THE LUCK OF Ok.u.mURA SHU[U]ZEN

The first efforts of Shu[u]zen at solving this mystery were not overly successful. A _samurai_, he betook himself to the highest exponent of the caste cult. In search of illumination he hit upon Hayashi Daigaku no Kami Dono. This man, learned in all the lore of Morokoshi (China), head of the certified inst.i.tute of letters--the University--could but confess his ignorance--vicariously. Rats nesting in the tails of horses formed part of the experience of books, but not of that of men. Of talking horses there was no authenticated case. The whole matter remained without proof. He had never heard of such. Shu[u]zen squatted in a drowsy stupefaction as an incomprehensible learning was poured into his ear. He choked with the dust raised from the ancient volumes, tenderly and reverently pawed over by the learned doctor, who seemed dust-proof.

Finally through the mist he heard the a.s.severation that it must be the work of fox or badger. It was matter for the diviner, not the divinity of the learned. With this Hayashi Dono gave the pile of dusty script before him a mighty thump, and disappeared behind the cloud he had raised.

Ok.u.mura Shu[u]zen sought the open air and respiration. Where now should he go for counsel? He would sell the beast. Kakunai sought mercy. He was but a groom, and death was easy at his master's hand. At all events easier than the one promised by Kage, if Kakunai should lead him out to the market, and with fluent lies send him forth to earn the cruel livelihood of his kind between the shafts of a cart. Shu[u]zen was a kindly man; the horse one deserving better treatment. The groom's terror and the beast's threat added a new and interesting element to this search into the unknown. On the next day was to be heard memorial service for the ancestral tablets. This was to be performed in person by the abbot of the Seisho[u]ji of Shiba, Bankei Osho[u] known to fame.

Shu[u]zen snoozed and exercised patience as the abbot read and expounded the lengthy _sutra_ scroll. Over the subsequent repast he broached the subject of the talk of beasts, and his own particular difficulties.

Bankei Osho[u] was most interested. All animals had speech and memory according to their kind. Food, a master's kindness, their own particular concerns, were matters of great intelligence among them. Why then should speech be aught else than to possess the organ? Such was the case with parrots. Monkeys evidently understood each other well, understood the gestures of men. As to the horse, there were very ancient records of the speech of such; so dim in the memory of men that probably they were mere talk of ignorance. But he would see this wondrous beast. Deign that guidance be supplied.

Shu[u]zen grasped at the offer. The abbot spoke with an ease and glibness that only the ecclesiastic on his own ground can show to those ignorant of his subject. He wrapped his lore, made easy for the beginner, in such technical phraseology, that Shu[u]zen could grasp at the meaning without knowing anything about what the abbot said, and hence had all the greater respect for the immense truth which he could see and not understand. Appreciation is as good as knowing--for the one who would pose--and soon Shu[u]zen and the cleric stood at the house entrance, waiting the production of the horse. Isuke in haste had carried the message to Kakunai. Kakunai, a.s.sured of his master's forbearance and Kage's accomplishments, had been none too sober since that happy day. Said he aloud--"A horse is not an a.s.s; and a talking horse is one of his kind. Tip money to see the wondrous beast has flowed into the stable; and wine has flowed into Kakunai. For Kage there has been soft rice paste (_mochi_) and dumpling (_dango_) in unstinted quant.i.ties. The pastry cook has been overworked. Kage, now seize the opportunity. Speak with fluency and argument. Ah! If you had but the taste of this Kakunai! Wine would be an inspiration."--"Just try me!"

chimed in the brute's voice. "Follow up the wine with rice cakes in syrup (_shiruko_). Otherwise Kage opens not his mouth, except to bite.

Grievous is it to exercise speech, and to witness the benefits accruing to the human hog. Henceforth Kakunai must share alike with Kage." At this rebellion Kakunai was dumbfounded--"Nay, Kage! _Shiruko_ and _sake_ for a beast? Never would such come to the inside of the belly (mind) of Kakunai. If you did but know its content...."--"Shut up!" was the nag's discourteous response. "Kage knows it well. You have eaten _takuan_ (pickled radish), and it smells none too sweet. A little further off, good Sir: now--who is this would be interviewer?"

Reduced to proper proportion Kakunai made humble reply. "Most fitting company for the honoured Kage Sama. The abbot Bankei deigns his presence." The horse gave a violent snort, and plunged back to the limit of his halter. "Kage talks not with a priest, nor henceforth with anyone." Kakunai was all consternation--"But Kage Dono ... the tips!

This refusal is terrific. Why not favour the curiosity of the Osho[u]

Sama? Deign to reconsider. The dainties of Kage, the wine of Kakunai, are at stake. Silent before the Osho[u], the Danna Sama in anger will strike off the head of Kage. Kakunai loses friend and fortune at a blow." The animal duly mused. "It is so. Shu[u]zen Dono of late has been short tempered. It cannot be avoided. Better had it been for Kakunai to take this Kage and depart to country fairs and towns; to pick up much coin for wine and dainties. However, all may go well. Delay not past the coming night to join yourself with Kage. Between the service of Shu[u]zen and that of Kage this low fellow (_yaro[u]_) Kakunai must not hesitate."--"Just so," agreed the groom. "It is mere matter of gambling anyhow that any ill occurs. Drinking wine, does Kage also gamble?" A shudder went through the frame of the horse--"Why speak thus? Of horses'

bones the dice are made. Would Kage trifle with the relics of his kind?

