Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/396

318 prayer, he suddenly cut at Katsugorō from behind. Katsugorō perceived the flash of his sword, and in a moment avoided the stroke. He sprang to his feet, and the next moment the spy's head fell from his shoulders, down to the ground.

"Yah, Katsugorō!" exclaimed Sawarabi wonder-struck at what she saw; "have your legs recovered their strength?"

"Yes, strange to say, they have! I am cured!" cried Katsugorō noticing the fact for the first time. "Hatsuhana's prayers have been answered!"—he danced for joy—"May Gongen be praised."

"Daughter!" cried Sawarabi loudly, "Gongen has answered your prayers, and your husband's legs are cured. Be rejoiced, Hatsuhana!"

When she heard this cry, Hatsuhana opened her eyes and said, "What glad news! Thanks be to Gongen!" At the next moment her figure suddenly vanished, and could not be seen again.

In the meantime Fudesuké returned, and seeing Katsugorō on his feet, exclaimed: "Are you able to stand, my lord? Has your strength returned?"

"Yes, I can stand," cried Katsugorō joyfully.

"My legs have renewed their strength, and I can fight as stoutly as before."