Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House) Part 10

CHAPTER XIX

A MATTER OF PEDESTRIANISM

Up to the very recent days of Meiji the precincts of the Shiba San-en-zan Zo[u]jo[u]ji, now known more particularly as the most accessible of the burial places of the Tokugawa Sho[u]gun, were an excellent example of the old monastic establishments. The main temple with its wide grounds was completely girdled by a succession of halls or monastic foundations, some of which were famed through the land for their theological teaching of the principles of the Jo[u]do[u] sect.

Conspicuous among these were the Tenjingatani and the Mushigatani, seminaries widely sought for the erudition of the professors. In all nearly three thousand students attended the halls, with an eye to an ecclesiastical future.

On the dawn of a cold winter morning a priestly clad man, a _shoke_ or one of the lowest clerical order, mainly notable for the vastness and robustness of his proportions, could have been seen leaving the gate of the Tokucho[u]-in. His size alone would have attracted attention, for the mouse coloured _kimono_, the white leggings and mitts (_tekko[u]_), the double soled _waraji_ (sandals) fastened on a pair of big feet, were usual travelling equipment of his kind, made sure by the close woven _ajiro_ or mushroom hat covering his head; admirable shelter against heat in summer, and a canopy--umbrella like--against falling snow in winter. By somewhat devious route he strode along a narrow lane, crossed the Gokurakubashi and halted before the Chu[u]mon on the broad avenue leading up to the temple. A glance thither satisfied him for a leave-taking, which yet displayed some sentiment. A few moments carried him without the entrance gate, and but few more saw him crossing Kanesujibashi, evidently on some long tramp, if the steady swing of a practised walker, in no haste and conserving his strength, is any test.

The road in those days pa.s.sed through a long succession of village houses, the _cho[u]_ of Shiba village, broken very occasionally by a _yashiki_ wall. It was not until he reached the barrier at Takanawa, Kurumacho[u], that he came full out on the bay just lighting up with the coming day--a beautiful stretch of water, now spoiled by the ugliness of the railway and the filling in which has turned the haunt of thousands of wild fowl into a prairie, soon to be covered by hideous factories and other sites of man's superfluous toil. Close by the little saddle at Shinagawa, now a railway cutting, a stream came into the bay from the west. On the bridge the priest Dentatsu stopped for a moment.

Throughout, from the time of leaving Kanesujibashi, he had had a feeling of being followed. Now he determined to get a good look at his pursuer, it was not particularly satisfying. "Iya! An ill looking chap--with an eye like a knife." The object of these remarks had halted with him, at the further side of the bridge. He was contemplating the water with one eye, the priest with the other. A short st.u.r.dy man of forty odd years, Dentatsu noted the good but thin upper garment, the close fitting leggings, the well chosen _waraji_, the copper handled dagger in his girdle. Furthermore he noted a cold decision in the glance of the eye that he liked least of all in the fellow's equipment.

This was a man he would not choose for companion--"Bah! Short Legs, this Dentatsu will soon leave your stumps in the rear. A little speed, and this doubtful fellow is left behind beyond hope." So off started his reverence at the full pace of his huge legs and really great endurance.

Through O[u]mori and Kamata, crossing in the same boat at the Rokugo ferry, through Kawasaki and Tsurumigi--totsu-totsu-totsu the stranger's legs kept easy pace with those of the priest. "A most extraordinary fellow," thought Dentatsu. "He moves as on springs. It would be well to settle matters at once with him." Halting he waited for this pursuer to close up the few score feet maintained between them. His frowning manner had a genial greeting. "Ah! Ha! Truly the Go Shukke Sama[22] is no mean walker. But even then company on the road is good. From the Zo[u]jo[u]ji; by that _kesa_ (stole), dress, and carriage? Probably the honoured priest has a long journey before him--to the capital?" Dentatsu duly scanned his company--"To the Chion-In, the parent temple, and none too fond of companionship on the road. Deign, good sir, to spare yours; with such short legs the task of precedence would be out of the question. Drop the useless effort of this pursuit, which becomes an annoyance."

