Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House) Part 8

He spoke braggingly, but disastrously to the point--"a.s.suredly 'tis Yos.h.i.+ who shall be the lady of a _daimyo[u]_ of high place, not of a meagre fifteen or twenty thousand _koku_. Kaga Ke, Maeda Tos.h.i.+tsune, is grinding his sword. The great Houses in the west--Hosokawa, Bizen, Kato[u], Mo[u]ri, Satsuma, will follow him. Give them but the opportunity in the disorder of Edo, and the sword will be drawn. In a month, Edo, fired at a hundred points will lie in ashes. Then...." He stopped a little frightened. But she feigned the greatest indifference, teased him into opposition. Sitting down before the wine she got out of him the whole affair. Reverting to the accident--"But yourself, an accident has been deigned. Has another Yos.h.i.+ encountered Kuro[u]ji Dono?" To the tender solicitude half laughing he made jesting answer.

"A Yos.h.i.+ with beard and wearing two swords. To-day the contract was signed by all with the blood seal. The wine feast followed. The talk was earnest, some of it rash. Interposing in the quarrel, the dagger intended for the belly of one, was sheathed in the thigh of this Kuro[u]ji. A trifling flesh wound; well in a day or two, at present rest is needed."--"A dangerous affair; if it gives rise so easily to dispute." Such her comment. "Not so," answered the infatuated veteran.

"They are too far in to withdraw." Before her eyes he unrolled the scroll. Her eye quickly ran along the crowded columns of the names--by the score. Here was indeed a big affair. Out of the corner of one eye she watched him put it away.

The salve Ogita Kuro[u]ji used for his wound had no such benefit as that offered Aoyama Shu[u]zen; and perhaps O'Yos.h.i.+ could have told the reason of its failure. By the next day the wound was inflamed enough to make movement difficult. Feeling the necessity of repair, Kuro[u]ji left all matters to his mistress, and sought early recuperation in complete rest.

On plea of needed articles O'Yos.h.i.+ was out of the house and on her hurried way to the Aoyama _yas.h.i.+ki_ at Suragadai. The distance was short; yet her plan was already laid. Her dislike for the ageing Ogita was sharpened into hate by her love for the handsome young _samurai_.

Close to the _yas.h.i.+ki_ on pretext she entered the shop of a tradesman.

To her delight she learned that the Waka Dono, Aoyama Shu[u]zen, as yet had no wife. She had a hundred yards to go, and her purpose and ambition had expanded widely in that short distance. Her application for an interview with his lords.h.i.+p was quickly granted. She had often been subject of talk and comment between Shu[u]zen and his subordinate officer. The _do[u]s.h.i.+n_ happened to be present, and the attendant announced her at once. Pa.s.sed to the inner apartment she found Shu[u]zen as if he had been eagerly awaiting her coming for hours. Her reception was flattering. The ordinary salutations over they pa.s.sed to most familiar talk, as of oldest friends between man and woman. When Shu[u]zen would go further, and in love making press still greater intimacy, her refusal was of that kind which sought compliance. Said she with a smile--"Make Yos.h.i.+ the wife of the Waka Dono and she will make the fortune even of one so highly placed as Aoyama Dono." To his incredulity and astonishment she would say no more. Shu[u]zen now was determined not to let her go. He feigned consent, agreement to everything, with much regard for her, and small regard for the promotion at which he jested. Now they were in the very heigh-day of love. She resented his scepticism, and in the heat of her pa.s.sion gave him everything--including the contract. His mistress by his side, seated in the confidence of an accomplished love affair he listened to her stream of revelation. This "doctor" and "husband" was neither doctor nor husband. His name was Ogita Kuro[u]ji, an O[u]saka _ro[u]nin_. With Kosaka Jinnai and others of the same kidney he had been the head and front of the attempted rape of the Senhime. Shu[u]zen knew enough to discount all the talk as to Maeda Ko[u], of the Hosokawa, and other great Houses. They were beyond his sphere. But here in his hands lay the web of a most important affair; so important that it frightened him a little. As his brows knit O'Yos.h.i.+ too grew a little frightened; regretted that she had told so much all at once. She had babbled beyond measure in her transport. She had misgivings. Shu[u]zen rea.s.sured her.

