E. Griffis:
"It has, until recently, in Japan been the custom for every Samurai to be
named differ-ently In babyhood, boyhood, manhood, or promotion, change of
life, or residence, In commemoration of certain events, or on account of a
vow, or from mere whim."
"What a place for aliases!" interpolated the professional.
"At the birth of a famous warrior," went on Brett, "his mother, having
dreamed that she conceived by the sun, called him Hiyoshi Maro (good sun).
Others dubbed him Ko Chiku (small boy), and afterward Saru Watsu
(monkey-pine)."
He closed the volume.
"This gentleman has twenty other names," he added; "but the foregoing list
will suffice. Doesn't it strike you as odd that the man who struck down
the fifth Hume-Frazer baronet on the spot so fatal to his four
predecessors, should bring from a country given to such name-changes a
cognomen that irresistibly recalls the original enemy of the family, David
Hum"?"
"It Is odd," asserted Winter.
Someone rang, and was admitted.
"Mr. Holden," announced Smith.
CHAPTER XXVII
HOLDEN'S STORY
The long-nosed ex-sergeant entered. His sallow face was browned after his
long journeys and exposure to the Italian sun in midsummer. He was soiled
and travel-stained.
"Excuse my appearance," he said. "I have had no time for even a wash since
this morning.
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