Los Angeles herald., 1906-02-11

on wings of hate, diffused itself
throughout the room.
Mort answered before Echizen could interiect
a word.
You honored me by your attention, your
Majesty" he said, while still upon his knees
Say rather dishonored," said Aidzu under
his breath.
Mort" said the Mikado, with an effort at
great sternness, "you have dared to murder the
Regent ii. to burn the treaty houses and lega-
tons of the foreigners. What have you to say
for yourself?"
"Oh, your Majesty" was all Mor could ex-
claim, between his desire to retain his respect
full attitude and his impulse to protest against
such injustice from the one for whom he had
labored long.
mo doubt" continued the Mikado, you have
come to me thinking 1 shall countenance such
an act, and to ask for protection and mercy?"
Mort sprang to his feet. Every nerve in him
was tingling and quivering He needed not the
traditional etiquette to be observed before the
Son of Heaven, whereby man must look the
Mikado in the face. Mort was of prncely blood
| himself, and of lineage as proud and old as
| his masters. So his own eyes, keen and true
as those of a brave and innocent man, met the
shifting glance of Kommei Tenno.
"Nay, your Majesty;. I come not to ask for
mercy, but for Justice"
",JusticeW
"Ay, your Majesty" :
crimes" said the Mikado, his glance wandering
| uneasily from Aidzu to Mori "and these crimes
will bring upon us the vengeance of these for
eign peoples"
~ have committed no crimes, your Majesty
/ am innocent of that of which you accuse me-
Echizen interrupted quietly.
"Your Majesty, / do assure you that the
Prince Mori is guiltless."
Kommei turned rapidly to the speaker.
| "You can explain, Echizen"
or cam
''Proofs are many" said Aidzu, thrusting his
| head forward, chat this young man melted the
outrages."
Again forgetting himself, the sensitive and
impusive Mort leaped towards the speaker
"You le!" he Numbered. Then recalling him
self, he turned towards the Mikado.
az crave your Majesty's pardon, but''-his
voice trembled in spite of him-"that worm
| lies"
The Emperor stared from Adzu to Mori, then
back to Echizen.
"You are prepared to report concerning this?"
81 am, your Majesty" answered Echizen.
proceed"
The Prince of Echizen indicated the governor
of the city with slight toss of his head
"Prvily your Majesty, / beg" he said.
Kolnmei hesitated. He seemed to be studying
Echizens face. If read correctly, he saw writ
ten there so much determination much 10y
atty and faith and truth that its very express
sion communicated to him some of its lofty
strength and resolve.
'NIy Lord of Aidzu will withdraw" he said,
quietly.
'But, your Majesty" began Aidzu.
The first expression of imperial command came
into Kommei Tenno's face. His head elevated
itself, his eyes enlarged and became purple with
naughty command.
"T have spoken" he said.
Instantly Aidzu bowed deeply, but into his
face there crept a malignant expression. He
then withdrew from the chamber. When he
was gone, the Emperor made a dgni6ed gesture
of permission to Echizen.
"Sre, this young Prince Mort has devoted his
life to your cause, as have ]" he said, in low
but passionate voice.
"Hush not so loud" said the Emperor, with
slight SILVER. "Wait."
With quick footsteps he crossed to the door
and flung it violently aside. There was none
without.
proceed" he said, almost in whisper.
Ecbizen lowered his voice still more.
"Sre. the Prince of Mori did not incite these
mussacres, but protested strongly against them
| "Ibe proofs! Quick-the proofs"
Echyen quietly withdrew his sword from his
belt. Its point he applied to his own breast
Upon his knees he offered its hilt to his mus
| ter.
"sire, my life is at your service, now as ever"
| be said
The Emperor bent upon him gaze that in
man of genius would have shown his soul.
II believe YOU" he muttered. Then to him
self; "Whom may l, of truth, beeve--whom
may l trustg"
The Prince of Echizen, reganing his feet,
continued:
these massacres were the work of a ronin-
Hasuda-who is all for the cause although an
unauthorized agent. BY this deed, however, he
and his men will aid the cause.
"Howr