"Atsu!" The cry was between a sigh and a yelp of agony. Then he fainted.

With chagrin at his failure Aoyama Shu[u]zen put official seal to the confession bearing the thumb print of Kosaka Jinnai. Thus ended this phase of the contest between the two men.

Jinnai's body was too racked by the torture for immediate sentence. When he was brought in the court Aoyama Shu[u]zen had another wicked surprise to spring upon him. Jinnai's rejuvenating eye noted the band of peasants, the two beautiful girls brought captive in their midst. He knew at once who they were; even if the viciously triumphant look in Shu[u]zen's eyes, the piteous fright and affectionate sympathy in theirs, had not enlightened him. The presence of O'Kiku and O'Yui was due to an ill freak played by fortune. In the fall of the year an illness of the mother--cold?--came to its end and herself with it. What was to be done with farm and girls? To the villagers this question was of serious debate. Of one thing they were in dense ignorance. Three years before a new farm hand appeared in Jisuke's household, and men could well wonder at the favour he found with the old man. With some misgivings they had warned him against recklessly introducing a strange _muko_, without first consent of the village. Jisuke a.s.sured them against what was actual fact. Wataru Sampei was a _samurai_, of _samurai_ stock, and liegeman to his own old masters of Kai province. It was with the consent and approval of the dying man that O'Kiku was united to him. The household in Nippon is adamant in its secrets to the outside world--and that against the most prying curiosity anywhere found. O'Kiku lay in of her child and nursed the babe in her own nurse's house. Thus in full ignorance the council met to consider the request made by the girls to communicate with Jinnai--Osada Sensei--at the famous _yashiki_ of Aoyama.

Most of them were ready to consent. Then rose one Jinemon, smarting under the sense of having fields adjacent, coupled with flat refusal to his son of the simple girl O'Kiku. He suspected this virginity of nearly twenty years; and with an ill turn to this obstacle might do himself a good one. "Take heed, good sirs, what counsel ye come to. News fresh from Edo couples the name of Osada Sensei with Kosaka Jinnai; makes him out a violent bandit and would be ravisher years ago of the Tenju-in-Den. Surely his fate will be hard. Send them to the _yashiki_ of Aoyama--but to that of Aoyama Shu[u]zen Dono. Thus their request is met; and no blame incurred. The honoured _bugyo[u]_ (magistrate) answers for the district (Aoyama), and the girls will not suspect the destination. Otherwise, look well to yourselves. Aoyama Sama is known as the Yakujin. Great his influence in Edo, and sour his wrath as that of Emma Dai-O[u]. It will fall heavy on you." This intimation, that he would do what they would avoid, soured all the milk of human kindness.

Wataru Sampei, departed in all haste to Edo, returned in fright to announce his discovery of the state of affairs. The father Jinnai then was undergoing the harsh tortures of Shu[u]zen. He found the farm in charge of Jinemon and his son; the two girls already sent in all ignorance to the _yashiki_ of Aoyama. Receiving a harsh dismissal he dared not punish, from the house and tears of the old nurse he received as if by theft his infant son. With him he took his way to Edo; to establish himself as gardener at Honjo[u] Koume; or at Narihira, some say.

In daily rounds of the jail the _do[u]shin_ stood over Jinnai. In three days this man was to go to Torigoebashi. Here he was to be crucified and speared--"with many spears" ran the sentence, to indicate the prolongation of the torture. "Jinnai, you have shown yourself brave, have refused to name even one a.s.sociate. The time pa.s.ses. Perhaps some wish, not incompatible with duty, comes to mind." Jinnai opened his eyes at the unexpected kindly tone and words. It was as if one soldier looked into the eyes of his compeer on the battle field, as well could be the case with this man older and of more regular experience than himself.