Dentatsu's manner was truculent, his grasp on his stick even threatening. The fellow met this rough greeting with the suavest determination. "Oya! Oya! Naruhodo, Go Shukke Sama! A very rude speech indeed! After all the highway is free to all, and I too travel the To[u]kaido[u] toward the capital. Deign to grant your company and the entertainment will be all the better. Don't be deceived by length, or lack of length, in one's legs. The promise will be kept not to detain you.... That you came from Zo[u]jo[u]ji is plain from your garb, if you had not been seen to turn into To[u]kaido[u] from the temple avenue....

I too travel Kyo[u]to way.... See! In our talk already Hodogaya town is pa.s.sed. This climb.... here is the top of the Yakimochizaka. The mark stands here to bound Sagami and Musashi. Ha! Ha! The Go Shukke Sama has splendid legs, but he is handicapped by his weight. Surely it cannot be less than two thousand _ryo[u]_ in coin that he carries in the pack on his shoulders. That contains no bills on the Sho[u]shidai (Governor) of the capital."

Ah! The matter now was fully lighted. The fellow then had known his mission from Zo[u]jo[u]ji to the parent temple, to remit this sum to the capital. Dentatsu had not antic.i.p.ated difficulty so early in his journey, nor did he much care for the contest which was offered him. He judged the man by his legs, and these were almost miraculous in swiftness, activity, and strength. "Alas! A dangerous fellow indeed. The luck of this Dentatsu is bad. What now is to be done?" The cold sweat at his responsibility gently bedewed his forehead. Yet Dentatsu was a brave man. The tradesman--or robber--laughed lightly. "Don't look so queer, so put out, honoured Shukke Sama. Truth is told in saying there is business on To[u]kaido[u]. Even if highwayman, the last thing thought of would be to meddle with the funds of the honoured Hotoke Sama (Buddha). Be rea.s.sured; and as such be more a.s.sured in having a companion. The coin?

Pure guess, and from the small size of the parcel and the evident difficulty found in carrying it. It weighs too much on one shoulder.

Trust not only the thief, but the trader to know the signs of cash....

You would breakfast at Totsuka town? Did they send you forth with empty belly? Surely the monastery kitchen has no such reputation for stinginess among the vulgar." His manner was so rea.s.suring that Dentatsu gained confidence in him and his profession. Gladly now he accepted this failure to relieve him of his precious burden, and this offer of company. He resented however the reflection on the monastery kitchen--"Not so! Nor is this foolish priest so at odds with the cook as not to find a bit of mountain whale (flesh) in the soup. Repletion is the aim and object of a monastic existence."--"Ha! Ha! Ha!" laughed the fellow. "Yet the honoured Shukke Sama would breakfast so close to Edo town! Good sir, deign to leave the matter to me. Both are in haste--you to the capital; I almost as far.... This Fujisawa is a wondrous place.

As priest you know its temple and its wandering prior, the precious relics of the Hangwan, but the woman Terute of course the priest despises; yet Oguri owed much to her--life and success in his vendetta.

Besides in a copse, just over yonder hill, is the shrine of the other Hangwan--Yos.h.i.tsune. A prayer to his head there buried brings success in warlike adventure, no great affair for cleric or tradesman.... Already the Banyu[u] ferry is close at hand. Surely if we would reach Sumpu (Shizuoka) this day there can be no lunching short of Odawara town."

