Shibusawa; or, The passing of old JapanAdams, I. William
History
Shibusawa; or, The passing of old Japan
Adams, I. William
Japan -- History -- To 1868 -- Fiction
They sat there and talked and thought of things that were sweet and dear
to them. Only once were they disturbed, and that was shortly after they
had gone there and while they were sitting and dreaming as only true
lovers can. It was just when the light and dark seemed most uncertain
and everything mysteriously told of a parting and welcomed an oncoming.
A cloud lazily floated overhead, turning its golden fringe into a border
of silver. Not a leaf rustled or a note sounded on the hollow air. Not
even they seemed conscious of another living thing, when out of the
stillness there came the unmistakable sound of a man walking rapidly in
a silk kimono.
"Swish, swish, swish," continued grating upon Shibusawa's ear, each time
more distinct, and he half rose to his feet as if ready to bound upon an
enemy. Kinsan caught hold of his kimono and whispered:
"Do not be disturbed. I have heard it before, and I can tell from the
sound just who it is and about where he is walking: he is now on the
by-path not far from the bridge where we last met. If he turns this way
I shall warn you in time so that we can hide in a secret place I have
found out just above this. It is easy of access, and he never could find
us there. It is grown over with an old wisteria and is out of reach of
that one, I am sure."
The man in the by-path continued to walk briskly along, keeping a close
watch on either side. He seemed to be quite nervous and anxious, though
he moved with determination and evinced a fixed purpose. His course led
him around the gulch so far below, and they were so hidden behind the
trees, that they were seldom exposed to his view, yet they themselves
could see and distinguish even the features of any person well impressed
upon the memory. The intruder did not pause until he had reached the
footbridge, where only a short time before Shibusawa and Kinsan had met,
and then he stopped and looked as if expecting to see someone. Once he
stared momentarily straight toward the cave, and had he been aware of
such a place he might have distinguished the two sitting there only
partially shielded by the bushes. Shibusawa as it was had the advantage,
and looked the stranger directly in the face. He trembled, then leaned
forward and stared intently.
"Pray do not be alarmed," said Kinsan, in a low voice, already divining
his keen interest. "Even though he see us and should come this way we
are yet safe. My hiding-place will not fail me."
"If I mistake not," answered Shibusawa, "we shall have no need for
hiding--I have at least a more satisfactory thought."
"Oh, no, honourable sir, we must not be seen by him!" said Kinsan,
nervously. "He is such a terrible man; and very powerful and brave, they
say. If he should discover me here, and at this hour, and in the company
of a man--oh, how late it is getting! I think I must be going."
"Then you know him, do you?" asked Shibusawa, quickly and interestedly,
though speaking in an undertone.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account