cleared up. But the black-hearted Kosuké determined to seize this opportunity of abusing the innocent youth, and make him give up all idea of returing to the oil-shop.
Kosuké had scarcely entered the door, before he cried: "Is Kyūsaku in? Hisamatsu has committed a serious misdeed, so I have brought him back on purpose from Ōsaka."
When O-Mitsu heard Hisamatsu's name mentioned, she rushed out and joyfully exclaimed: "Oh, Hisamatsu San! How glad I am to see you back!"
"You should be sorrowful, not glad, that Hisamatsu has returied," broke in Kosuké. "He has appropriated the large sum of 150 ryō, and spent it on harlots! So I have come to demand from Kyūsaku immediate repayment of the money. If he refuse, I will deliver Hisamatsu to the authorities."
"Oh! Impossible!" exclaimed the girl. "Hisamatsu is incapable of such a thing! The charge must be false! Oh, Hisamatsu, plead your innocence!"
"If he could have explained away his charge, I would not have taken the trouble to bring him
