KIBEI DONO
Kibei was in great straits, financial and domestic. The death of Kwaiba
had brought him anything but freedom. In Nippon the headship of a House
is much more than the simple heirship of our western law. Relieved of
his obligation in office the old man's hands were wide open to shower
benefice or caprice on the most worthless. Endorsement for cash and
goods to Natsumé, Imaizumi, and Kamimura; donations to the temples of
Teramachi and the Yotsuyazaka; favours in every direction except that of
Akiyama Cho[u]zaémon, in the pursuit of whom Kwaiba found much
amusement; all these items added to the very free living in his
household had pledged deeply the ample revenue of two hundred and thirty
_tawara_, and would have upheld the _samurai_ trait of not knowing the
value of money--if Kwaiba had been of that kind. Between Kwaiba and
Kibei, the wild debauchery of the last year had brought the House to the
verge of ruin. Kibei was aghast. Long since he had become deeply
involved with the Kashiku Tamagiku of the Yamadaya in Edomachi
Itcho[u]me of the Yoshiwara. The ugly fellow was madly in love with the
beauty. On her he had poured out the treasures of the Ito[u] House
during the six months which preceded the illness of Kwaiba. During his
prolonged absence from her the letters of the Kashiku had inundated the
writing table of Kibei. Had he deserted her? Was all affection gone?
Where now were the promises of ransom, the blood-sealed vow to become
husband and wife, to assume the relation which endures for two worlds?
Kibei sullenly read these lines; cursing Kwaiba and cursing himself.
Ransom! With strict living for the next five years _he_ might set
matters straight and free the Tayu; and any day _she_ might be bought by
some rich country _samurai_ or _go[u]shi_ (gentleman farmer), or be
carried off to ornament the _besso[u]_ of some _hatamoto_. Kibei wiped
the bitter saliva from his lips.[32]
The domestic difficulties were accompaniment to these more important
matters. In the large mansion Kibei was now alone. The tenth day had
witnessed the flight of the last of the servants. The women had departed
with the funeral, through fear, sacrificing wages and even such clothing
as could not surreptitiously be removed. What woman--or man--could
remain in a house which was the nightly scene of such fearful sounds of
combat. Shrieks, wails, groans, came from the quarters once occupied by
the dead Kwaiba. As to this there was no difference of opinion. The more
venturesome had been favoured with actual sight of the scenes enacted.
They had seen the old man as he was in death, pursued from room to room
by two frightful hags, as gaunt, blear, sightless as himself. Dreadful
were the cries of the dead man as the harpies fastened upon him,
descending from above like two huge bats. These scenes took place
usually at the eighth hour (1 A.M.), not to cease until dawn. As for the
men servants, they took their leave in the days following, asking formal
dismissal (_itoma_) with recommendation to another House. They scented
the approaching ruin of their present employer.
One day Kakusuké presented himself. Kibei looked up. He understood at
once that the man had come in his turn to take leave. Kakusuké alone had
remained with him. He was _chu[u]gen_, stable boy, cook, maid; and did
the work of all four without complaint. The change in his master was too
marked. Kibei, in his turn, had become irritable, timorous as a girl,
subject to outbreaks of almost insane rage. To Kakusuké the young man
seemed to have lost all nerve. Kakusuké wanted to serve a man. As long
as the Wakadono gave promise of redemption, of rising above his
difficulties and emerging into a splendid career in which Kakusuké could
take pride, the _chu[u]gen_ was ready to take the bitter with the sweet.
To be maid servant and keeper of a man half mad had no attraction for
this blunt-nerved fellow. He spoke plainly--"The Wakadono should deign
to throw up the whole connection. Under the present conditions the ruin
of the House is unavoidable. Condescend to return to the original House
in Honjo[u] Yokogawa. This course will be best. At least the Wakadono
secures his own salvation. This is the advice of Kakusuké, grown old in
experience of service in a _samurai_ household. In naught else is there
hope. As to himself, would the Wakadono condescend to grant dismissal."
Long had been the intimacy between Ito[u] Kwaiba and Inagaki Sho[u]gen.
