
of the god of War?" asked Sallie.
Mrs. Nambo inclined her head and replied in her gentle
way, "Those birds are
Hachiman's messengers.
When he wishes to com-
municate with another god,
he dispatches one of those
beautiful creatures."
They
ascended the hill
and visited the grave of
Yoritomo, before which
they found an offering of
lovely flowers.
"
I wonder who brought
"
I
these here," said Fitz.
do not see why they should
make such a fuss about
Yoritomo. No doubt he
was a great man, but one
can never forget that he
caused his brother, Yosit-
SIDE VIEW OF DAI-BUTSU.
sune, to be assassinated. He did not gain the decisive victories
over the Taira, and he killed both the men who did, one
of whom was his own brother."
"He was successful," said Johnnie. "I suppose that is
why he is not forgotten. Nothing succeeds like success."
About five o'clock they once more visited the Dai-Butsu*
* Vide. Young Americans in Japan, p. 377.