This would be the fifteenth day. Anyhow Kiku would be expecting him.

He set out early, carrying the boy on his back. Humbly and with experience of such places he approached the gateman. "An inquiry to make."--"What is it?"--"At this _yashiki_ is there not a woman labouring, one O'Kiku?" The man eyed him with the contemptuous tolerance of him who knows--"Woman labouring? In the _yashiki_ there are two score and more. Of Kiku more than one; although those of the men's quarters have nothing to do with such matters. Perhaps the slave girl Kiku is intended.... See her! Good fellow, are you mad? One under condemnation is not to be seen.... You have come far? Even if you had come from O[u]shu[u] or Kyu[u]shu[u] you could not see her.... But all the way from Honjo[u]; it's too bad." The man looked at him with more benevolence. After all he had some heart, and many distressed people came to this _yashiki_; entered into it. "Are you thirsty?... No? In that case entrance there is none; although the water of the well in the _yashiki_ is said to be superior to all other, sovereign to cure thirst.... Ah! You have been dying with thirst all night. Your tongue cleaves to the roof of the mouth. Then the case is altered. For the silver thanks are felt. Just enter. Perhaps some maid will come to the well to draw water. Perhaps this Kiku herself. One so ready--of tongue--can easily excuse his presence and this Yo[u]zaemon, if there be question."

With humble thanks and joy Sampei followed the instructions. The well was at the corner of the larger paved s.p.a.ce and from it he could see into the inner garden and the greater privacy of the establishment. Here he could note more life at this early hour, and even the stir of excitement. People were running to and fro as under some unusual stimulus. Slowly he drank, delayed as long as he could, unnoticed and unquestioned. He could not thus act too long. Indeed as he moved off a foot soldier (_ashigaru_) pa.s.sing asked his business. He gave excuse as on mission to a servant, whose name he picked up from one just gone by.

As the man had taken a message outside his answer was a safe one.

Sharply the _ashigaru_ repeated the fact of absence, and Sampei had no excuse not to leave. The excitement now was spreading to the front quarters of the _yashiki_. Fragments of talk showed him that his visit was most inopportune. Her ladyship had just died, and the household was in a buzz. When he would again speak to the gateman, the functionary's manner did not encourage it, Sampei took the hint of his cold unrecognizing eye and bowed in humble acknowledgment to all in going out the gate. "Chu[u]dayu Dono--where is Aikawa Sama to be found?"--"The honoured chamberlain? He left the _yashiki_ last night in the other watch. There has been no return during this of Yozaemon." So much he caught in pa.s.sing.

Slowly Sampei pa.s.sed down the Gomizaka and along the moat of the castle.

It was with greatest reluctance he left this place. The child began to whimper. "_Otosan_ (father), this Jumatsu is hungry." The little fellow's whimper turned to genuine tears. The father heartened him. Just ahead, on the Kudanzaka, all that should be remedied. Of the number of small shops Sampei noted the sign of the Kikkyo[u]ya--the House of the Full Well Bucket. Bending under the curtain strips hanging at the front he entered the cook shop. "Deign to come up here.... For food? Of the best: clam soup, a stew of vegetables and fish, hot boiled _to[u]fu_ ...

and _sake_, none better." The place did not promise much despite the advertis.e.m.e.nt. Avoiding the doubtful stew Sampei ordered wine for himself and hot boiled bean paste (_to[u]fu_) for Jumatsu. As he fed the child, and at opportunity sipped his wine, a blind shampooer entered; in this tiny place to take a seat close by. Apparently he was well known thereabouts. In bringing wine the host sat down beside him to talk--almost into the ear of Sampei.--"Toku no Ichi San, you are early abroad. Does illness or luxurious idleness summon the honoured _Amma San_ to the couch?... But yourself, you do not look well. Work late into the night goes not with early rising. This is going to excess." The man coughed and drank, turned his sightless eyes on Sampei. What he said made this latter all attention.

"It is no early call brings out this Ichibei. Ah! What a night this last!"--"Truly so," replied the matter of fact host. "And no sign of the storm's cessation." He looked out for a moment on the flakes of snow, again coming down thick and heavy. "Drink your wine, Ichibei Dono. In truth you are as white as yonder falling flakes which you do not see.

