Page:Things Japanese (1905).djvu/399

Rh balls each, of the respective colours of the two sides. These strings of balls are hung outside the screen on either side of goal. When a ball is put into goal, a ball of the same colour is taken off its string. Thus the number of balls remaining on each string denotes, not the number of balls already scored by each side, but the number which still remains to be scored to complete the tale of seven. The scoring of a ball is further announced by two blows upon a drum for one side, upon a gong for the other.

When one side has scored seven balls, it enters the second and final stage of the game. Drum or gong, as the case may be, loudly announces the fact by repeated strokes. That side's hitherto slanting flagstaff is raised to a vertical position, its scoring string stands empty. A banded ball of its colour is thrown into the enclosure from the entrance barrier by an attendant, and is scrambled for by both sides. This is the only ball of the colour now in play. Should it be forced out of play, it is immediately replaced by a similar banded ball thrown into the enclosure in the same manner, and so on. Should it be slung into goal, the game is over, the side of that colour winning the game. In like manner, should the other side score their seventh ball before the opponents score their banded ball, they too are heralded into the second stage of the game, with flag, gong, or drum, and empty scoring string. They, too, have a banded ball of their colour thrown into court, the only one of that colour then in play, also replaced by a similar ball in the event of its being forced out of play. The two sides are in that case again equal, and whichever side scores its banded ball first wins the game. (Until the unsuccessful side scores its seventh ball, how ever, it still remains in the first stage of the game, and can play with an unlimited number of balls.) The winning stroke is announced by loud beating of the gong or drum, and by waving of the flag which distinguishes the winning side. The winners ride out of the enclosure in single file, while the losers dismount and follow on foot, leading their horses, a picturesque