going to the enemy's camp, I killed Lord Atsumori, a young Taira General."
Sagami was taken aback at hearing these words. Fuji-no-Kata had overheard this, and rushed forth with a drawn dagger.
"Prepare for death, enemy of my son," she cried, stabbing at Naozané.
The surprised hero caught the lady by the arm.
"Who are you?" he roared with a look of fury, "that call me 'enemy.'"
"Oh, my husband," said his wife. "Be more courteous. This lady is Madame Fuji-no-Kata."
Naozané, amazed, leaped back and made a low obeisance to Fuji-no-Kata. The lady burst into tears.
"Although you killed him in battle," she said, "it was cruel of you to take the life of a mere stripling like my son, Naozané"—she raised her dagger again—"Sagami, assist me in my stroke of revenge!"
"Wait just a moment, madame," said Sagami, with an anxious look. "I am sure, my husband, that you had some profound reason for killing Lord Atsumori, of whose birth you are well-informed. Pray tell us your reason, as quickly as you can."
