sighed. Cho[u]bei was noted for a greed which inspired fear.
For money he would do anything. "Blindman Cho[u]bei" had been his
nickname of old days in the ward. Kondo[u] remembered this. He liked
money, too. It brought in so much comfort. He hated to part with
comfort. It was to be a question between himself and Cho[u]bei how much
of his hard-earned commission was to be parted with. This last thought
completely aroused him. "It is a matter of securing a _muko_. This
Rokuro[u]bei is the one charged with the task. As a son-in-law outside
the ward is desired, no one has wider circulation and better
opportunities than Cho[u]bei San. Hence the desire for a consultation."
Cho[u]bei whistled inwardly. Outside the ward! What was wrong with the
case. Here was coin to be turned up by the circumspect. "Surely there
are young fellows enough in Samoncho[u], fit to be _muko_. Of course
with impediments...."--"It is the daughter of Tamiya; O'Iwa San.
Matazaemon Dono has commissioned this Rokuro[u]bei to secure a _muko_."
Cho[u]bei whistled outwardly. "For O'Iwa San!..."--"She is no beauty, as
Cho[u]bei evidently knows. Wealth compensates for other deficiencies. At
all events his aid is desired."--"For how much?" Cho[u]bei spoke
bluntly. If Rokuro[u]bei had forgotten Cho[u]bei, Cho[u]bei had not
forgotten Rokuro[u]bei. He went on--"To get a price for damaged goods is
no sinecure. Fortunately she is only out of repair on the surface....
Say ten _ryo[u]_?" Kondo[u] laughed scornfully--"And they call Cho[u]bei
'the Blind-man'! Rather is it vision magnified. The entertainment should
be the reward; with what Cho[u]bei collects from the happy bridegroom."
Cho[u]bei replied gravely--"With such a wealthy connection the future of
Kondo[u] Dono is to be envied. Cho[u]bei has to realize his future at
once. Not a _ryo[u]_ less can he afford." Plainly he was in earnest, as
was the long conversation which followed. Finally Cho[u]bei emerged with
partial success, and half the sum named as stipend for his labours.

He began them at once. The next day he was at the metal market in
Kanda. In course of chaffering over wares he never bought--"You fellows
always have some _ro[u]nin_ in train; a fine, handsome fellow for whom a
wife is needed. Application is made. Jinzaemon, you have a
candidate."--"Not for the kind of wife Cho[u]bei San provides." Those
present laughed loudly at the sally. Cho[u]bei did not wink. He
explained. "No bad provision is this one.