i and the house of a _do[u]shin_ in
Yotsuya. There is small likelihood of meeting old acquaintances. Be sure
to remember that it is Densuke of Kyo[u]bashi; not Densuke of Yotsuya.
This pass will answer to the gate-man. Substitutes are common. Whether
it be Densuke or Taro[u]bei who cooks the rice makes no difference;
provided the rice be well cooked. Taro[u]bei's service lies elsewhere;
to Densuke San deep his obligation." He held out the pass, and Densuke
took it.

With mutual salutation and joy in heart they parted. Densuke betook
himself to the _yashiki_ of Matsudaira Aki no Kami at Kasumigaseki. No
difficulties were encountered. Taro[u]bei was not so superlative as a
cook that the substitute could not be better than the original. At this
place Densuke acted the part of the _komatsukibatta_. This is a narrow
brown weevil, some three parts of an inch in length, and which stands on
its head making the repeated movements of _o'jigi_, much as at a
ceremonial encounter in Nippon. Densuke was not long in becoming well
liked. He was ready to run errands for all, outside of the hours of his
duties. From those higher up in the _yashiki_ these errands brought him
coin. Every month he could bring O'Mino twenty to thirty _mon_ in
"cash"; apart from the ample rations of rice and _daikon_ bestowed on
the kitchen staff. Nay: as cook at times fish could not be allowed to
spoil, and fell to the perquisites of Densuke. Thus time passed; and
with it the delivery of O'Mino, and the crisis in the affairs of Densuke
approached. Now Geishu[u] Sama[7] was a fourth month _daimyo[u]_. Hence
with the iris blossoms he took his departure from Edo to the government
of his fief in Aki province. The Sakuji Machibugyo[u], one Takahashi
Daihachiro[u], plead illness on this occasion of the exodus. As unable
to accompany his lord he remained in Edo. On plea of convenience he
established himself in the abandoned quarters of the _ashigaru_ or
common soldiers, situated right over Densuke's cooking stoves. Entirely
removed from the bustle of the household, except during Densuke's now
rare attendance, he secured complete isolation and quiet. Densuke went
on cooking for Takahashi Sama, just as if it had been for the whole
military household. Daihachiro[u] was a forbidding kind of man; and it
was with no amiable look that he greeted Densuke when the latter
appeared very late to prepare the meal. It being the 5th month 5th day
(the _sekku_) of Tenwa 3rd year (