Kakusuké, the messenger between the two Houses, had watched this
Fukutaro[u] (Kibei) grow to manhood, had noted his prowess. It was with
delight he had carried the documents which were to bring this new and
vigorous blood into the home of his decadent master. This was the
result. "A pest on these witches--and their craft!"
Kibei heard him out with growing anger. As the man's words gathered
vigour and plain spokenness his hand wandered to his sword. He had a mind
to cut him down then and there for his freedom of speech. More than half
induced to recognize the truth of the indictment his better feeling halted
him. With harsh and sardonic tone he gave unbelieving thanks for the
implied reproof of the _chu[u]gen_. The service of Kakusuké had been
faithful beyond measure. It should have its proper reward. If others had
chosen to depart as do those who run away, they had shown ignorance of
this Kibei. From a drawer of the desk he took out a letter already
prepared, a roll containing wages. He pushed the _zen_ toward Kakusuké.
This readiness, as if foreseen, hit the man hard. Respectfully he pressed
the letter to his forehead, bowing with extended hands on the _tatami_;
the money he did not touch. Finally he raised a timid questioning glance
to his one-time master. Said Kibei jeeringly--"Kakusuké has given his
advice. Is it part of his long experience that a servant should question
the wages placed under his nose? Off with you! This Kibei would be alone;
most willingly so." At the peremptory threatening gesture Kakusuké no
longer hesitated. He had no inclination to be a victim of one of the mad
outbreaks of the young man. Taking the roll humbly he backed out of the
room. His steps were heard a few minutes later passing the entrance. Then
the outer gate shut to with a clang.
For a long watch Kibei sat in meditation. He was as one who sleeps.
Then he rose with decision. "'Tis the last chance. Kakusuké is right.
The matter is to be brought to an end." Dressing for the street he left
the house. He opened the big gate; then went to the stable, and saddled
and bridled his horse. He led it outside, closed the gate, and mounting
he rode forth, to go to Honjo[u] Yokogawa and the _yashiki_ of his
father, Inagaki Sho[u]gen. Coming unaccompanied he was received with
surprise and some discomfiture, as he was quick to note. He was very
quick to note things in these days. Prostrating himself before his
mother--"Kibei presents himself. Honoured mother, deign to pardon the
intrusion. Fukutaro[u] would solicit her pity and influence." The lady
looked at him with amazement. "Fukutaro[u]! What then of Kibei? Is some
jest deigned at the mother's expense? It is in very bad taste.... But
the face of Kibei implies no jest. Pray put the matter plainly. Why does
her son come in petition to the mother?" Began Kibei--"The matter is
most serious...." He went into the full details; from the time of his
entrance into the Ito[u] House, through the course of dissipation and
illness of Kwaiba, down to the present ruined state of affairs. "All
this is due to the curse of O'Iwa San, to this plot in which Kibei
foolishly engaged." Of this he now fully felt the force. The events of
the past weeks had wrecked him in mind and body. One disaster after
another, in house and ward, had been visited on Kibei. The bitterness
and dislike of the people toward Kwaiba was visited on his
representative, who was held responsible. In his great mansion he lived
alone. No servant would enter it to attend to his wants. Was he to cook
and be valet for himself--and pose as the Kumi-gashira, the great chief
of the ward! The position was an impossible one. Deign to use a mother's
influence with Inagaki Dono. "Condescend to secure permission for the
return of this Kibei to his original House, for the cancellation of the
adoption."
The wife of Sho[u]gen sat frightened; at the tale, and at this radical
way of finding an exit from the situation. The mother's heart was full of
pity for the distracted son, whose haggard looks showed the strain of the
past weeks. Besides she was a woman, and as such fully believed in and
feared the curse of this dead O'Iwa, one who had died without funeral
rites or prayer. "Fortunately the honoured father now is on the night
watch at the castle. He is at home, drinking his wine. His humour is
excellent. Wait but a moment." Leaving Kibei she went to the room of
Sho[u]gen's light indulgence. The severe and conscientious nobleman was
bending under the genial influence of the _saké_. "Kibei? He comes in good
season. The heir of Kwaiba Inkyo[u] has not favoured his real father of
late. Ah! The boy was well placed. Kwaiba soon made way for him; and none
too willingly, one can believe." He chuckled. Then noting his wife's
troubled looks. "But there is something to tell."--"So indeed; none too
pleasant." She went into the story Kibei had told her. "His fear of O'Iwa
San is deadly. The House is ruined, with no profit in the connection.