For her to return to Daikucho[u] would never do. A breath of suspicion, and Ogita's sword would deprive him of his mistress. Safe quarters were to be found in the _yas.h.i.+ki_. He called the _do[u]s.h.i.+n_, one Makis.h.i.+ma Gombei, and put her in his charge. The two men exchanged glances as she was led away.

The office of the south _machibugyo[u]_ was in a ferment when Aoyama made his report. All available _yakunin_ were at once gathered. The list was carefully gone over with the minister for the month, Hoki no Kami.

Despatched on their various missions the squads departed. To Shu[u]zen was a.s.signed the capture of Ogita Kuro[u]ji, leader of the conspiracy.

This latter was chafing at the prolonged absence of O'Yos.h.i.+. Some accident must have happened to her. Then he remembered. She had gone to Hacho[u]bori. Here lived a sister, whose delivery was daily expected.

Doubtless this commonplace event, yet surpa.s.sing in interest to every woman, detained her. A confusion outside attracted his attention. There was a crowd, and some disturbance. Hatsu! The people were being kept back by _yakunin_. "The thoughts of Kuro[u]ji were those of the wicked."

At once he attributed their presence to himself. A look out at the rear and he quickly shot to the wooden bar. Between the bamboo of the fence men could be seen pa.s.sing to and fro in numbers; and they were _yakunin_. He had been betrayed. The counsel of Jinnai came to mind, and he ground his teeth as he stood with drawn sword before the empty drawer of the cabinet. The scarlet of the _obi_ of his false mistress flashed before his eyes. He had to die unavenged. "On his lords.h.i.+p's business!

On his lords.h.i.+p's business!" The harsh voices sounded at the front.

Those who would enter uninvited found themselves face to face in the narrow s.p.a.ce with the old Kuro[u]ji, the man who had fought from Sagami to Tosa, from Cho[u]sen to Kyu[u]shu[u]. The more incautious fell severed with a cut from shoulder to pap. A second man put his hand to his side, and rolled over to breathe his last in a pool of blood.

Visions of "Go-ban" Tadan.o.bu came to mind. Kuro[u]ji would die, but he would leave his mark on the foe. Shu[u]zen's men could make no progress, except to swell the death roll or their wounds. In rage their lord sprang to the encounter. Shu[u]zen was young, but it is doubtful if the issue would have been successful with this man turned demon by the double injury and treachery. But Ogita amid this horde of a.s.sailants had suffered in his turn. In a parry his sword broke off short near the hilt. With a yell he sprang to close quarters, dealing Shu[u]zen a blow with the hilt that sent him reeling senseless to the ground. Then, unable to accomplish more, and taking advantage of the respite caused by the rescue of his foe, he sprang to the ladder leading above. Once on the roof he saw that escape was hopeless. Already they were breaking into the rear. Men were approaching over the neighbouring houses. In the old style of ages past he waved them back with drawn dagger. There was no Shu[u]zen to give command--"Take him alive!" They were only too glad to halt and let him do his will. Stripping to his girdle, before the a.s.sembled crowd he thrust his dagger into his left side and drew it across his belly. Then he made the cross cut through the navel.

"Splendid fellow! A true _bus.h.i.+_!" Admiring voices rose in the crowd.

The body of Kuro[u]ji fell forward and down into the street. Thus he died.

This affair had ended in a way to redound greatly to the credit of Aoyama Shu[u]zen. Others had not been so successful. Of nearly two hundred names only eighteen prisoners were secured. Shu[u]zen stamped with impatience on learning of the escape of Kosaka Jinnai. He had learned much about him from the hate of O'Yos.h.i.+. "That man is the real leader of the band, the inspiration of Ogita Kuro[u]ji. Ah! Why could not this Shu[u]zen be in two places at once!" Older officials bowed low, and smiled to themselves and each other at youth's self confidence.

