Tales from Old Japanese Dramas/Katsugorō's Revenge
Katsugorō's Revenge
From
The Hakoné Reigen Izari Kataki-uchi
By
Chikamatsu Tokuzō
Katsugorōs Revenge
I
HE Regent Taikō Hideyoshi had a retainer named Iinuma Sampei. He was a valiant warrior, and had distinguished himself in the liege-lord's conquest of the island of Shikoku. At the time when this story opens, he was serving as assistant superintendent in the construction of Hideyoshi's castle at Fushimi, in the neighbourhood of Kyōto. His colleague Satō Gōsuké was a licentious, inhuman, and lustful man. Sampei had saved his life in one of the battles in Shikoku. However, the villain was not grateful to his benefactor, but bore him strong ill will on account of the increase of Sampei's stipend, in recognition of his recent achievement. The two samurai had entirely opposite natures. Sampei was upright to the core, and Gōsuké was dishonest and cunning. This fact contributed towards the friction existing between them. One day they quarrelled fiercely before Katagiri Katsumoto, the superintendent of the works. He arbitrated between them, at the same time making a remark in censure of Gōsuké's abusive language.
That same night, when Gōsuké was on his way home, brooding over the quarrel, he happened to meet Sampei's sweetheart O-Katsu, who was returning from a secret meeting with Sampei. As he caught a glimpse of her face in the moonlight, he fell in love with her, and taking her by force to a house near by, made violent protestation of love to her. She pretended to yield, but seeing her chance, she succeeded in effecting her escape. This fact filled Gōsuké with disappointment, and made his jealous feelings towards Sampei more fierce than before. Just then Sampei, who was quite ignorant of his presence, passed near him. Gōsuké followed him stealthily, and attacked him unawares. Sampei was mortally wounded, but he offered him a stout resistance. Unluckily, after a few minutes' fighting, he succumbed to his wound. That same night the murderer took to flight. Strange to say, a few days later, he encountered O-Katsu travelling alone. He again made love to her, but she indignantly rejected him. He was so overcome with spite and wrath, that he killed her on the spot.
Shortly afterwards Gōsuké went to Kamakura, where Hōjō Ujimasa lived. The latter was the daimyo of the eight provinces of Kwantō, and was a relative of the rascal Gōsuké. Gōsuké secretly met Ujimasa, and asked for his protection. The latter willingly consented, and gave him employment as his military adviser. To avoid detection, Gōsuké changed his name to Takiguchi Kōzuké. He had not long been in the service of Ujimasa, before he began to exercise a considerable amount of authority in his new capacity, and behaved arrogantly towards his inferiors.
Sampei had a younger brother named Katsugorō, who although he was still merely a stripling, was a warrior as brave as Sampei had been. His father had died when he was but a child, and he had been brought up by Sampei. He therefore had come to regard Sampei with as much affection and piety as he would towards a real father. When he heard of his brother's death, he was overcome with grief. On learning that the murderer was Satō Gōsuké, he was chagrined out of measure, and immediately made up his mind to find the assassin at any cost, and revenge himself of his brother's death. He entreated for, and obtained from the Regent Hideyoshi, permission for vendetta. Katsugorō was joined in his undertaking by a faithful servant of his dead brother, named Fudesuké.
Fudesuké, although he was merely a servant, thoroughly understood the duty of loyalty to his lord. He possessed wonderful muscular power, and proficiency in military arts. Katsugorō and Fudesuké wished to avoid notice, so they resolved to travel in different directions in search of their enemy. They also arranged to meet each other from time to time for mutual information. Fudesuké set out on his journey the very day following his master's assassination. Katsugorō started soon after. They wandered for more than four years, through different provinces, incognito and under assumed names. However, their hardships and sufferings proved to be of no avail. They could not find a single clue as to the enemy's whereabouts.
II
After Katsugorō had been persistently searching for his enemy for five years, he learned by chance that Gōsuké was related to Hōjō Ujimasa. He was rejoiced to hear this information, and hurried away to Kamakura. He then assumed the name of Michisuké, and became servant to Tsukumo Shinzayémon, who was the instructor in fencing of the Hōjō Clan, in order to learn whether his enemy was taking shelter in the clan. Shinzayémon had an only daughter named Hatsuhana, who was a beautiful girl of seventeen. Her great beauty was the talk of Kamakura. Many young samurai admired her passionately, and wished to be her lovers. Takiguchi Kōzuké, who had enjoyed some six years' safety, had long since been giving rein to his lecherous nature. He had caught a glimpse of Hatsuhana, had fallen deeply in love with her, and had made up his mind to use his power in securing her hand. Hatsuhana, for her part, had strong feelings of affection towards the new servant Michisuké, who had a fine appearance, was sagacious to no small degree, and skilled in military arts.
One day Hatsuhana, accompanied by her maids, went to worship at the Temple of Hachiman, the God of War, which was situated on the hill of Tsuruga-oka.
After she had finished praying, she began to descend the stone steps, when Kōzuké and his servant Dansuké rushed forth from behind some great trees, where they had been hiding.
"Hatsuhana, daughter of Shinzayémon," cried Kōzuké proudly. "I have some important business to discuss with you."
Hatsuhana made a profound obeisance. "Sir Takiguchi Kōzuké, I believe," she said. "Can it be that your honour has some business with me?"
