alled the _do[u]shin_, one Makishima
Gombei, and put her in his charge. The two men exchanged glances as she
was led away.

The office of the south _machibugyo[u]_ was in a ferment when Aoyama
made his report. All available _yakunin_ were at once gathered. The list
was carefully gone over with the minister for the month, Hoki no Kami.
Despatched on their various missions the squads departed. To Shu[u]zen
was assigned the capture of Ogita Kuro[u]ji, leader of the conspiracy.
This latter was chafing at the prolonged absence of O'Yoshi. Some
accident must have happened to her. Then he remembered. She had gone to
Hacho[u]bori. Here lived a sister, whose delivery was daily expected.
Doubtless this commonplace event, yet surpassing in interest to every
woman, detained her. A confusion outside attracted his attention. There
was a crowd, and some disturbance. Hatsu! The people were being kept
back by _yakunin_. "The thoughts of Kuro[u]ji were those of the wicked."
At once he attributed their presence to himself. A look out at the rear
and he quickly shot to the wooden bar. Between the bamboo of the fence
men could be seen passing to and fro in numbers; and they were
_yakunin_. He had been betrayed. The counsel of Jinnai came to mind, and
he ground his teeth as he stood with drawn sword before the empty drawer
of the cabinet. The scarlet of the _obi_ of his false mistress flashed
before his eyes. He had to die unavenged. "On his lordship's business!
On his lordship's business!" The harsh voices sounded at the front.
Those who would enter uninvited found themselves face to face in the
narrow space with the old Kuro[u]ji, the man who had fought from Sagami
to Tosa, from Cho[u]sen to Kyu[u]shu[u]. The more incautious fell
severed with a cut from shoulder to pap. A second man put his hand to
his side, and rolled over to breathe his last in a pool of blood.
Visions of "Go-ban" Tadanobu came to mind. Kuro[u]ji would die, but he
would leave his mark on the foe. Shu[u]zen's men could make no progress,
except to swell the death roll or their wounds. In rage their lord
sprang to the encounter. Shu[u]zen was young, but it is doubtful if the
issue would have been successful with this man turned demon by the
double injury and treachery. But Ogita amid this horde of assailants had
suffered in his turn. In a parry his sword broke off short near the
hilt. With a yell he sprang to close quarters, dealing Shu[u]zen a blow
with the hilt that sent