"It's a warrior," said one; "I saw the gleam of his weapons."
"That was no great thing to see," said another; "every time he moved he glittered like lightning."
"It's a warrior of high rank; I saw the gold thongs of his whip of office."
"Is he a general?"
"Ask the swallow, as she flies, to see whether the copper horns shine upon his helmet; she alone is capable of overtaking that knight."
When he reached Kioto, the young soldier did not slacken his pace; he rode through the city at a gallop, and entering the palace, inquired for the envoys of the Shogun.
"They are at the summer-palace," was the answer; "or rather they are not there. They have joined our divine Kisaki in the chase; they started at sunrise."
"In which direction did they go?"
"Towards the shores of Lake Biva, at the foot of the mountains," replied the lackey; "but, my lord, do you wish to join the illustrious hunters?"
"Bring me a horse," said the young man coldly, without answering the question.