[CHAPTER XXXI.]
THE FUNERAL PILE.
"No one shall die!" suddenly shouted a voice, as Fide-Yori turned his blade against himself.
The Prince of Nagato appeared on the threshold; Loo stood beside him.
"Oh, my brother!" cried the Shogun, rushing towards him, "I did not hope to see you again."
"I knew that victory was impossible," said Nagato, "and I was busy preparing means for your escape when your final effort should fail. You are the sole offshoot of your race; you are vanquished now; but later your dynasty may flourish."
"Is it really in your power to save us?" said the Shogun.
"Yes, master," said Iwakura. "A boat awaits you on the shores of the Yedogawa; it is manned by Raiden, a brave sailor, whose loyalty I know. He will take you out to sea. There a large junk, belonging to the Prince of Satsuma, lies at anchor ready to receive you. As soon as you embark in her she will set sail for the Island of Kiu-Shiu. The lord of Satsuma, the most powerful prince of your kingdom, the most faithful of your subjects, will open his province and his castle to you; there you may live happily with the wife of your choice until the day of vengeance dawns."