. For long the cause and the criminal were
unknown. Then a _banto[u]_ was robbed in the Shiba Kirido[u]shi; his
companion was killed. The criminals were traced, and on confession were
put to death. The leader and most wicked of them also confessed to the
murder of the usurer Jusuke and to that of my father Densuke. My father
had met him again in Yu[u]ki town, and had aroused in him fear of
denunciation of past crimes. He spoke of 'this Densuke' as a
superstitious, haunted fool; thus in his wickedness regarding my
father's remorse and desire to clear up the strange affair. The
execution of this man removed all chance of my avenging the deaths of
father and mother on himself. But he has left behind a son. The one wish
of this Iwa is to meet with Kichitaro[u]; to avenge on him the
wickedness of his father Takahashi Daihachiro[u]." Iemon at first had
followed in idle mood her story. With the development of the details he
showed an attention which grew in intensity at every stage. With the
mention of the name of Takahashi Daihachiro[u] he gave a violent start.
Yanagibara Kazuma, Iemon Tamiya--what were these but names to cover this
Kichitaro[u], the one-time priest Myo[u]shin of the Jo[u]shinji at
Reigan Fukagawa, and son of Daihachiro[u].

Strange was this retributory fate which had brought these two into the
most intimate relations of husband and wife. When Iemon could control
his voice he said--"That O'Iwa San should have this feeling in reference
to the wicked Daihachiro[u] can be understood. But why such hatred
toward this Kichitaro[u]? Surely the boy is not to be held guilty of the
father's offence!"--"That is a man's way of reasoning," answered O'Iwa.
"A woman, ignorant and foolish, has but her feelings to consult. To
seven births this Iwa will clutch and chew the wicked son of a wicked
father. Against Kichitaro[u] is the vow made." She raised her head.
Iemon turned away shuddering. She had aged into a hag. The shining face,
the marks like black spots in pumice standing out, the mere dots of eyes
in their puffy bed, the spreading mouth with its large shining
teeth--all turned the plain gentle girl into a very demon. The
certainty, the intensity, of a malignant hate was driven into Iemon. He
was so frightened that he even nodded assent to her last words. The
gentle voice of O'Iwa added--"Iwa is ugly; perhaps annoys by the tale.
Leave the affair to her and to the enemy. To Iemon she is bound for two
existences. Deign to