Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House) Part 9

More than the sun's circuit pa.s.sed in these excesses, physical and mental, weighed upon him. He would rest a moment and consider his course amid the holy surroundings. Yakushi? The G.o.d was the physical healer in his theology and his services the strong and healthy youth did not need.

Jizo[u] Sama, or the six Jizo[u] Sama, but a little way off? Probably the gentle divinity no longer regarded him as under tutelage. But the Lady Merciful--Kwannon Sama--why not make his pet.i.tion to her? It was an inspiration, and earnest was the prayer which followed it--"Lady of Mercy, deign to regard with pity the unfortunate lovers. Grant that some exit be found for their woes, less harsh than the severance of the vital knot, offence to the Lord Buddha. Kwannon Sama! Kwannon Sama!... may the Buddha's will be done!" As he spoke a heavy object fell from above, to graze his shoulder and land at his feet. He stooped and picked it up.

With astonished delight he noted the glittering coin within the bag. Ah!

Ah! Away with all ideas of self destruction. Here was the means to escape the guilty consequence. Here was the ransom of Kogiku. He had shuddered at thought of return to the side of that woman, in death to wander the paths of Shideyama (in h.e.l.l) with the unhappy ghost--bald headed! Here now was the solution, in wine and the flesh and blood of the living long-tressed Kogiku, a very different person. His thought now turned to Yoshiwara. But--Naruhodo! Here was a second pet.i.tioner at this extraordinary hour. With amazement he saw a girl come flying across the tree and lantern dotted s.p.a.ce before the great temple. There was something in gait and manner that he recognized, despite the deep _ko[u]so[u]-zukin_ concealing her features. From the shadow of the steps he sprang forward to confront her. It was so! The face beneath the _zukin_ was that of O'Some the beloved of his brother Minosuke. The great dye house of the Iwakuniya sent much work to the minor establishment of Aizawaya in Honjo[u]. His brother had such matters in his charge. At sight of Masajiro[u] the face of the sixteen year old O'Some was dyed like unto the maple. "O'Some San! Here; and at this hour! Is it some visit to the shrine that in such haste...." In place of answer she wrung her hands and plead to be released. She must die. The river was not far off; there to end her woes. The scandal caused in the affair between herself and Minosuke had brought her to shame. Solemn had been the vows pa.s.sed between them, tender the acknowledgments. By some retribution from a past existence thus she had found pollution with a beast. The heart yet was pure, and there was nothing to do but die.

Deign forthwith to release her.

In his amazement he nearly did so. Alas! All these young girls, at least the desirable ones, wanted only to die. To become a divinity by death--_Shingami_--seemed to the feminine brain in youth the height of fashion. Very well: but he would seek to dissuade her. His pockets full of gold the present beauty of O'Some dimmed the past charms of Kogiku.

She yielded to force and his urgency in so far as to accompany him to a refreshment stand just opening with the dawn. The mistress greeted them with kindness and affection. She showed them to an inner room. Here he urged his suit; flight and a home with the devoted nurse at Koshigayatsu. But O'Some was unwilling. She had been "foxed"--herself was but a mere moor-fox. Deign to leave her to her own sad fate. It was the brother that she loved. Since she was deprived of him, she would seek the embraces only of the waters of the river. She urged and plead so prettily that her sadness and gloom entered into his own heart. She should be his companion. Kogiku in despite would join them. Thus the three together would find comfort in the shadow land of Meido. He gave up all attempt to persuade the girl. Briefly and almost harshly--"Be it so. Then we will die together. This Masajiro[u] is under contract to die; and too tired to walk so far to find a partner. Condescend to await the night. Then we will take the shortest course to the river."

To this O'Some joyfully agreed. The day was pa.s.sed in such harmless dalliance and favour as a young girl can show, who has had her own way; with a young man willing to dispense with thought during the intervening s.p.a.ce of time before a not overly agreeable ending; and under the auspices of an honoured hostess fee'd by the glitter of coin into a consenting obtuseness. With the night they set forth in the rain. The river bank was not far off, but such vulgar plunge from the edge of the coa.r.s.e promiscuity of Hanagawado[u] was not to the taste of either.

