PART II

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| TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES |

| |

| Accents and diacritical marks have generally been |

| standardised. Where there is a single instance of a word |

| with an accent, and one without, no change has been made |

| to the original (e.g. Shigenari/Shigénari, Uesugi/Uésugi). |

| |

| The letter o with a macron is represented as o[u]. |

| The letter u with a macron is represented as u[u]. |

| The letter e with a macron is represented as e[e]. |

| |

| Kanji and hiragana characters in the original book are |

| shown enclosed in square brackets: for example, [sara]. |

| |

| The italicisation of Japanese words has been standardised. |

| |

| Hyphenation and capitalisation has been standardised. |

| |

| Punctuation and obvious printer's errors have been |

| corrected. For a complete list, please see the bottom |

| of this document. |

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[Illustration: EDO WAN (TOKYO BAY)]

LEGEND.

The outline of the map is that found in Volume I. of the Edo Sunago,

published Keio 2nd year (1866). The detail of district maps found in the

book is worked in, together with that from the sectional map of Edo

published Ansei 4th year (1857), and from the Go Edo Zusetsu Shu[u]ran

published Kaei 6th year (1853). The map therefore shows in rough outline

the state of the city just before the removal of the capital from

Kyo[u]to; the distribution of the castes.

The Pre-Tokugawa villages (Eiroku: 1558-1569) indicated on the map found

in the "Shu[u]ran" are:--

North and South Shinagawa: Meguro-Motomura: Gin-Mitamura: Mitamura:

O[u]nemura: Upper and Lower Shibuya: Harajuku-mura: Kokubunji: Azabu:

Kawaza Ichi: O[u]zawa-mura: Imai-mura: Sendagaya: Yamanaka-mura:

Ichigaya: Ushigome: Kobiko-mura: Upper and Lower Hirakawa-mura: Ochiya:

Sekihon: Ikebukuroya: Tomizaka-mura: Ishibukero-mura: Tanibaragaike:

Neruma-mura: Okurikyo[u]: Nakarai-mura: Koishikawa: Zoshigayatsu:

O[u]ji: Shimura: Takinogawa: Kinsoboku-mura: Harajuku-mura (II.):

Komegome-mura: Taninaka-mura: Shimbori-mura: Mikawajima-mura:

Ashigahara-mura: Haratsuka: Ishihama-mura: Senju[u]-mura: Suda-mura:

Sumidagawa: Yanagijima: Jujo[u]-mura: Itabashi: Sugamo-mura: Arakawa

(river): Kandagawa pool (_ike_): Kanda-mura: Shibasaki-mura:

Shin-Horima-mura: Yushima-mura: Shitaya-mura: Torigoe-mura:

Shirosawa-mura: Asakusa-mura: Harai-mura: Some-Ushigome: Ishiwara:

Kinoshitagawa: Ubagaike (pool): Negishi-mura: Kinsoki-mura: Kameido-mura

(near Ueno): Shinobazu-ike (pool).

From South to North circling by the West.

Shinagawa: Mita-mura: Takanawa:

Near Imai-mura is a Myo[u]jin shrine, close by the

mouth of the present Akabane river.

Ikura: Hibiya: Tsukiji: Tsukuda: Tame-ike (pool): Tsukuda Myo[u]jin:

Ota's castle: Sanke-in: Hirakawa-mura: Sakurada-mura: Honju[u]-mura:

O[u]tamage-ike: Kametaka-mura. To the East.

77 villages, total.

Pronounce as in Italian, giving vowels full value: ch- as in "church."

[NIROKUDO[U] ISSUES]

TALES OF THE TOKUGAWA II

BAKÉMONO YASHIKI

(THE HAUNTED HOUSE)

RETOLD FROM THE JAPANESE ORIGINALS

BY

JAMES S. DE BENNEVILLE

"Woman's greatest need,

The base of all governance,

Is governance; Seldom found,

And rarely applied."--_Seishin_

YOKOHAMA

1921

PREFACE

In 1590 A.D. the Ho[u]jo[u] were overthrown at Odawara by the Taiko[u]

Hidéyoshi, and the provinces once under their sway were intrusted to his

second in command, Tokugawa Iyeyasu. This latter, on removing to the

castle of Chiyoda near Edo, at first paid main attention to

strengthening his position in the military sense. From his fief in

To[u]to[u]mi and Suruga he had brought with him a band of noted

captains, devoted to his service through years of hardest warfare. He

placed them around his castle ward, from East to South in a great

sweeping arc of detached fortresses, extending from Shimo[u]sa province

to that of Sagami. Koga was the chief stronghold on the North, against

what was left of the Uésugi power. The most devoted of his captains,

Honda Tadakatsu, was established at Kawagoé. Odawara, under an O[u]kubo,

as always, blocked the way from the Hakoné and Ashigara passes. In the

hands of Iyeyasu and his captains, the formidable garrison here

established was not likely to offer opportunity of a second "Odawara

conference," during which dalliance with compromise and surrender would

bring sudden attack and disaster. At this period there is no sign that

in his personal service Prince Iyeyasu made changes from the system

common to the great military Houses of the time. The castle ward and

attendance always were divided up among the immediate vassals of the

lord. The basis was strictly military, not domestic. Even the beautiful

_kami-shimo_ (X), or butterfly hempen cloth garb of ceremonial

attendance was an obvious reminder of the armour worn in the field.

Great statesman and warrior that he was, the Taiko[u] Hidéyoshi must

have realised the difficulties confronting his House. The formidable

power he had created in the North was no small part of them. On several

occasions he sought a quarrel with Iyeyasu; sought to humiliate him in

small ways, to lower his prestige and provoke an outbreak. Such was the

trifling incident of the lavish donation required of Iyeyasu to the

Hachiman shrine at Kamakura. But Hidéyoshi, as with Elizabeth of

England, looked rather to the balance of cost against result, always

with possibility of failure in view. When he died in 1598, and left

Tokugawa Iyeyasu practically regent of the land, his expectation can be

judged to be, either that the loyal members of the council of regency

would at least balance the Tokugawa power for their own sakes, or that

the majority of his son Hidéyori, then a mere infant, would witness no

question of supremacy. In the one event the glory and prestige of his

House would stand. In the second case the safety of his posterity would

be assured. With his experience, and belief in the over-riding power of

Nobunaga and himself, the first was as likely to happen as the second;

and the influence of the Toyotomi House was the means necessary to

insure to Iyeyasu the position already secured, against the jealousy of

the other lords. Time showed that he granted a perspicuity and energy to

the members of his council which Iyeyasu alone possessed.

With Sekigahara (1600) the situation was definitely changed. In 1603

Iyeyasu was made Sho[u]gun, and the first steps were to organize the

Eastern capital at Edo on an Imperial scale. The modest proportions of

the Chiyoda castle of Ho[u]jo[u] times--the present inner keep--had

already grown to the outer moat. Around these precincts were thrown the

vassals of the Sho[u]gun. The distribution at first was without much

method, beyond the establishment of greater lords in close proximity to

the person of the Sho[u]gun. This feature was accentuated in the time of

the third Sho[u]gun Iyemitsu. Immediately allied Houses and vassals

occupied the castle ward between the inner and outer moats, from the

Hitotsubashi gate on the North, sweeping East and South to the Hanzo[u]

gate on the West. The Nishimaru, or western inclosure of the castle,

faced this Hanzo[u] Gomon. From this gate to a line drawn diagonally

north eastward from the Kanda-bashi Gomon to the Sujikae Gomon, the

section of the circle was devoted to the _yashiki_ (mansions) of the

_hatamoto_ or minor lords in immediate vassalage of the Sho[u]gun's

service. Kanda, Bancho[u], Ko[u]jimachi (within the outer moat), the

larger parts of Asakusa, Shitaya, Hongo[u], Koishikawa, Ushigomé

(Ichigaya), Yotsuya, Akasaka, Azabu, and Shiba, were occupied by

_yashiki_ of _hatamoto_ and _daimyo[u]_--with an ample proportion of

temple land. It would seem that there was little left for commercial

Edo. Such was the case. The scattered towns of Kanda, Tayasu,

Ko[u]jicho[u], several score of villages on the city outskirts, are

found in this quarter. The townsmen's houses were crowded into the made

ground between the outer moat of the castle and the _yashiki_ which

lined the Sumida River between Shiba and the Edogawa. In 1624 the

reclaimed ground extended almost to the present line of the river. The

deepening of the beds of the Kanda and Edo Rivers had drained the

marshes. The use of the waters of the Kandagawa for the castle moat had

made dry land of the large marsh just to the south of the present Ueno

district. Thus Hongo[u], in its more particular sense, became a building

site.

With elaboration of the outer defences went elaboration of the immediate

service on the Sho[u]gun. There was no sudden change. The military forms

of the camp stiffened into the etiquette of the palace. The

_Sho[u]inban_ or service of the audience chamber, the _Ko[u]sho[u]gumi_

or immediate attendants, these were the most closely attached to the

Sho[u]gun's person. To be added to these are the O[u]bangumi or palace

guard, the _Kojuningumi_ and the Kachigumi which preceded and surrounded

the prince on his outside appearances. These "sections" formed the Go

Banshu[u], the _honoured_ bodyguard. In the time of Iyemitsu a sixth

_kumi_ or section was formed, to organize the service of the women

attendants of the palace, of the _oku_ or private apartments in

distinction from the _omoté_ or public (men's) apartments, to which the

Go Banshu[u] were attached. Given the name of _Shinban_ (New) this

_kumi_ was annexed to the Banshu[u]. This aroused instant protest. The

then lords of the Go Ban inherited their position through the merits of

men who had fought on the bloody fields of war. Now "luck, not service,"

was to be the condition of deserving. The protest was made in form, and

regarded. Iyemitsu gave order that the Shinbangumi retain its name, but

without connection with the Banshu[u].

At this point the confusion of terms is to be explained. All through the

rule of the first three Sho[u]gun a gradual sifting had been taking

place. Into Edo were crowding the _daimyo[u]_ who sought proximity to

the great man of the land. Then came the order of compulsory residence,

issued by Iyemitsu himself; seconded by the mighty lords of Sendai and

Satsuma, who laid hands on sword hilts, and made formal statement that

he who balked nourished a treacherous heart. The support of one of them

was at least unexpected. The acquiescence of both cut off all

opposition. Most of the ground now within the outer moat was devoted to

the greater lords in immediate service on the Tokugawa House. The

_hatamoto_ were removed to the outer sites in Koishikawa, Ushigomé,

Yotsuya; to the Bancho[u], the only closer ward they retained; or across

the river to Honjo[u] and Fukagawa. Those in immediate service were

placed nearest to the palace. From the beginning the favoured residence

site had been just outside the Hanzo[u] and Tayasu Gomon, across the

inner moat from the palace. Hence the district got the name of

Bancho[u]. _Go Ban_ ([go ban]) in popular usage was confused with ([go

ban])--"five" instead of "honoured." In course of time the constant

removals to this district made it so crowded, its ways so intricate,

that one who lived in the Bancho[u] (Ban ward) was not expected to know

the locality; a wide departure from the original checker board design on

which it had been laid out, and hence the characters [bancho[u]]

(Bancho[u]) used at one time. This, however, was when Edo had expanded

from its original 808 _cho[u]_ (20200 acres) to 2350 _cho[u]_ (58750

acres). The original Bancho[u] included all the ground of Iidamachi, and

extended to the Ko[u]jimachi road. Ko[u]jimachi (the _mura_ or village)

was then in the Bancho[u], and known as _samurai ko[u]jimachi_

[ko[u]jimachi] (by-way), not the present [ko[u]ji] (yeast). In the time

of the third Sho[u]gun the Bancho[u] was as yet a lonely place--to the

west of the city and on its outskirts. The filling in process, under the

Government pressure for ground, was just under way. Daimyo[u]-ko[u]ji,

between the inner and outer moats, through the heart of which runs the

railway spur from Shimbashi to To[u]kyo[u] station, was being created

by elimination of the minor lords. At the close of Kwanei (1624 A.D.)

all the Daimyo[u]-koji was very solid ground; an achievement of no

little note when the distance from the Sumidagawa is considered. At

Iyeyasu's advent to Edo the shore line ran close to the inner moat of

the castle. The monastery of Zo[u]jo[u]ji then situated close to the

site of the present Watagaru gate, was converted by him into the great

establishment at Shiba; and placed as close to the waters of the bay as

the present Seikenji of Okitsu in Suruga--its fore-bear in the material

and ecclesiastical sense.

The same rapid development of the town took place on the eastern side of

the river. Honjo[u] and Fukagawa became covered by the _yashiki_ sites,

interspersed with the numerous and extensive temple grounds. Iyeyasu was

as liberal to the material comforts of his ghostly advisers, as he was

strict in their supervision. One fifth of Edo was ecclesiastical. One

eighth of it, perhaps, was given over to the needed handicrafts and

tradesmen of the Kyo[u]bashi and Nihonbashi wards along the river, with a

moiety of central Honjo[u]--and to the fencing rooms. The balance of the

city site was covered by the _yashiki_. Thus matters remained until the

Meiji period swept away feudalism, and substituted for the military town

the modern capital of a living nation. So much for the Edo with which we

have to deal, apart from its strange legends and superstitions, its

malevolent and haunting influences, working ill to the invaders, daring to

encroach upon the palace itself and attack the beloved of the Sho[u]gun

and his heir, only to be quelled by the divine majesty of his look--as

expounded in such tangle of verities as the Honjo[u]-Nana-fushigi (seven

marvels of Honjo[u]), the Azabu Nana-fushigi, the Fukagawa Nana-fushigi,

the Bancho[u] Nana-fushigi, the Okumura Kiroku, the temple scrolls and

traditions, and many kindred volumes.

In reference to the Bancho[u]: the stories outlined in the present

volume date from the period of the puppet shows and strolling reciters,

men who cast these tales into their present lines, thus reducing popular

tradition to the form in which it could be used by the _ko[u]danshi_ or

lecturers on history, or by those diving into the old tales and

scandals connected with the _yashiki_ of Edo town. In the present volume

main reliance for the detail has been placed on the following

_ko[u]dan_:--

"The Bancho[u] Nana-fushigi" of Matsubayashi Hakuen.

"The Bancho[u] Sarayashiki" of Momogawa Jo[u]en.

"The Bancho[u] Sarayashiki" of Byo[u]haku Hakuchi, in the

"Kwaidan-shu[u]" published by the Hakubunkwan.

"The Bancho[u] Sarayashiki" of Ho[u]gyu[u]sha To[u]ko.

"Yui Sho[u]setsu" of Ko[u]ganei Koshu[u].

These references could be extended. The story of the Sarayashiki figures

in most of the collections of wonder tales. The Gidayu of the "Banshu[u]

Sarayashiki" by Tamenaga Taro[u]bei and Asada Itcho[u] finds no

application. It deals with Himeji in Harima. As for the stories from an

esoteric point of view, as illustrations of the period they have a

value--to be continued in those more historical, and which deal with the

lives and deeds of men of greater note and influence in this early

Tokugawa court. The present volume instances the second class of wonder

tales referred to in the preface to the Yotsuya Kwaidan.

O[u]marudani, 14th November, 1916.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Preface v

Map of Edo _Facing_ xii

PART I.

TALES OF THE EDO BANCHO[U]:

WHO AOYAMA SHU[U]ZEN WAS 1

Chapter I. The Chu[u]gen Rokuzo 3

II. The Bakémono Yashiki 17

III. Nakakawachi Shu[u]zen 26

IV. The O'kagé Sama 38

V. The Report to the Tono Sama 48

VI. The Shrine of the O'Inari Sama 55

VII. The Luck of Okumura Shu[u]zen 64

VIII. Aoyama Shu[u]zen 76

IX. Shu[u]zen meets Shu[u]zen 84

X. The Meeting of the Gaman Kwai 89

PART II.

BANCHO[U] SARAYASHIKI:

WHAT AOYAMA SHU[U]ZEN BECAME 97

Chapter XI. The Yoshida Goten 99

XII. The Ko[u]jimachi Well 111

XIII. The Sen Himégimi (Princess Sen) 122

XIV. Shu[u]zen Adolescens 130

XV. The God favours Shu[u]zen 142

XVI. The Affair of the Asakusa Kwannon 150

XVII. Emma Dai-O[u] gives Judgment 156

XVIII. Kosaka Jinnai 165

XIX. A Matter of Pedestrianism 171

XX. The Affair of Kishu[u] Ke 179

XXI. If old Acquaintance be forgot 192

XXII. The Shrine of the Jinnai-bashi 201

XXIII. A Winter Session 212

XXIV. The Tiger at the front Gate; the Wolf at

the Postern 218

XXV. Chu[u]dayu wins his Suit 229

XXVI. Sampei Dono 236

XXVII. Aoyama wins his Suit 245

XXVIII. The Sarayashiki 251

PART I

TALES OF THE EDO BANCHO[U]

WHO AOYAMA SHU[U]ZEN WAS.

CHAPTER I

THE _Chu[u]gen_ ROKUZO

Rokuzo the _chu[u]gen_ sighed as he faced the long slope leading to the

Kudanzaka. Pleasant had been his journey to this point. From his master's

_yashiki_ in Ichigaya to the shop of the sandal maker Sukébei in lower

Kanda it had been one long and easy descent. Sukébei had gratified Rokuzo

with the desired and well established commission or "squeeze." Orders for

sandals in the _yashiki_ of a nobleman were no small item. Rokuzo was

easily satisfied. Though of a scant thirty years in age he had not the

vice of women, the exactions of whom were the prime source of rascality in

the sphere of _chu[u]gen_, as well as in the glittering train of the

palace. At the turn of the road ahead Rokuzo could eye the massive walls

of the moat, which hid the fortress and seraglio built up by the skilful

hands of Kasuga no Tsubone in her earnest efforts to overcome the woman

hating propensities of the San-dai-ke, the third prince of the Tokugawa

line, Iyemitsu Ko[u]. Rokuzo was a _chu[u]gen_, servant in attendance on

his master Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon, _hatamoto_ or immediate vassal of the

commander-in-chief, the Sho[u]gun or real ruler in the land of Nippon

since the long past days of Taira Kiyomori.

Rokuzo had no great lady in charge of his domestic arrangements, one

whose obsession it was to overcome his dislike of man's natural mate.

Nor had he such mate to administer reproof for his decided liking for

the sherry-like rice wine called _saké_. Sukébei had rigidly performed

his part in the matter of the "squeeze"; but Rokuzo considered him

decidedly stingy in administration of the wine bottle--or bottles.

Willingly would he have sacrificed the commission for an amplitude of

the wine. But even _chu[u]gen_ had their formulae of courtesy, and such

reflection on his host would have been too gross. With a sigh therefore

he had set out from the shop of the sandal maker, eyeing the wine shops

passed from time to time, but not fortunate enough to chance upon any

acquaintance whose services he could call upon in facing him over a

glass. Rokuzo had the virtue of not drinking alone.

Kanda village once passed, the _yashiki_ walls hemmed in the highway

which ran through a district now one of the busiest quarters of the

city. This sloping ground was popularly known as Ichimenhara, to

indicate its uniformity of surface. There was not a hint of the great

university, the long street of book-stores close packed side by side for

blocks. Their site was covered by the waters of the marsh, almost lake,

of the Kanda River, then being slowly drained into the castle moats. The

top of the hill reached, at what is now South Jimbocho[u], the shops and

houses of the one village hereabouts, Tayasu-mura, offered a last chance

for diversion. The steep slope of the Kudan hill was now before Rokuzo,

and beyond he had to pass through the lonely wood which harboured a

temple to the war god Hachiman, and which covered the site of the

present Sho[u]konsha or shrine to the spirits of the soldiers killed in

Nippon's wars. This road ran through the San-Bancho[u], then a lonely

quarter in which stood isolated from each other _yashiki_ of the

_hatamoto_. The district was filling up, under press of the needs of the

castle service for space immediately round about. But the process was a

slow one, and the district one much suspected by the lower classes.

Rokuzo was not fat. He was short, thick necked, sturdy with a

barrel-like roundness, and, owing to his drinking propensities, endowed

with legs the thinness of which found the conveyance of the upper

massiveness no mean task. Hence he stopped at the foot of the hill to

wipe the sweat from his face. He eyed with envy a low caste being, a

_heimin_ and labourer. Clad in a breech-clout the fellow swung rapidly

down the hill with his load of charcoal balanced at each end of the

carrying pole. It was etiquette, not modesty, which confined Rokuzo to

the livery of his master. He was compelled to a coat which, light and

thin as it was, cut off all the breeze from his muscular shoulders.

Well! Up the hill he must get. The rolling down was a matter of the

past. The _yashiki_, the house officer (_kyu[u]nin_) to whom report was

to be made, lay beyond. About to make the start a voice spoke in his

ear. Though soft and gentle it would have had no particular attraction

for the now thirsty Rokuzo. But apart from thirst Rokuzo was of the

thoroughly good natured kind. He was surprised at the beauty of the face

on which his eyes rested; still more so at the size of the bundle she

was trying to carry, and which plainly was far beyond her strength. The

rashness of benevolence overcame the not too energetic Rokuzo. Sigh as

he did over the conveyance of his carcass up the steep hill, he sighed

still more at thought of this fragile creature attempting to carry such

a burden.

She followed his eyes to the bundle. "Alas! Honoured Sir, what is to be

done? The _furoshiki_ is far beyond one's poor strength. Though the

distance is not great--only to Go Bancho[u]--yet it could as well be a

pilgrimage to Isé. Surely the hills of Hakoné and Iga are no steeper

than this Kudanzaka." She sighed; and apart from a weariness of voice

there was a suspicion of moisture in her eyes. The more Rokuzo looked at

her, the greater waxed his pity and benevolence. Barely of eighteen

years she was a beautiful girl; not a servant, yet not one of the

secluded and guarded daughters of a noble House. Perhaps she was the

young wife of some soldier, and he was surprised at her being

unattended. She noted this, and readily explained the fact. There were

purchases yet to make, close by in Tayasu. Here a servant was to be at

hand, but wearied by waiting the woman had made off. "To offer a wage,

good sir, seems impolite; yet the way being the same deign to grant the

favour of your strength." In the petition her face was wreathed in

admiring smiles at Rokuzo's fine figure of a man. A light in the eyes,

captious and coquettish, the furtive glances at his broad shoulders and

stout neck, betrayed him into the indiscretion of volunteering a service

promptly accepted. This done, the lady, without losing sight of display

of her charm of manner, was all business.

Rokuzo had much to learn, and he was not one to profit much by his

lessons. If he was virtuous, he was by nature a very Simple Simon. A

greater liking for women might by contact have sharpened wits rather

dulled by drinking. As it was, anyone in the _yashiki_, who wished to

shift some unpleasant obligation, found in Rokuzo the one to be

impressed by the most specious excuse, and the one whose kindness of

heart undertook and carried out the purpose of avoidance by assumption

of the task. Instead of concocting some pretext to carry off Sukébei, or

one, or all, of his apprentices to the neighbouring street and a grog

shop, his inexperience and diffidence had carried him away still

thirsty. Instead of bumping into some passing fellow _chu[u]gen_ on the

street, and wiping out the insult with wine, he had idled along, leaving

to every man his share of the roadway, and to the thirsty with burdens

more than their share. Hence this uncongenial company of thirst and a

woman. She had halted at a grocer's shop, and his eyes were soon agog at

sight of her investments--mushrooms, not of much weight, but in bulk

forming almost a mound; the dried sliced gourd called _kambyoku_, of

which she seemed very fond; marrow, _to[u]gan_ (gourd-melon),[1] the new

and expensive potato (_imo_), for money was no object in her purchases.

A second shop close by caught her eye. Here were added to the pile the

long string beans, doubtless to roast in the pod for an afternoon's

amusement and repast, _kabocha_ or squashes, large stalks of _daikon_

(radish) two feet in length, _go[u]bo[u]_ or burdock, and a huge

watermelon. The list is too long to quote except for the report of a

produce exchange. Indeed it was rather a case of what she did not buy,

on a scale to furnish forth a _yashiki_. Then she made her way to a

confection and fruit shop just opposite the scene of her last purchases.

Pears were coming into season--weighty in measure and on the stomach.

But the lady was not frightened. She bought for yesterday, to-day, and

to-morrows, in fruit and cakes of all kinds. Conveyed by the divers

attendants her goods lay piled up at the last source of supply. Puzzled,

she regarded the huge mass; then took eye measure of the shoulders of

Rokuzo. They inspired confidence. She laid a gentle and admiring hand on

his massiveness. She looked into his face with enticing smile. There was

a silvery little laugh in her voice. Concealing their grins the shop

attendants fled to their different haunts. Here they smothered cries and

roars of coarse merriment; and one man nearly smothered himself by

sticking his head in the brine cask. This _chu[u]gen_ was no servant of

the lady. He was a volunteer conveyancer caught by a pretty face. They

knew her.