Make answer, Kakunai." He spoke with a fierce earnestness. Kakunai stammering sought answer. Just then Isuke appeared, to urge all speed.

With lowered heads man and beast appeared at the house entrance. Kakunai touched three fingers to the ground. To insure due reverence Kakunai had haltered Kage so that he could talk, but hardly move a limb. At sight of the beast Bankei Osho[u] took his most severe ecclesiastical pose.

Dressed in violet robes, the gold embroidered stole (_kesa_) over his shoulders, the rosary of crystal beads in hand, he approached the horse.

With the brush of long white hair which clears away the dust of the world's offences (_hossu_) he swept the circ.u.mambient air. Long he observed the nag. Then coming close to it he grasped the forelock. Kage raised his head, with open mouth as if about to snap. The abbot continued his recitation of the holy _sutra_. Mouth still wide open, clumsily the horse sank on his knees before the priest. Then suddenly and deftly Bankei thrust a bolus into the open mouth, which closed as moved by springs. Sweeping the air with _hossu_ and his rescued arm--"Acquire the heart of virtue. a.s.sume the true nature, and seek Nirvana." He kept on stroking the beast's head with the rosary. Once or twice Kage opened his mouth as if to speak. Then incontinently the body rolled over lifeless. The bystanders looked on with fear and amazement.

Without speaking the abbot took the arm of Shu[u]zen and accompanied him within.

Kakunai, left to himself, rolled to the ground as speechless as his four legged charge. Tears of sorrow and anger flowed copiously. "Ah! He is dead! Kage is dead! Wise was he to advise flight. Alas! This beast of a _bo[u]zu_ (priest), what purge did he use, thus to cut off at once the breath of Kage? No more gambling, no more wine, with Kage nicely bedded and asleep in his stable, and Kakunai with equal luck asleep in the pleasure quarter! Alas! Alas! Kage is no better now than a dead a.s.s--while Kakunai still lives." Thus he vented his grief, to the amus.e.m.e.nt of his fellows who had shared but little in his fortunes.

Meanwhile Shu[u]zen and the abbot were otherwise engaged. Said Bankei--"Deign to relate something of how Shu[u]zen Dono came to this _yashiki_. Honoured Sir, was not the former site in Mita? How came the change?" Shu[u]zen explained the conditions and the time of change to his new site and experiences. If there was aught of grudge, it attached rather to place than person. To this Bankei Osho[u] was agreed. "The fact of the case is plain to Bankei. The spirit directing the actions of the horse is not the spirit of the animal. The possession brought to an end by the exorcism, the alien spirit departed, and the carca.s.s of the animal deprived of this influence, it fell to the ground an inert ma.s.s, like to the abandoned sh.e.l.l of the cicada. But the malevolent influence is to be found. This is the task of Shu[u]zen Dono. Deign, honoured sir, then to have memorial rites performed by this Bankei, and no longer will the _yashiki_ be haunted by such unusual and unseemly performance....

Daigaku no Sensei? He is but a Confucianist, bound to the letter of material substance. Nor would he confess the ignorance of the spiritual world he undoubtedly is gifted with, of the law of punishment for deeds performed in a past existence (_ingwai_) as taught by the Lord Buddha.

The materialist has his nose to earth, and can see naught else. The idiot has his nose to heaven, and can see naught else. The Buddha's Law comprehends Heaven and Earth. Hence its truth." With this expression of the _odium theologic.u.m_ the worthy abbot departed templewards, accompanied, as gage for further proceedings and profit, by the carca.s.s of the horse. Bankei had this inhumed in the ground behind the main hall of the temple. Kakunai superintended these last obsequies. The abbot's words, as to the malevolence of the influence involved, was proved to Shu[u]zen the next day, when report was brought that the groom had hanged himself at the gratings of the stall once occupied by Kage. Moved by this strong hint, Kakunai was sent to join his equine friend in one common grave.

Warned by the unusual nature of these events Shu[u]zen determined at once to trace out the source of this evil influence. It was his duty as a _samurai_ to suppress such manifestations occurring so close to the suzerain's dwelling. It was to his own interest to free the _yashiki_ from such noxious vapours. The _karo[u]_, Beita Heima, set on foot an investigation. Then it was that Isuke the _chu[u]gen_ had thought of the hole detected under the shrine of the O'Inari Sama. On Shu[u]zen's order the _karo[u]_ undertook the task of examining this suspicious adjunct to the _yashiki_. Torches in hand several _chu[u]gen_, under the direction of the _samurai_, were appointed to the work. The men hesitated a little to violate the precincts of the shrine. Growled Beita--"The carpenters did not hesitate to build it. What they put up, men can destroy. Up with the boarding. Thus the stone easily will be raised." The directions were carried out. There were many tracks of beasts, all of which seemed to converge to this spot. With removal of flooring and joists, soon the ma.s.sive lid of granite was raised on edge. With a thud and cloud of dust it fell to one side. The men drew away, not only checked by the dark aperture exposed, but by the foul odour which poured up from the confined s.p.a.ce. Holding his nose the _karo[u]_ took a lighted torch for further inspection of depth and means of entrance. "Um! A shallow place; not more than a _jo[u]_ (10 feet). Who volunteers to enter? Come! Don't be backward on his lordship's service. Isuke, eh?"