Deign to permit the cancellation of the adoption, his return to the House
of his true parent." She stopped before the stern astonished look of the
husband. Said he harshly--"Let him come up. Sho[u]gen answers Kibei Dono
in person.... Heigh! Up here with you! For Ito[u] Dono there is wine...."
Kibei entered joyfully at his father's call. Success was in his hands.
Once more he was to marshal his father's retainers and accompany him to
the castle; once more be the habitué of the fencing rooms. "Honoured
father, fear enters: for long this Kibei has not ventured into your
presence."--"And need not for long again," thundered the old man. "What
stuff is this for the ears of Sho[u]gen? Kibei would sever his connection
with the Ito[u] House. Kibei is afraid of a ghost! He fears a girl! A
_samurai_ wearing two swords shrinks from an encounter with a woman! Has
Sho[u]gen no obligation toward his old friend Kwaiba? In more serious
matters and in life Sho[u]gen would share Kwaiba's lot. Back with you to
the house in Yotsuya! If this matter become known, both Kibei and
Sho[u]gen will be the laughing stocks of Edo. At least keep such fears to
yourself. Off with you! Sho[u]gen had wine for Ito[u] Dono. For the fellow
who would call himself--Fukutaro[u], he has none." With a kick he sent
rolling the _zen_ (table) with its burden of bottles and heating
apparatus. In a rage he left the room.
Kibei's face was white as he raised it from the _tatami_. "Father has no
experience of ghosts; he speaks at random and in anger. Terrible is the
actuality." Said the mother, slowly and painfully--"He is the father; he
is to be obeyed." Kibei was sitting upright. He nodded grave assent.
Then suddenly he prostrated himself ceremoniously before the _sho[u]ji_
through which Sho[u]gen had disappeared. He repeated the salutation
before his mother. Then he rose--"Ito[u] Kibei takes leave. May good
health and fortune visit those of this House." At his exit the mother
rejoiced. Severe had been the father's words, but they had brought the
boy to reason. She wept and trembled at the reproof. Men had best
knowledge of such affairs. She would pray at Reiganji, and have memorial
service held for the peace of this O'Iwa in the next world. Then the
curse would not rest upon her son.
On his appearance at the house entrance an _ashigaru_ (foot soldier)
led up the horse. Kibei waved him away--"For the present keep the animal
in charge. With matters to attend to close at hand Kibei will use other
conveyance." The man took the animal away. Leaving the gate of the
_yashiki_ Kibei walked the short distance to the Ho[u]onji bridge. Here
was a _kago_ (litter) stand. "To Yamadaya in Yoshiwara." As the _kago_
men went off at a trot--"Kibei has played and lost. How does the account
yonder stand? Seventy _ryo[u]_ owed at the Matsuminatoya. For the rest,
this Kibei can claim a night's attendance from the _kashiku_. If
affection would not grant it, the huge sums bestowed in the past have a
claim upon her. Then to end matters and die like a _samurai_. To-morrow
Kibei cuts belly." It was the debt which sent him direct to the
Yamadaya, and not first to the tea house. Sitting over the wine all
effort of the Kashiku to enliven him failed. Noting her discomfiture he
smiled gloomily. Then in explanation--"The thoughts of Kibei go astray.
The House is ruined. Ransom is impossible. This is the last meeting.
To-morrow Kibei cuts belly, and dies like a _samurai_." At first the
girl thought he was joking. Then noting the wild look of despair in his
eyes, she was frightened. Partly in disbelief; partly seeking to
postpone this desperate resolve, to turn his thoughts and gain time for
reflection; partly in that sentimental mood which at times affects this
class of women--"Is Kibei truly ruined? Lamentable the fate of Tamagiku.