Then, as now, a ferry not far from the Adzuma bridge crossed to the pretty sounding "Eight hundred Pines." _Yashiki_ then surrounded, a palace to-day covers the site. They watched the ferryman pushing off into the river's darkness. Then hand in hand they strolled up the bank of the stream, under the gloomy trees, seeking the favoured spot of their undoing. Suddenly O'Some stopped; sank at the feet of Masajiro[u].

His hand sought the handle of the dagger. The weapon raised he was about to plunge it into the tender neck. Then a shout startled his ear. "Rash youths--Wait! Wait!" A powerful grasp was on his arm. With a shiver he came to consciousness. O'Some, the river, the bag of gold in his bosom, all had disappeared. He was lying on the steps of the Jizo[u]do[u], surrounded by the _yakunin_. All had been a dream!

With open mouths the _yakunin_ in the court looked at each other. Lo!

They had nabbed a mere dreamer. How would his lordship take it? One more quick witted and thirstier than the rest answered for all--"Ha! Ah! A wretched fellow! Not only thief and firebug, but murderer also!" To the astonished and stammering protest of Masajiro[u] there was the answering scowl of a very Emma Dai-O[u] on the bench. "Miserable wretch! What is in the heart at best comes to the lips. This matter is to be sifted to the dregs, the witnesses examined. For offence so far disclosed he can take the lash. Then off with him to the jail." Masajiro[u], his back torn to ribbons and b.l.o.o.d.y with the fifty blows, was supported out of the court. Then the wine cup was condescended to the energy and acuteness of his captors. Enlivened by the morning's entertainment and his own big cup Aoyama Shu[u]zen rose and departed.

CHAPTER XVII

EMMA DAI-O[U] GIVES JUDGMENT

Great was the excitement and lamentable the experience of the Aizawaya.

The matter of O'Some had been under discussion with the Iwakuniya.

Beyond good words and cold courtesy little satisfaction could be obtained; nor could it be expected. The offence had been the work of a fox, and the jewel of a girl's reputation had been trodden in the mire.

Returned to the saddened home, the nurse of O'Some was found awaiting them. At the news she had hastened from the country to console her old mistress and to take her one time charge in her arms. "Alas! Alas! Is the matter so beyond remedy? Surely with a good dower the Iwakuniya...."--"'Tis no such affair," answered the mistress, wiping away her tears. "As fact the girl is a wretched wench, disregardless of the parents. The little fool fell madly in love with the figure of the eldest son of the dye-shop. It seems that daily she made pilgrimage and prayer to the Ushi no Gozen, to the Gentoku Inari. What more malign influence could be invoked! One day Minosuke came on a mission to the shop. She followed him to the street, and for hours her whereabouts was unknown, until this return in disgrace. Accompanying him to Asakusa, there she exchanged vows and pillows with him at a convenient a.s.signation house. Alas! On the return he was taken with a fit in the street. The prior of the Kido-ku-In, the great priest of the Shu[u]genja (Yamabushi), was pa.s.sing. His aid invoked, at once he recognized the rascal's disguise. Under the charms recited by the priest the true appearance was a.s.sumed, and a huge fox with a long tail darted away from the gathered crowd. No reputation has the girl gained by consorting with such a mate."

The nurse listened with amazed horror, turning first to the mother, then intently regarding the damasked face of O'Some, dyed red at the story of her shame. "Oya! Oya! Possessed by a fox! Alas! Truly it is almost irreparable. If it were mere defloration by the young master of Iwakuniya, that could be endured. But a fox mixed up in the matter....

Truly it would be well to take her off somewhere, to some hot spring in Idzu. There the influence can be removed, and O'Some San at least restored in mind." With this advice and gossip, with whispered consolation and laughing cheer--"'Tis no great matter after all; in the country--will be found girls a'plenty, quite as lucky or otherwise"--the kind and jovial dame took her leave.

The advice as to the hot spring seemed so good that preparations were under way in all haste. The straw baskets with their convenient deep covers to fit the larger or smaller needs of travel (_ko[u]ri_), the _furoshiki_ or large square wrapping cloths, lay in the middle of the room, amid the pile of wraps and clothing for daily and more formal use.

Skilled hands of maids and youths (_wakashu[u]-kozo[u]_) employed in the house were fast packing these latter into convenient parcels. Then to the hustle and bustle within the house was added the more unusual murmur of voices and tread of many feet without. The house owner (_ienushi_), accompanied by the head of the house block (_gumigashira_), entered in haste. Close at their heels followed the land owner (_jinushi_), the two bails (_jiuki_ and _tanauki_). All looked with surprise and suspicion at these hurried preparations for departure. "Oya! Oya! This will never do.