"Yes, indeed!" he said. "It gives me great pleasure to meet you here. My business is this—"—he took a letter from his bosom and handed it to her
"'To Hatsuhana.
From her passionate admirer,
I hope you will not refuse my ardent desire, fair maiden."
Mr. Gadō as Kōzuké
"O sir!" exclaimed she, returning him the letter, "such a jest is unseemly."
"It is no jest. I am in great earnest, Hatsuhana. I have yearned for you for a long time, and have watched for my chance to lay bare my secret to you. Don't disappoint me. If you consent, you shall at once become my wife."
"Oh, pardon me, sir, but I never dreamed of such a thing."
"Don't say that, my sweet girl," said Kōzuké, catching her by the hand. "Be kind enough to read my letter. All my heart and soul is contained in its pages."
Hatsuhana was filled with indignation, and shaking off his hand, ran away. Kōzuké and his servant tried to catch her, but she and her maids ran to and fro about the temple grounds to keep them off.
At this moment Shinzayémon and his henchman, Michisuké, appeared on the scene. When he saw them, Kozuké suddenly ceased his pursuit of the girls.
Then Shinzayémon purposely cried out to the girls in angry tones: "Go home quickly, girls. You are very wrong to loiter about here, after your worship is finished. How foolish you are!"
When the girls had departed, he saluted Kōzuké politely, and said:
"I received a letter from you yesterday, Kōzuké, saying that you wished to see me on some business. This is a good opportunity for you to tell me what it is."
"Well, Shinzayémon, I have a favour to ask of you," said Kōzuké composedly, as if he had quite forgotten the shameless way in which he had accosted the girls. "You are a noted fencer, so you must be well versed in the secret principles of all the schools of fencing. I want you to give me instruction in the secrets of the art."
"Is that what you wanted to ask me?" answered Shinzayémon, feigning calmness. "Of course it would be discourteous of me to refuse the request of Kōzuké, honourable adviser to his Excellency Lord Hōjō. But it is a strict rule of my house never to teach the secrets of fencing to anybody who is not already proficient in the art. You must pardon me for saying so, but before I can give you my definite answer, I must witness your ability."
"Pooh!" said Kōzuké, smiling sarcastically.
"You wish to witness my ability? Let me tell you that I was formerly a retainer of his Highness the Regent Taikō. I distinguished myself in several battles under his command. Moreover everyone knows that I am a hero. You need have no fears about my ability, Shinzayémon. What say you, Dansuké?"
"Of course!" broke in Dansuké, "your ability is beyond question. If five or ten men were to attack you at one time, you could kill them even with a wooden sword, not to mention a real one. If you doubt my words, Shinzayémon, let my lord have a fencing bout with ten or twelve samurai at once; nay, fifty or a hundred samurai, if you choose."
Michisuké had long since been thinking that Kōzuké might possibly be the enemy for whom he was seeking. He, therefore, considered that the best opportunity had come to ascertain the truth of his conjecture, and if he were Gōsuké, to test his ability.
"Excuse the presumption of my request, my lord," said he to Shinzayémon, in a most reverential manner. "I should be grateful if you would order me to contest with Sir Kōzuké."
Kōzuké did not wait for Shinzayémon's answer, but flushing with anger, he burst out: "That is too presumptuous. You are merely a low-born servant!"
"Yes, such a fight is quite impossible," broke in Kōzuké's servant. "But you may have a trial with this Dansuké. Be on guard, fellow!"
Kōzuké and Shinzayémon both gave their tacit permission, and the two servants prepared for a fencing bout, armed with wooden swords. In a moment Dansuké was disarmed, and frightened at Michisuké's skill and physical power, took to his heels.
Kōzuké gnashed his teeth with mortification. He then played a dastardly trick, and drawing his sword, he cut at Michisuké with all his strength. The latter was not at all daunted, but encountered him with his wooden sword with such skill, that Kōzuké was quite unable to use his blade. He was filled with wonder and fear at the dexterity with which his antagonist wielded his weapon.
"It is very strange," he exclaimed, looking very intently at Michisuké's face. "Surely you are using the method of the Iinuma school. Who can you be, that you have learned that manner of fighting?"
As he spoke these words, the truth seemed to flash across Michisuké's mind. Both combatants paused, with their swords in their hands, and stared at each other, standing motionless as statues.
Shinzayémon suddenly stepped up, and parted them. He then scolded his servant with a significant look.
"You are too bold to fight with Sir Kōzuké. You have not sufficient ability. You must pardon his presumption, Sir Kōzuké."
"Well, Shinzayémon," said Kōzuké. "Your servant has remarkable skill. It is hard for me to believe that he is merely a servant."
"You are mistaken, sir. He appears at first sight to be very skilful. But really he is only an amateur, and an ordinary servant. His skill cannot be compared with yours. Your art is wonderful in the extreme!"
"If you really admire my methods, you will readily consent to my request about teaching me the secrets of fencing, won't you, Shinzayémon?"
"I will give your honour an answer shortly."
Then they bade each other farewell, and went their respective ways.
