In Ghostly Japan


Fragment

And it was at the hour of sunset that they came to the foot of
the mountain. There was in that place no sign of life,--neither
token of water, nor trace of plant, nor shadow of flying bird,--
nothing but desolation rising to desolation. And the summit was
lost in heaven.

Then the Bodhisattva said to his young companion:--"What you have
asked to see will be shown to you. But the place of the Vision is
far; and the way is rude. Follow after me, and do not fear:
strength will be given you."


Twilight gloomed about them as they climbed. There was no beaten
path, nor any mark of former human visitation; and the way was
over an endless heaping of tumbled fragments that rolled or
turned beneath the foot. Sometimes a mass dislodged would clatter
down with hollow echoings;--sometimes the substance trodden would
burst like an empty shell....Stars pointed and thrilled; and the
darkness deepened.

"Do not fear, my son," said the Bodhisattva, guiding: "danger
there is none, though the way be grim."

Under the stars they climbed,--fast, fast,--mounting by help of
power superhuman. High zones of mist they passed; and they saw