“I shall do so, ani-san” (elder brother), she replied, somewhat brokenly.
“That is all, then. Why do you wait?”
“For a letter signed by you as executioner, stating that the execution has been postponed indefinitely. We must put Toro’s safety for the next few days beyond a doubt.”
Hastily writing a few words upon paper, the samurai handed it to his sister, who seized it eagerly. Then, having examined the scroll carefully, she murmured a few words of thanks and prepared to leave the room. The samurai stayed her.
“One moment. By whom do you send this paper to Choshui?”
“I have two couriers.”
“Well, but one of these samurai must attend you to Catzu.”
“Certainly.”
“Then only one can be sent to Choshui.”
“But why so? I shall not leave here until my couriers return with intelligence as to the fate of my son.”