Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/236

174 sent a samurai and two footmen to Tsunémori's residence, to secure the restoration of his daughter.

When the message arrived, Tsunémori and Fuji-no-Kata were both astonished and angry.

At last they resigned themselves to the unreasonable demand, and told the messenger to take Tamaori with him at once. The man caught the girl by the hand, and proceeded to place her in a palanquin which had been brought for the purpose. Suddenly she snatched his sword from him, and quick as lightning cut his shoulder. He fell to the ground with a groan. She sprang at him, and stabbed him in the throat, and he died immediately. When the footmen saw this sight they took to their heels.

Tsunémori and Fuji-no-Kata were struck with astonishment and admiration at Tamaori's brave deed. Insomuch as the girl had proved her devotedness and firm resolve, they thought it was their duty to marry her to Atsumori, as soon as possible.

To Tamaori's boundless joy, they immediately made the young couple exchange cups of marriage.

After the ceremony was over, Tsunémori respectfully prostrated himself before Atsumori.