f conduct in such
matters. Matagoro's father and myself were very close friends; so,
seeing that he had ungrudgingly given me back the sword of my
ancestors, I, thinking to requite his kindness at his death, rendered
important services to Matagoro. It would be easy to finish the matter
by sending a present of money; but I had rather take the sword and
return it than be under an obligation to this mean churl, who knows
not the laws which regulate the intercourse and dealings of men of
gentle blood."

So Yukiye, in his anger, took the sword to Matagoro's house, and said
to him--

"I have come to your house this night for no other purpose than to
restore to you the sword which your father gave me;" and with this he
placed the sword before Matagoro.

"Indeed," replied the other, "I trust that you will not pain me by
returning a present which my father made you."

"Amongst men of gentle birth," said Yukiye, laughing scornfully, "it
is the custom to requite presents, in the first place by kindness, and
afterwards by a suitable gift offered with a free heart. But it is no
use talking to such as you, who are ignorant of the first principles
of good breeding; so I have the honour to give you back the sword."

As Yukiye went on bitterly to reprove Matagoro, the latter waxed very
wroth, and, being a ruffian, would have killed Yukiye on the spot; but
he, old man as he was, was a skilful swordsman, so Matagoro,
craven-like, determined to wait until he could attack him unawares.
Little suspecting any treachery, Yukiye started to return home, and
Matagoro, under the pretence of attending him to the door, came behind
him with his sword drawn and cut him in the shoulder. The older man,
turning round, drew and defended himself; but having received a severe
wound in the first instance, he fainted away from loss of blood, and
Matagoro slew him.

The mother of Matagoro, startled by the noise, came out; and when she
saw what had been done, she was afraid, and said--"Passionate man!
what have you done? You are a murderer; and now your life will be
forfeit. What terrible deed is this!"

"I have killed him now, and there's nothing to be done. Come, mother,
before the matter becomes known, let us fly together from this house."

"I will follow you; do you go and seek out my Lord Abe Shirogoro, a
chief among the Hatamotos,[16] who was my foster-child. You had better
fly to him for protection, and remain in hiding."

[Footnote 16: _Hata