Why not join him in death? But the idea is too new. Deign to postpone
the execution for a space. To-night shall be a night of pleasure with
the Kashiku Tamagiku. With the morrow's darkness she dies with Kibei.
Hand in hand they will wander the paths of Amida's paradise." She came
close to him in service of the wine; put her arms about him, and drew
him to her bosom; in every way cajoled and sought to comfort him, and
corrupt his purpose. Consent was easy. The night was passed in love and
wine. In the morning he left her.
Kibei was making his final preparations; writing directions which
would benefit as far as possible the House in Honjo[u] at the expense of
that in Yotsuya. In the Yoshiwara a very different scene was taking
place. With his departure the Kashiku sprang up. Hastily throwing a robe
around her person she sought the room of the _yarité_--the bawd of the
house. "The Kashiku! At this hour--what has happened?"--"Something of
importance. This night Tama dies with Kibei Dono. The compact is closed,
hard and firm." The astonished bawd had been rubbing the sleep out of
her eyes. The last words brought her full awake--"Is the Kashiku drunk
with wine? Is she mad? Truly it would seem so. And the bail? What is to
become of the unfortunate? True it is Toémon of Honjo[u]; and he has
trouble enough already. He will never leave his prison." Tamagiku made a
gesture of impatience--"This Tama has acted but to gain time. Can she
have affection for such an ugly fellow? Was she to be the victim of some
crazy outburst? Perhaps the day will bring better counsel; but the
night's conversation does not augur it. His plans are most complete. The
master must be seen. Deign to mediate; prevent the admittance of Kibei
Dono as guest." O'Kayo the bawd nodded intelligence and assent. At once
she sought the master of the house. "A dangerous guest," was his
comment. "Send to the Matsuminatoya. They must be warned. We can look
after ourselves." As an attendant of the tea house presented
himself--"And the master, Teisuké San!"--"Is absent; this To[u]suké
represents him. He has gone to Edo. Perhaps the house will deign to look
at a new inmate. A true Tayu! The daughter of Akiyama San of Yotsuya
sacrifices her caste. But sixteen years, she is a jewel. Less than a
hundred _ryo[u]_ will buy her. He is in great difficulties." To[u]suké
spoke with enthusiasm. The master of the Yamadaya answered promptly and
with emphasis--"Accepted: let her be on hand in the course of the day.
But To[u]suké, there is another matter. Kibei Dono no longer can be
accepted as a guest." He went into details. To[u]suké drew a long
breath. "A dangerous fellow! The Danna Sama never liked his presence.
But he owes the house much money; seventy _ryo[u]_."--"That is your
affair," coldly replied the master of the Yamadaya. "This house answers
not for the accounts of the tea-house. Previous notice has been given.
Kibei Dono cannot be received as guest."--"That is not to be denied. He
is most undesirable. But the seventy _ryo[u]_! And the week's settlement
to make with this house?" The Yamadaya had an idea--"It rarely passes a
hundred _ryo[u]_.... Five years is accepted? Then take thirty _ryo[u]_
and deliver this girl to the Yamadaya.... A true Tayu? If so the debt of
Kibei finds payment." To[u]suké agreed with joy.
At night the _kago_ man set Kibei down before the Matsuminatoya.
Teisuké, the _teishu[u]_ (host), regarded his arrival with mixed
feelings. His coming meant something. Giving up his two swords, and once
seated, Kibei's first act was to give thanks for past services. Calling
for his account he produced the seventy _ryo[u]_ in its settlement.
Prompt and profound were the humble thanks of the house for this
unexpected liquidation. Kibei had secured the money by the transfer of
obligations of Akiyama Cho[u]zaémon to the usurer Suzuki Sanjuro[u].
Three hundred and fifty _ryo[u]_ immediately due against seventy
_ryo[u]_ in cash satisfied even this shark. Teisuké was impressed. How
deny such a guest? He would get rid of him, and profit both ways.
Yamadaya now would promptly pay the additional seventy _ryo[u]_ due on
the girl with whom they were so delighted. He had paid fifty _ryo[u]_
for her. At Kibei's call his order was prompt. "To[u]suké, accompany
Kibei Dono to the Yamadaya." Kibei's calm and collected manner reassured
him. This man did not contemplate suicide.
