had all the harsh vices and capabilities of the
warrior age. Turning to Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaemon--"Endo[u] Uji has seen
the vision, not fox or _tanuki_. This has been the experience of the
_chu[u]gen_?" Saburo[u]zaemon did not like the connection; nor did he
like Shu[u]zen. "It is fact. Rokuzo was bewitched, not Endo[u]. See to
it that Aoyama Dono has better luck." Thus tacitly he would force the
mission on Shu[u]zen. The latter suppressed his anger at the assumption.
"Endo[u] Dono, as with this Shu[u]zen, is _hatamoto_ of the land. Such
vile rascals as these do not make them object of their tricks."--"Don't
be too sure of that," replied Endo[u]. "Neither fox nor _tanuki_ would
care for the company of the vision. This Saburo[u]zaemon does but seek
to give it rest--and himself." He spoke with some gloom. Said Aoyama
with decision--"Agreed! What may be the reward?" A chorus of protest
went up. "Reward! Reward!... The applause of all.... The interest in the
tale, as with that of Endo[u] Dono, just recited." But Shu[u]zen smiled
and shook his head--"Endo[u] Dono seeks the good will of an unworshipped
demon." Saburo[u]zaemon shot a glance at him. "Shu[u]zen too has his
object. Otherwise, let others volunteer." The force of what he said was
made plain by the silence of the company. The stories told, none longed
for the experience. Thought Montaro[u] testily--"This fellow always has
something in his sleeve." With hesitation--"Endo[u] deserves reward, and
claims it not. Aoyama would have it in advance. How now: a sword?" All
looked inquisitively at Shu[u]zen. They were surprised and disgruntled
at his gesture of dissent. He knew the ancients, and could suspect a
trap. "Shu[u]zen knows the kind. As with buying radishes at Yanagibara;
one good for nothing, and bringing anything but honour.... Shu[u]zen
selects his own weapon, nor asks reward apart from the issue." Kondo[u]
Noborinosuke clapped his hands. The younger man was a favourite and
kindred spirit of his own, near enough in age to be congenial. "The
presiding chair at the Endurance Society meeting. We are _samurai_,
_hatamoto_ of the land. Gold is not to the purpose. A sword is bought
with gold. Let Aoyama Uji make report to the meeting, and on that hang
the office." Shu[u]zen was the first to nod eager assent. All agreed;
with no great joy at prospect of the coming test, yet afraid of his
refusal. Thus the company separated, committed to a meeting of the Gaman
Kwai at the ho