him, and thus, as he was by nature strong and active, soon became a
good swordsman.

One day, when Shôzayémon had gone out, his son Shônosuké said to
Tsunéhei--

"You know how fond my father is of playing at football: it must be
great sport. As he has gone out to-day, suppose you and I have a
game?"

"That will be rare sport," answered Tsunéhei. "Let us make haste and
play, before my lord comes home."

So the two boys went out into the garden, and began trying to kick the
football; but, lacking skill, do what they would, they could not lift
it from the ground. At last Shônosuké, with a vigorous kick, raised
the football; but, having missed his aim, it went tumbling over the
wall into the next garden, which belonged to one Hikosaka Zempachi, a
teacher of lance exercise, who was known to be a surly, ill-tempered
fellow.

"Oh, dear! what shall we do?" said Shônosuké. "We have lost my
father's football in his absence; and if we go and ask for it back
from that churlish neighbour of ours, we shall only be scolded and
sworn at for our pains."

"Oh, never mind," answered Tsunéhei; "I will go and apologize for our
carelessness, and get the football back."

"Well, but then you will be chidden, and I don't want that."