He did not deign to answer her, though his strong frame trembled as an ungoverned rage leaped to the fore and grew within him. For Nehachibana he had no compassion; nothing but regret. He mourned his lost son, and waxed hot with anger. "She shall die, and that by the saw!" said he, in a half-crazed undertone. "No, no; give me the chance; I'll devise a torment!" said Nehachibana, quickly. "You? And why you?" Nehachibana stared blankly. She did not comprehend. She had no answer. He looked at her and for the first time realised the truth. He knew in a moment the awful consequences of his life. He would then have recalled Kinsan, but the loss of his only son was more than he could bear; without a thought of further inquiry he believed her guilty; if not of murder then of unfaithfulness, and according to his code either gave sufficient cause; her punishment must follow as the only lawful consequence. Thus he parted with Nehachibana without further denial or assurance, and she felt happy and satisfied with her revenge; and when Daikomitsu called the next evening, she made haste to express her delight, offering no pretence of shielding Kinsan's wicked fate. The prime minister was shocked at her lack of feeling, and listened to her with astonishment; she did not stop with revelling at Kinsan's sorrow, but lauded the infant of whom she knew her husband to be the father, and flattered herself at the thought of its highborn mother. Daikomitsu sat dumfoundered and full of pity until his informant volunteered to disclose the name of Sodachinojoi's mother, then he started and with frightened voice said: "Nehachibana! You must cease gabbling." "A-h-!" said she, with a drawled accent. "Promise me that you will never again mention Takara's name. Will you do this much for me?" said he nervously. She snapped her fingers fiercely, and without taking her eyes away said, slowly: "I shall not speak her name again." Daikomitsu knew that her promise would never be broken, and went his way somewhat relieved, yet overwhelmed; for he also knew that what she related as a fact must likewise be true--such an one never mistaking a truth or breaking a promise, when made or known. Nor was he alone shocked at the revelation of Takara's dreadful secret; he felt equally pained at Kinsan's misfortune. The former he would take time to consider, but the latter he should right at once; else suffer a great wrong to befall not only her, but Nehachibana and Tetsutaisho as well. On the following day the prime minister sent post-haste for Tetsutaisho, asking him to come at once to his house, then approaching him kindly, advised that he forego so severe a punishment, at least until time should make its justice certain. "And you would also interfere with our private affairs? What next may not a gentleman expect? Pray tell me," said Tetsutaisho rather sarcastically.