with curious designs on it.

The Father bowed to the sword.

"You bow to the sword also, my son," he said to Taro. "It is
wonderfully made. It commands respect."

Taro bowed to the sword.

Then his Father drew the long blade from the sheath. He turned
the edge carefully toward himself, and away from the Twins. "I
want you to see this sword, Taro," he said, "for some time it
will be yours, because you are my oldest son."

"Whose was it?" asked Taro.

"It was your Grandfather's sword," his Father answered, "and you
are old enough now to know what it means. I want you to remember
what I say to you as long as you live.

"Your Grandfather was a gentleman, a Samurai of Japan. This was
the sword he always wore. Many years ago there was trouble in
Japan, and to help the Emperor, all the great dukes in the
kingdom gave up their dukedoms. The Samurai also gave up their
honorable positions in the service of these dukes, and became
common citizens.

"Then your Grandfather put away his sword. Years after, when he
was old, he gave it to me. But I do not wear it either, although
I too am of the Samurai, and the sword is their badge of honor.