Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 3.djvu/76

 up a placard promising that infirm folks shall be supported. It's true I haven't any natural infirmity, but as people are in the habit of saying that my tongue is particularly sharp, I'm going to make a radical change and be a mute for a time. I've come provided with the implements. Now to hurry to the place. This is truly a case of the old saying, "Heaven doesn't leave people to die." I've only to go over there and I shall get food. Hulloa! Here's the place. Now to be a mute. Mutes carry two bits of bamboo like these and strike them together thus—Wa-a-a! Wa-a-a!

. Hulloa! There's a strange noise outside. What can it be! Who's there?

. Wa-a-a!

. A mute, eh?

. Wa-a-a!

. I'll support you. But haven't you any accomplishment?

(striking the attitude of an archer). Wa-a-a!

. You can shoot with a bow, can you?

. Wa-a-a!

. Any other accomplishment?

(striking a spearman's attitude). Wa-a-a!

. You can use a spear, can you? Why, you 're a very serviceable fellow. I'll give you plenty to eat.

. Oh, thank—(Remembers that he is a mute covers his mouth, and begins to move away.)

. What's this? A mute speaking! However, the proverb says " The speech of a mute is an earnest of good fortune." I think I'll support him. Hi! Hi! I'll support you. Come in here.

. Wa-a-a!

. Put yourself there.

. Wa-a-a!

(soliloquising). Come, come! I've