III
As time went on, Hatsuhana's passion for Michisuké became so strong that she felt that she could no longer brood over it in silence. At last she unbosomed herself to him, and begged him to satisfy her ardent longing. Michisuké fully sympathized with her, but was unable to express his feelings; for he had a great task to fulfill, and besides he could not forget his duty to his master so far as to enter into secret engagement with his daughter. He therefore gave the girl a polite but firm refusal. However, when love receives a sudden check, it is its nature to become stronger. Hatsuhana's passion became deeper and deeper, and at last she made up her mind to beg her parents to arrange a marriage between herself and Michisuké.
In the meantime Kōzuké had dwelt upon his recent courtship to Hatsuhana, and longed for her day and night. At last he confided his secret to two friends, and the three of them together called on Shinzayémon to make forcible negotiations.
"Shinzayémon," said one of them, "a certain nobleman has determined to make your daughter his wife, no matter what happens."
"A nobleman wants my daughter?" asked Shinzayémon feigning surprise. "Who can it be, sir?"
"It is none other than myself, Kōzuké," said the arrogant and blustering villain. "I am honourable adviser to Lord Hōjō, and was formerly a retainer of His Highness the Regent Taikō."
He paused, and then added dictatorially:
"When you and I are relations in law, I need hardly remind you that you must instruct me in the secrets of fencing, according to my request of the other day, Shinzayémon."
Shinzayémon was an honourable samurai, and was not the kind of man to submit to such an insolent demand.
"So it is, Kōzuké, is it?" said he disdainfully, "I thank you for your kind proposal, sir, but must respectfully decline it."
"Do you think that I should be an unsatisfactoiy son-in-law?" exclaimed Kōzuké with excitement. "Let me tell you that I took part in scores of battles, as a retainer of His Highness the Regent Taikō, and was not beaten once."
"It is quite possible that you were a retainer of His Highness the Regent Taikō, but you are now a hanger-on of Lord Hōjō. The word 'adviser' has a pleasant ring about it, but in reality you are a vagabond and a dependent. I could not give my daughter to such as you."
"Insolence! It is a gross insult to Lord Hōjō to call his adviser a vagabond. I must remind you that I have no equal in Japan in tactics and fencing."
"Indeed! In that case why did you assassinate your fellow-samurai Iinuma Sampei in such a cowardly manner, and why did you murder his betrothed merely out of a trifling grudge and disappointed love? How can you hold up your head so proudly, and have the affront to call yourself a samurai?"
Kōzuké was taken aback at this unexpected exposure of his crime, and his face assumed a demoniacal expression. He gave a nod to his friends, and all three suddenly unsheathed their swords, and cut furiously at Shinzayémon. The latter was not at all alarmed. He instantaneously struck off the swords of the ruffian's assistants. He also pinioned Kōzuké by the arm, and turned them all out of the gate.
Chagrined at this, Kōzuké turned and cried: "I shall have my revenge on you for this," and ran off as fast as he could.
When the rascal had departed, Shinzayémon summoned his wife Sawarabi and said quietly:
"It is your fault that such an outrageous suitor has made his appearance. Why have you allowed a marriageable girl to remain unwed? So, you must not lose a moment in making preparations for a marriage ceremony."
"But, my husband, with whom shall our daughter marry?" asked Sawarabi in astonishment.
"With Michisuké!" whispered Shinzayémon into her ear. "He is only a servant, but he is a perfect gentleman in appearance, intelligence, and military arts. He is quite worthy of being our daughter's husband. Make them both acquainted with my intention at once."
His wife had learned of Hatsuhana's strong attachment for Michisuké and rejoiced to hear Shinzayémon's words. She readily assented, and immediately set about preparing for the ceremony. At that moment a servant entered, bearing a message. It was from Lord Hōjō, who summoned Shinzayémon to him at the castle upon urgent business. The idea crossed the keen-witted man's mind that Kōzuké had been slandering him to his lord, but he did not betray his thoughts. He calmly donned his court dress, and once again repeating his command to his wife, he set out for the castle.
Then Sawarabi summoned her daughter, and told her that her marriage ceremonies had been arranged to take place that evening. The girl was filled with astonishment, and anxiously enquired who was the bridegroom.
"My dear girl, it is the man you like best," answered the mother smilingly.
"The man I like best, mother?" asked Hatsuhana, trembling with apprehension.
"It is none other than Michisuké," said her mother.
At this glad answer the girl heaved a sigh of relief. She could scarcely disguise her joy, and almost fell on her mother's neck in her gratitude.
Then Sawarabi called Michisuké, and said: "I am afraid you will be surprised at receiving such an abrupt request, but both my husband and I earnestly pray that you will marry our daughter. With your kind consent the marriage ceremony shall be performed this evening."
"You wish me to marry Lady Hatsuhana?" said Michisuké with a surprised look. "It would be the greatest honour possible for me to become your son-in-law. But it cuts me to the heart to say that there is an insuperable barrier to the marriage which cannot be removed. Therefore I cannot accept your kind proposal. Please forgive my disobeying your grateful commands, dear lady."
"Why cannot you marry my daughter?" asked Sawarabi in irritated tones. "Are you dissatisfied with her or with the house? Or is there some other reason?"
"Oh! may I be for ever cursed, if I find anything unsatisfactory either in Lady Hatsuhana or your house!" exclaimed Michisuké. "It is indeed for some other reason that I cannot marry her. It is a great secret which I cannot disclose, even if you demand my life."