Honoured Sir of Aizawaya, the _yakunin_ are now at hand from the office of Aoyama Sama. Your daughter in summoned to the white sand. Remove at once these signs of what looks like a flight." Eyes agog the frightened parents watched their neighbours and the servants hustle goods and parcels into the closets. They had hardly done so when the _do[u]shin_, followed by several constables, burst into the room. "The girl Some, where is she? Don't attempt to lie, or conceal her whereabouts." Eyes ferreting everywhere, the parents too frightened to move, the _yakunin_ soon entered, dragging along the weeping O'Some. "Heigh! Heigh! The rope! At once she is to be bound and dragged before the honoured presence." Amid the bawling and the tumult at last the father found opportunity to make himself heard. He prostrated himself at the feet of the _do[u]shin_, so close to O'Some that the process of binding and roping necessarily included his own ample person. "Deign, honoured official, to forbear the rope. There is no resistance. The girl is very young, and ill. We accompany her to the presence of his lordship."

Weeping he preferred the request. Iyenushi, Jinushi, Gumi-gashira, in pity added their own pet.i.tion to the officer. This latter surveyed the slight figure of this fearful criminal. Besides, notoriously she had been foxed. He grumbled and conceded. "The rope can be forborne; not so as to the hands, which must be securely tied to prevent escape. The affair is most important. Delay there cannot be. His lordship is not to be kept waiting." Then he swept them all into his net. _Do[u]shin_, _Yakunin_, _Jinushi_, _Iyenushi_, _Gumi-gashira_, _Ban-gashira_, _Jiuki_, _Tanauki_, debtors, creditors, all and every in the slightest degree connected with the Aizawaya fell into the procession. But Edo town was growing used to these. 'Twas merely another haul of the active officers of the honoured Yakujin. "Kimyo[u] Cho[u]rai"--may the Buddha's will be done, but spare this Taro[u]bei, Jizaemon, Tasuke, or whoever the pet.i.tioner chanced to be.

Aoyama Shu[u]zen stalked slowly forward to the _ro[u]ka_. Scowling he ran his eye over the crowd, taking in each and every. Then his eyes fell--first on Kogiku, the harlot of the Uedaya; then on the shrinking beauty of O'Some of the Aizawaya. Shu[u]zen was improving in these days.

The Ue-Sama (Sho[u]gun) spoke harshly of those retainers who made no provision for issue to support loyally the fortune of his House. Let him who would seek his lord's favour furnish forth such n.o.ble and l.u.s.ty issue as in the Kamakura days, when Ho[u]jo[u] Tokimasa, Wada Yoshimori Hatakeyama Shigetada, the Kajiwara, Miura, Doi, attended the hunting field of their suzerain followed by a dozen l.u.s.ty heirs of the line--direct and indirect. Hence of late Shu[u]zen had renewed his matrimonial venture, and taken to his bed a second partner. For side issue and attendance on his household affairs, his office was a fruitful field. The families of those condemned suffered with them, and the more favoured served in Aoyama's household, in all offices, from that of ladies in waiting to menial service--down to the _yatsuho[u]ko[u]nin_.

These latter, slaves for life, were more fortunate than their sisters _yatsu yu[u]jo[u]_, who were condemned to be sold for life service as harlots in the Yoshiwara. It was a hard law; but it was the law of the Tokugawa, of before the days of the ruling House. Shu[u]zen profited greatly by it in the domestic sense. The harlot and the girl budding into womanhood would be acceptable addition to the companionship of his then bachelor existence.

His manner softened as he took his seat. His robes were more carefully adjusted. His cue bristled more erect. He was strikingly good looking.

