Los Angeles herald., 1906-02-04

~
60es67 eled the highway to its gated termina-
5XSJ tion, entered Kioto. Uncertain az to
his exact course. the Prince was set
tied upon one --haste-haste 10 arrive in
the nelghborhood Of the Mikado's palace, that he
might plan in the shadows his future actions.
nc had passed through the city's gates, and
with new cries to his runners was again urging
them forward, when a cloaked figure, holding in
one hand naked sword, barred TO the mormon
farther passage. The runners stopped abruptly
lmpatiently Mori thrust his head through the
curtains.
What now, you laggards?" he demanded in
no gentle voice.
At the sound Of Morris words the man in The
roadway uttered cry Of surprise
"Thou, Moril"
What them" inquired the Prince, defantly
preparing to leap to the ground, sword in hand
1T is 1, Echizen. will join you in your nor
mon"
"Goodl' said Mori. Urgently need your
advice"
Echizen climbed into the vehicle quickly. With
swift movement he drew Morris cloak about
his shoulders in such way that it hid his face
There is danger in Kioto for you," he said.
Just now as I passed, the sound Of your voice
lnstructlng your runners struck me with its fa-
miliar tones. When you raised your voice I rec
ognzed you Immediately. You must be more
careful, my lord"
why should there be danger for me in Ki-
oto?' inquired Keik quickly. IT am in my
Emperor's capital now"
"Rut the massacres you have just instigatetB
| in Yedo are being used to your disadvantage
Aidzu has come to Kioto two hours ahead of
you, and all is known to his Majesty"
| "NIassacres"
| "Are you ignorant Of them?'
! you do not mean" Keiki paused, slis
pcion of Hasuda dawning upon him. "Massacres
by the ronins"
| yes"
The Prince of Mori groaned.
"Hasuda, the chief ronin," he said, ''has brolS
en- his pledged word to me-" He explained
briefly to Echizen his compact with Hasuda
Echizen leaned from the norimon.
Proceed slowly" he told the runner, "in that
direction, pointing to quarter of the town dis
tant from the Imperial palace
1--WE must adopt some plan of action" he con
tnued to Keiki. "These outbreaks, which I at
first thought were at your order, will have fear
full consequences. We must plan to turn them
to account with the Emperor
"But he already knows of the massacres."
"Assuredly. Aidzu is Governor of the city.
aud person of influence with him. He will use
the Yedo massacres to your disadvantage"
But Aidzu is shogunate."
"Irue; but lately he has gone over to the
Emperor. He is still at heart shogunate. It
is by the order of the Shotgun that he has come
to the Mikados court, in fact. He Is both
spy and an influence upon the Emperor for the
shogunate."
"How do you know all these things?" inquired
Keild
"Since left you in Yedo,'' replied Echizen, az
have made considerable progress in the favor of
the Emperor, all for the sake of the cause. |
try to set myself against Aidzu."
''Well. and what is the disposition Of the EIn.
peror towards my wing of the party? What
does he desire us to do? What attitude should
we take towards the foreigners and the shogun-
ate at this tme2 have purpose in these
questions"
Echizen looked thoughtfully towards the east,
where the offshoots of the still distant day were
charging the rear-guard of night
my prince" he said, slowly, Il feel that this
day will be decisive one in our annals. ! feel
that there is a great opportunity to be born a
new nation to-day"
"Speak on" said Mori.
''The Emperor Kommei is, Of course. desrous
of regaining the power once held by his ances-
tors. He knows, as an educated man, that the
shogunate has no legitimate right to existence
But he is a man Of two natures. Fear, which
is not cowardice, and suspicion, which is not
discretion, is his ruling motive. He is surround
ed by shogunate spies. Every effort he has made
up to this time to communicate with us has
been frustrated Were he to put trust in a sa-
mural and think of sending him messenger
to us, the shogunate straightway removed that
samurai."
'By the sword of course"
'By secret means. In time the Emperor Kom.
mel came to believe that the snogunate held ms
life in its hands, as it has. He came to distrust
all men. He trusts neither Aidzu, his enemy,
nor me. his friend"
"What Of the foreigners?"
"I believe that he would desire above all
things to issue order for their expulsion, and
encourage us secretly to make war upon the sho-
gunate convinced as he is that his life and the
very office Of Emperor are at stake"
Mori leaned out from the norimon and signed
to the runners. They halted.
Gone question more.' he said to Echizen.
"Have you convenient access to the Emperor
"At any hour" Echizen answered. Mori bent
towards the runners.
Full speed" he cried, ''to the Emperors pal
ace.'
The normon started ahead.
"To the Emperors palace" repeated Ecliizen.
'eWhat are you going to doy"
'sTo confront Aidzu, my accuser, and urge the
Emperor to expel the foreigners" said Mori.
ssPerhaps it is the best course" answered
Echizen, slowly.
s'It is the opportunity of which you spoke
said Mori. '"rhe opportunity for which have
long waited"
TO Be Continued Next sunday