"And did you bethink you to inquire whether the--person--had already followed her to this country?" Tetsujo's eyes rolled fearfully. He found no ready words. "My Lord--my Lord--" he gasped. "You now perceive, Tetsujo, there are better things for a man to do with his wits than ignite them, and, with the burning bits, play a foolish jugglery. Our first concern is to find out whether or not that man is here." Tetsujo bowed over to hide his chagrin. "Your wisdom is that of D[=o]-ku and Benkei Sama in one," he murmured. Hagané stuffed and lighted a small pipe. "When you met your daughter on the hatoba at Yokohama were there young males of the party?" "Hai, master. I recall now two strange and alert ones who appeared to be young." "Was one of a pink color, like buds of a kaido bloom, and eyes a deep-blue color?" "All were red and hideous. The one who tried to speak with me had rice-straw on his head in place of decent hair." "Ah," said Hagané, puffing at his pipe. "Yes, your Highness, and in our conversation she informed me that the Todds were well aware of her shameful passion, and that the women upheld it." Silence fell between the men. Tetsujo bit his finger-nails in his impatience. "In three more days," began the other, slowly, "Mr. Todd will be formally presented to his Sacred Majesty; after that ceremony he will not, I think, permit his women to aid Yuki in a marriage which is against your wishes and--mine." Onda gave a joyful start. "Wait," said Hagané, "there is more to be said; I must take a moment's counsel with myself." At these words he fell into a reverie so profound that his spirit seemed to be absent from his breathing body. Tetsujo controlled himself as best he could. The whole affair was galling to his pride. He resented even Hagané's knowing of the indignity; yet he had no recourse but Hagané. The rain-water, trickling with a sound of dull clinking coins down the tin corner-spouts, irritated him to madness. He hated the little wet sparrows who sat up under the eaves and exchanged uncomplimentary remarks about the weather. Hagané's power of concentration was in itself reproof and another source of irritation. The great man came to himself without a start. "Listen, Onda Tetsujo, I will offer advice, but it must be taken entire. I will have no variation, mind you, or personal addition." "I shall receive it humbly, on my head," grumbled the kerai. Hagané controlled a smile. "Upon your return, treat the maiden gently. Defiance is her best armor. We must not be harsh. Win her confidence by renewed kindnesses. If possible, bend your haughty will to the point of expressing regret for this morning's anger." "Excuse myself to a woman--to my own daughter!" "I shall not insist upon that point. I said only if it were possible. Some things are not possible, even to a Buddha." "And this is even such," cried Tetsujo.