_gotsu-gotsu_. This was too much for
her curiosity. Her old suspicion came back, that Densuke had turned
robber. She poked a little hole in the straw wrapping. Some kind of
cloth covering was within; a _kimono_ without doubt. Through its tissue
something shone white. The kitchen knife was close at hand on the
brazier (_hibachi_). She reached out, and in a moment the rope was
severed. "Oya! Oya!" Out rolled a head. An arm, two helpless flexible
legs were extended before her. With a scream of horror O'Mino fell flat
on her back. Lying stretched out she uttered one sharp cry after
another. The neighbouring wives came hurrying in, a stream of humanity.
"What is wrong? A young wife screams not without cause. Oya! Oya! O'Mino
San has given birth to a baby and a head. Iya! Head, limbs, body--a
monstrous parturition!" With the woman groaning in the pain of her
delivery, the wives in confusion, children flying to summon the men
folk, the whole district was in an uproar. In the midst of the confusion
arrived Densuke and the wife of Jusuke. As yet he had not found courage
to confess. He was still "deciding." A neighbour greeted him--"Densuke
San! Strange things have happened to O'Mino San. She has given birth to
a head and a baby at the same time. Hasten, Densuke San! Hasten!"
Densuke did hasten; but it was to disappear down the nearest byway in
headlong flight. Amazed and confounded the wife of Jusuke proceeded
alone to the house; as the first thing to set eyes on the head of her
husband, eyes still open and glaring in death. With a cry she
precipitated herself upon it; took it in her arms. The midwife, summoned
in haste, parted infant from mother. Thus did O'Iwa San come forth into
the world.

The affair was grave. The _kenshi_ (coroner) was soon on the scene.
O'Mino with feeble voice told what she knew. "Deign to examine into the
affair beyond the surface. My husband Densuke is not the man to commit
this crime. Ask the neighbours, who know him. Last night he brought
three _ryo[u]_, given him by Takahashi Daihachiro[u] Sama, the Sakuji
Machibugyo[u] of Geishu[u] Ko[u]. He said that it was for important
service rendered. There is no doubt that Takahashi San is the murderer.
Deign to examine well; show benevolence.... Ah! This Mino shall have
vengeance. For seven lives Daihachiro[u] shall be pursued...." Her eyes
became injected with blood. Her breast heaved painfully in the attempt
to get air. The women around her gave cries of