The answer came with the measured slowness of an earnest thanks and appreciation--"The offer comes from a kind heart, shown on previous occasions.... There are women held here." He hesitated. "Deign the last cup of cold water at their hands." The officer did not refuse. O'Kiku and O'Yui knelt beside the couch on which lay the broken body of the father. Said Jinnai--"The end is most unseemly; words grudge to speak that mere accident thus should determine the fate of Kosaka Jinnai; he who sought to determine the fate of Tokugawa Ke. A dagger would have secured the fitting ending, that you two should not bear the public service of the town, a certain fate. This remedy Jinnai now forbids.

With life changes occur; old scores are wiped out. Hearken well: live with patience; serve well to the hour. Now the last cup of life is to be drained; this first meeting brought to an end." Tears running down her face O'Yui, mere child budding into womanhood, presented to her sister the vessel never used as yet and filled with the cold liquid. From the hand of O'Kiku it was accepted. Jinnai drank, looked long and earnestly into the face of both, then with a wave of the hand dismissed them. He had had his say. The hardness of the man returned, and all his courage with it.

Three days later--Sho[u]ho[u] 2nd year 12th month 1st day (17th January 1646)--the procession was formed to move to the execution ground at Torigoebashi. The a.s.sembled cits marvelled at sight of the man and rumour of his extraordinary wickedness. There was a concentration of mind and energy in the face of Jinnai, which under any condition would attract attention. The centre of the scene, he bore himself splendidly.

Despite the pain he suffered no incapacity was pleaded. Thus he forced nature. The costume of the famed robber at this noted execution in Edo's annals? He wore--"a wadded coat (_kosode_) of fine silk from Hachijo[u]

in Izu, and that of quintuple stripe. The _obi_ (sash) was seamless and of a purple c.r.a.pe. Into brick coloured leggings was twisted bias white thread, and his straw sandals (_waraji_) matched them." The jail had given to a naturally fair colour a somewhat livid greenish tint, rendered more commanding and terrible by the piercing cold eyes. Those far off said--"How mild looking! How tranquil!" Those near at hand shuddered and were glad at the removal of such wickedness. The _yoriki_--informed of the purport--let him speak. Jinnai turned to the crowd. His voice reached far. "Brought to contempt and a punishment words grudge to mention, this Jinnai holds not evil thoughts against those who carry out the law. The ill fortune of unexpected disease made capture easy, and has brought about this vile ending. Hence on death Jinnai will not leave this place; but as an evil spirit remain to answer those who pray for relief from the mischance of this ill disease. Those afflicted with _okori_ (malaria) shall find sure answer to their prayers. Held now in no respect, this later will be bestowed. The last purposes of those about to die are carried out." He ceased speaking. A sign and he was stripped and raised on the implement of torture [ki] ill described as a cross. For hours he hung, revived from time to time with vinegar. Then signal was given for the end. First one, then another, _yakunin_ thrust a spear into his belly, seeking least injury and greatest torture. As he approached the utter prostration of a dissolution the _yoriki_ gave sign. The spear point thrust into the vitals showed through the left shoulder. And Jinnai died.

To the north, just beyond the present Torigoebashi, is the Jinnaibashi, relic of this episode. On the north, close by the Torigoe Jinja stands the shrine to Jinnai, the G.o.d granting cure to sufferers from ague. No mean resort is it; nor modest the offerings of wine to his service.

There it has endured through these hundreds of years. Jinnaibashi, Jigokubashi (h.e.l.l Bridge) is a relic of the place of execution soon abandoned. After the fifth year of the period the jail was removed to Temmacho[u]; the execution ground to Kotsukabara.

CHAPTER XXIII

A WINTER SESSION

Aoyama Shu[u]zen was in conference with Chu[u]dayu. Preparations were to be made. It was with something like dismay that the members of the Endurance Society received the missive--"At this season of the great heat your honoured health is matter of solicitude. More and more may it thrive. Hence the condescension of the honoured (your) litter is requested on the coming sixteenth day. The wish is expressed to offer a cup of inferior wine. With fear and respect:--

To...."

