Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/390

312 Katsugorō and Hatsuhana turned to look at him, and were dumbfounded to see their mortal enemy Gōsuké himself.

Katsugorō involuntarily limped out of the wagon, and looking fiercely at Gōsuké, he seized the hilt of his sword, and cried:

"I am glad to meet you, Satō Gōsuké! I have suffered for many long years in search of you. My opportunity for revenge has come! Come, prepare to fight with me!"

Hatsuhana also drew her dirk, and cried:

"My father has committed suicide on your account. His death shall now be revenged!"

"Enemy of my brother!"

"Murderer of my father!"

Gōsuké coolly smoked his pipe at his ease and leisure.

"Fools!" he said contemptuously. "It is rather bold for a crippled beggar to try and wreak his vengeance on me! You are completely in my power. Katsugorō, if you will give me Hatsuhana, for whom I have yearned so long, I will spare your life."

"Nonsense! I may be a cripple, but I will never give you Hatsuhana!"