Dismissing all minor offenders he took up at once the great case of the day. The wretched Masajiro[u], his back bloodily marked by the scourge, was crouching in shame at the white sand before him. Shu[u]zen gave him one savage glare, which added terror to his confusion before those once friends and relations. Then Shu[u]zen began carefully and insistently to scan the faces of the girls. They were well worth attention. O'Some, sixteen and a beauty, had these aids to her other charms--a _kimono_ of the fine striped silk of Izu, made in the neighbouring island of Hachijo[u] by girls well fitted themselves to give grace to the beautiful tissue, an _obi_ (sash) of fawn and scarlet into which was woven the shadowy figure, here and there, of a landscape--sketchy but suggestive. The belt which girded it within was of egg coloured c.r.a.pe, and the orange tissue broadened and hung down to add its touch of carefully contrasted colour. The hair was built high in the _taka-shimada_ style, tied on top with a five coloured knot of thick c.r.a.pe. The combs and other hair ornaments were beautiful, and befitting the cherished daughter of the well-to-do townsman. Then Shu[u]zen's look wandered to the harlot. Kogiku, Little Chrysanthemum, was noted in Edo town. Her beauty was more experienced, but hardly more mature than that of the town girl. Sedately she met the look, and without movement eyes plead smilingly for gentle treatment. She was dressed[19] in a robe of gauzy water coloured silk. The sleeves were widely patterned--as with her cla.s.s--but worked with rare harmony into the light grey colour of the robe. The long outer robe thrown over the inner garment (_uchikaku_) in these brilliant colours, in its tamer shades yet harmonized. Taken with the broad sash of the _obi_ it made her rival the peac.o.c.k in his grandest display. Her hair dressed high, was a bewildering harmony of the costly tortoise sh.e.l.l combs and pins (_kanzashi_) arrayed in crab-like eccentricity. The gold ornamentation glistened and sparkled amid the dark tresses. Truly Shu[u]zen was puzzled in this claim for priority between the unrivalled beauty and the fresher and naiver charms of inexperience. Ah! Both should be the cup-bearers. But the sequel!

Benten Sama alone could guide the lot.

It was ordered that the confession be read. Once more the judge, Shu[u]zen carefully watched the faces before him of those most concerned. It was not difficult to detect amid the confusion of O'Some, the growing wrath of Kogiku, an unfeigned astonishment. With some satisfaction he noted this evident discrepancy in the plea. Suave, yet still somewhat harsh, he addressed O'Some. "The confession of this wicked fellow has been heard. What has Some to say in answer thereto."

For a moment the girl raised her head to that of this Emma Dai-O[u].

Then in confusion she half turned as seeking support--"Mother! Mother!"

It was all she could say in her fright, and more than the mother could stand. She was the townswoman; self-a.s.sured in her way. She boldly advanced a knee. "With fear and respect: the girl is but of sixteen years, and the white sand has paralysed her thought and utterance.

Deign, honoured lord, to pardon the mother's speech." Then she went into details as to the late unfortunate occurrence. With indignant looks at the crushed and unfortunate Masajiro[u], she gave her own testimony which rang with truth. "Well he knows all this matter. For the past six days the girl has not left home or parents caring for her afflicted body. 'Tis only this fellow Masajiro[u] who claims to be the lover, to take the place of his brother Minosuke; a poor exchange in either case, with fellows who do but run after the harlots of Yoshiwara, to the bewitching of innocent girls." Tenderly she took the now weeping O'Some in her mother arms, and added her own tears to the soothing.

Shu[u]zen slowly leaked a smile. He left the pair to themselves and turned to Kogiku. "And you?" Kogiku was not so easily confused. Readily she confessed to the contract between herself and Masajiro[u]. "This affair of the rich purchaser from Kazusa came up suddenly. There seemed no outlet but suicide--if the dreary life away from Edo was to be avoided." Shu[u]zen took her up harshly--"Bound to the Uedaya for a term of years then you would cheat your master out of the money he expended on you. This is theft, and most reprehensible. For such it is hard to find excuse." His roughness puzzled and frightened even the experience of Kogiku. She became confused. Shu[u]zen was satisfied with the impression. He was unwilling further to delay his own prospects. Sending the matter over to the next sitting for final settlement he remanded all the accused--Masajiro[u] to the jail and repeated scourgings for the lies contained in his confession; the girls to his own care. His experiences for the time being would largely condition the final judgment.