Alas! Alas! If they could have but reached the ceremonies of the New Year.[31] This rascal Aoyama would have been too occupied with the official visits to press his right to a meeting in the season of extreme cold (the _tai-kan_). But now--on the 16th day of the 12th month (2nd February): Ah! Ha! He was a wicked fellow. The grudge properly lay against Kondo[u] n.o.borinosuke who had sweated the juice out of them in the intense heat of the hot season. Now Aoyama proposed to freeze it on the surface of their bodies. But to refuse was out of the question.

Charged with weakness and effeminacy one would be laughed at as a fool; be unable to show his face. After all perhaps one could escape the ordeal with life.

The 15th day, on which the invitations were issued, was threatening. The 16th day fulfilled the promise. Cold blew the blasts down from snow clad Tsukuba, with full sweep across the Shimosa plain. As it caught the unfortunates crossing the Ryo[u]gokubashi in their progress toward the Bancho[u], they shook and shivered with more than antic.i.p.ation. An occasional flake of snow heralded the heavier fall. At the _yashiki_ of Aoyama all was in readiness to welcome the guests. Shu[u]zen stood at the house entrance to greet them. With thin open silken robe thrown over his _katabira_ or summer robe, lacking shirt, and wearing the wide woven gra.s.s cloth _hakama_ (trousers) which sought every breeze, he carried a fan in his hand. The _kerai_ met the guests with ice cold water for such as cared to dip the hands--and none dared refuse. Shu[u]zen fanned himself vigorously; and his guests were zealously supplied with fans, or the heat inspired by their progress was dissipated in the draught raised over them by energetic hands. The door-man (_toritsugi_) monotonously sang out the new arrivals--"Abe Shirogoro[u] Sama, Kondo[u] n.o.borinosuke Sama, O[u]kubo Hikoroku Sama, Yamanaka Genzaemon Sama, O[u]kubo Jizaemon Sama, Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon Sama, Kanematsu Matashiro[u] Sama, Ok.u.mura Shu[u]zen Sama..."; and Shu[u]zen had greeting for all. "Ah! Ha! Such terrific heat! Not for sixty years has such been experienced. An old fellow in the _yashiki_ will answer for it. But be sure all has made ready for comfort. Truly the honoured presence in these dog days in a gratification. The viands, the drink, all have been carefully cooled.

Deign to come within, to a cooler place, away from this desolating heat.

Condescend to notice how the very leaves have been withered off the trees."

With inward groans, their teeth chattering and their bodies shivering, they followed this merciless fellow. "Ha! Ha! For tobacco there will be fire in the braziers. At least one's fingers are a.s.sured of warmth."

They smirked at the antic.i.p.ated pleasure. Warm fingers and the heated _sake_! But--Oya! Oya! Bare were swept and wide open thrown the rooms.

Screens (inner and outer) had all been taken away. From the garden came the cold blast, blowing icily through this wide bare s.p.a.ce. For cushions--the straw _zabuton_; for fire in the braziers--punk! Explained Shu[u]zen in all kindness and suavity--"Fires in the braziers in this heat were too terrific even to think of; so punk (_hinawa_) has been subst.i.tuted.... No need for thanks; the mere duty of the host. And now--no ceremony: off with the garments of all. A middle cloth answers purposes of decency. Deign the trial. Here is cold water to cool the heated body." Promptly he stripped to the skin. The _kerai_ were bringing to the verandah black lacquered basins filled with water in which ice floated. Before this terrific fellow there could be no hesitation. They followed his example in being soused from head to foot.

In the wiping--"Let the rag hang loose. Don't wipe with knotted towel.

Stupid fellows! The cool wetness clinging to the skin gives a shiver of delight." Thus shouted Shu[u]zen to his officiating satellites. Then all the guests took seats. The mucous was running from the noses of the old fellows who had fought campaigns at Odawara, Sekigahara, O[u]saka.

Aoyama noted it with delight; and even Kondo[u] felt a grudge against him, yet was compelled to laugh.