Isuke came forward readily enough at the call. He was a brave man, and moreover a little angered at the fate of his one time friend, Kakunai.

If the beast of a horse, or the spirit beast, held occupancy here, Isuke would deal with him. The kick of spiritual hoofs and the bite of immaterial teeth had no terrors for Isuke. Carefully inspecting his ground he took the leap. A lighted torch was lowered to him. With this he marched off, the light growing quickly faint in the darkness. "Oya!

Oya! 'Tis strange. The stench--it is unendurable. The darkness too thick even for the torch. It fails to burn." For a time his voice was heard rumbling off with increasing distance. To repeated shouts no answer was returned. Said Heima--"Isuke has gone too far, out of range. Some other must bear him aid.... What! All milk livers? You, Gensuke, love the wine cellar. Its care would seem to be your calling. Now down with you! Here is one made to hand for the _yashiki_. Make report of the discovery to his lordship." Gensuke was most unwilling, but his comrades loudly applauded the choice. He was lowered into the hole by hands energetic to lend him a.s.sistance in reaching its depths. Provided with a light he too started off on his march into the darkness. "Iya! Iya! What stench! 'Tis past endurance. Ah! There is a loud roaring yonder. Gensuke will investigate. Deign support in necessity." His voice also faded off with the distance. Then all was silence. Those outside now could hear the faint reverberation spoken of. To their shouts there was no answer. All were much alarmed. They looked into each others' faces. At the _karo[u]'s_ order there was now no hesitation, though there was some grumbling at the rashness of those who risked the wrath of the O'Inari Sama by the heedless undertaking.

Three or four men at once jumped down into the hole. With dimly burning torches, and holding each other by the hand, they made their way into the blackness of the cavern. Almost at once came a cry, answered by others. Those above leaned eagerly over the aperture. Some took the leap. Soon the men appeared, dragging along the limp and helpless body of Gensuke. The trouble now was clear. The men had been overcome by the vicious air of the cave. Soon Isuke also was brought to the upper air.

With the removal all the roar and reverberation was transferred to the surface. The two men lay unconscious, breathing noisily, and to all appearance in great extremity. Beita San at once ordered local aid.

While friction and cold water was being applied, the leech summoned, Saito[u] Sensei, came on the ground. Heima questioned anxiously as to the men's condition. The Sensei rea.s.sured him--"It is but the noxious air of the cavern which has overcome them. A day or two, and they will be as good as ever." The old man wrinkled his face and chuckled a little as he surveyed the victims of the O'Inari Sama. Greatly was the reputation of the shrine for efficacy added to in this punishment. "Boy and man this aging Saito[u] Genan has known the place. Evil its repute.

The cave is very ancient, and in the past much feared by people round about. Failure to worship has been followed by misfortune. Horse or cow has disappeared, house been burned down, or pregnant wife frightened into miscarriage by apparitions. Young girls attending at the shrine have disappeared. Its reputation is as evil as that of the Ko[u]jimachi well yonder." He jerked a finger in the direction indicated, at the neighbouring site beyond the bamboo fence. "A bolus, and these fellows are restored to consciousness." From his wallet he prepared the drug.

Gensuke showed signs of life, opened his eyes, uneasily moving first this limb, and then that. Isuke sat bolt upright, with most stentorian snort. He waved both arms with a violence which sent his two supporters to the ground. In wrath he sprang up, but the malign effect was still too powerful. His legs wavered under him, and they had to come again to his aid. However, it was necessary to carry off Gensuke limp and helpless; with the support of the arms on each side of him, Isuke made his way back to the _yashiki_ on his own legs.

Heima made report to his lord of what had pa.s.sed, of the history of the place as reported by Saito[u] Sensei. Shu[u]zen pursed his lips, and inquired as to the condition of Isuke. The _chu[u]gen_ was a favoured attendant; one much trusted. At the end of a week he was summoned to his lord's presence. "And Katai (tough) Isuke, his experience has gone beyond his powers?" Shu[u]zen spoke with that slight jeering condolence which arouses obstinacy. Isuke, prostrate on his hands, expressed grat.i.tude for his lord's reproof. The fault was not his. Overcome by the foul air he became giddy, then lost all sensation of time or place. "And the roaring and noises, these did not frighten Isuke into his faint?"--"Roaring, noise, there were none; beyond the gentle drip of water often heard in such places. The roaring heard must have been due to the snoring of Gensuke. The cowardly fellow still clings to the bed, sucking in the dainty fare of the invalid; not so, Isuke." Shu[u]zen had an idea. All the others were too struck by fear to be of aid--"Then Isuke fears not the work of fox or badger. He will again make the venture?"--"For the Tono Sama; though none too willingly," was the _chu[u]gen's_ reply. "Fox or badger? Let them but come under the knife of Isuke, and he will make soup of them; a better soup than they supply otherwise. But the stench!"--"And the foxes of Nakano (Shinjuku)?" Isuke blushed. His master was far too knowing.

