"I have heard all," said the voice,--"your refusal to accede to the wishes of the Regent, whom you suffered to be insulted before your very eyes by the Prince of Nagato, whose impudence is truly incomparable; and the rare patience of Hieyas, who did not take up the insult from respect for you, from pity for him whom you believe to be your friend, in your ignorance of men." Nagato recognized the speaker as the Shogun's mother, the beautiful and haughty Yodogimi. "Mother," said the Shogun, "turn your thoughts to embroidery and dress: that is woman's sphere." Nagato entered hurriedly, that he might not longer be an unsuspected listener. "My gracious master asked for me," he said. Yodogimi turned and blushed slightly on seeing the Prince, who bowed low before her. "I have something to say to you," said the Shogun. "Then I will retire," said Yodogimi bitterly, "and go back to my embroidery." She crossed the room slowly, rustling her trailing silken robes, and casting as she went out a singular look at Nagato, compounded of coquetry and hate. "You heard my mother," said Fide-Yori. "Yes," said Nagato. "Every one is anxious to detach me from you, my friend: what can be their motive?" "Your mother is blinded by some calumny," said the Prince; "the others see in me a clear-sighted foe, who can outwit the plots which they contrive against you." "It was of a plot I wished to speak to you." "Against your life?" "Precisely. It was revealed to me in a strange fashion, and I can scarcely credit it; yet I cannot resist a certain feeling of uneasiness. To-morrow, at the feast of the God of the Sea, a bridge will give way beneath me." "Horrible!" cried Nagato. "Do not go to the feast." "If I stay away," said Fide-Yori, "I shall never know the truth, for the plot will not be carried out. But if I go to the feast," he added with a smile, "if the conspiracy really exist, the truth would be somewhat difficult of proof." "To be sure," said Nagato. "Still, our doubts must be set at rest; some means must be found. Is your route fixed?" "Hieyas has arranged it." Fide-Yori took a roll of paper from a low table and read:-- "Yedogava Quay, Fishmarket Square, Sycamore Street, seashore. Return by Bamboo Hill and Swallow bridge. "The wretches!" cried Iwakura; "that is the bridge swung across the valley!" "The place would be well chosen indeed," said the Shogun. "It must be that bridge; those crossing the countless city canals would not expose you to death by crumbling under your feet, but at the utmost to a disagreeable bath." "True," said Fide-Yori; "and from the Swallow bridge I should be hurled upon the rocks." "Have you full trust in my friendship for you?" asked the Prince of Nagato, after a moment's thought. "Can you doubt it, Iwakura?" said the Shogun. "Very well, then. Fear nothing, feign complete ignorance, let them lead the way, and march straight up to the bridge. I have thought of a way to save you, and yet discover the truth."