baggage in two wicker baskets,--one strapped upon each side,--and on top
of these was piled bedding and wadded clothing, which made a soft seat
for the rider.

The _mapus_ who accompanied the procession were dressed in short cotton
jackets, loose trousers, with sandals and cotton wrappings upon the
feet. They had to step lively to keep up with the ponies.

All the people in this company carried with them long garments made of
oiled paper. You have already learned that the Korean paper is very
tough, and when soaked with oil it forms a splendid protection against
the rain. Many of these garments had a very peculiar appearance, because
they were made of paper on which had been set copies for schoolboys to
use in learning to write.

As Yung Pak and his companions passed along the dirty streets of Seoul
toward a gate in the great wall, a curious crowd was attracted by the
unusual sight. This mob of men and boys were good-natured, but very
curious, and it gathered so close as to impede the progress of the
ponies. Moreover, a watchful eye had to be kept on all the luggage, lest
some over-covetous person might steal the provisions and supplies on the
ponies' backs.

Notwithstanding the slow progress made by Ki Pak's company, it took only
a short time to pass through the narrow streets and out by the great
gate, leaving behind the noisy mob of men and boys who had followed them
to the city's wall.

Once outside, upon the road which wound around and over the high hills
that surround the city, the pure country air seemed very sweet and