And 'tis said your kind cannot see ghosts."--"See them; no. To those whose eyes are darkened by the night of blindness the G.o.ds have granted grace against such visions. But alas! Other faculties have been sharpened. He who cannot see, can hear. Listen Jiro[u]bei San. Last night this Ichibei was called to the _yashiki_ of O[u]kubo Sama. The _okugata_ was in pain and needed his treatment for the limbs. It is a kindly house, one good to go to. The storm kept Ichibei in the _yashiki_: Food and the mat was granted, for his lordship would not send a cur, once granted shelter, out into storm and darkness. But next door it is very different. Here is the _yashiki_ of Aoyama Shu[u]zen Sama--the Yakujin of Edo. Jiro[u]bei San knows of him. His lordship took the _yashiki_ for the old well of the Yoshida Goten. 'Tis said at nights he takes wine and pipe, sits by the well, and in his hardiness and defiance of weather and season challenges the ghosts to appear. Last night.... Ah! The scene rung into the ears appears before the eyes even of the blind. It was the sound of blows--as of a wet cloth striking bare flesh. A woman plead for mercy. 'Vile wench.... Kiku.' These words were heard. Then such a scream--'Kiya!' as of rending silk--that yet it rings into the ears of this Ichibei; to banish sleep and peace of mind for the rest of the night. What could it be? Had the ghosts appeared? Or had some maid displeased the Tono Sama, and hence suffered death at his hand (_te-uchi_)? He is not one to spare suffering.... Ah! How she suffered!

All night Ichibei has lain awake and suffered with her. It seems as if her cry never would depart from these ears. With dawn I fled--without food, and doubtless to the astonishment of all. Feeling faint, your shop offered refreshment."--"Another bottle?... O'Kabe! At once: for Toku no Ichi San.... Honoured guest, thanks. Deign again the honoured patronage. Sixty _mon_ the price, _sayonara_."

Sampei paid the scot, and with Jumatsu carefully wrapped up against the storm pa.s.sed out into the open air. Now he was himself again; the _samurai_ of Kai, with the old traditions of his province and his liegeship to the great Takeda House. Against this Aoyama double was the vendetta--for Jinnai, for his wife Kiku. His ears had drunk in the convincing tale of the blind shampooer. His decision was as ready. His steps now were bent to the Miuraya in the Yoshiwara. At his name the _banto[u]_ expressed surprise. "The _oiran_ was about to send a message; most opportune the honoured coming. Deign for the moment to wait."

Related to their great attraction Sampei had every attention. Shortly the sound of _zo[u]ri_ was heard, and O'Yui entered the room. Jumatsu viewed her beauty and splendour with grave approval, astonishment, and fear. "Obasan (auntie)? But she is young; beautiful, just like mother.

Oh! Just like the pictures of the great Tayu." The two elders listened, preoccupied and with pained smile. "What book; and where seen?... Oya!

Oya! In the priest's room at the f.u.kuganji? That should not be. Priest and _oiran_ are not of kin." O'Yui's laugh was so silvery that Jumatsu in admiration pressed close to her knee. Clasping him she spoke to Sampei. Ah! How great was her anxiety. As she told her tale the heart of Sampei was filled with wrath and certainty--"This Chu[u]dayu is such a strange fellow. The weather still holds him to the place. Hence by good luck it was possible to ask for a consultation. Has not some injury befallen the person of Ne[e]san? The ravings of this man in his drunken sleep, the vision of the sister, the face and garments all dyed with blood, cannot these find confirmation or disproof? In the embrace of this man Yui shudders." She wept.

With growing weight and terror at heart she noted the increasing gloom of Sampei's face. "Kiku is no longer of this world. It is true. Herself she told the tale to Jumatsu. At the _yashiki_ all is confusion with the death of the lady of the House. By accident Jumatsu's vision is corroborated by the blind shampooer, led into the cook shop of Kudanzaka by the same hand which led Chu[u]dayu to the arms of the _oiran_ O'Yodo.