Rokuzo had more than sturdy shoulders. He stuck to his bargain. Plainly

something must be done; and the lady did it. In a trice she haled him to

a draper's shop. "A five-fold _furoshiki_--at once." The draper gaped

not; he obeyed. The cloth was produced, and his several apprentices were

engaged in sewing together one of those square package cloths, so

convenient in the conveyance of scattered parcels. It was a portentous

product, a very sheet. Obsequiously offered and accepted, the draper

watched his customers depart with curious eyes. It was not the first of

its kind bought by the lady. He hoped it would not be the last; for his

own sake and that of his fellow traders. The money at least was always

good. The girl must be popular and rich. A number of _chu[u]gen_ were

employed in her service. Never did she bring the same man. Then the

purchases were piled into one bundle. At this both Rokuzo and the

dispenser of sweets were skilled hands. The lady looked anxiously up and

down the road. She tripped into this place and that. Finally she came

back to the bundle, looking as if about to cry. Of the servant's return

there was no sign. Stolidly the shop-keeper maintained his pose. His

shop could not be left to itself; the lady could not wait. Outside was

the blazing sun of the sixth month (July), then at its hottest period of

the hour of the ape (after 3 P.M.). She looked at Rokuzo. He twisted

uneasily.

His good nature yielded again to the caressing glance. "Come! As boy

this Rokuzo has carried many a farmer's frame of grass from the mountain

to Shibukawa village. Nay; many a sick man has he shouldered on the

hills leading to the healing springs of Ikao and Kusatsu." He ran an eye

over the bundle. "Ah! A terrific bundle; one to cause fright. There is

nothing else to do." He would have liked to measure strength with this

truant servant; doubtless a terrific female. The confectioner puffed and

blew, with straining, swelling neck. The _furoshiki_ at last was on the

shoulders of the unhappy Rokuzo. Fortunately the shops of Nippon have no

doors. A most mountainous and monstrous wrestler, a very Daniel Lambert,

can be carried forth feet first from such a front. The shop keeper

followed the pair with his eyes. He passed his hand over the money. Then

he looked again. The lady went lightly up the hill. Puffing and blowing

at last Rokuzo was compelled to zig-zag on its steepness. Then she

followed after his movements, gently encouraging him with words, and a

cheerful pleased giggle that was a very goad in his rear. The grocer

crossed to consultation with the baker. "Bah! He has a ring in his

nose." Said the man of confections--"He is Rokuzo, _chu[u]gen_ of

Endo[u] Sama. But the other day it was Isuké, _chu[u]gen_ of Okumura

Sama, who did her service. And so with others. Truly entertainment at

Yoshiwara costs less effort and wage. These cats are all one colour in

the dark." The philosophic and cynical shop-keepers, each departed to

his own place, arguing more shrewdness in a _chu[u]gen_, and the greater

freedom, if less honour, implied in the gains and amusements of the

townsman. Again and again the baker inspected his coin. There were still

houses for women in the Ko[u]jimachi road. This satisfied his doubts.

Encouraged by the lady Rokuzo reached the top of the Kudan hill. In all

his experience of burden bearing never before had he shouldered the

like. It seemed at times as if the lady herself had floated up on its

broad surface, to deposit a weight far beyond her appearance. Perhaps

she did; for Rokuzo, blinded by the pouring sweat, hardly knew what

occurred. From time to time the sweet voice gave direction. Skirting the

castle moat she led him up the short slope of the Gomizaka. A fitting

name, thought Rokuzo. There were more than "five flavours" on his back,

without counting the nasty taste in a very dry mouth. His journey was

almost at an end. At least he had so determined, when suddenly the

destination was reached. The lady knocked at the side door of a splendid

gate set in a long stretch of wall. So much Rokuzo could see through the

damp stream from his brow; and that the surroundings were very rural. A

rattling of the bar and he turned eagerly to the gate. Its opening gave

a vision of beauty. Clean swept was the ground beneath the splendid pine

trees; graceful the curves of the roofs of the villa seen beyond; and

still more beautiful, and little more mature than his companion, was the

figure of the girl framed in the doorway.

Forgetful of his burden Rokuzo gaged. Forgetful of etiquette the girl

stared. She scanned Rokuzo from head to foot. The squat and sturdy

figure of the man, in combination with the huge burden, turned him into

some new and useful kind of beast. Astonishment passed into a smile; the

smile into a mad burst of laughter in which the other girl more

discreetly joined. "Ne[e]san (elder sister) the hour is late, but to-day

the opportunity of assistance was slow to appear. With such sturdy

support it was thought well to make ample provision."--"Provision

indeed! Merry will be the feast. Truly sister, great has been the good

fortune. Honoured Sir, deign to furnish forth the entertainment." Again

came the merry peal, this time from both the girls. Rokuzo hardly

appreciated such reward of his efforts. He had a strong suspicion that

this merriment was directed at him; that the courtesy and gentle voices

were on the surface. There was a snappy nasal sneering ring in the

laughter, most unpleasant and savouring of derision. However there was

certain to be something at the end of the task. Why neglect to take the

reward now close to hand? He passed through the large gate, opened by

the elder maiden to admit the size of his burden. Under her guidance he

struggled along past the corner of the house and into the more removed

privacy. Of this he could note the carefully kept inner garden, the

massive old well curb standing in its centre, and the scent and strange

beauty of the flowering plants. Attention was attracted by the conduct

of his three employers; for another and older girl now made her

appearance at the _ro[u]ka_ (verandah). She too gave the same short

sharp exclamation of amusement at the sight of the porter and his

portentous load. She leaped down quickly from the verandah and ran up to

peer into his face. Then she went off into the same mad peal of

laughter, in which she was joined without stint by her sisters.

Rokuzo was now angry beyond measure; yet as a man and good natured he

found it difficult of expression with such beautiful women. All the

terms of revilement came to his lips--rude rascals (_burei na yatsu_),

scoundrels (_berabo[u]mé_), vile beasts (_chikusho[u]mé_). These were

freely loaded on himself in time of displeasure of master or fellows.

But somehow now they stayed in his throat. "Rude"--yes; "rascals"--yes.

These words reached to a murmur. But the crowning insult of calling

these beautiful women "beasts" stuck in his gorge and he nearly choked.

Said the oldest girl--and she was not over twenty years--"Sister, you

are wearied by the heat and your efforts. Deign to enter the bath. All

is ready. Come! We will enter it together." Hand in hand the three were

about to depart. Rokuzo found speech. He stuttered in his

indignation--"Honoured ladies! Heigh there! This bundle--how now? Truly

it is as if this Rokuzo had been carrying a child. His back is wet

through. It is very unpleasant. Where is the package to be bestowed?

Deign to indicate." At the sharpness of his tone the elder girl turned

in surprise. His anger dropped before the attraction of smile and

address. Truly these creatures had attention but for the passing moment.

"Ah! In joy at the sister's return the burden and its bearer have been

completely forgotten. This is to be very rude. Aré! Honoured Sir, you

are melting away with heat. Place the burden here. At the well yonder is

water. Deign to wipe off the sweat which pours from your honoured

person."

At once with more than relief he deposited the huge package on the

_ro[u]ka_. Pending its disposition Rokuzo devoted himself to his

ablutions with decent slowness, to allow the idea of remuneration to

filter into the somewhat fat wits of these ladies. At first he was

inclined thoroughly to sluice himself inwardly. The water was

deliciously cool to the outer person on this hot day. But on approaching

the bucket to his mouth there was an indefinable nauseating something

about it that made him hesitate. Again he tried to drink. Decidedly it

was bad, this water; offensive for drinking. With a sigh he diverted the

stream from his gullet to his shoulders. So pleased was Rokuzo with the

experience that he repeated it again and again from the inexhaustible

coolness of the well. Then with his head towel he began to wipe the

nudity of his person, taking in at leisure his surroundings as he did

so. Oya! Oya! It was indeed an extraordinarily beautiful place, this

which he had entered. The care lavished upon plants and ornamentation

was carried to extravagance. The eyes of Rokuzo opened wider and wider.

Here was a splendid cherry tree in the full magnificence of its bloom.

The square of this inner garden was completed by half a dozen plum trees

laden with the scented blossoms, although the fruit hung heavy from the

branches. At the opposite corner the polished red of the ripe persimmons

made the mouth water. Beyond these trees and the house was a large and

splendid bed of iris, the curious and variegated bloom counterfeiting

some patterned screen. From the _ro[u]ka_ extended a wide trellis heavy

with the blossoms of the wisteria. Lotus was in flower in the pond.

Wherever he turned his eyes the affection of these ladies for colour and

scent showed itself. Jinjo[u]ki, hibiscus, pyrus spectabilis,

chrysanthemum, peonies, ayamé or the early iris, all were in mad bloom

to please the eye. With growing fright Rokuzo gazed from side to side.

What could be the social condition of these women, thus treated so

familiarly by a mere _chu[u]gen_? The gardener surely was an

extraordinary genius, such as would serve none but the truly great. This

was a suspicious place.

These thoughts were interrupted. Abruptly he approached the part of the

house that seemed a sort of kitchen. The huge bundle had disappeared.

The elder sister showed herself. The two younger girls held back

diffidently in the rear. All showed amusement, but the freshness of the

bath had wrought a change in manner, and made them still more lovely

than before. Said the elder--"Thanks are due for the kindness shown.

Though ashamed, deign to accept this trifling acknowledgment as porter's

wage." She held out to Rokuzo a _hana-furi-kin_. This gold coin, worth a

_bu_ (the quarter of a _ryo[u]_) was an extravagant fee.[2] Somewhat

strange withal; struck off in the Taiko[u]'s day the savour of

disloyalty was compensated by the "raining flowers" stamped in the

gold. Rokuzo was still more frightened. Ladies of course were ignorant

of values. Plainly these were ladies, of but little contact with the

world. As an honest and somewhat simple fellow he would have refused the

over-payment. But he was not eloquent in explanation, and the acceptance

meant the speedier departure. Prostrate with extended hands he gave

thanks. Then he thrust the coin into his bosom and rose in good earnest

to depart. Here follows the fall of Rokuzo from the grace of good

behaviour.

On her way to a room at the end of the garden passed the youngest of the

sisters. She was bearing a tray, the burden of which was _saké_ bottles.

In the other hand was the heating apparatus, flask included. Rokuzo's

nostrils opened wide at the delicious perfume. He stood stock still. As

in some surprise the elder sister regarded him. Thereupon the wine

bearer halted, in her pose holding the grateful steam directly under his

nose. Said the first girl--"Is the wage insufficient? If so...."

Rokuzo's nostrils twitched. The younger sister stopped a movement as of

further bestowal. "Ah! This honoured Sir can carry more than burdens."

She broke into a merry laugh. Said the sister--"Is that so? The _saké_

is object of desire." Beauty was now enhanced a thousand times by the

benevolence of their demeanor. With tongue at last eloquent--"Ah,

ladies! This Rokuzo is dying of thirst. The well here offers no means to

quench it. But for the honoured encounter at Kudanzaka long since would

the company at the wine shop of Ichigaya have been sought. For reward

deign wine rather than coin." He made a movement as if to restore the

gold, but the elder girl stopped him. "So then, Rokuzo likes wine. He

shall have both wine and coin, and entertainment in addition." With the

request from him their manner had changed. It was now more sedate and

purposeful. Rokuzo hardly understood the further course of his

experiences. Emerged from the bath he found himself seated before a

plentiful repast. The viand contents of the monumental burden together

with what sea and hill could provide--these figured. Rokuzo drank first,

and plentifully. Never had he tasted such delicious wine. He knew that

the Tono Sama drank no better _saké_; nor did his master occupy a more

splendid apartment than this one of the wine feast. The silken figured

_fusuma_ (screens), the fretwork crowning them, the many lamps--it was

now dark--in bronze and precious metals, dazzled his small

understanding.

The women acted as attendants. Rokuzo sat long, now thoroughly fuddled.

He listened to an orchestral theme, interpreted by _koto_, _fué_,

_biwa_, or the _taiko_ (drum). Perhaps there were better voices. Even in

their singing the three girls had that sharp, derisive, unpleasant,

nasal twang. But Rokuzo was past criticism. To their questioning he told

who and what he was; a _chu[u]gen_ in the service of his lord, Endo[u]

Saburo[u]zaémon, _hatamoto_ in the land, and now in office at the

fireward of the palace. Had he a wife? A _chu[u]gen_ is not one to have

a wife. At this all the women seemed very pleased. They exchanged

glances.

The elder girl now came close to him. She nestled by his side and took

his arm, looking coquettishly and smilingly into his face. "Rokuzo Dono

has done much for three lonely women. Will he not do more? Why not

remain as now, perform the tasks of this house? Does not the change of

masters attract?" Rokuzo's latest remembrance of encounter with the

honoured house officer (_kyu[u]nin_) of his master was the six days turn

in the _yashiki_ prison, on very scant fare. His face was long at the

thought. He was very remiss on this present occasion. What would happen?

In the haze of his wine the voice of the girl continued. Her face was

very close as she pressed on him. "Rokuzo Dono, deign to serve this

house, meet its difficulties." For a moment Rokuzo broke the spell.

"Difficulties? Of luxurious living and a splendid home? Such

'difficulties' make one laugh."--"Yet there are real difficulties. Three

women--they have their difficulties. Be the man of the house; the man in

the house. Condescend the favour." Restraint was thrown off. She held

him in her arms and drew him close. Rokuzo's brain was in a whirl.

Women? Women? Ah! The wine! His lips eagerly sought the cup she held to

them. When she rose he allowed her gentle persuasion. The two other

girls busied themselves in the preparations for the night. They

whispered to each other; and there seemed to be some ground of division,

but the elder had her way. She and Rokuzo were left alone.

If Rokuzo sought solace in the arms of his mistress he certainly failed

to find it. Never had such a nightmare descended on his slumbers.

Through the night he was battling with most fearful visions, seeking to

avoid tortures of hell. He had pursued his beauty into some huge cave.

Now possession was secure. From this there was no escape. But it was no

escape for Rokuzo. Now she turned into a huge obscene object, a very

_rokurokubi_, one of those hideous monsters with lengthy neck, gleaming

teeth, and distorted human-like face. Again there was change. He lay

supine and helpless; and extended full length over him was a fox of

portentous size. The sharp, yelping, nasal voice sounded in his ears.

"Coin, wine, then lechery: Rokuzo would drink, then play the beast. The

porter's wage is insufficient. Now let him pay the beast's wage." The

sharp gleaming teeth were at his throat. The foul breath filled his

lungs. Rokuzo struggled for air, shouted for an aid not at hand.

"Drunkard; lecher." By a final effort he would free himself from the

succubus--"Liar!... Namu Amida Butsu! Namu Amida Butsu! Holy the Lord

Buddha!"

A heavy chill went through his body, shaking him from head to foot. He

opened his eyes. In amazement he looked around him. The magnificent

apartment, the women, the garden, the feast, nothing remained of his

night's experience. It was the chill of early dawn, and he was lying on

the bare ground, in the midst of a wild grass grown and deserted moor. A

tree root was his pillow. He rose to find the waters of the Kanda marsh

under his eyes. He was still on the Ichimenhara. The Kudanzaka was yet

to be climbed. Ah! He had been foxed, bewitched by reynard or _tanuki_

(badger). Then remembrance of the _hana-furi-kin_ came to mind. Here

would be proof. He thrust a hand into his bosom--to draw out the leaf of

a tree. There was no doubt about it. And the banquet? At the very

thought of the viands Rokuzo squirmed. He made a gesture of nausea and

disgust. The _saké_--was excrement. The food--worse yet. He felt very

ill.

His aching limbs and heavy head accompanied him to his lord's _yashiki_

in Ichigaya. Rokuzo took to his bed. At the porter's lodge the

_kyu[u]nin_, Naito[u] Kyu[u]saburo[u], inspected the tickets of the

_chu[u]gen_. At last Rokuzo had made his appearance; and had made no

report. He was not long in reaching the _chu[u]gen's_ bedside. With

severe face he questioned him as to his absence and neglect. "Gluttonous

fellow! Something eaten is the cause of the sickness. Rascal that you

are, a good purge is the thing. Then a fast in the jail will restore the

stomach. This the punishment, if great your good luck. Otherwise--it

will be the garden front. Report is to be made." He turned to go. Rokuzo

detained him. He spoke with timidity, but under spur of the greater

retribution. He admitted his fault. "But...."--"But what?" impatiently

interjected Naito[u]. "Is not the food furnished by his lordship ample

supply for the belly? Does a _chu[u]gen_ question his lord's generosity?

What banquet tempted this rascal...?"--"Indeed it was a banquet." Rokuzo

went into details. Kyu[u]saburo[u]'s rage increased. "You are lying. Or

does illness follow food partaken in a dream? Perhaps the rascal Sukébei

has not been paid. Is Rokuzo a thief?" Rokuzo groaned in pain and

discomfiture. He would make a clean breast of it; confess to more than

mere food. And he did. "Nor is Rokuzo the only victim. Isuké,

_chu[u]gen_ of Okumura Sama of the Bancho[u], nearly lost his life.

Others have been trapped; and others knew enough to refuse service and

run away. Truly this Rokuzo is a fool. Condescend the honoured

intercession. Ah, that banquet!" He shuddered at the thoughts aroused.

At sight of the receipt of Sukébei perforce Naito[u] Kyu[u]saburo[u]

believed. He pitied Rokuzo, administered the stoutest purges in his

pharmacy, and left him somewhat relieved in mind and body. The tale was

soon known all over the _yashiki_--to the profit of all and the

amusement of most. With gleeful malice Rokuzo would be asked to describe

his meal, the superlative flavour of the wine, for past fact and present

fancy became strangely mixed in his recital. Thus, through the report of

the _kyu[u]nin_, Naito[u] Kyu[u]saburo[u], the experience of his

_chu[u]gen_ Rokuzo came to the ears of Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon,

_hatamoto_ of the land, of four hundred _koku_ income, and officer in

charge of the Hiban or fire-ward at the Ushigomé gate.[3]

CHAPTER II

THE _Bakémono Yashiki_

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon heard the report of his officer. A slight frown

puckered his brow, and he contemplated the big toe of his immaculately

white _tabi_ (sock). "A vexatious matter! _Hatamoto_ of the land,

official duty gives occupation enough. Yet for such things to take

place, and so close to the person of the suzerain, this is not to be

permitted. Beyond his love for wine Rokuzo has shown himself

trustworthy. He is not lying?" Kyu[u]saburo[u] bowed low--"As your

lordship says. Of his illness there is no question; and that not merely

from a drunken debauch. Rokuzo is not one to be tempted by women; and to

those beyond his station he dares not raise his eyes. It was the wine

which tempted him beyond discretion. He has tried all patience, been

most disloyal. The honoured dismissal or severe punishment at the least

is his due. The Tono Sama summoning him to the garden front, and

deigning the kindness of putting him to death (_te-uchi_) ... yet...."

Hesitating he brought out the once _hana-furi-kin_, wage of the

unfortunate Rokuzo, now in such danger of drastic remedy for his aching

head. Respectfully pushing forward a knee the _kyu[u]nin_ presented it

to his lord. Saburo[u]zaémon examined it with much curiosity. "And

this?"--"The wage for his porter's work," answered the officer, his face

respectfully wrinkled with the trace of a smile. "Though one could say

from his exhaustion that he received other favour than coin. The very

thought of his filthy repast drives the rascal to most fearful

retchings. He is in a parlous way, and if your lordship deign

forbearance...."--"Heigh!" He was interrupted by the exclamation of

Saburo[u]zaémon, now examining the leaf most intently. "I say now! An

oak leaf, the broad reminder of the _kiri_ (paulownia imperialis), such

might come from last year's fall. This leaf never sprang from Nippon's

soil."--"Just so," replied the _kyu[u]nin_. "Hence petition for delay in

administering punishment."--"And of course the fellow is useless. Ill,

and besides he knows not whither he went, and came to himself on the

Ichimenhara."--"Yet, while still in his five senses, he recognized Go

Bancho[u]; and it is fact that the _chu[u]gen_ of Okumura Dono suffered

likewise in the Bancho[u]."--"Of Kakunai and the strange horse this

Saburo[u]zaémon has heard. And the other man?"--"One Isuké, a stout

fellow, but in good fortune the twin brother of this rascal Rokuzo."

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon rose to his feet with an elasticity and snap

denoting decision. His wife standing close by laid hand upon his arm. He

turned to meet her frightened questioning look. He spoke reassuringly.

"Don't be afraid. Such things so near the suzerain's honoured dwelling

are not to be permitted. This Saburo[u]zaémon goes to learn the facts as

to this suspicious house. The _samurai_ has no fear of apparitions; and

less of thieves, as is likely to be the case. Let the rascals look to

themselves if they would avoid the taste of Saburo[u]zaémon's sword.

Kyu[u]saburo[u] is to see that the _Yashiki_ is well guarded. To-night

O[u]kubo Hikoroku Dono holds the fire ward. The occasion fits." At once

he was busied with his preparations for out door service. His wife,

granddaughter of old Nagasaki Chiyari Kuro[u]--he of the "bloody

spear"--was the _samurai_ woman, to aid her lord in his duty, not to

hold him back with tears and plaints. The pair were admirable specimens

of their caste. Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon's grand-father had been a

retainer of that hard hitting Asai Nagamasa who had to bow the head

before the sword of Hidéyoshi. The son Kiémon perforce had served the

Taiko[u], and well. It was with more than readiness that he had appeared

in the army of the Tokugawa at Sekigahara, to be killed in all loyalty

before O[u]saka in Genwa 1st year (1618). Saburo[u]zaémon was then but

five years old. But the early Tokugawa did not forget loyal service.

When of age he was summoned to Edo from his native province of O[u]mi,

given duty in the palace service, to become with years a _hatamato_ with

income of four hundred _koku_ and a _yashiki_ in Ichigaya, just beyond

the Gomon or great gate at the outer moat.

In the present matter night must be awaited. When the bell of the

Gekkeiji, the huge temple of the district, struck the watch of the pig

(9-11 P.M.) Endo[u] prepared to set forth. "In case of necessity ask the

aid of Hikoroku Dono, of Juro[u]zaémon."[4] This to his wife. "At least

one attendant? Kyu[u]saburo[u] is old enough to know that these rascals

never deal with more than one human." This to the old _kyu[u]nin_, who

with anxiety watched him depart into the darkness. With a sigh the

officer shut fast the outer gate. Then, sword over his knees, he

squatted himself at the house entrance, to slumber and await his lord's

return.

As officer of the fire ward Saburo[u]zaémon met with little difficulty

in passing the Ichigaya gate, beyond which lay the suspected district of

the Bancho[u]. To the sharp hail and protest at his appearance without a

lantern he sought the service of those of the guard. Surprise and abject

apology followed the bringing of face and equipment into their light. As

on urgent mission to the palace he explained the one and disregarded the

other. For form he borrowed a lantern at the guard house, to leave it in

a hedge close by, to hand for his return if in the darkness. Straight

ahead he walked for some distance. Now he was in the very centre of the

Bancho[u]. It was a most lonely place. The district had been set apart

for the _yashiki_ of _hatamoto_ and the houses of _gokenin_ who showed

no haste to apply for its ample space. Its highways and byways showed

lines of bamboo fences, plaster walls, broken at intervals by gates.

Between the far _yashiki_ there was much waste land. Suspicious were its

precincts in these days when the haunting spirits and apparitions,

attendant on once owners and their wars, were being driven out by the

advent and aggression of the new lords from the South. Still fresh in

men's minds was the wondrous _mami-ana_ of Azabu--the cave of the

_tanuki_ (badger)--with the implied curse on the Tokugawa. The cohorts

of apparitions, driven northward to the land of savages, had suffered

severely at the hands of Ii Naomasa on the banks of the Ueno Toshima

ferry. Thus the curse came down the centuries on the Tokugawa House.

Once in the heart of the district Saburo[u]zaémon stood uncertain. All

sense of locality was lost. The Bancho[u] by day and by night greatly

differed. The wind sighed through the great pine trees and whispered in

the long _suzuki_ grass. He thought to reach the neighbourhood of the

Gomizaka. The noise and bustle of the Ko[u]jimachi would give direction.

Just then a lantern came in sight at the turning in the lane. As it drew

near it was seen that to all appearance the bearer was a _chu[u]gen_.

Endo[u] drew back into the shadow. He would take a good look at him. He

allowed the man to pass. Then from behind--"Heigh! Wait!" Instead of

waiting the fellow took to his heels. Endo[u] pursued and soon caught

him. In terror the fellow sank on his knees before the two sworded man.

