“The presence of the tojin threatens the House of Owari with disaster.”
“Should Iyeyoshi command the punishment of my guest, I must submit. Otherwise I would sooner cast out my grandson than permit my guest to go from my gate a ronin.”
“What is my life against the winning of that for which a far more precious life has been given?”
“The honor of Owari forbids,” he replied, in a tone of finality that checked all further protest. His manner softened to the familiarity of a father addressing a son. “Woroto may not be aware of the time that has elapsed since he fell sick. The last writing of one who has gone from us has been presented to the Shogun, and the witnesses have given their evidence of the proof of sincerity. The welfare of his friend and kinsman was not forgotten by the testator.”
“He mentioned me in so solemn a document?” I exclaimed.
“Your fate and the fate of Nippon together await the decision of Iyeyoshi. To-morrow is the funeral. After that I go to the palace.”
“To-morrow?” I murmured. “Have I lain here so long?”
“There have been no delays,” he answered. “You will wish to accompany the cortege to Uyeno. You must now eat and sleep, that your strength may return.”
He withdrew, and presently Tokiwa Sama entered bearing a tray of nourishing food prepared by her own hands. I ate, and sank into a refreshing sleep. At nightfall she roused me for a second meal, and after a time I again fell asleep. At dawn I wakened hungry and much restored in strength.
Fujimaro appeared to conduct me to my bath, from which I returned to find a dainty breakfast that had been sent by Tokiwa Sama. While I was eating Yuki came in from a night trip to Shinagawa. He had made it on the pretence of a carousal, but in reality to spy upon the Mito samurais and to ascertain whether all was well with Kohana. The girl had returned home the night of Yoritomo’s death.