Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1883-03-21

| There Is a romantic story related of az
affair winch occurred in Yeddo, China,
and connected with the llfe of III. 9
historic character who was executed fol
conspiracy. When he first appeared in
Yeddo he gave lessons in sword exe,cise.
One day two young girls came to him
| they were sisters-wishing to be in
structed IN the use of the sword and
halberd. Curious to know why they
desired to acquire a knowledge OF the
use of arms, he inquired OF them the
reason. When they informed him he
approved their determination and taught
them with all the care and attention he
could bestow. These sisters we're the
daughters and only children OF q farmer
of Shiraishi, Sendai. One day 1t hap
pened, as they were in the fields with
their father, a young and gay retainer of
the Prince OF Ssndai passed near them,
and IN passing a splash of mud accIden-
tally fell upon his garments He was
In great rage, and though the father
and his daughters besought and I'M
plored his pardon Tor the unintentional
act, he drew his sword and cut the
father In pie"es, leaving the dlsconso-
late girls to care for his remains AS they
-could. They, by the side of the dead,
took an oath to be revenged on the
young murderer of their parent. Nobu
and hiyo were the names OF these two
sisters. After the sepulture of their
father they walked to Yeddo and made
their wishes known to U-l. 1t is said
they studied under his tuition for a
whole year, vi standing their friend in
every way when assistance was needed.
Upon their return to their home he
furnished them with approved weapons
with which to fight the slayer OF their
father.
Then. and until a few years past, it
was deemed praiseworthy to STAY an
enemy IN revenge for insults or wrongs
inflicted. As U1 knew these girls were
to challenge their enemy to deadly COM
bat, he sent with them, to act as a sec-
ond, one Of his best sworCismen, As
soon as they arrived at their home
was sent to their foe to meet
them at given DAY at Shiraishi. This
duel was to take place III Il
stockade made of bamboo, and thou
sands gathered to witness the combat.
The Japanese loved 10 witness feats of
arms and Were accustomed to attend
such meetings as the fighting propensi.
ties of the people gave rise 10, that they
might see fair play accorded TO all par
ties. The chronicles of the event tell |
OF the breaIhless interest manifested by |
the assembled thousands gathered to |
these heroic sisters meet in |
deadly combat the trained swordsman |
OF the potent Prince OF SendaI, and how |
the blood was stirred in the hearts of |
the vast concoUrse as the combatants I
rushed from then places to do battle to
the death. How the sympathy went
out from the multitude IN behalf of the l
young girls; OF the partial victory of the
nan, as he sorely wounded, one after
the other, both OF them, and of the wall /
Of grief that resounded over the place |
when it appeared as if he was TO prove
.he victor. For awhile it seemed that |
he sisters would be slain, but fortune
favored the fair and brave at last, and |
.he head OF their Toe was carried away
Dy them and offered at the grave OF |
heir father. Their parent had been
,yenoed