miya Matazaemon the _do[u]shin_. The Lady O'Iwa is traced to the hands
of Cho[u]bei. Settle the matter with those in office--_machibugyo[u]_,
_do[u]shin_, _yakunin_--when the affair comes to light...."--"Easily,"
burst in Cho[u]bei, once more himself. "Honoured chief, matters do not
call for such earnestness. All this is mere froth and fury. It is true
that Cho[u]bei has deceived the chief; but it was at the orders of those
much higher. The lady of Tamiya was an obstacle. The sale was ordered by
Iemon Dono himself; backed by Ito[u] Kwaiba the head of the Yotsuya
ward."--"Cho[u]bei, you lie," said Toemon. The words and advice of
Kakusuke still rang in his ears. "Iemon Dono? Ito[u] Dono? Who else will
Cho[u]bei bring in as his bails? Such a man is not to be trusted. With
this Toemon there is no more dealing. The guild is to be warned by a
circular letter."

At this fearful threat all Cho[u]bei's jauntiness left him. His
livelihood, his existence, were at stake. He prostrated himself before
Toemon, dragging his body over the _tatami_ to the _zen_ (low table) at
which was seated this autocrat of the night-hawks, this receiver of the
refuse and worn-out goods of his greater brothers in the trade. Toemon
harshly repulsed him with his foot. Cho[u]bei in despair turned to
O'Matsu--"Honoured lady the chief is unreasonably angry. There shall be
no loss of money, no harm suffered by the affair. Deign to say a word
for Cho[u]bei."--"Since when has Matsu had aught to do with the affairs
of the house? The women are her concern. She goes not outside her
province." The pimp sought the feet of O'Take--"Condescend to plead for
Cho[u]bei. His fault is venial. When no injury results, pardon follows.
This is to cut off the breath of Cho[u]bei, of wife and child. Deign to
intercede." The street harlot laughed. Her cracked voice was rough--"The
commission of Cho[u]bei San has no attractions. This Take has had enough
to do with the matter. Truly Cho[u]bei is a wicked fellow. Take would
fare badly in such intercourse. Besides his company is too high flown.
Officials! Samurai! Cho[u]bei San seeks and will find promotion in the
world. Lodgings are preparing for Cho[u]bei Sama in public office--on
the Ryo[u]gokubashi; of such he is assured." She drew away from him,
harshly cackling. Thus he crawled from one to the other. It was
"Cho[u]bei Sama," "Cho[u]bei Dono," in derision they would call him
prince--"Cho[u]bei Ko[u]." All stuck out their tongues