The Delta independent., 1908-06-12
OF OLD JAPAN
The Story of Chobei, the Leader
of the Duelists.
A MAN WHO KNEW NOT FEAR.
Rather Than Tarnish His Reputation
For Bravery He Accepted the Princes
Invitation and Went Voluntarily to
Assassination.

Assassination.
The following legend of Chobei has
been handed down in Japan as indica-
tive of the courage of the "bravis,' or
duelists, who fourlshed in Yeddo dur
ing the sixteenth century, forming
sort of Japanese st. Hermindad. Cho-
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 20 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 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 shrug of his shoulders.
| forced his way past the attendants into
the apartments reserved for the prince.
| where lie removed his garments and
cast himself on a couch in feigned
slumber.
''Who is that bruteT demanded the
prince on his arrival "The leader Of
the swordsmen." they answered him
IuiroZayemon 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 /. |
having drunk too much should have
slept uncovered before your eyesi How
shall | excuse my vulgarity?"
81 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. n huge |
beaker of powerful wine, offered him |
in the hopes OF overpowerlng him. But |
Chobei drained it easily and. replenish-
ing It. presented 1t TO his host, who nc.
eomplished this feat with the utmost |
difficulty
'Wil your highness permit me to |
Offer you some gift of valuey' Chobei |
asked humby.
Surely"
What do you most desire1"
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 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 a
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
Julrozayemon TO breakfast. Despite
his comrades remonstrances Chobei
iuSiSttu oh uSNtniiuS IL As ne eultith !
the. princes dwelling the samurais
threw themselves upon him with
drawn swords. Chobel's immense mus
cular strength enabled him TO disarm
them. when he proceeded unannounced
10 the rear apartment.
Pardon me, your lordshlp." said he,
for announcing myself. Your attend
ants have forgotten to do So
Surely. Perhaps they have sought
quarrel with you. Twas but joke.
for ! wagered that all six could not
disarm you. Perhaps you would like
II 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 Mt first hot was soon
boiling. Chobei dashed from the bath. /
but ten spears held by invisible hands
forced him back. Sufrocated by steam. ,
exhausted by blood, Chobei fell dying ,
TO the ground. I
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 c
brought his bier"
The samurais were dumb with as {
Chobei had diviued the 7
trap, yet, prefcrring TO sustain his rep I
ntation of daring untarnished by any '
accusation of fear, had voluntaril,
gone to his assassination.