Dentatsu would have stopped short, if such halt had not involved the rapid disappearance of this elastic and now entertaining companion. As it was both had to slow pace to let him get breath taken away by pure amazement. "Odawara town! Sumpu before night! Tradesman, have you gone mad? To Sumpu it is full forty-eight _ri_ (120 miles). You talk like a fool. Who is there, to walk such a stage in a day?"--"The honoured Shukke Sama and this tradesman. In talk and argument the ground flies under the feet of such walkers, and the promise to keep pace will be maintained. Just see--this is Kodzu town; yonder the waters of Sakawagawa. 'Tis early yet, but time can be spared for food. For exercise belly timber is needed. A good lining of wine and food to the inwards is the tonic to more talk and exertion. Now in with you, to this broad s.p.a.ce leading to the castle--the keep of O[u]kubo Kaga no Kami, with his hundred thousand _koku_ and the trust of the suzerain worth all his other honours. Ah! Here is the eight roofed Minoya, best of its kind in the town. And what a town. Between wine, food, and singing girls, one loiters as long as a second Odawara conference; at times to one's ruin.... Ah! Ha! A stop for the mid-day meal. Ne[e]san, no more delay than needed. Speed is urgent, yet food and wine of the best. The honoured Shukke Sama is affected toward vegetable food.... What! The Buddha called wine _hannyato_--hot water bringing wisdom? Ne[e]san, the honoured Shukke Sama is a man of sense, no ascetic when unsatiated--or on a journey. He would wear out belly and _waraji_ (sandals) on the same service. Fish boiled with a little salt, _sashimi_ (sliced raw fish)--and _don't_ forget the _kamaboku_ (fish paste). Two bottles for each, with as much more heating. Bring a large bowl, empty. Never mind the change.... And now, honoured Shukke Sama, deign at least to the uninitiated the basis of this wondrous argument." Dentatsu could not take offence at his merry humour. Himself he smiled, as he poured from the second bottle of the wine. "Yes; the Buddha has called wine _hannyato_, thus permitting its use to the initiated; just as stronger foods, properly labelled, are fit for the belly. Thus by the mouth is purified what goes into the belly. If the mouth can perform l.u.s.tration in the one case, it can do so by its exercise in another and more intimate fashion." The fellow was immensely pleased. Leaning over he had drunk in the countenance of the priest in the course of his argument--"Naruhodo! A big body: 'twas feared the mind would be small.

Deign, honoured sir, to wait a moment; a purchase to make...." Off he bolted with the _domburi_ or large bowl, something of a mystery to the priest. It was soon solved by his reappearance with the vessel filled with the small salted squid (_ika_). "There! Honoured Shukke Sama, sample the best of Odawara town, noted for _kamaboku_ and its small fish-salted; and of these the _ika_ is unsurpa.s.sed." As they drank the wine, urged on by the savoury relish, he gave few and brief directions.

The food was wrapped up by the _ne[e]san_, several bottles of wine put in the package, for use in a journey that must be pressed. "Now--the bill; for you, _ne[e]san_, what is left over. Honoured Shukke Sama, a gentle pace for the time being. The belly full, one loiters to let it do its work. From here to Yumoto is a _ri_ (2-1/2 miles), of most gentle rise. And what a pretty scene; the valley narrowing to its clinging hills hiding the strange and beautiful scenes beyond, yet which cause a little fear even to the stoutest hearts. This river seems alive, twisting, and turning, and pouring in mult.i.tudinous and minute falls over the rounded boulders. The greater falls are naught else--on the larger scale. All day one could watch the twists and turns of one spot in a rivulet, white, green, almost black, yet never the same.... Note how the pa.s.s narrows. This is Hata, beyond is the monkey's clinging hill--well named. More than one rock from the steep above has torn away the traveller's grasp and crushed a skull as if an egg sh.e.l.l." They breasted the steep hills through forest, came out on the gentler upper slopes covered with the long bamboo gra.s.s through which could be seen the rough heaped up surface of volcanic debris. The trader came to a halt. "A request to make."

"Ah! Now the fellow's mask is off--in this lonely spot.... He shall have a tussle for it." Dentatsu was as much enraged as scared. Grasping his staff he faced the townsman with harshness and visible irritation. Said the latter testily--"Put off the honoured scowl. Truly the distrust of the Shukke Sama is most uncomplimentary. But--as priest of Zo[u]jo[u]ji, and on its mission, there is a pa.s.sport. Women or guns with such, and those unfurnished, cannot pa.s.s the barrier. I am unfurnished." Dentatsu showed his amazement--"Yet you would journey to the capital!

And...."--"Started in great haste, without time even for equipment, as can be seen--in a way. Deign to grant the request of entering in 'companion.' With this favour all will be well, and the obligation greater." Said the priest gravely--"True: and companions for the day, breaking food together, it is no great matter. But a townsman as company--the barrier guards would certainly make question."--"Write the matter in; write the matter in. They shall have answer.... For whom? The name is Jimbei, of Kanda ward; but just now a servant of Zo[u]jo[u]ji.

