rest 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
massive 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 space. 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 assistance in reaching its de