but he directed Muso to a certain hamlet, in the valley adjoining where
lodging and food could be obtained.


Muso found his way to the hamlet, which consisted of less than a dozen
farm-cottages; and he was kindly received at the dwelling of the headman.
Forty or fifty persons were assembled in the principal apartment, at the
moment of Muso's arrival; but he was shown into a small separate room,
where he was promptly supplied with food and bedding. Being very tired, he
lay down to rest at an early hour; but a little before midnight he was
roused from sleep by a sound of loud weeping in the next apartment.
Presently the sliding-screens were gently pushed apart; and a young man,
carrying a lighted lantern, entered the room, respectfully saluted him, and
said:--


"Reverend Sir, it is my painful duty to tell you that I am now the
responsible head of this house. Yesterday I was only the eldest son. But
when you came here, tired as you were, we did not wish that you should feel
embarrassed in any way: therefore we did not tell you that father had died
only a few hours before. The people whom you saw in the next room are the
inhabitants of this village: they all assembled here to pay their last
respects to the dead; and now they are going to another village, about
three miles off,-- for by our custom, no one of us may remain in this
village during the night after a death has taken place. We make the proper
offerings and prayers; -- then we go away, leaving the corpse alone.
Strange things always happen in the house where a corpse has thus been
left: so we think that it will be better for you to come away with us. We
can find you good lodging in the other village. But perhaps, as you are a
priest, you have no fear of demons or evil spirits; and, if you are not