Though not exactly of the kind desired, the intent has been good and the
stomach filled. Hence congratulations in turn for the New Year season."

Kakunai jumped as if some one had thrust the unblunted end of a spear
into his posteriors. He looked around, and over, and under the horse.
"Who speaks? Where from? And what concerning?... Yai! Yai! It's Kage!...
Is no one hiding hereabouts, to make a fool of Kakunai?" With eyes
bolting out he backed away in terror. The horse grinned broadly, showing
its ugly yellow teeth in attempt at graciousness--"It is true. Kage,
addresses the honoured _betto[u]_ Kakunai, gives congratulations to his
friend." Kakunai did not wait to receive them. Now he bolted forth in
person, to burst into the room of the _chu[u]gen_ Isuke, just then
struggling to arrange garments and hair for attendance on his lord's
progress. Head throbbing from not unliberal potations due to the seasons
festivities this was no pleasant task. To Kakunai's report the answer
was prompt and sour--"Kakunai is a liar or a fool; or if he would play a
jest on Isuke, his own head shall ache as badly." Kakunai accepted the
challenge and asseverated the truth of his report. Not at all convinced,
and with a gloomy satisfaction of the idea of having it out with Kakunai
on failure of the proof, Isuke accompanied the groom to the stable.
Kakunai gingerly made up to the horse--"Kakunai has been friend to Kage.
Hence he is called liar or fool or mountebank. Deign to prove his truth,
Kage Dono." Respectfully he bowed to the horse. The latter at once
turning to the _chu[u]gen_, brayed into his face--"'Tis fact. Kage is at
least as human as these his brothers. He speaks to whom he wills. Not so
with Isuke and Kakunai. A word to the Tono Sama, and Kage will kill and
eat these his friends. Keep his good will by friendship." Gently the
horse raised a front hoof. The voice was harsh; and the push, though
gentle--for a horse--sent Isuke flat, with reminder of Kage thus closely
applied. Without a word the _chu[u]gen_ wallowed from the floor, none
too clean, and took to flight. Kakunai followed after, holding his nose.
In the privacy of the _chu[u]gen's_ room Isuke changed to sweeter garb
and discussed the matter with Kakunai. Should his lordship be informed?
Kakunai, as immediate attendant and in greatest danger, earnestly
protested. Isuke at any time might be brought into closest contact with
Kage in his office of _chu[u]gen_ attending his mast