Jimbei will be a credit to the honoured Shukke Sama. Write it in." His manner was so peremptory that the priest drew forth his writing materials. With one hand grinding his tablet of ink, with one eye watching Jimbei, he saw him disappear into the bushes. With misgiving the characters were added to the pa.s.sport, a gentle forgery easy to the cleric in mind and hand. Who would not cheat barrier and customs, and feel all the better for the deed? To the misgivings were added a gasp of astonishment. From the bush appeared Jimbei clad in full raiment of a temple servant, carrying pole and the two boxes (_ryo[u]gake_) on his shoulders, and so like to the role that Dentatsu felt as travelling in the style of his betters. "But ... in this lonely place how effect such change? How...." Jimbei quietly removed the doc.u.ment dangling from his fingers. "How--and why--and which--and where--all these are for later explanation. Time presses if Sumpu is to be reached at night. Jimbei answers for the credit of the Go Shukke Sama. Now, honoured sir--down the hill with you." They were standing on the crest overlooking the lake far below. Jimbei set the example by starting off at a rapid pace. Never had priest better attendant, or one more skilled in dealing with barrier curiosity. He was loquacious, without giving information. The matter was clear, and Jimbei gave hint as to the mission and the burden. Dentatsu was given early clearance. At the top of Muko[u]zaka Jimbei loyally restored to him the precious burden until then a.s.sumed. "Now, sir priest, be a.s.sured of Jimbei Dono's good faith. The favour has been great. The acknowledgment shall be as great. In this life the Go Shukke Sama and this Jimbei are bound in brotherhood." If Dentatsu felt grateful, he also felt a little chilled.

"A wonderful fellow! Such legs on such a small body have never been seen.... Nor such an eye. This man is as much brains as bulk. Every member is intelligence--Extraordinary!" He kept this opinion to himself. Aloud--"This Dentatsu admits his inferiority. He is worn out.

Since Jimbei balks Mishima town, from there onward this foolish priest takes nag or _kago_." Was he speaking truth, or trying to get rid of him? Jimbei stopped and observed him keenly. Bah! His was the master mind over this poor cleric. "The Shukke Sama already has had test of Jimbei's wit and talk. Deign not to spit folly. Leave the matter to Jimbei, and be a.s.sured that the pa.s.sage of time and s.p.a.ce will go un.o.bserved." Nor did the priest find it otherwise. The leagues pa.s.sed on apace. At this rest shed they stopped awhile for tea, and to consume provision. At another Jimbei halted to order _sake_ for himself and companion. The sun was far down as the ferrymen landed them on the further side of the Fujikawa. Okitsu? Mio no Matsubara? No indeed: pa.s.sing under the walls of the Seikenji, Jimbei spoke with enthusiasm of the place famed for eatables--Sumpu town. To[u]to[u]mi-wan, Suruga-wan, furnished the fish, unsurpa.s.sed; the _tai_ (bream) of Okitsu, famed for _sashimi_--all these, including the best _sake_ in Nippon. Dentatsu sighed with weariness and antic.i.p.ated pleasure of the table set. Pa.s.sing through the darkness of full night the ma.s.s of a castle bulk could be made out. Then they came into the blaze of such light as a large provincial town afforded. Said Jimbei, with some exultation--"Sumpu town, and its inns of note. Eh! Honoured Shukke Sama!"

CHAPTER XX

THE AFFAIR OF KISHU[U] KE

Jimbei, as of one born and bred in the town, at once led his companion off from the castle precincts. The many lanterns hung out in the narrow streets showed this Jinshukucho[u] to be the lodging quarter of the town. Approaching the entrance of one more conspicuous--"The Yorozuya.... Ah! Shelter for the night." The maids kneeling at the entrance chorused their welcome. Keenly they took in the prospective guests, garb mainly, possessions less conspicuous. All Nipponese travel light, and tea money is to be judged by outward appearance. "Deign to enter;" the usual mechanical and none too enthusiastic greeting. Jimbei was at home--"And the eight mat room over looking the street?... Oh!

Ne[e]san is without memory." The girl, a little puzzled, admitted the defect and made apology. Alas! The room had been taken for one of the train of Kishu[u] Ke. They were _samurai_, on their lord's business, and would have no near neighbours. Another room of size and suitability was available. "Honoured Shukke Sama, water for the feet." Deftly he stripped off the sandals of Dentatsu, acted the servant to perfection, and attended to his own purification with practised swiftness. Then under the guidance of the maid the room was sought. The host appeared almost as soon with the inn register. "Dentatsu, _shoke_ of Jo[u]jo[u]ji; one companion--from Mishima this day." With grave face Jimbei made the entry; and Dentatsu gave all the approval of an outraged weariness.

