"No, it is impossible!" suddenly exclaimed the Shogun. "I cannot see their blood flow; I cannot see them die; let me be the first to expire!" CHAPTER XXXI. THE FUNERAL PILE. "No one shall die!" suddenly shouted a voice, as Fide-Yori turned his blade against himself. The Prince of Nagato appeared on the threshold; Loo stood beside him. "Oh, my brother!" cried the Shogun, rushing towards him, "I did not hope to see you again." "I knew that victory was impossible," said Nagato, "and I was busy preparing means for your escape when your final effort should fail. You are the sole offshoot of your race; you are vanquished now; but later your dynasty may flourish." "Is it really in your power to save us?" said the Shogun. "Yes, master," said Iwakura. "A boat awaits you on the shores of the Yedogawa; it is manned by Raiden, a brave sailor, whose loyalty I know. He will take you out to sea. There a large junk, belonging to the Prince of Satsuma, lies at anchor ready to receive you. As soon as you embark in her she will set sail for the Island of Kiu-Shiu. The lord of Satsuma, the most powerful prince of your kingdom, the most faithful of your subjects, will open his province and his castle to you; there you may live happily with the wife of your choice until the day of vengeance dawns." "I recognize your untiring devotion," said the Shogun, his eyes dim with tears. "But how can I leave the castle,--how pass through the frenzied hordes which surround it,--without being massacred?" "You will leave as I entered," said the Prince, "undisturbed by any one. If you will follow me to my palace," he added, bowing low to the two princesses, "I will show you the road that you must take to quit the fortress." "Prince," said Yodogimi, "your generosity fills me with confusion; I, who have so often striven to injure you, now see how unjust and blind I was. Tell me that you pardon my past errors, or I cannot submit to be saved by you." "I have nothing to forgive, Princess," said Nagato; "it is I who am guilty of the boundless misfortune to have displeased you." "Come, let us begone," said the Shogun, "you can explain yourselves later." They left the hall; Loo walked before. In the outer court of the palace the insignia of Taiko-Sama still burned, forming a mass of smouldering coals. As he passed them, Fide-Yori turned away his head. They reached the Prince of Nagato's dwelling, and entered his chamber. The trap-door leading to the subterranean path by which the brave Sado was wont to gain admittance to the palace was open. "This is the way," said he; "it leads to a fisherman's hut on the banks of the Yedogawa. There Raiden awaits you with the boat. Go; Loo will guide you through this underground road." "What!" cried Fide-Yori, "will you not go with us?" "No, master, I remain here; I have work yet to do." "Are you mad? To linger in this palace, which will soon be entirely overrun! What have you yet to do? You will be unable to escape."