of them had the brightest and most intellectual face which I have
seen in Japan. They are of the samurai class, as I should have
known from the superior type of face and manner. They said that
they heard that an English lady was in the house, and asked me if I
were a Christian, but apparently were not satisfied till, in answer
to the question if I had a Bible, I was able to produce one.

Hirosaki is a castle town of some importance, 3.5 ri from here, and
its ex-daimiyo supports a high-class school or college there, which
has had two Americans successively for its headmasters. These
gentlemen must have been very consistent in Christian living as
well as energetic in Christian teaching, for under their auspices
thirty young men have embraced Christianity. As all of these are
well educated, and several are nearly ready to pass as teachers
into Government employment, their acceptance of the "new way" may
have an important bearing on the future of this region.

I. L. B.



LETTER XXXI



A Travelling Curiosity--Rude Dwellings--Primitive Simplicity--The
Public Bath-house.

KUROISHI.