Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/306

236 in her power to rouse her from her swoon; but she was long in coming to herself.

Just at this juncture one of Aratayé's followers appeared. He had run all the way from the foot of the mountain to tell her that his comrades had intercepted a traveller in the valley. They had picked a quarrel with him to furnish them with a pretext for robbing him of his money, but he had so far proved too much for them. So they wanted the old woman to come to their help without delay. His message delivered, the emissary hurried back to the valley.

"What helpless weaklings!" exclaimed the impatient old woman. "But I suppose I must go to their help." She seized a sword, kilted up her skirts, and departed at a run. When she was gone, Chisato, with the aid of a kind-hearted young man, devoted herself most tenderly to caring for Miyuki. She treated her with water and drugs, until at long last the girl regained consciousness. Chisato was anxious lest, if the old woman should find her there on her return, she might resume her ill treatment; so she made up her mind to let Miyuki escape as soon as possible. With all kindness she informed her of the road and urged her to take