"And now--the bath? Ne[e]san, the Danna Sama is large of body and liberal of needs. No vegetation as repast for him. Just a...." Jimbei went into a huge order of food and wine to repair their tired bodies.

The girl sighed in relief--"The honoured _bo[u]zu_-san (sir priest) is most considerate. He asks but what is easily supplied." To Jimbei's supposed inquiry--"To furnish out of the usual course is never easy. The honoured priests often give trouble." A serving man stuck his nose within the _sho[u]ji_. "For the honoured guests the bath...."--"Danna, the bath." The girl stood expectant. Following her guidance the weary Dentatsu, under the manipulation of his more active companion, underwent this partial renovation. Before the _zen_, well covered with the eatables, Dentatsu sighed--"Ah! Ha! This Dentatsu is weary beyond measure. To-morrow he will rest here. The distance...." Jimbei cut him short--"The Danna deigns to jest. The rest of a night, and all the weariness departs. Wine and food, sleep, will show the folly of such thought. Besides, the temple's important affair...." Dentatsu did not seem to be so solicitous concerning temple matters as his attendant.

Jimbei gave him little chance to show it. He prattled and talked, had much to ask of _ne[e]san_. This shortly, and as decided--"With an early start let the beds be laid at once." Off he dragged the unwilling Dentatsu. When they returned from preparation for the night the beds were laid. Dentatsu tumbled incontinently into one, and in a moment was snoring. Jimbei sat smoking, watching him and the girl making the final preparation of the chamber for the night. As she pa.s.sed close to him suddenly he seized her and drew her down to him--"Ara! Danna, this won't do at all. A maid in the inn, such service must be refused. Condescend to loosen." But Jimbei did not let her go. He drew her very close.--"Ha!

Ah! Indeed one is much in love. However don't be alarmed. It is another affair. The Go Shukke Sama has a little soul in a big body. He is wearied beyond measure; yet the temple affairs require an early start.

Deign to call us at the seventh hour, but be sure to say it is the sixth. Is it agreed?... For a hair ornament." The maid understood the coin and the innocent deception. Dimming the night light she took her departure. An inn of Nippon never sleeps.

Dentatsu was aroused, to find the lamp still burning brightly in the room. The maid, somewhat frightened, was vigorously shaking him. "Oya!

Oya! To shake up such a big Danna, 'tis terrific. He may deign to bestow a beating." Said Jimbei, with calm philosophy--"For the _kerai_ to inconvenience his master is not to be permitted. You are of the inn service. Hence not to be reproved by strangers. It is your function to arouse."--"The sixth hour!" grumbled Dentatsu. He rubbed his eyes as one who had just gone to sleep. Jimbei carried him off to the cleaning processes of early morn. The return found the table laid with the meal.

With quietness and despatch Jimbei settled all matters with the aplomb of the practised traveller. Before he was well awake Dentatsu found himself following after through the dark streets. "Surely the maid has mistaken the hour.[23] 'Tis yet the darkness of night."--"Not likely,"

interjected Jimbei, as swiftly he urged him on. "The girl sees to departure every day in the year. It is the darkness of bad weather, and all the more need for haste." He looked around in surprise. They had reached the ferry at the Tegoe crossing of the Abegawa, at the edge of the town. "Naruhodo! Not a coolie has yet appeared. There is no one to carry us across the river. How now! Has the girl really mistaken the hour?... Return? Why so? That would be to look ridiculous, and the woman is not worth scolding. However, this Jimbei knows...." With misgiving and protest Dentatsu followed him a little up stream, toward the Ambai-nai or Nitta crossing. Here the broad middle s.p.a.ce is usually left bare of flood. Jimbei began to strip.

