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66 HONDA THE SAMUEAL
nanuahi, or mayor, had taken charge of his letterstick
and packet of dispatches, and had the wounded
man taken to the inn. By having his feet warmed
at the fire, and his head cooled by bandages of thick
porous paper wet with sakS, or rice-wine, he was
slowly recovering consciousness. The master Rai,
as an officer of the lord of Echizen, bade the people
make way, and sent Uhe'i to announce to the mayor
his presence, while he entered the inn. The man of
office appearing promptly, fell on hands and knees,
noisily sucked in his breath, and with tremendous
politeness began profuse salutations and apologies
for not meeting his honor at the village
He wound up by pressing his eminence to
hut and
entrance.
enter his
" rest on the miserable floor."
The master with a few words expressed his thanks,
and stating that he was traveling privately, put the
mayor at his ease at once. Both entered the rooms
where- the village physician had, by his unremitting
efforts, restored the mail-runner to his wits and
tongue. The man at once luck.
began
to bemoan his ill-
"Alas, alas! my employer promised me double
wages and a keg of sak if I should make the run
from Tsuruga to Takelu in an hour less than my
usual time, which is better than any runner at the
relay. Now, instead of winning, I shall be laid up
"
for a week. Oh ! my head !
he fell back on
Again
the padded quilt insensible.
" Let me see the dispatch," said the master.
The packet, wrapped in glazed paper made water-