O'Yos.h.i.+ now found short entertainment. Shu[u]zen had no further use for the woman, for the means of his promotion. One day a _chu[u]gen_ led her to the postern gate of the _yas.h.i.+ki_, put a paper containing a silver _ryo[u]_ in her hand, and unceremoniously shoved her into the roadway.

The gate closed behind her. At first she hardly comprehended the meaning of this treatment. Then, as it filtered into her mind, her rage pa.s.sed all measure. "Ah! The beast and liar! Yos.h.i.+ was not fit to be the wife; nay, not even the female companion of this arrogant lord?" She had been juggled out of the secret of such value to him, then cast forth with the wages of a prost.i.tute summoned to the _yas.h.i.+ki_. The woman was helpless.

Broken in spirit she dragged herself off, to undergo a severe illness brought on by despite. Her foul role ascertained, friends and family would have nothing to do with her. Once recovered, she found herself deprived of all means of subsistence, even that of beauty, by her disease. Never more would she deal with the n.o.ble cla.s.s, to be left with such a legacy. She would pray for the salvation of the man she had betrayed. On her way to the Asakusa Kwannon she pa.s.sed the jail, then near the Torigoebas.h.i.+. Stumbling along just here she raised her head, to confront the long line of rotting heads there set forth. Just facing her was that of her ex-lover Ogita Kuro[u]ji. It took on life. The eyes opened and glared fierce hate. The lips moved, and the teeth ground together. Then the other heads made measured movements. "Atsu!" With the cry she fell fainting to the ground, and it was difficult to restore her to consciousness. For several years the half crazed beggar woman sought alms near the jail, to act as guide and comment on the fresh heads exposed, until as nuisance she was driven off by the guard. Then the shameful swollen corruption of the body was drawn from the ca.n.a.l close by; thus to end on the refuse heap the treachery of Cho[u]senburo no O'Yos.h.i.+.

CHAPTER XV

THE G.o.d FAVOURS SHU[U]ZEN

The influence of a House close to the person of the Sho[u]gun was no drawback to the close attention Aoyama Shu[u]zen gave to official duty throughout his career. The Aoyama stood high in the council of the governing power. Even an old blunderbuss like Hoki no Kami could not shake this influence. When Yukinari tore the mirror from the hands of the young Sho[u]gun Iyemitsu Ko[u], berated him roundly for effeminacy, and dashed the offending object to pieces on the stones of the garden, this wanton treatment of the prince could not be overlooked. "Invited"

to cut belly by his intimates and opponents in the council (_ro[u]ju[u]_) he defied them, laid hand to sword, and swore they should join him in a "dog's death." The timely entrance of O[u]kubo Hikozaemon prevented the unseemly spectacle of three old soldiers and statesmen enjoying the fierce and deadly pastime of one of the duels of Keicho[u]

(1596-1614). Hoki no Kami in his own way was right--and knew it; and he had the tacit approval of Hidetada Ko[u]. The result was not _harakiri_, but the offending n.o.ble was consigned to the care of his brother. He and his were "extinguished"; for the time being, and to the greater glory of his other relatives near the Sho[u]gun's person. Such was the rough discipline in Hidetada's camp of Edo. The second Sho[u]gun, now retired (O[u]gosho[u]--_inkyo[u]_), never lost the manners or the methods of the battle field.

