The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-09-15

ceiyed the courtier who was on his way
to the tea garden. The courtier was
smiling At the sight of this man
who had stolen all from him and was
now about to take from him Komoura-
saki. Shirai-Gompatchi felt the blood
mount to his head. He looked behind
him in the deserted street. There was
no one beside himself Shirai-Gom-
patchi approached the courtier. who
was plunged in his happy dreams, and
put his hand on his shoulder. The
courtier raised his head and started on
seeing before him the friend whom he
had betrayed.
1T was before that you should have
feared me and above all not to have
placed yourself in my way. Now it
is too late
why do you grow pale so soon In
an instant it will be death which will
make you pale
DO not kill me-" cried the courtier.
Il will do that which | promised to
the Damio." replied Shirai-Gompatchi.
Il will prove my devotion by killing
with my sword the most miserable
wretch in his dominions. 1t was on
this breast you hoped shortly Kom-
ourasaki would repose her head. there
near the heart. was it not!' saying
which Shirai-Gompatchi plunged
his sword through the heart of the
courtier He fell dead without a muir
muir.
Shirai-Gompatchi after having taken
from the corpse all the money which he
found. re-directed his steps to the house
of Idji-San.
"Komourasaki," cried the young
man on entering, I'VE can now at last
belong one to the other and we owe
this TO my friend the courtier. He has
a better heart than Idji-San. Having
heard that loved Komourasaki. he has
given me his purse SO that | can buy
you from Idji-San. He has even given
me his word that he will never come
to see Komourasaki and even though
he pass for the most cunning and the
most astute courtier / am convinced
that for this once he will keep his
word"
There are many brave men and
above all among the rich and illustri-
ous." answered Idji-San.
A feast had been prepared in honor
of the expected courtier and now Shi-
rai-Gompatchi seated himself at the la
bic with Komourasaki luxuriously
gowned and more beautiful than ever.
Geisha girls danced in honor OF the
two lovers. Musicians and singers Gel
ebrated their youth. beauty and love.
Komourasaki grew pale as she sud
denly noticed traces OF blood on the
hands of Shirai-Gompatchi and asked
him in a low voice. What is that?
am afraid"
Silence answered Shirai-Gom-
patchi. also in a low voice. THAT is
few drops from the river in which
have washed my gold and they have
festered'
At the same time clamorous strides
were heard from below. Idji-San en-
tered hurriedly. crying. Assassin. YOU
have killed the most honorable man in
the whole city"
Behind her entered servants of the
Damio.
Your crime is discovered" cried
they. who could have killed the fav-
orite of the Damio. the honorable cour-
tier. the most illustrious and the rich
est. if it is not the man whose life he
had saved by his friendship"
That is the reason you have blood
on your hands, cried Komourasaki.
with alright.
Shirai-Gompatchi drew his sword in
OF der to plunge it in his bosom. but
they stopped him and disarmed him.
NO" they said, you are not worthy
of an honorable death. BY order Of
the Damio you will be beheaded like
the commonest of assassins."
Then Shirai-Gompatchi. filled with
despair. cried. They have taken all
from me. my fortune. my honor, my
good name, the affection of the Damio.
the woman whom | love. and last OF
all the sword of my ancestors and the