At this positive and final refusal, Sawarabi was at her wits' ends to know what to do. She sighed with disappointment, and Hatsuhana, whose heart had been filled with joy, suddenly burst into bitter tears.
At that moment Shinzayémon, who had returned home unawares, was heard crying in an inner room: "Disobedient servant! I will chastise you."
With these words he rushed forth with a spear in his hand, and pushing aside Sawarabi and Hatsuhana, who tried to stop him, leaped down to the courtyard, and levelled his weapon at Michisuké.
The latter did not show any fear, but with great skill avoided the spear-head each time it was thrust at him. While they were thus engaged Shinzayémon's face gradually turned pale, his steps became unsteady, and his spear quivered. Michisuké observed him carefully, and said:
"Excuse me, my lord, but why is your spear so unsteady? It is not worthy of the greatest master of fencing in the Hōjō Clan. Your pale face and your uncertain steps tell me that you have committed harakiri."
Shinzayémon was struck with amazement at the other's sharp observation. He reeled and fell on his back, exclaiming: "Your keen-sightedness astonishes me, Sir Iinuma Katsugorō!"
So saying, he tore off his upper garments, and exposed his abdomen, which was bound with several layers of white silk cloth, dyed scarlet with blood. Sawarabi and Hatsuhana rushed to him, and asked him in consternation: "Why have you killed yourself?"
Katsugorō stepped up to the dying man, and examining the wound carefully, exclaimed: "Your act of harakiri is indeed splendid, Shinzayémon. Your moments are numbered. I must confess the truth, and ask your forgiveness. You have guessed aright. I am Iinuma Katsugorō. For the last six years I have wandered throughout Japan in search of Satō Gōsuké, in order to revenge my brother's death. It was only for this purpose that I entered into your service. My reason for declining your kind proposal of marriage is because my great task is still undone. But I am filled with amazement at your suicide. Pray tell us your reason for it."
Shinzayémon gasped for breath. "Well," he said, "it did not take me long to perceive that the overbearing Takiguchi Kōzuké and Satō Gōsuké were one and the same man. On the occasion of your recent fencing bout with Gōsuké at Tsurugaoka, I perceived with astonishment from observing your methods of work, that you were none other than Iinuma Katsugorō. I feared that the coward murderer might suspect your identity, so I pretended to be ignorant of your personality and even laughed your art to scorn. This afternoon the ruffian Gōsuké had the impudence to propose marriage with my daughter. I flatly refused, and he became angry. He determined to work off his spite against me, and immediately reported to my lord that I had sheltered you. So a few minutes ago my lord summoned me, and peremptorily ordered me to kill you during the course of to-night. How could I possibly do so? I owe a great debt of gratitude to your grandfather Motokatsu. He instructed me in all the secrets of fencing when I was young. At that time my name was Matsunami Kazuyé. But if I disobeyed my lord's commands I should be looked upon as a disloyal retainer. Rather than incur his displeasure I have killed myself. My dying wishes are that you should satisfy my daughter's ardent desire, and make her your wife. If you give me your promise I shall die happy. Do not refuse me this, Katsugorō."
Katsugorō was wonder-struck at Shinzayémon's story. He burst into tears of gratitude.
"Words fail me in which to express my thanks," he said. "You have spared my life and sacrificed your own, out of gratitude for my grandfather. I will gladly accept Hatsuhana as my bride. We will now, with your permission, exchange the nuptial cup, and celebrate our marriage before you die."
He ordered the maid-servant to bring cups and saké, and exchanged a cup of the wine with Hatsuhana. The girl was overwhelmed with gratitude and grief, with which there was a mingling of joy. She muttered a few words of thanks to her father, and she and her mother burst into bitter tears.
Katsugorō rose to his feet. "Now," he said, "I have discovered my enemy's whereabouts. I will go and take my revenge. Farewell, Sir Shinzayémon."
With these words he prepared to depart.
"Do not be so rash," said Shinzayémon, raising his hand. "Your impatience is natural, but I must remind you that Gōsuké has received warning of his danger, and is carefully guarded by scores of samurai. If you try to attack him single-handed, you are sure to suffer the fate of a 'summer insect plunging into the fire.' I advise you to escape with Hatsuhana, and await till a good opportunity occurs. Don't do anything rash!"
"I will follow your kind advice," said Katsugorō. "But if I delay, Lord Hōjō will send soldiers against me. I can hardly reconcile myself to leaving you on the eve of your death, but this emergency makes it unavoidable. Forgive my seeming unkindness, and farewell, my dear father and mother."
Under cover of night which by this time had fallen, the young couple stole out of the postern, and fled into the darkness.
