and drivers
had to be engaged. Sometimes, when Ki Pak went on short journeys, he was
carried in a chair by strong men, who by much practice had become able
to endure the fatigue of travel, and of bearing heavy burdens. This
chair was very different from the kind you have in your houses. Even a
comfortable rocker would not be very nice in which to take a long
journey.

The Korean traveller's chair consists of a boxlike frame, of such
height that one may sit within in Turkish fashion upon the floor. The
roof is of bamboo, covered with painted and oiled paper. The sides also
are covered with oiled paper or muslin. In some cases a small stained
glass window is set in the side or front, but only rich men can afford
this luxury. The curtain in front can be raised or lowered. This serves
the double purpose of shutting out the glances of the curious and
keeping out the cold air. When the owner can afford it, an ample supply
of cushions and shawls makes the clumsy vehicle more comfortable for its
occupant.

The chair rests upon two long poles, which hang by straps upon the
shoulders of four stout men. Under ordinary circumstances these men can
travel with their burden from twenty to thirty miles a day.

Sometimes, also, when Yung Pak's father went about the streets of
Seoul, he rode in a chair very similar to the one just described. The
only difference was that it rested on a framework attached to a single
wheel directly underneath. This cross between a wheelbarrow and a
sedan-chair was supported and trundled along the street by four bearers.

On this journey, however, Yung Pak and his companions were to ride on
ponies.

The Korean ponies are small, fine-coated animals, little larger than
Shetland ponies. They are very tough and strong, and can endure long
marches with little food. They are sometimes obstinate and are desperate
fighters, squealing and neighing on all occasions. They often attack
other ponies, and never become friendly with each other on a journey. In
their attacks upon one another loads are forgotten and often seriously
damaged. Notwithstanding, they bear with much patience a great deal of
abuse from unkind masters. Because of much beating and overloading,
they are generally a sorry-looking lot of animals.

Ki Pak had to engage ponies for himself, Yung Pak, and Wang Ken. He was
also obliged to employ a cook for the journey, who had to have a pony to
carry along the kettles and pans and other utensils. It