"This unrest must be checked in some way," said he to Ikamon, a day or so before he had fully made up his mind to return to Kyoto. "Why, it is rumoured that even Maido is in some way dissatisfied. Yet I should sooner think it his son, Shibusawa, were he in a position to speak." "I will admit a drag-net might surprise the most sanguine these days--still, Maido is beyond question. When he has proven false, then it is high time for such as you and I to indulge a quicker spirit. In the meantime let us not abstain too much from the liquor--this the golden wine that kissed the wood these forty years or more--and here is to 'longer friendship'," said Ikamon, as he raised the bowl to his own lips, then passed it to his guest. "And a 'better understanding'," answered Daikomitsu, as he emptied the contents and filled again the cup for his host. After this last interview Daikomitsu concluded he had best get away from the scene of his rising popularity, so he immediately returned to Kyoto, where he found Takara anxiously engaged about the daimyos' meeting, which had already been planned. She had talked with Kido and others, and according to her version none had seemed to object and all promised to take part in the proceedings. Just what the plans really were, no one claimed to know or greatly care; nor did she herself apparently have a very clear understanding. It was her maiden effort in politics, and she knew only that something must be done. Perhaps she had been advised by Kido, who was pre-eminently qualified and probably not reluctant. Possibly she took a woman's course, and put in motion all her forces at the first impulse. However that may have been, the call was duly made and all responded. Daikomitsu had in person carried the invitation to Maido, and to make certain his response remained there until proper to go. After the daimyos had assembled, including all the southern sympathisers and many from the north, it soon became apparent that an effort would be made to pledge a united support to a measure intended to expel the foreigners.