“But your Majesty spoke no words,” ejaculated the infuriated Aidzu.
“The Son of Heaven need not speak by word of mouth to be understood,” was the exasperating and perfectly dignified response of the Mikado.
Forgetting himself in his rage, Aidzu turned to Echizen and Mori.
“I will thwart your plans yet, be assured, my lords.”
Mori drew himself up proudly, and throwing back his head, surveyed the governor contemptuously.
“It is too late,” he said. “Listen!”
From all quarters of the city about the palace there came the sound of stirring movement. At first the noises mingled in confusion and were indistinguishable. Gradually, as their several origins receded and drew apart, they became capable of separate identification. Off to the west a large body of horsemen were fiercely galloping. To the east the tread of men marching in regular formation shook the ground. Farther south there was the indistinct tramp of distant horses, mingled with the metallic clank of gun-fittings. Cannon were being moved.
The march to Shimonoseki had begun.
