xpected of a woman. Valour was shown in undertaking the
mission. And this fellow...." He turned sharply to the _chu[u]gen_ and
pointed to his fellow. "Mujina-take."--"What!" roared Shu[u]zen. He
looked from _chu[u]gen_ to lady, and from lady to _chu[u]gen_. They
seemed surprised. Stammered the man in fright--"It is but a nickname.
His name is Take, and he is very worthless. Hence he is called
Tanuki-take. I am called Yo[u]kai Isuke (Apparition Isuke), being
nothing but wind." Aoyama grunted a ready assent to this self critic.
The fellow's ignorance and cowardice was as gross as the material flesh
which Shu[u]zen tested with a well applied kick in the buttocks,
bringing Isuke in position to render first aid to his companion. This
was done by passing on the application. A vigorous snort followed the
thump on the back administered to Mujina. He sat up and regarded his
mate with astonishment. "Ah! The Yo[u]kai.... No more of that. 'Tis
Mujina's turn." This, when his fellow proposed a second application. The
return came sooner than anticipated. A terrific sneeze followed. Up came
his head sharply, and the _yo[u]kai_ rolled over backwards on the
ground. He rose in fury, holding his jaw. Shu[u]zen was laughing, the
lady smiling. "The distance is but short? Plainly those fellows are next
to worthless. This Shu[u]zen will act as guard." Thus did Aoyama go in
company to the _yashiki_ of Okumura Shu[u]zen; and thus was his second
night's venture brought to naught.

The arrival of the Ojo[u]sama (lady daughter) in company with Aoyama
caused much excitement. Okumura was of five hundred _koku_; Aoyama of
twelve hundred _koku_. The latter was at once ushered to the inner
apartments. The lady wife of Okumura came forward to urge his stay for
some entertainment. Aoyama in turn was curious to know more of this
mission in connection with a _hatamoto_ like himself. He spoke gravely
of the dangers in this neighbourhood, apart from the strange tales told.
Okumura Shu[u]zen heartily agreed. The charge being to Kishu[u] Ke was
not to be declined. Himself he had many strange tales to relate. Though
the hour was late, every effort was made. Aoyama Shu[u]zen was gratified
with a beautiful repast. The wine was served in person by Takigawa Dono.
The talk passed from personal affairs to tales of war. Here Aoyama was
in his element, both from experience and the tales of others heard in
the _hiban_ and at the meetings of the Gaman Kwai. This was a firs