“Come out, my fellow, or I shall cut you down,” threatened he, grasping the hilt of his sword and turning upon the ruffian, to that one’s very great surprise.

“My clothes are a warning; I am empty, and without shelter—yet can serve you,” said the eta, stepping forth, with a big bundle tied fast at his back.

“Ha, ha; etas would serve lords, and lords, their doom, in these times—how would you set about making me happy; Shibata is far away by this time, villain?” sighed Ieyasu.

“Ah-ha-a—I nearly lost my tongue—to do that it would be necessary for you and me to change places.”

“For how long, innocent thing?”

“Till Yodogima rights us.”

Ieyasu sprang to the ground; the name of his love on such lips were more than he could bear without a vengeance. The occasion for such intelligence for the moment unnerved him, and no sooner had he raised sword to strike than his fellow straightened up, removing a mask, whereat Ieyasu gasped:

“Sakuma!”

“Yes; it is he; lend me your horse and I shall do you the service.”

“Very well—but the bundle: what about that?”