sposal of his property
after his death, and to settle all his earthly affairs.

On the following day, towards noon, he made ready to go to
Jiurozayemon's house, bidding one of his apprentices precede him with
a complimentary present.[31] Jiurozayemon, who was waiting with
impatience for Chobei to come, so soon as he heard of his arrival
ordered his retainers to usher him into his presence; and Chobei,
having bade his apprentices without fail to come and fetch him that
night, went into the house.

[Footnote 31: It is customary, on the occasion of a first visit to a
house, to carry a present to the owner, who gives something of equal
value on returning the visit.]

No sooner had he reached the room next to that in which Jiurozayemon
was sitting than he saw that his suspicions of treachery were well
founded; for two men with drawn swords rushed upon him, and tried to
cut him down. Deftly avoiding their blows, however, he tripped up the
one, and kicking the other in the ribs, sent him reeling and
breathless against the wall; then, as calmly as if nothing had
happened he presented himself before Jiurozayemon, who, peeping
through a chink in the sliding-doors, had watched his retainers'
failure.

"Welcome, welcome, Master Chobei," said he. "I always had heard that
you were a man of mettle, and I wanted to see what stuff you were made
of; so I bade my retainers put your courage to the test. That was a
masterly throw of yours. Well, you must excuse this churlish
reception: come and sit down by me."

"Pray do not mention it, my lord," said Chobei, smiling rather
scornfully. "I know that my poor skill is not to be measured with
that of a noble Samurai; and if these two good gentlemen had the worst
of it just now, it was mere luck--that's all."

So, after the usual compliments had been exchanged, Chobei sat down by
Jiurozayemon, and the attendants brought in wine and condiments.
Before they began to drink, however, Jiurozayemon said--

"You must be tired and exhausted with your walk this hot day, Master
Chobei. I thought that perhaps a bath might refresh you, so I ordered
my men to get it ready for you. Would you not like to bathe and make
yourself comfortable?"

Chobei suspected that this was a trick to strip him, and take him
unawares when he should have laid aside his dirk. However, he answered
cheerfully--

"Your lordship is very good. I shall be glad to avail myself of your
kind offer. Pray excuse me for a few mo