Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/392

314 catching Katsugorō by the collar of his kimono, said:

"Come! Take your revenge on me now, cripple!—Draw your sword, weakling!—Do you still defy me, Hatsuhana? Won't you yield to me yet? Your silence expresses refusal, I suppose. Well then, I must employ my last resource. Kill that old woman! I will see to this cripple myself."

So saying, the cold-blooded villain drew his great sword. At this critical moment an idea crossed Hatsuhana's mind. She said resignedly: "I must submit to your wishes, sir."

"I am glad to hear that. If you will indeed obey me, I will spare their lives." He then gave orders for the old woman's ropes to be untied.

At his command, Gōsuké's retainers unbound Sawarabi, removed the gag from her mouth, and allowed her to join Hatsuhana. The mother and daughter embraced each other, and shed bitter tears, both for sorrow and for joy.

In a little while Sawarabi wiped her tears and said: "I can well understand your state of mind, daughter. Go and serve Sir Kōzuké."

"I admire your resolution," said Katsugorō, who had recovered from his swoon. Then he