complexion, Cho[u]bei took
them, smelled and carefully tasted, and finally put some of the paste on
the end of the _hashi_ or sticks to arrange the charcoal in the
_hibachi_. A smell of garlic pervaded the room. He noted the puffy face
of O'Iwa, the unnatural, almost ghastly, white of the skin where the
wide pockmarks permitted it to be seen. Within the circles of these
scars there was a curious striated effect, only seen at times in the
efforts of artists to depict the supernatural, or of savages to frighten
their foes. It gave a drawn cadaverous look to the lower part of the
face. "There is more in it than _that_," mused Cho[u]bei. During her
stay O'Iwa had one of her attacks--of nerves--in fact a true epileptic
seizure. Cho[u]bei put an embargo at once on all remedies but his own.
Cynically, he added--"But elsewhere there will be no Cho[u]bei. If the
Okusama deigns to apply the drugs of Suian Sensei where she now goes,
doubtless she will find early relief. At present they spoil Cho[u]bei's
efforts." The clever rascal at once recognized his fellow in Suian,
bribed to render O'Iwa more hideous than Nature had made her, to take
away her womanhood and hope of an heir to the Tamiya. To poison her?
That he doubted; although the ignorance of leech and victim might
readily lead to such result.

Within the seven days O'Iwa San once more could show herself in public.
It was now Cho[u]bei's part to carry the plot to completion. Iemon, at
the proposition, had said--"Sell her as a night-hawk! An ugly woman like
that no one will approach."--"'Tis Cho[u]bei's trade," said the pimp
coolly. "In Yoshidamachi they have noses--over night. Between dark and
dawn the member melts, becomes distorted, and has to be made. It has
served its purpose. This is Cho[u]bei's affair. Provided that O'Iwa
never again troubles the presence of Iemon Sama the object is
attained."--"That is true. Do what you please. Kill her, if desired.
O'Iwa in the Yotsuya; and Cho[u]bei feels the wrath of Ito[u] Dono, of
this Iemon." Unwillingly he signed the contract required by Cho[u]bei.
He gave the latter a fee of ten _ryo[u]_ for the excision of this
excrescence, and with a sigh of joy learned of the disappearance in
company of the pimp and O'Iwa. Within three days carpenters and other
workmen swarmed over the Tamiya in Samoncho[u]. The master made ready
for his return.

O'Taki had gone forth on a mission for Cho[u]bei. This would insure her
absence for the great