to rapid flight. The hero at once pursued them to the seashore.
The peasant seemed to be amazed at this sudden attack.
"Your honour," he cried, "you are in great danger! You must not stay here any longer! Hasten, I implore you, to my village! Come with us! We will be your guides! We will go first, and show you the way."
Chōbei and the priest took a few steps forward. Hidéyoshi promptly seized the opportunity, and cut down the priest from behind.
"Villain!" he roared, "you cannot deceive me! I recognize you as Mitsuhidé's retainer Shiōden!"
It was useless for Shiōden to conceal his identity any longer, so the hero, who was impersonating the peasant, turned round and threw off his disguise.
"Your shrewdness fills me with admiration, Hidéyoshi," he said. "You have said truly, that I am Shiōden. I regret that my attempt to lure you to destruction has failed, but I intend, nevertheless, to let you sample the sharpness of my sword."
As he spoke he unsheathed a sword, which he
