These quick rides in a
_jinrikisha_, especially at night, are very amusing. You have the
pleasure of going at a high speed, and yet, being on a level with the
people, you can see much more of them and of their manners than would
be possible in a carriage.
When we reached the Consulate we found the chief of the police of the
foreign settlement waiting for the Consul, to inform him that Japanese
soldiers were patrolling the town with fixed bayonets, alleging that
information had been sent to the Governor that some of the rebels were
in the hills at the back of the town, and might appear at any moment.
The ships-of-war were to be communicated with at once for the
protection of the inhabitants. They do not expect a general attack
here, but seem to think the rebels' plan is to creep up by degrees to
Osaka, where the Mikado is shortly expected to stay, and take
possession of his person and the imperial treasure at one blow.
When I got on board the 'Sunbeam' again, I found that steam was up and
all was ready for starting; but the wind was still strong against us,
and it was evidently necessary again to wait until four o'clock
to-morrow morning.
We were rolling a good deal, and, coming along the engine-room
passage, my foot slipped, a door banged to, and my thumb was caught in
the hinge and terribly crushed.
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