ed to an emotionless creature guaranteed to move at
the command of her Masters.

All her warfare had been in the open. At no time in her visit to me,
did she mention the unhappy conditions at her home nor voice complaints
of its inmates.

Undisciplined, untrained as she was, there was in her nature a certain
reserve which compelled admiration. When not on the defensive for what
she considered her rights, she had a decided sweetness that drew me
irresistibly. I did not approve of her methods, but my sympathy was deep
for this child of freedom forced to live in the painful restrictions of
a conservative Japanese family.

I was beginning to see that Zura would break long before she would bend.
To break at all meant disaster. To break alone meant ruin. She was of my
country, my people. Without further ado I arrayed myself on the side of
the one who had four against her.

Before she answered my question, she looked at me as a chained creature
might eye a strange hand to see if it were outstretched for a caress or
a blow. Having decided, she went on, "The ancientest one. Some red
lilies I carried brought on the fit. An hour ago I gathered a few from
the rice fields and took them to my room. When the old dame saw their
crimson petals she began to foam at the mouth and splutter a lot of
nonsense about the flowers being tongues of flame; she said they would
set the house on fire and burn us all to a cinder. If I thought that I'd
bring a cartload, and then run. She took them away and threw them in the
hot bath. The lovely things shriveled like scalded baby hands. About
then, my august grandfather arrived on the scene. He ordered me to put
on Japanese dress and come to their old festival. I've planned
otherwise, and I won't do it." She put on her hat and stabbed it with a
long pin.

"Look here, Zura," I ventured, "you'll miss a joyfully good time if you
don't go. The country people swarm to these festivals, and babies are as
thick as ants. You'll see more pictures than you can paint in a
life-time. There are queer things to buy and funny things to eat. The
fire-walking ceremony is wonderful."

This caught her attention. "What do they do at this ceremony?"

"It has been a long time since I saw it, but I remember it was thrilling
to watch the worshipers walk barefoot over the hot coals. Come along
with me, Zura. Come on," I urged, seeking in my mind for a more
persuasive word and finding a memory of Mr. Pinkey Chalmers to he