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116 to himself, “They are talking about the sushi-restaurant.” Senkichi had often been sent on an errand to a certain dealer in weights and scales, whose name was S. His shop was situated in Kyobashi, and was very near this famous restaurant. The boy therefore knew quite well of its repute.

Senkichi, as he listened, was very envious of the clerks who were so free and in the position to visit such a place at will. As they continued to talk in this manner, making pretentions of their knowledge of delicacies, he found himself wishing he were their equal. Their conversation continued thus:

“I’m told that a son of Mr. Yohei has opened a tea-house somewhere near the Matsuya Department Store. Do you know anything about it, Koh-san?”

“No, I’m afraid I don’t. Which Matsuya do you mean?”

“I’m not quite sure, but I suppose it is their store at Imagawa-bashi.”

“Oh, I see. Do they say the cooking there is very nice?”

“Yes, they say so.”

“Are you sure the restaurant is run by Mr. Yohei?”

“No, I’m not quite sure. Let me see … what is the name of the house? … Oh, I have forgotten it.”

Senkichi was listening intently, and casually remarked that there were many such noted restaurants in the city. Then he thought to himself, “In what way is the cooking so nice?” As he thought about