And there is a reason.
Maido never betrayed a friend.
Nor formed a friendship in vain.
They had seated themselves in the guests hall, at Takaras invitation, and were enjoying their pipes and tobacco. Neither had spoken a word to break the silence for some time, when suddenly Maido said:
The document, Daikomitsu. Let us see what these lords and barons have been up to.
Oh, some letter of the mikados, I believe, said Daikomitsu, unconcernedly, though he trembled perceptibly as he drew it from his girdle and tossed it toward his companion.
Some friendly encouragement, I presume.
Yes, in relation to the foreigners, I believe.
Of course, said the elder, as he drew a long whiff and sat blowing the smoke through his nostrils.
The lord daimyo paid no heed to theas he supposed innocentdocument which lay at his side, but continued the conversation as if he preferred more to hear his friends explanation.