With the appearance of To[u]suké and Kibei at the Yamadaya there was a
flutter. The Banto[u] Matsuzo respectfully came forward. As Kibei came
up to the _ro[u]ka_ and shook off his _geta_ he interposed. "Deign to
wait, Kibei Dono. Matters have changed since morning. The Kashiku is
very ill. She can see no one. Condescend to come another time. For one
ill in body pleasure is no pastime. Pray consider; grant excuse for this
one occasion." Kibei was surprised. He had left her perfectly well in
the morning. Something in the _banto[u]'s_ face, in the massed position
of the men standing by, apprised him of the truth. He was enraged at the
lie and the insult. "Ill? That is very strange, when so well at morning.
But it is immaterial. Kibei goes to the room."--"Impossible," was the
firm reply of the _banto[u]_. "The Kashiku lies isolated from all. It is
the order of the physician. Even those in the rooms around her have been
ordered out. Pray forbear." But Kibei was obstinate--"Then a glass of
wine at her bedside; Kibei has matters to impart." The _banto[u]_ stuck
to his post--"Wine! Amid the smell of drugs, the unseemly vessels of the
sick room! Such could not be permitted." Kibei stretched out an arm. The
_banto[u]_ went flying a dozen feet. Kibei made a leap toward the
stairway. But the bawd O'Kayo interposed her vinegary presence. She was
brave; having the support of great numbers, of the whole household.
"What rudeness! How inconsiderate your way of acting! You behave in very
bad taste; with the roughness of an _ashigaru_ (foot soldier). The
Yamadaya does not entertain such miserable scamps. The Tayu is ill. This
Kayo says it. Get you hence--to some coolie house. Return the day before
yesterday."[33] Kibei gave a yell--"Yai! You old bitch! The whole affair
is plain to Kibei. Out of money, his presence is no longer desired. Ah!
Kibei will have vengeance." Without arms, before the sullen
determination of these plebeians, he felt his helplessness. An unseemly
brawl, in which he would be worsted, must not be entered on. He must
leave. In a towering rage he strode back to the tea-house. To[u]suké
tried to keep pace with him.
Said Teisuké in feigned astonishment--"Kibei Dono! What has happened?"
Kibei did but stutter and fume. The _teishu[u]_ turned to To[u]suké.
This latter made answer for his charge--"At the Yamadaya they were very
rude. Admittance was refused to Kibei Dono. The bawd O'Kayo told him to
come back day before yesterday!"--"Very rude indeed! Were such things
said? It is unpardonable. An explanation must be had with the house.
Danna Sama, for to-night deign to leave this matter to Teisuké. Ample
satisfaction shall be had for the outrage." Teisuké threw up his hands
as with uncontrollable anger. Kibei paid no attention, but demanded his
swords. Outwardly he had regained his self-control. The maid O'Moto
looked with diffidence at her mistress. The woman was accustomed to such
scenes. At her sign the girl brought the weapons, carefully wrapped up.
She placed them before Kibei. Unrolling the cover he put them on. With
scanty salutation he strode off. Teisuké watched him--"It would be wise
for the Yamadaya to close early to-night, to take in their lanterns;
nay, even to board up the front and take refuge in the store-house."
To[u]suké was in no hurry to face Matsuzo, the _banto[u]_ of Yamadaya.
Continued the easy old fellow--"Well, 'tis their affair. They are as
good judges as Teisuké; and they could have been more civil in refusal.
At all events the house has seventy _ryo[u]_, and Kibei Dono is sober.
He will cut belly before dawn; and perhaps nothing will happen
hereabouts." The old pimp went off to his inner room; to sit down before
his wine about the same time that Kibei did the same in a cook shop
opposite the great gate of Yoshiwara. Here he idled, barely touched his
drink, and passed the time in bantering the maid servant. He was in a
riotous humour. He would take her to wife--and sell her the next
morning. "As they do yonder." But O'Kiyo was not of that kind. "There is
a lover?"--"Of course!" In admitting it she blushed, somewhat offended
at hint of suspicion that such was lacking. Jibed Kibei--"He will do the
same. Better to be the wife of a _samurai_; even for an hour." In the
end he frightened the girl a good deal, so boisterous was he. She had
gone out to buy him a deep hat. With relief she saw him put it on and
set forth into the darkness and the rain.
