“Your name?” said the general.
Having no motive now for concealment Katsutaka spoke out boldly.
“Torii Katsutaka, retainer of Lord Okudaira Sadamasa, Governor of the Castle of Nagashino.”
“You have been to Okazaki, for reinforcements, and fired these shots from the top of Mt. Funatsuki by a prearranged plan. Is it not so?”
“It is so, Your Excellency.”
“It was a hazardous errand. You must tell me later how you managed to creep through our lines. I know how to appreciate and reward bravery, and would like to number you among my men. If you will come over to us I will give you a yearly stipend of 1,000 koku[4] of rice. If you refuse you die.”
Pretending to be pleased with the offer Katsutaka accepted it with many expressions of gratitude. He was thinking that by doing this he might put his captors off their guard and be able to escape, or in some way render a service to those shut up in the castle.
“You do me too much honour, Your Excellency,” he said. “I am but a humble private but I will use all diligence to serve you faithfully.”
“I am glad you are troubled by no foolish scruples as to desertion,” said the general, who nevertheless was somewhat surprised at the ready acceptance of his proposal. “There is something I desire you to do at once to prove your sincerity.”
In a low voice General Katsuyori gave an order to an aide-de-camp, who retired and after a little time came back with a written paper which he handed to his chief. It purported to be a letter from Sadayoshi to his son, informing him that, on account of a sudden outbreak of insurrection, Lord Tokugawa was unable to despatch troops to the relief of the Castle of Nagashino and that there was nothing to be done but to give it up on the best terms available. The letter was a skilful imitation of Sadayoshi’s hand, for it had been written by an officer who had once served under him and who was well acquainted with his style.