"There is no second way whereby to show

The love of Fatherland, Whether one stand,

A soldier under arms, against the foe,

Or stay at home a peaceful citizen,

The way of loyalty is still the same."


The Father's voice was very solemn as he said this verse.

The Twins were quite still as he wrapped the sword in its silken
coverings and put it back again on the high shelf.

This was a long time for Take to be quiet, but she was thinking.
When their Father had locked the Kura and they were on their way
to the house with the picture of the birds, she said to him,
"Father, am I not a child of the Samurai, too?"

"Yes, my daughter," her Father answered, "but you are a girl. It
is not your fault, little one," he added kindly. "We cannot all
be boys, of course. But to the keeping of the Sons is given the
honor of the Family. It is a great trust."

"Don't I do anything at all for the honor of my Family?" asked
Take.

"When you are grown up you will marry and live with your