Smyrna times., 1908-05-27
LEGEND OF OLD JAPAN
Inc Story of ChObei, the Leader
of the DueIiStS.
A MAN WHO KNEW NOT FEAR.

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 flOurished 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
~ 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 a 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 seeper'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 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 it 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-
1ous 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
duellst was permitted only to offer q
plate of macaroni to the president OF
the HatamOtOs"
After a 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 arounC
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
JuirozayemOn to breakfast. Despit
his comrades remonstrances Chobe
insisted on accepting it. AS he entere,
the princes dwelling the samurai
threw themselves upon him wit
drawn swords. Chobei's immense mus
cuar strength enabled him to disarr
them, when he proceeded unannOunce
to the rear apartment.
Pardon me, your lOrdship," said ht
''for announcing myself. Your attend
ants have forgotten to do So"
Surely. Perhaps they have sOugh
quarrel with you. Twas but jOk'
for l wagered that all six could nc
disarm you. Perhaps you would lik
a bath to refresh yourself"
Who shall say that Chobei was wise
Alone in his enemy's house, he di
carded his weapons, removed his ga
ments and crouched in the bath. I'll
water that was at first hot was 500
boiling. Chobei dashed from the bait
but ten spears held by invisible hanC
forced him back. Suffocated by stear
exhausted by blood, Chobei fell dyir
to the ground.
The samurais were still congrat
Iating themselves on their succe'
when a loud knocking was heard. L
quiry revealed the dueling confede
htes who were come to seek the
leader.
''He Is drunk and cannot see you"
"Our leader is dead. We ha'
brought his bier"
The samurais were dumb with
tonishment. Chobei had OWNED Il
trap, vet, preferring to sustain his re
utation Of daring untarnished by al
accusation of fear, had voluntarl
gone to his assassination.