"The storm is at hand," said Nata. "Those huts are just what we want, to shelter us."
The rain began to fall in torrents; the few trees scattered over the plain bent to the ground, with all their branches blown one way; and the thunder rattled. The sailors hurried into the deserted huts; they were exhausted, and lying down, fell fast asleep.
Meantime the Prince, leaning against a door, stared out at the furious rain, as it gullied the earth, or was broken by the wind and blown away in fine spray. But Iwakura saw nothing. His thoughts were in the palace at Kioto, on the veranda, amid flowers. He saw the Queen come slowly down the stairs, seeking him with her eyes, half smiling at him. He began to feel an intolerable pang at this long separation. He thought that he might die without seeing her again.
Two men now appeared on the plain. Lashed by the tempest, they hurried along the path. Nagato instinctively hid behind the door, and watched them. They were dressed like peasants; but the wind, which lifted their clothes in a lawless fashion, showed that they were armed with swords. They walked straight towards the huts. The Prince roused Raiden and Nata, and showed them these armed peasants, who still advanced, blinded by the rain.
"You see," said he, "in time of war, fishermen are not what they appear to be; neither are peasants."
"Those fellows have exchanged their spades for swords," said Raiden. "Where are they going? Are they friends or foes?"
"We shall soon know," said Nagato; "for we will take them prisoners."
The two men came forward with heads down, to keep the rain from their faces; they supposed the huts to be empty, and ran to them for shelter.
"Come, come in! Come and dry yourselves!" cried Raiden, when they were close at hand. "The rain rebounds from your skulls like the water of a cataract from a rock."
On hearing his voice, the new arrivals started back, and took to their heels. They were soon overtaken.