Soaked and chilled, Tomotoda tied his horse's reins Soaked and chilled, Tomotada tied horse's to a willow and knocked at the door. It opened. "Come in, young sir," said the old man who stood in the doorway. "Come in out of the storm. Green Willow will see to your horse. Tomotada turned and saw a cloaked figure lead- ing his horse to shelter. He stepped inside. A hot bath took the chill from his bones. Dressed in dry clothes, Tomotada sat down to a steaming meal prepared by the old man's wife. The door opened and a cold, wet wind blew in. "My daughter said his host, "Green Willow Shyly the figure removed the wet cloak. Tomotada's heart skipped. The girl was beautiful, graceful as her namesake, the willow Tomotada forgot his dinner. He forgot his mis sion. He could think only of Green Willow. Late into the night Tomotada sat and talked with the old couple and with Green Willow. Green Willow's voice seemed as soft and sweet as the rustling of willow leaves to Tomotada. The turn of her neck, the lifting of her hands and arms were as graceful, as beautiful to him as he swaying of a young willow in a spring breeze. At last Tomotada lay down to sleep Outside, the wind moving through the leaves of