“Tell him,” he ordered, “that we know no Shogun here,” and turned again to the water-front.
In a flash he saw that the foreign fleet was approaching a spot opposite his position.
Oguri maintained his place.
“Will you not see him?” he asked.
The sight of the fleet changed the determination of Mori.
“Tell my Lord of Catzu that I will see him outside the works, as Lord Catzu simply. Have him conducted outside, if you please.”
The Lord of Catzu was brought to the spot mentioned by the samurai deputed by Oguri. Mori met him coldly. When Catzu offered credentials from the Yedo government the Prince waived them aside.
“No credentials are necessary, my lord,” he said. “I receive you as a private individual.”
“I come as an official,” returned Catzu.
“What is it you wish to say to me?” inquired Mori, in as haughty a tone as his own.