When he reached the street he found it difficult to pass, and in consequence ran close to the moving column and toward Kinsan. Coming almost within reach of her he ran against an officer--who followed next after her--and before he could fully recover his balance the angered samurai whipped out his long sword and struck him a blow that felled him; and not being satisfied with this punishment he made a thrust at the prostrate man and ran him through to the ground. Fortunately Okyo had followed close after, and upon reaching his helpless master he threw himself in front and personally suffered the tramping and jeering of the curious crowds--he was too grieved and thoughtless to offer any other relief, and lay there face downward, pulling at the soiled clothing and crying, "Shibusawa! Shibusawa!" They had not remained in that situation long, however, till the lord daimyo of Kanazawa himself marched up--his carriers stumbling in an effort to pass the stricken Shibusawa and his faithful watch--when Okyo cried out as before the name of his master. Maido, only too accustomed to hearing this same distressing cry, would have gone by without heed had he not unmistakably distinguished the name of his son. He listened and heard it again, distinctly recognising Oyko's voice. Without waiting to call a halt he swung open the door, and to the amazement of all leaped to the ground. Divining the full situation the lord daimyo quickly threw himself at the side of his almost lifeless boy, and raising him in his arms called for water. After reviving him, and making a hasty examination of the wound, Maido ordered attendants to place Shibusawa in the chair and hasten with him to his own home. CHAPTER IV COURSE DETERMINED Kinsan had fortunately turned toward her companions and did not see any of the cruelty of the officer who so hastily invoked his authority. Her sudden exchange of glances with Shibusawa was unobserved by the rest of the party, and as they resumed their going Kinsan continued in her former happy mood, betraying only now and then a slight flush, or an indifferent far-away look. Though she was deeply impressed she had not attached any particular significance to the strange meeting, and had no thought of its being even the second time other than accidental.