“Yet it might not have been required! It is my selfishness that is forcing you to this dreadful decision. At the best I am a condemned man. It is my right to do what little I can to free the House of Owari from blame.”
“The House of Owari stands or falls in honor. To thrust you out as a _ronin_ would stain that honor, and it would rightfully be considered as evidence of weakness. No, brother! There is one chance, and only one, to check the intrigues of Mito.”
I shuddered. “So dreadful a death, Tomo! Could I but take your place!”
“I am _samurai_ bred. It is a privilege to offer one’s life in a great cause. You, I fear, will have the harder task. I shall ask you to perform for me the service of best friend.”
“You will act as my chief second in the ceremony.”
“No! no!” I cried, quivering with horror. “If you cannot be turned from your dreadful sacrifice, let Yuki--but I--the very thought--my God!”
“Yuki is your retainer. I will accept him as my inferior second. You are my friend and equal. I ask you to perform the highest office of friendship.”
“No!” I protested. “The very thought is too terrible! I cannot endure it.”
“The chief second is not always required to act,” he said. “I may have the fortitude to dispense with assistance. Will you not render me this great service of friendship? It is the custom. You will win the gratitude of my father, the grateful respect of the Owari clansmen. Promise me the favor.”
“Tomo! you know how abhorrent to all my Western ideas--”
“It is the highest office of friendship. My brother, you admire the _samurai_ spirit because it is in your blood. No _samurai_ will flinch when duty demands. You are my friend, my kinsman. You will serve me, Worth! With my sword in your hands, I will undertake the ceremony certain of an honorable outcome. Remember, you are now a son of Dai Nippon.”
“I am only a _tojin_. They will call my service a dishonor.”
“You have been received by Iyeyoshi as the equal of Satsuma. I have no other friend. Will you fail me in my need?”
“I speak only of friendship. I will not urge your assent on the ground of consideration for my father. For the sake of Dai Nippon, I went out into your _tojin_ world and returned to die. You chose to return with me, brother. Will you now forsake me in my need?”