e were friendly to
foreigners, who did not hesitate to ride out into the country.

The three captains the following day went on shore to see as much as
they could of the country and its curious inhabitants, and those
fortunate individuals, the three midshipmen, with some of their
messmates, were invited to accompany them.

The foreign settlement was soon inspected, as there was but little to
see in it, beyond its bungalow-looking buildings and gardens. They then
went into the adjoining Japanese town. It greatly resembled that of
some of the northern cities of China, the principal streets being broad,
with neat and clean-looking shops. These greatly resembled those of
China, except that the Japanese used neither tables, chairs, nor
counters. Those in the main street contained lacquer ware, carvings in
ivory, bronzes, some very beautiful porcelain, and a variety of toys.

Strange sights were witnessed. Females of no exalted rank were carried
about in a basket-like litter, sitting cramped up in a most
uncomfortable posture. The basket, which is called a "cango," is
suspended from a pole, borne on the shoulders of two men. Ladies and
gentlemen of higher rank were seen going about in palanquins, which were
smaller, than those used in India. They were formed of wicker work, and
covered outside with lacquer. They also were supported by poles on the
shoulders of bearers. None of the gentlemen, who sat their horses with
apparently such wonderful dignity, really guided them, though they held
their bridles in their hands--a groom always leading their
gaily-caparisoned steeds. The soldiers, however, of whom a troop was
always in attendance on any "damio," or great lord, of course, managed
their horses themselves.

The naval officers encountered a party of these gentlemen, and knowing
the importance of avoiding any cause of dispute, managed in good time to
get out of their way. The "betos," for so the horse-soldiers are
called, cast fierce glances at the strangers. Gerald, ever inclined to
merriment, could scarcely refrain from laughing as he watched them
passing by.

"Well, those fellows are the thinnest-clothed rascals I have ever seen.
Look, Tom, at their braided coats, they fit as tight as their skins.
See what curious devices they have on them, both back and front. Look
at that fellow with the big dragon--the head and fore part on his chest,
its body and tail coming round his back, in blue, red, and yellow
c