The sun had set, night drew rapidly near; but the sky was still empurpled, the river blood-red. A few large boats were visible, moored near the bank; other vessels were coming back from sea. The sailors took in the sails of woven reeds; the sound of the ring as it slipped down the mast was heard distinctly. A few fishermen climbing the steep steps from the water, and dragging their dripping nets, returned slowly to their homes. Already the big rectangular lanterns were lighted before the tea-shops; a joyous clamor began to rise from their gardens and open halls. The Prince, followed by Loo, turned towards the largest of these establishments; but to his great surprise, when he entered the balcony, already crowded with people, he was greeted with enthusiastic shouts. "It is my worthy Sado who wins me this popularity," he thought. "His highness! his highness!" was the cry. "Bring saki! open fresh casks! The Daimio wants every man to get drunk!" "We will! we will! So drunk that we can't tell the moon from the sun." "But we want plenty of saki,--plenty, plenty! Then we can sing the ancient song of 'Dainogon-Ootomo'." They shouted this song in chorus:-- "Is there aught on earth more precious than saki? If I were not a man, I would fain be a tun." Upon this a sailor, naked to the waist, with a broad, unprepossessing face, approached the Prince. "We will drink by and by," said he. "The last time we met, you cut my cheek open with your fist. I'd like to break a rib or two for you; after that we shall be friends." "Do you know whom you're talking to?" cried Loo indignantly, rushing upon the man of the people. The latter pushed him off; but the child seized his arm, and bit it till the blood came. The sailor yelled with pain. "The fellow's a regular wolf!" he shrieked. And he fell upon Loo with clenched fists; but the Prince grasped him by the wrists. "Let that child alone," said he; "I will fight you if you like. What is your name?" "Don't you know?" "I've forgotten." "A prince may easily forget a common sailor's name," was the shout from all sides. "His name is Raiden, like the God of Storms." "Very well, Raiden," said Nagato; "let us fight since you bear me a grudge." "First set me free," said Raiden, who struggled in vain to release himself. The Prince loosed his hold. The sailor, clenching his fists, glared at his opponent for one moment, then sprang upon him; but Nagato, by a single sudden and violent motion, sent him rolling on the floor, amidst a great crash of broken china, among the cups and bottles ranged upon the ground. All the spectators burst out laughing. "Now you're satisfied," they said. "You have done more than a kobang's worth of damage; if the Prince doesn't pay, you'll have to sell a good many fish to settle the bill." "I will pay," said the Prince. "But speak, Raiden, do you wish to continue the fight?"