The viands were brought--to send a chill down the spines of all; macaroni in cold water (_hiyamugi_), and the equally heating sea ear in frozen salt water (_mizugai_). Shu[u]zen urged the latter, as better fitted for the season. As piles of _sashimi_ (sliced raw fish), resting on neat beds of shaven ice, were brought eyes looked to heaven--to hide the expression. When the wine appeared, the bottles immersed to the neck in tubs filled with salted ice, the more recondite parts of the room echoed groans. Even Shu[u]zen smiled with complacence. He felt he had scored success. It was Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon who showed no sign of discomfiture. "Naruhodo! Aoyama Uji, in this great heat how explain a thing so strange? Deign, honoured sir, to look. This white substance falling from the sky; if it were not so hot, one would call it snow."

Said Aoyama undisturbed--"Not so, Endo[u] Uji. It is but from wild geese fighting in the sky, their feathers; or perchance _kanro_--the sweet dew which falls from heaven when a virtuous lord condescends to rule. Who more virtuous than the honoured suzerain?" All bowed in heartfelt enthusiasm and respect. Then said Saburo[u]zaemon--"'Tis a thing to note closer at hand; a stroll in the garden, to seek its coolness in this heat." He leaped down into the fast acc.u.mulating snow.

Others too stole away, at least to get protection from the outrageously cold blasts of the exposed rooms, and the further exactions to be antic.i.p.ated from the ingenuity of their host. Growled Kanematsu--"It is the value of one's life risked with such a fellow as Aoyama. Where Kanematsu sits the snow drifts in on his shoulders. He is without consideration or mercy."--"For any: his women must find service in such a _yashiki_ a subst.i.tute for the torments of Emma Dai-O[u]."--"Not so,"

sneered Kondo[u]. "Even the wife is but a wooden figure; much like Kondo[u]'s fingers." An idea seemed to come to him. He left them for the time being. The others stood sheltered from the wind, to talk and shiver, Endo[u] joined them from his garden stroll. Seeing Kondo[u] on his return, said Abe Shiro[u]goro[u]--"Eh! Naruhodo! The smile of pain relieved! Kondo[u] Uji, has he found means to unbend, to thaw out those fingers? Ha! The rascally fellow knows the way about. There is hot water at hand. Deign to give the hint, Kondo[u] Dono." Kondo[u] leaked a smile, then snickered--"It was but an idea. Hot water in this _yashiki_ on such a day there is none. But it is always to hand for the effort.

The fingers of Kondo[u] were turning white, were in danger, and so...."

He held out his fingers for inspection. Abe looked with envy. "They fairly steam!" Then suddenly putting his fingers to his nose--"Oh! Oh!

The filthy fellow! Kondo[u] Uji! Deign to wash your hands. Indeed hot water is always carried on one's person. But...." All grasped their nasal members and protested. n.o.borinosuke laughed outright, and submitted to the ablution. Abe in malice gave the hands a copious libation. For the nonce his fingers had been saved and Kondo[u] was satisfied with the outcome.

A woman dressed in the summer garb for service came from a room close by. The opening and closing of the _sho[u]ji_ gave Endo[u]

Saburo[u]zaemon a glimpse. At once--"This way...." His tone commanded attention. Abe Shiro[u]goro[u], Kanematsu Matashiro[u], O[u]kubo Hikoroku followed him. It was the maids' sleeping room they entered.

"Are! Are! Have not the honoured sirs made a mistake? Deign to return to the other apartment. This is the maids' dressing room."--"And in no better place can one be," grumbled Shiro[u]goro[u]. His eyes took in the room with avid curiosity. Here the girls quickly slipped into winter garb, until called to the banquet hall for service. But it was not the glimpse of shoulders of the one so engaged at the moment, as the brazier covered by a quilt and placed in the centre of the room. From this the girls had emerged in confusion. Said he reprovingly--"Eh! Eh! In this great heat to have a brazier--it is more than out of season. Surely it is against the order of the master of the house." The girls, uneasy and at a loss, had but for answer--"It was the idea of O'Kiku...." The beauty, still flushed with the suddenness of her effort, came forward smiling. The attention of all was riveted. A little taller than the average of her s.e.x, very fair of skin, the sparkling eyes in the pure oval of the face framed in tresses reaching almost to her feet, the tiny feet and long fingers appearing from the edge of the robe, the incomparable poise of head and neck, this woman was a beauty, to be rivalled by few in Edo town. The voice too was as musical as were her words to the frozen men--"It is but a water _kotatsu_; so that one can be cooled in this extreme of heat.... Within? Ice--of course. Deign to enter." The suppressed groan of Abe was cut short. He looked fixedly at the bright laughing face before him. The smile was pained and stereotyped, but the sympathy was evident. He understood. "Ho! Ho!

