"I was afraid," said one, kicking the ground and scratching his head.
"I was afraid," repeated the other.
"You are not peasants," said the Prince; "why have you two swords hidden in your belt?"
"Because—there is war about; it is well to be armed."
"There is war about," repeated the other.
"Come!" cried Raiden, "speak the truth. We are friends of Hieyas; if you belong to us, you have nothing to fear."
One of the men cast a rapid glance at Raiden.
"Strip them of their arms and search them," said the Prince to the sailor.
"By all the Kamis, but you have fine swords!" exclaimed Raiden; "they must have cost you dear. You must be very rich peasants."
"We took them from some dead soldiers."