IV
After their escape from Kamakura, Katsugorō and Hatsuhana wandered about here and there for many months. One day when they were in the neighbourhood of an out-of-the-way village adjoining the boundary between Shimozuké and Ōshya, unfortunately Katsugorō was taken ill. Hatsuhana nursed him devotedly by day and by night. Doctors were summoned from neighbouring villages, and they did their utmost, but it was of no avail. Gradually the patient's condition went from bad to worse, until he became so crippled that he could not walk even a step. To make matters worse, all of Katsugorō's little supply of money was used up to pay the expenses of his illness. It soon became impossible for the couple to remain any longer in the inn. They removed to a miserable hovel which was built on the outskirts of the village by some kind peasants. There they were reduced to making a bare existence by begging for coppers from passers-by. It is easy to imagine Katsugorō's feelings in those days. Ten long years had passed since he had left his home. Thoughts of his brother's enemy were constantly in his mind. Kōzuké it seemed was protected by the powerful daimyo Hōjō Ujimasa and was aided by the authorities of the eight provinces under Ujimasa's rule. Therefore, even if Katsugorō had been in sound health, it would be almost impossible for him to avenge himself. His present plight made it still more difficult. When he thought of these things he was filled with regret and despair.
Hatsuhana carefully and tenderly nursed her sick and lame husband, and encouraged him by saying that he would recover in time, and be able to accomplish his long-cherished purpose. The faithful young wife was compelled to lead a beggar's life, and suffered indescribable hardships and insults.
It was early one night, and the bright moon was hanging over the mountains, when the daikwan or governor of the seven neighbouring villages, a haughty tyrant named Mizoguchi, happened to pass Hatsuhana's hovel. She ran out, and asked him for alms. The governor paused, and looked intently at her face, upon which the moon was shining.
"Are you a beggar girl?" he asked. "Surely you are too beautiful for such a life! Aha! You must be the much-talked-of cripple's wife. I will, of course, give you as much money as you require, but in return you must yield to my desire"
So saying, he seized Hatsuhana by the hand, and drew her to him. She controlled her anger and said with feigned calm: "It is not seemly for a lord to joke with a beggar woman!" and she struggled to shake off his hand. But the impudent man only tightened his grasp, and tried to embrace her. Hatsuhana could remain passive no longer. She was well skilled in jūjutsu or "the art of self-defence without weapons," which she had learned under her father's instructions. She pinioned his arms, and threw him with a thud to the ground.
"Yai, beggar woman!" cried he, springing to his feet. "What insolence, to fling down a warrior like myself!"
"Oh, no, sir! By a mere accident your honour stumbled against a stone."
"It is false!" he cried. "It is a disgrace that I, a daikwan, governing seven villages should be thrown down by a beggar woman. You shall lose your life for this."
"Nay, sir, I am to blame, and I apologize heartily for my rudeness."
"You may apologize as much as you please," roared he with his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I will never forgive the insult you have offered me."
At that moment the village headman, an old man named Tokuyémon, appeared on the scene, accompanied by his servant. He earnestly begged the governor not to be so harsh with Hatsuhana; but Mizoguchi shrugged his shoulders, and said:
"I will never pardon her. You see, the moment she caught sight of me, she fell in love with me, and she wooed me desperately. When I indignantly rejected her, on account of her disgusting appearance, she was offended, and seizing my arm, she roughly threw me down to the ground. I can never forgive her violence! In my position as daikwan it is impossible for me to do so."
"That is a lie!" broke in Hatsuhana impatiently. "It is the governor who made shameful proposals to me. I did nothing."
"Silence, girl!" interrupted Tokuyémon. "I am aware of everything. The best thing for you to do, is to apologize to his honour at once. Sir Mizoguchi, it is a great disgrace to a samurai to be thrown down by a beggar woman. I think it is advisable for you to forgive this woman, and take your immediate departure."
"Well," said the governor, softened by Tokuyémon's advice, "as her rudeness was caused by her passion for me, I am almost inclined to pity her. Tokuyémon, I leave this matter to you. Advise this beggar never to repeat such rudeness again. When one possesses such a handsome countenance as I do, it is sometimes apt to prove rather a curse. Yai, you virago! You should not fall in love with every attractive man who passes here."
With these words the governor strutted away. The old man approached Hatsuhana to console her.
"I at once recognized the true state of affairs," he said, "but it would be useless for you to dispute with a daikwan, so I purposely decided in his favour, and managed to persuade him to leave you. My intentions were entirely for your benefit. Do not misunderstand me."
Hatsuhana's feelings were pacified, and she thanked the old man for his kindness. A few minutes afterwards Katsugorō crawled out of the hovel, and thanked him heartily. Tokuyémon was a kind-hearted man, and had always entirely sympathized with Katsugorō and his wife, and aided them to the best of his ability.
Just then another servant arrived, drawing a kind of wagon after him. The old man pointed to this and said: "I had this wagon hastily constructed to-day, in order to offer it to both of you. The truth is this. This morning I received from Lord Hōjō who is at Kamakura, ninsō-gaki or 'personal descriptions.' They were accompanied by a command, that if I should discover a man and his wife, whose appearances coincide with the descriptions, they should be caught and delivered to the authorities. I was astonished to find that every item exactly applies to your case. I was then, for the first time, convinced that you were Iinuma Katsugorō and Hatsuhana, who are said to be wandering in search of their enemy. Now that your 'personal descriptions' are circulated, it is dangerous for you to stay in these parts any longer. I was so anxious for your safety, that I had this wagon hastily built, in order that you, Hatsuhana, might wheel away Katsugorō in it to some place of safety. With this wagon it is not difficult for you, lady, to draw your husband anywhere you choose. I advise you both to leave here as soon as possible."
Katsugorō and Hatsuhana were so filled with gratitude at the old man's words, that they burst into tears.
