Los Angeles herald., 1906-02-18

Diminishing his temporary staff to their tasks of
oversight.
Upon lonely bluff the Prince dismounted,
where he was able to make out indstincty the
foreign ships Of war at anchor below. Concern
ing their identity he was little informed He
knew several nationalties were represented
since the advent Of the Americans had drawn
English, Dutch, French and Russian men-of
war to the coast. At least four nations must
be represented in the little feet that stretched
out yonder over the water.
"It little matters said Mort "They may be
American, English, French or Russian, but they
are all foreigners and desire to encroach upon
sacred realm"
As he turned away from the water young
officer of his staff sauted him.
Many trenches are now prepared, your high
ness" he said
At once the task of installing the guns was
begun Out from their guarded circle they were
drawn. The horses originally transporting them
were aided by the cavalry mounts, while foot
men pulled enthusiastically at the wheels as
they sank into the trampled miro or were block
ed by natural distractions.
Once within the pits destined for their recep-
ton, the guns were leveled and adjusted by
men from Morris works. The crews appointed to
each gun were composed Of the followers who
had come from the Mort fortress.
Dawn found much of the work completed.
The trenches were fashioned, the guns within
the pits and the cavalry in their appointed sta
ton. The outer Gordon Of guards was instruct
ed to dismount and to recline, horse and man,
that nothing suspicious could be seen from
the decks of the vessels below.
Within the trenches the adjustment OF the
heavy pieces in progress together with the
levelng of a gun platform the furtive sight
ing of gun. Such of the infantry were not
engaged in this employment were thrown out
as scouts on the andward side, that no Shotgun
force might attack them in the rear.
Mort made round of inspection within
the fortress. Seeing that number Of the
guards were in position for their final firing
elevation, the Prince called Toro to him.
'Let the crews be drilled" he ordered 'but
without raising the guns above the tops of the
trenches"
ders speedily. The crews were thus familiarized
with their pieces
During the course Of the forenoon it was OBJ
served that the foreign feet changed its posi-
ton, standing off from land, and that two YES
sells left the squadron and disappeared around
the headland.
"They are in communication with the Sho-
guns people," said Mort, aloud
"Catzu will be upon us shortly" said voice
at his elbow.
Turning Mort found the youth Jiro His
eyes warmed with interest as he regarded kindly
the boy who, with the spirit of samurai, had
never faltered in his service. Feeling strangely
drawn towards Jro, the Prince looked about
him for some piece of especial employment to
give him as token of favor.
"Ah, my boy" said he, "there is spirit
within thee Would that thou vert a man.
Hot blood colored the cheeks of the boy. His
eyes clouded, then his head dropped forward.
my lcrd,' he faltered, almost TREMENDOUSLY, II
am indeed man, do assure you"
Mori smiled
"Only boy, Jiro, that is all. But see yon-
der, they are bringing in the last and largest of
fhou
"And AFTER" asked Jiro--''after it is mounted,
my lord, who is then to have charge of it"
Perhaps thou also" replied NIori, still smil-
ing.
IT thank thee, my lord" said Jiro, bowling
deeply and hurrying away.
The Prince was still standing there, smiling
across the water, when Oguri, his chief of staff,
approached him, and bowling low, awaited his
pleasure.
''What is it, Oguri?" he asked.
''Your highness, the Lord of Catzu is at the
outer guard-po announcing that he comes with
a message from the Shotgun"
Morris brows darkened.
'Tel him." he ordered "that we know no
Shotgun here" and turned sgain to the water
front.
In flash he saw that the foreign feet was
approaching a spot opposite his position.
Oguri maintained his place.
"Will you not see him." he asked.
The sight of the feet changed the determine
ton of Mori.
"Tell my Lord of Catzu that 7 will see him
outside the works, as Lord Catzu simply. Have
him conducted outside, if you please"
The Lord of Catzu was brought to the spot
mentioned by the samurai deputed by Oguri
Mori met him coldly. When Catzu offered ere
dentials from the Yedo Government the Prince
waived them aside.
mo credentials are necessary, my lord he
said 81 receive you a private individual"
at come as an official. returned CatZu,
"What is it you wish to say to me?" inquired
NIori in as naughty tone as his own.
GAS representative of the Shogun order
you to disarm. The shogunate alone makes
peace and war"
al have the sanction, the command, of the
only master l Acknowledgements Serene Majesty
the Mikado."
Catzu still breathed heavily from his labored
ascent of the hill, for the Mori men had refused
to permit him the attendance of even his run
ners.
'Do you still refuse to obey the august Sho-
pun?' he cried, testify and with difficulty.
az obey the Mikado," returned Mort.
"Disarm!" roared the now Infatuated Catzu.
Mort raised his hands as though in prepare
ton for signal. He held them aloft as he
shouted:
81 shall give you my answer with awful effect
your highness."
Sharply Mort lowered his hands. The sally
mort facing them crashed sharply open, disclos-
ing the interior of the lately erected fortifica-
tons.
Look, my Lord of Catzu."
In trepidation Catzu looked about him. The
silent, absorbed patriots We're at their guns.
Directly across from the sally-port within the
works the gun of Jiro had been placed in posi-
ton The youth bent forward was sighting the
niece. while Toro, arms akimbo, stood back, APP
prevail written upon his face.
m l. al