sage to the
paradise of Amida." He spoke unctuously; as one full informed and
longing for its trial. His homily had no effect in moving Tomobei, who
was flatly unwilling to perform the service ordered. "The wine...,"
broke in Kondo[u] harshly.--"The go-down is at the end of the lot. The
hour is very late, and the storm ... and other things ... it rages
fiercely. This Tomobei...."--"Shut up!" roared his master, with easily
roused anger. The maid O'Kiku timidly interposed--"There is a supply in
the kitchen. This Kiku early brought it there, anticipating the need.
Indeed the storm is terrible. One gets wet to the bone in traversing the
yard." The wife caught the last words--"Aye! Wet and chilled the lost
child spirit wanders, ringing its bell and vainly seeking aid and
shelter; no aid at hand but that of the heartless hag in the River of
Souls."[31] At the thought of the little O'Tama in cold and storm she
broke down. Crying bitterly, she crept from the room and laid down
beside the bier.

The wine was served. Myo[u]zen drank. Then he drank again. His
potations gave him confidence--for more drink--and recalled him to his
functions. "Let us all pray. Namu Myo[u]ho[u] Renge Kyo[u]! Namu
Myo[u]ho[u] Renge Kyo[u]! Wonderful the Law! Wonderful the _sutra_ of
the Lotus, explanatory of the Law by which mankind are saved, to enter
the paradise of Amida. Be sure the wanderings of O'Tama will be short.
Scanty is the power of the Shozuka no Baba. Soon shall the child sit
upon a lotus. Early shall be her entrance into Nirvana. Namu Myo[u]ho[u]
Renge Kyo[u]! Namu Myo[u]ho[u] Renge Kyo[u]!... Honoured master, let all
join in. Command the servants to join in the recital of the Daimoku."
Kondo[u] waved a hand at Tomobei and O'Kiku, in assent and command.
Vigorous were the tones of all in the responses. Myo[u]zen drank again.
He pressed the wine on the others; drinking in turn as they agreed. The
night was passing. It was the eighth hour (1-3 A.M.). Said he--"Don't
get drowsy. By every means avoid it. Now! A vigorous prayer." He raised
his hand--"Namu Myo[u]ho[u] Renge Kyo[u]! Namu Myo[u]ho[u] Renge
Kyo[u]!" But the responses were flagging. Said Myo[u]zen--"This will
never do; at this hour of the night." He drank again--to find that the
supply had come to an end. Kondo[u] was nodding. Tomobei, if awake, was
deaf to words. Myo[u]zen rose himself to fetch a new supply.

Kondo[u] pricked up his ears. The temple bells were booming the hour
w