maiden aunts in Wales and was educated there and in England. Poverty coming to his aunts he was sent to America at the age of nineteen years to make his way. His life became full of exciting scenes and interest, ever checkered and changing. He went to Japan about 1890, and soon became thoroughly identified with that people, married a Japanese woman and has two sons and perhaps other children. He soon took high rank as an educator, and was made a professor in the University of Tokio. He died of heart disease Sept. 26, 1904. I cannot better give an insight into his life and character, than by inserting newspaper notices that appeared from time to time.

Of Lafcadio Hearn, the painter of such attractive word pictures of lotus eating days in the far east, a story is told that is at least a picturesque one. It recalls his early unsuccessful efforts to gain a foothold in literature--a period that was in marked contrast with his present life as a professor in the university of Tokio.

One day, a good many years ago, a very seedy individual presented himself at the office of a Chicago newspaper and asked for work--work of any kind, from editorial writing to typesetting. He was told there was nothing for him.

"Very well," he replied; "I will wait until there is."

He wandered into the composing rooms, sat down in a vacant chair, unrolled a newspaper bundle, and drew forth something to eat. He remained all day, now and then talking with one of the reporters or a compositor, and remarking that perhaps they would need and extra reporter, and that they might give the assignment to him. When night came the foreman asked him why he did not go home.

"I have none," was the reply.

Midnight came and still this stranger quietly waited. It was a busy time. Several calls came in rapidly, and every reporter was sent out. Suddenly an alarm of fire was received. There was no one for the assignment. The city editor was vexed.

"No one here to take this?" he asked. "We must send some one." Then, seeing the only unoccupied man in the place, he exclaimed, "Here, quick, take this and see what you can do with it."

The man seized a fire badge and notebook and was off at once.

One or two of the firemen afterward told of a disheveled, excited

[Continued on page 722]

Thanks to Catherine Bradford for transcribing this page.