Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/251

Rh degrees to the seashore, and had just embarked on the ships prepared for the purpose, and set sail for Shikoku. Atsumori had pursued Suyéshigé, but to his disappointment, had lost sight of him. He therefore rode back to his camp to join in the embarkation. It was too late, however, and not a single ship remained. He thereupon dashed on his horse into the waves, and attempted to reach the retreating ships.

At that moment someone hailed him from the beach. It was Kumagai Naozané, mounted on horseback. "You are a General of the Taira army, are you not?" he asked, holding up an open fan. "Only a coward shows his back to the enemy. Come back, and try your skill in a fight against me."

It was impossible for Atsumori to hesitate when addressed by one of the enemy. Without a moment's delay, he turned his horse back, and went ashore. Naozané rode to meet him. Both warriors drew their swords, and struck at each other for some minutes, their blades glittering in the rising sun. But as their combat was undecisive, Atsumori threw down his sword for a close fight. Naozané was filled with admiration