At Shu[u]zen's order that night Isuke met his lord at the steps of the Inari Shrine. The adventure pleased Shu[u]zen. He was still young enough to delight in exposure and difficulties. Plainly old Beita was not the man for this task. His retainers readily would obey their lord's direction. But Shu[u]zen hungered for a more direct credit. He stripped to his loin cloth in the cold winter night. Isuke followed his lord's example. The job would be no clean one. Then the two men dropped to the floor of the cavern. Isuke spoke in surprise. "Naruhodo! At night the place seems much brighter than by day." He looked around in some suspicion and astonishment. Then his eye rested on the torches. "Oya!

The torch burns brightly, not dimly as before. Pfu! The stench is unaltered, but the air at least is breathable." Preceding his master by some ten paces, Shu[u]zen heard him give a shout. Hastening up, with Isuke he bent over the aperture of what seemed to be a well. What was its depth? "In with you, Isuke," said Shu[u]zen. The _chu[u]gen_ protested--"Nay! The Tono Sama deigns to jest. Is Isuke a bat (_ko[u]mori_), one to fly off into the darkness.... Ah! The depth is terrific. The light hardly shows the blackness of the place. It may reach down to Meido itself." Shu[u]zen lit a second torch, then cast it down into the cavity. He broke into a laugh. The light continued to burn brightly. "Meido then is not far off. The bottom of the well lies not five _shaku_ (feet) below. Now in with you!" Antic.i.p.ating the _chu[u]gen_ he sprang down himself.

Isuke spoke, holding his nose--"Heigh! Tono Sama, deign to go no further. The stink pa.s.ses beyond measurement. It increases with distance gone. Peugh! It blows from yonder." He pointed to a low aperture in one corner of the roundish s.p.a.ce in which they stood. Shu[u]zen could understand better now. The whole cave was due to water; had been formed by water in the loose volcanic soil. The well was a mere pa.s.sage way by which it once had risen, and been drained off again. Isuke was right.

With decuple vigour the stench now rose close to hand. "In with you,"

was the peremptory order. "Anything found in way of gold and silver belongs to Isuke; and caves are always rich in such finds."--"Is that so?" said the _chu[u]gen_--"It is the tale of old books; which often lie. But in with you, and find out." Under spur of avarice and command Isuke crawled into the pa.s.sage. He had gone but a bare ten feet when Shu[u]zen heard a most fearful yell, saw the rapid progress outwards of the posteriors of Isuke. The man's face was chalk white--"Deign, Danna Sama, to go no further." He choked for utterance. "How now!" said Shu[u]zen in pretended astonishment. "Fox or badger? They were to be converted into soup for Katai Isuke, soft food for his grinders."--"For fox or badger Isuke cares not. He invites their presence.... Kiya!"

Shu[u]zen in sport had placed a cold wet hand on his neck. "Ah! The Danna jests. Of fox and badger soup is made. With human stench it is not savoured. There is a dead body within. Hence the frightful odour."

Shu[u]zen at once began to twist his head towel around his nose. With feeblest protest Isuke saw him take the torch and disappear into the pa.s.sage. Soon his voice was heard. "Isuke! Isuke! Is he milk livered?

How about the gold and silver? Would Isuke abandon it?" Isuke would not.

In a trice he was on hands and knees, to rejoin his master who was roaring with laughter. "Gold and silver may be here," Shu[u]zen explained. "Otherwise Isuke would have backed out of the undertaking, all the way to the cave's entrance. Turn the body over. See whether it is of man or woman." Much put out Isuke did as he was bid. "Pfugh!

Stirring does no good. The very flesh is melting from the bones. The hair of the beard and head show it to be a man." Shu[u]zen turned to a wider pa.s.sage, plainly due in part to hand. By crouching he could enter into a larger chamber. In wonder and admiration he called to Isuke. In so far, the _chu[u]gen_ would pursue the venture. Besides would he not follow his master to Meido itself? "Look, Isuke! Such groining of the roof is only made by Nature's hand. The cave of Fudo[u] Sama at Meguro shows no finer sight." He pointed to the ma.s.s of interlacing roots of some huge _icho[u]_ rising from the ground above. Isuke grumbled a.s.sent, without much vigour. He was getting tired of this adventure. It was a satisfaction they could go no further. Shu[u]zen meanwhile was rummaging the place, which evidently had been a kind of dwelling. In a closet were found some coa.r.s.e cooking utensils and crockery for food. A supply of firewood in one corner, and a box, completed the furniture. With curiosity Shu[u]zen turned over the books in the box. A cry brought Isuke to his side. "Your share, Isuke." He pointed to three shining silver _ryo[u]_ which lay below the scrolls. Isuke looked incredulous at the find. Then he prostrated himself before his master in deepest grat.i.tude. With joy he pocketed the coin and shouldered the scrolls.

