The morning times., 1896-08-23
MakOrO'S
Red
Scarf.


While the old servitor was thus appealing
| for his son, the Dainio's snrewd eyes no.
ticed that Makoro had his tear -sodden face
fixed in what seemed agonizing en-
treaty on one Of the guards lined up along
tie wall. And he saw further, that while
all the others were eagerly intent upon
thescene before them, this particular soldier
kept his gaze sullenly on the floor, and
appeared to take no interest in what was
going ON in front Of him. He knew him, as
indeed lie did every man in the service and
recalled that he had ordered him sound
fog ging few months previously for some
misconduct. Indeed, the reputation OF this
bIack-browed spearsInan Nitizin by name,
wasindifferente enough. and hesaw the child,
wild eyes still fixed iInploringly and unwav-
eringly on this one man, change came over
the Dairnie's stern face, and raising his
hand. he said abruptly: Peace, Hair
aku'' Then turning to the guards, he cried
f>sb1rply: :'Nitizin, come thither!''
An involuntary movement Of surprise
thrilled the great crowd present at this
command, and an ashy pallor crept over the
soldiers stolid appearance, as he slowly
stepped out OF the rank and approached
Daimio.
Two guards at once relieved him Of
his weapon.
Now, base william cried the Daimio,
.'thou wouldst sacrifice this little child &c
save thy worthless life. Release him
from his oathr'
Nitizin sank to the floor and bowed his
head, exclaiming in a quavering voice:
Il do, my lord
Makero, thou nearest Say, now, whT
thou knowest of this affair."
The boys face was transngured with joy,
Eand his eyes shone like diamonds as he heard
the words of the abject soldier.
20. my lord, and thou. my father. now I
GaB speak and will tell all that has been
choking me since that dreadful night.
When left the boys as the moon was sink
ing behind the mountain, / started TO
run home, fearing that my father might
be anxious. On the path behind the IL
instrious residence OF my lord stopped
Il moment to listen TO the song of suzu-
rIushi in the grass, when l saw man
kneelng close TO the wall. and a light he
then made showed me this, pointing to
Nitzin. this man. Without thinking I
rushed to him and shouted. Ha. i have
discovered the burner,' He instantly leap
ell up and seized me by the throat / was
dreadfully frightened and as well as /
could begged him not to kill ME. He
seemed TO think a moment and then said
Thou art old Haikaru's son, art thoI
not?'
Il answered him yes.
=. .Dost know what an cath before Oni
is?-
''Iknew well. my lord, and ! shuddered.
To save my life took the oath never to tell
what had seen. Then as he loosened his
hold suddenly bounded away, leaving my
red scarf drop at his feet. SO frightened
was that first ran down my lords rice
fields instead of up the hills home. You
know. my lord, and you, my father, that
could not break my OATH even though died
for it. But now he has released me"
A hum Of admiration went through the
great crowd behind the lines OF military
as the boy concluded, and old Haikaru wept
for Joy Then the Daimio rose up a nd spoke
gently enough.
Come here. child, Thou hast shown
brave heart, and the regard for thyplighted
word would honor an older head. Young
as thou art shall enroll thee in my guards,
eaving thee in thy fathers care until
thou reachest mans estate when there
will be place for thee
All this happened many years ago, be-
fore the New Japan had-arisen from the
ancient Nippon, and yet cable dispatch
printed quite recently in all the papers
may serve as fitting finale, as 1t is in
deed the occasion for the telling Of this
little story:
1.-The Chcfoo correspondent OF the Cen
tral News says: "Gen. Makoro's division of
the Japanese army occupied Liu kung Tao
on Friday