CHAPTER XV

CHO[U]BEI GETS THE NEWS

The _chu[u]gen_ stood over the toilet dealer now coming out of his half-trance condition. The eyes of the two men met and showed mutual astonishment. "Naruhodo! Mobei San! In a quarrel over his wares with the vile women of this district?"--"Kakusuké San! Ah! There is much to tell. O'Iwa San...." The _chu[u]gen_ of Ito[u] Kwaiba was amazed attention. "This Mobei to his ill fortune, met with the lady of Tamiya. Her condition, her ignorance, was too pitiful. Learning all the truth from Mobei she inflicted on him this punishment. May it cease there! Namu Amida Butsu! Namu Amida Butsu!... Heavy the grudge against your master Ito[u] Dono; against Iémon Sama, his wife O'Hana San, all in the plot against the Lady O'Iwa. 'To seven existences grant this Iwa opportunity to vent her anger. Every one of the perpetrators of this deed shall be seized and put to death.' She invoked all the gods and Buddhas; Nay, the king of Hell--Emma Dai-o[u] himself. Look to yourself, Kakusuké San. Deign to seek employment elsewhere." Kakusuké completed his task of raising the battered and scratched toilet dealer to his feet. "Mobei San, you have acted the fool; without doubt. Relate what has happened." Mobei did so in full detail. Kakusuké was thoughtful. "Much of this Kakusuké hears for the first time. A servant gets but snatches of the inside of such matters. Just now the mission has been from his master, Ito[u] Dono, to the Inagaki _yashiki_ near Ho[u]onji; matter of transfer involved in the late adoption of Kibei Dono into the House of the Danna Sama.... So that scoundrel Cho[u]bei sold the lady of Tamiya to Toémon for a harlot. Alas! She deserved a better fate. One way or another they would kill her; and Cho[u]bei, his money in hand, abetted the crime. Where is this brothel?"

Surrounded by his women Toémon was listening to their excited statements. Takézo was crying with rage and pain, as she examined her fissured countenance before a toilet stand (_kyo[u]dai_). Ko[u]ta, brought back to consciousness, lay groaning in a corner. They were applying cold compresses to her broken jaw. Toémon looked up suspiciously as Kakusuké entered, supporting the lamed and maimed Mobei. "Look to this man's wares, scattered in the roadway; and to the man himself." He spoke roughly, and with authority. Toémon did not dare to resent his manner. With well feigned solicitude he addressed Mobei--"Ma! Ma! A terrible punishment. Your face has the blush of the plum blossom marked upon it.... O'Haru, run to the house of Wakiyama Sensei. Ko[u]ta is badly hurt; his skill is needed. Stop at the drug store. Here is the 'cash' to bring salve for this good man's wounds. Alas! That a woman of Toémon's house should so maltreat others. When caught her punishment...."--"Shut up!" said Kakusuké. He had already taken his line of conduct in his master's interest. "How comes it that the Lady O'Iwa is found at the house of Toémon?"--"The Lady O'Iwa!" replied the brothel keeper in well-feigned surprise. Turning to Mobei--"It is true, then, what the women report; that Mobei San called the O'Iwa of this house 'Shinzo[u].' Who is this O'Iwa?" Said Kakusuké coldly--"The Lady O'Iwa is the granddaughter and heir of Tamiya Matazaémon, a higher _do[u]shin_. She is the wife of the _go-kenin_, Tamiya Iémon."

Toémon now was truly aghast. "Heir and wife of _go-kenin_! This Toémon had not the slightest inkling of her _status_. Cho[u]bei has juggled this Toémon most outrageously." He turned savagely on O'Matsu. "So much for stupid brutality. One must give you head, or have no peace. Why not treat the woman kindly, learn her story? Lies or truth that of all the women in the house is known. But O'Iwa San was a mark for malice. Cho[u]bei has lied. Between you the house is ruined. Since when were _samurai_ women sold to life service? Fool! It means imprisonment, exile, to those implicated. This Toémon ends his days among the savage fishermen of Sado." He would have struck her. Kakusuké and the _banto[u]_ interposed. The woman did not budge. Defiant, she stood with folded arms--"It was Toémon's arrangement to buy her in blind belief of Cho[u]bei. Why blame this Matsu? Since when were women exempt from service or punishment? The rule of the house is one or the other. How long has it been since O'Seki left the house--in a box; and Toémon had to make answer at the office." Then catching herself up in the presence of strangers--"Danna Sama, this is no time for a quarrel. Those of the house will say nothing; in their own interest. As for this worthy gentleman, the Lady O'Iwa was wife and heir neither of himself nor his master. Toémon San is grossly neglectful of courtesy due to guests. Leave Mobei San to this Matsu." She whispered in his ear.

