Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/95

Rh his retainer were struck dumb with astonishment. The disappointed nobleman reflected for a moment, and then thought of the following terrible plan. He determined that he would sacrifice the life of the poor girl, and lay the crime of murder upon his rival.

He suddenly drew his dirk from its sheath, and stabbed U-noha to the heart, and signalling to his retainer, they both disappeared in an instant. The girl fell to the ground, shrieking in her death agony; and Arihira, greatly amazed, jumped down and ran to her assistance.

"Help! Help!" he cried. "Murder! Murder!"

Chikatada, U-noha's brother, and several of his retainers were startled at hearing the maiden's cries, and rushed to the scene. When he saw his sister's dead body, he was exceedingly astonished, and wondered who could be the murderer. Frantic with grief, he looked around him, and when he saw Arihira standing at the wall, trembling with emotion, he naturally concluded that he must be the murderer. Drawing his sword, he rushed up to the nobleman, roaring:

"Coward! You shall taste the sharpness of my blade of revenge!"