IV
Kokusenya and Tei Shiryō met at the foot of Mount Sekiheki, and they immediately set out for General Kanki's castle, where they arrived at nightfall. The fort was stronger than any they had ever seen or heard of. The stone ramparts were of a great height, and the moat was so deep that the water was of a dark-blue colour. Here and there within the parapet, catapults had been placed ready to shoot stones and arrows at a moment's notice. Kokusenya walked up to the gate and cried aloud: "Ho there! Here is one who wishes to speak with His Excellency General Kanki. Open the gate!"
The sentries replied: "His Excellency General Kanki has been away since yesterday at the Court of His Majesty the great King of Tartary. We do not know when he will be back. But let us tell you, that even if he were at home, it would be unpardonable presumption for a stranger to demand an interview with him,—especially at night. Let us hear your business, and we will de-
385
