He went out, after uttering these words, and all the lords rejoicing, gathered around the young Shogun and congratulated him.
"You should congratulate my friend and brother, Nagato," said Fide-Yori; "it was he who accomplished everything."
"All is not ended yet," said Nagato, who seemed thoughtful; "you must instantly sign Hieyas' death-warrant."
"But you heard what he said, friend; he said that he knew what remained for him to do. He is even now about to perform the hara-kiri."
"Certainly," said the Prince of Satsuma.
"He knows the code of nobility," said the Prince of Aki.
"Yes; but he despises its customs, and will not conform to them," said Nagato. "If we do not promptly condemn that man, he will escape us; and once free, he is capable of daring anything."
The Prince of Nagato had unfolded a roll of white paper, and offered a brush dipped in ink to the Shogun.
Fide-Yori seemed to waver. "To condemn him thus without a trial!" he said.
"A trial is of no avail," replied Nagato. "He has perjured himself, and failed in respect to you before the whole Council; moreover he is an assassin."