“Did you read in the papers about the American wrestler who repeatedly defeated a Japanese jujutsu expert in Omaha and other Western cities?” inquired Henry Harriman. Fillmore laughed. “Of course we read it, all of us,” he answered. “I showed the reports to Professor Hashi. He says the Jap was no expert.” “Honorable attention give,” murmured Hashi, “and I will complete explanation make. No one ever a full master of the art can become who does not unto it give the long and faithful attention. Acquirement of it may not be obtained with the exceeding great rapidity. Since in your distinguished country the art has appeared, many there must be who it seek to teach that have not ever at all learned it in its uttermost completion. Therefore thus discredit upon it is contumely heaped, which should not ever be the proper condition. The pretending one in the West who has been much defeated by the honorable skillful American athlete was not of the art completely the full master.” “That’s about the size of it,” nodded Fillmore. “The Jap who was put to the bad in Omaha was a faker. Hashi is ready and eager to demonstrate that no American wrestler can defeat him, and no ordinary athlete has a ghost of a show with him. He is most disgusted with the Americans who learn a little jujutsu and think they know it all.” “It is even thus true, augustly honorable sirs,” bowed the Jap. “I presume,” said Spaulding, “that jujutsu is regarded in Japan as the proper mode of self-development?” “Leniently pardon my humble correction, beneficent sir,” said Hashi. “Jujutsu is not what in your bounteous country you know as the excellent art of self-development. That is where the unfortunately grave error makes presentation. Jujutsu is not the physical culture; it is the exceedingly efficient manner of self-defense. Boxing done in your expansive country is for the self-defense much extremely more than for the physical culture. In Japan jujutsu is of the same nature. Continuation of practice may much increase the participator in physical development; but it is not that end solely that it is in use brought.” “This gives me a new idea of jujutsu,” confessed Spaulding. “Why, most of the teachers of it in this country speak of it as a system of physical culture.” “That’s just where the mistake comes,” said Fillmore. “As Hashi says, practice of it cannot help improving the one who practices; but it is not regarded in Japan in the light of an exercise for physical development solely. It is chiefly taught that the one who acquires it may be able to defend himself against a less skillful, even though a stronger, opponent.” “We’re finding out all about jujutsu, Merry,” said Hodge softly. “But not learning anything new,” said Frank. Suddenly Fillmore seemed to discover Merriwell. “Hello!” he muttered. Frank regarded the fellow calmly.