Showing the forgery to Katsutaka with no little pride, Katsuyori said:—
“Now, my man, you must write another letter to confirm the intelligence contained in this one, and both letters shall be at once shot over the walls. What! do you hesitate?”
Seeing no course open to him but to obey, Katsutaka did as required. The two missives were then fastened to an arrow and shot into the castle by a skilled archer.
The consternation and disappointment of the expectant garrison can be better imagined than described. All the more bitter was this news from the hope that had preceded it. Strong men wept.
But Okudaira Jiyemon, chief Councillor, having closely examined the letters, burst out laughing.
“It is hardly an occasion for mirth, Jiyemon,” said Sadamasa, much displeased at this untimely merriment. “May I inquire the nature of the joke?”
“Ha, ha, ha! I beg your lordship’s pardon, but Katsuyori is a dull fellow to imagine we could be taken in so easily. Be so good as to look at this paper—it is not the kind manufactured in this province such as our lord always uses, but in theirs. That one fact gives them away. Never fear, my lord! Take my word for it, Katsutaka’s signals told the truth. This is but a plot to deceive us into surrendering before help comes.”
It was now plain to all that the letters were not genuine and their spirits again rose. Going up to the high tower Sadamasa called so that the sentinels on the other side could hear him.
“Soldiers of Kai, approach! I have something to say in answer to the letters sent me but now. Request an officer to come near enough to hear my words.”