"Deign, honoured sir, to spare the cutting test. This Isuké is yet

young. He loves life. Condescend not to cut short his breath."

Saburo[u]zaémon was struck by the name fresh to his ears. Coldly he

looked the man over; played on his terror--"Yet you are fat; just of the

girth to give fair test to a new blade."--"Nay! Your lordship can deign

to observe it. Isuké is stuffed out with a recent meal. It would be but

a case of tripes. His bones are young and soft, his muscles wasted by

mere feeding. It would be as cutting _to[u]fu_ (bean paste). Deign to

spare him."

Said Saburo[u]zaémon. "'Tis no cutting test. Thus passing carelessly at

the side that fat paunch was an easy mark. Be more careful

henceforth.... You live hereabouts?"--"Honoured Sir, 'tis so. Isuké is

_chu[u]gen_ at the _yashiki_ of Okumura Sama."--"Ah! Then you know the

haunted house (_bakémono yashiki_) of the Bancho[u]."--"Just beyond?

Isuké knows it too well."--"Life spared, act as guide thither." The

man's knees bent under him. He plead for forbearance. Plainly he must

die. Only to this dreadful sentence and sight of Endo[u]'s sword did he

yield. Reluctantly he went ahead of the _samurai_, as far as a gate the

massiveness of which attracted attention. Saburo[u]zaémon looked it

over, then carefully considered his guide. He held out a coin. The

fellow respectfully drew back. Said Endo[u] with impatience--"As lord of

this mansion the money of guidance is offered. Accept it without

question. Here lies my purpose." This was but addition to obvious

terror. With wabbling knees the fellow persisted in refusal. "Honoured

lord, deign forbearance. Already has this Isuké accepted entertainment

here, with fearful results; nearly quaffing the waters of the Yellow

Fountain in Meido." Said Saburo[u]zaémon sourly--"What has the purpose

to do with a low fellow's entertainment? Take the coin, and be off with

you. Darkness acts as screen." The man did but whimper, "With purpose in

hand: truly darkness the screen, upside down; the balsam an incense, the

sticks to hand in the clay dishes. This? 'Twill turn out but the leaf of

a tree, to bring sorrow on Isuké. Your lordship has said it."--"It is

good coin," replied Endo[u] briefly. Then with some curiosity--"But what

has a tree leaf to do with purpose?"--"Pine leaves denote purpose, and

are so named."[5]--"A clever fellow after all! No wonder he escaped....

But be off with you. The coin shall ring true with daylight. So much is

promised on the word of a _samurai_. Fear the living man, not the

inanimate object; and say nothing of meeting the donor. Otherwise Isuké

ends badly. Now--off with you!" The voice was very human, the peremptory

gesture surely that of a two sworded man. The _chu[u]gen_ took

confidence in the fact that he could not help himself. Whatever doubts

he possessed, these he kept with the coin in his bosom. With scant

thanks cut short by fear he obeyed the order to depart into the shades.

Gathering impetus with distance he fairly took to his heels.

Saburo[u]zaémon waited for the lantern to disappear. Then he turned to

inspect the gate. There was no entrance through its solidity. It was a

_yashiki mon_, almost house, with two posterns. He must get a look

within. A long high plaster wall ran on both sides into the distance.

The moonlight, flooding the scene, showed him a breach opened by long

neglect. Once within he felt convinced that he was on the scene of

Rokuzo's experience. But the pine grove was anything but swept clean.

Branches torn off by storm and wind, fallen trees, lay scattered

everywhere. It was a very winding course which took him to the eaves of

the building some distance off. Plainly the once occupant had been a

person of position, perhaps a minor _daimyo[u]_. At the corner of the

structure he found himself in the garden more particularly attached to

the house. An exclamation of regret at sight of such desolation came to

the lips of Saburo[u]zaémon. A master hand had laid out this beautiful

piece of work; but trees and plants, no longer trained and trimmed by

man's hand, had run wild. In the centre was a wide well curb rising some

three feet from the ground. A single stone step allowed easier access

for those drawing water. The well-sweep had rotted off and lay upon the

ground. There was no bucket. Saburo[u]zaémon leaned over. From the still

surface of the water came an indefinable putrescent odour, perhaps from

the decaying plants, or refuse blown into the depths. He drew away,

disgusted and convinced. Carefully he made the round of this pleasaunce.

At the bottom of the garden near the confines of the well, was an

artificial mound--a _tsukiyama_ or moon viewing hill. Before this was a

little lake, for fish and lotus, of perhaps a couple of hundred feet in

length by narrow width. In places he could jump across it; and elsewhere

stepping stones offered passage. An Inari shrine in a plum grove offered

no particular interest, beyond recent inclosure showing a neighbour's

hand. There was swampy ground for the _shobu_ or iris and beds of peony

plants. In front of the line of towering pines was a row of Yoshino

cherry trees, all broken and neglected. The one time owner had loved

flowers. Endo[u] turned to the house.

The moon was pouring full on the closed _amado_ (rain doors), its cold

silver globe lighting up the scene. "Solitary is the moon of winter

glorious that of autumn." This was the tranquil moon of summer,

pacifying yet saddening men's hearts, as does all moonlight. It was

plain there was no entrance on this side of the house, unless unseemly

force was used. This was unnecessary. Endo[u] noticed the lattice work

of the bath-room. A few strokes of his dagger, and the frame was lifted

out. Then it was easy to draw back the heavy wooden panels and allow the

moonlight to flood these exposed chambers. Carefully he scanned his

immediate surroundings. The paper of the _sho[u]ji_ was torn and eaten

by the rats. In places the frayed _tatami_ (mats) bent under his feet,

evidence of decay of the supporting floor. There was the mouldy damp

smell common to places long closed to the freedom of the outer air. It

sent a chill to the bone; which Endo[u] noted with surprise as he turned

to the dark inner rooms. He must have some kind of light. Almost the

first step into the semi-obscurity offered the means to hand. Stumbling

over an object at his feet he picked up a staff. On examination it

proved to be one of those _kongo_ canes, the support to feet and belly

of the devout in their long pilgrimages, sign manual of the pious intent

of the bearer. He had taken a candle from his pocket, and, with small

respect to the "six worlds" of its rings, used the spiked end to

improvise a torch. Then an unexpected voice caught his ear; a sad,

wailing cry which chilled the heart. Then followed low, rapid,

disorderly speech, the meaning of which rendered indistinct by distance

could not be made out. Then came the unearthly startling shriek which

rang through the whole mansion.

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon now had his torch fastened and blazing. Loosing

his sword in the scabbard promptly he set forth into the darkness

beyond. The candle cast a feeble light, making the darkness still more

apparent. However, he could see the splendour of these once inhabited

rooms. Screens worked in silk were dirty and frayed, but they were by

master hands, and still showed the outlines of beautiful designing. The

_rama-sho[u]ji_--the fret work between the rooms--was broken in places,

yet it displayed the erratic course of Nature's handiwork, the most

bizarre and effective of all. And always just before him went the

shuffling drag of sandals--as of some one on the _ro[u]ka_, further on,

at the room beyond. He sprang forward in haste, to fling back the closed

screens, but still the object eluded him; always there, yet never seen.

Thus it led him from room to room--reception rooms, sitting rooms, the

women's apartments; all gorgeous, all unfurnished, not a single object

of the value to tempt stray visitor or intentional thief. Even the

kitchen was stripped bare of equipment. Not even the stones to support

the furnace had been left. Thieves, or others, had long since accounted

for all movables.

Dumbfounded Saburo[u]zaémon stood at the foot of the stairway. Patter,

patter the footsteps had led him to this point. The width was coated

thickly with dust, swept by breezes from without, and from the

disintegrating plaster (_kabé_) walls. The webs of spiders were woven

across it; across the aperture. Yet--again came the wild sounds of riot

above. This time the voices were distinct and close at hand. A woman was

struggling, pleading under torture. "Alas! Alas! Deign to show pity.

What has been the offence, thus to inflict punishment. Condescend the

honoured pity. Ah! Pardon there is none. The child is consigned from the

darkness of the womb to the darkness of death. Alas! Most harsh and

unkind! How avoid the eternal grudge? Unending the hate of...." The

voice, like to the sharp rending of silk, ended in the fearful shriek,

chilling, heart rending, paralysing even the stout heart of Endo[u]

Saburo[u]zaémon. "Ki-i-i!" There followed the ineffectual gurgling

wailing cries of one struggling for breath. Drawn sword in hand

Saburo[u]zaémon sprang up the stairway. Nothing! The _amado_ thrown back

in haste light enough was given to show the emptiness of the room. Still

the voice was heard. He passed beyond. As before--nothing; except the

voice, now plain, as at his very side.

Saburo[u]zaémon was now assured of some witchery. "This is Endo[u]

Saburo[u]zaémon Takékiyo, _hatamoto_ of the land. Whoever, or whatever,

be present, assume the proper shape. Fox or _tanuki_ (badger), strip off

all disguise; stand to the test of Saburo[u]zaémon's blade." But the sad

wailing voice made answer--"Unkind the words of Endo[u] Sama. This is no

trick of fox or badger. Meeting an untimely end, the Spirit now wanders

as an unworshipped demon; as one deprived of all honour in the grave.

Brave has been the deed of Endo[u] Dono. Others have come; to depart in

fright. He alone stays to challenge. For so much, thanks. Deign worship

to my spirit, the security of rest from its wanderings." Saburo[u]zaémon

in amazement looked around. The voice was clearly heard, and close to

him; yet naught was to be seen. "Whoever you be, if wronged the sword of

Saburo[u]zaémon is here to avenge the wrong. If in life, the perpetrator

shall pay the penalty of the misdeed; yourself shall secure worship.

Such is the office of a _bushi_--to aid the helpless. But cannot the

shape be seen? Why this concealment from the eyes of Saburo[u]zaémon?"

And the voice made answer--"Has Endo[u] Sama no eyes? Concentrate the

thoughts. Here! Here!" Carefully and long Saburo[u]zaémon scrutinized

every spot. Following the voice he sought to get nearer and nearer. Thus

he was brought right before the _tokonoma_ (alcove). For a moment he

shielded his eyes with his hands, then boldly removed the screen and

faced the spectre in the plaster. At first faint, then more strongly

outlined was the vision of a young girl. At one time the face perhaps

had had great beauty. Now there was a weird expression of life amid the

wasting and decay of death. The living eyes gleamed a deadly hate and

distress which showed the torment of the spirit. Framed in the wild

disordered masses of long black hair the face of the apparition sought

to plunge its own unhappiness into the soul of its visitor. It was a

strange vision; one to rouse the desire for the beautiful woman in man's

heart, the wish to shield; together with repulsion toward the most evil

passions of a malice which inspires fear. Long and steadily the man

gazed; the woman answered the challenge. Then again Endo[u] was the

_samurai_. "On with the tale. To the wronged Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon

gives right and worship. A _samurai_, he has passed his word, not to be

broken." He would have taken seat before the alcove. Said the

voice--"Honoured Sir, the tale is long. On the _ro[u]ka_ without is a

stool. The _tatami_ are dangerous with the wet. Later deign the honoured

hearing." With surprise Endo[u] followed these household directions. At

the room close by he found the object indicated. Here met his eye a sign

unmistakeable. In the very centre of the _tatami_ was a huge

red-brownish stain; by the verandah a second stain; at the further

entrance a third of kindred character. Plainly the tale he would hear

was of no peaceful exit from life. To the tragedy of death had been

added violence. Thus fortified he returned, to take his seat before the

vision in the alcove; steadily, with the harsh official manner of his

caste, to meet the evil, strangely seductive, malice of its look and

suggestion. Then it spoke:

CHAPTER III

NAKAKAWACHI SHU[U]ZEN

Honoured sir, long past the source of this offence. It was the

fourteenth year of Kwanei (1637). As now, the summer heat was stifling.

To seek relief this Shimo had left the house, to stroll the

neighbourhood close by. Thus idly engaged, listening to the song of the

_suzumushi_, watching the fireflies flitting over the tops of the

_suzuki_ grass, and bending to cull a few lilies to arrange in the

_hanaike_, the presence of a stranger was felt. Ah! He was indeed a

handsome man. Not too young to seem a callow youth to the eyes of

Shimo's sixteen years; not too old to look on her merely as one of

different sex. Indeed he was not yet thirty years, a soldier, carrying

his two swords and his person most nobly. At very sight of him Shimo was

carried into the gust of the love passion. Her cheeks were "dashed with

the maple leaf, her heart swelled as the noon-tide." Her confusion did

not escape the notice of one already surprised at sight of a girl so

young strolling alone on the byways of the Bancho[u]. At once he spoke,

with the confidence of one who has the right to question--"And who may

this little beauty be, unaccompanied, with night so close at hand? The

Bancho[u] is said to be no safe place with coming of darkness. If on

some mission and belated, this Shu[u]zen will protect from harm. Or

perhaps, though young in years, this is some new wife. Or is it a lover

who is in question?" He spoke with kindness and authority, coming very

close to get his answer, his eyes fastened on my person, to the greater

increase of embarrassment. Vain was the attempt to throw some

indignation into the reply. Lover there was none. Of but sixteen years,

Shimo was in the hands of father and mother. To admit a lover would be

unfilial.... The father? Kawasaki Cho[u]bei, attached to the palace

stables. Humble was his rank in the minor office he held; but a one

time _ashigaru_ (common soldier) his service had entitled him to the

position and the suzerain's stipend of twenty _koku_. Hence he was of

some consequence among his neighbours. At this information, given with

some heat, the _samurai_ smiled and praised my father's service.

He did more than praise; on this night, and other nights. Frequent were

the meetings. Yet never did this Shimo pass the bounds of propriety.

Carried away by the gust of passion, incited by the lover's presence and

solicitation, yet Shimo's filial duty kept her person pure. A night came

when he failed at the rendezvous. So with the next, and following

nights. He had laughed at parting, and said that where was the will,

there a means would be found. Plainly the will was lacking, and he was

too proud and too highly placed even to endure the presence of Shimo at

his side. With these thoughts, and overcome by love and vexation, I

sickened. Great was the anxiety of the parents. Doctors were called in;

the priest's charms were sought. They were of no avail. It was the

advice of the wise old Saito[u] Sensei to leave me to myself and time.

"It is her years," said he. "Time will effect the cure; unless she

herself sooner indicates the means." Laughing he departed, as one

convinced that the cure was a simple one. Long had the determination

been held to tell all to the mother; always put off at sight of the

kindly anxious face. With such a lover she would have felt alarmed and

helpless.

Time brought the cure. The summer heats were nearly past; the eighth

month (September) close at hand. One day came a _chu[u]gen_ to the

house, bearing a message. At once all was in confusion. Nakakawachi Dono

was a _fudai daimyo[u]_ of twelve thousand _koku_ income. He was a

new-comer in the district, and known to be held in high favour at the

palace. A goodly portion of the site of the former Yoshida Goten in

Bancho[u] Ko[u]jimachi had recently been assigned to him. With the

removal of the Takata no Kata[6] to quarters closer to the castle the

greater portion of the palace had been removed to build the prior's hall

of the Iinuma Kugyo[u]ji. The villa part (_besso[u]_) of the structure

had been left intact, and with much of the park and garden had been

secured by favour to Nakakawachi Sama. For such a great lord in his

passage to condescend to rest at the humble house of a mere _go-kenin_

caused much disturbance. The limited household staff was put

energetically to work at cleaning and making all preparations for the

honoured visit. Treading with cat's paw my parents went from room to

room, to see that all was befitting. The articles of greatest value were

set forth for his lordship's view. An instinct set dancing my barely

restored nerves. Why did this great lord, so near home in his

progress--his fief was in Ko[u]shu[u]--deign thus to rest? What command

would he urge? His name was Nakakawachi Shu[u]zen. The _samurai_ lover

of the Bancho[u] spoke of himself as Shu[u]zen. Thus was the watching

and waiting, in a flutter of trepidation and newly aroused passion.

Then he came. My parents prostrated themselves on the ground in his

presence. "With your permission--" Haughty he swept on, to be ushered to

the inner rooms. Even the officer in charge remained at a distance.

Prostrate at the sill my father gave thanks for the honour of this

unexpected presence, for his lordship's deigning to halt the palanquin.

On command Shimo served the tea, not daring to raise face from the

_tatami_ under the satisfied scrutiny of this honoured guest, exercising

all her self control, which yet did not prevent a trembling of the

fingers in presenting the salver with the cup. In due course, on

withdrawal of the service, he noted the one who served, and indicated

his wishes. He was a new-comer in the district. He would have his

service therefrom, at the hands of those close by. No girl was better

spoken of than the daughter of Cho[u]bei San. He would ask that Shimo be

sent to the _yashiki_ to attend as _koshimoto_ (maid in waiting) to her

ladyship. His short stay in this house he regarded as most fortunate. He

spoke through his chamberlain, now present; but followed the officer's

words with close attention. My father was overwhelmed by the honour.

Profuse and earnest were his astonished thanks. Shimo was the only child

of people now entering into the coldness of age. This was of small

moment. But there had been no opportunity to give her the training

required for such service. Beyond an awkward touch on _samisen_, mainly

due to her own practice, she was a moor girl, a very rustic. She could

keep house--yes; like a wardsman's daughter. Polite accomplishments she

lacked. Deign in this instance his lordship's honoured forbearance. The

girl was too young and awkward for such service.

Polite was the withdrawal; without knowledge of his lordship's

disposition and previous acquaintance. Shu[u]zen Dono was not so easily

balked. All the objections were brushed aside. Youth was everything in

my favour. His eyes twinkled with inward amusement as he spoke. All the

easier came the practice which everyone must go through. If Shimo was

incurably awkward she would not be dismembered, but dismissed. Great

would be the forbearance. That she had everything to learn pleased him

all the more. She would be the more readily moulded to his service. At

the _yashiki_ youth was an object, and not the experience of long time

service which had left the adept far too experienced. Such women had

their lord's service little at heart. Shimo had youth and beauty. These

were a girl's treasures and accomplishments. He had never seen one

better fitted for entrance on such service. All this the chamberlain

conveyed with an authority which put aside opposition. The lord's will

was spoken. First the mother gave thanks for the honour condescended to

one so insignificant. She claimed the promised forbearance of his

lordship to any faults. My father followed her example, and gave his

thanks. Such entertainment as the humble house afforded was now

produced. After partaking his lordship departed in state. The neighbours

had been agape at the great lord's train stationed at the gate. For them

and for the curious and discreet questioning, the congratulations at

such promotion in the world, this Shimo cared little. His lordship's

will had prevailed. Henceforth Shimo would live close to his side.

I had fled to the little working room, as one taking refuge amid the

constant household sewing. But needle could not be seen through the veil

of tears. "What joy! What joy!" Thoughtless the words were spoken out

loud. The mother's hand was laid on my shoulder. The look was kind, yet

with some reproach at this unfilial rejoicing. Apology was made. To her

doubts eager was the answer. "How else succeed in life? Service at the

_yashiki_, its life always under eye, its etiquette, even its

dangers--this experience alone can teach how to meet its requirements;

and so close at hand, near to home and parents. Others had succeeded in

such promotion. Why not Shimo, thus offered the chance to rise from the

status of a wardsman's daughter, or not much more, to become an

attendant in a lord's _yashiki_?" Sadly my mother smiled. Grave would be

her anxieties concerning one so inexperienced. "The child thinks but of

self and pleasure. The mother thinks but of the child, and sees the

dangers." This in lower tones--"If Shimo becomes the favourite of her

lord, how is such inexperience to meet the evil passions roused in those

around her? Always place her ladyship first. Resist the solicitation of

Shu[u]zen Dono; unless the _okusama_ chooses to favour what would be but

a transient passion. Keep this well in mind.... And now--to the

preparation of what is needed." She had detected the motive of his

lordship's summons, thought him captivated by a pretty face and figure

come across by accident. Thus she understood the inner feeling of this

Shimo. With the words of advice she turned to the subject of my needs.

Willingly this was left to her skilled hands; and the advice received as

little attention. To speak of resistance to his lordship, to one who

hungered for his presence, was but to set the brain devising all the

means to secure his favour. Thus outwardly busied with needle and

garments, the self was existing as in a dream. The preparations in any

event could not be elaborate. Shu[u]zen Dono was urgent. A lucky day was

chosen, and with my modest equipment I entered on the service of the

_yashiki_ of Nakakawachi Sama.

Introduction to the immediate presence of her ladyship, O'Hagi was

anything but pleasing. Seated with her were two maids, O'Tsugi and

O'Han. The first named was a buxom masculine woman of nearly thirty

years. The girl O'Han was a recent promotion from the scullery; and, as

was learned later, she owed the favour to the goodwill of the

chamberlain (_yo[u]nin_) Nishioka Shintaro[u], a cold, smooth spoken,

evil eyed man, mainly notable for the uncompromising readiness with

which he carried out the wishes of her ladyship. Over them all, of

greatest influence with O'Hagi Dono, was an old woman, O'Saku. She had

accompanied her ladyship from the original House, was utterly

unscrupulous in her service, and her sharp voice, like that of a file

scratching glass, sent shivers down the spine as I prostrated myself

before the group. Cold was the reception. "A likely wench! Plainly his

lordship's choice, without reference to your ladyship. But time will

show.... Meanwhile no service as yet is assigned. With this girl his

lordship's orders are first to be heard. O'Han, show the new comer to

the quarters of the _koshimoto_, that she stand in no necessity or

likelihood of forgetting where they are. For to-day there is remission

of service." Thus spoke the harsh voice of O'Saku, passing over my head.

The cold, knife like glances of all were like steel plunged into my

body. With obeisance I withdrew, to follow O'Han, who gave no greater

welcome and was no kinder than the rest. Almost at once she left me, and

several days were passed in solitude awaiting a summons. This came one

evening. With evil dubious smile O'Han presented herself. "His lordship

summons O'Shimo Dono to his service this night. You are to attend. Deign

not to forget the good services of this Han." She laughed, with a bitter

suggestiveness. What would anyone have done, thus treated at start as

evil doer, as intruder? With joy his lordship's command was heard. The

whole person of Shimo showed a well restrained love and joy. He was

pleased at the effect wrought on me by his presence. Small the

experience, beyond what love's attention could afford. The night's

banquet was plainly not the dullest of its kind. At its close O'Shimo

had command to accompany him. With morning I was a woman.

In the period which followed every night came the summons to attend my

lord. Foolish and inexperienced, in this whirlwind of passion Shimo was

but a leaf driven by the storm. The assignment to duty in the _yashiki_

never came. There was the daily report for duty at her ladyship's

rising, the cold and curt reception, the quick dismissal. O'Hagi Dono

was past her thirtieth year. Of the great Doi House, she brought to her

husband a dower of influence and prestige. Older than her husband the

love passion had never taken root. An ugly woman, there was small

chance for other good qualities to secure a fictitious esteem with a man

so easily captivated by beauty as Shu[u]zen Sama. Furthermore her

ladyship did not possess such amiable traits. She was a proud, hard,

jealous woman; with the natural graft of a bad temper. Soon abandoned to

a lonely bed she was no longer treated as a wife. Though the marriage

had endured some five years there was no child, and little prospect of

one. On occasions of ceremony the _okugata_ presided at his lordship's

wine feasts, attended by her band of furies. With the exception of

O'Han, who possessed the freshness of youth, none of them had any

pretence to good looks. Outwardly all due respect was paid to his

lordship, but the private apartments (_oku_) were in league against him.

For weeks the contact was through the _yo[u]nin_, Nishioka Shintaro[u],

who acted as messenger of his lord's commands, and conveyed to his

lordship any intimation of the wishes of her ladyship. Hence Shu[u]zen

Sama knew and cared little as to what passed in the inner apartments of

his wife. She knew everything which passed in those of his lordship.

This tacit divorce appeared welcome to both.

The object of his lordship's passion, in a household in which one side

or the other of the existing feud must be taken, the position of this

Shimo was quickly determined. Not by her, for short experience of her

ladyship inspired a terror which would even have counselled cooler

treatment from his lordship in one more experienced. The other girls

were all honey, to disguise the bitterness of gall. There was not one of

them who would not gladly have obeyed her lord's call to Shimo's place.