The evidence is complete for this Sampei. To-night--at the first opportunity--Sampei kills this Aoyama Shu[u]zen; then cuts belly. As for Chu[u]dayu, Kiku has brought him to O'Yui San. Deign to accept the charge. Last night he has been the lover, and the chance of the weather and the charms of O'Yui have kept him here. Let the coming night be his last." He put a restraining hand on the sleeve of O'Yui. In vengeance at once she would have rushed off to poniard this obscene fellow. Be once more the object of his embraces? Alas! Hers indeed was "the bitter toil," which led her to the arms of this scoundrel dripping with a sister's blood. But she listened to the cold and cautious counsel of Sampei, and nodded comprehension and a.s.sent. When she re-entered the room where Chu[u]dayu was drinking and roistering there was not a sign of any emotion. Once again she was the harlot, to charm and inveigle him into remaining with her. Ha! Ha! The G.o.ds had granted his prayer. "Kiku?

She was a beauty--and the impression of childhood would be corroborated by her later appearance. But even thus she is a faded old woman to the honoured _oiran_. A bag of bones!" He roared with drunken laughter; and O'Yui fingered the handle of the dagger in her bosom, in frenzy at the vile jest. "Come now! Kiku has been the object of Chu[u]dayu's love. He confesses it. But now--away with such an O'Bake. He seeks the greater solace of O'Yodo's arms." The wine nearly choked him. His eyes stood out. He gasped and choked. Anxiously the _oiran_ nursed him back to breath.

Late that night he had gone to bed very drunk. The ninth hour struck (1 A.M.). O'Yodo, who had sought temporary excuse, entered. Chu[u]dayu again was dreaming, horribly. Ah! This vision would never pa.s.s. O'Kiku was standing by him. At first faint, then loud came the voice, and Chu[u]dayu counted with her--"One"--"One"--"Two"--"Two"--"Three"--"Three".... On went the count. Now she was astride of him, pressing him down, throttling him. "O'Kiku Dono! It was not Chu[u]dayu. The treachery was his; but the Tono Sama gave the blow." He writhed and struggled in his sleep. Then O'Yui dealt the thrust, straight downward. "Yai! Yai! Ah!" The scream rang out, startling all around. Alas! A little misdirected the dagger glanced from the bone and pierced the shoulder. As the man rolled her off the girl made one desperate effort. Deep she thrust the blade into his right side, ripped it up and side ways. "Kiya!" Chu[u]dayu staggered and rolled over, hands to his side to hold in the severed liver and guts.

When she would strike again her hands were held. The bawd (_yarite_), aroused and pa.s.sing, saw the shadow of the raised dagger. The _banto[u]_ had come to her aid. While some sought to aid the desperately wounded man, others drew away O'Yodo, again the woman and overcome with tears of regret at her failure.

Jinzaemon of the Miuraya questioned her. Was it _shinju[u]_--a mutual suicide to insure happiness together in the next life? Had she really known the man before, and not pretended new acquaintance? Then, without mention of Sampei, she told the story of her vision, her certainty that inquiry would establish the truth of its accusation. Jinzaemon had no recourse. The Yoshiwara _bugyo[u]_, with _do[u]shin_, was soon at hand.

"To kill a man on such evidence...." But before applying torture he would question the victim. Chu[u]dayu's case was hopeless. The liver was almost severed. Death was but a matter of an hour or two. During that time his ravings in delirium, his confession in lucid moments, added a new and momentous phase to the case in corroborating the tale of the _oiran_ as to the strange vision. The _bugyo[u]_ did not dare to go further. He must consult those higher in authority. A _hatamoto_ of the land was involved; one just favoured with appointment as _tsukaiban_ (staff officer) to the suzerain. The _machibugyo[u]_ himself had no power in this case. Hence the affair--its nature and its proof--must be submitted to the _waka-toshiyori_, the officer of State in immediate charge of the _hatamoto_, their control and interests. Meanwhile the affair must be smothered and strict search made for the recent visitor Sampei, who had completely disappeared. Jumatsu readily was traced to the care of the house master (_iyenushi_) at Koume. His tenant, on plea of business in Kai, had left the child with him. Thus they went astray, and thus failed to act. Meanwhile Shinano no Kami at last determined to send for and question Aoyama Shu[u]zen. The seventh day following the retribution was reached--to the great enlightenment of these puzzled magistrates.[33]

