As Chin and his sister drew near one of these wats, they found many little stands from which men were busily selling gold-leaf to those who were on their way to the temples.
What would the people do with this gold-leaf, you wonder.
They would use it to cover any bare spots on their favourite images. It would "make merit" for them, as they would say; or, in other words, they would at some time be rewarded for the act of goodness.
It is in this way that the images are kept richly gilded, and many of them are fairly loaded with the precious stuff.
"We can't buy any to-day," said Chin, "we haven't money enough. But I wish I could get one of those rings that man is selling. They are made of hairs out of the manes and tails of the sacred horses. It would bring good fortune, I'm sure."
Poor ignorant Chin! As though anything but his own honest little heart and good deeds would bring him happiness and success.
And now the children passed through the gateway and into the beautiful grounds. Stately trees grew on every side, and flowering plants were to be seen in every direction. Here and there stood large stone statues. They were ugly-looking figures, but were supposed to be the guardians of this holy place.
"After we come out, let's have a game of hide-and-seek with those children," said Chin.
He pointed to some boys and girls playing among the trees and statues, and having a merry time.
As the children turned toward the buildings, they passed under some trees from whose branches hung pieces of wood, stone, and porcelain.