Karassu Maru grasped the hilt of his sword, while Iwakura and Sanjo were startled.
“Ah! That must be prevented at any cost!” said the former, and Sanjo bowed assent.
After a few moments Iwakura made a movement indicating the termination of the audience, saying: “Sir Knight, we shall report our conference to the Council. We do not pretend to know what the result will be, but I suppose that, if we wish to communicate with you, his lordship Karassu Maru will know how to reach you.” Deep bows and sucking of the breath followed, and Kano left escorted by Karassu Maru, who led the way to a secluded part of the grounds.
“Now then, Sir Knight, what do you think of the prospect? Encouraging, is it not? And the two gentlemen whom we have left just now, are the most progressive. Now, let me give you a hint. The Miya and kuge, I say it with all respect, have taken root into the ground. That root must be torn up by main force, before they will move. Pull the ground from under them and you will succeed. If you can not find means to do that, return to your clan and prepare to defend yourself. By the way! Are you acquainted with a gigantic Satsuma knight, who loves the Tokugawa as much as you do?”
“I am not, my Lord,” said Kano, surprised.
“Well, he, too, is in hiding in some temple. Hunt him up, and work together. Two can do more than one. Now, how are you going to leave here?”
“I saw a nosimono going to one of the palaces a moment ago, is it going beyond the gate?”
“Yes, that is his lordship Honami, who is so exceedingly bright that he can go wherever and whenever he pleases, but why?”
“Can not your lordship arrange that I shall be one of the bearers?”
“Why, certainly. Come this way and wait in that copse.” Karassu Maru returned after half an hour’s absence, evidently in great glee. He said that Honami had consented to carry a package to the temple where Inouye had rooms. Karassu Maru then handed to Kano a chair-bearer’s coat, and kerchief to tie around his head. It took only a minute to change the clothes, and to make a bundle of haori, hakama, kimono, and swords. A little later Honami’s well-known nosimono passed through the gate borne by four stalwart men. When it returned there were only three. One had been lost, and poor Honami’s privileges were curtailed, while the other chairbearers were subjected to a severe but useless examination.