“What are the chances?”
“Gonshirō is the better man.”
“There I disagree with you—our lord has the greater skill. I wager his lordship will win.”
“Gonshirō will never accept such conditions—they are too unequal!”
While these whispers were going round Gonshirō with head bent took an instant’s thought. Then he looked up, stern defiance in his eye.
“My lord,” he said, “I take up your challenge! I accept your conditions unfair though they be. I am a samurai and as such shrink from no danger. Strong in the truth of my cause I will wrestle with you.”
“Good! At once. Prepare!”
“Your lordship, I am ready.”
A space was cleared in the centre of the hall whilst the two champions divested themselves of all unnecessary clothing. Then the struggle began, and being well-nigh equally matched for some time neither gained any advantage over his opponent. At last, however, with a loud shout Gonshirō managed to twist his body, and by a dexterous movement raised his adversary on his shoulders, to throw him by a supreme effort down on to the mats at a distance of eight or nine feet. Ujisato swooned, and great was the consternation with which all rushed to his assistance. Restoratives were administered and to the relief of the company consciousness soon returned. The defeated combatant was able, leaning on the arm of an attendant, to retire to his own private apartments. The banquet, of course, was abandoned, most of the guests returning home. Gonshirō left the castle in great dejection and exasperation.