s for this Kyu[u]bei. Thanks are felt. But is
all this stuff Densuke's? He has not stolen it? Doubtless a woman is at
the bottom of the affair. Never mind; an opportunity presents itself to
offer you as _muko_--at the Tatsuya in Yokomachi. Of late a boy has been
hoped for, but another girl presented herself. A _muko_ now will be
welcome. The wife is getting past child-bearing, and there is little
hope of a son. The Tatsuya girl is just the thing. In a few months she
will be fit to be a wife. She...."

Densuke edged a word into this stream. "The honoured uncle is right.
The cause of Densuke's appearance is a woman." The old man made a face.
Said he--"Well, in such a case it is good to be out of it. This
Kyu[u]bei has heard talk of Densuke--and of all things with the
Ojo[u]san! That would be terrible indeed. But how is the Oni (demon)?
What a sight she is! Bald, one-eyed, hairless, with a face like a dish
and no nose--Kyu[u]bei came suddenly on her at dusk in the Yotsuya. Iya!
It was cold feet and chills for him for the space of seven days. It is
that which keeps Kyu[u]bei from Yotsuya, although a little aid would go
far. The last dealings in rice notes were not favourable. Besides,
account is soon to be rendered to Tamiya Dono. But though wicked of
temper and ugly, O'Mino San is rich. Even for the demon in time a good
match will be found. She will be the wife of an honoured _kenin_
(vassal), and the husband will buy _geisha_ and _joro[u]_ with the
money. Such is the expectation of Tamiya Dono. Don't allow any trifling
there. Remember that she is the daughter of a _go-kenin_. They talk of
Densuke in the Yotsuya. Of course it is all talk. Don't allow it to
happen." Densuke found an opening. The words meant one thing; the
expression another. "It is not _going_ to happen." Kyu[u]bei looked at
him aghast as he took in the meaning. "What! With the demon? Densuke has
committed the carnal sin with the demon? Oh, you filthy scoundrel! Rash,
inconsiderate boy! Obasan! Obasan!... What did she pay you for the
deed?... This low fellow Densuke, this foolish rascal of a nephew, has
been caught in fornication with the demon.... What a fool! How is it
that death has been escaped? And you have run away. Doubtless a
pregnancy has followed. After putting his daughter to death Tamiya Dono
will surely hunt out Densuke. Or perhaps keep O'Mino San until he
catches the interloper. Sinning together, both will die together. Ah! To
cross the Sanzu