his cheek. Then the light of the lantern shifted upon his face, and she put her hands on her knees and bent to look at it. She started a little when she saw that the eyes were open. Kito put out his hand and whispered:
"Yuki-Yuki!"
She came closer and gazed once more into his eyes. She was satisfied.
"Me 'ikes 'oo. Me want turn to 'oo. Me dot 'ost."
It was a wondrous little voice! And she held out her arms. What mortal could have resisted that? Kito did not try. She was his little Yuki—given back to him by Amida Buddha. She had the celestial air, just as it had fallen from the divine presence upon her. There could be no doubt that it was she. But was she substantial? He knew there were spirits, and he had been often deceived. As he hesitated, a sob broke from the overwrought heart of the child.
"Tita 's 'ost! Tita 's 'ost! "she sobbed, "an' nobody—nobody don' tare! Nobody do'n' fine her for her's mama!"
Kito warily approached, like a serpent, upon his belly, and opened his arms. He was not yet sure. The little waif darted
