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AMUESTED AND IN PSISON. 239
" Anything else ? "
" Yes, master; but I am afraid to tell you."
" Never fear ;
let me know all."
" Well, the interpreter said that there was also a
bundle of letters and private papers, and that one
of them was a poem of yours ; they mentioned your
name, Okuma, as composer."
" Did they say anything else about me ? "
" Pardon me, master."
" Speak on, Kichibe'i."
"They said you were an accomplice of Mr. Noge"'s,
and that you would be arrested. Now, master, hide
yourself in the house ; my friend is trusty and true,
and will aid you to escape. Don't go to Yedo."
" nor will I
" Never fear for me," said Okuma ;
long endanger your friend. Take these five rios for
your trouble, go back to the inn and to your old
place,
and think no more of me unless I send for
you ; then be faithful as you have been."
"
Thanks, master. Let me serve you if I can."
Two weeks later, and Yokohama returned tem-
porarily to its former insignificance, except
for the
treaty-house still standing. The Americans' great
black ships had vanished. Little children came out
from the village to seek relics of the foreigners'
visit. The bay was once more clear of boats, save
junks and fishers' punts, and all went on as before.
But in Yedo three new men were in prison who had
never before known prison bars or prison fare. Their
names were Okuma Ei, Honda Jiro, and Noge" Toro.
On their life, during many months, we draw the veil.