CHAPTER XXVII

AOYAMA WINS HIS SUIT

Aoyama's _yashiki_ blazed with light. The guests looked around, at the many lamps, the waiting-women in dainty attire, the ornament of service and of substance; and then looked into each other's faces. The unseemliness of the thing was on the minds of all these dozen to twenty gentlemen. The body of the wife had hardly been carried from the house to the funeral pyre. It was true that grief was to be given no display in the _samurai_ code. The new promotion offered excuse for its celebration. But on the whole this feast seemed an indecent exhibition of rejoicing. "Aoyama Uji is not the Shu[u]zen of old. What has got into the man this past month?" Thus Ok.u.mura Shu[u]zen spoke of his namesake.

"Bah! It is the shadow of Kiku, the 'sewing girl.' Aoyama rejoices in thus replacing old material. May he get a better heir on her than his last. 'Tis said to be a monster!" Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon whispered, half in jest and half in a savage earnest of disapproval.

O[u]kubo Hikoroku first broached the matter openly at table. "Aoyama Uji, is this not a strange meeting? Here we are, all members of the Gaman Kwai; as _hatamoto_, men close to the suzerain's knee and ready for the call to battle. But this--with the glitter of apparel in substance and women, it is show and feast for _kuge_ (court n.o.bles), a meeting to view the moon and its light upon the snow. Deign to explain."

Aoyama smiled. He might have made some formal excuse for this eccentricity. Saburo[u]zaemon spoke out for him--"Don't be obtuse, O[u]kubo Uji. The one lacking here is the cause of the feast. O'Kiku Dono still delays. Is it not so, Aoyama Uji?" He spoke with cold certainty, a curious intonation in voice. Aoyama was black with a fury about to burst forth when O[u]kubo sprang up. He looked around. "Just so! Wait but a moment. We'll have her here." Aoyama was turned aside, and would have detained him. "Hikoroku Dono, it is useless. Kiku is not in the _yashiki_." To the dubious look of astonishment--"It is fact. She was a vile disloyal woman. Breaking the holly hock plate, the trust gift of the To[u]sho[u]gu, this Aoyama put her to death. This shall be apology to the suzerain's House." O[u]kubo sat down again in pure amazement--"For what is said one feels regret. The apology is made; but surely...." Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon laughed outright. He seemed with intention to egg him on. O[u]kubo turned indignantly. "Why laugh, Endo[u] Uji? Is the life of a human being to be put against a piece of porcelain?"--"Saburo[u]zaemon laughs at your credulity, O[u]kubo Dono.

It is but a ruse to put us from the search. Kiku certainly is not far off."

O[u]kubo danced up in a fury. This time he was not to be kept. "'Tis true! But the badger's lurking hole, the place where he keeps her, is known. Soon she shall be here." Defying Shu[u]zen's wrath he and Endo[u]

left the room. O[u]kubo was ahead. Throwing open the _sho[u]ji_ of the maid's room he looked within. Ah! Standing by the closet in the dim light was the figure of O'Kiku. "Kiku, why are you here, not joining in the feast? The beauty and the lady, whose love seduces so stern a man as Shu[u]zen to soft ways, is not to neglect the guests. Come to the banquet hall." He seized her sleeve. Said Saburo[u]zaemon from the _ro[u]ka_--"Whom do you address, O[u]kubo Uji?" He looked around the room. "There is no one here.... Kiku? You grasp a garment hanging on the clothes rack." It was true. Dazed and somewhat upset O[u]kubo returned to the banquet room. Aoyama met defiantly the hard look of Endo[u], the inquiring question of O[u]kubo--"Is it true Aoyama? Did you really value a human life against a plate, and kill her?"--"It is plain fact," was the answer.

