"Yes, I think so, too, yet we have a great deal of fun then," answered her brother, sleepily.
Girls never take part in the exercises of the Swing Days, but Chin had been training for two or three years to try his skill when he should be a little older.
A part of the city is set aside for the entertainment, and it is there that the swings are set up on high poles. A short distance away stands another pole marked with a waving banner. Just below this banner hangs a purse filled with gold.
Each person who enters the swing is allowed to work it back and forth till he brings himself near the precious purse. He has one chance given him to reach out and seize it in his mouth. If he succeeds, it is his to keep, and he goes down to the ground on a rope ladder by the side of the pole, while the bystanders greet him with shouts and cheers.
If he fails, however, he is obliged to jump from the swing and slide down to the ground on the pole, while every one joins in a laugh at his awkwardness.
On Swing Days there are many processions through the streets. Banners and flags are waving everywhere, no work is done, and every one is gaily dressed and full of joy.
CHAPTER VI.
WHITE ELEPHANTS
"I never rode on an elephant in my life," said Chie Lo with a sigh.