"In the pagoda yonder. There's a dozen or more mourners, all widows."
"Oh, I understand why it is called the House of Tears now," said Bob.
"I was in on them with a stumble. By good luck the lights were low for one thing, and they were all given up to their groaning and mourning. Well, I got these two, anyhow."
"Two what?" interrogated Bob. "Oh, I see," he added, as he made out two curious garments in the hands of his companion.
Spreading one out at a time, Stoodles showed Bob what they were.
"Any royal mourner," he explained, "wears one of these constantly for a full month after the death of a relative. They are taboo all that time. They must not be hindered. They are free to go where they choose."
"Good," commented Bob, "they'll help us out, then, won't they?"
"Yes. Get into this one, lad; it's the shortest," said Stoodles.
The garment was of one piece, covering a person from head to foot. Its top was a cap with holes for the eyes only.
When the two friends were arrayed in the garments they presented queer figures. Each carried his bundle under its ample folds.