Note 8 — Chapter XLI · THE RESTORATION

It was a fortunate circumstance that Okyo was near at hand when Shibusawa fell, for though the thrust was not a vital one, it was dangerously near the heart and occasioned considerable loss of blood and much weakness. The blow had so stunned him that he lay unconscious and not only in the way of those marching, but subject to the cuffs and kicks of his fellows, who were profuse in their cries of, “Shame be upon the etas![8] He insulted his honourable superior!” However, Okyo’s faithfulness and the father’s coming saved him, while proper treatment and a vigorous constitution soon effected his complete recovery.