"Naruhodo! Townsman, surely the crossing is not to be trod without the practised guidance of the coolies? This Dentatsu budges not a step...."--"Deign to be silent," was the reply. Jimbei was already in the water; with the priest's luggage and his own. With fright and interest Dentatsu watched him feel his way through the stream. Surely he was a most surprising fellow. On the other bank doubtless he would disappear at once. The big legs of Dentatsu trembled under him. He had thoughts of entrance, but the impossibility of overtaking these legs of quicksilver prevented him. "Ora pro n.o.bis"; these departing treasures.

No! Now he was returning. "Now, Go Shukke Sama, up with you." He made a back for Dentatsu, but the big man backed away. "Jimbei! Are you mad? Is Jimbei one to carry the big...."--"Body in which is lodged such a small soul? Be sure, sir priest, this Jimbei easily could shift double the weight. Up with you!... Don't put the hands over my eyes. A little higher: that's it." Off he started into the flood. The first channel was easy; barely to the thigh. Dentatsu walked across the intervening sand, with more confidence and not a word of doubting protest. Again, and readily, he mounted this surprising conveyance. The second attempt was another affair. The river flowed swift. The legs of Dentatsu were wound around the neck of Jimbei, now in water to his chest. He looked in fright and some pleasure at the waves, flicked here and there with white. Jimbei halted--"A fine sight, sir priest. Note the deep blue. It shows depth, yet this is the ford. Just below it runs far over man's head, with swift undercurrent. He who once is caught in it rises not again until the crossing is reached, far below." Said Dentatsu, scared and annoyed--"Why loiter then in such a dangerous place?"--"Because just now the world is Jimbei's world." The tone of voice, the look up he gave, froze the soul of Dentatsu.

"Just consider, sir priest. A movement, and the honoured Go Shukke Sama is food for fishes. His disappearance accounted for, his luggage, the two thousand _ryo[u]_ of the temple, pa.s.s to Jimbei as his heir, and none to make report. The honoured Shukke Sama, is he prepared?" Dentatsu was no fool. This man was in earnest for the moment. With all the calmness of a desperate position he made terms--"Life is everything.

Deign to place this foolish priest on solid ground. Jimbei takes the coin, goes unscathed, without word now or hereafter. The priest's word for it--and surely Jimbei fears not for himself." He clung fast to Jimbei's neck. The latter had gone off into a most outrageous peal of laughter which almost shook his freight from the perch aloft. Then slowly and carefully he proceeded into the shallows, set down his charge on the further bank--"A magnificent compliment: but no more of this.

Perhaps now the Go Shukke Sama will have trust in Jimbei, submit to his guidance. For once in earnest, the escape was a narrow one.... Ah! Ha!

Ha! Ha! How scared!" Dentatsu did not deny it--"More than frightened; thoroughly scared." He scanned his companion. "A most surprising fellow!

Surely...." He was perplexed. But Jimbei paid no attention to his questioning deferential manner. He was plainly the master--"Come now!

All haste is to be made." Urging the pace soon they were amid the hills.

The white light of dawn was approaching as they were reaching the top of a difficult climb. "The Utsunoya-to[u]ge (pa.s.s)," said Jimbei. A peculiar vibration in his voice made Dentatsu look at him with surprise.

His mouth was set. His eyes shone colder than ever. Every faculty of the man was awake and alert. Silent he halted, put down the pack on the steps of a little wayside shrine, drew out his pipe to smoke. "Beyond is the Tsuta no Hosomichi, running along the mountain side for some _cho[u]_; the 'slender road of Ivy,' for it is no wider than a creeper."--"A bad place!" mechanically murmured Dentatsu. "A very bad place!" was the grave reply.

Then the sound of steps was heard. A man, puffing, came up on the run.

He addressed himself with respect to Jimbei--"Honoured chief, they enter on the pa.s.s."--"Good: now--vamoose; but be at hand." The man saluted, to Jimbei and the priest, and disappeared in the direction whence he came.

"Vamoose? Vamoose? What and why this word vamoose?"--"Shut up!" was the emphatic reply of Jimbei. His eye turned to wayside shrine, close by at the summit of the pa.s.s. "Now, in with you, sir priest. No word or motion, if life be valued.... In with you." Dentatsu looked him all over. In resentment? If he felt it, he did not dare to show it.