The eighth hour (1 A.M.) was nearly ready to strike. The pleasure quarter
was silent. Passersby were few. The occasional shuffling sound of
_zo[u]ri_ (sandals) could be heard behind the closed _amado_. Kibei smiled
cynically as he recognized this mark of revolting passage from one room to
another. In doubt he stood before the gate of the Yamadaya. How break in
and kill them all? If Kibei had his way the Kashiku would keep her word.
Just then a noise of voices was heard within, the falling of the bar.
Several belated guests came forth. They were in the charge of O'Moto, the
maid of the Matsuminatoya. Affectionate were the leave-takings with the
quondam wives. "Condescend an early visit. This Haya lives but in the
thought of Mosuké."--"Bunzaémon San, be faithful to this Hana. In his
absence she is always ill. She receives no one." At this there was a roar
of laughter from the others of the company. Bunzaémon answered with
reproaches. Kibei followed behind. This fellow was somewhat lamed. He
lagged behind. Kibei pulled his sleeve. Bunzaémon, the cit, turned in
surprise and fear at sight of the _samurai_ in his deep hat. Said
Kibei--"Don't be afraid. Bunzaémon San has forgotten pipe, or purse, or
something. He must go back to the Yamadaya." At the fellow's groping in
his garments and failure to understand he grew impatient. "A friend lies
at the Yamadaya. It is late, and they will not open at an unknown voice.
Entrance somehow must be had. Deign to lend your aid." At last the fellow
comprehended--"O'Moto San! A moment: my pipe...."--"Oya! The Danna Sama
has forgotten his pipe?" The girl went back the short distance to the
gate. She knocked and called. With sleepy tones the voice of Matsuzo the
_banto[u]_ was heard. The bar fell. The girl turned to look down the
street toward her guests. She looked right into the face of Kibei.
Dropping her lantern, with a smothered scream she fled.
Matsu, the _banto[u]_, looked with horror at the man before him. As
Kibei threw off his hat he turned to flee. Tripping, he fell. Kibei drew
him back by the leg. A blow cut him through the shoulder. As he rose
staggering a second vicious side swing sent the severed head to the
ground. The gate-man took the chance. Fleeing to the recesses of the
kitchen, he swarmed up a post and hid himself among the rafters of the
roof, amid the darkness of their shadows. Kibei turned back and
carefully barred the gate. With the key at the girdle of Matsuzo he
locked the bar chain. All was now ready for his visitation and search.
On the floor above they had a drunken guest in hand, trying to get him
to depart. A _banto[u]_ and several women formed the committee of
expulsion. "Ah! Money gone, one's welcome is quickly worn out in this
hell. But Jusuké does not budge. He fears not the whole pack of
foxes.... Thanks: deep the obligation of this Jusuké, extending to the
next life." A woman had picked up and restored his purse. "The bill is
paid? An early start To[u]kaido[u] way? Ah, true! Jusuké had forgotten."
He was now all compliments and thanks. Then in a rage--"Oh! The huzzy!
What is Jusuké's purse worth with nothing in it? Who has robbed the
purse of Jusuké?" He was madly fumbling his tobacco pouch. A woman put
his hand on the missing object in the folds of his girdle. He was
mollified. As they moved to the head of the stairs--"Take care! Jusuké
San, don't fall! Banto[u] San, deign to aid the guest." Refusing all
help the man lurched half way down the flight. Then he stopped, staring
and looking before him. At the foot stood Kibei, bloody sword in hand.
"Down with this Jusuké? But Jusuké cannot down. A fool blocks the
way.... Fool, you block the way of Jusuké."--"Out of the road,
drunkard!" The words of Kibei came between his teeth, half growl, half
snarl. The man obstinately held his own. When Kibei would push past
him--"Beast!" He struck the _samurai_. Kibei whirled the sword. The head
rolled to the bottom of the steps. The blood bathed Kibei from head to
foot.
