essions. With the huge
bundle of the _furoshiki_ on his shoulders; with straw raincoat, sun
hat, clogs for wet and dry weather, piled on the top, and the stalks of
the _takuan_ dangling down; "it was just as if they were running away
from a fire." As Densuke departed O'Mino closely observed him. He was
too subdued, too scared to give her anxiety. Later she left the house to
join him at the Hanzo[u]-bashi, far enough removed from Yotsuya. It was
then Tenwa, 2nd year, 11th month (December, 1682).

CHAPTER II

KAWAI SAN OF KANDU KU

This uncle of Densuke, Kawai Kyu[u]bei by name, was a rice dealer, with
a shop in Matsudacho[u] of the Kanda district. The distance to go was
far. As with all ladies, O'Mino kept Densuke waiting long at the
Hanzo[u]-bashi. Indeed, there was much romance about this ugly,
neglected, hard girl. She waited until the sound of O'Naka's clogs was
heard. Then she halted at the corner of Teramachi until she could see
her mother's figure in the dusk; see it disappear into the house. When
she went down the street toward the Samegabashi she was crying. It was
late therefore--after the hour of the pig (9 P.M.)--when the pair
reached Kanda. The business of the day was long over in this business
section of Edo. The houses were tightly closed. On reaching the entrance
of Kyu[u]bei's house said Densuke--"Ojo[u]san, condescend to wait here
for a moment. The uncle is to be informed. Deign to have an eye to the
_furoshiki_. Please don't let the dogs bite into or insult the
_takuan_." He pounded on the door. Said a voice within--"Obasan
(Auntie)! Obasan! Someone knocks. Please go and open for them." The more
quavering and softer tones of an old woman made answer--"No, it is not
my turn and time to go to the door. Get up; and first make inquiry
before entrance is allowed. With little to lose, loss is much felt. Ah!
Tamiya Dono in the Yotsuya has been sadly neglected." The scolding tones
hummed on. Grumbling, the old man was lighting a rush. "'Tis agreed;
'tis agreed. To-morrow without fail this Kyu[u]bei visits Tamiya. Ah! It
is no jest to go to that house. Not only is the distance great, but...."
He had the door open, and his mouth too. "Densuke! Graceless fellow! But
what are you doing here, and at this hour? No; the luck is good. There
is a big bundle with you, a huge bundle." He spied the _takuan_ and his
face broadened into a smile. "Ah! If dismissed, it has been with honour.
Doubtless the _takuan_ i