A master cylinder includes a second piston that is provided with a hollow portion. The hollow portion includes a yoke portion for receiving an end of the second return spring, a cylindrical portion having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second return spring, and a tapered portion located at the open end of the hollow portion. The second return spring is disposed within the yoke portion so that the second return spring is coaxially arranged with respect to the second piston. Thus, although the second return spring is capable of moving rapidly to and fro within the hollow portion, the construction of the second piston and the arrangement of the second return spring within the hollow portion of the second piston helps avoid interference between the second piston and the second return spring. Thus, unpleasant noise can be reduced or eliminated. Moreover, small particles that would normally result when the second return spring scratches the second piston are not as likely to arise.