Taro and Take knew it at once, for it was embroidered or stamped upon the sleeves of their kimonos. It was the sign of their family.
The Father took off this cover. Under it was a covering of brocaded silk.
It seemed a long time to the Twins before it was all unwrapped, they were so eager to see what was in the package.
At last their Father held up a beautiful sword with both his hands.
It was a long sword, with a handle of carved ivory, and a sheath with curious designs on it.
The Father bowed to the sword.
"You bow to the sword also, my son," he said to Taro. "It is wonderfully made. It commands respect."
Taro bowed to the sword.
Then his Father drew the long blade from the sheath. He turned the edge carefully toward himself, and away from the Twins. "I want you to see this sword, Taro," he said, "for some time it will be yours, because you are my oldest son."
"Whose was it?" asked Taro.