30th May, 1683), perhaps he suspected
Densuke of preparation for, and participation in, the great festival
which was in progress. "Densuke is very late. This Daihachiro[u] has
made the trial; to find out that he is no cook. Indeed the right hand
has been severely burnt. A cook should be on time--for the meal, not the
_matsuri_." Densuke was all apology--"Nay, Danna Sama; it is not the
festival which has detained Densuke. An infant was expected to-day by
the wife. Hence Densuke's neglect. Deign to pardon him."--"A baby being
born is no reason why Daihachiro[u] should starve. Prepare the meal in
haste. The rice is to be soft; and please see that the fish also is
soft. Make the sauce not too sharp. It would give great trouble to make
the bath in the quarters. In Owarimachi, or Kubomachi, good bath-houses
are to be found." Densuke took the hint. At once he recommended one he
thought befitting the great man's greatness. "Well: _Sayonara_. See that
the meal is ready by the return." Off stalked Takahashi Daihachiro[u],
towel dangling from his hand, and toothbrush and bran bag in his bosom.

Densuke gave a sigh of relief as he left the court. Daihachiro[u] often
employed him on missions, and was never particularly generous even when
the transaction was decidedly shady. Densuke was dreadfully afraid of
him. Somehow he felt as if Daihachiro[u] was Fate--his fate. Turning to
his stoves, the pots and the pans, the meal soon was in successful
preparation. As Densuke lifted the cover to inspect the rice--splash! A
great red spot spread in widening circle over the white mass. In fright
Densuke clapped on the lid of the pot. He looked upward, to locate this
unusual condiment to his provision. On his forehead he received in
person a second consignment. Applying his finger to his head, and then
to his nose--"Blood! Ah! O'Take's fierce cat has caught a rat and is
chewing it in the room above. How vexatious! If the Danna should find
out...." Hastily he tried to shove his equipment to one side. This would
not do. The massive stone blocks forming the furnace were too heavy for
Densuke to move unaided. Somewhat helpless he looked around. The rice
was almost done; ready for the process of _murashite_, or simmering over
the slow fire. The fish, carefully prepared, as yet was to be cooked.
All was to be ready against the return of Daihachiro[u] Sama. Ah! Again
the dropping began. As finding some channel in the rough boarding of the
ceiling it cam