The Meeker herald., 1908-09-12
OF OLD JAPAN
TIE Story Of chobei, the Le.aer
of the Duelists.
A MAN WHO KNEW NOT FEAR.

! A MAN WHO KNEW NOT FEAR.
Rather Than Tarnish His Reputation
For Bravery He Accepted the Princes
Invitation and Went Voluntarily 10
Assassination.
The following legend Of Chobel has
peen handed down In Japan as indica-
tive Of the courage Of the "bravis." or
duelists, who nourished In Yeddo dur
ing the sixteenth century. forming
sort of japanese st. Hermindad. Che
! bel, the leader of this clique. was 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 n popular tea house one day at an
hour when was expected Juiroznye-
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 felgned
slumber.
"Who Is that bruter demanded the
prince on his arrival. 1.-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
trlls, repeating this Ave 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 vulgnrityT
~ have SO long sought your acqualnt-
ance that you are forgiven. Be seated
and accept this cup Of wine. beg you"
| Pollteness forbade Chobei to refuse
drop Of the proffered cup. huge
beaker OF powerful wine. offered him
In the hopes Of overpowering him. But
Chobei drained 1t easily and. replenish
ing 1t. presented 1t to his host. who &C
complIshed this feat with the utmost
difficulty.
will your highness permit me to
offer you some gift Of valueT' Chobei
asked humbly.
Surely"
what do you most desiref'
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
plate of mncaroni to the president Of
the Hatamotos.'
After a whispered colloquy the at
tendnnt 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 1t an Invitation from
Juir0zn yemon to breakfast Despite
his comrades remonstrances Chobel
Insisted on accepting It As he entered
the princes dwelling the samurais
threw themselves upon him with
dra wn swords. Chobei's immense mus
cular strength enabled him to disarn
them. when he proceeded unannounced
to the rear apartment.
Pardon me. your Iordship." said be.
.for announcing myself. Your attend
ants have forgotten to do 80"
Surely. Perhaps they have sought
quarrel with you. Twas but Joke.
for wagered that all six could not
disarrn you Perhaps you would like
n bath to refresh yourself"
Who shall say that Chobei was wiser
Alone In his enemy's house. be dis
cnrded his weapons, removed bis 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-
lnting themselves on their success
when loud knocking was heard. In.
quiry revealed the dueling confeder-
ates who were come to seek their
leader.
lie is drunk and cannot see you"
"Our leader is dead. We have
brought his bier"
The samurais were dumb with a.
tonishment. Chobei had OWNED the
IL L. L.