Again the strange looks pa.s.sed between the guests. Some shrugged their shoulders. Others looked at him and whispered. Some laughed, with glances at the frightened faces of the waiting women. "It's not to be believed," said the emphatic tones of O[u]kubo. Suddenly a breath seemed to go round the room. Every light went out; except the one before Hikoroku. Dimly outlined by Shu[u]zen's side could be seen the figure of O'Kiku. The wan face amid the long disordered dangling hair; the gore smeared face, and neck, and bosom, sent a thrill and shudder through those present. At the exclamations Shu[u]zen turned. He saw her--"Vile jade! You too would reproach Shu[u]zen. A cut for you!" He sprang up, dagger in hand to cut her down. Then followed a wild scene with the raving man. The maids sought to avoid death; happily with success beyond trifling injuries, for sight of a woman made him frantic. Surrounding Shu[u]zen the men drew him on. From behind O[u]kubo, Ok.u.mura, Endo[u]

rushed upon him. Overpowered he was secured. With the madness of the host the banquet came to an end. As they left O[u]kubo said to Endo[u]

Saburo[u]zaemon--"Really Endo[u] Uji, why so rough in speech with Aoyama? With those of one band quarrels are not to be sought."--"Nor will be," answered Saburo[u]zaemon with a slight tinge of contempt. Then he added slowly--"There is a strange affair in Yoshiwara. The chamberlain of Shu[u]zen, one Chu[u]dayu, is involved; and Shu[u]zen with him. This matter of Kiku threatens grave issue with the _waka-toshiyori_. It is said that the two murdered the woman--because both wanted her for concubine." He laughed harshly--"Why tell these facts to neighbour O[u]kubo?" Said Hikoroku, with his blunt truth--"The sounds and sights from Shu[u]zen's _yashiki_ are not always pleasant.

There are tales in the household of a night--that on which Shu[u]zen's wife died. All there was in confusion. It is for fellow-members to protect the reputation of each other." Endo[u] was rebuked in turn.

Shu[u]zen was himself again. With the pa.s.sing of the wine, the guests, the confusion, he was the cold, collected, dreaded master of a few hours ago. Respectfully the _kerai_ withdrew. Left to himself he pondered the events of these hours. He recognized and measured the concentrated dislike expressed in the words and actions of Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon, egging on O[u]kubo, irritating himself to desperation. To Shu[u]zen it was a question as to just what was meant. At his age even in his caste men did not seek each other out to draw the sword. The issue was much more serious, involving disgrace. He would like to get at the inner motive of this fellow's action. How invaluable the aid of Chu[u]dayu, who knew the ins and outs of the _yashiki_ of all Edo, and particularly of his lord's intimates. But he had disappeared--as if the earth had swallowed him. Shu[u]zen had condoned too many instances of the chamberlain's free use of his lord's funds, to come upon him harshly for any peculation. The man had been useful in many dubious actions; in bribery, solicitation, pimping, as a useful and facile witness.

Chu[u]dayu would worm himself to the bottom of this matter in short order.

Thus he went to rest. Despite disordered brain his sleep was sound. It was Gekkeiji's bell striking the ninth hour (1 A.M.) which roused; or else the throat fouled and dried his mouth. He was parched beyond measure; his tongue seemed to fill the whole cavity. Impatiently he called--"Heigh there! Water! Is there no one to attend?"--"At the lord's service...." The gentle tones of a woman made answer. She knelt at his pillow. The water pitcher was offered. He took it and drank greedily.

Then--"What maid is this? Does she seek Shu[u]zen's bed? He is in no humour for such favour." And the girl wailed in answer--"Ah! Ah! Harsh his lordship's tone, harsh his words. Has not long since his command been issued? The fault lies not with Kiku. A lying officer stands between the Tono Sama and his handmaid." Shu[u]zen sat bolt upright, glaring. Framed by the long trailing hair there appeared to his eyes the wan, blood smeared face of O'Kiku. With a yell he was on one knee--"Wretched woman! Does Kiku still pursue and solicit Shu[u]zen?

Make ready! Again a cut!" He sprang to his feet, grasped and drew the pillow sword. With smothered cry of terror and anguish the figure turned to flee; but he cut her down from shoulder to pap. As he did so the _sho[u]ji_ were flung wide apart. The moonlight from the opened _amado_ flooded the room and lighted up the intruder.

