While waiting for one of these divisions to file past him, Mori, turning suddenly to Jiro, asked:
“How came you into the Emperor’s palace, Jiro?”
“It was simply done,” replied the lad. “I returned with the couriers sent by you to your forces from the fortress of Mori.”
“You came in good time,” Mori said, in quiet commendation.
The distribution of the various forces completed, Mori, ordering Genji to exercise a general oversight until his return, had turned to gallop back to the palace. He had gone but a short distance, however, when he found that the lad Jiro was close behind him.
“Return to Genji’s cavalry division,” he ordered, briefly.
“But, your highness, I am your personal armor-bearer; I must accompany you.”
The hard-riding form of Genji at this moment had dashed forward. Mori was astounded at this singular disobedience.
“What, you!” he had cried. “You leave an army to care for itself!”
“But the lad—Jiro,” said Genji.