His appearance was horrible. The women fled in all directions. The
_banto[u]_ covered their retreat. "Kibei Dono! Pray be reasonable.
Control yourself!" Kibei made a step toward the women's rooms. The
_banto[u]_ was dreadfully frightened, yet bravely he interposed to save
them. He shouted for aid; below and to the neighbours. Kibei reached
him. A blow and he fell severed. Kibei gave a howl of joy. O'Kayo the
bawd came out to ascertain the cause of the brawl. She turned livid with
fear on recognizing Kibei. They were standing together in the sort of
entresol or room at the head of the stairway. Only a large brazier
separated Kibei from his vengeance. Its massiveness of three or four
feet breadth baffled him. The woman was fleeing for life. As he strove
to get within striking distance fear gave her wings. From one side to
another she leaped and dodged. Kibei was hampered. He had to cut her off
from stair and _ro[u]ka_. As he hesitated she discharged the iron kettle
at his head. One implement followed another. In hurling the iron tripod
ashes entered her eyes. At once Kibei leaped to close quarters. The
first sword blow she dodged. As Kibei recovered she sprang by him and
over the _hibachi_, seeking the safety of the stairs now open to her.
Her night-dress caught on the handle of the brazier and brought her to
the ground. Next moment she was severed from shoulder to midriff.
Methodically Kibei began his examination of the rooms. To most of the
inmates this uproar was a mere quarrel in the house, the cause of which
they neither knew nor cared to know. The first search was at the room of
the Kashiku, close to that of O'Kayo the bawd. Her reception room was
dark. Here the Kashiku's bed usually was prepared. The inner room, her
dressing room, showed the dim light of an _andon_. Noting her absence
from the usual place a hasty stride brought him to the _sho[u]ji_. As he
violently shoved them apart a man rose from the bed in the room. A mere
glance showed that this was no lover. As Kibei with drawn sword stood
over him, he squatted on his hams, crouching and begging for life. To
Kibei's astonishment he called him by name--"Deign, honoured Sir, to
spare this Cho[u]bei. Be assured the Kashiku is not in this place. She
lies to-night with the Danna of the house. Deign to seek her in his
company." He pointed vaguely as he spoke, to give direction. Kibei
laughed ferociously. From this source these directions were atrocious.
He lowered the weapon--"Cho[u]bei! At this place and time! Well met,
good Sir. Kibei is doubly grateful for what he has learned. Cho[u]bei
and Kibei are fellows in fortune. Willingly Kibei leaves him to O'Iwa
San and her mercies." His attentive gaze never wandered from the face of
the one-time pimp. With a gesture of horror he rushed from the room. In
fright Cho[u]bei rolled his head up in the coverlet, to keep out the
vision evoked.
He continued his search--"Is it my little black fellow?" Such the
greeting of one woman aroused from sleep. Trembling she rose at sight of
Kibei. Harshly told to lie down, she gladly obeyed. Her quivering limbs
already were nearly yielding as he spoke. In but one place did he
encounter opposition. Pushing open the _sho[u]ji_ of the merest closet
of a room he came upon a girl whose face somehow was familiar. She was a
mere slip of a creature to be called a woman. The undeveloped hips, the
yet immature bosom, aroused his astonishment at finding her in such a
place as inmate; that is, until the pure oval and beauty of the face
caught his glance. As he entered she sprang up in alarm. Just roused
from sleep she hardly knew where she was--"Father! Father! A man! A man
is in the room! Help!" Kibei pushed her back on the bed. With his bloody
sword he rolled over the bed-clothes. Then he made a move to get at the
closet behind. Perhaps mistaking his action the girl sprang upon him.
Kibei was startled at her mad energy. When he thrust her down she seized
his hand in her teeth, sinking them deep into it. Pain and
impatience--after all he was pressed for time--overcame him. Unable
otherwise to shake her off he thrust the point of the sword into her
throat and gave a vigorous downward push. Coughing up great clouts of
blood, the girl sank back, dying on the _futon_. As he left the room
remembrance came to Kibei's mind. He had seen her in Yotsuya. More than
once O'Tsuru had served him tea in the house of her father,
Cho[u]zaémon. How came she in this vile den? He took a step back to aid
her if he could. She was stone dead.
