The boy travellers in the Far East : adventures of two youths ... - Library

STORY OF BUMBUKU CIIAGAMA. 237
SCENE FROM A JAl^lNESE COMEDY. LOVE-LETTER DISCOVERED.
iiig closed all the windo'ws and sliding-doors, after hunting it vigorously
from one corner to another, tliejr succeeded in coutining it in a small space,
and presently in capturing it.
" ' While they were consulting what to do with it, a man entered whose
business it was to collect and sell waste paper, and they showed him the
teapot with a view of disposing of it to him if possible. He observed
their eagerness, and offered a much lower price than it was worth ; but as
it was now considered a disagreeable thing to have in the temple, they let
him have it at his own price. He took it and hastily carried it away. He
reached his home greatly pleased with his bargain, and looking forward
to a handsome protit the next day, wlien he would sell it for what it was
worth.
" ' Night came on, and he lay down to rest. Covering himself with his
blankets, he slept soundly.
" ' But near the middle of the night tlie teapot changed itself into the
form of a badger, and came out of the waste paper, where it had lieen
placed. The mei'chant was aroused by tlie noise, and caught the teapot
while it was in flight. By treating it kind))' he soon gained its confidence
and affection. In the course of time it Ijecame so docile that he was able
to teach it rope-dancing and other accomplishments.
'' ' The report soon spread that Bnmbuku Chagama had learned to dance,
and the merchant was invited to go to all the great and small provinces,
where lie was summoned to exhibit the teapot before the great daimios,
who loaded him down with gifts of gold and silver. In course of time he