“Quite like all the rest: a pack of them—all of them, every one like the other.”

“And I am not so sure but Esyo, herself, might prove to be the best quarry among us: take care that you do not give me further cause, to suspect as much; more I dare not.”

They had travelled a long time, it seemed months to Yodogima, when, without warning, in the dawning light, their leader, with uncovered face, thrust his head into Yodogima’s presence, cautioning her:

“Trust me, Yodogima; I have given proper instructions to the bettos; I must now leave you.”

Yodogima drew back with alarm, too frightened to make answer or to comprehend him; it was Katsutoya she recognized.

Thus leaving his charge to fare as best they might, under the instructions given, Katsutoya sped on, into the distance, purposing to reach and advise Ieyasu if possible of what he had done toward saving Yodogima from the clutches of Hideyoshi; who in parting with Ieyasu had done as promised: returned the bundle to where Ieyasu had found it. Sakuma, however, did not reappear as expected; instead there came another, also disguised; and equally taken aback, as well as penetrating, both Hideyoshi and Katsutoya for once blundered expediency to gain some sort of intended advantage.

Katsutoya, therefore, and not Sakuma, had saved the princess, and with all his energies now sought to advise Ieyasu, in whose service he believed he would fare safer and welcome. It proved to be a long and a hard run to Fuchu, where Ieyasu yet remained, waiting. Squads of Hideyoshi’s troops and scouts already infested the country, and the by-ways and brush-covered hills proved hard of traversing, yet Katsutoya faithfully and hopefully pressed on, reaching his destination exhausted and sore.

“What brings you here, and at this time?” inquired Ieyasu, coldly; when confronted by the messenger, eager and positive.

“I would do you a service, though I am but an outcast, as you see,” replied Katsutoya, earnestly.

“As others have done—more discreetly. Go. I have no confidence in pretence. Ieyasu shall, hereafter, select his own assistants. Sakuma, at least, taught me a lesson.”