The Tayu Nishikiyama[34] now knew the cause of the disturbance. To the
frightened page (_kamuro_) who came running to her--"Be quiet child.
This is no time to lose self-control. Aid me in preparation." She
dressed herself with the greatest care; "all in white, as befitted a
lady in attendance on a nobleman." Then she took down her _koto_ and
struck the opening bars of an old and famous song--the "Jinmujo[u]"
(Inexhaustible Happiness)--said to have been sung by the famous Shizuka
Go[u]zen when she danced the Ho[u]raku, or sacred dance, before the
Sho[u]gun Yoritomo at Kamakura Hachimangu[u]. As Kibei turned into the
corridor the voice of the Oiran caught his ear as she sang in
accompaniment to the instrument. She was bending over the _koto_ as the
_sho[u]ji_ were flung apart. Kibei, his hair hanging in disorder and
framing a face ghastly white in contrast to the red streaks splashed
over it and his garments, stood transfixed at the entrance. The Tayu
looked up. With calm pose and courteous salute--"Kibei Dono, what manner
of acting is this! Is not Kibei Dono the _bushi_? Truly madness has
seized you, honoured Sir. This is Nishikiyama.... Deign to be seated.
'Tis Nishikiyama who serves Kibei Dono. What has been done cannot be
undone. The last cup of wine in life is to be drained. Deign to accept
it from these humble hands."
Kibei continued gazing on her. The unhappy man, his mind was opened to
a flood of light. The hurricane of passion was passing. Slowly he
advanced into the room. "Truly the Go Tayu is right. Kibei has gone mad;
mad indeed!" He sank down on the cushion before her. At a sign the page
placed the stand containing the bottle of cold _saké_ before the lady.
Skilfully the slender hands held it, gracefully poured it for the man
doomed to death, taking this final cup served by her. Kibei raised it,
drained it to the last drop. "The Kashiku: she is on this lower floor.
Where lies she?" Nashikiyama noted the wild light returning to his eyes.
She bowed her head before him--"The life of Nishikiyama is at the
command of Kibei Dono. Her lips are sealed. Honoured Sir, how answer
Kibei Dono's question?" For the moment he looked down. Then he
rose--"Whose daughter can the Oiran be! Truly no lady in the land could
show a higher courage, a finer courtesy. The final salute of this Kibei
in life is to the Go Tayu." In grave ceremony it was performed. As he
left the room the woman buried her face in her hands, weeping bitterly.
In wonder and gratitude the frightened page extended her hands, her face
hidden in the white robes of the Go Tayu.
Kibei trod this lower corridor with sombre tread. He would cut belly at
the garden pond. With some surprise he noted an _amado_ open at the end
of the _ro[u]ka_. Voices were heard. Standing at the opening he saw
lanterns. Some frenzied women had raised a ladder to the garden wall.
They would thus escape, but the knife-like bamboo stakes prevented. Said
a voice outside, and close to him--"The key to the gate: here it is."
The Kashiku at a run passed by him. Kibei gave a shout. The frightened
woman turned, recognized him, then sped on. In a few steps he was on
her. The raised sword descended as she fell on her knees before him, in
attempt to swerve its course. Through wrist and collar-bone, from neck
to navel, the keen blade passed. Kibei threw the weapon aside. He leaned
over her, his dagger drawn. Then he rose, holding by its tresses the
head. For a moment he gazed on it. Slowly he walked to the pond in the
centre of the garden. Carefully he washed the bloody trophy and placed
it on the curbing. Confronting it he made reverential salutation. "Kibei
keeps his promise to the Kashiku. With Tamagiku he treads the gloomy
paths of Shideyama. Honoured lady--a moment and Kibei follows." Seated
before the head reposing on the curb he opened his clothes. Thrusting
the bloody dagger deep into his left side he slowly drew it across the
belly; then made the upward cut. The body fell forward. Kibei indeed had
kept his word.