Toémon had now recovered his balance. Kakusuké was a _chu[u]gen_. He had an object in coming to Toémon's house, instead of making report at once to his master, to the outraged Iémon Dono. Of course Toémon misinterepreted this motive; and Kakusuké was quite ready to profit by his mistake. To the now courteous brothel keeper he was equally cordial. O'Matsu and her women carried off Mobei, to salve his wounds, regale him with fish and wine and good treatment, carefully to make inventory of his goods, and repack them with substantial diminution of purchases. What more could Mobei ask. His valued rosary, the necklace, the _kanzashi_, all the treasures were uninjured. His exchequer was palpably swollen, and more pleasingly than his phiz. His beating had turned out a good day's venture; and without misgiving he can be left in the careful hands of O'Matsu and her women. Meanwhile Kakusuké and Toémon sat over their wine. From the _chu[u]gen_ and toilet dealer the latter secured a complete view of his situation. It was bad, but not irreparable. As Kakusuké with due tardiness prepared to depart, the hospitable innkeeper had ample time to prostrate himself in salutation, meanwhile pushing over a golden _ryo[u]_ wrapped up in decently thin paper which permitted the filtering through of its yellow gleam. "Great has been the trouble and delay of Kakusuké San. Mark not this day in memory, good Sir." Kakusuké was equally polite in salutation--"Fear enters: thanks for the kind entertainment of Toémon San. This alone is to be kept in mind, mark of a day otherwise of but little import." These last words were a healing balm; and Toémon rejoiced.

With the departure of Kakusuké, the chief of the "night-hawks" turned at once to his aides. "Také! Haru!... Ah! Ko[u]ta is completely done up. You, Také, bear the marks of the day's encounter. Go to Asakusa Hanagawado[u]. Cho[u]bei is to be brought here at once. The house must clear its skirts of this affair. If he refuses to come, put a rope about his neck and drag him here." The women bowed. At once they prepared for the street, a mission welcome enough under other conditions. O'Také was smarting from her wounds and not very willing to be an object lesson. O'Haru had in mind the fearful curse of O'Iwa, plainly heard by the women. Very willingly she would have had nothing to do with the affair.

Cho[u]bei was engaged at _go_ with the metal dealer of his neighbourhood. The fish and wine were in course of preparation in the kitchen close by and under the skilled hands of O'Taki. The perfume, vinous and of viands, came to the noses of the competitors, to the disturbance of their game. Cho[u]bei had just made a profitable stroke. He had five _ryo[u]_ in hand, commission from the worthy _doguya_ for the successful sale of a daughter to the Yamadaya of Nakanocho[u]. This enterprising plebeian, having a son to succeed him in the business, had secured the necessary furnishing and adoption of a second son into the rival house of the ward, by means of the fifty _ryo[u]_ secured for the girl through the experience and clever tactics of Cho[u]bei. Many the compliments and congratulations exchanged by these excellent men and worthy representatives of their class as they tussled over their game of _go_. Profuse were the thanks of the metal dealer for past services and future feasting. It was with some displeasure therefore that O'Taki had her offices interrupted to respond to a loud and harsh--"Request to make!" sounded at the house entrance. Said she crossly--"Who is it?... Ah! O'Také and O'Haru San of Toémon Sama." Then in wonder--"Oya! Oya! O'Také San.... Your honoured face.... Has O'Také San gone to bed in the dark with the cat?" Answered O'Také, in no amiable mood--"It could well have been. Your man Cho[u]bei deals in such articles. There are the marks of O'Iwa's nails. As for Cho[u]bei, is the precious rascal at home?"