There was nothing more to do. They sought the open air.

The strange sight reported to him, Beita Heima the _karo[u]_ appeared before his master. In the early morning light Shu[u]zen was pouring buckets of cold water over Isuke, having himself undergone the same treatment at the _chu[u]gen's_ hands. "Kan mairi, Heima,"[7] said Shu[u]zen with a laugh. Then he explained matters to the astonished _karo[u]_. Isuke's further ablutions were left to other hands. The affair now was cleared up. The removal of the slab, the fresh air penetrating the cavern, made the removal of the body easy. This was to be sent to Bankei's care for proper burial and rites. Meanwhile Shu[u]zen with interest and increasing gravity examined his prize. The books were all on war. One was in the suspected script of the western barbarian. From its plates, it was a work on fortification, and the art of attack and defence. Shu[u]zen did not understand the Dutch words, but he regarded the find as of importance, at least as adding to his own merit. So likewise did Abe Bungo no Kami, minister for the month, and with a great liking for Shu[u]zen. He saw to it that the affair was to the latter's profit. The _Ometsuke_ inspected the books, inspected the cave, drank Shu[u]zen's wine, and commended the vigilance and energy of the _hatamoto_. The report was worth an added hundred _koku_ to his modest income. Isuke also counted his gains with joy; a means of continued defiance and pursuit of the foxes of the Nakano pleasure quarter.

As to Bankei--the funeral rites had been performed, the _sutra_ read, the body inhumed in the same mound with those of Kakunai and the horse.

Liberal had been the gift of Ok.u.mura Shu[u]zen for all these divers interments, and great the unction of Bankei at the accomplishment and solution of the mystery of the cave in the Bancho[u]. But one thing rested uneasily on his mind. What the ident.i.ty of the evil spirit which caused these wonders? That night, as the abbot rested in his bed, there appeared at his pillow a man of some thirty odd years, tall, gaunt, hairy, ugly, and much dejected. "His eyes were prominent in his head, his lofty nose showed ability, he had the mouth of a shark." Plainly very great had been his wickedness. Prostrate the apparition gave thanks to the saint. All the spice and joy of evil doing had been exchanged for the insipidity of Paradise. Now he was threatened with Nirvana through the prayers of the saintly abbot. In life he had been the wicked So[u]ja Mushuku (lodgeless). A famous thief, he was the source of the raids on purse and person, on _yashiki_ in particular and the common people in general, which had caused much fear and distress in Edo. The cave of the Inari, a lucky discovery, had been his safe haunt from pursuit. None could betray him, for none of his band knew his lair.

He would betray no one; but he would tell the abbot of his fate. It was Isuke who had sealed him up in the cave by thrusting into place the heavy cover. Here he pa.s.sed miserable days in hunger until the poisonous air, gradually acc.u.mulating, had put an end to him. His spirit, however, had haunted the place, with no disposition to leave. With the opportunity he had entered the body of Kage, in search of human requirements and enjoyments. Betrayed by appet.i.te he had been driven forth by the prayers of the abbot, and solaced by his pet.i.tions for the future life. Deign to let the matter rest there, and not pursue him into the inanity, the nothingness of Nirvana. To this the practiced ear of the holy Bankei gave deep thought. This fellow already had forced the unhappy Kakunai to follow in his tracks. What might he not do to others in whom the abbot had far greater interest? "To such wickedness the gift of Nirvana is not likely. Bankei wastes his breath, and Shu[u]zen Dono his substance. Deign to enter Meido, be wholly purified of wickedness, and in a second birth, if in human form, be of a virtuous House. For present and past sins atonement is to be made. For those still living Bankei holds not his lips silent. Off with you at once to these insipid joys." He thrust the rosary of crystal beads into the vision's face. At once it disappeared, and Bankei woke amid a nauseating odour. He stretched himself in weariness--"A dream? Tribulation of the Five Viscera?" Yet he would report it to Shu[u]zen, and on the uncertainty of the truth secure further aid for man and horse. Hence the monument of the Bato[u] (horse-headed) Kwannon, which long stood on its mound behind the _hondo[u]_ of the Seisho[u]ji of Shiba.

CHAPTER VIII

AOYAMA SHU[U]ZEN

These events could not fail to cause comment. It was in the general room of the _hiban_, the fire guard of the castle, that the discussion came to a head. There were a number of these guards for different quarters of the castle inclosure; and for better drill and coordination the officers met, apart from the site of their particular duties. This made the office of the _hiban_ a sort of club of the _hatamoto_, bringing together the members of the more particular cliques, known respectively as the Shiratsukagumi (white handle club), the Kingingumi (gold and silver clubs), the members of which knocked out a conspicuous tooth, replacing it with the metal ensign of their affiliation, and the Kubo no Shiro-oshigumi. These organizations, something like the Otokodate of the townsmen in the closeness of the relations of their members, had by no means the same worthy object. They were often merely a way of ruffling it through the town, particularly at the amus.e.m.e.nt quarter of Asakusa; seeking quarrels with _ro[u]nin_, abusing women, and literally gravelling the discomfited townsmen, not seldom left on the ground, subsequently to be put into it. The Otokodate, or chivalrous band, were indeed needed in this state of early Edo. They could hold their own, inasmuch as the _samurai_ involved dared not bring a quarrel to light.