Shu[u]zen was regular in his irregularities. Promptly, the case again convened, he gave judgment. There was none of the customary roughness in his manner. Even the official harshness was smoothed down. He dilated on the importance of the case, the necessity of making an example of this evident depravity of manners and morals affecting Edo town--"As for the girl Some, it is matter of question with whom she is involved, Masajiro[u] or Minosuke; both well could be her lovers. Thus she has fallen under strange influences and been foxed. Such a girl is not to be allowed to wander at random. As act of benevolence henceforth charge is continued as in the present conditions. Kogiku is still more reprehensible. The attempt to cheat her master being so brazenly confessed is hard to overlook. Owing to her previous life perhaps the feelings have become blunted. The same benevolence and punishment is awarded to her--with hope of future amendment." The master of the Uedaya, crouching close to his head clerk made a wry face. The two men exchanged glances, and the clerk opened a very big round eye for his master to observe. The latter sighed. Continued Shu[u]zen severely--"As for this Masajiro[u], he is not only liar, but would-be firebug and thief. What is harboured in the mind he would put into deed. It is but chance which has saved the life and purse of the pa.s.sing citizen, and the sacred structures from the flames. To him the severest punishment is meet. However benevolence shall still hold its sway. Instead of the sword, banishment to the islands for the term of life, to serve as slave therein to the Eta--such his sentence. To this judgment there is no appeal." Abruptly he rose. The weeping father and mother were baffled by the nonchalance of the daughter, who had no chance to give them comfort, but was at once removed in company with the willing lady of pleasure and experience. The huddled form of Masajiro[u] was hustled roughly out with the kicks and blows to which he was becoming accustomed. Two or three years, under the rough charge of his new masters, were pretty sure to witness his body cast out on the moorland to the kites--or into the sea for fishes to knaw.

It was the _banto[u]_ (clerk), faint with the hunger of long waiting, who led the parents into the first cook shop encountered on the way.

Here over greens and cold water the father sighed, the mother wept apart, the clerk eyed biliously the meagre fare. Then in poured the company of Kogiku--a noisy, merry crowd. There were expressions of amused discomfiture, caught by the sharp ears of the clerk; suggestive references. He watched them; heard the lavish orders for food and wine--"Plenty of wine, and piping hot"--"Respectfully heard and understood." The waiting girls were at their wit's end. The feast in progress the _banto[u]_ came boldly forward. "Honoured sirs, deign to note these parents here, deprived of their daughter. Your honoured selves have lost a girl of much value to your master. How is it then that you thus deign to rejoice? Plainly the grief of these must be out of place." The man addressed more directly looked him over coldly; then cast an eye on the distressed father and mother, at their meagre fare.

His manner changed. He became more cordial. "Good sir, the affair is not to be taken thus! Sentence has been given, but...." He laughed--"it can be revoked. Already in the inner room the master is in consultation with the agent of Takai Yokubei San (Mr. Highly Covetous), Aikawa Dono,--the honoured _yo[u]nin_ of Aoyama Sama. A round bribe, and the girl will be released...." The words were not out of his mouth when the father was on his feet. Led by the _banto[u]_ he made the rounds of all--pimps, bawds, and bouncers--soliciting their influence--"Honoured gentlemen of the Yoshiwara, deign to interfere in the matter, to plead with the master of the Uedaya. House, lands, goods, all these are nothing if the cherished daughter be restored." He wept; and they took pity on his inexperience. The first speaker at once sprang up and went to the inner room. The master of the Uedaya cordially desired their presence. Added funds were no drawback to his own pet.i.tion in the dealings with Yokubei San. The parents introduced he told them--"It is but a matter of cash. Kogiku, within the next three days, must be delivered to the _go[u]shi_ of Kazusa, or else a large forfeit paid. She can kill herself on the day following. 'Tis no affair of the Uedaya. Add your gift of a hundred _ryo[u]_ to the bribe of the Uedaya, and Saisuke San, here present, can a.s.sure success. Aikawa Dono surely has not left the court. He awaits report, with as great anxiety as your honoured selves. As for the Tono Sama, he has had the presence of the girls for the six days, and will be all the more easily worked on. But from all accounts the honoured daughter had little to lose in the experience. She would make a splendid Go-Tayu." Seeing no sign of acquiescence he shrugged his shoulders, and continued to the honoured Saisuke San--"A most annoying affair: a hundred _ryo[u]_ to this shark, and only the premium and the debts of the _oiran_ will be paid. But he will take no less?... Be sure she shall learn the use of the _semeba_ (punishment cell) before she finds her new master." Saisuke San with slow smile made answer--"Be sure that by night she will be in your hands, ready for the experience."

Rejoicing the parents gave thanks, and betook themselves to their home.

Half ruined, again O'Some would gladden their hearts. But the mother had an eye to the expense, and promised a reception hardly better than that awaiting Little Chrysanthemum. Why show favouritism? There was small difference between the two. But this the father energetically denied.

