Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/360

284 Kōzuké did not wait for Shinzayémon's answer, but flushing with anger, he burst out: "That is too presumptuous. You are merely a low-born servant!"

"Yes, such a fight is quite impossible," broke in Kōzuké's servant. "But you may have a trial with this Dansuké. Be on guard, fellow!"

Kōzuké and Shinzayémon both gave their tacit permission, and the two servants prepared for a fencing bout, armed with wooden swords. In a moment Dansuké was disarmed, and frightened at Michisuké's skill and physical power, took to his heels.

Kōzuké gnashed his teeth with mortification. He then played a dastardly trick, and drawing his sword, he cut at Michisuké with all his strength. The latter was not at all daunted, but encountered him with his wooden sword with such skill, that Kōzuké was quite unable to use his blade. He was filled with wonder and fear at the dexterity with which his antagonist wielded his weapon.

"It is very strange," he exclaimed, looking very intently at Michisuké's face. "Surely you are using the method of the Iinuma school. Who can you be, that you have learned that manner of fighting?"