He had the advantage of his training; and by the rules of his caste did not hesitate to have a.s.sa.s.sinated a plebeian he could not overcome, and chose to regard as impertinent. Collisions with these, however, were rare. _Ro[u]nin_ were the particular object of dislike of the Tokugawa adherents. It was the great exception made, when Hida no Kami (Yagyu[u]

Matajuro[u]) admitted k.u.me no Heinai to his fencing room and discipleship. The _ro[u]nin_, of course, deserved the proscription, being often the devoted adherents of a lost cause--Hoo[u]jo[u] or Toyotomi--and unwilling to transfer their fealty to a second lord. The most noted and hated of the _ro[u]nin_, though free from any taint of rebellion to the Tokugawa, was this Heinaibei; the vilest a.s.sa.s.sination, that of his friend Bandzuin Cho[u]bei by Mizuno Juro[u]zaemon aided by other members of the Shiratsukagumi.

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon had related the mishap of his _chu[u]gen_, his own experience in pursuing the offenders. The old fellows, heroes of the Genwa and Kwanei periods, were gathered close to a _hibachi_. Despite the season age sought pretence of warmth or closer company. Said the veteran Matsudaira Montaro[u]--"O[u]kubo, what think you? Surely the ice water of gathering years runs in our veins. Such happenings, so close to the dwelling of the Ue Sama, never would have taken place in former days. But we are old. The stiffened joints and the wrinkles would not deceive such miscreants. 'Twould be a palpable fraud, our presentation."--"True," growled Shichinosuke; "but ice water runs in other veins than those who are old." Kondo[u] n.o.borinosuke, verging toward his fifties, now chimed in--"Naruhodo! The talk of these young chaps infects one with their own complaints. This one can but thump himself on the chest and speculate as to whether he has one lung, or two of the kind. This other limps and dreams of _kakke_. His tongue hangs out a yard, that he can better inspect its colour; and his legs are black and blue from efforts to detect a dropsy. A third excuses himself by a flux, which he would cure with hot wine; and a fourth is a.s.sured of a cold, to lead to all these and other ailments, and hence steeps himself night and day in the hot bath, the one to be most easily excused. Emma Dai-O[u] in h.e.l.l[8] could not afflict these fellows more than they grieve over themselves. Only in talk of their ailments do they find company. Plasters and medicaments for their persons, instead of armour and the quietus of the foe, these are the objects of their quest." The two old rascals, and their middle aged abettor, looked slyly over each other's heads at the younger men grouped in the rear, then at each other. Thus it was with these violent fellows of the actual battlefield. They would stir someone to action.

"Heigh! Heigh! Not Endo[u] Uji: he at least has proved his mettle. The pressing offices of the day do not call for sleep all night. He is of the stock of Kiemon Dono. Old Hikoza never tired of tales of his father's prowess." Kondo[u] chuckled as he continued--"The old fellow (_oyaji_) spoke well of the dead. The living had need to take care of his praise of them. Witness Torii Dono and Akiyama Dono, at the two extremes of age. Good luck, as well as management, extricated them from the results of a commendation like to cost them much. Alas! His place is not to be filled." O[u]kubo Hikozaemon, governor of these wild fellows, keeper of the suzerain's conscience, had left his seat vacant these past five years. Sorrow for his loss did not prevent n.o.borinosuke bringing a bright and beady eye on Aoyama Shu[u]zen. O[u]kubo Shichinosuke followed the look. All of the old ones fastened Shu[u]zen with inquisitive glare.

The object of their attention neither quailed nor showed undue eagerness. "The honoured ancients favour this Shu[u]zen with the task."

His laugh was so cold and purposeful, his look so derisive and comprehending, that the old fellows in some confusion sought comfort in each other. This Aoyama Shu[u]zen was a very devil of a fellow. He had a perspicacity in finesse that the plain, keen, and honest bluntness of former days could not deceive. Aoyama was not one to charge with effeminacy in any form. He had a wife--whom he neglected. He had a page, whom he favoured. He had all the harsh vices and capabilities of the warrior age. Turning to Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon--"Endo[u] Uji has seen the vision, not fox or _tanuki_. This has been the experience of the _chu[u]gen_?" Saburo[u]zaemon did not like the connection; nor did he like Shu[u]zen. "It is fact. Rokuzo was bewitched, not Endo[u]. See to it that Aoyama Dono has better luck." Thus tacitly he would force the mission on Shu[u]zen. The latter suppressed his anger at the a.s.sumption.

