Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1908-07-08
LEGEND OF OLD JAPAN
The Story of chobei, the Leader
OF the OueliStS.
A MAN WHO KNEW NOT FEAR.
Rather Than Tsrnish His Reputation
For Bravery he Accepted the Princes
Invitation and Went Voluntarily to
Assassination.

For Bravery He Accepted the Prince.
Invitation and Went Voluntarily to
Assassination.
The following legend OF Chobel has
been handed down IN japan rs indica-
tive OF the courage or the "bravIs.~ or
dueiists. who fiourishSd in Yeddo dur
ing the sixteenth century. forming a
sort OF japanese St. HerminGad. Che
bel the leader OF this clique. was re-
uoubtaole SwOrdsman. whose constant
" recurring duels forced his master 10
eNpel him from his retinre. Unwilling
10 enlist with another OF the feudal
lords. he assembled all the D'srtacnaus
OF 1eddo about him until his power in
cited even the princes 10 envy. al
though they declined TO recognize the
Outlawed dUellSt.
ON this pretenSe he was excluded
from popular tea house one Gav NJ an
hour when was expected Juirozave-
mon. the leader OF the Iatamosas. then
the most influential political party in
japan, who had arrogated the city OF
Neddo for the official residence. But
Chobei. with n shrug OF his shoulders.
forced his way past the attendants Into
the apartments reserved for tho prince
where he removed his garments and
cast himself on couch IN fe;rned
slumber
Who Is that bruteT" demanded the
prince on his arrival. "The leader OF
the swordSmen,- they answered him
Juirozayemon seated himself in silence
and began 20 smoke. Having smoked
his pipe, he empHed the glowing Gin
ders into the pretended slecner'S nos
trilS, repeating this FIVE times. when D
paused. astounded by such courageous
endurance Chobei. noting this. yawu.
ed rubbed his eyes like one awakeufrl.
from profound slumbCr and exclaimed
You. Oh. most noble master. And ].
having drunk too much. should have
slept uncovered before your eyes. How
shall excuse my vuigarityT-
Il have 50 long sought your acquaint-
ance that you are forgiven. Re seated
and accept this cup OF wine. beg YOU
Politeness forbade Chobel TO refuse a
drop Of the profTered cur. q huge
beaSer OF powerful wine. offered him
In the hopes OF ovcrpowerlnc him. Blt
Chobei drained Il easily and. repieaish-
ing il. presented II 10 his host. vino &C
complished this feat with the utmost
difficulty
VIII your highness permit me TO
offer you some gift OF vaIue:- Chobei
asked humbly.
surely"
What do you most DESIRE"
Thinking 20 render the brave ridlcu-
lous before the whole city. the prince
said promptly:
"a plate Of macaronI"
-Ah. Chobei.~ thought he. the whole
town VII soon be telling how the crear
duel.0t was permitted only 10 offer
plate OF macaroni TO the president OF
the Uatamotos."
After whispered coIloquy the at
teudant disappeared. leaving the two
enemies alone. smiling. but impressive.
But soon n great noise penetrated the
apartment. and the prince discovered a
crowd Of workmen buslly constructing
an immense wall OF macaroni around
the tea house All Yeddo was assem-
blcd 10 view this unique and ROYAL gift
Discounted that the bravo should
have outwitted his ruSc. the prince de-
parted Co plan revenge. The following
day brought with IL an invitation from
1ul.r-oy CMol 90 breakfast. Despite
Ais comrades remonstrances Chobel
Insisted GA accepting IT, As be entered
the princes dwelling the samurais
threw themselves upon him with
drawn swords. Chobei's immense mus
cular strength enabled him 10 disarln
them. when he proceeded unannounced
10 the rear apartment
Pardon me. your lordship." said he.
FOR announcing myself. Your attend
ants have forgotten % DO so"
Surely. Perhaps they have sought
quarrel with you. Twas but joke.
for l wagered that al six could not
disarm You Perhaps yoa would like
bath 10 refresh Yourself
Who shall say that Chobei was wiser
Alone In his enemy's house, he dis
carded hiss weapons. removed his gar
ments and crouched IN the bath. The
water that was NJ first hot was soon
boiling. ChobeI dashed from the bath.
hut ten spears held 10y Invisible hands
forced him back SuTocated By steam.
exhausted by blood. Chohei fell dying
10 the ground.
The samurais were stnl 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
constituent. Chobei had OWNED the
trap, yet, preferring 10 sustain his rep
utation OF daring untarnished by any
accusation OF fear, had voluntarily
gone to his assassination
Hawaiian Girls.