Meanwhile Aoyama Shu[u]zen was preparing for his wine feast, one of a pleasant succession extended over this interval. With misgiving and no pleasure he saw the entrance of Aikawa Chu[u]dayu. The chamberlain brought with him the account books. Shu[u]zen's experience, however, noted past profit as salve to annoyance. He was a bitter hard man in domestic administration; cutting down food, and by fines the wages, of those more regularly employed in the household. This made the threatened loss of women serving by compulsion the more severe. Chu[u]dayu knew how to deal with his master. Affairs in the household were not going well, under the free indulgence of Shu[u]zen toward himself and his pleasures.

Besides he was about to deprive him of his new favourites. At a sign Kogiku and O'Some, already present by the lord's favour, withdrew. The younger girl had aged ten years in experience with this companionship of the week. Chu[u]dayu watched them depart. Then sighed heavily. "Ah! Ha!

So it's _that_." Shu[u]zen moved testily, as sharply he regarded his satellite. "Acting under the instructions of your lordship, the box of cakes has duly been received from Saisuke. The affairs of the household require a large sum. Her ladyship's confinement is to be considered, the entertainments required by custom for the expected heir. To return the gift means to your lordship--the sacrifice of two hundred _ryo[u]_. May the Tono Sama deign to consider a moment. Such double good fortune is rare--and the messenger waits upon this trifling sacrifice of a pleasure for which subst.i.tutes easily can be found." He drew the _furoshiki_ from the box. Shu[u]zen sighed; but did not hesitate. "Hasten Saisuke off at once; with the exchange." He placed the box in a closet close by. "As for the wine feast, Chu[u]dayu shall be the cup-bearer. Shu[u]zen is in an ill humour." He had an ugly look. Chu[u]dayu, however, did not draw back. Leaning forward with a smile--"This Chu[u]dayu would make report, to the pleasure of the Tono Sama."--"Of what?" asked Aoyama, in some surprise at his chamberlain's earnest manner. "Of the whereabouts and close proximity of Kosaka Jinnai."--"Ah!" The tone of voice had the depth of years of expectant hate.

CHAPTER XVIII

KOSAKA JINNAI

When Takeda Shingen swept down upon the lower provinces in 1571, fought a rear guard action at Mikatagahara, in which he nearly extinguished Tokugawa Iyeyasu, with a taste of the latter's remarkable powers of recuperation, he went on to his real aim of a trial of strength with the main Oda forces in Mikawa and O[u]mi. The great captain lost his life by a stray bullet before Noda castle. His death for long kept secret, until the northern forces had withdrawn into the fastnesses of Kai, the war languished, to be renewed with greater activity under the rash and ignorant leadership of his son. Katsuyori and his tribe cut belly at Temmoku-zan, the last and successful bid of Iyeyasu against his former enemies. Then the Tokugawa standard was planted from Suruga to Mikawa, and Iyeyasu became indisputably the first of n.o.bunaga's va.s.sals--and one never thoroughly trusted.

Among the twenty-four captains of Takeda Shingen was a Kosaka Danjo[u]

no Chu[u]den. His son Heima inherited the devotion, as well as the fief, of the father. Unlike many of the Takeda va.s.sals in Kai he clung to Katsuyori Ko[u] through all the bad weather of that unlucky prince. Kai was no longer a safe place for va.s.sals true to the native House. Better luck could be a.s.sured with the old enemies, the Uesugi in the North. But Heima would not seek other service than that of his once lord. He only sought a place to live.

When the ex-soldier appeared with his wife in the village of Nishi-Furutsuka at the base of Tsukuba, the people thereabouts had more than strong suspicion that he who came so quietly into their midst was not of their kind. However his presence was accepted. His willingness to take up farm labour and another status, to become a _go[u]shi_ or gentleman farmer, his valued aid and leadership in the troubled times which followed, were much appreciated. The year 1599 found the old fox Iyeyasu Ko[u] planted in Edo castle; and Jisuke, as Heima now called himself, leaning over the cradle of a boy just born--a very jewel.

Jisuke's wife was now over forty years in age. Hence this unexpected offspring was all the dearer. In the years there had been losses and distress. The new-comer surely was the gift from the Kwannondo[u]

nestled on the slopes of the mountain far above the village. To the Lady Merciful many the prayers for such aid.

