"Hold the sword firmly," said the teacher; "apply it by the point, below the left ribs; be careful that the edge of the blade is turned to the right. Now grasp the hilt in your hand, and bear on with all your strength; then quickly, without moderating your pressure, move your weapon horizontally towards your right side. In this way you will cleave your body in twain according to strict rule." The child went through the motions with such violence that he tore his robe. "Good! good!" exclaimed the Prince of Owari, striking his thighs with his open hands. "The little fellow has plenty of courage!" At the same time he raised his eyes to the women leaning from the balcony, and imparted his impression to them by a sign of the head. "He will be brave and intrepid as his father," said one of them. It was just then that news was brought to the Prince of the appearance of a band of horsemen on the royal road. "Doubtless a neighboring lord coming to visit me incognito," said the Prince; "or else these horsemen are merely passing travellers. At any rate, there is no reason to interrupt the lesson." The teacher then made his pupil repeat the list of incidents which oblige a man of noble race to rip himself open; namely, to incur the displeasure of the Shogun, or receive from him a public reprimand; to disgrace himself; to avenge an insult by slaying its originator; voluntarily or involuntarily to permit the escape of prisoners intrusted to one's care; and innumerable other nice cases. "Add," said the Prince of Owari, "to be wanting in respect to one's father. In my opinion, a son who insults his parents can only expiate that crime by performing hara-kiri." At the same time he cast another look at the women, which meant: "It is well to inspire children with a dread of paternal authority." At this moment a loud noise of horses pawing the pavement was heard in an adjoining court-yard, and an imperious voice called out: "Lift the drawbridge! Close the gates!" The Prince of Owari sprang to his feet. "Who gives orders in my house?" said he. "I!" answered the same voice. And at the same time a group of men entered the second court. "The Regent!" cried the Prince of Owari, falling prostrate. "Rise, friend!" said Hieyas, with a bitter smile; "I have no longer any right to the honors that you render me; I am, for the moment, your equal." "What has happened?" anxiously inquired the Prince. "Dismiss your women," said Hieyas. Owari made a sign; the women disappeared. "Take your brother away, Omiti," said he to the young girl, who had turned terribly pale at the entrance of Hieyas. "Is your daughter's name Omiti?" exclaimed the latter, his face growing suddenly purple. "Yes, master. Why do you ask?" "Call her back, I beg." Owari obeyed. The young girl returned, trembling, and with downcast eyes.