Hence to partisanship was added jealousy. At the daily tasks there was

but one topic of conversation--O'Shimo's favour with her lord. The

charms she used were evident enough, for Nature had been lavish with the

kind to meet his lordship's wishes. How was it their own parents had

spawned such incapacity? "Deign, O'Shimo Dono, to teach the art so sadly

lacking. How bring to prominence such meagre gifts of proportion as one

does possess? In turn shall be taught the art of the _hanaike_--the

arrangement of flowers, of the _koto_ and the _biwa_ in accompaniment of

old songs of heroes and their ladies, the ceremonial grace so necessary

in attendance, the conduct of a lady. From a wardsman's daughter little

is expected, beyond good looks. Alas! O'Shimo Dono is the _yamabuki_,

the yellow rose, beautiful in its out of season bloom (April), but only

too likely to be nipped by the frost. Deign to enlighten, O'Shimo Dono.

Beauty soon wanes, and pregnancy kills good looks as completely as the

chill wind does the flowers." Then they all broke into mad laughter; and

whispered to each other.

Their suspicions were correct. The constant companionship of his

lordship had the natural effect. When told great was his pleasure. If a

boy, the child should be acknowledged as heir of the House. If a girl,

it should be the solace of his years. So great was his joy and pride

that he spoke to the retainers as if it was the _okugata_ herself who

was at issue. Thus the news must have reached her ladyship's ears with

the first telling, for Nishioka usually was present at his lord's

repast. He was the black cloud hanging over all. A tall, gaunt, suave,

determined man of nearly forty years, the smile he cast upon this Shimo

chilled her. Always courteous in his lordship's presence, elsewhere his

courtesy conveyed a threat and insult which made me as the bird before

the snake. I feared the man; and feared him all the more when one day,

with small disguise of malice, he told me that his lordship had departed

in all haste for the fief in Ko[u]shu[u], not to return for some weeks.

Considering the state of affairs, this should inconvenience me but

little. This open reference to the pregnancy was a first alarm. It

showed how well known it was to the whole household. Indeed concealment

now was impossible. The fifth month had been entered upon; the

supporting band had become a necessity. But the climax was at hand.

That very day--toward noon--the summons came through the girl O'Han.

With sinking heart I took my way to her ladyship's sitting room. What

was going to take place. Passing the _chu[u]gen_ Jisuké on the _ro[u]ka_

he called to someone in the garden--"His lordship's absence gives the

chance to clean out the house." Covertly glancing below--there was no

one. Was it in malice, or as warning? Probably the latter. Jisuké always

had been active in little services; often the chosen messenger of my

lord. His look in passing conveyed no insolence; rather kind intention.

It took away the exhibition of surprise at my reception. Her ladyship

was seated at the upper end of the room. The maids O'Tsugi and O'Han

stood close by. Nishioka Shintaro[u] was just behind her ladyship. The

old hag O'Saku was seated at the front. She motioned me to make

salutation. The _okugata_ spoke harshly, with contempt and dislike of

the one thus brought before her at the white sand of judicial process.

"The affair at issue is a simple one. Shimo is to answer the

questions--without tergiversation or lying. To Saku is left the matter

of the examination."

The old woman bowed with respect and smiling gratitude at the pleasing

task. The smile conveyed to her ladyship promise of satisfaction, even

amusement, in the torture of a forced confession from this child who

would play the woman. Turning to me her face, with cheeks fallen in,

long sharp nose, hard bright glittering eyes of a bird of prey, the

snowy hair piled high around the temples, it was that of one keenly

searching out the tenderest spot into which to drive the knife. Her

first words were all flattery. "Much has been heard, and little seen, of

O'Shimo Dono since her entrance into the _yashiki_. What has been heard

is all to her advantage. Her devotion to the service of his lordship has

been carried to the utmost--even, some say, to extremes. Of that there

can be no criticism. His lordship's wishes are paramount. The action of

O'Shimo Dono contains nothing but merit. It is for the malice of others

to say that O'Shimo has sought and stolen the fruit belonging to her

ladyship; that her cat's eyes have been quick to fasten upon the place

of the mistress of the house; that it is she who would furnish forth an

heir to his lordship. Such is not to be believed. But the truth is to be

told. An heir to his lordship is a matter for her ladyship. No child has

fallen to her lot. If O'Shimo Dono be the first to give birth to a child

in the _yashiki_, it must be between the knees of her ladyship. Deign

then to make full confession.... Ah! There is no need to beg for mercy

and reprieve from the examination. Saku is old. Her ladyship is a

married woman. Both possess experience. On refusal personal examination

is to be made. O'Tsugi, O'Han, are to aid." The two women had come

forward and passed behind me. Seized and thrown down the clenched fist

of O'Tsugi was roughly pressed into my abdomen. In fright and pain, in

dread for the unborn child, I cried out. Then the violent old woman

dragged out the confession of all that had passed with his lordship.

Minute and shameful the details to be told in the presence of a man. But

Shimo was an animal with powers of speech, and must tell all. With the

confession the old woman's smoothness departed. "Vile slut! A townsman's

brat, sprung from the stable dung, you would play the adulteress, take

her ladyship's place, and supplant her with an heir got by some

stranger's seed.... She is gone to the sixth month? High time for

interference. She shall be kept here, until the separation of persons

takes place. No wonder his lordship abandoned the shameless hussy--for

some fresh country wench in Ko[u]shu[u]. For such loose jades to please

the taste of the Tono Sama causes surprise. But off with her, to the

room for confinement. There she is to lie, until her affair is settled."

At a sign O'Tsugi and O'Han seized hold of me. Clothes torn and in

disorder, the person vilely exposed, roughly I was dragged over to this

barred and retired apartment. Always I made effort to preserve my body

and its fruit from their harsh violence. O'Tsugi roared with laughter at

the feeble resistance. The woman was strong as a horse. To O'Han--"Look

at her big belly. Ah! Her ladyship is none too wise. Let the matter but

be left to Tsugi, and the midwife soon would be needed." She raised a

massive leg with suggestive gesture. In some fright O'Han stopped her,

on plea of no such orders. The girl was young, of full figure and not

without attraction. Perhaps she harboured hopes, and would not in a

rival's person set precedent for her own. O'Tsugi spun me around, as a

child would a top with the cord. Then suddenly she released me. With a

crash my body fell against the wall. Sick and faint I tried to rise, and

failed. They watched me for a time as I grovelled and retched in

sickness. Then the bar fell on the outer passage and my imprisonment.

The day light waned. The sound of the birds going to roost came to the

ears. It was now spring, the gladsome period of the year. The cooing and

chirping brought no charm to the prisoner's ear. These birds were as the

birds of Shidéyama (in Hell). Mournful the dirge they sang. Filled with

foreboding, with dread for self and the passing from the darkness of the

womb to the darkness of death for the unborn child, faintness of heart

was made worse by the faintness of hunger. I sank into a kind of

slumber, more racking than the working hours. Then the harsh cries of

the crows aroused me. Daylight was again streaming through the window

bars. At a corner of the sill was a jar. The water in it was stale and

foul smelling. None other was to hand. A _mimitarai_ (hand basin) was

found in the closet. Thus was the nauseating ablution performed. Near

mid-day, when ready to cry out with hunger, for sake of child not self,

the door opened. It was O'Han who brought me food. One strip of

_takuan_, the bitter pickled radish; for drink, ice cold water. Such was

the meal. At night some pickled greens replaced the radish. On my knees

I plead with O'Han, besought her mercy for the unborn child. She laughed

at my misery. "Good living on forbidden fruits has made O'Shimo Dono

fat. Her big belly is perchance to be reduced by diet. Such are the

orders of the _okugata_. Han can do nothing; and would do nothing if she

could. What a fool! Cannot one please his lordship, all night and every

night, without promise of an heir to the House? Condescend the vacancy

and leave such matter to this Han...." Perhaps she felt that she had

said too much. Abruptly she turned and left the room.

I was not long alone. At least it seemed not so, for the light slumbers

were disturbed by the pangs of hunger. Then came a hand fingering the

outside bar. It was done stealthily. In aid or menace? A deadly fear

came over me. With wild staring eyes, loosened hair framing an anguished

and distorted figure I faced the object without, seeking its entrance.

The terror was not relieved by the appearance of the chamberlain,

Nishioka Shintaro[u]. His face was set and drawn, as of a man who has a

problem to work out, as of one who would carry out the purpose with

certainty and expedition. He closed the door, set the lamp carefully on

the floor in a distant corner. Not a word was spoken. Eyes bright with

terror I watched his movements. He carried something in one hand. Shaken

loose it was allowed to trail behind him. His preparations made he came

toward me with decision. Retreating before his advance the wall was

reached. By this time he was on me. Then I saw what it was he held; a

slender rope, its dreadful meaning plain. I screamed in terror. Roughly

he silenced me, one hand on open mouth. In stifled tones I plead for

mercy. Then failing sign of respite, by desperate effort my struggles

called for all his strength. My screams resounded loud in the room.

"Aré! Aré! Murder! Deep the grudge, to seven lives! Nishioka San! The

grudge of one dying against Nishioka! Against man and woman who would

cut off the life of Shimo and her child. Ah! Her ladyship! The grudge!"

The cord had tightened round my throat. The ends were in the strong

hands of Nishioka Shintaro[u]. I mocked and stuck out my tongue at him.

I know I did so, as the breath came with greater and greater difficulty.

His face, that of a demon, grew to huge proportions, bright scarlet. Now

heart and lungs were bursting with fullness. Dreadful the agony,

dreadful the grudge for this ill deed. Thus I died. Then followed the

ruin of the House of Nakakawachi Shu[u]zen.

CHAPTER IV

THE O'KAGÉ SAMA

On the following night all were gathered in the apartments of her

ladyship. O'Tsugi was engaged in putting back the _koto_ (harp) into its

cover. O'Hagi Dono touched the instrument with no mean skill, and on

this night had deigned to please herself and those who heard her. O'Han

was engaged in heating the _saké_ bottles. Rarely did her ladyship

retire without this indulgence. The old woman, O'Saku, aimlessly moved

about the room. She seemed to be awaiting some news. A sound of steps in

the corridor, and with pleased countenance she made sign to her

ladyship. A moment later and Nishioka Shintaro[u] entered the room.

There was not a trace of difference from the ordinary in his composed

harsh reverential manner to her ladyship. The latter gave a look at

O'Saku. The old women asked the momentous question. "The matter in

hand--has all gone well? The wench no longer troubles the peace and

future of the _okugata_?"--"Everything to perfection: the _chu[u]gen_

and servants were given tasks to take them far removed. There was barely

a struggle. By the hands of this Shintaro[u] the affair was soon carried

to completion." With complacence he displayed two lean strong hands,

regarded with fondness and admiration by her ladyship. They could bestow

a more tender embrace than that suffered by the unfortunate _koshimoto_.

"And later; the traces of the deed, these are to be removed?"--"There

are none. The time was waited until the body grew cold. It was safe to

do so. The weather is yet raw, the room one seldom entered, and the bar

key in the hands of Shintaro[u]. But just now the task of dismemberment

and disposal has been completed. On pretext of repairs to the _ashigaru_

quarters much plaster was obtained. With this the severed fragments of

the hussy and her foetus were mingled, and thus concealed in the wall

of the _tokonoma_. The whole new surfaced no trace of the deed appears;

nor is there fear of stench from the corpse. Her ladyship can be assured

that all is well. O'Shimo no longer will give trouble with her

pretensions to his lordship's fondness. In a few days Shintaro[u] will

notify the father that the girl has run off with some lover. A worthless

jade, thus dismissed the _yashiki_, he will be too ashamed to make

inquiry here; and his searches elsewhere are not likely to bear

fruit.... How strange!" He brushed away a firefly which had flown into

his face. With surprise those present watched the bug flitting here and

there in the darkness of the corners and the open corridor. It was

barely the middle of the third month (April), and no season for the

appearance of those insects of the hottest period of the year. Failing

to catch it, O'Tsugi drove it into the outer darkness. Then closed the

screens.

More lights were brought. Her ladyship would take wine, and talk of

nothing but the joy and relief. "For life this deed shall not be

forgotten. Always in the ready courage and resource of Nishioka has

support been found; many awkward corners turned. If he finds favour with

his lord, still greater the regard of this Hagi. A cup--Shintaro[u]!"

Herself she offered it, leaning fondly toward him. Her hand trembled in

her passion as he took it, with purposed glance and pressure. Always

formal in outward seeming, the intimate relations of the pair for past

months were more than understood by these immediate attendants and

abettors. Nishioka Shintaro[u] long had been the honoured substitute of

his lord--the shadow, the O'Kagé Sama, of Nakakawachi Dono. In this case

the shadow was the substance. This ugly virile woman was boiling over

with passion. In the old O'Saku she had a bawd to her service. She had

entered this House as friend or enemy, according as the event would turn

out. Neglected by Shu[u]zen, unable to rule him by will or personal

attraction, she sought to do so by substitution, to the satisfaction of

both. Hence she made Nishioka Shintaro[u] her lover. He was nephew of

O'Saku and foster brother of O'Hagi. Once introduced into the house he

easily made his way into the confidence of Shu[u]zen Dono, by taking all

cares off his shoulders, beyond those of ceremonial attendance and

pleasure. The minutest details of everything were looked to by Nishioka.

This pleased Shu[u]zen, who placed confidence in the readiness and

proved resourcefulness of the man. Nishioka was an infallible guide in

all minutiae of the palace service and intrigue; his knowledge gained by

a long experience in attendance on the great Doi House. Here he had

risen from _chu[u]gen_ to _kyu[u]nin_ (house officer). When he came to

the _yashiki_ of Shu[u]zen he soon replaced the _karo[u]_ (minister) of

the fief in his lord's intimacy, and the latter official found

honourable banishment in continued occupation and residence at the fief

in Ko[u]shu[u], where Shu[u]zen played the rôle of a castle lord

(_jo[u]shu[u]_), a _fudai daimyo[u]_, a subordinate and spy on his

greater neighbours. The new comer was source of congratulation to her

ladyship. As O'Saku--and perhaps O'Hagi Dono intended, revenge was

sought on Shu[u]zen by promptly throwing the mistress into the arms of

Nishioka. Behind the impenetrable shield of the inner apartments--a

place that Shu[u]zen only sought to avoid--they could live as husband

and wife. Other arrangement now was met by the cold reception meted out

to her lord by the lady of the House. Any compunction Shu[u]zen might

feel as to what he thought to be the enforced sterility of O'Hagi thus

was salved.

Merry almost to madness was the progress of the wine feast. Her ladyship

went beyond the bonds even of a decent veil of sobriety. Her loving

attitude to Nishioka found more open expression than usual in the

presence of the others. Her abandonment was undisguised. All rejoiced

with her; congratulated the strong man on his ready energy. Only the

girl O'Han showed some lack of spirit, which she attributed to headache.

In kindness her ladyship forbade further concern with the service of the

wine, with the aggravation of its fumes; but she had too little

consideration for those about her to relieve the suffering girl from

attendance. Then the hour came to retire. According to the decent

formula in practice, Nishioka, notified of the fact, rose to take his

leave--to the next chamber. Here the O'Kagé Sama did his disrobing. The

girl O'Tsugi was the first to leave her ladyship, on some mission. She

came behind Shintaro[u], to administer a rousing slap between the

shoulders which brought him almost to his knees. Grumbling and gasping

he turned to meet her admiring looks. "A fine figure of a man! And one

to act as well as pose. For us his lordship has but pretty words.

O'Shimo alone profited otherwise. But the O'Kagé Sama of his lordship is

of another kind. Deign to favour this Tsugi from time to time."

Shintaro[u] volunteered a grimace which could pass for a consenting

smile. His shoulders burned under the heat of the lady's passion. In

search for a reply the screens again parted, and O'Saku made her

appearance. O'Tsugi at once took to flight, somewhat in derision. The

old woman followed her with eyes of suspicion. Then she marched straight

up to Nishioka--"An impudent jade! Shintaro[u] is to place no confidence

in her or her words. She brings nothing but shame, and perhaps worse.

There is not a serving man in the _yashiki_ who does not know her. And

remember this well. It is this Saku who holds the string of her

ladyship's favour. O'Hagi Dono is not so far enamoured as not to accept

a substitute at Saku's hands.... But he is a fine figure of a man! Too

fine to be spoiled by his lordship's hand." To avoid the threatening

lascivious gleam in the eyes of this withered branch Nishioka made

pretence of trouble with a knot in his girdle. The whispered invitation

grazed a negligent ear, to be interrupted by the sound of her ladyship's

voice. O'Saku was in no haste to leave or to say more. O'Han was the

last to appear. There were anger and tears in her eyes as the girl

stopped a few feet from him. She spoke half turned away, as ready to

take flight at expected interruption. "Nishioka Dono keeps faith with

her ladyship! Does he keep faith with Han? Earnest was the promise that

at all events Han should share his favour with O'Hagi Dono. Nearly a

month has passed since he has deigned a visit. Surely her ladyship is

not so exacting. Give fair answer. Is will or power lacking?" She waited

the reply, eyes cast down on the _tatami_, for she at least had some

remains of modesty. Thus the almost despairing gesture of Shintaro[u]

escaped her. He spoke in low voice, with emphasis, to this fairest of

his bevy of fair ones--"As for the _okugata_, O'Han knows her almost as

well as this Shintaro[u]. What would be the fate of both if their

treachery were suspected? Deign to be patient. The fountain of plenty

has not run dry. Shintaro[u] would go but so far. In this horde of women

he must look to himself. The dependence now is on her ladyship and

O'Saku Dono. Shu[u]zen Sama is cajoled by having thought for nothing.

The _karo[u]_ now is very old. This Shintaro[u] surely will take his

place. A break then with her ladyship finds punishment in exile to

Ko[u]shu[u]. Then comes the time for O'Han openly to join Shintaro[u],

for the happy bond of two lives." The girl's lips barely moved. Both

were startled at peremptory call from the neighbouring room. She spoke

rapidly--"'Tis small matter, even with her ladyship. But from time to

time a visit to this Han? Condescend it."--"Agreed!" was the impatient

answer. "But with O'Hagi Dono, O'Tsugi, O'Han.... O'Saku, the occasions

must be limited." He suddenly seized her in his arms and silenced her

protest in an embrace. Then with hasty steps he passed to her ladyship's

bed-chamber, leaving O'Han with wide staring eyes which shifted from the

room of the lovers to the door through which she had witnessed the old

woman's departure.

Such was the vileness of the life in which was engaged Nishioka

Shintaro[u]. A week had barely elapsed. There was occasion to make

purchases for the _yashiki_. The _chu[u]gen_ Jisuké remained

respectfully prostrate before the officer. Nishioka again ran over the

list required. "These are to be got at the Owariya in Mikawacho[u]. The

month's settlement is yet far off. The order stands sufficient. Now off

with you." The man did not budge. Rising to a sitting posture he looked

fixedly in the face of Nishioka. "What now?" grumbled the _yo[u]nin_.

Answered the _chu[u]gen_ with respect--"Something of a tip will be

well."--"A tip!" said Nishioka in astonishment. "For what is the month's

wage paid to a _chu[u]gen_? Is he to be given drink money for carrying

out his duties? Take the _furoshiki_; and now out with it and yourself."

"'Out with it'; just so." Such the answer; but the fellow did not budge.

The steady insolence of his attitude made Nishioka straighten up as by a

shock. He was too surprised to speak. The _chu[u]gen_ spoke for him.

"Yes--out with it. Ah! It is quite private with Shintaro[u]. Jisuké can

speak at ease. Drink money is just the thing for Jisuké. Jisuké Dono is

fond of drink. The O'Kagé Sama will supply the coin, three _ryo[u]_, in

return for the silence of Jisuké."

At the suggestive nickname, known only to the few in the secrets of the

_oku_ Nishioka fairly gasped. Jisuké did not give time for answer. He

drove the matter home. "'Heaven knows, Earth knows, Man knows.' So does

this Jisuké, of the doings of Shintaro[u] with the Okusama. Naruhodo! No

strange sight. When the honoured Sun (Tento[u] Sama) disappears toward

Ko[u]shu[u], the honoured Moon (Tsuki Sama) appears in the ascendant in

Musashi. The matter is a most important one, not to be brought to an end

by a gesture. Bring the Okusama on the head and shoulders of Jisuké; and

Jisuké tells all to his lordship. The proof is easy, and this Jisuké the

fitting messenger between these lovers.... Oh! Don't lay hand to sword.

Jisuké is active, and the way of retreat is open. The honoured Jisuké is

not one to perish by the hand of the low fellow (_yaro[u]_) Shintaro[u].

In plain terms, the rascal is male concubine of her ladyship; who knows

little of the even balance with which her paramour shares his favours

with her women. Surely Shintaro[u] was born under the sign of the goat.

But that is not all. The very walls can talk. At least that in which the

unhappy O'Shimo, seven months gone with child, stands walled in.

Naruhodo! Such punishment is inflicted on bugs, and worms, and creeping

things; not on human beings. How does Jisuké know? Go question the

plaster, you coward; or learn that Jisuké is, and has been, everywhere

present at council and at deeds. But a word to Cho[u]bei Dono, and

Nishioka crouches at the white sand for confession."

At first astonishment and incredulity, then wrath, now dismay filled the

heart of Nishioka Shintaro[u]. The fellow's insolence, the honorifics

bestowed on Jisuké, the vile terms heaped on himself, showed the secure

ground on which Jisuké stood in his full knowledge of events. For whom

was he spy? He must find out. Jisuké, however, volunteered the

information. "Spy? Jisuké Dono is spy for no one's interest but that of

Jisuké Sama. He would have warned O'Shimo Dono, but repented in time to

have all more completely in his hands. She passed on to her death,

carried out under the eyes of Jisuké, and at the hands--Yes, the hands

of the low fellow Shintaro[u]. Ah! Did beautiful eyebrows inspire this

deed? Was it the love for O'Hagi now, or love for O'Han hereafter? As

rival to his lordship the rascal Shintaro[u] had no chance with O'Shimo

Dono. The clothes prop is the most useful instrument of the house. It

brings things long unseen to light and sight. Jisuké Dono will be the

clothes prop for this completed wickedness--unless his silence be well

bought. Come! Fifty _ryo[u]_: not down: but ten suffices for the

occasion.... Come and demand it of the Okusama? No indeed! Before her

ladyship the prescribed etiquette demands obeisance, and off is whipped

the head of Jisuké. It is money and--a sword cut. On the contrary, off

with Shintaro[u] to beg the needed sum. The tongue of Jisuké Sama is

silenced only by the coin which secures his absence."

Nishioka could not help himself. "Jisuké is right. It is a matter of

importance. But her ladyship alone can supply the sum. Remain here,

where safety has been so well secured." Then he betook himself to the

inner apartments. At his tale O'Hagi was aghast. She touched the root of

the matter at once. "The man must have the money demanded. And

afterward...." Nishioka smiled grimly at the kindred thought. "Into the

_oku_ he is not to be inveigled. Leave the matter to this Shintaro[u].

After all be is but a _chu[u]gen_, plainly a fellow with two eyes; but

despite his long experience he must leave the _yashiki_ or conform to

the etiquette of the service. He will not leave a place where lies his

future mine of gold, no matter what his insolence in private. All will

be well. His ignorance and position offer chance to play upon.

Shintaro[u] surely will find a way to kill him." With this solace and

the coin he took his way back to the waiting Jisuké. "I say now! His

lordship's shadow indeed! This rascal Shintaro[u] has but to shake the

tree and the golden fruit falls into his hands. The kind of friend to

possess! Ask; and one receives. Sheet metal too! A very thief, he is

more generous than the Tono Sama! So far thanks. And now--_sayonara_!

Jisuké Dono is off to the pleasant land--the Amatsuki of Fushimicho[u],

the land of reed plains (Yoshiwara). The knave Jisuké, values higher

than the knave (_yaro[u]_) Shintaro[u]. The Honoured Sir pays for the

favours of his queen; his queen pays the _yaro[u]_ Shintaro[u]." With

this parting shot Jisuké was up and out into the open. With some

surprise he halted for a moment. Nishioka had received the sally in good

part. He was laughing, half in amusement, half in vexation. Thought

Jisuké--"Truly this rascal of a _yo[u]nin_ matches even the honoured

Jisuké. Both spring from the farm, and the jest touches him, and not his

rank. Between the two, lord and lady are like to pay dear."

Nishioka returned slowly to the inner apartments, to make report as to

this rather doubtful progress. For several days nothing was seen of

Jisuké. For a time, as one satisfied, he resumed his duties in the old

respectful rôle. Only a sly veiled jest would show the wolf lying in

wait. Then came further demands, promptly responded to by Nishioka. He

began to be curious as to the adventures of Jisuké. He made the

_chu[u]gen_ talk; whose experiences were painted in glowing colours.

With a sigh Nishioka handed over the cash demanded, granted the leave of

absence. Grumbled Jisuké--"'Tis like digging the metal from the ground.

