The world, however, seemed awhirl, and Yodogima had surrendered, but Harunaga watched his chance:
Do not despair, Yodogima; the child shall not be torn from its mother, whispered he, and his words roused within her a new life.
Hidetsugu came in—he had flown at Ishidas accusation—in the charge of Ieyasu, who had surrounded and taken him at his own quarters, while in the act of communicating with Mori, a friend to Ishida. It had been the kwambakus guards marching, contrary to his orders or knowledge, but well within the plans and connivance of Ishida, that caused the disturbance, prompting Ieyasu to adopt extreme measures—cutting down and dispersing them without inquiry or cause.
Ishida laughed. He stood at Hideyoshis right. Yodogima in the melee had disappeared, in company with Jokoin, as induced by Harunaga.
I am guilty of no wrongdoing: God is my judge, protested Hidetsugu, confronting Hideyoshi.
Why, then, have you sought to impose a new form of oath? inquired the taiko, calling Mori to witness.
Hidetsugu stumbled—there were several Christians present and he himself had more than once favored the good father Grecchi, though none now offered him as much as a consolation.
Hideyoshi marvelled the circumstance.
It now came Ieyasus turn, and he answered by absenting himself; it occurring that there might be some further advantage gotten of China; Chin Ikei had not yet crowned Hideyoshi.
With reaching her own apartment, Yodogimas spirit rekindled; but—