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THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 247
heard on the subject, the eta are the descendants of
Coreans taken in war and made prisoners or slaves.
They were condemned to menial and disgusting
occupations, such as scavengers, buriers of all dead
bodies, and feeders of the imperial falcons. When
Buddhism came to our country, it did little or
nothing for the eta, but made their case worse by
branding them as outcast and unclean because they
had to kill animals and bury them. That is one
reason, out of many, why I hate the Buddhists.
Further, as I was traveling with a fellow-samurai,
I saw a sight that made me wonder how in a land
where Confucius is studied and honored such an
event could occur. Shall I tell you the story?"
" Speak, teacher," said Rai.
"
Making a pleasure tour in Etchiu, along a river
swollen with heavy rains, I saw a beggar on the
other side apply for permission to cross in the ferry-
boat. He was refused, as he had no money ; and so,
while the lucky ones with cash were poled across in
the boat, he tried to walk over. I did not notice
anything for a few moments after first seeing him.
Either the swiftness of the current or his stumbling
over a stone tumbled him into deep water. While
reading in my palanquin, I happened to look up, and
saw a hand clutching at the empty air. Next I saw
an umbrella-hat tumbled over in the raging water,
and again a naked foot tossed up, and then his body
rolled over and over as if in the horrible play of
some monster. It was a minute or two before I
fully realized the facts,"