Endo[u], Kanematsu, O[u]kubo, deign to try this delicious coolness. Ah!

Ha! This water _kotatsu_ is a splendid idea. In this great heat it restores one to life. Truly Kiku is as clever as she is beautiful; one apart from all the others." The men crowded together under the _kotatsu_--"More ice! More ice! The _hibachi_ grows warm." Laughing O'Kiku brought the necessary supply with the tongs, blew it into life with a little bellows.

All the time Endo[u] observed her closely. To Abe--"Truly she is a beauty.... Your name is Kiku.... And age?... Twenty years only!... So Kiku is sempstress in the house of Aoyama Uji. So! So!" He and Abe regarded her attentively. They praised her beauty. The crimson blush spread over face and neck, adding to her charm. Thoroughly warmed the men left the room. Said Endo[u]--"Oh, the liar! This Aoyama poses as a misogynist, takes a wife--perforce, and charges those of us who like women with effeminacy. O[u]kubo, how about this Kiku.... The Sempstress?

Oh, you stupid fellow! Why--there is no more beautiful woman in Edo. She is the mistress of Aoyama; who deceives and mocks us all. And now--to bring him to open shame." Aoyama Shu[u]zen, quick to note their absence, and the return so refreshed, was much put out. "Where have these fellows been?"

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon was not slow in the attack. "Truly, Aoyama Uji, words do not fit deeds. Are you not a bit of a rascal?"--"Why so?" was the calm reply of Shu[u]zen, always ready to a quarrel. "You pretend to hate women; you charge us with effeminacy who have wives; and take your own but on compulsion. Yet in this very house there is not only a wife, but the most beautiful woman in Edo for concubine." Shu[u]zen's astonishment was too manifest. "Who?" said Endo[u], with some misgiving that he had missed fire. "This Kiku; would you deny it?"--"Surely so,"

was Shu[u]zen's a.s.sured reply. Then seeing the curiosity of those around he added with courtesy--"This Kiku is a slave girl, a criminal under judgment, a _yatsu-ho[u]ko[u]nin_ by favour. Would you know about her?

She is daughter to the robber Jinnai, not long since put to death. The law may be harsh, yet it condemns the line of such men to extinction, and sends their issue to the execution ground. Whether through good will, or mistaking the Aoyama Harajuku, the resort of this Jinnai, for this _yashiki_, the villagers brought the two girls Kiku and Yui from near Tsukuba. In pity one was taken into the life service of the _yashiki_. For his business Jinzaemon of the Yoshiwara Miuraya considered the younger Yui as more fitting. To him she was bound as _yatsu-yu[u]jo[u]_.... Husband? No: and thus all posterity of the robber is stamped out. Yui serves for life as harlot in the Yoshiwara, with no recognized issue. Kiku serves for life at the _yashiki_. The case is a pitiable one." All present echoed what he said. "It is the offence, not the person, which is to be hated. Truly it is a hard lot." They were curious to see her. Said Shu[u]zen--"Surely she has been rated too high, but--summon Kiku here." As the girl stood in the midst for all to observe, blushing and panting a little with fright at all these eyes upon her, there was no gaze more intent than that of Aoyama Shu[u]zen.

The pity expressed and the praises lavished reached his ears. He studied her from head to foot, heard the caustic criticisms--"Such a beauty, and a serving wench! Aoyama is a fool."

