together. Suddenly she was transformed into a demon. Leaping on Mobei
she tore and clutched at him. Ko[u]ta and this Take ran to aid him.
Ko[u]ta lies helpless and with a broken jaw. Truly it might have been
the kick of a horse she received. This Take is--as can be seen. The Lady
O'Iwa disappeared toward Warigesui. A _chu[u]gen_ saw her leap in.
Probably she has killed herself.... And now, O'Taki San, is not your man
Cho[u]bei a scoundrel?"

Said O'Taki--"Rightly spoken; more than right. Wait here." Abruptly she
entered the inner room. To Cho[u]bei--"You ... my fine fellow ... is
this a time for _go_? Up and off with you; to accompany O'Take and
O'Haru from Toemon's in Honjo[u]. A pretty business is in preparation
there." Said the embarrassed and enraged Cho[u]bei--"Wh-what does this
rude entrance of Taki mean? Is not the master of the metal shop present?
Is such language, such abruptness, to be used in his presence?"--"The
Danna of the _doguya_ is certainly present," coolly replied the woman.
"It would be better if he was at home.... Honoured Sir, pray betake
yourself there. This Cho[u]bei has business with Toemon Sama of
Honjo[u], the brothel keeper and chief of the night-hawks, to whom he
has sold for life service as a street harlot the Lady O'Iwa, wife of the
_go-kenin_ Iemon Dono and heir of Tamiya Matazaemon the _do[u]shin_. A
man can be too clever--as this Cho[u]bei, who cheats his wife and all
others. Do you be clever enough to take the hint and depart.... Off with
you!" The _doguya_ had sat in silence. His eyes were popping out of his
head in frightened amaze. Cho[u]bei bounded up in a rage--"You
huzzy--shut up! Would you publish the affairs of this Cho[u]bei to the
world? Many a bridge is to be passed in the course through this world;
and none too sure the footing. Money must be had to live and enjoy life.
The result, not the means, is the important factor in its acquisition.
Such rudeness to a guest! Vile jade, Cho[u]bei will...." O'Take and
O'Haru had to interfere--"Fight it out later, Cho[u]bei San. This
quarrel is no concern of ours. The sooner the master is seen, the better
for Cho[u]bei San. His rage is great, and mounting. You have the
contract? With that face the master; if you can."--"Just so! Just so! As
for this wench--she shall have something to remember this Cho[u]bei
by...." The worthy and trembling metal dealer took this remark as threat
of renewed violence. "For the kind reception and entertainm