The norimono passed, and the procession ended with a throng of grooms, pages, and banner-bearers, who marched in perfect order and the most profound silence. "Really," said Raiden, rising, and brushing the dust from his knees, "all that is very fine; but I'd rather be a sailor, and walk freely about, without all that cumbersome train." "Be quiet," said another man; "you'll vex the Prince." "I've no doubt he agrees with me," said Raiden; "since, being a prince, he turned sailor." They now reached the nearest village; and before they had time to ask a question, were fully informed in regard to all they wished to know. Several neighboring towns had emigrated to this one. The streets were choked with people, carts, and animals. A tremendous hubbub arose from the mob of men and beasts. The buffaloes bellowed in affright, and crushed one another; the pigs, who were trodden upon, uttered shrill squeals; the women groaned, the children cried; and the story of recent events passed from mouth to mouth. "They've taken Dragon-fly Island." "Opposite Soumiossi, you can see them from the shore. The inhabitants of the island had no time to escape." "They came in three war-junks,--three fine junks gilded in spots, with very tall masts, and flags streaming in every direction." "Are they the Mongols?" asked certain old men, who had a confused remembrance of ancient wars and foreign invasions. "No; it is the Regent, who wants to have the Shogun killed." "How many soldiers landed on the island?" asked Raiden, who had slipped in among the crowd. "Nobody knows; but there were a great many; the junks were full of them." "About fifteen hundred men," thought Raiden. "It's the advance-guard of Hieyas' army," said the Prince of Nagato in a low voice. "If Fide-Yori's troops do not arrive promptly, Osaka is in the utmost danger. Let us put to sea again," he continued; "I have a plan, which, although desperate, may succeed." Before leaving the village, Nagato ordered Raiden to buy a quantity of carpenter's tools. Then they went back to the shore and re-embarked.