Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/364

288 "It is quite possible that you were a retainer of His Highness the Regent Taikō, but you are now a hanger-on of Lord Hōjō. The word 'adviser' has a pleasant ring about it, but in reality you are a vagabond and a dependent. I could not give my daughter to such as you."

"Insolence! It is a gross insult to Lord Hōjō to call his adviser a vagabond. I must remind you that I have no equal in Japan in tactics and fencing."

"Indeed! In that case why did you assassinate your fellow-samurai Iinuma Sampei in such a cowardly manner, and why did you murder his betrothed merely out of a trifling grudge and disappointed love? How can you hold up your head so proudly, and have the affront to call yourself a samurai?"

Kōzuké was taken aback at this unexpected exposure of his crime, and his face assumed a demoniacal expression. He gave a nod to his friends, and all three suddenly unsheathed their swords, and cut furiously at Shinzayémon. The latter was not at all alarmed. He instantaneously struck off the swords of the ruffian's assistants. He also pinioned Kōzuké by the arm, and turned them all out of the gate.