“I aid thee!” he shouted, as with his father’s men he engaged the despised Shogun followers. Speedily another of their number fell. The four obtained the easy surrender of the others.
Hashimoto approached the Prince.
“We thank thee for thy aid—” he began. Then, recognizing Keiki, he started back a pace and fell upon his knees.
“My noble prince! My master!” he cried, as he caught his robe and reverently pressed it to his lips.
“Thy master?” repeated Keiki. “My father, what of him?”
“Taken, your highness.”
“Taken?”
“After the rumors of your capture, your highness, we at once determined to raise the Imperial standard against the Shogun, and your father—”
“But we were not ready. None of our plans had been carried out!” cried the Prince.
Hashimoto answered: