point. The width was coated
thickly with dust, swept by breezes from without, and from the
disintegrating plaster (_kabe_) walls. The webs of spiders were woven
across it; across the aperture. Yet--again came the wild sounds of riot
above. This time the voices were distinct and close at hand. A woman was
struggling, pleading under torture. "Alas! Alas! Deign to show pity.
What has been the offence, thus to inflict punishment. Condescend the
honoured pity. Ah! Pardon there is none. The child is consigned from the
darkness of the womb to the darkness of death. Alas! Most harsh and
unkind! How avoid the eternal grudge? Unending the hate of...." The
voice, like to the sharp rending of silk, ended in the fearful shriek,
chilling, heart rending, paralysing even the stout heart of Endo[u]
Saburo[u]zaemon. "Ki-i-i!" There followed the ineffectual gurgling
wailing cries of one struggling for breath. Drawn sword in hand
Saburo[u]zaemon sprang up the stairway. Nothing! The _amado_ thrown back
in haste light enough was given to show the emptiness of the room. Still
the voice was heard. He passed beyond. As before--nothing; except the
voice, now plain, as at his very side.

Saburo[u]zaemon was now assured of some witchery. "This is Endo[u]
Saburo[u]zaemon Takekiyo, _hatamoto_ of the land. Whoever, or whatever,
be present, assume the proper shape. Fox or _tanuki_ (badger), strip off
all disguise; stand to the test of Saburo[u]zaemon's blade." But the sad
wailing voice made answer--"Unkind the words of Endo[u] Sama. This is no
trick of fox or badger. Meeting an untimely end, the Spirit now wanders
as an unworshipped demon; as one deprived of all honour in the grave.
Brave has been the deed of Endo[u] Dono. Others have come; to depart in
fright. He alone stays to challenge. For so much, thanks. Deign worship
to my spirit, the security of rest from its wanderings." Saburo[u]zaemon
in amazement looked around. The voice was clearly heard, and close to
him; yet naught was to be seen. "Whoever you be, if wronged the sword of
Saburo[u]zaemon is here to avenge the wrong. If in life, the perpetrator
shall pay the penalty of the misdeed; yourself shall secure worship.
Such is the office of a _bushi_--to aid the helpless. But cannot the
shape be seen? Why this concealment from the eyes of Saburo[u]zaemon?"
And the voice made answer--"Has Endo[u] Sama no eyes? Concentrate the
thoughts. Here! Here!" Carefully and long Saburo[u]zaemon scrutinized