The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1899-11-24
A LEGEND OF JAPAN.
THE STORY OF cHoBEi, THE MAN
WHO KNEW NO FEAR.

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The following legend Of Chobei has
been handed down in Japan as indica-
tive Of the courage of the 'bravis," or
duelists, who fiourished in Yeddo dur
Ing the sixteenth century, forming a
sort Of Japanese st. Hermindad. Cho-
bel, the leader Of this clique, was q re-
doubtable swordsman, whose constant
~ recurring duels forced his master to
eXpel him from his retinue. Unwilling
to enlist with another of the feudal
lords, he assembled all the D'Artagnans
Of Yeddo about him until his power in
cited even the princes to envy, al
though they declined to recognize the
outlawed duelist.
On this pretense he was excluded
from a popular teahouse one day at an
hour when was expected JuiroZaye-
mon, the leader of the Hatamotos,
then the most influential political party
in Japan, who had arrogated the city
Of Yeddo for the official residence. But
Chobei, with a shrug Of his shoulders,
forced his way past the attendants in
to the apartments reserved for the
prince, where he removed his garments
and cast himself on a couch in feigned
slumber.
"Who is that brute?" demanded the
prince on his arrival. '"The leader of
the swordsmen," they answered him.
Juirozayemon seated himself in silence
and began to smoke. Having smoked
his pipe, he emptied the glowing Gin
ders into the pretended sleeper's nos
trils. repeating this five times. when
he paused. astounded by such coura-
geous endurance. Chobei, noting this,
yawned, rubbed his eyes like one awak-
ening from profound slumber and ex-
claimed:
"You, O most noble master! And l
having drunk too much should have
slept uncovered before your eyes! How
shall l excuse my vulgarity"
II have so long sought your &C.
q%uaintance that you are forgiven. Be
seated and accept this cup Of wine,
pray you."
P%oliteness forbade Chobei to refuse a
drop of the proffered cup, q huge
beaker of powerful wine, offered him
in the hopes of overpowering him. But
Chobei drained it easily and, replenish-
ing it, presented it to his host, who &C.
complished this feat with the utmost
difficulty.
evil your highness permit me t.
offer you some gift of valueT Chobei
asked humbly.
Surely"
"Vhat do YOU most desireW
Thinking to render the brave ridicu-
lous before the whole city, the prince
said promptly:
"a plate of macaroni."
"Ah. Chobei," thought he, "the whole
town will soon be telling how the great
duelist was permitted only to offer q
plate Of macaroni to the president of
the Hatamotos."
After a whispered colloquy the at
tendant disappeared, leaving the two
enemies alone, smiling but impressive.
But soon a great noise penetrated the
apartment, and the prince discovered
a crowd Of workmen busily construct
ing an immense wall Of macaroni
around the teahouse. All Yeddo was
assembled to view this unique and
royal gift. Discounted that the "bravo"
should have outwitted his ruse, the
prince departed to plan revenge. The
following day brought with it an in
vitation from Juirozayemon to break
fast. Despite his comrades remon-
strances, Chobei insisted on accepting
it. AS he entered the princes dwell
ing the Samurais threw themselves
upon him with drawn swords. Chobei's
immense muscular strength enabled
him to disarm them, when he proceed
ed unannounced to the rear apartment.
Pardon me, your lordship," said he,
for announcing myself. Your attend
ants have forgotten to do So"
"Surely. Perhaps they have sought
quarrel with you. Twas but a joke,
for l wagered that all six could not
you. Perhaps you would like
q bath to refresh yourself"
Who shall say that Chobei was wise?
Alone in his enemy's house, he dis
his weapons, removed his gar
ments and crouched in the bath. The
that was at first hot was soon
boiling. Chobei dashed from the bath,
but ten spears held by invisible hands
forced him back. Suffocated by steam,
by blood, Chobei fell dying
to the ground.
The Samurais were still congratu-
themselves on their success
when a loud knocking was heard. In
quiry revealed the dueling confeder-
ates who were come to seek their
leader.
HE Is drunk and cannot see you"
"Our leader Is dead. We have
brought his bier"
The Samurais were dumb with as
Punishment. Chobei had OWNED the
trap. yet, preferring to sustain his rep
utation Of daring u%ntarnished by any
Of fear, had voluntarily
gone to his assassination.
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