Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/484

394 he deeply regretted having to receive her bound in that manner.

"What do you want with me?" he asked in mild, kind tones. "Please tell me everything, without reserve. I will do anything in my power to help you."

On hearing this, the old woman heartily thanked him for his kindness. She then told him how Princess Sendan had drifted over to Japan the previous winter, and how Kokusenya and Tei Shiryō had determined to strike for the restoration of the Ming dynasty. After her narration, she earnestly begged Kanki to espouse their cause.

"Then," said Kanki with surprise, "is Kokusenya of Japan my wife's brother? He is famous all over this country for his bravery. I was formerly in the service of the Ming Emperor; but after his death I became a retainer of the King of Tartary. I am now the lord of a province and a castle under his sovereignty. I quite understand and fully sympathize with your request, but I cannot give you an immediate reply. You must give me time to think the matter over."

"You are a coward!" said the old woman excitedly. "When one first gives utterance to a