"There are two exits, master," said Sado,--"one which opens into a hut occupied by a fisherman, on the shores of the Yedogava; the other, into my wife's house. For, as I told you, I have married a charming young girl, whom I loved." "What will become of her if you die?" "I leave her in your care, my lord." "Make all your arrangements in regard to her at once," said the Prince. "I too may be killed, and not return; my treasury is at your discretion." "Thanks, generous Prince," said Sado, kneeling at Nagato's feet. "Have you any further commands?" "You will give the Shogun the letter which I am about to write." The Prince took a sheet of paper made from the fibre of the bamboo, and decorated with blossoming bind-weed, and wrote rapidly:-- "MASTER,--If they tell you that I have changed my mind, and have gone to my estates, do not believe it, but let them say so still. "IWAKURA." He handed the note to Sado. "Now," said he, "hide yourself an instant behind that screen, that no one may see us together. When I have gone, you will proceed according to my orders." "May happiness go with you!" said Sado, concealing himself. "Thanks for the wish," said the Prince, sighing. He drew aside a panel, and called Loo. The little servant hastened in. He was dressed like an artisan's child, but had put his sword in his girdle. He helped his master to don a costume without any ornament; then the Prince, opening a box, wrapped in his sash a considerable sum of money. "Now let us be off," said he, approaching the staircase. Loo looked at the open trap-door, without showing the least surprise. A lighted lantern stood on the upper step. He took the lantern, and began to descend; the Prince followed him, and closed the trap-door. They then went down fifty steps, and found themselves in a small square chamber, very damp and cold, which had two outlets. "In which direction shall we go, master?" asked Loo, looking at the diverging paths. The Prince paused to take his bearings; then said: "To the right." They entered the narrow corridor, supported here and there by large upright posts of black wood, and walked for about half an hour; they then reached the foot of a staircase, up which they climbed. This flight of steps led to the one room of a fisher's hut. "Here we are," said Nagato, gazing about him. The room was deserted, and almost empty; some few blackened nets formed a sort of drapery upon the walls; in one corner a light boat was laid on its side. "It's not beautiful here," said Loo, with a scornful air. The door was fastened on the inside with an iron bar. Nagato raised it, and slid the panel aside in its groove.