an altar. During the chant he also occupied himself by striking a small
bell with a deer-horn. Bells played a great part in the worship at
Chang-an-sa, and all the prayers were emphasized by the clanging of
bells great or small.

Along the shadowy walls of this room could be seen the weapons, as well
as the eyes and teeth, the legs and arms, of gods and demons otherwise
invisible. These had a ghostly effect on Yung Pak, and made him cling
closely to the side of his tutor.

Above the altar before which the priest knelt was an immense carving in
imitation of an uprooted tree. Among the roots thus exposed were placed
fifty-three idols in all kinds of positions. Beneath the carving were
represented three fierce-looking dragons, on whose faces were signs of
the most awful torment and suffering.

"About this altar-piece," said Yung Pak's guide, "there is a legend you
might like to hear."

"Oh, yes," was the reply, "tell us the story."

"Many years ago," began the guide, "fifty-three Buddhist priests came
from India to Korea for the purpose of converting the people to their
belief. When they reached this place they were very tired, and sat down
by a spring beneath the wide-spreading branches of a tree. They had not
been there long when three dragons appeared and attacked the priests.
During the 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