Ch3-Basho

CHAPTER THREE Basho The three samurai turned to the man with the walking stick. "You know them, Master?" one asked. "Yes, of course," the man said. "This boy and girl are Baku and Koto, my best students."

"Hi, Master!" said Annie, pretending she knew who the man was. "We couldn't find the bridge, so we—uh— we—" "We came here to look for you," said Jack. "And now you have found me," said the man. "I am sorry you were frightened by my friends." The samurai put away his sword. "Forgive me," he said, bowing before Jack and Annie.

"Sure, no problem," said Annie. The samurai turned to the small man. "We will leave you with your students now," he said. "Thank you, Most Honored Master, for your visit with us today." All three warriors bowed deeply before the man. Then they walked away.

Why did the samurai call the small man "Most Honored Master"? Jack wondered. When the samurai were gone, the man turned to Jack and Annie. His eyes twinkled. "I believe you are safe now," he said. "Thanks," said Annie. "But I'm afraid we're not Baku and Koto." "No, you are not," said the man. "But you are not spies, either, are you?" "No," said Jack. "I did not think so," said the man. "That is why I thought you needed my help."

"Thank you," said Jack. "You are most welcome," said the man. "Now perhaps you will tell me who you really are, and how you came to be here in the Imperial Garden." "Our names are Jack and Annie," said Jack. "And we—" He paused. It seemed impossible to explain: Teddy and Kathleen's visit, Merlin's sorrow, Morgan's research book. "We came here to search for a secret of happiness," said Annie. The man smiled. "I believe that is something we all seek," he said. "But you must be very careful, Jack and

Annie. The shogun does not allow foreigners into our country. If you do not have passports, you could be caught and punished." "We know," said Annie. "What should we do?" "Perhaps you should travel with me today," said the man. "You can continue to be my students, Baku and Koto." "Good plan!" said Jack. "You must remember, seek harmony with your surroundings," said the man. "Observe the people of Edo and do as they do. If you do not stand out, you will not be noticed by the samurai."