"Endo[u] Dono, as with this Shu[u]zen, is _hatamoto_ of the land. Such vile rascals as these do not make them object of their tricks."--"Don't be too sure of that," replied Endo[u]. "Neither fox nor _tanuki_ would care for the company of the vision. This Saburo[u]zaemon does but seek to give it rest--and himself." He spoke with some gloom. Said Aoyama with decision--"Agreed! What may be the reward?" A chorus of protest went up. "Reward! Reward!... The applause of all.... The interest in the tale, as with that of Endo[u] Dono, just recited." But Shu[u]zen smiled and shook his head--"Endo[u] Dono seeks the good will of an unworshipped demon." Saburo[u]zaemon shot a glance at him. "Shu[u]zen too has his object. Otherwise, let others volunteer." The force of what he said was made plain by the silence of the company. The stories told, none longed for the experience. Thought Montaro[u] testily--"This fellow always has something in his sleeve." With hesitation--"Endo[u] deserves reward, and claims it not. Aoyama would have it in advance. How now: a sword?" All looked inquisitively at Shu[u]zen. They were surprised and disgruntled at his gesture of dissent. He knew the ancients, and could suspect a trap. "Shu[u]zen knows the kind. As with buying radishes at Yanagibara; one good for nothing, and bringing anything but honour.... Shu[u]zen selects his own weapon, nor asks reward apart from the issue." Kondo[u]

n.o.borinosuke clapped his hands. The younger man was a favourite and kindred spirit of his own, near enough in age to be congenial. "The presiding chair at the Endurance Society meeting. We are _samurai_, _hatamoto_ of the land. Gold is not to the purpose. A sword is bought with gold. Let Aoyama Uji make report to the meeting, and on that hang the office." Shu[u]zen was the first to nod eager a.s.sent. All agreed; with no great joy at prospect of the coming test, yet afraid of his refusal. Thus the company separated, committed to a meeting of the Gaman Kwai at the house of n.o.borinosuke, to hear the report of Aoyama Shu[u]zen's venture into the Bancho[u].

His preparations made, the next night, at the hour of the rat (11-1 A.M.), saw Aoyama in his turn climbing the slope of the Gomizaka.

Attached to the immediate service of the palace, the place was very desolate and strange to him. At a loss where to look for the objects of his search he sauntered at random, attention drawn to footing in this darkness. Thus it was that the Gekkeiji bell sounded over the moorland, striking the first watch of the hour of the ox (3 A.M.). He stopped to listen his eye fixed at the time on the long line of wall and fine gate of a _besso[u]-yashiki_ (country villa), evidently of a great lord. He had pa.s.sed from here some little distance, to the turning of the wall, when hasty steps and the hard breathing of one who had just breasted the hill struck his ear. Shu[u]zen standing at the corner was almost knocked down by the dark bulk which bounded out of the shadow. Both parties sprang back in att.i.tude of watchfulness. Shu[u]zen had never seen such a fellow. At least seven feet in height, hairy of arms and legs and face, his eyes shone like bright mirrors. Bulging forth these made him like to the ghost of some huge dragon fly. Did he not have an eye in the middle of his forehead? Shu[u]zen could not have denied it. Of size to inspire fear, decidedly the rascal was to be suspected. Shu[u]zen was the first to question. "Who and where from? Answer at once, or this Aoyama deigns the death cut." The man, or monster, merely opened and shut the plate like eye holes. Then with a roaring derisive lip--"Ha! Ha! This is Tanuki-bake, come hither to find and fetch Aoyama."

"Ya! Ya!" Aoyama was in a great rage. In the act of drawing his sword he would cut the rascal down. Thus to insult a _hatamoto_ of the land, lord of twelve hundred _koku_! "Make ready!" Apparition or not, at a bound the man was some ten feet off. Then followed a s.p.a.ce, during which Shu[u]zen made every effort known to the fencing room. He would have impaled a real dragon fly more readily. Without attempt to flee the object merely darted hither and thither. Shu[u]zen was dripping with perspiration. He felt badly and discouraged. For a moment he would rest--"To see this Aoyama?" He grunted. "Just so," was the reply. "Fools at close quarters give entertainment. Aoyama is not the clever one to cut down the _tanuki-bake_ (badger-ghost). Get you hence to your quilts, good sir; to your fool companions who wear summer garb in depth of winter, and triple garments in the heats of the sixth and seventh months; stuff themselves with hot food and wine in summer, and freeze the viands and _sake_ in winter. Get you hence to your companions of the Gaman Kwai (Endurance Society). Make report to them of Aoyama's venture, and bray and brag to them of spending a night outside the sheets."

Shu[u]zen strove to be calm on receipt of these insults to his kind. In haughty condescension he explained--"Those of the Gaman Kwai wear _katabira_ (light summer wear) in winter, triple gear in summer, to undergo the hardships of the battlefield. In war one regards not heat or cold. He drinks from the puddle on the field, and cooks the rice straw for food in his helmet. This is the great time of peace. The experiences and the hardships of the battlefield are lacking. It is as subst.i.tute for these...." He was interrupted by a mighty burst of impolite merriment from the heavy man, who held his sides as like to split from laughter. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Naruhodo! These chitterlings; stuffed sausages! 'Sufferings of the battlefield; hardships'! They are not to encountered in such childish sport. He who would face these must practise the art of the inner belly (mind). It is by hardening the belly that the trials of war are met. You fellows practise but the outer cult.

