"Does he bring tidings from Osaka?"
"Bad news!"
Nagato led Signenari to the Kisaki's side.
The Queen was mounted on a white horse covered with a network of pearls, and decked with silken head-tassels.
"Here is the bravest of your soldiers," said Nagato, turning to Signenari. "He comes from Osaka."
Signenari bowed low; then resumed his grave and reserved attitude.
"Speak!" said the Kisaki.
"Divine Sovereign, it is with pain that I disturb your pleasures," said Signenari; "but I must inform you that the peace of your kingdom is threatened. Hieyas has raised a part of Japan in revolt; he is preparing to attack Osaka, that he may usurp the power intrusted to your servant Fide-Yori by the celestial Mikado."
"Is it possible!" exclaimed the Kisaki. "Would Hieyas dare commit such a crime? Has the man no soul, that, to satisfy his insatiate ambition, he does not hesitate to arm brothers against brothers, and to shed on Japanese soil the blood of Japan's sons? Are you sure of what you state?"
"The news was brought to Osaka last night by messengers sent in hot haste by the princes; the latter were hurriedly striving to fortify their provinces. The Daimio of Arima arrived this morning at dawn and confirmed the news of the messengers. Scouts were instantly sent to various points, and the Shogun ordered me to recall his ambassadors as swiftly as possible, to hold a council."