you pin to him." He stammered like a foolish schoolboy, but struggled
bravely on: "When things get pretty thick and you've struck bottom,
that's the time you find out. I know. I've been there. More's the pity
I don't remember it oftener!"

"And you think him more better for me?" asked Yuki San, still
perplexed.

"You bet I do!" said Merrit with conviction. "Take my word for it and
don't forget."

"I no forget," she said.

A sliding of the screen and a call from the court-yard announced the
arrival of the jinrikisha men, who had come for the baggage.

Merrit thrust back his half-finished breakfast.

"By Jove! I'd most forgotten this is my last meal with you. Just to
think all that tiresome old government contract is finished and I'll
soon be on my way to the other side!"

"You want to see other side?" she asked. "Mama San not there no more."
Then seeing his face darken, she laid a quick hand of sympathy on his.
"I have the sorrowful for you," she said earnestly, then went on
hastily: "That other side! Yes, I know that most beautiful 'Merica.
Most big ship in the world come rolling into Hatoba. Merrit San so
long and big, stand way out front and see over much people. Then he
cry out, 'Herro!' herro!' with glad and much joyful. He see that
lovely girl like picture waiting there!"