The career of Aoyama Shu[u]zen therefore was a steady rise in the Government service; in younger years attached to the immediate train of the prince, in greater maturity to the enforcement of the edicts through the legal machinery of the Bakufu. At this time he ruffled it bravely with the other young blades. The younger _hatamoto_ on their part opposed to the _otokodate_ of the townsmen the far more splendid _Jingumi_ or divine bands. Yamanaka Gonzaemon knocked out several front teeth and inserted in their places gold ones. Hence the rise of the _Kingumi_ or Gold Band. Aoyama Shu[u]zen did likewise with subst.i.tution of silver. Hence the _Gingumi_. They were all of the Mikawa _bus.h.i.+_; that is, drawn from the native province and closely affiliated to the Tokugawa House. Hence these _hatamoto_ carried themselves high even against the greater _daimyo[u]_, sure of support from their over-lord the Sho[u]gun. As for the town, they did as they pleased, seeking quarrels, distributing blows, and only restrained by wholesome reprisals of _ro[u]nin_ or the _otokodate_ of the townsmen, who in turn relied on such _daimyo[u]_ as Date Ko[u] and Maeda Ko[u], valued allies of the Tokugawa House, yet showing no particular liking for the encroachments of the palace clique on their own privileges.

The necessity of moving quarters was equally an embarra.s.sment to Aoyama Shu[u]zen and to his intimate and neighbour O[u]kubo Hikoroku. O[u]kubo suggested Honjo[u]--"The water lies close by. Hence in winter the place is warm, in summer cool."--"And of mosquitoes swarms," interjected the practical Aoyama. "If the hillside be cold, it surely is no drawback to Hikoroku Uji." The one named made something of a wry face, and Aoyama smiled apart. He knew that Hikoroku was not so affectioned to the meetings of the Gaman Kwai as himself. However, smoothly--"This matter of the Yos.h.i.+da Goten coming up offers fair opportunity. The failure of Endo[u] Uji need not discourage O[u]kubo Dono and this Aoyama." Both smiled a little. They could put palace influences better to work. "It is two thousand _tsubo_," said Shu[u]zen. "Just the thing: moreover, it is close to palace duty. On this point Honjo[u] is not in the running.

Besides, the site has its own attraction. Of course Shu[u]zen takes the well, in the division." O[u]kubo interposed a lively objection, the shallowness of which Shu[u]zen could detect. He humoured his friend's obstinacy. "Leave it to the lots." In haste the slips were prepared--"Hachiman, G.o.d of the bow and feathered shaft, grant your divine aid and bestow the old well ghost haunted on this Aoyama." Okubo laughed at his earnestness. "Aoyama Uji leaves this O[u]kubo no resort but in the Buddha. Good fortune to O[u]kubo, and may the will of the Lord Buddha be done.... Naruhodo! 'Tis yours after all. The shaft of the war G.o.d is stronger than the Buddha's staff." He took his disappointment so well as to be the more urgent in securing the transfer. This was granted, with expenses of removal.

Aoyama Shu[u]zen superintended in person the preparation of his new residence. This was soon in readiness as little was to be done. O[u]kubo took cash and construction. The former villa, fallen to Shu[u]zen's part, needed mainly air and light, and repairs to its rotten woodwork.

When it was time to think of the water supply Aoyama ordered the cleaning out of the old well. The workmen began to talk--"'Tis the old well of the inner garden, the Yanagi-ido of the Yos.h.i.+da Goten. Danna Sama, deign to order exorcism made, and that the well be filled up and covered from men's sight." The Danna laughed at them, and was obstinate in his purpose. He took upon himself all the wrath of the disturbed and angered spirits. He hoped that they would not furnish material for more.

To hearten them, he and his men descended to the level of the water.

