to be sought
by the drastic method of the steel. Look to flight. Chu[u]dayu aids--nay
goes in company. Against him there can be no grudge. If Sampei and this
boy exist, they are not to be met within the _yashiki_ of Aoyama
Shu[u]zen--either by submission and riding in the jewelled palanquin, or
by the argument of the dagger. It is an easy matter for Chu[u]dayu. An
error confessed in conducting of the accounts, and with purse well lined
with the gold of Shu[u]zen this _yashiki_ is abandoned. O'Kiku Dono goes
in company. Between the two known connection there is none, and without
the wife this Sampei and Jumatsu go unharmed. In the relationship with
Jinnai the link is missing and Edo too wide a mark to pick them out. So
much can Chu[u]dayu answer for."

"Ah!" At times a Buddha is met in Hell itself. With astonishment and
reverence O'Kiku regarded this saintly apparition. Noting the impression
made Chu[u]dayu sat close by her. A little disturbed and restive she
moved away. "The words of Chu[u]dayu Dono are more than kind; never to
be forgotten in this world. By such means are Sampei and Jumatsu really
to be saved?"--"Most assuredly," was the smooth reply. "Chu[u]dayu acts
at once. Deign but the required pledge...."--"The pledge?" O'Kiku spoke
now with misgiving filtering into a sinking heart. Said Chu[u]dayu with
impatience--"Pledge: don't feign innocence, O'Kiku Dono. Does Chu[u]dayu
sacrifice all for the mere amusement of the affair. Amusement there is
indeed for him. O'Kiku must consent to accept this Chu[u]dayu. Deign to
change ox for horse. Failing Sampei, it is to Chu[u]dayu she grants her
favours. This is to be agreed--and right now, as pledge, a proof offered
of her sincerity." Now there was no mistaking the words in invitation
made plain by eye and gesture. She wrenched away the detaining hands
laid upon her; sprang up. "Ah! Villainous man! You would rob your lord,
deceive and betray this Kiku. Such speech is pollution to the ears; the
touch of such a creature is loathsome. Chu[u]dayu has the weapon of
Kiku; but Kiku can still cry out and bring the household about your
ears. Beast--away from here!" Armed as he was Chu[u]dayu was
afraid--"'Pollution'--'beast'? Ha! The woman's thought rises after all
to the surface in her hate. For this you shall pay. Just wait." He left
the room in haste, to betake himself at once to the apartments of the
_okugata_. O'Kiku crouched on the _tatami_, her eyes wide open, fastened
on