Bridgeton pioneer., 1908-05-28
LEGEND OF OLD JAPAN
The Story of Chobei, the Leader
of the DueIists.
A MAN WHO KNEW NOT FEAR.

Rather Than Tarnish His Reputation
For Bravery He Accepted the Princes
Invitation and Went Voluntarily to
Assassination.
The following legend Of Chobei has
been handed down in Japan as indica-
tive of the courage of the "bravis," or
duelists who fourished in Yeddo dur
ing the sixteenth century, forming a
sort of japanese ST. Hermindad Cho-
BEL the leader of this clique, was a re-
doubtable swordsman, whose constant
ly 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 popular tea house 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 into
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 courageous
endurance. Chobei, noting this. yawn-
ed, rubbed his eyes like one awakening
from profound slumber and exclaimed:
"You, oh, most noble master! And l,
having drunk too much, should have
slept uncovered before your eyes! How
shall l excuse my vulgarity"
Il have so long sought your acquaint-
ance that you are forgiven. Be seated
and accept this cup of wine, beg you"
Politeness forbade Chobei to refuse a
drop Of the proffered cup, a huge
beaker of powerful wine, offered him
in the hopes of overpowering him. But
Chobei drained it easily and, replenish-
ing it, presented 1t to his host, who ac-
complished this feat with the utmost
difficulty.
"Will your highness permit me to
offer you some gift Of value?' Chobei
asked humbly
Surely"
"What do you most desire?'
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 a
plate Of macaroni to the president of
the Hatamotos."
After whispered colloquy the at
tendant disappeared, leaving the two
enemies alone, smiling, but impassive.
But soon a great noise penetrated the
apartment, and the prince discovered
crowd of workmen busily constructing
an immense wall of macaroni around
the tea house. All Yeddo was assem-
bled to view this unique and royal gift.
Discounted that the bravo should
| have outwitted his ruse, the prince de-
parted to plan revenge. The following
day brought. with it an invitation from
| Juirozay yemon to breakfast. Despite
his comrades remonstrances Chobei
| insisted on accepting it. AS he entered
the princes dwelling the samurais
drawn swords. Chobei's immense mus
cular strength enabled him to disarln
| them, when he proceeded 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 1 wagered that all six could not
disarm you. Perhaps you would like
bath to refresh yourself"
Who shall say that Chobei was wise?
Alone in his enemy's house, he dis
carded his weapons, removed his gar
ments and crouched In the bath. The
water 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,
exhausted by blood, Chobei fell dying
to the ground.
The samurais were still congratu-
lating themselves on their success
when 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
tonishment. Chobei had OWNED the
trap, vet, preferring to sustain his rep
utation Of daring untarnished by any
accusation of fear, had voluntarily