With headshakes and misgivings the chief ordered his men to the task--"Pfu! It stinks of ghosts, or something. Surely there will be dead men's bones for harvest; and perhaps those of the living. The old well has not seen its last ill deed." As for the dead men's bones, the well refuse was laid aside, and on Aoyama's order buried with no particular reverence in the bowels of the _tsukiyama_ close by. "Let all the spirits of the place find company together," he jeered. The _yas.h.i.+ki_ of Komiyasan in Honjo[u] had its processions of marvels--dead men, frogs, _tanuki_, and fox--to shake its _amado_ at night and divert the monotony of those who lived therein. The portentous foot perhaps he could not match, but he would share in this contest with ghostly visions. Chance had offered him the opportunity. All was prepared. Shu[u]zen had established himself. Nightly with his camp stool he took his seat by the old well, to smoke his pipe and drink his wine--"Now! Out with you, ghosts! Here present is Aoyama Shu[u]zen, _hatamoto_ of the land. He would join in your revels. Deign to hasten.... What! The ghosts would rest this night?" Thus night after night pa.s.sed with his jeering and no sign of the supernatural objects, not thus to be conjured. Time made the pastime stale--as stale as the waters of the Yanagi-ido which never furnished supply for the house or its tasks. Aoyama had the excuse of drinking wine. As for the household, the women would not even use the water for was.h.i.+ng. They said it stunk too badly. In so far Shu[u]zen failed.

It was about the time of his entrance on this new possession that more good fortune came to Shu[u]zen. He was made the magistrate whose office covered the detection and punishment of thieves and incendiaries. It showed the estimation in which he was held, and satisfied both the vanity and the hard cold temper of Aoyama Shu[u]zen. Looking to results, more than method, the selection was most satisfactory; if return of the number of criminals was the index a.s.sumed. Until a method attracted unfavourable attention by some scandal, only results were regarded by the Bakufu. But his household could not regard with any easiness a devotion of his lords.h.i.+p to the wine cup, which turned his court into a wine feast. Up to this time Aoyama Shu[u]zen in all official duty had shown himself hard, unbending, callous, conscientious. Now the element of cruelty appeared, to develop rapidly with exercise until it was the predominant tone. Some ill.u.s.trations are to be given from events occurring in these first three years of Sho[u]ho[u] (1644-6).

Aoyama would show himself the strict disciplinarian. His chamberlain (_yo[u]nin_) Aikawa Chu[u]dayu close beside him, his _do[u]s.h.i.+n_ seated at either hand, he gave his orders and rebuke to the a.s.sembled constables. He scowled at them. Then with voice harsh from the contents of the big wine cup beside him he commanded--"Diligence is to be expected of all. He who fails to make many arrests shows sloth or ill will to his lord. Anyone against whom there is the slightest suspicion, even if he or she be abroad late at night, is to be brought to the jail.

No explanation is to be allowed. There must be many arrests. Examination in the court is to follow; and many crimes, discovered under the torture, will be brought to punishment.... Heigh! Call up that old fellow there.... Who? That Ryu[u]suke." At Shu[u]zen's order Ryu[u]suke forthwith came close to the _ro[u]ka_. "You, fellow ... what manner of man to act as constable are you? Days pa.s.s without a single prisoner being brought in. This jade, found in the street at the hour of the rat (11 P.M.) pleads excuse of illness and the doctor. This lurking scoundrel, seeking to set half the town on fire, pleads drunkenness as keeping him abroad. Thus many of these villainous characters, wh.o.r.es and fire bugs, find field for their offenses. No more of such leniency.

Failure to arrest means dismissal from the service and punishment as an ill-wisher. Oldest and most experienced, the greatest number of prisoners is to be expected at your hands. Shu[u]zen shows mercy. Your age remits the punishment, but dismissal shall afford example to the rest as to the wisdom of showing energy." Thus he cast forth without pity an ageing officer whose only offense was an experience which sought the mission of the night straggler, and allowed the harmless to go free.

Ryu[u]suke went forth from the office of the _bugyo[u]_ stripped of the means of living and of reputation, and a.s.sured of the unforgiving character of his lord. That night he cut belly, recommending his family to mercy. This was soon found--in debt and the debtor's slavery allowed by the harsh code. Thus was the jail kept full, with the innocent and a sprinkling of the guilty. No one dared to be lax; for life hung on salary, and on zeal the continuance of the salary. Moreover all revelled in the reward of the wine cup liberally bestowed for zealous service--and the more liberally as Shu[u]zen took his turn with his big cup, every time he sent down the _sake_ to his underling.

