It caused him to forget the matter of his grandson's wooing and his proposed appeal to the Shiuana in behalf of Okoya, and to look forward to the momentous time, four days hence, when his mind would become enlightened on the impending danger.

All his thoughts were henceforth with the council and the object for which it was to be held.

He looked forward to it with sadness and even with fear.
It was clear to him that the hour of that council must become an evil hour in the annals of his people..