Few are the miners of another's hoard. Why grudge this Jisuké what costs

Shintaro[u] nothing!" Nishioka grasped at the opening. "What costs

nothing, carries no grudge. But Jisuké has the cash at the cost of this

Shintaro[u], only obtained in the company of an ugly old woman. With

this coin it is Jisuké who commands the selected beauty of Nippon. Come!

There has been enough of this. To-night Shintaro[u] takes Jisuké as

guide. He too will take his pleasure amid the beauties of the

Yoshiwara." He spoke expansively, with far off smile and look, as if the

beauties were ranged before his vision. Jisuké stood with mouth wide

open. "What! Not even the whole private apartments of a _daimyo[u]_

satisfies this lecher? Ah! The rascal would plant horns on the Okusama.

Husband and wife alike adorned! How now: is not her ladyship already

something of a demon? Nishioka Dono will be impaled on one or the

other." With mock respect he gave advice and bowed before his officer.

His interest in this rebellion was plain. Nishioka was seen to hesitate.

He looked doubtfully at Jisuké, as if seeking counsel in this

questionable matter. To Jisuké the matter was a jest; thus to involve

all three victims in a common treachery to one another. The temptation

was great, and he was a match for any underhand design on the part of

Nishioka. No safer place for him than Yoshiwara, in which his enemy

might be still more involved. _Samurai_ were particularly marked in the

place. Meanwhile the chamberlain would be his butt for the evening.

Jisuké's hints as to his source of revenue were broad enough to the

companions of his evening pleasures. They would be delighted at a sight

of this generous official.

Hence he urged objections to his company, and himself found answers.

Said Nishioka--"It is agreed. To-night all is propitious. The old girl

has taken cold. She intends a sweating. Such the notice to this

Shintaro[u]. It is his time to be fickle. He accompanies Jisuké." His

mind was made up, with some evident tear and reluctance. Jisuké aided

him in his preparations. Wearing _zukin_ (hood) he passed out the gate

with Jisuké. The latter handed in two _chu[u]gen_ tickets to the

_momban_, and none knew that the honoured _yo[u]nin_ had left the

_yashiki_. In merry company they descended the Gomizaka. Shintaro[u] was

as a boy just out of school, so merry was he. He lagged behind, then

went ahead. At the top of the Kudanzaka he halted. "On with you, Jisuké.

Shintaro[u] stops here a moment." He passed to the side of the road.

Jisuké in turn halted. He was standing in the moonlight. Said he, with a

touch of his usual insolent jesting--"How explain to the ladies the

presence of the honoured chamberlain? Shintaro[u] _yaro[u]_ wears two

swords. Jisuké Dono is but a _chu[u]gen_. Odd company! Notable will be

the compliment."--"No explanation is required." Terrible the voice from

the shadow beside him. "Ei!" Quick as a flash Jisuké made a spring

forward, not too soon to prevent arm and back being ripped open by the

keen weapon.--"Ah! The low fellow Shintaro[u] is not the one to kill the

honoured Jisuké. He has already said it.... The beast! He has cut me.

The devil lies between Jisuké and the lights of the O[u]mon. With

Cho[u]bei San is found safety and vengeance." With all speed he fled up

the Ushinakizaka to seek safety in the darkness of its wood. Nishioka

pursued with determination. The rip of cloth and flesh showed him that

he had reached his man. Loss of blood would bring him down. Jisuké aimed

for the middle of the grove, for the Hachiman shrine, now the site of

the Sho[u]konsha. Under the dark shadow of the trees he hoped to escape

the pursuer. Alas! A tree root caught his foot and threw him on his

face. As he rose the sword ran him through from back to breast.

Staggering, grasping at air, he turned on Nishioka; spitting out his

grudge with the clots of blood. His last words of hate were mingled with

the rumblings of the storm close over head. The moon's brightness had

disappeared. Heavy clouds rolled up, illuminated time and again by a

glare of dismal light. Big gouts of rain began to wet the clothes of

living and of dead in this solitude. For surety Nishioka gave the final

thrust through the throat. Just then the bell of Ichigaya Gekkeiji

reverberated through the thick wood. In the night hour it sounded sharp

and sudden, like a harsh call to men to rise and witness. Nishioka wiped

his sword on the dead man's dress. A flash of lightning lit the face,

horrible and mocking in the death agony. As the chamberlain leaned over

the corpse a voice spoke behind him, harsh and as if half stifled with

the blood filling gorge and lungs--"Yai! Shintaro[u] has his way. He

murders Jisuké--not once, but twice. Deep the grudge! Deep the grudge!"

Then it broke into a wail, chilling in the helplessness of the malice

expressed. Nishioka sprang to his feet and whirled around. In the

uncertain light close by stood Jisuké. His hair in wild disorder, cheeks

fallen in and corpse like with the bluishness of clay, the _chu[u]gen_

grinned and threatened. The living man could match him with his pallor.

"Namu Amida Butsu! Get you hence vile spectre, or stay the test of

Nishioka's sword." He made a sweep with the weapon. The figure

disappeared. A mocking laugh resounded far and wide, followed by the

same chilling hopeless wail. In haste, and pursued by the wild laughter,

stumbling over stones and roots, Nishioka fled the wood, to make report

at the feet of her ladyship. For long the figure of the _chu[u]gen_,

crying, wailing in baffled malice, haunted the wood of the Ushinakizaka.

Men hastened to pass by, none would enter; and in time the apparition

became one of the seven marvels (the Nana-Fushigi) of the Bancho[u].

CHAPTER V

THE REPORT TO THE TONO SAMA

On the dull evening of the rainy season (June) Nakakawachi Shu[u]zen sat

looking out on the dripping plants and trees. The home coming had

brought no pleasure. The treachery of the favoured Shimo was assured.

The father himself admitted the search made for the lover; wept and

grovelled in shame and apology. O'Saku had seen him in person, when he

came to the _yashiki_ several weeks before the flight. O'Tsugi had heard

him call--"choi! choi!" had overheard O'Shimo's surprised

exclamation--"my lover! my lover!" After several mysterious absences, on

excuse to see her father lying ill, she had disappeared. On inquiry it

was found that Cho[u]bei had never known a day of illness. The excuse

was all a lie. "A case of the wild duck; the cock had come." Whose was

the child she bore? O'Hagi laughed, and her attendant woman smiled, at

his credulity.

Shu[u]zen never suspected the deceit. Something of a _dilettante_ for

the period he was learned in the Chinese tradition. Seventeen years, and

a woman has no heart. This Shimo was a debauched wench. Truly she had

foxed him with her superficial charms, picked him up thus easily in the

Bancho[u]. With gesture of weariness and disgust he turned to the papers

and scrolls on the desk before him. They were house accounts submitted

by Nishioka, and none too pleasing. A round sum was missing on the

person of the _chu[u]gen_ Jisuké. Sent out to make important payment, he

had run off with the money, leaving no sign of his whereabouts. Just

then the bell of Gekkeiji struck the hour of the pig (9 P.M.). With

impatience Shu[u]zen swept the papers together. Her ladyship as

companion of his wine feasts chilled the bottles with freezing glance.

The monotonous talk of debts and expenses, exchanged with those around,

added a bitter flavour. Always demands, or hints of demands, which made

the meal a very time of penance.

With some slowness he rose to attend the repast. Then from the garden

side came a sad wailing voice. "Grateful the honoured return, so long

delayed. Fond the thoughts of the past long weeks. Deep the longing for

the honoured presence. Report is to be made to his lordship. Alas!

Alas!" A chill went to the very heart of Shu[u]zen. Lamentable and

grievous as was the sound, he had no difficulty in recognizing the voice

of O'Shimo. Startled he turned in indignant anger to the _ro[u]ka_

whence the sound had come. He looked out into the darkness of the

dripping night. Nothing was to be seen. Plainly he had thought too much

of the girl, of her condition and the disappointment. He gave his body a

violent shake to throw off this cold oppression and foreboding. Then

slowly he took his way to the wine feast. The _saké_ would bring warmth.

This was not the case. Freely as he drank, it added to powers of vision.

His mind now always on the missing girl, the familiarity between spouse

and chamberlain seemed strange for the relation between mistress and

servant. As usual, with the finish of the last bottle, Nishioka

accompanied him to his retirement. Shu[u]zen spoke sharply of the large

increase in the expenses of the inner apartments. To meet these the

revenues would have to be forestalled, the income anticipated. The

smooth fellow met him more than half way in agreement. His lordship was

too estranged from the _okugata_. Greater familiarity toward the women's

apartments would be the needed restraint. Deign his presence this very

night. Nishioka Shintaro[u] spoke in no hypocrisy. The O'Kagé Sama now

was longing for the rightful substitution. His nest well feathered, he

would seek safer quarters with the softer charms of O'Han. On

Shu[u]zen's abrupt gesture and refusal he took his departure, almost

betraying his own disgruntlement. Comical was his despairing gesture as

he took his way to the bed of her ladyship.

The temple bell struck the seventh hour (3 A.M.). It roared and

reverberated through the room. Shu[u]zen opened his eyes. He was

tormented with the thirst inspired by his copious libations. His head

was heavy and whirling. He took a long draft from the jar close by his

pillow. Then he rose to tread the corridor. On his return he sought to

wash his hands. Turning to find the towel, close by him he saw a woman.

Dressed all in white, slender to emaciation, her face concealed by the

long hair which hung in heavy disordered masses over shoulders and

bosom, she presented to him the desired article. As he would take the

towel he spoke in surprise--"Who may this be, awake at this late hour

for Shu[u]zen's service?" Again the sad lamentable voice made

reply--"Fond the thoughts of his lordship. Long waited his return.

Report is to be made." At sight of her face he gave a cry--"Shimo!" At

the words the figure faded away. The outstretched towel fell to the

ground. A slight rustle of the breeze swept the corridor. "Shimo!

Shimo!" In amaze and suspicion came the words. Something had gone wrong

here. Shu[u]zen pressed the towel to his lips, as to get rid of the

nauseating taste in his mouth. Then came the voice from the garden. With

hasty movement he threw back the _amado_. The wind sighed through the

pines; a gentle patter of rain came in gusts. Close by the voice spoke

again--as from a _yukimido[u]ro_, one of those broad capped stone

lanterns, like to some squat figure of a gnome, and so beautiful an

ornament with white snow cap or glistening with the dripping mirror of

the rain.

"Report is to be made. Long has Shimo waited her lord's return. In this

Shimo was no treachery of heart. Devoted was her service to her lord. By

the hand of Nishioka Shintaro[u], by the malice of O'Hagi Dono, Shimo

and her unborn babe met a miserable end. Nor has the ill deed ended

there. Go now to the chamber of the wife, and witness the adulterous

deed. Deign to learn the truth from Shimo." The voice ceased. Shu[u]zen

passed a hand over his wine heated brow. Fox or badger? Did some over

bold and infamous apparition seek to delude him? With a bound he sought

his chamber and the sword at his pillow. He would deal harshly with such

lies. Then came a second thought. Why not ascertain the fact? He was the

husband. His presence was a right. Softly he made his way to the inner

apartments. At the outer ward he stumbled in the darkness against some

object. "Aré! The Tono Sama!" With a cry of alarm up sprang the sleeping

O'Han. She would have outstripped him in a race to the inner rooms, but

Shu[u]zen was too quick for her. With hand over mouth he dragged her to

the garden side. She would have cried out, and made resistance. Then he

changed her tune. Lacking confession he held her flat and prostrate

under him. Firmly grasping both wrists tight together, he forced his

dagger between the hands, and began to twist the keen blade. Unable to

resist the torture she soon told all she knew, confessed her own part of

watch and ward in the offense. This done, he drove the weapon through

her throat and left her pinned to where she lay, the limbs feebly

twitching in the last throes.

Assured of his suspicions Shu[u]zen now sought to surprise the lovers.

Cautiously he approached the sleeping room of her ladyship from the

inner side. There was no doubt of it. In the very throes of her passion

O'Hagi was without disguise. Shu[u]zen threw back the screens on this

vileness. "Lechers! For this disloyalty Shu[u]zen finds revenge! Make

ready!" Nishioka Shintaro[u] sprang to his feet, only to sink down in a

pool of blood which soaked the bed he had dishonoured. Severed from

shoulder to pap he died forthwith. With wild screams O'Hagi fled to the

corridor. As she reached it the point of the weapon was thrust through

her back, to come out at the navel. As she writhed and twisted on the

floor, Shu[u]zen measured the blow and nearly cut the body in twain.

"Ah! In good season the old bawd presents herself." In fright the old

woman's head had been thrust between the screens into the room close by

the master. An easy mark it fell severed to the ground, the blood

spouting its powerful streams from the arteries as from a pump. The

woman O'Tsugi was a sterner task. Aroused by the noise she came stalking

into the middle of the room, still rubbing eyes confused by sleep. "Ah!

The villainous cuckold. He has murdered these, and now would add the

next (_tsugi_). Not so!" With her wild jest she threw herself upon him.

Trained soldier as he was Shu[u]zen found the contest no easy one

against this virile woman. Getting the worst of it, she fastened her

teeth deep into his hand. Grunting with pain Shu[u]zen flung her off,

and quickly brought down the sword. Prostrate she lay, the blood stream

pouring over the real lord of this harem.

With a long breath Shu[u]zen surveyed his work. It was complete. Then he

went to the outer ward of the apartments. To his call no one came.

Repeated, in the distance of the _ro[u]ka_ appeared from the outer ward

(_omoté_) the old and faithful Nakamura Saisuké. At sight of his lord,

dyed in blood from head to foot, he threw up his hands. Without undue

haste or any words Shu[u]zen led him to the scene of the punishment.

Respectfully Saisuké brought a cushion. Then prostrate he waited for his

lord to speak. Long endured the silence. Then said Shu[u]zen

briefly--"Caught in the act of adultery this Shu[u]zen has put to death

the guilty. The results are most important. The lack of discipline in

the House is sure to lead to the honoured punishment by the suzerain.

From this there is no escape." Saisuké surveyed the scene with the calm

eye of experience. "Be in no haste, my lord. This Saisuké in his long

experience has seen many deeds of violence. For the present this matter

need not be published. Of the outer apartments (_omoté_), the

_chu[u]gen_ and servants need know nothing. In any case they do not

count, and can be sent away. The others are not curious; moreover they

are loyal, as _samurai_.... Of the inner apartments--a very clean sweep

has been made. Deign to leave matters for the present to this Saisuké."

With approval the old man examined the handiwork of his lord. It was

most thorough, even to the eye of this remnant of the battle field. Then

he went to work. The bodies he conveyed to the side of the artificial

mound in the garden. Digging out part of the hill, here he buried them;

forced in, dove-tailed together, in the smallest space; the old man

grumbling at the ground they occupied. Then with water he washed out the

blood stains on the wood work. When dry he would plane out tell-tale

marks. Meanwhile he would serve his lord, to the exclusion of all

others. Would the Tono Sama deign to rest? With sad misgivings the

_kyu[u]nin_ (house officer) watched Shu[u]zen as he retired to his room.

Himself he mounted guard at the women's entrance, to prevent all

intrusion.

Nakamura Saisuké's heart was pure. His age beyond recall. For two days

he struggled, alone in his task. On one pretext or another the

_samurai_ were sent off, one here one there, on lengthy missions.

Perhaps the old man's efforts had been too great. In the course of the

day a _chu[u]gen_, come on some affair, found him flat on his belly,

groaning with pain as in the very last extremities. To the man's

inquiries he could but cry out with colic and distress. Aid was brought,

but only to find him dead. Then a second discovery was made. Report was

necessary to his lordship. Here all was found closed against reception.

On making their way into the inner room Shu[u]zen was found, clad all in

white, the bloody dirk in hand, the body fallen forward on the

ceremonial mats. He had cut his belly open, on retiring for the night.

All now was in confusion. Should the _karo[u]_ be awaited. None knew

this exile to the Ko[u]shu[u] fief, beyond his reputed morose severity.

Official there was none to whom to make report. They were afraid, and

took their own part. With everything of value they could lay their hands

on they fled in different directions. The open gate and abandonment

attracted attention. The dead body of Shu[u]zen was proved a voluntary

_seppuku_ (cut belly) for some cause; that of the old man required no

explanation. The inquiry set on foot led only to confusion, and was soon

lost in the greater question of the heirship. Placed in charge of Yamada

Dono, a caretaker was sought for the _yashiki_. A property tangled in a

long dispute, this would seem a pleasing task and one to summon many

applicants. But this was not the case. Successful candidacy was followed

by early exodus. None could endure the frightful sounds heard every

night; the cries of pleasure followed by the screams of those in the

agony of a painful dying. Spectral lights were seen, the old well in the

garden poured forth its confined spirits, all the evil influence of the

place was rejuvenated in the minds of people by this last disaster.

"Thus the matter rests. 'Tis not this Shimo who is the cause of these

nightly scenes of strife and pain. In mad chase Shu[u]zen Dono, the

Okusama, the villainous Nishioka and his concubines, act the scene of

their cutting off. Shimo has but her part, to find Nirvana in the

worship of the upright. Deign this act of kindness." At the fierceness

of the voice Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon started. The red light of dawn was

pouring into the open room. All sight of the dreadful vision had faded

from the wall before him. Vision, or fact? It had been too vivid to

doubt. Yet as he came to the mound he passed around it. On the side next

to the lake now he noticed that it was all caved in, an obvious

depression. The tale then had truth. Thus he took his way from the

haunted precincts, determined to secure the _yashiki_ as his own, and

the future rest and peace of Nirvana to the unhappy O'Shimo.

CHAPTER VI

THE SHRINE OF THE O'INARI SAMA

Something has been already said of the _chu[u]gen_ Isuké, unwilling

guide of Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon to the haunted house of the Go

Bancho[u]. Thus is the second person of the name of Shu[u]zen introduced

into the traditions and history of the Bancho[u]. Of him and his

experiences with its denizens something is to be said.

Okumura Shu[u]zen had distinguished himself in the Amakusa uprising of

1637-8. A retainer of Matsudaira Nobutsuna he had not been the last man

to force his way into the blazing ruins of Arima castle. He did his very

best amid the struggling mass of halt, maimed, and blind, after the real

defenders of the castle had died weapons in hand. He was able to present

himself before his lord with a reasonable number of his own company with

heads on their shoulders; and a phenomenal number of heads minus

shoulders, of all ages and sexes--men, women, and children--of the

castle inmates. Against the once owners Shu[u]zen had little grudge. So

much was to be said of him. In private he railed against the bad rule

which had brought him and his fellows into the field against the

embattled farmers. But this was a thing to be endured; not cured, except

by time. Rebellion against the liege lord, under the leadership of

_samurai_ once retainers of the cowardly Konishi Yukinaga, added edge to

his sword and point to his spear. His service brought him in the train

of his lord's progress to Edo. In the report made Okumura Shu[u]zen

figured so well, that request--amounting to command--transferred him to

the Tokugawa over-lord. Made _hatamoto_ with fief of four hundred _koku_

he was as well liked by his greater lord as when in the humbler service

of a _daimyo[u]_. Five years of faithful work, and the necessities of

Government for his _yashiki_ site in Mita received the reward of a

liberal grant of another site in the Go Bancho[u], together with the

thousand _ryo[u]_ of costs of removal.

The work of transfer was pushed forward. The more modest abode of a lord

of moderate income, and the massive gateway with its supporting walls

and fence of closely woven, sharp pointed, bamboo retiring into the

distance now were ready to shut in Shu[u]zen to the privacy of his share

in the suzerain's defence. Plainly Shu[u]zen Dono put more confidence in

his own prowess, or insignificance, than in the strength of outer

defences against sudden attack of those at feud with him. Part of his

tract inclosed a shrine of the Inari goddess. This had still its

worshippers. On his inspection Shu[u]zen noted the loneliness of the

building, its desolation. Yet it was clean swept and kept, and a money

box for offerings was proof of attendance at the shrine. Whether this

was of man or beast was not so easy to determine, for traces of the

latter were plain to the eye. Their tracks swarmed about the building

itself. As Shu[u]zen stood in some uncertainty, a woman of the middle

class appeared. To inquiries she admitted that the care of the shrine

was due to herself and her piety; a care gladly rendered to its

efficacy. It had returned to her a son once sent adrift to the

provinces; and to her affection a husband who had gone astray much

closer home, for the intruding female was a minor member of her own

household. Finding excuse in some domestic misdeed, the worthy cit had

sent forth the damsel into the wilderness of the world with the fruit of

her experience. The relief of this incubus, and the return of a more

rightful heir than promised, the good lady attributed to the virtue of

her prayers to the Inari Sama. She was urgent to bring support to her

views in the general opinion of all the neighbourhood, mainly of the

Ko[u]jimachi village. These corroborated what she said as to the

shrine's efficacy and petitioned for its continued support. Made the

tutelary shrine of the _yashiki_, separated therefrom by a mere

brushwood fence, this Inari Jinja of the Bancho[u] continued to exist

for the good of the public and the annoyance of the amiable Okumura

Shu[u]zen. Its _kannushi_ (Shinto priest) he could never find. The woman

and others said that he lived at Ushinakizaka. At least the money

contributions were always accounted for, although they had never seen

his face. A few days before the formal opening of the _yashiki_ the

_chu[u]gen_ Isuké and the workmen stood with puzzled faces before a hole

discovered underneath the flooring of the shrine. It led to some passage

or cave. None were in humour to investigate, perhaps to the annoyance of

the O'Inari Sama. At Isuké's direction, and with difficulty in the

cramped space, it was found possible to shove into place the massive

granite slab which fitted tightly into the aperture, and plainly

belonged to it. "A one time store house of the god," quoth Isuké. With

that he and the others betook themselves to their divers tasks of

finishing the clearing up of building and surroundings. In the

excitement and confusion of moving in there was little thought of the

cavity in this twelfth month of Kwanei twentieth year (January 1644),

and the idea of making report was lost sight of until other conditions

brought up again the subject.

The ceremonial visits of the New Year, the congratulations and presents,

were to be made to the suzerain by his attendant _hatamoto_ and the

_daimyo[u]_ then in Edo town. Every _yashiki_ was in a turmoil of

excitement and confusion. Even in the greater _yashiki_ there was demand

for outsiders to carry the _hakomochi_ or long boxes, for the

_rokushaku_ (six footers) or tall fellows to carry the sedan chair, for

others to bear the _kappakago_ or rain-coat boxes. _Samurai_,

_ashigaru_, spearholders, _chu[u]gen_, _zo[u]ri_ holders--these were

attendant in the _yashiki_. But the minor establishments were mainly

dependent on outside aid to swell the lord's train. Hence the rôle of

Bandzuin Cho[u]bei and his successors was no sinecure, in addition to

the exercise of the art of arranging time and place so that the inferior

lords would be least inconvenienced by the necessary and often

humiliating deference to their superiors in rank. The guild patron

looked well to the interests of his employers--_daimyo[u]_--with small

regard to those who shifted for themselves; which was one of the causes

of grudge by the _hatamoto_ against Cho[u]bei, later removed from the

scene by assassination.

Every horse in Edo, destined for the morrow's ceremony, underwent the

pampered treatment that the groom Kakunai devoted to his master's nag.

On the preceding day Kagé (Fawn colour) had been treated to all the

luxuries of horse diet. He must eat for to-day and for to-morrow, and

perform all the offices connected there with beforehand. Said

Kakunai--"Kagé, be circumspect and constipated. To-morrow the master

offers congratulations at the castle. Kagé is stuffed beyond measure

to-day, that he be able to fast to-morrow. Show no discontent. For the

passage of the sun there is to be no eating, and but a modicum of

drinking. Halt not the procession for unseemly purposes." He stroked the

horse, and the pleased animal purred and whinnied with the contentment

of a cat at being petted. Then harshly said a voice in the ear of the

bending Kakunai--"For this feed of the year's end thanks are rendered.

Though not exactly of the kind desired, the intent has been good and the

stomach filled. Hence congratulations in turn for the New Year season."

Kakunai jumped as if some one had thrust the unblunted end of a spear

into his posteriors. He looked around, and over, and under the horse.

"Who speaks? Where from? And what concerning?... Yai! Yai! It's Kagé!...

Is no one hiding hereabouts, to make a fool of Kakunai?" With eyes

bolting out he backed away in terror. The horse grinned broadly, showing

its ugly yellow teeth in attempt at graciousness--"It is true. Kagé,

addresses the honoured _betto[u]_ Kakunai, gives congratulations to his

friend." Kakunai did not wait to receive them. Now he bolted forth in

person, to burst into the room of the _chu[u]gen_ Isuké, just then

struggling to arrange garments and hair for attendance on his lord's

progress. Head throbbing from not unliberal potations due to the seasons

festivities this was no pleasant task. To Kakunai's report the answer

was prompt and sour--"Kakunai is a liar or a fool; or if he would play a

jest on Isuké, his own head shall ache as badly." Kakunai accepted the

challenge and asseverated the truth of his report. Not at all convinced,

and with a gloomy satisfaction of the idea of having it out with Kakunai

on failure of the proof, Isuké accompanied the groom to the stable.

