TAKAHASHI DAIHACHIRO[U]
Some means of support had to be found. Employed in a _kenin's_ house,
and leaving it under such conditions, kindred occupation was out of the
question. There was a sort of black list among these officials to cover
all grades of their service. Time and the host of servants of some great
House would get the lad back into the only occupation he understood.
Trusting to some such accident of fortune, Kyu[u]bei made Densuké his
agent on commission. Densuké was no idler. Kyu[u]bei managed to meet the
Tamiya security for his loans, largely through the efforts of the
younger man. The married couple at this time set up their establishment
in Goro[u]beicho[u] of Kyo[u]bashi Ku. Coming and going, often with no
definite task in hand, Densuké to all appearance was an out-and-out
idler. For the first time released from the trammels of her class,
O'Mino could attend the theatres and farce shows of the capital. She
delighted in acting this part of a tradesman's wife. Moreover she was
very sure of not meeting with Matazaémon, of whom she was in great fear.
Bound to the _formulæ_ of his class, her father might feel bound to cut
her down on sight.
One day Densuké was idling and hanging over the parapet of the
Nihonbashi. Some fishermen were violently quarrelling in the fish market
on the bank just below the bridge. As he looked on with interest a hand
was laid on his shoulder. Turning, he saw a man, partly in the dress of
a _chu[u]gen_, partly in that of a menial attendant of one of the larger
_yashiki_ (nobleman's mansion). Scars of burns on his hands and arms,
patches of rice flour and bran, showed that he was a cook. His eye was
severe and his manner abrupt as he rebuked Densuké. "An idle fellow!
This Taro[u]bei never fails to come across Densuké as an idler, or on
the way to Asakusa with the worthy wife. Is he fit for nothing?" Densuké
was a mild man. To this man with a grievance his answer was soft.
Besides he had no liking for the cook's knife stuck in the girdle, and
handy to carve fish or flesh. He said--"Perchance the idleness is more
in appearance than fact. Buying and selling on commission the task is an
irregular one. It is true, however, that this Densuké has no settled
labour. Alas! Former days in the service of a _samurai_ are much to be
regretted."--"Can you cook rice?" was the abrupt interruption. "This
Densuké knows the 'Sanryaku' fairly well. Is more needed?" The man
looked at him dumbfounded. "The 'Sanryaku'--what's that?"--"Knowledge of
the 'Sanryaku' enables one to meet all the requirements of a _bushi_
(knight).[6] At the school in Kazusa To[u]gané the priest who taught
this Densuké, at one time a _samurai_, was far more taken with the
'Sanryaku' than with the _Sutra_ (Scripture); the lessons taught applied
more to Bushido[u] (the knight's way) than to Butsudo[u] (the way of the
Buddha).... But to the point; this Densuké for three years cooked the
rice at Tamiya in Yotsuya. First there is the _toro-toro_ of bubbling
water; then the _biri-biri_, as what little remains passes as steam
through the rice grains. Then the sharp whistling cry of a baby from the
pot on the slow fire (_murashite_). The task is done, and the vessel is
removed from the stove." The man looked with respect on this learned
cook. Said he--"Densuké is the man. Taro[u]bei must leave the kitchen of
Geishu[u] Sama at once. The mother is ill in Aki province. A substitute
is to be found. The salary--is next to nothing; but the perquisites are
numerous, and the food ample to feed several Densuké and their wives.
Deign to accept." Densuké did not hesitate--"The obligation lies with
Densuké. But how secure the position? There is Tamiya...." The man
laughed. "There are many Densuké in Edo; and no connection between the
_yashiki_ of Matsudaira Aki no Kami and the house of a _do[u]shin_ in
Yotsuya. There is small likelihood of meeting old acquaintances. Be sure
to remember that it is Densuké of Kyo[u]bashi; not Densuké of Yotsuya.
This pass will answer to the gate-man. Substitutes are common. Whether
it be Densuké or Taro[u]bei who cooks the rice makes no difference;
provided the rice be well cooked. Taro[u]bei's service lies elsewhere;
to Densuké San deep his obligation." He held out the pass, and Densuké
took it.