In Bakuracho[u] lived one Zeisuke, a poor but honest fellow who made his living by peddling the smaller kinds of fish and the salted varieties, for his trifling resources allowed no larger outlay for his trays. In this way with greatest difficulty he managed to support an old mother, a wife, a young child. Locally he was known as "Honest Zeisuke" for the not often found quality of representing the antiquity and character of his wares much as they were. When bad weather forbade the opening of the fish market, Zeisuke readily found some task at day labour by which a few _mon_ could be secured, and for which his character for honest service recommended him. One night, when on his way homeward, he was pa.s.sing the Asakusa Gomon just as the cry of fire was raised. Knowing the alarm of his aged mother Zeisuke at once bolted towards home. When all were running toward the fire this at once attracted attention. By the law it was the strict duty of the citizen to betake himself to his ward, and to be ready for service in preventing spread of the often disastrous conflagration. His action was noted by the ever present myrmidons of Shu[u]zen. In a moment they were after him. Surrounded he was quickly caught. His explanation was not heard. "Say your say at the white sand, under the strokes of the _madake_," was the rough answer.

Thus he was dragged off to the jail.

The next day Aoyama's first motion was to reward the captors with the wine cup. Harsh was the vinous scowl he cast on Zeisuke now cringing at the white sand. "Ha! Ah! A notable criminal; a firebug caught in the act, and attempting to escape. Make full confession. Thus much suffering is escaped, and the execution ground soon reached." Zeisuke had no confession to make, and to his explanation Aoyama turned a deaf ear.

"Obstinacy is to be over-ruled." He made a sign. At once Zeisuke was seized. His head drawn downward two stout fellows now began to apply in rhythm the _madake_--strips of bamboo to the thickness of an inch tightly wound together with hempen cord, and making an exceedingly flexible and painful scourge. The blood quickly was spurting from his shoulders. Aoyama and his chamberlain sat enjoying the scene immensely.

At the seventieth blow the peddler fainted. "A wicked knave! Off with him until restored." Then he settled himself for the day's pastime; for the torture had come to have the zest of an exhilarating sport. The cries of pain, the distortions of agony under the stones, or the lobster, or suspension, the noting of the curious changes of flesh colour and expression under these punishments, the ready a.s.sent to absurdly illogical questions, all this not only amused, but interested Shu[u]zen. The naivete and obstinacy of the fisherman was just of the kind to furnish the best material. The fellow was st.u.r.dy of frame, and under skilled hands readily submitted to this dalliance for days without bending from his truth.

Meanwhile things went on very badly at the house in Bakuracho[u]. The disaster of the arrest fell like a thunderbolt on the wretched little household. Day after day, hoping for the acquittal and release, one article after another went to the p.a.w.n shop. Reduced to absolute misery the house owner and the neighbours came to the rescue with a small sum raised among them. The long continued official suspicion affected even these toward the "Honest Zeisuke," and their support grew cold. Then came the news that Zeisuke had died in the jail under the torture.

Tearless, aghast, deprived of all support, the wife and mother long looked in each other's faces. Said the old woman--"Alas! Alas! Neither G.o.ds nor the Buddha exist. Faithful and devoted was Zeisuke to this old mother. Unfortunate in his life, he has been equally unlucky in death.

What now is to be done!" She put her sleeves over the old and wrinkled face, and bending low concealed tears and a long farewell to the beloved in the person of her grandchild.

The wife was in little better case, but had to soothe this grief. A few coins remained. She would buy the necessaries for the evening meal. "But a moment, honoured mother. The return is quick. 'Tis but for the needed meal." Taking the child on her back she started off into the darkness.

For a moment she turned to look at the mother. The old woman was following her with eyes tear dimmed in the sunken hollows. Thus they parted. For a moment the wife halted on the bridge over the Edogawa. The dark slimy waters were a solution, but she put it aside in the face of a higher duty. Soon she was on her way back. To her surprise the house was in darkness. Surely a little oil was left in the bottom of the jar. She called, without getting an answer. In alarm she groped her way in the darkness, to stumble over the body of the old woman, lying limp and helpless. Something wet her hand. Now she was in all haste for a light.