Of the inner and secret precepts you are ignorant. Degraded fools (_bakeyaro[u]_)!"--"Shut up!" roared Shu[u]zen. He could take the fellow at a disadvantage in his fit of outrageous merriment. Close to hand he leaped on him. In effort to avoid the blow the miscreant tumbled head over heels into the close deep waving _suzuki_ gra.s.s. With satisfaction Aoyama felt the sword sink deep into the resisting substance. Great his disgust to find that he had cleft an old and hidden stump to the very root. He seated himself upon it.

At least he was in the centre of disturbance. Should he await further encounter, or depart elsewhere to find it. He had a mind to abandon the lanes and plunge into the waste land. Just then screams and cries were heard; the sound of rapid flying feet coming in his direction. A young woman in flight was now close at hand. Her hair unbound streamed behind her. She was in night clothes, and the knot of the narrow _obi_ or band come loose in her flight, exposed a figure all attraction. On reaching Aoyama she threw herself at his feet, clasping his knees. "Aid! Aid from the honoured _samurai_! Thieves breaking in threaten with death and pillage. Deign, honoured sir, to aid." Shu[u]zen was very willing to do so. The lady was very urgent and very beautiful. He himself was uncertain as to goal, and the matter of the ghost could wait on her extremity. To his inquiry she made reply--"Just yonder." With her he retraced his steps. To his surprise the gate of the _yashiki_, already noticed, was wide open. In all haste she urged him to the entrance, yet in his rapid pa.s.sage he seemed to have seen this place before. The girl gave a call, then another. Shu[u]zen joined her in chorus and the search. The mansion was thrown wide open and abandoned. Not a soul was to be seen. All had either been killed, or had fled. The wailing of the girl brought him to her side. Prostrate she lay on the bodies of an old man and old woman, who had been put to death without mercy by the miscreants. Great was the pity of Aoyama. "The bodies still smoke in blood; the perpetrators cannot be far off. It would be well to seize them. This lantern ... how now? Is it of the house?" The girl raised her head to observe it. "No," she said. "The house lanterns have not the bow handle. This is of the thieves.... What's that?" A noise was heard above. Aoyama, hand on his sword, sprang to the stairway. The girl, all smiles at the prospective vengeance, followed him.

Three fellows were busy at the closets and chests. The contents were scattered over the floor, evidently for purpose of selection. Aoyama burst upon them. "Heigh-ho! Vile rascals! Submit your necks at once to the blow, your arms to the cord." At first the pillagers were greatly astonished and put out. "A _samurai_! Our work is interfered with. Alas!

We must away." Said the leader, a determined looking fellow--"Umph! 'Tis nothing but a board wages _samurai_ (_sampin_). He is alone. Kick him down. Teach him the lesson of interference." With yells all made for Shu[u]zen. Disregarding those at the side he delivered his blow at the man in front. Kiya! He split him in two as one would green bamboo.

Shu[u]zen drew back with a side sweep which cut another clean across the girdle. He stopped to rub his eyes with amazement. Was it not witchcraft? Not three, but five men now confronted him; and lively rascals they were. Strive as he would Aoyama's blows seemed but to multiply his foes. He was but one man. A kick to this side sent a rascal flying to the wall; an elbow shot sent another through the screens. Then all took to flight. One closely pursued sought the roof, the drying frame its heights. Aoyama was about to cut him down, when the fellow sprang off into the darkness like a flying bird. At the same time came most urgent and piteous cries from below. "Danna Sama! Honoured _Samurai_ Sama! Deign rescue. The thieves! They force me to extremities." Reluctant Shu[u]zen turned back. On reaching the lower stair he came upon the rascals who were gathered round the girl. At sight of him all took to flight. To Shu[u]zen's astonishment the girl in her turn fled in pursuit. Out of the house rushed the whole band, Shu[u]zen joining in the mad race. Down the slope went all. Then dobun!... Shu[u]zen's foot caught in a hole, or root, or some obstacle.

Head first he went into the ditch. Struggling, gasping, spitting out the dirty water of the drain, Aoyama scrambled up on the bank. He looked around in amazement. The white light of dawn illuminated the scene; the ill fated tree stump and the dirty drain close by. House there was none.

Girl and thieves had disappeared. He stood on the moor, shivering in Nippon's always cool dawn and dripping wet with the filthy fluid of the ditch or stream flowing through these fields and the valley. With discomfiture he took his long way homewards to the Do[u]sanbashi.

Plainly he had been bewitched and derided. So believing, he was startled to find himself again before the _yashiki_ gate; but in the light of day it showed the obvious neglect of years. Shu[u]zen at once sought entrance, not by the gate, but over the wall for lack of other means. He recognized the scene of last night's exploit, and its description as given by Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon. Besides, he recognized the place in his own experience of long past years, the favour and support of one to whom he was much indebted. Ah! Truly these were dangerous rascals he had encountered.