d the usually peaceful Imaizumi was in a
most violent and truculent humour. He glared with hate on Natsume, who
now aided Akiyama in efforts to soothe his anger. On entering the
assembly the looks of all were composed. "A retribution for deeds in the
past world. Old; but so vigorous! The offering is a mere trifle. This
Kyuzo[u] would burn a stick of incense." Kibei extended his thanks and
suppressed his smile as much as possible. He was breathing with full
lungs for the first time in weeks. The storm was over; happiness was
ahead; the clouded sky was all serene. "Thanks are felt. This Kibei is
most fortunate: nay, grateful. Such kindness is not to be forgotten
during life."--"The Inkyo[u] an _hotoke_; Iemon Dono and O'Hana are the
husband and wife not present?" The question came from some one in the
room. "O'Hana San is very ill. Her state is serious. Iemon does not
leave her." Akiyama answered for the truant pair. Kibei's joy was
complete.

Akiyama, Natsume, Imaizumi were standing by Kwaiba's body. Kamimura
slowly approached. The long man's face was longer than ever; longer,
much longer than that of Natsume; and Kibei was not in the running.
Goemon meditatively fondled his nose; on the pretence of concentrating
thought, and for the purpose of relieving that member from the savour
arising from Kwaiba's bier. This was no bed of roses--"Yes, the Inkyo[u]
is indeed dead." He sniffed. "Soon it will be the turn of all of you--to
be like this;" another sniff--"of Iemon and O'Hana, of Natsume and
Imaizumi, of this Akiyama San." The latter gave a violent start. With
hand to his nose also, he turned on the intruder. Continued Goemon--"A
plot was concocted against O'Iwa San. Beggared and driven from the ward,
deceived and sold as a street harlot, this death of the Inkyo[u] is but
the first in the roll of her vengeance. Kamimura speaks with pure heart
and without malice. You men are not long for this world. Is Akiyama San
reconciled? And...." He pointed a skinny finger at Kyuzo[u], then at
Jinzaemon. "You show it. Your eyes are hollow; your nostrils are fallen
in. The colour of the face is livid. You seem already to be _hotoke_,
prepared to lie with the Go Inkyo[u]." Akiyama found his tongue. He
burst out in a rage--"The jest is unseemly. Kamimura San goes too far.
It is true this Cho[u]zaemon gave counsel to Ito[u] Kwaiba. Kyuzo[u] and
Jinzaemon took some part in what followed. But we acted on the orders of
Ito[u] Dono, of Iemon