"Ah! Ah! The honoured mother! What has occurred? Has not ill fortune enough fallen upon the home of Zeisuke?" Alas! the hand was stained with blood. The old woman had intended the parting salute to be the last.

Left alone she had bit off her tongue, and thus had died. Rigid, as one stupified, the wife sat; without tears, but thinking. Now she was left alone. But what as to the child? A girl too? Ah! There were enough of her s.e.x in this hard world. She reached out a hand to the long triangular sharp blade close by. She touched edge and point of the _debabo[u]cho[u]_ (kitchen knife) with the finger.

Here was the solution. Rapidly she loosed the child and lowered it to the ground. It took but a moment to open the little dress and expose the breast. Then knife in hand she leaned over it. As she did so the child opened its eyes, smiled, then laughing began to finger her bosom seeking sustenance. The feelings of the mother came over the woman. She put aside the knife to give the babe the breast. Alas! Starvation afforded but scant milk. Failing its supply the child cried peevishly. This last stroke of poverty was too much. The original purpose came back in full sway. With quick motion she put the child beside her and held it firmly down. The sharp pointed knife was thrust clean through the little body.

A whimpering cry, the spurting of the blood, and the face began to take on the waxen tint. With the same short energetic movements the mother now sought her own end. Guiding its course with the fingers the knife was now thrust deep into her own throat. Both hands on the heavy handle she tore it downward; then fell forward on the mats. The wardsmen made report.

CHAPTER XVI

THE AFFAIR OF THE ASAKUSA KWANNON

Aoyama Shu[u]zen stalked forward to his cus.h.i.+on near the _ro[u]ka_.

Carefully adjusting his robes he scowled--most heavily; mainly at the almost boy crouched before him at the white sand. Expectant the _yakunin_ stood by. Their leader stated the case against this outrageous criminal captured in the dead of night on the very steps of the Jizo[u]do[u], in the very shadow of the great temple of the Asakusa Kwannon. The sacred structure, object of his nefarious design guarded his slumbers; the healing Yakus.h.i.+ Nyo[u]rai, Jizo[u] the G.o.d of youth and childhood, casting stony glances of benevolence through the closed lattices. "A most hardened wretch, an evident firebug, and probable thief; at once make full confession of the offence. Thus the torture is to be avoided, the punishment in so far mitigated." The voice was harsh and unrelenting, admitting of no explanation. The look accompanying it was without trace of pity, but full of the official scorn and dislike which would antic.i.p.ate the turns and doubles of its quarry. The hare in this case but thought how best to meet this unforeseen and disastrous turn to events. He had heard much of the Yakujin--the G.o.d of disease and pestilence--under which pet name Aoyama Shu[u]zen was known by a certain element of Edo town. He would tell the truth, with the certainty that in the effort enough lie would slip in to make out a good case.

The story at root was a simple one. Great of reputation for beauty and attraction in the Yos.h.i.+wara was "Little Chrysanthemum"--Kogiku. In company with friends this Masajiro[u], second son of the wealthy Iwakuniya of Kanda Konyacho[u], (dyers street), had met and loved the _oiran_. He had been favoured in turn by the great lady of the pleasure quarter. Hence the displeasure of his father, who learned the fact by the unantic.i.p.ated and unpleasant presentation of bills he thought had been settled long before by the diligence of Masajiro[u]. Hence the preceding night, on the boy's return from dalliance with his mistress, he had been summarily turned out.... "Ha! Ah!" roared Shu[u]zen. "A self confessed vagrant; a thief! Gentle the face and wicked the heart it conceals. Plainly a case for the jail and torture. The truth is to be learned. The scourges will bring it out. Make full confession...." A sign, and the attendants with their _madake_ stood forward. In his terror Masajiro[u] crawled toward the _ro[u]ka_. "Confession!

