stretching away as far as the eye could reach.

One thing, however, greatly disappointed Sam-Chung and his companions,
and that was the absence of boats. They had planned to engage one, and
by travelling across the river during the night, they hoped to hurry on
their way and at the same time to rest and refresh themselves after the
fatigues they had been compelled to endure on their long land journey.

It now became a very serious question with them where they were to
spend the night. There was no sign of any human habitation round
about. There was the sandy beach along which they were walking, and
there was the wide expanse of the river, on which the evening mists
were slowly gathering; but no appearance of life. Just as they were
wondering what course they should pursue, the faint sound of some
musical instruments came floating on the air and caught their ear.
Hastening forward in the direction from which the music came, they
ascended a piece of rising ground, from the top of which they were
delighted to see a village nestling on the hillside, and a small temple
standing on the very margin of the river.

With hearts overjoyed at the prospect of gaining some place where they
could lodge for the night, they hurried forward to the hamlet in front
of them. As they drew nearer, the sounds of music became louder and
more distinct. They concluded that some festival was being observed,
or that some happy gathering amongst the people had thrown them all
into a holiday mood. Entering the village, they made their way to a
house which stood out prominently from the rest, and which was better
built than any others they could see. Besides, it was the one from
which the music issued, and around its doors was gathered a number of
people who had evidently been attending some feast inside.

As the three travellers came up to the door, a venerable-looking old
man came out to meet them. Seeing that they were strangers, he
courteously invited them to enter; and on Sam-Chung asking whether they
could be entertained for the night, he assured them that there was
ample room for them in the house, and that he gladly welcomed them to
be his guests for as long as it was their pleasure to remain.

"In the meanwhile you must come in," he said, "and have some food, for
you must be tired and hungry after travelling so far, and the tables
are still covered with the good things which were prepared for the
feast to-day."

After they ha