[u]bei's hands. As Kazuma
Uji knows, it is not much in his line. Let us share the good luck
together."--"Is she a monster; one of those long-necked, pop-eyed
_rokurokubi_?"--"That can be determined at the meeting," said the cautious
Cho[u]bei. "She is somewhat pock-marked, as with others. It is a matter of
luck. Cho[u]bei's position forces him to fall back on Kazuma San as the
only likely man to recommend. Deign not to refuse to come to his
aid."--"Rich, and granddaughter of people old in years." He eyed Cho[u]bei
quizzically. The latter nodded agreement. "No matter what her looks, this
Kazuma accepts with thanks--unless this be a jest of Cho[u]bei San."
Cho[u]bei slightly coughed--"There is a commission...."--"Ah! Then the
foundation is rock. As to commission, assuredly; Kazuma is not rich, nor
in funds."--"But will be. At ten _ryo[u]_ it is a cheap
affair."--"Agreed," replied the diviner carelessly. "The money will be
paid."--"With the delivery of the goods." Cho[u]bei now was all
gaiety--"Of the Rokurokubi, the monster with sextuple lengthed neck,"
laughed Kazuma Sensei as he took his leave. He was engaged to meet
Cho[u]bei the next day at the house of Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei in Yotsuya.

CHAPTER VII

IEMON APPEARS

In his difficult mission Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei had hopes of
Cho[u]bei; but not much more. It was with no small pleasure that he
heard the announcement of his visit the next morning. The maid was a
shade more civil--"Please wait." Kondo[u] was decidedly so. He greeted
Cho[u]bei with an effusion which Cho[u]bei noted. The tea brought, the
two men faced each other over the cups. To Kondo[u]'s inquiring
look--"Honoured master the task is a difficult one." He retailed his
experience at the Kanda market. Kondo[u] was somewhat discomfited. He
had put a different interpretation on the early visit of Cho[u]bei.
Continued the latter--"A difficult task, but not hopeless. Surely five
_ryo[u]_ is very small remuneration." Kondo[u]'s eye lit up. Cho[u]bei
had his man. "It is all this Kondo[u] is qualified to give. Cho[u]bei
knows Tamiya Dono. After all it is he who pays, and Cho[u]bei can
claim but his share. However, the matter is not urgent. A bad turn
with Matazaemon, and O'Naka will be much easier to deal with ...
unless it be Yoemon who interposes." He made a wry face; joined in by
Cho[u]bei. Kondo[u] went on--"It is matter of regret to have troubled
you. The parents of Natsume Kyuzo[u] show signs of brea