Page:Modern Japanese Stories.pdf/119

“Sadayū, use that!” said Lord Tadanao, and at the same moment he removed the sheath from the blade of his own, trusted six-yard weapon.

The murderous glint leaping from the seven inches of steel tip, the work of the master spear-smith Bingo Sadakane, cast an oppressive chill upon the spirits of the whole assembly.

At the uncovering of the blade Senior Councillor Honda Tosa, who had chosen to overlook his lord’s behaviour until now, rose suddenly from his place and hastened before Lord Tadanao.

“My lord, have you taken leave of your senses? To expose your valued person in such reckless sport with naked weapons, and to court injury from your own retainers! If the Shōgun hears of this it will be no light matter! I beseech you to desist.” The councillor wrinkled his old, tired eyes, and pleaded desperately.

“Old man, it is useless to interfere,” said Lord Tadanao, with an air of stern finality. “I am resolved upon fighting today with real weapons—even if it cost me Tadanao’s six hundred and seventy thousand koku province. It is utterly impossible to stop me.” There was a crushing authority in his manner, and one might as well have sought to argue away the autumn frosts. Thus absolute, in his own household, was the will of Lord Tadanao. The councillor offered no further advice and retired dispiritedly.

Sadayū had already made up his mind to raise no objection. This, he was now convinced, was a punishment for his talk last night, which must have reached the ears of his master, and there was nothing further to be said. As a retainer he had no alternative but to accept his punishment. And when he considered that it was to be administered secretly, under the pretext of a contest with naked weapons, he even felt that in this Lord Tadanao was showing him considerable favour. To die on his lord’s spear would be an atonement, a noble death, and it was now his only wish.

“My lord,” he said firmly, “no matter what the weapons,