CHAPTER XXIV

THE TIGER AT THE FRONT GATE; THE WOLF AT THE POSTERN

Thus it came about that O'Kiku was an inmate of Aoyama's _yashiki_. He had told the tale, the fatal error drawn by the mother from the peasant's message. It was her own deed. Thus "evil seed produces evil fruit. In one's posterity is punishment found." All knew Kiku's story.

Promptly with her appearance in the household she was named Shioki--O'Shioki San, O'Shioki San; when not addressing her these companions called it to each other for her to hear. Shioki? It means "the execution ground."

A flower blooms but to wither; and this flowering branch was to be tended by the master's hand. Now she was faced with a new and terrible danger. O'Kiku was quick to note the state of Shu[u]zen's household. Of the _koshimoto_, two were the favoured concubines during the incapacitation of the wife. The lowliness of her own position--menial servant and mere serving wench--would seem to protect her. Moreover she was not brought into contact with the house master. But after all she was the _bushi's_ daughter, brought up by a mother trained from youth at the hand of the _samurai_ grandmother. Thus dragged out into the light by indiscreet curiosity the tiger's eye had fallen upon her. Shu[u]zen marvelled at his stupidity, his oversight. This woman was indeed a beauty, the concubine for long sought, and to hand free of her charms.

He stood adjusting his robes; then lost in thought. There were obstacles--in the girl's position. But that night O'Kiku was ordered to serve the wine. The intelligence and training, corresponding to the outward physical charms, aroused in him a very fury for possession.

Abrupt, blunt, overbearing he approached her in the coa.r.s.est way--"Kiku, first pity and now love has seized upon the heart of Shu[u]zen. With women all his relations have been those of cold formality--the business of connection or the necessity of an heir. Now an entirely different feeling is aroused. The very sight of Kiku's figure inspires fondness, an exclusion of all others of her s.e.x. 'Tis Kiku alone who remains the object, all others are mere lay figures. You are a woman, and by nature know of such things. Is not this truly love? Consent to become the concubine of Shu[u]zen. Let this very night seal the union."

He attempted to draw her close to him, but she shrank away in confusion and fright. Shu[u]zen was amazed--"What! You refuse?... Ah! Then it is hate of this Shu[u]zen which is felt. Most unreasonable hate, for he acted but as _bugyo[u]_ of the land. It is a disloyal hate." In his mad and thwarted l.u.s.t his lips trembled. The girl humbly remained prostrate--"Condescend the honoured forbearance. Such could not be the case. Great the favour of Heaven, of your lordship as its agent, in saving this Kiku from the final punishment, the coa.r.s.e a.s.sault of menials. But deign to consider. Kiku is the daughter of Jinnai. She is a reprieved criminal in the land, can be naught else but of lowest status.

Kind the honoured words, great the grat.i.tude inspired; but is not the summons unseemly. Deign forbearance; add not to the offence of Kiku." In her mind was the last scene with her father Jinnai; the tortured, distorted, suffering body of the condemned bandit. Pollute her body with this man who had thus played with the one to whom she owed life and duty; to the man who had sent the father to the execution ground? She would have used her dagger first on herself, rather than on him. His words did inspire uncertainty. He was the officer in the land, the representative of the suzerain, hence guiltless. But that made not the idea of his embraces less repulsive, though she wavered in thoughts of vendetta--between filial duty and loyal service to the suzerain. Her att.i.tude puzzled Aoyama. The unusualness of his proposition he put aside. Her claim to loyalty, in his hopes as the successful lecher, he was disposed to accept. Was there not something deeper?

Then the battle began between them, to last for those weeks of the winter months. Force matters he would not. There was a zest in this pursuit, far apart from any mere sensual gratification. The desire he felt for her person was all cruel. It was joined to the desire to humble her, to force her to consent by her own lips and motion and against reason, to grant the gift of herself even if unwilling. There was an enjoyment in soiling the body and mind of this beauty. Thus with refusal love began slowly to turn to a hatred full of malice. One night Aikawa Chu[u]dayu was present. O'Kiku as usual served the wine. Shu[u]zen turned to him impatiently--"The speech of the overlord is without effect. Chu[u]dayu, try your hand, and bend Kiku to consent to my wishes, to become my concubine." Shamed before the whole household?

