"A Japanese Samurai, or gentleman, in former days carried two swords, one long blade for use against his enemies, and a shorter one for committing suicide if he was beaten or disgraced.

The sword Mr.Hume gave his cousin was a short one, and the knife which accompanied it is called the Ko-Katana, or little sword.

As well as I could understand Mr.Okasaki, a Jap uses this as a pen-knife, and also as a queer sort of visiting-card.

If he slays an enemy he sticks the Ko-Katana between the other fellow's ribs, or into his ear, and leaves it there." "A P.P.C.card, in fact!" "You always have some joke against the P.C.'s," growled the detective.

"I never--" "You have just made a most excellent one yourself.