Rage and hate growled in the tones of Shu[u]zen--"A bandit thief and doubtful fellow, thus to push himself into the presence of a _hatamoto_ of the land! Fellow, name yourself: who thus by night breaks into Shu[u]zen's presence, intrudes upon his pleasure." Harsh and insulting the laugh of Sampei. He pointed with his drawn sword to the bleeding prostrate corpse of the unfortunate waiting maid, cut down by Shu[u]zen in belief of the apparition of her namesake. "More than one Kiku harbours in the lair of Aoyama. Would he slay them all in sacrifice to his l.u.s.t? Wataru Sampei comes to ask account of his wife Kiku, daughter of Jinnai, _ro[u]nin_ of Takeda Ke of Kai, as is himself. Now--to the contest! G.o.d of the bow and feathered shaft, favour this Sampei!"--"Favour this Shu[u]zen!" Both men made invocation almost in the same breath as they sprang at each other. Sampei was pushed on by rage and vengeance; Aoyama by a savage joy in combat. Here was a worthy antagonist, a true taste of old of the battle field. If Sampei was the younger man, he was also in worse training than Shu[u]zen; and in his poor condition hardly a match for the practised soldier. However Shu[u]zen was compelled to admire a resourcefulness in parrying his own fierce attack, the beauty of his enemy's Muramasa blade, which seemed itself to act and seek his life. "Shu[u]zen's prize--the sword of Sampei!" He shouted in exultation. Sampei was forced back to the _ro[u]ka_. At the sill he tripped and fell. "Now off with you--to Meido and the Yellow Fountain, to join wife and parent thief." Shu[u]zen in joy swung high his blade for the fatal blow. Sampei without sword was helpless at his feet. But the blade did not descend. Shu[u]zen's arm was held fast. By the outraged wife, O'Kiku, as later tradition would a.s.sert? At this pa.s.s Sampei used his dagger. Plunged straight into the belly of Shu[u]zen with it he disembowelled him. Abandoning hold on his weapon, with a screech Aoyama fell, twisting and writhing in the pool of his blood. When the _kerai_, roused by the disturbance, the shouts and the clashing of swords, fell on Sampei, to disarm and make short work of him, the _karo[u]_ Makishima Gombei prevented them. With difficulty he dragged Shu[u]zen's sword out from the deep cut it had made in the beam of the part.i.tion. "Stain not good weapons with the blood of a rascal and thief, who shall undergo the torture and the disgrace of the execution ground. Be sure his lordship will be well avenged. It is better so."

Thus with bitter regret Sampei found himself avenged, but still in life.

The next day, with the presence of the messengers from Shinano no Kami, the situation changed. With the report from Makishima was demanded the person of Wataru Sampei, whose story fitted into present evidence obtained. Deeper and deeper went the investigation into Aoyama's house affairs. Here was great disorder--harshness, l.u.s.t, ill discipline. On this latter charge--lack of discipline--official displeasure gladly fell. The tale of the monster, obviously unfit for any service to the suzerain, came out. The _kaieki_ of the House--deprivation of rank and income--followed. As far as posthumous action could disgrace, so far did Shu[u]zen suffer.

Much better was the fate of Sampei. The case of the Bancho[u] _yashiki_ no longer could be hid under a bushel. It was the affair of a _hatamoto_, so hated by the _daimyo[u]_. Satsuma no Kami sought and obtained his charge. During the weeks which followed Sampei was the object of respect and solicitude of those who had the care of him. As _ro[u]nin_ of the Takeda House this was all the greater in this _yashiki_ where the Tokugawa were held in no great affection. The breaking into the _yashiki_ of a _hatamoto_, the slaying of its lord, could not be condoned. The official world was glad to combine this with the lack of discipline decision. When the inevitable order came to cut belly it was a chamberlain of Satsuma no Kami who acted as _kaishaku_ (second); and Sampei knew that to this man would fall the possession and adoption of his little son. Thus came he to his end, and his House into this brave heirship. Thus was disappointed the malice of Shu[u]zen, in his last breath denouncing his slayer as the husband of O'Kiku.

Announced Horibe Izumi no Kami, the _machibugyo[u]_ who made final disposition of the case--"Between Sampei and Kiku no marriage being proved, the issue belonging to the man, the child Jumatsu is held sinless; for the woman Yui detention for further examination of conduct and condition." This examination never came; nor was intended to come.

