wine
which tempted him beyond discretion. He has tried all patience, been
most disloyal. The honoured dismissal or severe punishment at the least
is his due. The Tono Sama summoning him to the garden front, and
deigning the kindness of putting him to death (_te-uchi_) ... yet...."
Hesitating he brought out the once _hana-furi-kin_, wage of the
unfortunate Rokuzo, now in such danger of drastic remedy for his aching
head. Respectfully pushing forward a knee the _kyu[u]nin_ presented it
to his lord. Saburo[u]zaemon examined it with much curiosity. "And
this?"--"The wage for his porter's work," answered the officer, his face
respectfully wrinkled with the trace of a smile. "Though one could say
from his exhaustion that he received other favour than coin. The very
thought of his filthy repast drives the rascal to most fearful
retchings. He is in a parlous way, and if your lordship deign
forbearance...."--"Heigh!" He was interrupted by the exclamation of
Saburo[u]zaemon, now examining the leaf most intently. "I say now! An
oak leaf, the broad reminder of the _kiri_ (paulownia imperialis), such
might come from last year's fall. This leaf never sprang from Nippon's
soil."--"Just so," replied the _kyu[u]nin_. "Hence petition for delay in
administering punishment."--"And of course the fellow is useless. Ill,
and besides he knows not whither he went, and came to himself on the
Ichimenhara."--"Yet, while still in his five senses, he recognized Go
Bancho[u]; and it is fact that the _chu[u]gen_ of Okumura Dono suffered
likewise in the Bancho[u]."--"Of Kakunai and the strange horse this
Saburo[u]zaemon has heard. And the other man?"--"One Isuke, a stout
fellow, but in good fortune the twin brother of this rascal Rokuzo."

Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon rose to his feet with an elasticity and snap
denoting decision. His wife standing close by laid hand upon his arm. He
turned to meet her frightened questioning look. He spoke reassuringly.
"Don't be afraid. Such things so near the suzerain's honoured dwelling
are not to be permitted. This Saburo[u]zaemon goes to learn the facts as
to this suspicious house. The _samurai_ has no fear of apparitions; and
less of thieves, as is likely to be the case. Let the rascals look to
themselves if they would avoid the taste of Saburo[u]zaemon's sword.
Kyu[u]saburo[u] is to see that the _Yashiki_ is well guarded. To-night
O[u]kubo Hikoroku Dono holds the fire ward. The occasion fits." At once
he was busied