The peculiarity of Japanese theatricals is that a play generally commences in the morning, and lasts until late at night. For this reason our heroes found the building comfortably filled with parties at that moment eating their simple evening repast.
The theatre was a large square structure, situated in the center of a small park. The interior was decorated with innumerable paper lanterns, and covering the walls were enormous, gaudily-painted banners setting forth in Japanese characters the fame of the performers.
The stage filled one entire side, and was equipped with a curtain similar to those found in American theatres. There were no wings, however, and no exit except through the auditorium. On the remaining three sides were balconies, and near the ceiling was a familiar gallery filled with the native small boys.
The floor was barren of chairs, being divided into square pens, each holding four people. The partitions were one foot in height, and elevated gangways traversed the theatre at intervals, permitting of the passage of the audience to their respective boxes.
As usual in all Japanese structures, the spectators removed their shoes at the entrance, being provided with sandals by the management for the time being. The last act of the drama was commenced shortly after the boys reached their inclosure, and it proceeded without intermission until ten o'clock.
Grant and Nattie left ten minutes before the end for the purpose of avoiding the crowd. There were a number of people in front of the building and innumerable 'rikishas with their attendant karumayas. As the boys emerged from the door they were accosted by two men dressed as coolies. Each exhibited a comfortable carriage, and their services were accepted without question.
"What shall it be, home?" asked Nattie, with a yawn.
"Yes, we may as well return. There is nothing going on in town" replied Grant. "I have a little writing to do, anyway."
Stepping into his vehicle, he bade the man make good time to the bluff. Both boys were preoccupied, and they paid little attention to the crowd through which they passed. They also failed to see a signal given by one of the supposed karumayas to a group of three natives standing near the corner of the theatre.
The easy swinging motion of the jinrikishas lulled their occupants to rest, and both Grant and his brother were on the verge of dozing before a dozen blocks had been covered.