contest the dragons called up a great wind which uprooted the
tree. In return, each of the priests placed an image of Buddha on a
tree-root, turning it into an altar. Thus they were able to overcome the
dragons, who were forced into the spring. On top of them great stones
were piled, and afterward the monastery of Chang-an-sa was built upon
the site of the battle between the priests and the dragons."

Afterward Yung Pak visited the great kitchens, the dining-rooms, the
stables, the private rooms of the monks, and every place which might be
of interest to an inquisitive boy of his age.

During the time he remained at Chang-an-sa he made several excursions
into the surrounding country, but always returning to the monastery at
night.

Meanwhile Ki Pak had transacted the business for which he came to this
region, and at the end of ten days was ready to return to Seoul.

Of this journey it is not necessary to tell. No mishap marred the
pleasure of the trip, and all returned safe and sound to their home in
the capital city of Korea. Yung Pak had enjoyed the journey very, very
much, yet he was not sorry once more to be among the familiar scenes and
surroundings of home.

CHAPTER IX.

A FULL-FLEDGED TOP-KNOT

Like all Korean boys, Yung Pak wore his hair in two braids, and by the
time he was twelve years old these had become very long, and hung in
black and glossy plaits down his back.

On the day that he was thirteen his father called him to his room and
told the lad that the time had come for him to assume the dignities of a
man. In accordance with that statement, he had decided that on the next
day his son should be formally "invested" with the top-knot. In other
words, the crown of his head was to be shaven, and his long hair tightly
coiled upon the bare place thus made. This is called the "Investiture
of the Top-knot," and is always attended by solemn ceremonies.

In preparation for this event Ki Pak had made careful and elaborate
arrangements. He had provided for his son new clothes and a hat after
the style of his own. He had also consulted an eminent astrologer, who
had chosen the propitious day and hour for the ceremony after due
consultation of the calendar and the stars and planets in their courses.

Generally, if the father is blessed with good fortune and a number of
sons, he acts as his own master of ceremonies on such an occasion, but
as Ki Pak had only this one son he decided to ask his brothe