With mutual salutation and joy in heart they parted. Densuké betook
himself to the _yashiki_ of Matsudaira Aki no Kami at Kasumigaseki. No
difficulties were encountered. Taro[u]bei was not so superlative as a
cook that the substitute could not be better than the original. At this
place Densuké acted the part of the _komatsukibatta_. This is a narrow
brown weevil, some three parts of an inch in length, and which stands on
its head making the repeated movements of _o'jigi_, much as at a
ceremonial encounter in Nippon. Densuké was not long in becoming well
liked. He was ready to run errands for all, outside of the hours of his
duties. From those higher up in the _yashiki_ these errands brought him
coin. Every month he could bring O'Mino twenty to thirty _mon_ in
"cash"; apart from the ample rations of rice and _daikon_ bestowed on
the kitchen staff. Nay: as cook at times fish could not be allowed to
spoil, and fell to the perquisites of Densuké. Thus time passed; and
with it the delivery of O'Mino, and the crisis in the affairs of Densuké
approached. Now Geishu[u] Sama[7] was a fourth month _daimyo[u]_. Hence
with the iris blossoms he took his departure from Edo to the government
of his fief in Aki province. The Sakuji Machibugyo[u], one Takahashi
Daihachiro[u], plead illness on this occasion of the exodus. As unable
to accompany his lord he remained in Edo. On plea of convenience he
established himself in the abandoned quarters of the _ashigaru_ or
common soldiers, situated right over Densuké's cooking stoves. Entirely
removed from the bustle of the household, except during Densuké's now
rare attendance, he secured complete isolation and quiet. Densuké went
on cooking for Takahashi Sama, just as if it had been for the whole
military household. Daihachiro[u] was a forbidding kind of man; and it
was with no amiable look that he greeted Densuké when the latter
appeared very late to prepare the meal. It being the 5th month 5th day
(the _sekku_) of Tenwa 3rd year (30th May, 1683), perhaps he suspected
Densuké of preparation for, and participation in, the great festival
which was in progress. "Densuké is very late. This Daihachiro[u] has
made the trial; to find out that he is no cook. Indeed the right hand
has been severely burnt. A cook should be on time--for the meal, not the
_matsuri_." Densuké was all apology--"Nay, Danna Sama; it is not the
festival which has detained Densuké. An infant was expected to-day by
the wife. Hence Densuké's neglect. Deign to pardon him."--"A baby being
born is no reason why Daihachiro[u] should starve. Prepare the meal in
haste. The rice is to be soft; and please see that the fish also is
soft. Make the sauce not too sharp. It would give great trouble to make
the bath in the quarters. In Owarimachi, or Kubomachi, good bath-houses
are to be found." Densuké took the hint. At once he recommended one he
thought befitting the great man's greatness. "Well: _Sayonara_. See that
the meal is ready by the return." Off stalked Takahashi Daihachiro[u],
towel dangling from his hand, and toothbrush and bran bag in his bosom.
Densuké gave a sigh of relief as he left the court. Daihachiro[u] often
employed him on missions, and was never particularly generous even when
the transaction was decidedly shady. Densuké was dreadfully afraid of
him. Somehow he felt as if Daihachiro[u] was Fate--his fate. Turning to
his stoves, the pots and the pans, the meal soon was in successful
preparation. As Densuké lifted the cover to inspect the rice--splash! A
great red spot spread in widening circle over the white mass. In fright
Densuké clapped on the lid of the pot. He looked upward, to locate this
unusual condiment to his provision. On his forehead he received in
person a second consignment. Applying his finger to his head, and then
to his nose--"Blood! Ah! O'Také's fierce cat has caught a rat and is
chewing it in the room above. How vexatious! If the Danna should find
out...." Hastily he tried to shove his equipment to one side. This would
not do. The massive stone blocks forming the furnace were too heavy for
Densuké to move unaided. Somewhat helpless he looked around. The rice
was almost done; ready for the process of _murashité_, or simmering over
the slow fire. The fish, carefully prepared, as yet was to be cooked.
All was to be ready against the return of Daihachiro[u] Sama. Ah! Again
the dropping began. As finding some channel in the rough boarding of the
ceiling it came fast. His kitchen began to look like the place where the
Eta (outcasts) slaughter beasts. Densuké shuddered.
Circumstances, the results involved, make the timid brave. Grasping a
pole Densuké started up the ladder leading to the loft and the quarters
of the _ashigaru_. Arrived at the top his eyes took in the poor
apartment. The rafters and beams of a low-cast roof; six wretched
(Loo-choo) mats on the floor, for the men to sit, and sleep, and live
upon; such its bare equipment. In the middle of the mats was a great red
stain. Densuké was at once attracted to it. "A cat would eat a rat; but
it would not wipe up the blood." His eyes were caught by the straw
basket used to store away the raincoats. This was all stained red at the
bottom. Going close up he found it was wet. Perhaps the cat was at work
inside. Densuké raised the cover and looked in. In alarm he sprang back.
On the trunk and limbs of a body was placed a freshly severed head.
Without replacing the cover, with pole uplifted over his head in
defence, Densuké backed toward the ladder. His one idea was to flee this
_yashiki_. As he reached the top of the steps the voice of Daihachiro[u]
was heard below--"A pest on such filthy bath-houses; and filthier
patrons.... What! No rice yet, Densuké? Ah! Where is the fellow?"
Densuké looked down, to meet the altered countenance of Daihachiro[u]
looking up. He retreated as the latter sprang up the ladder.