O'Taki heard her with rising rage--"O'Iwa? What has Cho[u]bei San to do with any O'Iwa and the house of Toémon San? Why call the man of Taki a scoundrel?"--"Because he is such. Nay, Okamisan, don't get angry."--O'Haru was speaking--"has your husband a brother in Abegawacho[u], a brother in need of twenty _ryo[u]_ and with a daughter who would do nothing but run after the men?" O'Taki was puzzled. "Cho[u]bei San has no brother, in Abegawacho[u] or any other _cho[u]_. Hence such brother has no daughter O'Iwa; nor are there children of his own, except the one born to him by this Taki, and a girl already sold...." A light was breaking in on O'Taki. Months before she had come home to find that the Ojo[u]san had taken her departure. Explained Cho[u]bei--"At Yotsuya everything has been adjusted. Iémon Dono is established again with his wife. The Okusama will not come back to us. Deign to rejoice at the auspicious settlement of her affairs." Which O'Taki did; all the more as Cho[u]bei often was in funds in the successive days through Tamiya. Now she looked from one woman to the other, her fists clenched and working. Said the harsh voice of O'Také--"Cho[u]bei lied then; just as the Danna Sama thought. Nearly a year ago he brought to the house the daughter of his brother Kanémon. He sold her into life service as a night-hawk. For this she turned out to be worthless. O'Taki San knows our Okamisan. No matter how severely beaten, even until the blood came, O'Iwa would not consent to serve. Other means were tried, but the men of the house would have nothing to do with her. She was too ugly. Finally she was degraded into being the kitchen wench, to fetch and carry, and do the hardest and most nauseating tasks. At this downfall in her prospects like a very fool she rejoiced. To-day she met the toilet dealer Mobei. He recognized her as the Lady O'Iwa of Tamiya in the Yotsuya. Drawn apart they spoke together. Suddenly she was transformed into a demon. Leaping on Mobei she tore and clutched at him. Ko[u]ta and this Také ran to aid him. Ko[u]ta lies helpless and with a broken jaw. Truly it might have been the kick of a horse she received. This Také is--as can be seen. The Lady O'Iwa disappeared toward Warigesui. A _chu[u]gen_ saw her leap in. Probably she has killed herself.... And now, O'Taki San, is not your man Cho[u]bei a scoundrel?"

Said O'Taki--"Rightly spoken; more than right. Wait here." Abruptly she entered the inner room. To Cho[u]bei--"You ... my fine fellow ... is this a time for _go_? Up and off with you; to accompany O'Také and O'Haru from Toémon's in Honjo[u]. A pretty business is in preparation there." Said the embarrassed and enraged Cho[u]bei--"Wh-what does this rude entrance of Taki mean? Is not the master of the metal shop present? Is such language, such abruptness, to be used in his presence?"--"The Danna of the _doguya_ is certainly present," coolly replied the woman. "It would be better if he was at home.... Honoured Sir, pray betake yourself there. This Cho[u]bei has business with Toémon Sama of Honjo[u], the brothel keeper and chief of the night-hawks, to whom he has sold for life service as a street harlot the Lady O'Iwa, wife of the _go-kenin_ Iémon Dono and heir of Tamiya Matazaémon the _do[u]shin_. A man can be too clever--as this Cho[u]bei, who cheats his wife and all others. Do you be clever enough to take the hint and depart.... Off with you!" The _doguya_ had sat in silence. His eyes were popping out of his head in frightened amaze. Cho[u]bei bounded up in a rage--"You huzzy--shut up! Would you publish the affairs of this Cho[u]bei to the world? Many a bridge is to be passed in the course through this world; and none too sure the footing. Money must be had to live and enjoy life. The result, not the means, is the important factor in its acquisition. Such rudeness to a guest! Vile jade, Cho[u]bei will...." O'Také and O'Haru had to interfere--"Fight it out later, Cho[u]bei San. This quarrel is no concern of ours. The sooner the master is seen, the better for Cho[u]bei San. His rage is great, and mounting. You have the contract? With that face the master; if you can."--"Just so! Just so! As for this wench--she shall have something to remember this Cho[u]bei by...." The worthy and trembling metal dealer took this remark as threat of renewed violence. "For the kind reception and entertainment: thanks. Jubei calls later." Nimbly he was on his feet. Diving under the _haori_ into which Cho[u]bei was struggling he bounced out the front, leaving Cho[u]bei on the ground and floundering in the folds of his garments, from which issued most violent language. For the first time that day O'Také and O'Haru had something to amuse them. O'Taki refusing, they assisted Cho[u]bei to his feet and adjusted his robe. Then one on each side of him they set out for Honjo[u] Yoshidacho[u]. As parting salute to O'Taki, Cho[u]bei finished his sentence.... "Something to remember on Cho[u]bei's return." Her laugh in reply was so savage that the women turned to look at her. In fright they hastened off with their prize.

