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 amus.e.m.e.nt 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 pa.s.sions 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 pa.s.sion. 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 gla.s.s, 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 a.s.signed. 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, pa.s.sing 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sion Shimo was but a leaf driven by the storm. The a.s.signment 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 pa.s.sion had never taken root. An ugly woman, there was small chance for other good qualities to secure a fict.i.tious 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 pa.s.sed in the inner apartments of his wife. She knew everything which pa.s.sed in those of his lordship.

This tacit divorce appeared welcome to both.

The object of his lordship's pa.s.sion, 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 sp.a.w.ned 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. Pa.s.sing the _chu[u]gen_ Jisuke 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. Jisuke always had been active in little services; often the chosen messenger of my lord. His look in pa.s.sing 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 grat.i.tude at the pleasing task. The smile conveyed to her ladyship promise of satisfaction, even amus.e.m.e.nt, 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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 s.l.u.t! 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 ma.s.sive 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 pa.s.sage 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 Shideyama (in h.e.l.l). Mournful the dirge they sang. Filled with foreboding, with dread for self and the pa.s.sing 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.

"Are! Are! 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'KAGe 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 _sake_ 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 a.s.sured 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 pa.s.sion 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 subst.i.tute of his lord--the shadow, the O'Kage Sama, of Nakakawachi Dono. In this case the shadow was the substance. This ugly virile woman was boiling over with pa.s.sion. 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 subst.i.tution, 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 role 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 att.i.tude 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'Kage 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'Kage Sama of his lordship is of another kind. Deign to favour this Tsugi from time to time."

Shintaro[u] volunteered a grimace which could pa.s.s for a consenting smile. His shoulders burned under the heat of the lady's pa.s.sion. 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 subst.i.tute 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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_ Jisuke 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 att.i.tude 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]. Jisuke can speak at ease. Drink money is just the thing for Jisuke. Jisuke Dono is fond of drink. The O'Kage Sama will supply the coin, three _ryo[u]_, in return for the silence of Jisuke."

At the suggestive nickname, known only to the few in the secrets of the _oku_ Nishioka fairly gasped. Jisuke did not give time for answer. He drove the matter home. "'Heaven knows, Earth knows, Man knows.' So does this Jisuke, 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 Jisuke; and Jisuke tells all to his lordship. The proof is easy, and this Jisuke the fitting messenger between these lovers.... Oh! Don't lay hand to sword.

Jisuke is active, and the way of retreat is open. The honoured Jisuke 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 Jisuke know? Go question the plaster, you coward; or learn that Jisuke 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 Jisuke, the vile terms heaped on himself, showed the secure ground on which Jisuke stood in his full knowledge of events. For whom was he spy? He must find out. Jisuke, however, volunteered the information. "Spy? Jisuke Dono is spy for no one's interest but that of Jisuke Sama. He would have warned O'Shimo Dono, but repented in time to have all more completely in his hands. She pa.s.sed on to her death, carried out under the eyes of Jisuke, 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. Jisuke 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 Jisuke. It is money and--a sword cut. On the contrary, off with Shintaro[u] to beg the needed sum. The tongue of Jisuke Sama is silenced only by the coin which secures his absence."

Nishioka could not help himself. "Jisuke 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 Jisuke. "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_!

Jisuke Dono is off to the pleasant land--the Amatsuki of Fushimicho[u], the land of reed plains (Yoshiwara). The knave Jisuke, 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 Jisuke 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 amus.e.m.e.nt, half in vexation. Thought Jisuke--"Truly this rascal of a _yo[u]nin_ matches even the honoured Jisuke. 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 Jisuke. For a time, as one satisfied, he resumed his duties in the old respectful role. 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 Jisuke. 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 Jisuke--"'Tis like digging the metal from the ground.

Few are the miners of another's h.o.a.rd. Why grudge this Jisuke what costs Shintaro[u] nothing!" Nishioka grasped at the opening. "What costs nothing, carries no grudge. But Jisuke 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 Jisuke who commands the selected beauty of Nippon. Come!

There has been enough of this. To-night Shintaro[u] takes Jisuke 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. Jisuke 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 Jisuke, as if seeking counsel in this questionable matter. To Jisuke 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 b.u.t.t for the evening.

Jisuke'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 Jisuke." His mind was made up, with some evident tear and reluctance. Jisuke aided him in his preparations. Wearing _zukin_ (hood) he pa.s.sed out the gate with Jisuke. 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, Jisuke.

Shintaro[u] stops here a moment." He pa.s.sed to the side of the road.

Jisuke 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. Jisuke 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 Jisuke 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 Jisuke. He has already said it.... The beast! He has cut me.

The devil lies between Jisuke 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. Jisuke 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 Jisuke--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 Jisuke. 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 pa.s.s by, none would enter; and in time the apparition became one of the seven marvels (the Nana-Fushigi) of the Bancho[u].