Chap. V. 
FATE OF THE MURDERERS. 
had devoted himself having, however, as we 
have seen, been accomplished. Whether this be 
merely a popular version or the simple truth, it 
serves to prove what is believed to be a likely 
course of action ; and how ready desperate men 
are to sacrifice their lives for an object. The 
officer in command of the guard, who allowed 
his post to be forced, was ordered the next day 
to perform the Harikari on the spot. The rest 
of the story is soon told. All Yedo was thrown 
into commotion. The wardgates were all closed ; 
the whole machinery of the government in spies, 
police, and soldiers, was put in motion, and in a 
few days it was generally believed the whole of 
the eight missing were arrested, and in the hands 
of the torturer. What revelations were wrung 
from them, or whether they were enabled to resist 
the utmost strain that could be put upon their 
quivering flesh and nerve, remains shrouded in 
mystery.” 
Eiding onwards, and keeping the citadel on 
our left, we passed two or three bridges which 
crossed the inner moat, and led into the palace 
and offices of the ministers. These personages 
and their servants may be seen daily going to 
office about nine or ten o’clock in the morning, 
and returning to their homes about four in the 
afternoon, much like what occurs at our own 
public offices. Some walk to office, some ride on 
horseback, and others go in norimons. Almost 
every man we met was armed with two swords. 
