“My sword.” Then, “Forward, guards!”

The taiko only railed the harder; he could not look or feel beyond the insult sustained; Yodogima had committed an act no penalty other than direst torture could atone.

“I have not seen Hidetsugu, know not his purpose, or any other man’s, but I also have a duty to perform: if in that I have transgressed, then let me suffer therefor. What is one life as compared with so many?” continued Yodogima, without any intimation as to what she herself, Ishida, and the Sen-no-rikyu alone knew.

“Hideyoshi has been insulted and the guilty must suffer. How are the captains? Where Ieyasu?” demanded the taiko, nervously.

“Time will tell,” suggested Ishida. “In the meantime your humble servant would advise that Hideyori be taken in charge—I myself, with your lordship’s permission, shall attend Yodogima.”

“Let Oyea stand sponsor for Hideyori; Yodogima has proven herself untrustworthy—do with her as you like; I shall have enough to attend Hidetsugu. Produce the child,” commanded the taiko, believing himself abused beyond forgiveness.

Yodogima sank down bewildered. Jokoin had been an onlooker and believed her sister in the right, though she knew nothing and could not account for the circumstance.

“Never mind, sister; Jokoin shall console you,” promised she, coming forward in a manner strictly her own, however menacingly it may have seemed.

“And you, Hideyoshi, are just as mean as you can be. Now, then,” continued Jokoin, stamping her foot in the taiko’s presence.

“Hei, yeo! Ishida, we shall have enough of it, before done; I know this little elf, of old,” threatened Hideyoshi, vainly trying to hide a deeper, more laborious concern.