uld be little hope of aid. Just then, however,
the train of some lord came in sight. With one hand the leader held
Zensuke by the bosom of his robe. The hand holding the money belt was
already thrust in his own bosom. In a moment it would be free. Then
Zensuke would go in company with Jugoro[u] to the Yellow Fountain (in
Hell). His captor gave a startled cry. "The train of Geishu[u] Sama!
Lose no time!" As he wrenched himself away Zensuke sank his teeth deep
into the man's hand. With a howl of pain the fellow made off, exchanging
a little finger for the three hundred and twenty-five _ryo[u]_ in
Zensuke's _do[u]maki_.

The _banto[u]_ crouched in conventional attitude by the roadside. His
distress was plain; the prostrate body of a man evidence of some unusual
condition. A _samurai_ left the passing train and came up to
investigate. "Ah! Robbery and murder: follow behind to the _tsujiban_.
It is their affair." With moans and groans Zensuke made his report. He
was indignant at the luxury of these watchmen, toasting at their fire.
They noted it; looked at each other and out into the snowy night, and
laughed with contempt. For a tradesman's money belt were they to disturb
themselves? They questioned him harshly, in such way as to excuse any
further effort on their part. Surely the thieves by this time were at
the other end of Edo. Two of them, however, did accompany Zensuke to the
scene of the hold-up. Casting an eye over Jugoro[u]'s mangled corpse,
said one--"A good fight: the occasion has been missed. As perhaps the
criminal this man is to be bound. Probably his intent was to run away
with the master's funds." Roughly they seized him, hustled him back to
the guardhouse. Trussed up Zensuke had to spend the hours in alarm and
fear. Luckily the _kenshi_ soon appeared. It was the _o[u]misoka_. No
official business would be performed during the three days following.
Jugoro[u] could hardly exercise patience and remain as he was for that
space of time. So the examination was duly held. The Shimaya soon
secured the body of Jugoro[u] and the release of Zensuke. The latter's
evidence was put on record; none too satisfactory, as the concealing
_zukin_ prevented any recognition or description of the features of the
assailants. He only knew of the cries of impatience at wounds received,
and knew that he had left his mark on his own opponent. How then were
they to be run down? The _kenshi_ showed some impatience. Said he to the
captain