I saw a ghostly change beginning in the pirate's face. Inch by inch something crept over it like a veil as life ebbed away. Then he fell in a crumpled heap upon the carpet. The Japanese looked down at him without a change in his dreadful stony glare. Then he bent down and pulled the limp form out straight, turning it with its face downwards. He drew the sword and lifted it high above his head. As it gleamed I shut my eyes.... When I looked again, sick with the sickness of death itself, the figure in the yellow robe had raised both arms above its head. The sleeves had slipped away and the coils of muscle stood out upon the brown flesh. Danjuro's lips were parted. He seemed to be speaking rapidly to something above him. His whole face was irradiated with joy, and the sword in his right hand shone like a tall flame. He remained there for some little time. Then he lowered his arms, and taking a square of purple silk from his breast, he cleansed the sword, and I knew what he was going to do. He placed the jewelled hilt upon the carpet and adjusted the point at his waist, steadying the blade with his left hand. Then, with a loud cry, as if of exaltation, he fell heavily forward.... He had gone to his own place in the way appointed to the Heroes of Old Japan. THE END PRINTED AT THE CHAPEL RIVER PRESS KINGSTON, SURREY. PATERNOSTER HOUSE, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. _July, 1919_. ADVERTISEMENTS Messrs. HURST & BLACKETT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NEW BOOKS _FOR THE AUTUMN OF 1919_ An Important Book By HARRY FURNISS My Bohemian Days With over 120 illustrations from original and characteristic drawings by this famous artist. _In one volume, demy cloth_, +16s.+ _net_. As a famous caricaturist and humorous artist the author has intimate knowledge of the life of which he writes. He knew Bohemia from the inside, and was closely associated with many of the interesting people who are introduced into his book. He carries his humour into his writing, and there are numbers of good stories to help him. The book not only makes enjoyable reading, but it also throws a good deal of light on a number of well-known characters in the world of Bohemia and the atmosphere in which they lived. The many drawings by the author which illustrate the book are a special feature, and greatly add to its interest. _A New Volume of the famous_ Memoirs of William Hickey Edited by ALFRED SPENCER _In demy 8vo, cloth gilt_, +15s.+ _net_.