The man in the by-path continued to walk briskly along, keeping a close watch on either side. He seemed to be quite nervous and anxious, though he moved with determination and evinced a fixed purpose. His course led him around the gulch so far below, and they were so hidden behind the trees, that they were seldom exposed to his view, yet they themselves could see and distinguish even the features of any person well impressed upon the memory. The intruder did not pause until he had reached the footbridge, where only a short time before Shibusawa and Kinsan had met, and then he stopped and looked as if expecting to see someone. Once he stared momentarily straight toward the cave, and had he been aware of such a place he might have distinguished the two sitting there only partially shielded by the bushes. Shibusawa as it was had the advantage, and looked the stranger directly in the face. He trembled, then leaned forward and stared intently.
"Pray do not be alarmed," said Kinsan, in a low voice, already divining his keen interest. "Even though he see us and should come this way we are yet safe. My hiding-place will not fail me."
"If I mistake not," answered Shibusawa, "we shall have no need for hiding--I have at least a more satisfactory thought."
"Oh, no, honourable sir, we must not be seen by him!" said Kinsan, nervously. "He is such a terrible man; and very powerful and brave, they say. If he should discover me here, and at this hour, and in the company of a man--oh, how late it is getting! I think I must be going."
"Then you know him, do you?" asked Shibusawa, quickly and interestedly, though speaking in an undertone.
"Oh, yes; I know him well," said she, without any hesitancy.
"And he is seeking you here? and now? I shall meet him forthwith."
"Aha, and I am so nicely trapped!" said he, meditatively.
She did not answer him, for the reason that she did not understand him, and without so doing there was no occasion for an answer. He said nothing, but sat for the moment alternating between rage and jealousy. He looked at the burly form on the bridge, then at Kinsan. He thought of his love, then of his wounding. He at first determined to accuse her and fly at his antagonist, but afterwards reasoned that there was nothing to be gained by haste, and also that possibly he might be misinformed, if not entirely wrong.