Tokuyémon presented them with some money, and bidding the weeping couple farewell, departed reluctantly.
Katsugorō followed the dwindling figure of the old man with devoted eyes, and said between his sobs: "What a vast difference there is between some men! On one hand we see a benevolent man like Tokuyémon, while on the other a bad man like Kōzuké. What a rascal the man must be to hunt us up, even in these remote solitudes. How and when can I attain my purpose, as long as I remain in this crippled and sickly condition? I surely was born under an evil star!"
"Oh, don't give way to despair," said Hatsuhana. "I have invoked the god Gongen of Hakoné, for your recovery. I'm sure that through his divine favour, you will soon be all right. Don't be depressed or melancholy, my dear husband!"
"It has become quite dark," said Katsugorō, cheering himself up. "It seems the moon has set in. Well, from Tokuyémon's words, it looks as if we must go somewhere or other to-morrow. Your having mentioned the god Gongen of Hakoné suggests to me that Hakoné is the best place to attain our purpose. You see, Hakoné is the main artery of the Tōkaidé, and all travellers between Kwantō and the western provinces must pass through there. If we go there, and abide our time, I hope that one day we shall not only be able to come across our enemy, but also my servant Fudesuké, who must be looking for me. Let us go there at once, my wife."
Hatsuhana readily approved of his plan, and they set about making necessary preparations for the next day's journey.
Suddenly the revengeful daikwan, with many peasants, made his appearance. They attacked the astonished couple with poles and bamboo sticks; but although he was crippled, Katsugorō bravely defended himself with his sword, and Hatsuhana with her skill in jujutsu, seized the arm of every assailant, and threw him down. While the mêlée was at its height, a traveller happened to pass there. He took pity on the couple and fought on their side with all his strength. The governor and the peasants were all more or less injured, and soon took to their heels.
Katsugorō, groping in the darkness, whispered: "Where are you, Hatsuhana? Are you wounded?"
"Thank you, Katsugorō," answered Hatsuhana. "I am all right, but are you hurt?"
"No. I am not. Who was it who helped to defend us?"
"I have no idea."
The traveller in question was listening to their talk, and walked up to them. "You are Iinuma Katsugorō, I believe," asked he.
"Well!" said Katsugorō with surprise. "Who are you, sir?"
"I am Fudesuké. Am I not right in supposing that you are Iinuma Sama?"
"Are you indeed Fudesuké? I am so glad to meet you!"
"I am also very glad to meet you, my lord!"
Fudesuké had been searching for Gōsuké in vain, for several years, and had almost despaired of ever meeting him. Then he had wandered from province to province for a few more years in search of Katsugorō. Now master and servant met after ten long years' separation, and their joy knew no bounds. Katsugorō introduced Fudesuké to his wife, and they all conversed about their sufferings and adventures. When Katsugorō talked of his disease, and how he and his wife had been reduced to begging, Fudesuké became speechless with grief.
Before daybreak, the three of them set out on their journey, Katsugorō riding in the wagon, and Hatsuhana and Fudesuké drawing it.
V
Several days later, after some adventures and great toil, Katsugorō, his wife, and servant arrived at Hakoné. There they found a good hiding-place in an unfrequented and lonely place. Fudesuké disguised himself as a beggar, and wandered about the neighbouring district to gather information about Kōzuké's movements. Hatsuhana, for her part, went every morning and evening to the waterfall of Shirataki at Tōno-sawa, and for a penance stood right below the column of icy water for some time, fervently praying to the god Gongen to cure her husband's lameness.
In the Amida-ji temple, which stood at the eastern foot of the Hakoné mountains, were the mausolea of the ancestors of Hōjō Ujimasa. One day, towards the end of autumn, in honour of the five hundredth anniversary of the demise of Hōjō Tokimasa, religious services were held in the magnificent temple on a grand scale, and liberal alms were given away. Paupers and beggars thronged to the temple from far and near in numberless crowds, to get these alms.
When alms had been given to all of them, three beggars came from somewhere, and asked the relief officers: "We have come late, and so have received no alms. Pray give us something."
The officers were surprised at their curious attire and strange appearance. Their nicknames excited their curiosity still more. One was called "Sea-slug," the second "Angler," and the third "Bear." The officers promptly gave them rice and money, and they were conducted to a courtyard near the temple, and treated to nice dishes and plenty of saké.
Katsugorō supposed that his enemy Kōzuké would attend the religious services; so he put on the dress of a wretched beggar, and conveyed in the wagon by Hatsuhana, went to the temple grounds.
"You must feel very cold," said Hatsuhana. "As this is a mountainous district, the snow is already falling, while the maple leaves still remain."
"Oh, I am quite comfortable in the wagon," said Katsugorō. "Here I can stand the cold more easily. But you, who are dragging my heavy 
Conveyed in the waggon by Hatsuhana, he went to the temple grounds
cart, must suffer severely from the cold. I am very sorry for you, and heartily thank you, my dear wife!"
"Oh, don't talk like that! A man should not thank his wife. By the bye, I think our enemy"
"Hush!" interrupted Katsugorō. "Walls have ears! Take care!"
"I am sorry," said Hatsuhana looking about her in alarm.