O'Kiku had grown used to this grossness in the determined pursuit of Shu[u]zen. Now openly addressed before the chamberlain and others she looked down; a little flushed, and hearing with astonishment the words which came from such a quarter. Chu[u]dayu spoke slowly; addressed her with a severity of tone which belied his intent. "O'Kiku Dono, why are not thanks given for such condescension on the part of the Tono Sama?

Apart from his rank is not the experience of his fifty years, on the battle field of war and love, to count in his favour? Most imposing and strong his figure, despite his age. All bow in respect before the lines marked by the wisdom of years in his lordships face. Why refuse to follow the example of the other women of the household--and share with them? These are indeed _koshimoto_; your promotion to the position, from the vilest status, but a caprice and kindness. You should obey the order of the Tono Sama. His face alone would inspire fear. All regard it with awe, as if in contemplation of that of Emma Dai-O[u]. And who refuses to obey the mandate of the king of h.e.l.l? Answer--who?" He leaned far over toward her. O'Kiku looked at him; then hid her face in her hands.

These were not her only trials in this Jigoku _yashiki_ (h.e.l.l mansion).

There was her ladyship to take into account. Says the proverb of the Nipponese--"dabble in vermilion, and one is stained red." Contact with Shu[u]zen had developed all the harsher traits in this stern _samurai_ dame. She despised the former character of her husband, and now was mad with jealousy at his unrestrained lechery. However there was some consolation in this new pursuit. Promiscuous in his intercourse with all and every other of her household, she could do but little. These were women of more or less position. Now he threatened to turn all devotion in the one direction of this beautiful girl, to condescend to a serving wench.

"The Rangiku: it has a fox's shape."[32]

Thus sneered her fellows. O'Kiku now was punished as scapegoat for all the others. The natural harshness of her ladyship's character turned to barbarity. This "slave"--O'Shioki--in no way could satisfy her. The slightest fault, of self or other, was visited on O'Kiku. One day her ladyship in her rage seized her and dragged her by the hair over her knees. A short baton of bamboo was to hand, and with this before all she put the girl to the shame of childhood's punishment, and with a malice and heartiness of will and muscle which left O'Kiku lame, and thus victim in other derelictions of duty. This so pleased the _okugata_ that it became a favourite pastime, whenever the girl was at hand and her own arm had rested. She would have starved her, but the rest contributed of their store out of mere fellowship. Her ladyship recognized the uselessness. She did not dare deface her beauty. Believing in Shu[u]zen's love her vengeance was confined in its exercise. With despair she regarded her bloated disfigured person, the wan faded aspect due to her advanced pregnancy. Ah! If she could but fasten some offence upon her. She would bring about this interloper's death. With delight she noted the signs of dislike and malice in Shu[u]zen. Surely the tales were true that the beauty was holding out for the price of her charms.

It should be a case where beauty would not secure pardon.

It was at this time that, with Shu[u]zen's consent, she put O'Kiku in charge of ten plates condescended in trust to the House by the To[u]sho[u]gu[u] (Iyeyasu). It was a bid of Shu[u]zen, the mark of the conferrence of position as _koshimoto_ in his household. Only in the madness of love--or l.u.s.t--would he have risked such impropriety. The regular time for counting had arrived. O'Kiku carefully replaced the beautiful objects, marked with holly hock crest, into their lacquered box. Again Shu[u]zen importuned her with his suit. Then in vexation--"Ah! Truly a rebellious and wicked grudge is held by this Kiku. Attempt at denial is useless, it is not only rebellion against the master, but against the decree of the master of all. Decide at once.

Either be the concubine of Shu[u]zen; or suffer the sword cut." Again she plead with him, and Shu[u]zen's eyes opened wide with astonishment.