At Honjo[u] the reception of Cho[u]bei called forth the whole house. The pimp entered the presence of Toémon with confident and jaunty air. "He has the contract?" said Toémon to the woman. O'Haru indicated a sleeve. The _banto[u]_ and one of the _wakashu[u]_ (young men employes) grasped the arms of Cho[u]bei. The incriminating document was deftly removed by O'Haru and passed over to Toémon. "Now the fellow can neither produce it, nor play his tricks with it." He looked it over carefully; then placed it with his own copy. Cho[u]bei was too outraged and frightened to do more than squat and gasp as he looked around the circle of hostile faces. Without cushion he sat on the bare _tatami_, much as does a criminal at the white sand. Said Toémon severely--"For once Cho[u]bei has drunk hot water with this Toémon. Does he think to act thus with impunity. The younger sister of his brother Kanémon, 'a noted wench for the streets,' was brought here for life service; sold to Toémon for twenty _ryo[u]_. Toémon does not intend that the price shall be too high for him. Cho[u]bei cannot lie out of his own contract. Toémon has it in his hands. Cho[u]bei has the twenty _ryo[u]_. Toémon loses his money. Well and good: Toémon clears himself from the affair. The responsibility lies wholly with Cho[u]bei. Let him look to it." Cho[u]bei seized the moment when lack of breath in his anger halted the speech of Toémon. He would have lied, but Toémon again broke in. "Cho[u]bei has no brother. Cho[u]bei has no woman to dispose of on his own signature. The one he did have, the one he possesses, Toémon knows where to find. Toémon had a woman O'Iwa in his house. You sold the wife of a _go-kenin_, Iémon Dono of Yotsuya; a woman who was the heir of Tamiya Matazaémon the _do[u]shin_. The Lady O'Iwa is traced to the hands of Cho[u]bei. Settle the matter with those in office--_machibugyo[u]_, _do[u]shin_, _yakunin_--when the affair comes to light...."--"Easily," burst in Cho[u]bei, once more himself. "Honoured chief, matters do not call for such earnestness. All this is mere froth and fury. It is true that Cho[u]bei has deceived the chief; but it was at the orders of those much higher. The lady of Tamiya was an obstacle. The sale was ordered by Iémon Dono himself; backed by Ito[u] Kwaiba the head of the Yotsuya ward."--"Cho[u]bei, you lie," said Toémon. The words and advice of Kakusuké still rang in his ears. "Iémon Dono? Ito[u] Dono? Who else will Cho[u]bei bring in as his bails? Such a man is not to be trusted. With this Toémon there is no more dealing. The guild is to be warned by a circular letter."

At this fearful threat all Cho[u]bei's jauntiness left him. His livelihood, his existence, were at stake. He prostrated himself before Toémon, dragging his body over the _tatami_ to the _zen_ (low table) at which was seated this autocrat of the night-hawks, this receiver of the refuse and worn-out goods of his greater brothers in the trade. Toémon harshly repulsed him with his foot. Cho[u]bei in despair turned to O'Matsu--"Honoured lady the chief is unreasonably angry. There shall be no loss of money, no harm suffered by the affair. Deign to say a word for Cho[u]bei."--"Since when has Matsu had aught to do with the affairs of the house? The women are her concern. She goes not outside her province." The pimp sought the feet of O'Také--"Condescend to plead for Cho[u]bei. His fault is venial. When no injury results, pardon follows. This is to cut off the breath of Cho[u]bei, of wife and child. Deign to intercede." The street harlot laughed. Her cracked voice was rough--"The commission of Cho[u]bei San has no attractions. This Také has had enough to do with the matter. Truly Cho[u]bei is a wicked fellow. Také would fare badly in such intercourse. Besides his company is too high flown. Officials! Samurai! Cho[u]bei San seeks and will find promotion in the world. Lodgings are preparing for Cho[u]bei Sama in public office--on the Ryo[u]gokubashi; of such he is assured." She drew away from him, harshly cackling. Thus he crawled from one to the other. It was "Cho[u]bei Sama," "Cho[u]bei Dono," in derision they would call him prince--"Cho[u]bei Ko[u]." All stuck out their tongues at him. The young fellows of the house, several of them, stood round the entrance, ostensibly occupied, but with one eye on the scene. As Cho[u]bei sought the _banto[u]'s_ aid, the man raised a long lean leg and gave him a violent kick in the breast. Strong hands seized him as he rolled over and over to the edge of the platform, to land in the arms of the enthusiastic _wakashu[u]_. The next moment, and Cho[u]bei was picking himself up out of the mud and snow of the street. The lattice of the house entrance closed noisily.