Kakunai gingerly made up to the horse--"Kakunai has been friend to Kagé.

Hence he is called liar or fool or mountebank. Deign to prove his truth,

Kagé Dono." Respectfully he bowed to the horse. The latter at once

turning to the _chu[u]gen_, brayed into his face--"'Tis fact. Kagé is at

least as human as these his brothers. He speaks to whom he wills. Not so

with Isuké and Kakunai. A word to the Tono Sama, and Kagé will kill and

eat these his friends. Keep his good will by friendship." Gently the

horse raised a front hoof. The voice was harsh; and the push, though

gentle--for a horse--sent Isuké flat, with reminder of Kagé thus closely

applied. Without a word the _chu[u]gen_ wallowed from the floor, none

too clean, and took to flight. Kakunai followed after, holding his nose.

In the privacy of the _chu[u]gen's_ room Isuké changed to sweeter garb

and discussed the matter with Kakunai. Should his lordship be informed?

Kakunai, as immediate attendant and in greatest danger, earnestly

protested. Isuké at any time might be brought into closest contact with

Kagé in his office of _chu[u]gen_ attending his master. They agreed that

it would be very disagreeable to be killed and eaten, especially with

such evidences of Kagé's powers of disposition. Hence nothing was to be

said; or rather each agreed to leave the matter of report to the other.

Great was the crush and excitement on this day of the year. Long and

continuous were the processions (_gyo[u]retsu_) of _daimyo[u]_ and

_hatamoto_ making their way to and from the castle. The rule of the day

was to avoid unnecessary collision, as far as possible; not only in the

matter of precedence, but of order. Commoners, male and female, old and

young, _ro[u]nin_, _samurai_, according to their caste squatted or

prostrated themselves in reverential attitude as the palanquin of some

lord passed by. Caustic or benign, generally malicious, the comment of

the Kidahachi and Yajiro[u]bei--"O[u]kubo Hikoroku Dono; 'tis true he

possesses influence, and the roughness of Hikoza Sama, but the keen wit

of the honoured father lacks."--"Yet the lord O[u]kubo has much kindness

beneath his roughness. The latter is passport to the favour of the

suzerain." Iyeyasu Ko[u] ruled by statecraft; Hidétada Ko[u] by

benevolence; the third Sho[u]gun Iyemitsu Ko[u], by rough energy. Such

the tradition of the personality of these three men handed down in

Nippon's history. With the passage of Tadamune Ko[u], of the great

Sendai fief, heads went very low. Great his wealth, and greater still

was his influence with the Suzerain. Tadamune swept proudly on; the

future disasters represented in the boy who rode close to the palanquin,

and whose licentious life later threatened to wreck the wealth and

position of the great house.

At the dismount notice (_geba-fuda_) Okumura Shu[u]zen, accompanied by

two pages, donned _zo[u]ri_ (sandals) and betook himself to the palace.

He was a small figure in this crush of great nobles, but as _hatamoto_

had his right and duty of being present at the palace; both rigidly

enforced, and assuredly with greater regard and welcome than most of the

men of much greater rank, always regarded with suspicion. The modest

train of a four hundred _koku_ lord was squeezed into a corner of this

mass of underlings waiting the return of their masters from audience.

Close companion to his beloved and now feared Kagé, the groom Kakunai

was well satisfied with his insignificance. Great was his consternation

to hear the harsh voice of his equine friend in his ear. A whisper to

Kagé meant a roar to the crowd--"Naruhodo! The stench of these humans

excels even that of the stable. One is as much confined here as there.

His lordship has now departed. Deign, Kakunai San, to indulge in

amusement. Let's be off--to the Kwannon of Asakusa, to the Yoshiwara.

Here there is naught but press and riot. In the pleasure quarter both

convey diversion. Deign so to regard it." With wide open mouths those

around turned to the quarter whence came these uncomplimentary terms.

Kakunai was sweating with fear--"Shut up!... Rude? Then deign to be

silent. Great the press. To withdraw is difficult; to desert his

lordship impossible. Silence is the part of the inferior." At this

exercise of authority the horse grumbled loudly--"Away from the stinking

stable one feels gay and at ease. Quicksilver runs in the veins. At

Yoshiwara the _hatsudochu[u]_ will be in progress. Following the

processions of the honoured _oiran_, liberal will be the _saké_ offered

at the tea houses. Deign, Kakunai San, to reconsider your purpose to

remain."

At this Kakunai almost melted into the icy puddle on the ground. He

shivered as he wiped the cold sweat dripping from his forehead. At first

voices said--"Who is speaking in these ribald terms? Kakunai San is it

not? Who the companion?... Oya! 'Tis the horse which talks! Asakusa and

Yoshiwara? What say the women to the presence of the beast? Eh! Off with

you, Kakunai San, to show which is horse and which groom." They crowded

around the pair, not daring to come close. Kakunai felt extremely

unwell. He could not deny the fact. "Like boys, he boasts beyond his

powers. The power of speech runs loose. Yet as a horse it is a wise

beast, the treasure of a four hundred _koku yashiki_, since none other

possesses his like. Deign to note his own proclamation of his tastes."

This was to throw the consequences of discovery on the animal, to file

the sharpness of teeth against the promised mauling of Kakunai's flesh.

Then he waxed eloquent and proud--"A fine horse indeed! Such a horse in

battle is unequalled. Is it not so, Kagé?" And Kagé promptly answered to

his friend's praise. "A horse of noble quality, with good deeds to his

credit, gains reputation. At the astonishment of the foe the rider runs

them through with the spear. Hence gain of heads, and reputation to both

steed and master." Kagé spun round, letting fly hoofs in all directions,

shaking his head and biting savagely. At this display of battle fire

those too close fled in disorder. At a safe distance wonder and advice

was expressed. "Deign to be off, Kakunai San. Truly the animal is foxed,

and foxes enough are to be found in Yoshiwara. He will find company

without fail." Kakunai, as he restrained the beast, now full at

ease--"Of that we are assured. Alas! He cannot squat. In that he is

clumsy, as is the red haired, green-eyed western barbarian. Otherwise it

is not Kakunai who would bring coin to Nakanocho[u], but convey money

hence." Some agreed, and some disagreed, and all congratulated. Thus did

horse and groom get much advertisement at the O[u]te-mon, to the

subsequent profit of both.

Shu[u]zen, audience granted, appeared at the castle gate. Respectfully

the crowd drew apart, and watched the lord depart with his train. Never

had one of the minor _hatamoto_ attracted greater attention; and of

these many were notable men for personal exploits. Entirely unconscious

of this notice Shu[u]zen rode off to his _yashiki_. In the course of

the succeeding days many visits were to be paid, and the wondrous fact

had chance to spread from the under world to the surface. At the

_yashiki_ of Abé Shiro[u]goro[u] the salutations were exchanged; the

spiced _saké_ to preserve life--the _to[u]so_--was brought forth.

Shu[u]zen detected in his host a quizzical, even amused attitude. Said

Shiro[u]goro[u]--"Shu[u]zen Uji, did he deign to ride, or mount the

_kago_ (palanquin)." The question was abrupt, and seemed not over

courteous. A _hatamoto_ of four hundred _koku_ possessed steed and

spearmen. Abé Shiro[u]goro[u] was a great lord, and Shu[u]zen answered

smoothly, seeking any source of offense. To his affirmative, said the

host--"Then Shu[u]zen Dono perhaps deigned to mount the favourite and

talking horse.... Surely he knows of the animal's great gift....

Congratulations are due, for what is the talk of the castle precincts."

Shu[u]zen's astonishment was too great not to be genuine. He was the

first to propose to Abé Dono the taking of a look at the noted beast. He

was eager to inspect an animal, which, it seemed, he had as yet never

seen. The two lords came forth to the _genkwan_ (house entrance). On

summons Kakunai brought forward the horse, expecting his lord to mount,

not exactly understanding the presence of the lord of the mansion.

Shu[u]zen's first words enlightened him unpleasantly. With some

severity--"Kakunai, does this horse talk?" Thunderstruck Kakunai did not

know what answer to make. Kagé could bite. His master could do worse, if

enough angered. He hesitated--"Hai!" Quoth Shu[u]zen--"'Hai' is no

answer. Has the horse power of human speech?" Kakunai put his hand to

his head, then turned to Kagé, who was obstinately silent. He gave him

as hard a blow on the neck as he dared, without result. "The Tono Sama

has heard the tale; as has this Kakunai. His head in a whirl, Kakunai

knows not whether it be true or not. By an humble groom such matters are

not understood. To report idle gossip or the illusions of one's brain,

savours of impudence. Deign the question in person. Kagé refuses answer

to this Kakunai."

Thus skilfully he lied. Kagé eyed him with approval; Shu[u]zen with some

doubt. He turned to the horse--"Kagé, it is said you speak. Shu[u]zen is

the master. Answer without lying." Kagé spoke, indifferent to rank and

without circumlocution of polite society--"'Tis so; and just as does a

human being. Truly Shu[u]zen Sama has supplied a most foul smelling

place to learn the art." Abé Shiro[u]goro[u] snickered--"Kagé Dono is

too precise. Would he learn the art of converse over his master's

wine?"--"Not unwillingly," replied the nag. "But in any case he would

have Isuké and this lazy groom make better and more frequent use of

broom and bucket. The good offices of Abé Dono are requested." By this

retort courteous the two noblemen were silenced and amused. Uncertain as

to the course of further converse with the beast Okumura made

salutation, mounted and departed homewards. As he gave the horse into

the groom's charge he said--"It is for Kakunai to keep in mind the words

of Kagé." As he vigorously applied broom and water to the stall and

vicinity of the favoured animal, Kakunai mentally determined that on the

whole Shu[u]zen Dono was the more dangerous of the two. Hence-forward he

would be careful to remember all that Kagé said--and make report.

CHAPTER VII

THE LUCK OF OKUMURA SHU[U]ZEN

The first efforts of Shu[u]zen at solving this mystery were not overly

successful. A _samurai_, he betook himself to the highest exponent of

the caste cult. In search of illumination he hit upon Hayashi Daigaku no

Kami Dono. This man, learned in all the lore of Morokoshi (China), head

of the certified institute of letters--the University--could but confess

his ignorance--vicariously. Rats nesting in the tails of horses formed

part of the experience of books, but not of that of men. Of talking

horses there was no authenticated case. The whole matter remained

without proof. He had never heard of such. Shu[u]zen squatted in a

drowsy stupefaction as an incomprehensible learning was poured into his

ear. He choked with the dust raised from the ancient volumes, tenderly

and reverently pawed over by the learned doctor, who seemed dust-proof.

Finally through the mist he heard the asseveration that it must be the

work of fox or badger. It was matter for the diviner, not the divinity

of the learned. With this Hayashi Dono gave the pile of dusty script

before him a mighty thump, and disappeared behind the cloud he had

raised.

Okumura Shu[u]zen sought the open air and respiration. Where now should

he go for counsel? He would sell the beast. Kakunai sought mercy. He was

but a groom, and death was easy at his master's hand. At all events

easier than the one promised by Kagé, if Kakunai should lead him out to

the market, and with fluent lies send him forth to earn the cruel

livelihood of his kind between the shafts of a cart. Shu[u]zen was a

kindly man; the horse one deserving better treatment. The groom's terror

and the beast's threat added a new and interesting element to this

search into the unknown. On the next day was to be heard memorial

service for the ancestral tablets. This was to be performed in person

by the abbot of the Seisho[u]ji of Shiba, Bankei Osho[u] known to fame.

Shu[u]zen snoozed and exercised patience as the abbot read and expounded

the lengthy _sutra_ scroll. Over the subsequent repast he broached the

subject of the talk of beasts, and his own particular difficulties.

Bankei Osho[u] was most interested. All animals had speech and memory

according to their kind. Food, a master's kindness, their own particular

concerns, were matters of great intelligence among them. Why then should

speech be aught else than to possess the organ? Such was the case with

parrots. Monkeys evidently understood each other well, understood the

gestures of men. As to the horse, there were very ancient records of the

speech of such; so dim in the memory of men that probably they were mere

talk of ignorance. But he would see this wondrous beast. Deign that

guidance be supplied.

Shu[u]zen grasped at the offer. The abbot spoke with an ease and

glibness that only the ecclesiastic on his own ground can show to those

ignorant of his subject. He wrapped his lore, made easy for the

beginner, in such technical phraseology, that Shu[u]zen could grasp at

the meaning without knowing anything about what the abbot said, and

hence had all the greater respect for the immense truth which he could

see and not understand. Appreciation is as good as knowing--for the one

who would pose--and soon Shu[u]zen and the cleric stood at the house

entrance, waiting the production of the horse. Isuké in haste had

carried the message to Kakunai. Kakunai, assured of his master's

forbearance and Kagé's accomplishments, had been none too sober since

that happy day. Said he aloud--"A horse is not an ass; and a talking

horse is one of his kind. Tip money to see the wondrous beast has flowed

into the stable; and wine has flowed into Kakunai. For Kagé there has

been soft rice paste (_mochi_) and dumpling (_dango_) in unstinted

quantities. The pastry cook has been overworked. Kagé, now seize the

opportunity. Speak with fluency and argument. Ah! If you had but the

taste of this Kakunai! Wine would be an inspiration."--"Just try me!"

chimed in the brute's voice. "Follow up the wine with rice cakes in

syrup (_shiruko_). Otherwise Kagé opens not his mouth, except to bite.

Grievous is it to exercise speech, and to witness the benefits accruing

to the human hog. Henceforth Kakunai must share alike with Kagé." At

this rebellion Kakunai was dumbfounded--"Nay, Kagé! _Shiruko_ and _saké_

for a beast? Never would such come to the inside of the belly (mind) of

Kakunai. If you did but know its content...."--"Shut up!" was the nag's

discourteous response. "Kagé knows it well. You have eaten _takuan_

(pickled radish), and it smells none too sweet. A little further off,

good Sir: now--who is this would be interviewer?"

Reduced to proper proportion Kakunai made humble reply. "Most fitting

company for the honoured Kagé Sama. The abbot Bankei deigns his

presence." The horse gave a violent snort, and plunged back to the limit

of his halter. "Kagé talks not with a priest, nor henceforth with

anyone." Kakunai was all consternation--"But Kagé Dono ... the tips!

This refusal is terrific. Why not favour the curiosity of the Osho[u]

Sama? Deign to reconsider. The dainties of Kagé, the wine of Kakunai,

are at stake. Silent before the Osho[u], the Danna Sama in anger will

strike off the head of Kagé. Kakunai loses friend and fortune at a

blow." The animal duly mused. "It is so. Shu[u]zen Dono of late has been

short tempered. It cannot be avoided. Better had it been for Kakunai to

take this Kagé and depart to country fairs and towns; to pick up much

coin for wine and dainties. However, all may go well. Delay not past the

coming night to join yourself with Kagé. Between the service of

Shu[u]zen and that of Kagé this low fellow (_yaro[u]_) Kakunai must not

hesitate."--"Just so," agreed the groom. "It is mere matter of gambling

anyhow that any ill occurs. Drinking wine, does Kagé also gamble?" A

shudder went through the frame of the horse--"Why speak thus? Of horses'

bones the dice are made. Would Kagé trifle with the relics of his kind?

Make answer, Kakunai." He spoke with a fierce earnestness. Kakunai

stammering sought answer. Just then Isuké appeared, to urge all speed.

With lowered heads man and beast appeared at the house entrance. Kakunai

touched three fingers to the ground. To insure due reverence Kakunai had

haltered Kagé so that he could talk, but hardly move a limb. At sight

of the beast Bankei Osho[u] took his most severe ecclesiastical pose.

Dressed in violet robes, the gold embroidered stole (_kesa_) over his

shoulders, the rosary of crystal beads in hand, he approached the horse.

With the brush of long white hair which clears away the dust of the

world's offences (_hossu_) he swept the circumambient air. Long he

observed the nag. Then coming close to it he grasped the forelock. Kagé

raised his head, with open mouth as if about to snap. The abbot

continued his recitation of the holy _sutra_. Mouth still wide open,

clumsily the horse sank on his knees before the priest. Then suddenly

and deftly Bankei thrust a bolus into the open mouth, which closed as

moved by springs. Sweeping the air with _hossu_ and his rescued

arm--"Acquire the heart of virtue. Assume the true nature, and seek

Nirvana." He kept on stroking the beast's head with the rosary. Once or

twice Kagé opened his mouth as if to speak. Then incontinently the body

rolled over lifeless. The bystanders looked on with fear and amazement.

Without speaking the abbot took the arm of Shu[u]zen and accompanied him

within.

Kakunai, left to himself, rolled to the ground as speechless as his four

legged charge. Tears of sorrow and anger flowed copiously. "Ah! He is

dead! Kagé is dead! Wise was he to advise flight. Alas! This beast of a

_bo[u]zu_ (priest), what purge did he use, thus to cut off at once the

breath of Kagé? No more gambling, no more wine, with Kagé nicely bedded

and asleep in his stable, and Kakunai with equal luck asleep in the

pleasure quarter! Alas! Alas! Kagé is no better now than a dead

ass--while Kakunai still lives." Thus he vented his grief, to the

amusement of his fellows who had shared but little in his fortunes.

Meanwhile Shu[u]zen and the abbot were otherwise engaged. Said

Bankei--"Deign to relate something of how Shu[u]zen Dono came to this

_yashiki_. Honoured Sir, was not the former site in Mita? How came the

change?" Shu[u]zen explained the conditions and the time of change to

his new site and experiences. If there was aught of grudge, it attached

rather to place than person. To this Bankei Osho[u] was agreed. "The

fact of the case is plain to Bankei. The spirit directing the actions of

the horse is not the spirit of the animal. The possession brought to an

end by the exorcism, the alien spirit departed, and the carcass of the

animal deprived of this influence, it fell to the ground an inert mass,

like to the abandoned shell of the cicada. But the malevolent influence

is to be found. This is the task of Shu[u]zen Dono. Deign, honoured sir,

then to have memorial rites performed by this Bankei, and no longer will

the _yashiki_ be haunted by such unusual and unseemly performance....

Daigaku no Sensei? He is but a Confucianist, bound to the letter of

material substance. Nor would he confess the ignorance of the spiritual

world he undoubtedly is gifted with, of the law of punishment for deeds

performed in a past existence (_ingwai_) as taught by the Lord Buddha.

The materialist has his nose to earth, and can see naught else. The

idiot has his nose to heaven, and can see naught else. The Buddha's Law

comprehends Heaven and Earth. Hence its truth." With this expression of

the _odium theologicum_ the worthy abbot departed templewards,

accompanied, as gage for further proceedings and profit, by the carcass

of the horse. Bankei had this inhumed in the ground behind the main hall

of the temple. Kakunai superintended these last obsequies. The abbot's

words, as to the malevolence of the influence involved, was proved to

Shu[u]zen the next day, when report was brought that the groom had

hanged himself at the gratings of the stall once occupied by Kagé. Moved

by this strong hint, Kakunai was sent to join his equine friend in one

common grave.

Warned by the unusual nature of these events Shu[u]zen determined at

once to trace out the source of this evil influence. It was his duty as

a _samurai_ to suppress such manifestations occurring so close to the

suzerain's dwelling. It was to his own interest to free the _yashiki_

from such noxious vapours. The _karo[u]_, Beita Heima, set on foot an

investigation. Then it was that Isuké the _chu[u]gen_ had thought of the

hole detected under the shrine of the O'Inari Sama. On Shu[u]zen's order

the _karo[u]_ undertook the task of examining this suspicious adjunct to

the _yashiki_. Torches in hand several _chu[u]gen_, under the direction

of the _samurai_, were appointed to the work. The men hesitated a little

to violate the precincts of the shrine. Growled Beita--"The carpenters

did not hesitate to build it. What they put up, men can destroy. Up

with the boarding. Thus the stone easily will be raised." The directions

were carried out. There were many tracks of beasts, all of which seemed

to converge to this spot. With removal of flooring and joists, soon the

massive lid of granite was raised on edge. With a thud and cloud of dust

it fell to one side. The men drew away, not only checked by the dark

aperture exposed, but by the foul odour which poured up from the

confined space. Holding his nose the _karo[u]_ took a lighted torch for

further inspection of depth and means of entrance. "Um! A shallow place;

not more than a _jo[u]_ (10 feet). Who volunteers to enter? Come! Don't

be backward on his lordship's service. Isuké, eh?"

Isuké came forward readily enough at the call. He was a brave man, and

moreover a little angered at the fate of his one time friend, Kakunai.

If the beast of a horse, or the spirit beast, held occupancy here, Isuké

would deal with him. The kick of spiritual hoofs and the bite of

immaterial teeth had no terrors for Isuké. Carefully inspecting his

ground he took the leap. A lighted torch was lowered to him. With this

he marched off, the light growing quickly faint in the darkness. "Oya!

Oya! 'Tis strange. The stench--it is unendurable. The darkness too thick

even for the torch. It fails to burn." For a time his voice was heard

rumbling off with increasing distance. To repeated shouts no answer was

returned. Said Heima--"Isuké has gone too far, out of range. Some other

must bear him aid.... What! All milk livers? You, Gensuké, love the wine

cellar. Its care would seem to be your calling. Now down with you! Here

is one made to hand for the _yashiki_. Make report of the discovery to

his lordship." Gensuké was most unwilling, but his comrades loudly

applauded the choice. He was lowered into the hole by hands energetic to

lend him assistance in reaching its depths. Provided with a light he too

started off on his march into the darkness. "Iya! Iya! What stench! 'Tis

past endurance. Ah! There is a loud roaring yonder. Gensuké will

investigate. Deign support in necessity." His voice also faded off with

the distance. Then all was silence. Those outside now could hear the

faint reverberation spoken of. To their shouts there was no answer. All

were much alarmed. They looked into each others' faces. At the

_karo[u]'s_ order there was now no hesitation, though there was some

grumbling at the rashness of those who risked the wrath of the O'Inari

Sama by the heedless undertaking.

Three or four men at once jumped down into the hole. With dimly burning

torches, and holding each other by the hand, they made their way into

the blackness of the cavern. Almost at once came a cry, answered by

others. Those above leaned eagerly over the aperture. Some took the

leap. Soon the men appeared, dragging along the limp and helpless body

of Gensuké. The trouble now was clear. The men had been overcome by the

vicious air of the cave. Soon Isuké also was brought to the upper air.

With the removal all the roar and reverberation was transferred to the

surface. The two men lay unconscious, breathing noisily, and to all

appearance in great extremity. Beita San at once ordered local aid.

While friction and cold water was being applied, the leech summoned,

Saito[u] Sensei, came on the ground. Heima questioned anxiously as to

the men's condition. The Sensei reassured him--"It is but the noxious

air of the cavern which has overcome them. A day or two, and they will

be as good as ever." The old man wrinkled his face and chuckled a little

as he surveyed the victims of the O'Inari Sama. Greatly was the

reputation of the shrine for efficacy added to in this punishment. "Boy

and man this aging Saito[u] Genan has known the place. Evil its repute.

The cave is very ancient, and in the past much feared by people round

about. Failure to worship has been followed by misfortune. Horse or cow

has disappeared, house been burned down, or pregnant wife frightened

into miscarriage by apparitions. Young girls attending at the shrine

have disappeared. Its reputation is as evil as that of the Ko[u]jimachi

well yonder." He jerked a finger in the direction indicated, at the

neighbouring site beyond the bamboo fence. "A bolus, and these fellows

are restored to consciousness." From his wallet he prepared the drug.

Gensuké showed signs of life, opened his eyes, uneasily moving first

this limb, and then that. Isuké sat bolt upright, with most stentorian

snort. He waved both arms with a violence which sent his two supporters

to the ground. In wrath he sprang up, but the malign effect was still

too powerful. His legs wavered under him, and they had to come again to

his aid. However, it was necessary to carry off Gensuké limp and

helpless; with the support of the arms on each side of him, Isuké made

his way back to the _yashiki_ on his own legs.

