the chief of the Otokodate, at your service. I have
learnt with deep regret that two of my men insulted and attacked you
last night. However, happily, even Gompachi, famous swordsman though
he be, was no match for you, and had to beat a retreat before you. I
know, therefore, that you must be a noble Samurai, who by some ill
chance have become a cripple and a beggar. Now, therefore, I pray you
tell me all your story; for, humble wardsman as I am, I may be able to
assist you, if you will condescend to allow me."

The cripple at first tried to shun Chobei's questions; but at last,
touched by the honesty and kindness of his speech, he replied--

"Sir, my name is Takagi Umanosuke, and I am a native of Yamato;" and
then he went on to narrate all the misfortunes which the wickedness of
Banzayemon had brought about.

"This is indeed a strange story," said Chobei who had listened with
indignation. "This Banzayemon, before I knew the blackness of his
heart, was once under my protection. But after he murdered Sanza, hard
by here, he was pursued by these two apprentices of mine, and since
that day he has been no more to my house."

When he had introduced the two apprentices to Umanosuke, Chobei pulled
forth a suit of silk clothes befitting a gentleman, and having made
the crippled youth lay aside his beggar's raiment, led him to a bath,
and had his hair dressed. Then he bade Token Gombei lodge him and take
charge of him, and, having sent for a famous physician, caused
Umanosuke to undergo careful treatment for the wound in his thigh. In
the course of two months the pain had almost disappeared, so that he
could stand easily; and when, after another month, he could walk about
a little, Chobei removed him to his own house, pretending to his wife
and apprentices that he was one of his own relations who had come on a
visit to him.

After a while, when Umanosuke had become quite cured, he went one day
to worship at a famous temple, and on his way home after dark he was
overtaken by a shower of rain, and took shelter under the eaves of a
house, in a part of the city called Yanagiwara, waiting for the sky to
clear. Now it happened that this same night Gompachi had gone out on
one of his bloody expeditions, to which his poverty and his love for
Komurasaki drove him in spite of himself, and, seeing a Samurai
standing in the gloom, he sprang upon him before he had recognized
Umanosuke, whom he knew as a friend of his patron Chobei. Umano