In his confusion of mind by force of habit Cho[u]bei turned round and bowed with ceremony toward the place of his unceremonious exit--"The time is inopportune. Cho[u]bei intrudes. He will call again." The opening of the wicket gate, the peering, scowling face of the _banto[u]_ recalled the past scene to mind. With all the haste his tottering gait allowed Cho[u]bei sprang off northward to the Adzumabashi and home. As he sped, swaying along, his active mind was making calculations. "Ryo[u]gokubashi, the last home of the outcast beggar--other than the river which flows beneath it!" He shuddered at the prophecy. "Bah! One rascal loses; another gains. Toémon loses twenty _ryo[u]_. From Iémon San ten _ryo[u]_ was the commission. Ito[u] Dono gave five _ryo[u]_ and asked no questions. The total to Cho[u]bei sums up thirty-five _ryo[u]_. For a year the affair of O'Iwa has fattened Cho[u]bei; with something still left." His foot struck a stone in the roadway. He looked up and around to find himself before the Genkwo[u]ji. About to enter on the maze of temple grounds and _yashiki_ separating him from the bridge his gaze fell on the stagnant squalid waters of the canal. It was in the dirty foulness of this North Warigesui that O'Iwa had disappeared. Cho[u]bei pulled up short. A dead cur, copper hued, with swollen germinating sides and grinning teeth, bobbed at him from the green slime. Cho[u]bei slewed round--"A vile ending; but after all an ending. Iémon profits; Cho[u]bei gets the scoldings. Ah! If it was not that Ito[u] Kwaiba is engaged in this affair; Tamiya should pay dearly. There is a double ration to share with Cho[u]bei--and not to be touched! Ito[u] Dono is no man to trifle with. There was that affair with Isuké; and now, as he says, Iémon is a very son to him." A memory seemed to touch Cho[u]bei. His pace became a crawl. "Why hasten? Cho[u]bei rushes to the fiend--that demon Taki. Cho[u]bei would rather face O'Iwa than Taki in a rage." He laughed--"The attenuated hands of a ghost and the thick fist of Taki, the choice is not uncertain. From the lady mild and merciful there is nothing to fear. Evidently she has settled matters once and for all in the Warigesui. But at the tenement--there it is another affair. This Cho[u]bei will fortify himself against the shock. A drink; then another, and still more. The scoldings will fall on a blunted mind wandering in some dreamland. Time will soothe her rage. To-morrow Cho[u]bei wakes, to find the storm has passed and Taki his obedient serving wench." Near the Adzumabashi, following his prescription against domestic enlivenment, he entered a grog shop; to turn his good coin into wine.

The quarter at Hanagawado[u] in Asakusa was in an uproar. What had occurred was this--There was an old woman--"Baba" in the native parlance for Dame Gossip--a seller of the dried seaweed called _nori_ (sloke or laver), still called Asakusa _nori_, though even at that time gathered at Shinagawa, Omori, and more distant places. This old trot had returned, to make her last sales to the excellent metal dealer who lived opposite her own home in the _nagaya_, in which she lived next door to the Cho[u]bei, husband and wife. The tongue of the _doguya_ was still in full swing of the recital, not only of his own experiences, but of the revelations of O'Taki. He was only too willing for this twenty-first time to repeat the tale to the _nori_ seller, his good neighbour. The good wife and wives listened again with open mouths. The Baba was the most interested of them all. This choice morsel of gossip was to be gathered at the primal source, from the lips of O'Taki herself. She was all sympathy in her curiosity--ranging in the two cases of Cho[u]bei and wife on the one part, and the metal dealer and his insulted household on the other part. Away she stepped quickly from the assembly of ward gossips. At the door of Cho[u]bei's quarters she stopped--"Okamisan! Okamisan!... Strange: is she not at home? Is she so angered that no answer is given? However, this Baba fears no one.... Nesan! Nesan!" She passed the room entrance and went into the area. Glancing into the kitchen--"Oya! Oya! The meal is burnt to a crisp. It has become a soppy, disgusting mass. Nesan! Nesan! The rain falls, the roof window (_hikimado_) is open." She put down her empty tubs in order to play the good neighbour. The first thing was to close the window against the descending rain. Quickly and deftly she proceeded to wipe the moisture off the shining vessels, to put everything in order in O'Taki's usually immaculate kitchen. Women of this class are finicky housekeepers in their own homes. As the old wife became less engaged she began to hear strange sounds above. Some one was in conversation--and yet it was a one-sided queer kind of talk. The voice was threatening and wheedling. Then she heard a child cry. Surely O'Taki was in the upper room; and thus neglectful of her lord and household.