Mechanically he turned and huddled himself within the grating. Jimbei forced it in on him, for the s.p.a.ce would but hold the big body of the priest. He had hardly done so when another man came running up, almost breathless--"Chief! They are at hand."--"Good: vamoose."--"Again 'vamoose'", grumbled Dentatsu openly.[24] "Why such strange words; and at least why not explain them?"--"Ah! Ha! A noisy priest; these clerics can do nothing but clack, clack, like a parcel of geese or women. Even the best of them--who thus consorts with Jimbei. Remember, Bo[u]zu--silence, or the Go Shukke Sama finds Nirvana--not Gion; or was it Chion." With a silent ferocious laugh, or expression of such, he disappeared into the bushes.

But few moments pa.s.sed. Dentatsu wriggled uneasily in his robes, the only motion s.p.a.ce permitted. Then was heard the merry sound of bells. A pack train appeared; or rather two horses, one as carrier. A _samurai_ rode in front; another followed on foot. Four or five grooms were in attendance. Close by the shrine, at the top of the ascent, they halted to get wind after this last steep pull. "What a splendid sight!

Naruhodo, Gemba Dono! The sun rises from the bosom of the waters. How blue they seem! The hills take shape in the dawn's light. Truly the start, so inconveniently early, is repaid in part. One could stay here forever ... what call you this place?... Tsuta no Hosomichi? And the resort of highwaymen. But the _samurai_ has his sword. Such fellows are not of the kind to trouble. Much more so a _tanka_ couplet to celebrate the beauty of the spot." He laughed, and his companion swaggered to the front of the shrine, with that peculiar hip motion of his caste.

Dentatsu held his breath. The grooms chanted the few lines of a song--"The eight _ri_ of Hakone--the horse's pack; the Oigawa--its wide flood, not so." Slowly they rose to follow the masters. He who walked preceded. The pack horse followed. The rider was well engaged in the narrow way. The grooms were preparing to follow. Then a man burst forth from the bushes at the roadside. "Atsu!" The _samurai_ had but hand on his sword hilt when his a.s.sailant had cut deep into shoulder and pap.

His companion tried to turn. Then Dentatsu saw the animal he rode stagger and fall. The rider had but time to throw himself to the ground.

Before he could rise his head rolled off a dozen paces, then bounded down the steep slope. Striding over the body smoking in blood, Jimbei grasped the rein of the pack horse. The grooms, who had looked on eyes agog, took to flight down the pa.s.s as they had come. The whole affair had not taken two minutes.

Gasping with fright Dentatsu allowed himself to be dragged from the shrine. "Ah! Ha! Ha! A surprising fellow! Such activity was never shown by man. Truly Jimbei is of the hobgoblin kind." Jimbei was once more transformed. His costume of priests' attendant had been resumed. The carrying boxes, now much heavier, were ready to shoulder. Gravely he indicated the burden. "Four thousand _ryo[u]_ there; a thousand _ryo[u]_ to be carried elsewhere. But now there is need for great haste. Neither Jimbei nor the Go Shukke Sama is to be found in these parts. On with you, sir priest."--"Ah! Jimbei! Jimbei! A strange fellow indeed! What manner of company has this Dentatsu fallen in with?"--"This is no time for questions--or answers," was Jimbei's stern reply. "The relation evidently is for life. Jimbei recognizes it.... Yes, the crest is that of Kishu[u] Ke; the money, funds remitted to his treasury. Hence all the greater need to hasten." Speed they did, by paths and shorter ways unknown to Dentatsu as frequent traveller of this road, and which spared the Hamana bight and rest at the tea sheds of the To[u]kaido[u]. Fright urged on Dentatsu without protest; settled purpose hastened Jimbei. Thus Yoshida post town was reached in good time to inn, for the priest was half dead with fatigue.

Jimbei surveyed his charge, critically and with much kindness, as one does what has been of greatest use to him. "Not a step further can this Dentatsu go." It was not refusal; it was plain a.s.sertion of fact; and Jimbei agreed. "There is no longer need for haste. Two, three days stoppage, with the best of food and wine shall be the reward of the honoured Shukke Sama. Nay, until thoroughly restored." They had come from the bath and were seated at a table loaded with wine and food.

