"What will become of her if you die?"
"I leave her in your care, my lord."
"Make all your arrangements in regard to her at once," said the Prince. "I too may be killed, and not return; my treasury is at your discretion."
"Thanks, generous Prince," said Sado, kneeling at Nagato's feet. "Have you any further commands?"
"You will give the Shogun the letter which I am about to write."
The Prince took a sheet of paper made from the fibre of the bamboo, and decorated with blossoming bind-weed, and wrote rapidly:—
"MASTER,—If they tell you that I have changed my mind, and have gone to my estates, do not believe it, but let them say so still.
"IWAKURA."
He handed the note to Sado. "Now," said he, "hide yourself an instant behind that screen, that no one may see us together. When I have gone, you will proceed according to my orders."
"May happiness go with you!" said Sado, concealing himself.
"Thanks for the wish," said the Prince, sighing. He drew aside a panel, and called Loo. The little servant hastened in. He was dressed like an artisan's child, but had put his sword in his girdle. He helped his master to don a costume without any ornament; then the Prince, opening a box, wrapped in his sash a considerable sum of money.