As Chin and his sister drew near one of these wats, they found many little stands from which men were busily selling gold-leaf to those who were on their way to the temples. What would the people do with this gold-leaf, you wonder. They would use it to cover any bare spots on their favourite images. It would "make merit" for them, as they would say; or, in other words, they would at some time be rewarded for the act of goodness. It is in this way that the images are kept richly gilded, and many of them are fairly loaded with the precious stuff. "We can't buy any to-day," said Chin, "we haven't money enough. But I wish I could get one of those rings that man is selling. They are made of hairs out of the manes and tails of the sacred horses. It would bring good fortune, I'm sure." Poor ignorant Chin! As though anything but his own honest little heart and good deeds would bring him happiness and success. And now the children passed through the gateway and into the beautiful grounds. Stately trees grew on every side, and flowering plants were to be seen in every direction. Here and there stood large stone statues. They were ugly-looking figures, but were supposed to be the guardians of this holy place. "After we come out, let's have a game of hide-and-seek with those children," said Chin. He pointed to some boys and girls playing among the trees and statues, and having a merry time. As the children turned toward the buildings, they passed under some trees from whose branches hung pieces of wood, stone, and porcelain. "People hung those offerings there because they are going to build a home," said Chin. "Or perhaps they are just married, and are beginning housekeeping." "I know that, of course," answered Chie Lo. As the boy and girl entered the temple, they stopped at the cistern of water near the door. Wooden dippers were handed to them, which they were to fill. They must wash their hands and rinse their mouths before they dared to draw near the statue of the holy Buddha or knelt in prayer. They must do it as a symbol that their tongues were pure. After this was done, they threw their coins into a large money-box, and passed into the main part of the temple. There were no seats, but the worshippers sat together on the floor in little circles. The altar was beautifully carved, and built up in the shape of a pyramid. Many offerings could be seen lying upon it. There were lovely flowers, luscious fruits, and piles of snow-white rice. These had all been brought here to-day by those who had come to worship and to pray. Behind the altar were high panels on which the life of Buddha was pictured. Chin and his sister loved to study these pictures and dream of the Holy One in whom they believed.