The child grew and prospered. A farmer's boy, yet he was the _bushi's_ son; made plain in every action. Under the tutelage of the priests of the neighbouring Zen temple he learned all that they chose to teach, far outstripped his fellows, and in cla.s.s room and in sport was their natural leader. Sport was the better test. With years Jinnosuke tired of the clerical teaching. The leader of the village band he was its mainstay in the wars with boys of rival hamlets thereabouts. These were soon driven away, and their own precincts invaded at will. The mountain became distinctively the property of Jinnosuke and his youthful companions, whose whole sport was devoted to mimic warfare. Their leader, thus unchallenged, became more and more reckless; more and more longed to distinguish himself by some feat beyond mere counterfeit war.

One day, under his direction, in the storming of the hill which represented the enemy's castle, much brushwood and dried leaves were gathered. "Now then! Set the fire! The foe, blinded by the smoke, perishes under our blows. On! On!" The other children eagerly obeyed.

The blazing ma.s.s towered up and up. The trees now were on fire. The wind blowing fiercely drove the fire directly on to the Kwannondo[u], which stood for the citadel of the besieged. Soon the temple itself was in flames. Greatly excited the boys swarmed amid the smoke and confusion as if in real battle. "Now--for the plunder!" At Jinnosuke's order the furniture of the temple was made the object of loot, heaped up at a safe distance for future division.

Thus engaged loud shouts met their ears. In fright the band of youngsters turned to meet the presence of the enraged inc.u.mbent, the _do[u]mori_. The temple was his charge and residence. His small necessities were supplied by visits to the villages below. "Oi! Oi!

wretched little villains! Thus to fire the temple in your sport is most scandalous. Surely your heads shall be wrung off--one by one. Terrible the punishment--from Heaven and the Daikwan."[20] The boys in confusion began to slink away. Then the voice of Jinnosuke rose above the tumult.

"On! On! This priest stinks of blood. Be not cowards! The commander of the castle would frighten with words. 'Tis he who is afraid. It is his part to cut belly in defeat and die amid the ruins." In a trice the whole pack had faced around. Boldly with staves they set upon the priest. Numbers brought him helpless to the ground. There was a large stone lying close by. Heaving it to his shoulder Jinnosuke stood over the prostrate man. "According to rule the matter is thus to be conducted. This fellow is to be given the finishing stroke; then buried in the castle ruins." He cast down the heavy block with all his force.

The priest's brains were spattered on the ground. Under the direction of Jinnosuke the body with feebly twitching limbs was thrown into the now blazing ma.s.s of the temple. Then forming in line, and raising the shout of victory, the youthful band of heroes marched off to the village.

Under pain of his displeasure--which meant much--Jinnosuke forbade any bragging or reference to the affair. Wisely: a day or two after a peasant came on the scene. In fright the man hastened to make report. At once buzz was most tremendous. Was it accident or the work of thieves, this disaster? Said one man sagely--"The _do[u]mori_ was a great drunkard. Deign to consider. The temple furniture is untouched. Thieves would have carried it off. He carried it out to safety, to fall a victim in a further attempt at salvage. The offence lies with the priest, not with the villagers." The report pleased all, none too anxious to offend the bands of robbers ranging the mountain ma.s.s and the neighbouring villages. Thus report was made by the village council to the Daikwan's office. The temple authorities had a severe reprimand for allowing such a drunkard to be in charge of the shrine. Jinnosuke stuck his tongue in his cheek. "Trust to the valour and skill of this Jinnosuke. These constables are fools." But his companions were a little frightened with this late exploit. Their numbers fell off. Many of them now came to the age fit for farm work. Jinnosuke was not long in finding subst.i.tutes in the real thieves who haunted the neighbourhood. Their spy, and often engaged in their raids, yet in his own district he was only known as a bad and dissipated boy.

Something of this had to come to the ears of Jisuke; but not the full extent of his son's wickedness. He sought a remedy for what he thought mere wild behaviour. Now in the town, years ago, there had lived a poor farmer and his wife; "water drinkers," in the local expression for bitter poverty. The man laboured at day tasks, and the wife laboured as hard with him, bearing her baby girl on her back. Jisuke aided as he could, and as was his wont, and when the pair were taken down and died with a prevailing epidemic disease, it was Jisuke and his wife who took the child to themselves, to bring her up as their own. O'Ichi San grew into a beautiful girl, and at this time Jisuke and his wife trusted to her favour and influence to bring Jinnosuke to the sedateness and regularity of a farmer's life. The girl blushed and looked down as she listened to what was more than request, though put in mildest form. "One so humble is hardly likely to please the young master. Filial duty bids this Ichi to obey, and yield her person at command." The mother was more than gratified at the a.s.sent and modesty--"Dutiful you have always been.

