With greater frequency now my thoughts were on those intriguingly mysterious houses fco picturesquely described by older companions, where charming young ladies were at one's disposition for a modest consideration.

But it wasn't until I had passed my sixteenth birthday that I got up courage to make the plunge. A sudden wave of boldness inspired the determination, and in order not to give it a chance to cool off, I decided to act immediately.

That night, nerves tingling with anticipation anci excitement, I set out on foot for the red light district. Approaching an establishment selected entirely at random, I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. I paused for a brief moment and then mustering up my courage, advanced toward an open door. Enveloped in an

azure haze of smoke I saw a nearly furnished room in which were seated or moving about, a dozen girls and several men. The girls were in varying stages of dress and undress. Some were garbed in chemise, high heeled slippers and hose only. Others had on diminutive silken skirts which hung about halfway to their knees. One or two were draped in vividly colored kimonas. Another, crossing the room at that moment with a tray of liquor glasses in her hands-an attractive damsel with a mass of copper colored tresses, and a skin as fair as a lily, was stark naked except for hose and slippers. Her beautiful and prominent breasts vibrated and trembled with her movements.

Quickly my eyes took in the scene, impressing upon my mind a composite picture of silk clad limbs, naked thighs, breasts, arms, and a not displeasing array of faces. The girls were young, much younger than I had supposed they would be. As I stood motionless in the door taking in the novel sight, a sudden hush fell upon the assembly, and all eyes were turned on me. There was a momentary silence. Then a feminine voice exclaimed: "The stork has brought a baby for someone!"