At this moment the three above-mentioned beggars, flushed and intoxicated, tottered out of the courtyard. When Sea-slug saw Katsugorō and his wife, his face became sullen, and he grumbled:
"Look there, comrades! Why should such a miserable cripple have so beautiful a wife? What an ill-assorted couple! Such injustice offends me. But I feel still more upset to think of the folly of the relief officers, who gave us beggars plenty of rice and money, and entertained us with saké and good food. The luxurious alms are paid for at the expense of farmers and merchants who are burdened with heavy taxes. Surely such treatment of beggars tends to increase their number. The authorities are very foolish."
"Nonsense!" said Bear laughing heartily. "You are indeed ungrateful to grumble at such liberal charity. Your sullen looks and unreasonable complaints make me laugh. Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Then Angler burst into tears, and said: "I am sorry about to-day's magnificent gifts. I have not offered any incense sticks or a single flower to the spirits of my parents, even on the anniversaries of their deaths. Why, therefore, should I have been treated to such good food and alms? My parents must be grieving at the Meido, to have had such an undutiful son as I! My heart is filled with grief, brothers."
"Stop talking nonsense, comrades," said Bear again laughing heartily. "How can you grumble and weep so, on such a lucky day! Cheer up!"
As they talked and wept, the beggars became so intoxicated that at last they lay down on the ground and fell asleep.
Presently Bear, who was none other than Fudesuké in disguise, softly rose from his feigned sleep, and approaching Katsugorō, whispered: "I have good news for you, my lord. I have just heard that Hōjō Ujimasa will pass Hakoné to-day, on his way to pay a visit of homage to His Highness the Regent. Our enemy Gōsuké will be among his retinue, and the party will take their mid-day meal at Ōiso. I will go there at once, and see what Gōsuké is doing, and I shall soon be back."
"Your news is indeed good, Fudesuké. Go as quickly as you can."
"Farewell, my lord and lady."
When his servant had departed for Ōiso, Katsugorō's spirits rose, and he whispered to his wife: "Our opportunity has come at last. We can now take vengeance on our enemy."
To their astonishment, Angler and Sea-slug suddenly sprang to their feet.
"Iinuma Katsugorō and Hatsuhana!" they cried aloud. "You are our prisoners! If you make any resistance you shall die! Lord Hōjō sent us out as spies."
With these words they sprang at Katsugorō. The latter pleaded: "You are mistaken, sirs. I am not he." But they would not listen to his denial, and seized him on either side. Katsugorō, who was sitting, pinioned their arms, and threw them violently on to the ground.
Suddenly the window of the temple parlour opened, and a man walked on to the verandah. Katsugorō and Hatsuhana turned to look at him, and were dumbfounded to see their mortal enemy Gōsuké himself.
Katsugorō involuntarily limped out of the wagon, and looking fiercely at Gōsuké, he seized the hilt of his sword, and cried:
"I am glad to meet you, Satō Gōsuké! I have suffered for many long years in search of you. My opportunity for revenge has come! Come, prepare to fight with me!"
Hatsuhana also drew her dirk, and cried:
"My father has committed suicide on your account. His death shall now be revenged!"
"Enemy of my brother!"
"Murderer of my father!"
Gōsuké coolly smoked his pipe at his ease and leisure.
"Fools!" he said contemptuously. "It is rather bold for a crippled beggar to try and wreak his vengeance on me! You are completely in my power. Katsugorō, if you will give me Hatsuhana, for whom I have yearned so long, I will spare your life."
"Nonsense! I may be a cripple, but I will never give you Hatsuhana!"
"Humph! What do you say, Hatsuhana?"
"I would sooner kill myself, than yield to your wishes."
"You won't obey me either? Then I must show you something which will surprise you."
He ordered his retainers to bring out a woman who was bound and gagged.
The unfortunate couple were amazed to recognize Sawarabi, Hatsuhana's mother. Gōsuké smiled sarcastically. "See!" he said. "I have a great deal of power and authority, Hatsuhana. I have ruined your house, and arrested your mother. If you will give up your crippled husband and yield to me, I will restore your house, and consider Sawarabi as my mother-in-law. If you refuse, I will kill your mother and your husband. Their fate entirely depends on your answer. Let me hear it at once."
When he heard these cruel words, Katsugorō gnashed his teeth in mortification. He turned pale as death and fainted. The amazed Hatsuhana rushed up to him, and tried to restore him to consciousness.
Gōsuké stepped down from the verandah, and catching Katsugorō by the collar of his kimono, said:
"Come! Take your revenge on me now, cripple!—Draw your sword, weakling!—Do you still defy me, Hatsuhana? Won't you yield to me yet? Your silence expresses refusal, I suppose. Well then, I must employ my last resource. Kill that old woman! I will see to this cripple myself."
So saying, the cold-blooded villain drew his great sword. At this critical moment an idea crossed Hatsuhana's mind. She said resignedly: "I must submit to your wishes, sir."
"I am glad to hear that. If you will indeed obey me, I will spare their lives." He then gave orders for the old woman's ropes to be untied.
At his command, Gōsuké's retainers unbound Sawarabi, removed the gag from her mouth, and allowed her to join Hatsuhana. The mother and daughter embraced each other, and shed bitter tears, both for sorrow and for joy.
