Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/246

184 my words. The young man desperately fought his way into the camp."

When he heard these words, Naozané forthwith rushed in frantically like a "lion deprived of his cub." Suyéshigé was rejoiced at the success of his crafty plan.

"Pooh!" he whispered to himself, "Naozané and his son are now at the mercy of the enemy. They are 'caught like mice in a trap.' They are both proud of their bravery and loyalty, but are now doomed to destruction. By the time they have fought and been killed, I will march here with my large regiment. I shall surely then be victorious."

At this moment a sound of many voices was heard from within. The treacherous samurai was startled to hear this. He therefore assumed a defensive attitude. The next moment Naozané stepped out of the gate, supporting his son by the arm. "Hirayama," he said, "my son is wounded. I must carry him back to our camp for treatment. You may stay here and fight to your heart's content." With these words he ran away as quick as lightning, bearing his son in his arms.

Suyéshigé was disappointed at his frustrated