We parents have no eyes. The whole matter is left to you. If Jinnosuke can be taken by your person, perchance he will devote his time to home and the farm work, now so irksome to his father. Where he goes in these long absences is not known; they can be for no good purpose." Thus the arrangement was made. The girl now busied herself about and with Jinnosuke. She was the one to attend to all his comforts, to await his often late return. Thus used to her he soon began to look on her with anything but brotherly eyes. Was she not the daughter of old Taro[u]bei, the water drinker? He knew the story well. Thus one night he took O'Ichi to himself. She pleased him--as with the parents. No objection was anywhere raised to the connection; a village of Nippon has cognizance of such matters; and in short order public notice was given of the marriage.

The influence was not of long duration. With his wife's pregnancy Jinnosuke disappeared. From the age of thirteen years he had been hand in glove with all the rough fellows of the district. These were stirring times in the south. There was something to pick up. After all was not he a _samurai's_ son. Jinnosuke was too late for action. Although but seventeen years old his short st.u.r.dy and astonishingly active frame and skill with weapons was a welcome addition to the band that Ogita Kuro[u]ji had gathered after the fall of O[u]saka-jo[u]. Now Jinnosuke figured as Kosaka Jinnai. Here first he came in contact with the law and Aoyama Shu[u]zen. On this failure he betook himself at once to the disguise of his native village; to enter it as quietly as if he never had left it, to find himself the father of a baby girl, Kikujo[u], and to procreate another on his patient wife. But before this second girl, O'Yui, was born Jinnosuke, as the village still knew him, had again disappeared. This was in strict accordance with his principle, of which something is to be said.

Of these O[u]saka _ro[u]nin_, determined not to take another master, there were three Jinnai. In council over past failure, said Tomizawa Jinnai.[21] "The ambition of this Tomizawa?" He laughed. Jinnai was no distinctive term in this gathering. "It is to collect all the beautiful costumes of Nippon."--"Admirable indeed!" chimed in Sho[u]ji Jinnai (or Jinemon, as he called himself). "But why stop at the surface? As you know, the ambition of this Sho[u]ji had long been to see gathered together all the most beautiful women of Nippon. And you, Kosaka?"--"To see all distinction done away with between other men's property and my own."--"Splendid indeed! But don't poach on our ground." The two others clapped their hands and laughed. Kosaka Jinnai did not. "Well then--to put the matter to the test," said he callously. Tomizawa Jinnai forthwith took up the collection of old clothing and costumes of divers sorts. He can be said to be the ancestor of the old clothes trade of Edo--To[u]kyo[u]; and the Tomizawacho[u] at Ningyo[u]cho[u] no Yokocho[u], the place of his residence, is his memorial. To this day it is a centre for old clothes shops. Sho[u]ji Jinnai pressed the pet.i.tion he had once put in (Keicho[u] 17th year--1612) as Jinemon before being finally convinced of the righteousness of a Tokugawa world. He was lucky enough to find oblivion and reward in the permit for a harlot quarter.

As its bailiff (_na.n.u.shi_) he a.s.sembled three thousand beautiful women for the service of the Yoshiwara, then at f.u.kiyacho[u] near Nihonbashi, and of which O[u]mondori is the chief relic. Kosaka Jinnai, under such encouragement and auspices, betook himself more vigorously than ever to robbery; enhanced by a mighty idea which the years gradually brought to ripeness in his mind. From being a sandal bearer Hideyoshi the Taiko[u]

had risen to rule. He, Jinnai, would emulate the example and rise to rule from being a bandit. He was not, and would not be, the only one of the kind in the political world. Hence his wide travels through the provinces, his seeking out all the most desperate and villainous characters, for he had "trust" in few others, his weaving together of a vast conspiracy of crime, not to be equalled in any time but the closing days of the Ashikaga Sho[u]gunate--and that not so far off. Of this period of Jinnai's life there is a tale to relate.