Confession!" he bawled out. With grim smile Shu[u]zen signed a halt. The _do[u]s.h.i.+n_ prepared the scroll.

Yes: he had been turned out, but not as vagrant. The mother, so severe in the presence of the father, had fondled and wept over him. The Banto[u] Sho[u]bei had grave and kindly words of admonition. All would be well, and forgiveness follow in time. He was to go at once to his nurse at Kos.h.i.+geyatsu. Such effects as were needed would follow him.

Money he was better without; beyond the little needed for the short journey. The father's anger was not to be aggravated. Soon he would enter for his night's draught, so haste was to be made. Thus he was bundled forth, to make his way in the darkness to the distant country village. The Baya's kind aid in the little conspiracy was a.s.sured at sight of her once ward. Overwhelmed with advice and woe he departed into the night, his step growing slower and slower with separation from his home. No money! That meant no Kogiku. The idea of never again seeing her face made his stomach turn. It did turn the direction of his footsteps, which now was toward the Yos.h.i.+wara.

Kogiku was overjoyed at sight of him. He had but just left her, and now returned to her side. What greater proof of love could she have? The favouritism of the Go-Tayu found favour for her lover's presence. Seated together she soon noticed his gloom, which all her efforts failed to lighten. Somewhat nettled she showed displeasure, charged him with the fickleness of satiation. Then he took her hands, and told her that this was the final interview. His dissipated life, the discovery of their relations, had so angered his father that under sentence of banishment from Edo he had come for a last look at her face. "What's to be done!

What's to be done!" The lady wrung her hands in genuine grief over the handsome youth thus torn away. She had welcomed his presence as means of escape from her own difficulties. But a few hours before the master of the Uedaya had announced her sale and transfer to a wealthy farmer of Chiba. Ransomed by this country magnate she was to leave the gay life and glitter of the Yos.h.i.+wara, for a country life and the veiled hards.h.i.+ps of a farm. In exchange for the twenty years of Masajiro[u]--she obtained this settlement and a master pa.s.sing fifty odd. She was in despair. The brilliant beauty, thus to sink in a few year's course into a farm wench, felt the sacrifice too great. Finding no aid in the boy lover, long she lay weeping, her head on his knees, hands pressed against her temples.

Masajiro[u] was at no happier pa.s.s. "Up to the arrow point in love" his idea at bottom had been of a temporary separation. To find another Kogiku, a petted _oiran_, whose fame and beauty flattered any lover, was a stroke of good fortune not likely to occur. His own expression showed how little real idea of separation was in his mind. She noted it.

Looking steadily in his face--"Constant the vows of this Kogiku, met by the love of Masa San. No matter how remote the prospect, the bond is that of husband and wife. With this old suburban drake Kogiku pollutes not her charms. Condescend to agree to a mutual suicide. Thus the obligation is avoided. Together the lovers pa.s.s to Meido (Hades) to wander its shades until the next and happier existence unites them in the flesh." In amazement and discomfiture Masajiro[u] hung down his head. He would conceal the shock to his boyish timidity this proposal gave. His mind was full of such stories. He knew the earnestness of Kogiku. Then and there would she not draw her dagger to accomplish the deed? He was dreadfully frightened. Never would he have sought her presence, if such result had been antic.i.p.ated. Now he must accompany her in death, or endure her grudge if successful in escaping her insistence.

He temporized. Pointing to his plain disordered garb--"As to that--heartily agreed. But there is a seemliness about such procedure. A more befitting, a holiday costume, is to be sought. Then together, as on a joyful occasion, Masajiro[u] and the Oiran will consummate the vows of husband and wife in a joint death." She looked him over, and was easily pacified by the evident truth and good sense. Again herself, in prospect of this avoidance of the unpleasant future she sought to entertain her lover with all the skill and charm she was so noted for.

At midnight he left her, to secure an interview with Sho[u]bei on plea of forgotten needs; then he would return in more fitting garb.

His course lay through the now silent precincts of the great temple.