it. Then came further demands, promptly responded to by Nishioka. He
began to be curious as to the adventures of Jisuke. He made the
_chu[u]gen_ talk; whose experiences were painted in glowing colours.
With a sigh Nishioka handed over the cash demanded, granted the leave of
absence. Grumbled Jisuke--"'Tis like digging the metal from the ground.
Few are the miners of another's hoard. Why grudge this Jisuke what costs
Shintaro[u] nothing!" Nishioka grasped at the opening. "What costs
nothing, carries no grudge. But Jisuke has the cash at the cost of this
Shintaro[u], only obtained in the company of an ugly old woman. With
this coin it is Jisuke who commands the selected beauty of Nippon. Come!
There has been enough of this. To-night Shintaro[u] takes Jisuke as
guide. He too will take his pleasure amid the beauties of the
Yoshiwara." He spoke expansively, with far off smile and look, as if the
beauties were ranged before his vision. Jisuke stood with mouth wide
open. "What! Not even the whole private apartments of a _daimyo[u]_
satisfies this lecher? Ah! The rascal would plant horns on the Okusama.
Husband and wife alike adorned! How now: is not her ladyship already
something of a demon? Nishioka Dono will be impaled on one or the
other." With mock respect he gave advice and bowed before his officer.
His interest in this rebellion was plain. Nishioka was seen to hesitate.
He looked doubtfully at Jisuke, as if seeking counsel in this
questionable matter. To Jisuke the matter was a jest; thus to involve
all three victims in a common treachery to one another. The temptation
was great, and he was a match for any underhand design on the part of
Nishioka. No safer place for him than Yoshiwara, in which his enemy
might be still more involved. _Samurai_ were particularly marked in the
place. Meanwhile the chamberlain would be his butt for the evening.
Jisuke's hints as to his source of revenue were broad enough to the
companions of his evening pleasures. They would be delighted at a sight
of this generous official.

Hence he urged objections to his company, and himself found answers.
Said Nishioka--"It is agreed. To-night all is propitious. The old girl
has taken cold. She intends a sweating. Such the notice to this
Shintaro[u]. It is his time to be fickle. He accompanies Jisuke." His
mind was made up, with some evident tear and reluctance. Jisuke aided
him in his preparations. Wearing _zukin_ (hood) he passed out the gate
with Ji