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uld be little hope of aid. Just then, however, the train of some lord came in sight. With one hand the leader held Zensuke by the bosom of his robe. The hand holding the money belt was already thrust in his own bosom. In a moment it would be free. Then Zensuke would go in company with Jugoro[u] to the Yellow Fountain (in Hell). His captor gave a startled cry. "The train of Geishu[u] Sama! Lose no time!" As he wrenched himself away Zensuke sank his teeth deep into the man's hand. With a howl of pain the fellow made off, exchanging a little finger for the three hundred and twenty-five _ryo[u]_ in Zensuke's _do[u]maki_. The _banto[u]_ crouched in conventional attitude by the roadside. His distress was plain; the prostrate body of a man evidence of some unusual condition. A _samurai_ left the passing train and came up to investigate. "Ah! Robbery and murder: follow behind to the _tsujiban_. It is their affair." With moans and groans Zensuke made his report. He was indignant at the luxury of these watchmen, toasting at their fire. They noted it; looked at each other and out into the snowy night, and laughed with contempt. For a tradesman's money belt were they to disturb themselves? They questioned him harshly, in such way as to excuse any further effort on their part. Surely the thieves by this time were at the other end of Edo. Two of them, however, did accompany Zensuke to the scene of the hold-up. Casting an eye over Jugoro[u]'s mangled corpse, said one--"A good fight: the occasion has been missed. As perhaps the criminal this man is to be bound. Probably his intent was to run away with the master's funds." Roughly they seized him, hustled him back to the guardhouse. Trussed up Zensuke had to spend the hours in alarm and fear. Luckily the _kenshi_ soon appeared. It was the _o[u]misoka_. No official business would be performed during the three days following. Jugoro[u] could hardly exercise patience and remain as he was for that space of time. So the examination was duly held. The Shimaya soon secured the body of Jugoro[u] and the release of Zensuke. The latter's evidence was put on record; none too satisfactory, as the concealing _zukin_ prevented any recognition or description of the features of the assailants. He only knew of the cries of impatience at wounds received, and knew that he had left his mark on his own opponent. How then were they to be run down? The _kenshi_ showed some impatience. Said he to the captain
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