Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/429

Rh don't yearn for me in vain," and he pressed her hand.

Her cheeks were covered with blushes, and she drew closer to him. In another moment they were clasped in a close embrace. At that moment they heard footsteps outside. They were so startled that they sprang apart, and Yoshiminé hastened upstairs, leaving the girl behind.

O-Finé remained as one in a dream. Suddenly her father's assistant Rokuzō rushed in with a sword at his side and a fierce expression on his face. He said in a whisper: "I am sure the two people upstairs are Nitta refugees. Yes, the man must be Yoshiminé." With these words he was on the point of darting up, when the girl suddenly sprang to her feet, and barred his way.

"Rokuzō!" she cried. "What do you mean to do with the travellers?"

"Why, girl," answered he angrily. "I intend to bind them fast, and gain a reward. Out of my way!"

O-Funé reflected a moment and hurriedly made her plans. She smiled archly and said: "Well, I won't use force against you, Rokuzō. But you know the man is a strong warrior. I fear that