Dentatsu prepared to eat. Just then the landlord stuck his head in between the _sho[u]ji_. His face was anxious and frightened. "Regret is felt. On Utsunoyama, at the crossing of the pa.s.s, the honoured money train of Kishu[u] Ke has been held up and robbed. 'Tis a great affair; by some notable robber! At Yoshida none are allowed exit or entrance during the next six days. People and strangers are to undergo strict examination. Deign the honoured pardon, but ... after all the charges are to be met for the detention." The morsel then being conveyed to the mouth of Dentatsu stopped short. A warning look from Jimbei nearly made him choke. The townsman was all suavity and glee--"How fortunate! The honoured Shukke Sama, foot sore, would rest several days. And at no expense! The generosity of Matsudaira Ko[u] pa.s.ses measure. Are we not lucky, Danna?" To the host--"So it makes no difference. But at this distance...." The host shrugged his shoulders. "It would seem so; but the order is official. The notice came by boat from Oigawa. The whole To[u]kaido[u] is up--from Yoshida to Numazu town."--"And why not to Edo and the capital (Kyo[u]to)," Jimbei laughed. The host laughed too. Well satisfied with his guests' satisfaction he withdrew. Dentatsu did but blink.

The meal removed Jimbei sat in apparent thought. "A boat--and Yoshida!

Who would have thought it? Ah! The wicked are not to escape punishment.

Three feet nearer Heaven--on a stake; and one's belly full of wind holes--from the spears. Go Shukke Sama, the crime was a dastardly one.

Five thousand _ryo[u]_! Surely it means crucifixion on the embankment.

We will furnish poles for plover--to roost upon."[25] Dentatsu made a sign of frightened repulsion. He could not speak. Jimbei seemed to catch an idea. "Ne[e]san! Ne[e]san! keep the honoured Shukke Sama company over his wine. There is a purchase to make.... By the house? No such trouble asked. It is for _waraji_, with cloth in front and rear, indispensable.... Not found here? Nay, these eyes saw them on entering the town. Someone will get ahead in the purchase--with great regret. The place was seen, but not knowing the streets it is not to be described."

When the girl carried out the dishes, to bring in more wine, Dentatsu raised heavy reproachful eyes--"Then Jimbei would run away, leave the priest in the lurch." He cast a look at the hateful _ryo[u]gake_, stuffed with recent spoil. Jimbei froze him into silence--"From the town there is no escape. Leave the matter to Jimbei. Drink: even if the liquor chokes."--"A means of escape will be found?"--"Truly a big body and a cowardly heart. Why, man this but a difficult place. Jimbei leaves, to find an exit."--"Just so!" was the gloomy answer of the priest. He put his head in his hands. Meanwhile Jimbei betook himself to the front. To avoid annoyance he borrowed an inn lantern. With its broad mark of "Masuya," the name of the inn, he sallied out into the darkness.

He was gone nearly a whole watch. Dentatsu, a.s.sured of his desertion, was in despair. He had relied on the fertile mind of this scamp. Ah!

What a predicament this fellow had got him into. Then the voice of Jimbei sounded at his shoulder. Dentatsu almost leaped up. Instead he gulped down the _sake_, until then barely touched, to the maid's great astonishment. "Surely the Danna Sama must be ill."--"More likely tired, than unwell. But the wine will make it pa.s.s. The _waraji_? Here they are." He laughed as he drew them from his bosom. The girl was all astonishment. They were just as described; such as were never seen west of Hakone. Truly a sharp-sighted guest! When alone Jimbei spoke briefly--"Take courage. The matter is arranged." Said Dentatsu, heavy-eyed--"The mission settled? Has some other lost his life at Jimbei's hand?" Jimbei laughed; then frowned. "Neither blood nor coin does Jimbei spill for mere pastime. He has purpose." He handled the _waraji_. Said Dentatsu in some amaze--"Where did you get them?"--"In Odawara."--"Has Jimbei been to Odawara?"--"Just so: but not now. Jimbei is no Tengu Sama. Did not the Go Shukke Sama take food at Odawara? This kind are only found there; and pretexts are always needed to range a town in darkness. The mission is performed. Be a.s.sured that before day these very people will urge departure.... How so? Jimbei is not without friends; and has done his own part as well. The train is laid, and in all quarters of Yoshida town the fire will break out. The wind blows strong, and ... 'tis them or us." His look was so cold as to freeze.