The old Baba went to the foot of the ladder and listened. "Nesan! Nesan!" No answer came, beyond the curious droning monotone above, varied by an occasional wailing cry of the child. It seemed to be in pain. Resolute, the sturdy old Baba began to climb the steps. At the top she halted, to get breath and look into the room. The sight she witnessed froze the old woman in horror to where she stood. A woman was in the room. She knelt over the body of the child, which now and again writhed in the hard and cruel grasp. The queer monotonous voice went on--"Ah! To think you might grow up like your father. The wicked, unprincipled man! To sell the Ojo[u]san for a street whore, for her to spend her life in such vile servitude; she by whose kindness this household has lived. Many the visits in the past two years paid these humble rooms by the lady of Tamiya. To all her neighbours O'Taki has pointed out and bragged of the favour of the Ojo[u]san. The very clothing now on your wretched puny body came from her hands. While Cho[u]bei spent his gains in drink and paid women, Taki was nourished by the rice from Tamiya. When Taki lay in of this tiny body it was the Ojo[u]san who furnished aid, and saw that child and mother could live. Alas! That you should grow up to be like this villainous man is not to be endured.... Ah! An idea! To crunch your throat, to secure revenge and peace, security against the future." She bent down low over the child. Suddenly it gave a fearful scream, as does a child fallen into the fire. The Baba, helpless, could only feebly murmur--"Nesan! Nesan! O'Taki San! What are you about? Control yourself." She gave a frightened yowl as the creature began to spread far apart the child's limbs, and with quick rips of the sharp kitchen knife beside her dissevered and tore the little limbs from the quivering body. At the cry the woman turned half around and looked toward her. Jaws dripping red with blood, a broad white flat face with bulging brow, two tiny piercing dots flashing from amid the thick swollen eyelids, it was the face of O'Iwa glowering at her. "Kiya!" The scream resounded far and wide. Incontinently the old woman tumbled backward down the steep steps, to land below on head and buttocks.

Some neighbours, people passing, came rushing in. A crowd began to gather. "Baba! Baba San! What is wrong?" She could not speak; only point upward and shudder as does one with heavy chills. As they moved toward the stair a roar went up from the crowd in the street. O'Taki had appeared at the window, her face smeared with blood and almost unrecognizable. She waved a limb of the dismembered infant. The crowd were frozen with horror. As some shouted to those within to hasten the woman brandished the bloody knife. Thrusting it deep into her throat she ripped and tore at the handle, spattering the incautious below with the blood spurting from the wound. Then she fell backward into the room. When the foremost to interfere rushed in they drew back in fear at what they saw. The child's head was half knawed from the body; its limbs lay scattered to this place and that. The body of O'Taki lay where she had fallen. It was as if the head had been gnawed from the trunk, but the head itself was missing. Search as they would, it was not to be found. Meanwhile the news of these happenings spread rapidly. In the next block it was shouted that the wife of the pimp Cho[u]bei had gone mad and killed and eaten five children. A block further the number had risen to twenty-five. At the guardhouse of the Adzumabashi she had killed and gnawed a hundred adults.

These rumours were mingled with the strange tale of the old woman as to O'Iwa San. In time there were many who had witnessed the suicide of O'Taki, who were ready to swear they had seen the fearful lady of Tamiya. Cho[u]bei first learned of the affair by being dragged from the grog shop to the guardhouse of the Adzumabashi. Here he was put under arrest. Distressed and discomforted he stood before the ruin in his home, under the eyes of his neighbours. These stood loyally by him. As happens in ward affairs in Nippon the aspect of the affair not immediately on the surface was slow to reach official ears. Thus it was as to the Tamiya phase involved. Cho[u]bei had suffered much, and was in to suffer more. His fellow wardsmen were silent as to all but the actual facts needed for interpretation. The marvellous only filters out slowly. But they had their own way of dealing with him. The _kenshi_ (coroner) made his report. Examinations, fines, bribes, the funeral costs, reduced Cho[u]bei to his worst garment. With this after some weeks he was permitted to go free. The house owner had turned him out. The wardsmen had expelled him. Enough of Kazaguruma Cho[u]bei--for the present.