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62 HONDA THE SAMUEAI.
Is the snow deep in winter " ?
"Often as deep as a bamboo pole of two men's
height. Travelers are hurt by the avalanches."
" People in this part of Echizen seem to be fond
of monkeys," remarked the master, as they passed a
village meat-shop in which monkeys were dressed
and undressed, with skin and hair on, hung up for
sale, while inside people were eating stewed portions
of the animal.
" Yes," laughed Uhdi ;
" it serves the brutes right.
They are great pests to the farmers and destroy
valuable
crops."
Thus, alternately chatting and moving on in silence,
they walked on. By full noon they reached
a high hill, which they climbed after a long tug.
On the top, famous for its view, were several teahouses
where they were to take lunch. The place
was called by a most curious name, " Hot-water
Tail," though some said the word meant orangefield.
No sooner were the two travelers in the little
hamlet, than out rushed to each porch a bevy of
waitresses. They were fair and rosy-cheeked girls,
-
whose bright black eyes snapped fun, as each and all
cried out in chorus :
" " This way "
! Come here ! '*
Give us your
custom !
" " Favor us with your orders ! " " Welcome !
noble gentlemen," etc. etc.
For two or three minutes it was like the chattering
of a flock of sparrows in a field, but when the two
travelers entered an inn on the left, there was silence
and good-humored retreat. Hot water was at once