The young Americans found the town of Hwang-ju an interesting place, located on a small stream flowing into the Tai-tong. It is surrounded by such a wall as surrounds the majority of towns in Korea and China. There are quaint gates and towers. The Japanese were in command, and a small company of soldiers was located at the Water Gate, by the river, and another company at the town-hall.
A large portion of the town was in ruins, and it was learned from Major Okopa that this was due to the Chinese-Japanese War of 1894, when the Chinese were driven from the town by the sturdy sons of Nippon. At that time many places were burned or blown up, and to this day only a small portion of the ruins has been cleared away.
“I’m very much interested in the funny native shops,” said Blarco, as he and Ben and Gilbert strolled around. “Just look at the things to sell! Did you ever see such a mixture?” And mixture it certainly was, from wooden combs to thin Korean silks, and from cords for belts to printed cotton cloths, and white goods such as are rarely seen at home. There were also special stalls for the sale of paper, from the heavy and handsome quality used for floor coverings to the lighter grades used for walls and for writing and wrapping. Pottery ware was similar to that seen in Japan, and there was much in wood besides, and likewise curiously woven mats, and curtains, and rope harnesses for horses and ponies.
“What do these people live on mostly?” asked Ben.
“I asked that question of the major,” returned Gilbert. “He says the poorer people live on rice, peas, and beans, and radishes.”
“Radishes?”
“Exactly. They grow a big radish weighing two or three pounds, and pickle the thing for winter use, just as the German puts down sauer-kraut.”
Close at hand was the stall of a butcher, where were exposed for sale beef and mutton in small quantities, and also chickens, pheasants, hares, and a variety of small birds. Beside this stall was one for the sale of nuts of various kinds, and here the young Americans purchased some peanuts and some walnuts, which were as fine as they had ever eaten.
CHAPTER XVII
SURPRISED BY THE COSSACKS
“Well, here we are at Ping-yang and no sight of the Russians yet.”