"We will have great sport in flying it this afternoon," said Chin. "Chie Lo must enjoy it with us."
He had finished speaking when he caught sight of a procession coming in that direction. A moment before there had been so many children, dogs, and cats in the street they seemed to block the way of everything else; but now the children quickly turned aside and ran into the doorways.
As the procession drew near, a great shouting and beating of drums could be heard.
"Father, look quickly," said Chin. "The men are carrying a statue of Buddha on a litter. Isn't it beautiful? It is all covered with gilt. I wonder where they will carry it. Oh, now I see; they have stopped at that open place and are going to have a play. There are the actors themselves."
"Some rich man is doing this," said Chin's father. "He has probably hired the actors, and the show will be free to all. He is making merit for himself, without doubt. We will join the crowd."
SIAMESE ACTORS.
By this time the gilded statue had been set up on a sort of throne, and sticks of incense were lighted and placed on the rough altar in front of it.
The strangest part came now, for the actors began to put on their queer costumes right before the people who had gathered around the show. Then came the play.