The following day the weather continued to be all that could be
desired. The wide courtyard was duly prepared. The centre was enclosed
for the list in the shape of an oblong square, and temporary stands had
been erected all round it to accommodate the spectators; these were
covered with gay carpets and soft cushions which gave colour to the
scene. A dais in the very centre of the gallery on the eastern side
of the lists and at a convenient distance from the target, was richly
decorated with hangings of purple and white silk, which fluttered
gently in the breeze. This was the place of honour for Lord Saitō and
his family.
From early in the morning, samurai after samurai began to arrive at
the castle, and soon every stand was crowded. The lord of the
castle accompanied by his family and attended by a numerous retinue
of councillors, pages, and maids-of-honour, presently appeared, and
in great state seated himself in the place prepared for him. Katsuno,
gaily dressed, her face powdered and painted in the usual fashion, and
the Masamuné dagger concealed in the bosom of her garments, was among
this company, and avoiding the attention of the others, eagerly awaited
her opportunity.
“To-day, or never,” she thought to herself. “If I let such a golden
opportunity pass, I shall never get another! Dearest Hachiya, look at
me from Hades! I will avenge your death before the sun sets!” Then
clasping her hands she murmured a prayer, “Oh, Hachiman, God of War,
favour me with success!”
When those about to take part in the competitions were ready, the
umpire, the herald, the signalman and the registrar, all betook
themselves to their respective stations; a large drum being then loudly
beaten to announce that the tournament was about to begin.
One after another, the archers clad in _kosodé_ (silk underclothes),
_hitataré_ (court robes), and _mukabaki_ (breeches), came forth on
horseback into the lists and rode to and fro, till coming to the
appointed spot from which to aim, they shot their arrows at the
mark. The judge, or umpire, would then after a careful examination
give his decision, the herald would loudly proclaim the name of the
archer and his achievement, while the registrar would make a written
record. Then it was the part of the signalman to announce the event
to the spectators, who raised such shouts of applause that one might
almost fancy the petals of the cherry-blossoms fell in showers from the
vibration in the air.
So archer after archer exhibited his skill, until now it was the turn
of “No. 53” Sakuma Shichiroyemon. Katsuno, who had been impatiently
awaiting her chance, and whose nerves were strained to the utmost,
involuntarily grasped the dagger in her bosom.
Shichiroyemon rode out slowly, but as soon as he had bowed low to his
lord, put spurs to his horse and dashed swiftly forward.
In her nervous excitement Katsuno pushed forward and straightening
herself assumed the attitude necessary to cut at her enemy as he
came up to the dais. In so doing she touched her mistress’s shoulder
and shrank back inadvertently, but the next moment she again pressed
forward and stood ready.
Shichiroyemon galloped up with the speed of lightning, the horse’s mane
touched the railing of the gallery, but before the girl could act was
far out of her reach.
With an exclamation of dismay she stood looking after him.
“What is the matter with you, Katsuno?” said Lady Saitō, displeased at
the want of manners in her favourite maid.