“How do you _happen_ to be in these parts? Have you come to live here?”
“That is a long story,” said O-Tora in an agitated manner. “I can’t
tell it in a few words. I cannot stop to tell you to-day, but I will
come again soon when I have more time to spare and tell you all about
it. Now I must say Good-bye.”
“Where are you staying?”
“Not far from here ... but I’ll come again soon.... Good-bye!”
And she hurried away. Katsuno stood gazing after her retreating figure
with an expression of mingled wonder and doubt, when suddenly from the
grove of maples an arrow whizzed past and grazing her sash pierced the
_shōji_ of the samurai’s rooms. Instantly an uproar arose, but before
anything could be done another arrow whistled through the still air.
Quick to think and act, Katsuno flung herself on to the ground but her
maid, too much alarmed to move, stood upright where she was.
By this time the young samurai had rushed forth with loud shouts.
“The villain is hiding behind the maples,” cried Katsuno. “Do not let
him escape, quick, quick!”
With drawn swords the party dashed into the grove, scattering the red
leaves as they pushed through.