dignity. Making his
ceremonial salutation to the judge he came at once to the point. "What
lies Miemon and Kahei have told, this Kichiro[u] knows not. The fact is
that we three plotted together to rob the fatly supplied purses of the
_banto[u]_ making their rounds in settlement of accounts at the close of
the year. Hence the _banto[u]_ of the Shimaya, Zensuke, lost his money
belt, and a man of the same stamp, one Jugoro[u], was killed. All three
of us are guilty of the murder...." As he would proceed Gemba held up
his hand. "Bring in the other two men. Continue, Kichiro[u]." Said
Sakurai--"Miemon was badly cut about the head and face. Kahei nearly
lost his hand. This Kichiro[u] would have killed the clerk, but the
procession of Geishu[u] Sama came in sight, and recognition was feared.
Of the three hundred and twenty-five _ryo[u]_ secured...." The eyes of
Nakagawa and Imai stood out. Aghast they had followed the confession of
Sakurai Kichiro[u], with full intention to deny its truth. Now they were
in a fury. "What! Three hundred and twenty-five _ryo[u]_! And we had but
ten _ryo[u]_ apiece. You jest, Sakurai Uji.... Oh! The low fellow! The
villain! A very beast! A swine!"

Gemba Dono could ask for nothing more. With smiling face and courtesy
he turned to Sakurai Kichiro[u]. "Why did Kichiro[u] take the three
hundred _ryo[u]_, giving to these fellows such a paltry sum?" Answered
Kichiro[u]--"As deserving no more. They are paltry fellows; little
better than common soldiers (_ashigaru_). But there is more to tell, now
the end is reached. The true name of Sakurai Kichiro[u] is Takahashi
Daihachiro[u], at one time a retainer of Matsudaira Aki no Kami. Pressed
by the money lender Jusuke, I killed him and had the body disposed of by
one Densuke, the cook at the soldiers' quarters of the _yashiki_. This
was in Tenwa 3rd year 5th month (June 1683). Fleeing to avoid arrest the
occupation of writing teacher was taken up at Yu[u]ki in Shimosa.
Densuke, too, had fled, and hither he came as a wandering beggar.
Fearing his tongue I killed him; and mutilating the corpse, threw it
into the castle moat close by. A beggar found dead, no inquiry was
made."--"When did this take place?" asked Gemba. "Just one year
later--Jo[u]kyo[u] 1st year 5th month." He made a little movement.
Nakagawa and Imai broke out into protest at the completeness of this
confession, but Sakurai turned fiercely on them. "Shut up! To undergo
public trial would bring sh