For some months she was detained in the _yashiki_ of Horibe Sama. Then the third Sho[u]gun died; a general pardon followed of all ordinary offenders. Under this order she was released, and the Miuraya had the hint or good sense not to press for renewed service. A nun, she cut off the long and beautiful hair, to pray in this world for the souls of father, sister, he who had acted as more than brother in the vengeance taken. Thus through the long years to her final and irrevocable release without any earthly condition.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE SARAYASHIKI

Again the site of the Yoshida Goten lapsed to waste land. Through the years stood the _yashiki_ of Aoyama Shu[u]zen, in wall and roof and beam gradually going to rot and ruin. Pa.s.sing by on nights of storm wayfarers saw most frightful visions--the sports and processions of spectres issuing forth from the old well of the one time inner garden. Their wailing cries and yells were heard. Conspicuous among them was the sight of the unfortunate Kiku, her wan face framed in the long rank disordered hair; the weird beauty frightful in its expression of horror, as with the stumps of fingers she counted--"One, two, three ... four, five, six ... seven, eight, nine." Then came the haunting fearful cry--"Alas!

What's to be done? One lacks. Oh! Oh!" Sight, sound, glare went to the hearts of the stoutest witnesses. Soon the ill fortune of those thus favoured with the vision of the Lady of the Plates was rumoured abroad.

Wounds, money losses, even death fell on them or on their households.

Men no longer were curious. They fled the neighbourhood of this ill omened gap in Earth's surface, unseemly exit for these foul spirits. On nights of rain and storm none pa.s.sed that way. Even by day the children were rebuked and forbidden to approach the well.

Many are the stories as to the place. To instance one of these: It was Ho[u]ei third year (1706)--the approach of winter in this tenth month (November). Then came to Edo town a wandering pilgrim (_shugenja_) and his wife. Tramping the land all summer to Nippon's varied shrines and sights, now they were on the return to their home in Michinoku (O[u]shu[u]). Much had they heard of Edo, capital seat of Nippon's great lord. Every day busied with its sights they returned wearied to their inn in the s.h.i.taya district. This day they had wandered far. Returning from Renkeiji of Kawagoe they pa.s.sed the Naito[u] Shinjuku quarter.

Almost as great, if of different kind, was the woman's curiosity at sight of the caged beauties, waiting the summons of those far better supplied with cash than her own spouse. Finally in indignation she dragged away the loiterer; and muttering rebuke followed after the jingle of the rings on his pilgrim's staff. They were pa.s.sing through the Go Bancho[u], along the long stretch of _yashiki_ wall. From a postern gate came forth a woman. The light of her lantern fell on the man and his equipment--"Oya! Oya! Good fortune indeed: honoured _shugenja_, a moment's stay. To-night a memorial service is to be said for the mansion's lord. Condescend to enter and grant service."

Willingly husband and wife heard the invitation to rest their wearied bodies. Pa.s.sing through the garden water was supplied to wash the feet.

Then they were seated before an ample feast fit for their kind; of glutinous rice b.a.l.l.s coated with the sweet bean paste (_botamochi_), of macaroni the savour of which tickled the nostrils, _sake_ followed, in generous quant.i.ty and of quality to match.

Said the girl--"It is an all night service that is requested. Deign to undertake the watch and prayer. Ample shall be the reward." Prostrate the _shugenja_ spoke his thanks. The Butsuma, or room containing the little shrine, was close at hand. Seating himself, his woman just behind, he bowed and made reverence. "Thanks for the honoured entertainment so generous and excellent. May the honoured spirit find rest, at once entering Nirvana ... and now, the Hannya Shinkyo[u]--_Sutra_ of the divine intelligence."[34] He began the recitation, accompanied by his wife. Both intoned the _nembutsu_--"Namu Amida Butsu! Namu Amida Butsu!

Praise to Amida the Lord Buddha!" Again the recitation of the _Sutra_ was begun. The hours of the night advanced. Man and wife became more and more drowsy; slower and slower came the words of the sacred writing. Then the man nodded off to sleep; as long before had the wife. The hour of the ox struck at Gekkeiji, filling this whole district with its heavy boom. The man woke with a start. What fearful shriek was that? Close by in the next room a woman's voice began counting. But such a voice! "One, two, three...." on it went to "nine.... Ah! Woe is me! One lacks. What's to be done!" Shrill, blood chilling the cry of anguish which followed.

