h wooden
fence. Another fence divided the yard into two parts, of which the one
nearest the house was set apart for our own use. As there were three
or four trees in this enclosure, the Japanese, when they were pointing
out to us the advantages of our new residence, dubbed it a garden, but
we found that if we wished to get along without wounding their vanity,
we must call a pool of water that was in one corner of it, "a lake,"
and a heap of mud in this pool, "an island." This so-called garden was
connected with the other court, by means of a little door, which was
always kept shut, except when the captain of the guard visited us, or
we were permitted to take a walk, which now frequently happened. A
gate which was kept carefully closed during the night, led from the
second court into the street. Our house was divided into two parts by
a lattice work which ran through it in the direction of the fence
separating the two court-yards, with one of which each division was
connected. In the first of these divisions were three chambers,
separated from each other by screens, which were appropriated to our
use, and in the second dwelt soldiers armed with guns, javelins,
swords, and daggers. In this way they could easily watch us, and their
commander generally sat by the lattice and looked into our rooms. A
gallery ran round our apartments, from which we could look out upon
the sea, and a shore which lay opposite.

Our present habitation was in reality far better than the former one,
for we could now at least enjoy the sight of the heavens, walk round
the court-yard undisturbed, and inhale the fresh air and cool breeze.
Our food, also, was much improved. Yet when we came to reflect on the
last words of the governor, we knew not whether to rejoice or be sad.
He had told us, in the plainest terms, to consider the Japanese as
brethren and countrymen, without striving to cheer us, as he was wont
to do, with the prospect of returning to our native land. What could
this mean, but that we were now domiciliated in Japan, and must in
future give up all thoughts of returning home? Yet we were now more
determined than ever, either to free ourselves by force, or escape on
some favorable opportunity offering. After mature deliberation, we
determined on attempting flight, hoping that ere our absence was
discovered we should have time to reach some mountains, in the north
of the island, where we could lie concealed until an opportunity
offered o