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ABOUT TOSHITSUNE. 141
being still suspicious, he put a great many questions
to them, most of which were answered satisfactorily.
When any of his band was in danger of being
confused or detected, Benkel made answer for them,
or adroitly parried the queries. Finally, tired of
cross-questioning, the officer applied the severest test
of their true character.
" '
If, as you say, you are collecting money, then,
of course, you have an eloquent
address to read to
the people.'
" This the officer said with a stern look, thinking
that BenkeM. was now surely his victim,
if an
impostor.
"Now, as a matter of fact, Benkdi had nothing
of the sort about him ; but ever ready with his
tongue, he put his hand in his bosom, drew out his
wallet, and opened a sheet of blank paper. Then
standing up with pompous dignity, and pretending
to read from it in a loud and clerical voice, there
flowed from his glib tongue an eloquent appeal,
telling how the holy temple had been burned and still
lay in ashes. Unless money were liberally forthcoming
the sacred edifice could not be rebuilt ;
for
the honor of their sect and the safety of their souls
the faithful believers ought to respond freely with
money to rebuild it and
; finally, every aid should be
afforded the mendicant friars while on their errand
of benevolence, etc.
" So eloquent was the address and so learned the
language, that the guards were utterly overcome.
The soldiers, who had stood behind the barrier or