Daihachiro[u] gave a rapid glance. He saw the raised cover of the
basket. The next moment the bosom of Densuké's dress was harshly
grasped, and he himself was forced down on the floor. Gloomily
Daihachiro[u] regarded him--"Rash and curious fellow! Why not keep to
your pots and pans? Densuké loses his life; and Daihachiro[u] a fool for
a cook." He had drawn his sword to strike. Densuké clung to his knees in
petition--"Pardon, master! Pardon! This Densuké is no idle gossip. The
dripping blood threatened to spoil the meal. Thinking the cat was eating
a rat, fearing the anger of the Danna Sama if the meal had to be
re-cooked, Densuké came up here to chase the animal away. Thus the crime
was discovered...."--"Crime!" thundered Daihachiro[u]. "Ah! This
intermeddler must certainly die. By the word of a _samurai_...." In his
terror Densuké almost put his hand over the irrevocable sentence. He
spoke with life at stake. "Deign, master, to pardon Densuké. He has
committed no offence; knows of no offence in others. Densuké has seen
nothing. Life is a jewel, to be kept at any cost. Densuké is far too
insignificant to deserve the anger of Takahashi Sama." He grovelled in
the abject terror of his petition.
Takahashi Daihachiro[u] hesitated. An idea seemed to occur to him, at
sight of the man's fear-struck state. He smiled grimly. "Densuké saw the
head?"--"'Tis so," admitted Densuké. "But to see a head means nothing."
Daihachiro[u] dragged him over to the raincoat basket. Holding him down,
he grasped the head by the cue and lifted it out. "Look!" Densuké gave a
cry of surprise at sight of the features of a once neighbour. "It is the
head of Iséya Jusuké, the money lender of Hacho[u]bori; a hard man.
Surely the Danna...."--"Just so," replied Daihachiro[u], carelessly
throwing the mortuary relic back into the basket. "Borrowing five
_ryo[u]_, in six months with the interest the sum now due is twenty-five
_ryo[u]_. Pleading illness Daihachiro[u] remained in Edo, to try and
soften the usurer. He threatened a report to my lord; grew insolent
beyond measure. The sword drawn, he was killed forthwith.... Here
Densuké finds his use and saves his life. This body is an awkward
impediment. Densuké must take and cast it away. Otherwise, a second head
is added to this first. With one already to dispose of a second gives no
difficulty. Decide: is it agreed? Moreover there will be payment." He
took out a money belt (_do[u]maki_), that of Jusuké. Densuké recognized
it. Daihachiro[u] had robbed Jusuké, after killing him. Lovingly he ran
the golden _ryo[u]_ through his fingers. Seventy of them Densuké
counted. Daihachiro[u] picked out three _ryo[u]_. "Here is payment. Life
is spared, and it is agreed to cast away the body." Stammered
Densuké--"On the rubbish heap?" Daihachiro[u] looked at him--"You fool!
Why not proclaim that Densuké murdered Jusuké? Once the gate is
passed--and this Daihachiro[u] goes in company so far--it is Densuké who
is the murderer of Jusuké. Remain in this place until night. Then off
with the body; pitch it into the ditch of Kuroda Ke, or that of Saio[u]
Dono. Daihachiro[u] now takes his meal. There is nothing wrong with it?"
He looked meaningly at Densuké. The latter, with eyes on the shining
sword, at once denied all defilement. He now plumed himself on the care
taken of the Danna's interests. Daihachiro[u] descended; to feed at ease
and keep watch over the unwilling Densuké.
In the 5th month (June) the days are long. Densuké was a coward; and
for company had the corpse of the murdered Jusuké. To the poor cook the
time passed was torture. He was continually going to the stair and
calling down--"Danna Sama, has the time come?... Ah! The sky is light.
The streets at night will be full of people with lanterns. Plainly
O'Tento[u] Sama (the Sun) has forgotten to decline in the West. Alas!
This Densuké is most unlucky." At last the hour of the dog was passing
(7-9 P.M.). Daihachiro[u] appeared. "Now for the corpse! Wrap it up in
this matting.... Coward! Is Densuké afraid of a dead man?" He took the
body and cut the tendons of arms and legs. Then he placed the head on
the belly. Doubling the limbs over the body so as to hold the head he
wrapped the matting around the whole. The outside he covered with some
red raincoats--"in case of accidental stains." Then he strongly roped
the whole together. He stood back to inspect a truly admirable job.
Densuké wondered how many usurers Daihachiro[u] had thus disposed of.
His speculations were interrupted. Everything was ready. "Now! the loan
of Densuké's back." Groaned Densuké--"Danna Sama, a request."--"What?"
asked Daihachiro[u]. "Condescend to put a board between the body of
Densuké and that of Jusuké. The head might seize and bite me with its
teeth." Daihachiro[u] snorted with laughter, contempt, and anger mixed.
"What a cowardly rascal you are! Off with it as it is." Said Densuké
respectfully and firmly--"The task is that of Densuké. Condescend so far
to favour him." His obvious terror threatened collapse even of the
influence of Daihachiro[u]. An old remnant of the back of a corselet was
at hand. Said Daihachiro[u]--"This is still better. It is metal. In it
goes. Now off with you." Stalking along in the rear of the unfortunate
cook, Daihachiro[u] kept within easy distance of a sword blow. At the
gate he said--"Pray grant passage. Densuké takes washing of this
Daihachiro[u]--bed quilts and _futon_ to be renovated."--"Respectfully
heard and understood." The gate-man let fall the bar and stood aside.
Densuké passed into the street. A little way off he looked around.
Takahashi Daihachiro[u] had disappeared. Now indeed it was an affair
between Densuké and Jusuké.[8]