Curiosity overcame terror. The man stole to the screens and gently opened the merest slit. Over his shoulder looked the startled wife.

A shudder went through both at the sight. Wan, frail, the beautiful anguished evil face of a girl could be seen through the long tangled hair framing it. Slender to the emaciation of great suffering she knelt before the pile of plates she was counting--"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine...." The wild chilling scream froze man and woman. For at the moment in sprang another female, in whose worn emaciated face and figure was displayed such concentrated evil pa.s.sion of hatred and jealousy as rarely to be seen on human being. Like the flying hateful G.o.d Idaten she sprang upon the girl, grasped her long black hair, and hurled her to this side and that. Helpless the victim held up the b.l.o.o.d.y stumps of fingers. Now the face was seen to be dyed in blood, the garments dyed red with blood, the girl again agonizing in a pool of blood. With horror the pilgrim and the woman hid their faces.

The man's hands trembled as he struck the bell and intoned the holy recital. Thus in a daze, amid the counting, the cries and shouts, the weeping and the wailing, he went on. The cry of the c.o.c.k was heard. As if by magic all the wild sounds ceased. The wanderers looked around in amazement. The altar was the stone curb of a well. The _yashiki_ and its magnificence stood close by; but the building was roofless and in ruins.

Chilled to the bone, half dead and half mad with fright, the two fled--to reach their inn.

At their tale host and those a.s.sembled shook their heads. "It is the Sarayashiki of the Bancho[u], the well that of the old Yoshida Goten, whence ghosts issue; unless by good fortune the vision be a trick of fox or badger. Honoured Sir, have prayers said to avoid ill fortune." But a merry, foul, cynical old fellow--peasant turned townsman--twinkled in his laughter. "Then O'Kiku San has favoured the _shugenja_ and his spouse with feast and gifts?"--"'Twas very strange," naively replied the pilgrim. "Copious and splendid the entertainment. Of the reality there can be no doubt. This Jubei did not feast in a dream on those dainties."

The host and other auditors broke into coa.r.s.e laughter--"Feast! The _botamochi_ was of horse dung, the macaroni was earth-worms, the wine--was urine." All roared in their great joy. The unfortunate pilgrims, much put out, made gesture of discomfiture and fright. Said the peasant-townsman, in sly hit at the host--"Perchance O'Kiku brought the viands from near-by inn or cook shop. Surely these furnish little better." Laughing he left the now angry innkeeper to aid his wretched guests, writhing and retching in all the pains, actual and imagined of such a feast.

Command went forth to the holy man--and from the Sho[u]gun Ke himself. A halt must be brought to these unseemly proceedings so close to the suzerain's dwelling. These priests of the Dendzu-In, in the shadow of whose temple rested so many of the Tokugawa dead, were famed for learning and for piety. The founder of the Hall, Ryo[u]yo[u] Sho[u]nin, had set to his successors this standard as necessary accomplishment, bequeathing to them perhaps the ability to meet the demand of his t.i.tle of Mikatsuki Sho[u]nin. Between his eyes was a mole in shape like to the crescent moon of the third day. Hence the appellation and its meaning application; for as the moon waxed to its full, so did the Sho[u]nin with advancing years wax great in learning, and throw his increasing light upon mankind. Of this first prior there is a tale. It was the period of the Ashikaga wars, and the Sho[u]nin, for safety and on business of his order, was resident for the nonce at Asonuma in Kotsuke province. As he prayed and wrought in the night, without rose violent sound of fighting and disturbance. Rising he looked forth. Two bands of men at direst odds displayed the greatest cruelty to each other. But what men! Emaciated to flesh and bone, weird and unhappy of face, the Sho[u]nin saw that these were not of this world. His determination was at once taken. Rosary in hand and intoning the _nembutsu_ he stepped forth. The strife parted before him; its actors were prostrate in his presence. "What means this fierceness of battle?" asked the prelate.