Heima made report to his lord of what had passed, of the history of the

place as reported by Saito[u] Sensei. Shu[u]zen pursed his lips, and

inquired as to the condition of Isuké. The _chu[u]gen_ was a favoured

attendant; one much trusted. At the end of a week he was summoned to his

lord's presence. "And Katai (tough) Isuké, his experience has gone

beyond his powers?" Shu[u]zen spoke with that slight jeering condolence

which arouses obstinacy. Isuké, prostrate on his hands, expressed

gratitude for his lord's reproof. The fault was not his. Overcome by the

foul air he became giddy, then lost all sensation of time or place. "And

the roaring and noises, these did not frighten Isuké into his

faint?"--"Roaring, noise, there were none; beyond the gentle drip of

water often heard in such places. The roaring heard must have been due

to the snoring of Gensuké. The cowardly fellow still clings to the bed,

sucking in the dainty fare of the invalid; not so, Isuké." Shu[u]zen had

an idea. All the others were too struck by fear to be of aid--"Then

Isuké fears not the work of fox or badger. He will again make the

venture?"--"For the Tono Sama; though none too willingly," was the

_chu[u]gen's_ reply. "Fox or badger? Let them but come under the knife

of Isuké, and he will make soup of them; a better soup than they supply

otherwise. But the stench!"--"And the foxes of Nakano (Shinjuku)?" Isuké

blushed. His master was far too knowing.

At Shu[u]zen's order that night Isuké met his lord at the steps of the

Inari Shrine. The adventure pleased Shu[u]zen. He was still young enough

to delight in exposure and difficulties. Plainly old Beita was not the

man for this task. His retainers readily would obey their lord's

direction. But Shu[u]zen hungered for a more direct credit. He stripped

to his loin cloth in the cold winter night. Isuké followed his lord's

example. The job would be no clean one. Then the two men dropped to the

floor of the cavern. Isuké spoke in surprise. "Naruhodo! At night the

place seems much brighter than by day." He looked around in some

suspicion and astonishment. Then his eye rested on the torches. "Oya!

The torch burns brightly, not dimly as before. Pfu! The stench is

unaltered, but the air at least is breathable." Preceding his master by

some ten paces, Shu[u]zen heard him give a shout. Hastening up, with

Isuké he bent over the aperture of what seemed to be a well. What was

its depth? "In with you, Isuké," said Shu[u]zen. The _chu[u]gen_

protested--"Nay! The Tono Sama deigns to jest. Is Isuké a bat

(_ko[u]mori_), one to fly off into the darkness.... Ah! The depth is

terrific. The light hardly shows the blackness of the place. It may

reach down to Meido itself." Shu[u]zen lit a second torch, then cast it

down into the cavity. He broke into a laugh. The light continued to burn

brightly. "Meido then is not far off. The bottom of the well lies not

five _shaku_ (feet) below. Now in with you!" Anticipating the

_chu[u]gen_ he sprang down himself.

Isuké spoke, holding his nose--"Heigh! Tono Sama, deign to go no

further. The stink passes beyond measurement. It increases with distance

gone. Peugh! It blows from yonder." He pointed to a low aperture in one

corner of the roundish space in which they stood. Shu[u]zen could

understand better now. The whole cave was due to water; had been formed

by water in the loose volcanic soil. The well was a mere passage way by

which it once had risen, and been drained off again. Isuké was right.

With decuple vigour the stench now rose close to hand. "In with you,"

was the peremptory order. "Anything found in way of gold and silver

belongs to Isuké; and caves are always rich in such finds."--"Is that

so?" said the _chu[u]gen_--"It is the tale of old books; which often

lie. But in with you, and find out." Under spur of avarice and command

Isuké crawled into the passage. He had gone but a bare ten feet when

Shu[u]zen heard a most fearful yell, saw the rapid progress outwards of

the posteriors of Isuké. The man's face was chalk white--"Deign, Danna

Sama, to go no further." He choked for utterance. "How now!" said

Shu[u]zen in pretended astonishment. "Fox or badger? They were to be

converted into soup for Katai Isuké, soft food for his grinders."--"For

fox or badger Isuké cares not. He invites their presence.... Kiya!"

Shu[u]zen in sport had placed a cold wet hand on his neck. "Ah! The

Danna jests. Of fox and badger soup is made. With human stench it is not

savoured. There is a dead body within. Hence the frightful odour."

Shu[u]zen at once began to twist his head towel around his nose. With

feeblest protest Isuké saw him take the torch and disappear into the

passage. Soon his voice was heard. "Isuké! Isuké! Is he milk livered?

How about the gold and silver? Would Isuké abandon it?" Isuké would not.

In a trice he was on hands and knees, to rejoin his master who was

roaring with laughter. "Gold and silver may be here," Shu[u]zen

explained. "Otherwise Isuké would have backed out of the undertaking,

all the way to the cave's entrance. Turn the body over. See whether it

is of man or woman." Much put out Isuké did as he was bid. "Pfugh!

Stirring does no good. The very flesh is melting from the bones. The

hair of the beard and head show it to be a man." Shu[u]zen turned to a

wider passage, plainly due in part to hand. By crouching he could enter

into a larger chamber. In wonder and admiration he called to Isuké. In

so far, the _chu[u]gen_ would pursue the venture. Besides would he not

follow his master to Meido itself? "Look, Isuké! Such groining of the

roof is only made by Nature's hand. The cave of Fudo[u] Sama at Meguro

shows no finer sight." He pointed to the mass of interlacing roots of

some huge _icho[u]_ rising from the ground above. Isuké grumbled assent,

without much vigour. He was getting tired of this adventure. It was a

satisfaction they could go no further. Shu[u]zen meanwhile was rummaging

the place, which evidently had been a kind of dwelling. In a closet were

found some coarse cooking utensils and crockery for food. A supply of

firewood in one corner, and a box, completed the furniture. With

curiosity Shu[u]zen turned over the books in the box. A cry brought

Isuké to his side. "Your share, Isuké." He pointed to three shining

silver _ryo[u]_ which lay below the scrolls. Isuké looked incredulous at

the find. Then he prostrated himself before his master in deepest

gratitude. With joy he pocketed the coin and shouldered the scrolls.

There was nothing more to do. They sought the open air.

The strange sight reported to him, Beita Heima the _karo[u]_ appeared

before his master. In the early morning light Shu[u]zen was pouring

buckets of cold water over Isuké, having himself undergone the same

treatment at the _chu[u]gen's_ hands. "Kan mairi, Heima,"[7] said

Shu[u]zen with a laugh. Then he explained matters to the astonished

_karo[u]_. Isuké's further ablutions were left to other hands. The

affair now was cleared up. The removal of the slab, the fresh air

penetrating the cavern, made the removal of the body easy. This was to

be sent to Bankei's care for proper burial and rites. Meanwhile

Shu[u]zen with interest and increasing gravity examined his prize. The

books were all on war. One was in the suspected script of the western

barbarian. From its plates, it was a work on fortification, and the art

of attack and defence. Shu[u]zen did not understand the Dutch words, but

he regarded the find as of importance, at least as adding to his own

merit. So likewise did Abé Bungo no Kami, minister for the month, and

with a great liking for Shu[u]zen. He saw to it that the affair was to

the latter's profit. The _Ometsuké_ inspected the books, inspected the

cave, drank Shu[u]zen's wine, and commended the vigilance and energy of

the _hatamoto_. The report was worth an added hundred _koku_ to his

modest income. Isuké also counted his gains with joy; a means of

continued defiance and pursuit of the foxes of the Nakano pleasure

quarter.

As to Bankei--the funeral rites had been performed, the _sutra_ read,

the body inhumed in the same mound with those of Kakunai and the horse.

Liberal had been the gift of Okumura Shu[u]zen for all these divers

interments, and great the unction of Bankei at the accomplishment and

solution of the mystery of the cave in the Bancho[u]. But one thing

rested uneasily on his mind. What the identity of the evil spirit which

caused these wonders? That night, as the abbot rested in his bed, there

appeared at his pillow a man of some thirty odd years, tall, gaunt,

hairy, ugly, and much dejected. "His eyes were prominent in his head,

his lofty nose showed ability, he had the mouth of a shark." Plainly

very great had been his wickedness. Prostrate the apparition gave

thanks to the saint. All the spice and joy of evil doing had been

exchanged for the insipidity of Paradise. Now he was threatened with

Nirvana through the prayers of the saintly abbot. In life he had been

the wicked So[u]ja Mushuku (lodgeless). A famous thief, he was the

source of the raids on purse and person, on _yashiki_ in particular and

the common people in general, which had caused much fear and distress in

Edo. The cave of the Inari, a lucky discovery, had been his safe haunt

from pursuit. None could betray him, for none of his band knew his lair.

He would betray no one; but he would tell the abbot of his fate. It was

Isuké who had sealed him up in the cave by thrusting into place the

heavy cover. Here he passed miserable days in hunger until the poisonous

air, gradually accumulating, had put an end to him. His spirit, however,

had haunted the place, with no disposition to leave. With the

opportunity he had entered the body of Kagé, in search of human

requirements and enjoyments. Betrayed by appetite he had been driven

forth by the prayers of the abbot, and solaced by his petitions for the

future life. Deign to let the matter rest there, and not pursue him into

the inanity, the nothingness of Nirvana. To this the practiced ear of

the holy Bankei gave deep thought. This fellow already had forced the

unhappy Kakunai to follow in his tracks. What might he not do to others

in whom the abbot had far greater interest? "To such wickedness the gift

of Nirvana is not likely. Bankei wastes his breath, and Shu[u]zen Dono

his substance. Deign to enter Meido, be wholly purified of wickedness,

and in a second birth, if in human form, be of a virtuous House. For

present and past sins atonement is to be made. For those still living

Bankei holds not his lips silent. Off with you at once to these insipid

joys." He thrust the rosary of crystal beads into the vision's face. At

once it disappeared, and Bankei woke amid a nauseating odour. He

stretched himself in weariness--"A dream? Tribulation of the Five

Viscera?" Yet he would report it to Shu[u]zen, and on the uncertainty of

the truth secure further aid for man and horse. Hence the monument of

the Bato[u] (horse-headed) Kwannon, which long stood on its mound behind

the _hondo[u]_ of the Seisho[u]ji of Shiba.

CHAPTER VIII

AOYAMA SHU[U]ZEN

These events could not fail to cause comment. It was in the general room

of the _hiban_, the fire guard of the castle, that the discussion came

to a head. There were a number of these guards for different quarters of

the castle inclosure; and for better drill and coordination the officers

met, apart from the site of their particular duties. This made the

office of the _hiban_ a sort of club of the _hatamoto_, bringing

together the members of the more particular cliques, known respectively

as the Shiratsukagumi (white handle club), the Kingingumi (gold and

silver clubs), the members of which knocked out a conspicuous tooth,

replacing it with the metal ensign of their affiliation, and the Kubo no

Shiro-oshigumi. These organizations, something like the Otokodaté of the

townsmen in the closeness of the relations of their members, had by no

means the same worthy object. They were often merely a way of ruffling

it through the town, particularly at the amusement quarter of Asakusa;

seeking quarrels with _ro[u]nin_, abusing women, and literally

gravelling the discomfited townsmen, not seldom left on the ground,

subsequently to be put into it. The Otokodaté, or chivalrous band, were

indeed needed in this state of early Edo. They could hold their own,

inasmuch as the _samurai_ involved dared not bring a quarrel to light.

He had the advantage of his training; and by the rules of his caste did

not hesitate to have assassinated a plebeian he could not overcome, and

chose to regard as impertinent. Collisions with these, however, were

rare. _Ro[u]nin_ were the particular object of dislike of the Tokugawa

adherents. It was the great exception made, when Hida no Kami (Yagyu[u]

Matajuro[u]) admitted Kumé no Heinai to his fencing room and

discipleship. The _ro[u]nin_, of course, deserved the proscription,

being often the devoted adherents of a lost cause--Hoo[u]jo[u] or

Toyotomi--and unwilling to transfer their fealty to a second lord. The

most noted and hated of the _ro[u]nin_, though free from any taint of

rebellion to the Tokugawa, was this Heinaibei; the vilest assassination,

that of his friend Bandzuin Cho[u]bei by Mizuno Juro[u]zaémon aided by

other members of the Shiratsukagumi.

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon had related the mishap of his _chu[u]gen_, his

own experience in pursuing the offenders. The old fellows, heroes of the

Genwa and Kwanei periods, were gathered close to a _hibachi_. Despite

the season age sought pretence of warmth or closer company. Said the

veteran Matsudaira Montaro[u]--"O[u]kubo, what think you? Surely the ice

water of gathering years runs in our veins. Such happenings, so close to

the dwelling of the Ue Sama, never would have taken place in former

days. But we are old. The stiffened joints and the wrinkles would not

deceive such miscreants. 'Twould be a palpable fraud, our

presentation."--"True," growled Shichinosuké; "but ice water runs in

other veins than those who are old." Kondo[u] Noborinosuké, verging

toward his fifties, now chimed in--"Naruhodo! The talk of these young

chaps infects one with their own complaints. This one can but thump

himself on the chest and speculate as to whether he has one lung, or two

of the kind. This other limps and dreams of _kakké_. His tongue hangs

out a yard, that he can better inspect its colour; and his legs are

black and blue from efforts to detect a dropsy. A third excuses himself

by a flux, which he would cure with hot wine; and a fourth is assured of

a cold, to lead to all these and other ailments, and hence steeps

himself night and day in the hot bath, the one to be most easily

excused. Emma Dai-O[u] in Hell[8] could not afflict these fellows more

than they grieve over themselves. Only in talk of their ailments do they

find company. Plasters and medicaments for their persons, instead of

armour and the quietus of the foe, these are the objects of their

quest." The two old rascals, and their middle aged abettor, looked slyly

over each other's heads at the younger men grouped in the rear, then at

each other. Thus it was with these violent fellows of the actual

battlefield. They would stir someone to action.

"Heigh! Heigh! Not Endo[u] Uji: he at least has proved his mettle. The

pressing offices of the day do not call for sleep all night. He is of

the stock of Kiémon Dono. Old Hikoza never tired of tales of his

father's prowess." Kondo[u] chuckled as he continued--"The old fellow

(_oyaji_) spoke well of the dead. The living had need to take care of

his praise of them. Witness Torii Dono and Akiyama Dono, at the two

extremes of age. Good luck, as well as management, extricated them from

the results of a commendation like to cost them much. Alas! His place is

not to be filled." O[u]kubo Hikozaémon, governor of these wild fellows,

keeper of the suzerain's conscience, had left his seat vacant these past

five years. Sorrow for his loss did not prevent Noborinosuké bringing a

bright and beady eye on Aoyama Shu[u]zen. O[u]kubo Shichinosuké followed

the look. All of the old ones fastened Shu[u]zen with inquisitive glare.

The object of their attention neither quailed nor showed undue

eagerness. "The honoured ancients favour this Shu[u]zen with the task."

His laugh was so cold and purposeful, his look so derisive and

comprehending, that the old fellows in some confusion sought comfort in

each other. This Aoyama Shu[u]zen was a very devil of a fellow. He had a

perspicacity in finesse that the plain, keen, and honest bluntness of

former days could not deceive. Aoyama was not one to charge with

effeminacy in any form. He had a wife--whom he neglected. He had a page,

whom he favoured. He had all the harsh vices and capabilities of the

warrior age. Turning to Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon--"Endo[u] Uji has seen

the vision, not fox or _tanuki_. This has been the experience of the

_chu[u]gen_?" Saburo[u]zaémon did not like the connection; nor did he

like Shu[u]zen. "It is fact. Rokuzo was bewitched, not Endo[u]. See to

it that Aoyama Dono has better luck." Thus tacitly he would force the

mission on Shu[u]zen. The latter suppressed his anger at the assumption.

"Endo[u] Dono, as with this Shu[u]zen, is _hatamoto_ of the land. Such

vile rascals as these do not make them object of their tricks."--"Don't

be too sure of that," replied Endo[u]. "Neither fox nor _tanuki_ would

care for the company of the vision. This Saburo[u]zaémon does but seek

to give it rest--and himself." He spoke with some gloom. Said Aoyama

with decision--"Agreed! What may be the reward?" A chorus of protest

went up. "Reward! Reward!... The applause of all.... The interest in the

tale, as with that of Endo[u] Dono, just recited." But Shu[u]zen smiled

and shook his head--"Endo[u] Dono seeks the good will of an unworshipped

demon." Saburo[u]zaémon shot a glance at him. "Shu[u]zen too has his

object. Otherwise, let others volunteer." The force of what he said was

made plain by the silence of the company. The stories told, none longed

for the experience. Thought Montaro[u] testily--"This fellow always has

something in his sleeve." With hesitation--"Endo[u] deserves reward, and

claims it not. Aoyama would have it in advance. How now: a sword?" All

looked inquisitively at Shu[u]zen. They were surprised and disgruntled

at his gesture of dissent. He knew the ancients, and could suspect a

trap. "Shu[u]zen knows the kind. As with buying radishes at Yanagibara;

one good for nothing, and bringing anything but honour.... Shu[u]zen

selects his own weapon, nor asks reward apart from the issue." Kondo[u]

Noborinosuké clapped his hands. The younger man was a favourite and

kindred spirit of his own, near enough in age to be congenial. "The

presiding chair at the Endurance Society meeting. We are _samurai_,

_hatamoto_ of the land. Gold is not to the purpose. A sword is bought

with gold. Let Aoyama Uji make report to the meeting, and on that hang

the office." Shu[u]zen was the first to nod eager assent. All agreed;

with no great joy at prospect of the coming test, yet afraid of his

refusal. Thus the company separated, committed to a meeting of the Gaman

Kwai at the house of Noborinosuké, to hear the report of Aoyama

Shu[u]zen's venture into the Bancho[u].

His preparations made, the next night, at the hour of the rat (11-1

A.M.), saw Aoyama in his turn climbing the slope of the Gomizaka.

Attached to the immediate service of the palace, the place was very

desolate and strange to him. At a loss where to look for the objects of

his search he sauntered at random, attention drawn to footing in this

darkness. Thus it was that the Gekkeiji bell sounded over the moorland,

striking the first watch of the hour of the ox (3 A.M.). He stopped to

listen his eye fixed at the time on the long line of wall and fine gate

of a _besso[u]-yashiki_ (country villa), evidently of a great lord. He

had passed from here some little distance, to the turning of the wall,

when hasty steps and the hard breathing of one who had just breasted the

hill struck his ear. Shu[u]zen standing at the corner was almost knocked

down by the dark bulk which bounded out of the shadow. Both parties

sprang back in attitude of watchfulness. Shu[u]zen had never seen such a

fellow. At least seven feet in height, hairy of arms and legs and face,

his eyes shone like bright mirrors. Bulging forth these made him like to

the ghost of some huge dragon fly. Did he not have an eye in the middle

of his forehead? Shu[u]zen could not have denied it. Of size to inspire

fear, decidedly the rascal was to be suspected. Shu[u]zen was the first

to question. "Who and where from? Answer at once, or this Aoyama deigns

the death cut." The man, or monster, merely opened and shut the plate

like eye holes. Then with a roaring derisive lip--"Ha! Ha! This is

Tanuki-baké, come hither to find and fetch Aoyama."

"Ya! Ya!" Aoyama was in a great rage. In the act of drawing his sword he

would cut the rascal down. Thus to insult a _hatamoto_ of the land, lord

of twelve hundred _koku_! "Make ready!" Apparition or not, at a bound

the man was some ten feet off. Then followed a space, during which

Shu[u]zen made every effort known to the fencing room. He would have

impaled a real dragon fly more readily. Without attempt to flee the

object merely darted hither and thither. Shu[u]zen was dripping with

perspiration. He felt badly and discouraged. For a moment he would

rest--"To see this Aoyama?" He grunted. "Just so," was the reply. "Fools

at close quarters give entertainment. Aoyama is not the clever one to

cut down the _tanuki-baké_ (badger-ghost). Get you hence to your quilts,

good sir; to your fool companions who wear summer garb in depth of

winter, and triple garments in the heats of the sixth and seventh

months; stuff themselves with hot food and wine in summer, and freeze

the viands and _saké_ in winter. Get you hence to your companions of the

Gaman Kwai (Endurance Society). Make report to them of Aoyama's venture,

and bray and brag to them of spending a night outside the sheets."

Shu[u]zen strove to be calm on receipt of these insults to his kind. In

haughty condescension he explained--"Those of the Gaman Kwai wear

_katabira_ (light summer wear) in winter, triple gear in summer, to

undergo the hardships of the battlefield. In war one regards not heat or

cold. He drinks from the puddle on the field, and cooks the rice straw

for food in his helmet. This is the great time of peace. The experiences

and the hardships of the battlefield are lacking. It is as substitute

for these...." He was interrupted by a mighty burst of impolite

merriment from the heavy man, who held his sides as like to split from

laughter. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Naruhodo! These chitterlings; stuffed

sausages! 'Sufferings of the battlefield; hardships'! They are not to

encountered in such childish sport. He who would face these must

practise the art of the inner belly (mind). It is by hardening the belly

that the trials of war are met. You fellows practise but the outer cult.

Of the inner and secret precepts you are ignorant. Degraded fools

(_bakéyaro[u]_)!"--"Shut up!" roared Shu[u]zen. He could take the fellow

at a disadvantage in his fit of outrageous merriment. Close to hand he

leaped on him. In effort to avoid the blow the miscreant tumbled head

over heels into the close deep waving _suzuki_ grass. With satisfaction

Aoyama felt the sword sink deep into the resisting substance. Great his

disgust to find that he had cleft an old and hidden stump to the very

root. He seated himself upon it.

At least he was in the centre of disturbance. Should he await further

encounter, or depart elsewhere to find it. He had a mind to abandon the

lanes and plunge into the waste land. Just then screams and cries were

heard; the sound of rapid flying feet coming in his direction. A young

woman in flight was now close at hand. Her hair unbound streamed behind

her. She was in night clothes, and the knot of the narrow _obi_ or band

come loose in her flight, exposed a figure all attraction. On reaching

Aoyama she threw herself at his feet, clasping his knees. "Aid! Aid from

the honoured _samurai_! Thieves breaking in threaten with death and

pillage. Deign, honoured sir, to aid." Shu[u]zen was very willing to do

so. The lady was very urgent and very beautiful. He himself was

uncertain as to goal, and the matter of the ghost could wait on her

extremity. To his inquiry she made reply--"Just yonder." With her he

retraced his steps. To his surprise the gate of the _yashiki_, already

noticed, was wide open. In all haste she urged him to the entrance, yet

in his rapid passage he seemed to have seen this place before. The girl

gave a call, then another. Shu[u]zen joined her in chorus and the

search. The mansion was thrown wide open and abandoned. Not a soul was

to be seen. All had either been killed, or had fled. The wailing of the

girl brought him to her side. Prostrate she lay on the bodies of an old

man and old woman, who had been put to death without mercy by the

miscreants. Great was the pity of Aoyama. "The bodies still smoke in

blood; the perpetrators cannot be far off. It would be well to seize

them. This lantern ... how now? Is it of the house?" The girl raised her

head to observe it. "No," she said. "The house lanterns have not the bow

handle. This is of the thieves.... What's that?" A noise was heard

above. Aoyama, hand on his sword, sprang to the stairway. The girl, all

smiles at the prospective vengeance, followed him.

Three fellows were busy at the closets and chests. The contents were

scattered over the floor, evidently for purpose of selection. Aoyama

burst upon them. "Heigh-ho! Vile rascals! Submit your necks at once to

the blow, your arms to the cord." At first the pillagers were greatly

astonished and put out. "A _samurai_! Our work is interfered with. Alas!

We must away." Said the leader, a determined looking fellow--"Umph! 'Tis

nothing but a board wages _samurai_ (_sampin_). He is alone. Kick him

down. Teach him the lesson of interference." With yells all made for

Shu[u]zen. Disregarding those at the side he delivered his blow at the

man in front. Kiya! He split him in two as one would green bamboo.

Shu[u]zen drew back with a side sweep which cut another clean across the

girdle. He stopped to rub his eyes with amazement. Was it not

witchcraft? Not three, but five men now confronted him; and lively

rascals they were. Strive as he would Aoyama's blows seemed but to

multiply his foes. He was but one man. A kick to this side sent a

rascal flying to the wall; an elbow shot sent another through the

screens. Then all took to flight. One closely pursued sought the roof,

the drying frame its heights. Aoyama was about to cut him down, when the

fellow sprang off into the darkness like a flying bird. At the same time

came most urgent and piteous cries from below. "Danna Sama! Honoured

_Samurai_ Sama! Deign rescue. The thieves! They force me to

extremities." Reluctant Shu[u]zen turned back. On reaching the lower

stair he came upon the rascals who were gathered round the girl. At

sight of him all took to flight. To Shu[u]zen's astonishment the girl in

her turn fled in pursuit. Out of the house rushed the whole band,

Shu[u]zen joining in the mad race. Down the slope went all. Then

dobun!... Shu[u]zen's foot caught in a hole, or root, or some obstacle.

Head first he went into the ditch. Struggling, gasping, spitting out the

dirty water of the drain, Aoyama scrambled up on the bank. He looked

around in amazement. The white light of dawn illuminated the scene; the

ill fated tree stump and the dirty drain close by. House there was none.

