Upon rejoining his chief in the latter’s private apartment, Oguri had news to impart.
“It is a strange army, truly,” he said, “that the Shogun has sent against us. They are encamped near the highway, a good day’s journey north of us.”
“A strange army, you say?” inquired Mori, mindful of Jiro’s letter.
“Ay. Though all the clans were ordered to march against us, but few have done so, and they are sick, silly fellows, growling at having to leave the court and its pleasures.”
“How are they armed? With rifles?”
“Some.”
“Artillery?”
“The pieces taken from us in Kioto.”
Mori was lost in reflection for some moments. Then:
“Let all retire to rest at once.”