Girl and thieves had disappeared. He stood on the moor, shivering in

Nippon's always cool dawn and dripping wet with the filthy fluid of the

ditch or stream flowing through these fields and the valley. With

discomfiture he took his long way homewards to the Do[u]sanbashi.

Plainly he had been bewitched and derided. So believing, he was startled

to find himself again before the _yashiki_ gate; but in the light of day

it showed the obvious neglect of years. Shu[u]zen at once sought

entrance, not by the gate, but over the wall for lack of other means. He

recognized the scene of last night's exploit, and its description as

given by Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon. Besides, he recognized the place in

his own experience of long past years, the favour and support of one to

whom he was much indebted. Ah! Truly these were dangerous rascals he had

encountered.

CHAPTER IX

SHU[U]ZEN MEETS SHU[U]ZEN

Aoyama Shu[u]zen was not likely to brag of this exploit. All day he sat

biting his thumbs, and drinking wine to obviate the effect of his nasty

bath. An idea began to crystallize in his brain. But this matter

pressed. The preparations for the night were to be made. He hoped for

better luck in his vengeance on the miscreants. The watch of the rat

again saw him skirting the Ushigafuchi on his way to the Bancho[u]. He

had just started up the slope of the Gomizaka when he heard steps behind

him. Oya! Oya! Two _chu[u]gen_ and a lady. About these there was nothing

suspicious. But the lantern they carried? It was marked with the

_mitsuba-aoi_, or triple leaf holly hock crest of the suzerain's House.

Plainly the bearers were on mission from one of the San Ke (Princes of

the Blood), or perhaps from the palace itself. Reverence must be done to

the lantern. On his present mission, and thus arrayed, Aoyama sought to

avoid notice. He disappeared into the long _suzuki_ grass at the road

side. He could hear the lady express her anxiety and haste. Then with

curiosity Aoyama watched their strange behavior. A bare sixty feet

beyond they came to a halt. The lady shrank back as in terror. Haténa!

Aoyama recognized him by his size, the antagonist and critic of the

previous night. Without delay, or giving time for flight, the huge

ruffian with one hand grasped the bosom of the lady's dress, with the

other the arm of a _chu[u]gen_. A kick sent the other fellow very

willingly to the ground. Tremendous was the apparition as he towered

over his victims. He seemed taller than ever. His hair stood out like

iron wire. His mouth grinned open wide from ear to ear; and now Aoyama

could see distinctly the horns sprouting from his temples. Did he not

have claws? Aoyama could not remember.

He would rescue the lady, beautiful of course. Rapidly passing through

the grass Aoyama burst out upon the group. He took aim at the knave's

breast bone. "Yai!" The fellow let go. The two prisoners, thrust

violently into the knees of Shu[u]zen, brought him to the ground. When

he had recovered balance the rascal had disappeared. The lady was in a

dead faint. One _chu[u]gen_ seemed to be dead. The other was squatting

at some distance, eyes saucer like in fright. He regarded Aoyama with

grave suspicion. The _samurai_ called to him. "Here you! Your mistress

has fainted. Water at once!" But the fellow did nothing but answer "Hei!

Hei!" without sign of motion. "Don't sit and purr like a cat," roared

Shu[u]zen. "Off with you, and fetch water." At last the man took courage

to approach. "Alas! Danna Sama, this Bancho[u], where the thieves are

apparitions, and apparitions turn to women, frightens this

Isuké."--"Fear or no fear, water must be had. Such milk livered fellows

are not for man's work. Weakness of loins won't do. Off with you."--"But

how?"--"In your scabbard, fool." For answer the _chu[u]gen_ made a wry

face and tugged at his weapon. As often the case with those men, it was

of wood. Shu[u]zen laughed. Then he gave his own scabbard to the

_chu[u]gen_. Off the fellow crawled, with gait and speed of a maimed

insect.

Meanwhile what was to be done. Shu[u]zen put his hand into the bosom of

the lady, and rummaged. Women were always dosing and fainting. Doubtless

she was provided for such contingency. Surely a perfume reached his

nostrils. Ah! Here it was. He drew out the fragrant package. Medicine

without doubt. The drug savoured strongly of musk. At last the fellow

was on hand with the liquid. Shu[u]zen made a pellet from the drug.

"Raise up your mistress. Take her in your arms." But the man drew away

in horror. He prostrated himself flat on the ground. "Deign forbearance.

To touch with a finger one of the ladies of the palace is not to be

ventured."--"Ah! Is that so?" grunted Shu[u]zen. "Circumstances of

course don't alter cases. He who will not touch a woman is usually a

most lecherous rascal." With this comment he roughly shoved aside the

awkward efforts of this meticulous attendant. Taking the operation upon

himself, he gently pressed the back of the lady's neck, forcing her to

open her mouth. Inserting the drug he poured in water from the scabbard.

A sudden slap on the back and down went the bolus. The lady opened and

shut her eyes. Then they remained open. "Be firm," commented Aoyama

Sensei. "Thanks," replied the dame. "Ah! What fright! With hand on

dagger was this Bancho[u] entered on. So near, how suspect misfortune at

hand? Truly honoured sir, great your trouble and inconvenience."

Aoyama accepted the thanks, to satisfy curiosity. "But so late abroad

... and doubtless of the honoured San Ke...." Replied the lady--"The

mission was of Kishu[u] Ke, said to be of grave import. Hence the late

hour of the night. This insignificant person is lady in waiting at the

San no Ma of the palace; Takigawa by name. The _yashiki_ of Okumura

Shu[u]zen, my father, lies close at hand. Great the cowardice shown by

this Taki." Shu[u]zen grasped the whole affair. Between Kishu[u] Ke and

the parent House the feeling in those days was none too good. Grave

suspicion on the part of one, angry resentment on that of the other. He

would see more of the matter. It was his duty as _hatamoto_. "To go

abroad with _chu[u]gen_ is no safe thing. At this hour and place

_samurai_ could well have been taken as company. As for courage--of that

kind it is not expected of a woman. Valour was shown in undertaking the

mission. And this fellow...." He turned sharply to the _chu[u]gen_ and

pointed to his fellow. "Mujina-také."--"What!" roared Shu[u]zen. He

looked from _chu[u]gen_ to lady, and from lady to _chu[u]gen_. They

seemed surprised. Stammered the man in fright--"It is but a nickname.

His name is Také, and he is very worthless. Hence he is called

Tanuki-také. I am called Yo[u]kai Isuké (Apparition Isuké), being

nothing but wind." Aoyama grunted a ready assent to this self critic.

The fellow's ignorance and cowardice was as gross as the material flesh

which Shu[u]zen tested with a well applied kick in the buttocks,

bringing Isuké in position to render first aid to his companion. This

was done by passing on the application. A vigorous snort followed the

thump on the back administered to Mujina. He sat up and regarded his

mate with astonishment. "Ah! The Yo[u]kai.... No more of that. 'Tis

Mujina's turn." This, when his fellow proposed a second application. The

return came sooner than anticipated. A terrific sneeze followed. Up came

his head sharply, and the _yo[u]kai_ rolled over backwards on the

ground. He rose in fury, holding his jaw. Shu[u]zen was laughing, the

lady smiling. "The distance is but short? Plainly those fellows are next

to worthless. This Shu[u]zen will act as guard." Thus did Aoyama go in

company to the _yashiki_ of Okumura Shu[u]zen; and thus was his second

night's venture brought to naught.

The arrival of the Ojo[u]sama (lady daughter) in company with Aoyama

caused much excitement. Okumura was of five hundred _koku_; Aoyama of

twelve hundred _koku_. The latter was at once ushered to the inner

apartments. The lady wife of Okumura came forward to urge his stay for

some entertainment. Aoyama in turn was curious to know more of this

mission in connection with a _hatamoto_ like himself. He spoke gravely

of the dangers in this neighbourhood, apart from the strange tales told.

Okumura Shu[u]zen heartily agreed. The charge being to Kishu[u] Ke was

not to be declined. Himself he had many strange tales to relate. Though

the hour was late, every effort was made. Aoyama Shu[u]zen was gratified

with a beautiful repast. The wine was served in person by Takigawa Dono.

The talk passed from personal affairs to tales of war. Here Aoyama was

in his element, both from experience and the tales of others heard in

the _hiban_ and at the meetings of the Gaman Kwai. This was a first

meeting, not to be too long drawn out. Okumura was a new comer in the

Bancho[u], his service was in connection with the public works. Aoyama

had been of the palace staff until very recently. Both expressed deepest

gratification at their encounter. As he took his way home in the morning

light, Aoyama Shu[u]zen could but contrast with pleasure his present

arrival with that of the previous morning. He had feasted well, and made

an acquaintance of some value.

The following day he would make his acknowledgments. Aping no great

style he walked accompanied by a page and two _chu[u]gen_. Inquiry soon

brought him to the _yashiki_. Inquiry soon introduced him to a sitting

room. "Lucky fellow!" thought Aoyama. "The influence of Matsudaira

Ko[u] lands him in affluence. A modest income; a double _yashiki_!" This

part of the house was different from that of his last night's

introduction. Then he stated his business to the _karo[u]_. The night

before he had accompanied the Ojo[u]san to the _yashiki_. He would make

acknowledgment of the courtesy then received. The face of old Beita

Heima was a puzzle. Deep the respect due to twelve hundred _koku_

Aoyama, but had he been drunk or dreaming?--"Has not your lordship

mistaken the _yashiki_?" Aoyama was a little severe at what seemed

gratuitous assumption. "You were not on the guard last night." Beita

spoke, prostrate and with great respect, but with an earnestness and

obstinacy not to be mistaken. He had been on the guard--from sunset to

dawn. Aoyama began to feel uncomfortable. Veiling the sharpness--"Is

this not the _yashiki_ of Okumura Dono?" Heima gulped assent. "Is not

Takigawa Dono, of the San no Ma, the Ojo[u]san of the House?" Here Heima

was on sure ground. "Ojo[u]san of the House there is none. It is very

rude; but surely there is mistake as to the _yashiki_." Aoyama now was

beginning to see light. He felt very hot and uncomfortable. He ventured

a last question for surety. "And Okumura Dono?"--"The Tono Sama absent

in Shimosa, the _yashiki_ has been in this Heima's charge for this past

month's course." With such grace as he could in his discomfiture Aoyama

Shu[u]zen took his leave. The astonished page and _chu[u]gen_, still

retaining the intended presents of acknowledgment, with difficulty kept

up with their master. Ah! The beasts again had scored. Detestable!

Shu[u]zen thought with horror of his repast of the previous night. He

had no better fare than Rokuzo the _chu[u]gen_. In rage he sought his

room, and swallowed all the purges and emetics to hand. Occupied in

retching, and thinking, and other matters germane to his condition, he

concocted the plan by which he hoped to bring the foe to book, and

himself to the presiding chair which surely he had earned.

CHAPTER X

THE MEETING OF THE GAMAN KWAI

With the fall of O[u]saka castle (1615), and the culmination of the

uneasy movements of the years following in the conspiracy of Honda

Masazumi, the country entered on a long peace--the Tokugawa Taihei. The

Arima rebellion after all was but an affair of farming folk, in far off

Kyu[u]shu[u]. Masazumi struck right at the person of the Sho[u]gun

himself. A special ceiling was constructed in his castle at Utsunomiya.

This was to collapse on the sleeping Iyemitsu Ko[u] sheltered beneath

it. Caught between the heavy boulders above and beneath the couch, the

Sho[u]gun was to be sent to rest with, not worship of, his divinized

grandfather at Nikko[u]. Iyemitsu slept the night at Edo castle, owing

to the valour and strength of Ishikawa Hachiémon. Masazumi had failed,

and the set field of battle between the factions of the _samurai_ was a

thing of the past. The duel, forbidden in theory and compulsory in

practice, was to take its place. The substitute always had existed. It

tried men's courage, not the sustained endurance of campaigning. How

then was the old spirit of the warrior to be maintained? The desire to

emulate their sires worked on the younger generation. The relics of the

Tensho[u], Keicho[u] and Genwa periods (1573-1623) O[u]kubo Hikozaémon,

Matsudaira Montaro[u], Nagasaki Chiyari Kuro[u], were heroes who could

boast of having stood before the horse of Iyeyasu in his earlier trials

of battles, trials in which the veteran commander would pound with his

fist the pommel of the saddle until it was red with the blood from his

bruised knuckles. Their tales of actual war, the sly jeers at the

softening manners, spurred on younger members to find ways by which to

simulate practical experience of campaigning. The result was curious.

One of the organizations was the Undameshi Kwai, or Fortune Testing

Society. Loaded firelocks were stacked in the middle of the room of

meeting. Around them sat the members of the club, squeezed into full

armour, from helmet to the warriors shoes of skin. The match was set.

The weapons were exploded, sending a shower of balls in every direction.

"Ah! Ha! The bullet grazed my helmet."--"The gorgelet caught it."--"The

corselet has saved me."--"Congratulations are in order. Surely your

pension will be increased during the year."--"Oya! Oya! And Genzaémon

Uji?" The unfortunate Genzaémon had not fared so well in the mimic war.

At all events he sat the meeting out--if he could. To be reported dead,

in the course of duty; or be overcome with regrets at showing such

clumsiness in being wounded; or, if actually incapacitated, to go home

and die of "illness" (cut belly).[9]

The Gaman Kwai, or Endurance Society, was another form the movement

took. In the season of great cold its meetings were held as if in the

height of the _doyo[u]_ or dog days; vice-versa with the time of great

heat. It was the beginning of the seventh month (first half of August).

The heat was intense, and had been for the past weeks. The farmer

watched the steamy vapour rising from the rice fields and rejoiced. The

plants were growing luxuriantly, the leaves of the willow trees were

hanging yellow and wilted. Passers by on city or village streets sought

the shade under the buildings, walking with languid lagging step, and,

home once reached, removing every garment which etiquette--not

decency--had hitherto compelled. Great was the dismay of the weaker

members of the Gaman Kwai on receipt of a circular letter couched much

as follows:

"In this season of great cold the continuance of the

honoured health is observed with joy. On the seventeenth day

it is desired to make offering of a cup of indifferent wine.

It is begged that the use of the honoured _kago_ (palanquin)

be condescended. This the purport of the missive. With

reverence and respect.

KONDO[U] NOBORINOSUKÉ.

To...."

The weaker allowed this missive to float gently and despairingly

earthwards. Gasping for breath in the stifling heat they sought to fan

themselves into a semi consciousness. "Terrific! Terrific! Yet refusal

is out of the question. Ah! This Kondo[u] is a doubtful sort of rascal.

He is of the cruel kind. No mercy is to be expected of him. Yet if one

fails to attend there will be but jeers and taunts of cowardice. One

could not appear in public. Alas! Alas!" The stronger received it with

equal impatience, but with the purpose to put in the evil hours with the

best possible face, and score on the host--if they could. All left

strict orders at home for a cold bath to be in readiness for the return.

To this rash step the weaker groaned and yielded. The Nipponese fear and

detest cold water--even for drink.

Thus they sallied forth--from Ichigaya to Honjo[u] Kameidocho[u], from

Shitaya to Shinagawa; some on horseback, some in _kago_; all arrayed in

triple set of thickly wadded winter garments, in _hakama_, or trousers

with double folds, in shirts and leggings, and fur shoes of the warrior

on winter campaign. The gate keeper of the _yashiki_ in Owaricho[u]

called their names on arrival--"O[u]kubo Hikoroku Dono, Endo[u]

Saburo[u]zaémon Dono, Abé Shiro[u]goro[u] Dono, Matsudaira Montaro[u]

Dono, O[u]kubo Shichinosuké Dono, Mizuno Juro[u]zaémon Dono, Ishikawa

Hachiémon Dono,[10] Okumura Shu[u]zen Dono, Kusé Sanshichiro[u] Dono,

Aoyama Shu[u]zen Dono...." The list was a long one. One and all were met

by Kondo[u] Noborinosuké in person at the entrance. Over his triple

winter garb he wore a wadded coat or _kosodé_. Others had donned the

longer _kataginu_. These were of the weaker kind. It did not fit so

closely; pressed the warmth of its tissue less lovingly to the person.

All complained of the intense cold. "Never was such cold felt," blandly

agreed Noborinosuké. "An old fellow of the gardeners says that for sixty

years such cold has not been experienced. It is a marvellous cold year.

The ground will not be thawed this season. Deign to enter. Warmth is

provided against this intensity of cold." And his hearers bowed and

offered thanks, as well as their unwieldy wrappings would allow. At all

events in the room yonder there would be the breeze from the garden

side. They knew the place and its delights. Kondo[u] was of the age to

provide himself with quiet comforts. With eager stride the banquet room

was sought.

"Oya! Oya!" The speaker gasped in dismay and for breath. They had been

introduced into a furnace. Explained Kondo[u] gently--"Everything has

been done to shut out the intense cold. The _amado_ are tight closed,

the braziers well supplied.... Heigh-ho! Allow none of these to get

dark. More charcoal! More fuel!" The attendants obeyed, urging the fires

before each guest. Seated close together to conserve the heat, the sweat

poured off in streams. Unable to get breath some groaned and grunted--to

pass it off as due to the intensity of cold. Soon they "would be thawed

out with the genial warmth." Kondo[u] and Aoyama were immensely pleased

in their assent and at their sufferings. But the more discontented

sought the fly in the ointment of the content of their hosts. Aoyama

really was such. He was the one responsible for the call; Kondo[u] his

ready abettor. Said one--"Intense the cold, yet how explain the freaks

of Nature. If it were not so freezing the blue clusters hanging in

Kondo[u] Dono's garden, just traversed, could well pass for wisteria."

They laughed at him--"Wisteria in the seventh month? That would be as

great a marvel as the cold."--"Not so the grape," replied another.

"Kondo[u] Uji long since promised sight of the new plant. To be sure the

barbarian fruits are as ill trained and uncouth as the denizens of the

land they grow in. They flower and fruit in winter season. If not

wisteria the clusters must be of the grape."--"Not so," promptly put in

Aoyama. "Truly it is the green eye of jealousy which colours the vision.

They are icicles; and no seasoning for the repast or the conversation of

this cold occasion."--"Which brings the sweat to the face of Aoyama

Uji." Aoyama turned calmly on the rash interloper. "It is not sweat;

'tis mucous. The intense cold causes flow of mucous. Are not others so

affected?" He looked around grimly on the steaming shining faces before

him. "Mucous?" questioned a doubter. "Yes: face mucous," was the calm

rejoinder.

All turned to Kondo[u] Noborinosuké who would explain the more

particular purport of the meeting. There was report to make, a new

member to introduce. All turned with respect and salutation to Okumura

Shu[u]zen. It was a long and painful ceremony in the bulky winter garb.

But they were in relays, took turns. Ah! If it was but Aoyama, thus long

bent double, murmuring apology and compliment. Then Aoyama Shu[u]zen

made his report. He made it as one sure to please his hearers, many of

whom regarded him with no particular liking. In fact at the tale of his

discomfiture there was some joy, and tendency to show it. "Then, as with

us, Aoyama Uji meets Okumura Dono for the first time." Aoyama nodded an

amused assent. Said one more malicious, "And the repast? Surely the

_hatamoto_ was as well entertained as the _chu[u]gen_?" Shu[u]zen

skilfully dodged the issue. "The hour was very late. Such could hardly

be expected or offered to this Shu[u]zen without raising doubts.

Fortunately it was thus." Said one more persistent--"At least a cup of

wine...."--"Without fire or heating? More than rude the

implication!"--"Yet beasts know but little of etiquette; and if fox or

badger...." Kondo[u] Noborinosuké came in with--"That shall be at once

determined. It is time for the repast. The _tanuki_ killed by Aoyama Uji

furnishes the soup." At a sign the retainers brought the beast in his

own skin. All rose in marvel at the sight. Truly it was a huge fellow.

"An old rascal, too. See! The hair on the back is of different colour

from that on the rest of the body."--"Showing the great age and

wickedness. Many are those he has gulled to their destruction. Now in

turn he furnishes forth the repast." Said Kondo[u]--"How did Aoyama Uji

secure the beast."

"This Shu[u]zen was much put out. Plainly by no ordinary means could

these miscreants be eliminated. How meet them in true shape? Against the

usual weapons they were secure in their transformations. Only the flying

bullet could reach such mark; and the discharge of a gun in Edo town

means banishment at the least. Then an idea came to Shu[u]zen. At the

hour of the ox again the Bancho[u] was sought. Position of great

dejection and weariness was taken, on a stone amid its greatest

desolation. The wait was not long. Unexpectedly the sound of a gunshot

was heard. This was surprising, for the reasons given. Hardly believing

in an apparition, thinking it rather due to some rascally outlaw, his

coming was awaited. Slouching along appeared a man in hunter's garb. He

carried a fowling piece, and evidently was the criminal. Taught however

by past events this Shu[u]zen took no action. Merely hailing him, his

purpose and game was inquired. He was ready in answer as to both. Yonder

on Matsuyama harboured a huge and dangerous boar. It was this boar he

sought. Kindly he gave warning, and advised return to safer quarters. On

my part great enthusiasm was expressed for the sport; his company was

sought. At this he jeered; then denied attendance as lacking a gun. 'Not

so,' quoth I. With these words the punk carried in the hand was touched

to the fuse of the fire crackers concealed at one side. 'Kiya!' So

startled was he that his gun fell to the ground and he took his proper

shape. At once this Shu[u]zen in the act of drawing cut him into two

parts. Thus he died. Awaiting dawn another beast appeared, this time in

true form. Approaching the prostrate body it wept and wailed. This too

'twas sought to slay, but the beast had the advantage of being

forewarned. For the time it has escaped. Meanwhile, returning from its

pursuit, was found an admiring crowd of plebeians gathered round the

slaughtered _tanuki_. The priest for his exorcisms took cash; the

_samurai_ were the ones to act. Their joy and wonder was turned to good

account. Under penalty of sharing the fate of the beast two of them

shouldered it to the _yashiki_. Such the tale of Shu[u]zen. And now for

the results!"

Kondo[u] gave a sign, and the gaping wonder of the assembly at the deed

was stifled in the wave of heat which poured in from the neighbouring

room. "Ah! Truly these are cruel fellows!" Here a furnace had been

erected for the cooking of the _tanuki_. It sent its streams of hot air

into the already crowded and stifling room. Aoyama in person supervised

the cooking. The animal was cut into small portions. Smoking hot the

viands were placed under the noses of the gasping guests. With the great

age of the beast it had accumulated great toughness. The younger

members had the consolation of their jibes at the old fellows. They tore

at, struggled with, the leathery fragments. But the latter had no teeth,

and the malicious Aoyama would see to it that it stuck in their throats.

"How, now, ancients? Is not the meat of this _tanuki_ tender beyond

measure? Truly one cannot call this engaging in the practice of war; to

enjoy such a delightful mess."--"Just so," grunted Montaro[u]. "One can

then eat the knobs off one's helmet. The flesh of this fellow is so

tender it sticks in one's throat, as unwilling to allow it passage....

G'up! G'up! G'up!"

Said another--"The wine thus steaming hot, the viands sizzling, truly

the feed is most beneficial. One even sweats in this intensity of

cold."--"Of course," was the matter of fact reply of the wise. "Thus

does the heat of spring thaw out the cold ground into a perspiration;

thus does the frozen body burst into a sweat with the hot food and

drink." All accepted the explanation without argument. They were in

haste to end this meeting, even at cost of swallowing whole the _tanuki_

and Aoyama Shu[u]zen with it. Despite the prospect of attendance at his

_yashiki_ all rapturously agreed. Aoyama was an original. He would not

repeat the experiment of Kondo[u]. They had nearly a six month's respite

before them. With this the entertainment was brought to a close. In

almost unceremonious haste the guests took their leave, fairly galloping

out of the entrance, hanging out of the _kago_ or over the horse's neck,

urging attendants to full speed homeward. Here the stifling garments

were torn off, the plunge into the cold tub followed; and many paid for

this rashness with an illness of days. Meanwhile Aoyama Shu[u]zen had

learned one important fact. Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon in application for

the _bakémono yashiki_ had met with flat refusal. The field was open to

himself. Moreover he had said nothing of the fact that, in the exercise

of his new office as magistrate for the apprehension of thieves and

fire-bugs, he was in fair way to suppress forever and in great torments

the Mujina-baké and his fellows, residuary legatees of the prowess and

field of action of the late So[u]ja Mushuku.

END OF PART I

PART II

THE BANCHO[U] SARAYASHIKI

OR

THE LADY OF THE PLATES

WHAT AOYAMA SHU[U]ZEN BECAME.