In a little while Sawarabi wiped her tears and said: "I can well understand your state of mind, daughter. Go and serve Sir Kōzuké."
"I admire your resolution," said Katsugorō, who had recovered from his swoon. Then he cast glances at her, and by means of gestures without words, he bade her yield to Gōsuké's desire. He wished her to set his mind at ease and seize a chance to kill him.
The clever Hatsuhana answered him, also with meaning glances, that she would do her best.
She then said: "Take care of yourselves, my mother and husband, and do not be anxious about me."
She again burst into tears, because she feared that she would never see her beloved mother and husband again.
"Now, Hatsuhana," said Gōsuké triumphantly, "let us spend the first night of our honeymoon by having a pleasant time at the Kikuyakata Hotel at Odawara."
With these words he took the weeping woman by the hand and hurried away, accompanied by his retainers.
Left behind, Sawarabi and Katsugorō were overwhelmed and speechless with emotion.
After a pause, Katsugorō's feelings got the better of him, and he burst forth:
"How can a weak girl kill Gōsuké? Poor girl! She has only gone to die." So saying, he wept passionately, the tears fast rolling down his cheeks.
"Your sorrow is natural," said Sawarabi, pretending to be brave. "But it cannot be helped. See, even I, who am her mother, have stopped crying. Surely, Katsugorō, it is unmanly for a man to weep like that."
"I should be a devil if I did not weep like this! I fear that Hatsuhana has by this time been killed by that fiend Gōsuké."
He took out a small bell, and sounding it, prayed to Buddha. The mother joined in the prayer, saying: "Namu Amida Butsu! Namu Amida Butsu!"
While they were fervently praying, a dim figure of a young woman appeared, and approached near to them. They looked intently at it, and were astonished to see that it was Hatsuhana.
"How did you make your escape, daughter?" asked the mother.
"How glad I am to see you, dearest wife," said Katsugorō. "Tell me quickly! Have you killed Gōsuké?"
"Alas, no!" answered Hatsuhana, sorrowfully.
"Then why have you come back, craven girl?" scolded the mother.
"I made a vow to purify myself in the waterfall of Shirataki twice a day for a hundred days, to pray the god Gongen to cure my husband's lameness. This morning I took the ninety-ninth ablution, and once more will complete my vow. I have come back through indescribable difficulties and danger to make the final ablution. Yes, I have returned to fulfil my vow, and to see whether Gongen will answer my prayers, and cure my husband's lameness. I must now go, and offer my last penance."
She ran up the cliff as she spoke, trampling upon the scattered maple leaves, and soon found herself in front of the waterfall. She plunged into the basin of the fall with a splash, and stood just below the column of icy water, and prayed fervently with clasped hands and closed eyes. As she stood there with her raven-black hair flowing down on her shoulders, and covering the greater part of her face, she presented a ghastly sight.
Sawarabi and Katsugorō were so inspired by her enthusiasm, that they also clasped their hands and earnestly prayed. As it chanced, one of Gōsuké's spies was lurking in the background and seizing the opportunity given him by their prayer, he suddenly cut at Katsugorō from behind. Katsugorō perceived the flash of his sword, and in a moment avoided the stroke. He sprang to his feet, and the next moment the spy's head fell from his shoulders, down to the ground.
"Yah, Katsugorō!" exclaimed Sawarabi wonder-struck at what she saw; "have your legs recovered their strength?"
"Yes, strange to say, they have! I am cured!" cried Katsugorō noticing the fact for the first time. "Hatsuhana's prayers have been answered!"—he danced for joy—"May Gongen be praised."
"Daughter!" cried Sawarabi loudly, "Gongen has answered your prayers, and your husband's legs are cured. Be rejoiced, Hatsuhana!"
When she heard this cry, Hatsuhana opened her eyes and said, "What glad news! Thanks be to Gongen!" At the next moment her figure suddenly vanished, and could not be seen again.
In the meantime Fudesuké returned, and seeing Katsugorō on his feet, exclaimed: "Are you able to stand, my lord? Has your strength returned?"
"Yes, I can stand," cried Katsugorō joyfully.
"My legs have renewed their strength, and I can fight as stoutly as before."
"How pleased I am to hear that, my lord"; he paused, and then continued with fast-falling tears: "I am overcome with grief to have to tell you that Hatsuhana has met a cruel death at the hands of Gōsuké."
When they heard this, Sawarabi and Katsugorō were struck with wonder and sorrow.
"How can that be?" said Katsugorō. "She was here only a moment ago. But strange to say, her figure suddenly vanished when her prayers were answered and I rose to my feet."
Then Fudesuké told how Hatsuhana had attempted Gōsuké's life. The villain had become mad with anger and disappointment, and killed her in a most cruel manner. Fudesuké had actually seen her dead body. Her mother was overcome and fell to the ground in a swoon.
"Then did we see only her ghost?" exclaimed Katsugorō, bursting into tears. "How grateful I am, dearest wife, to think that even after your death, you came here as a ghost, and prayed in the waterfall for my sake! My thanks are too deep for expression, Hatsuhana!"
Katsugorō and Sawarabi somewhat recovered their spirits, when Fudesuké told the glad news that their enemy Gōsuké would surely pass Hakoné the following morning, with Hōjō Ujimasa's retinue.
There was no time for delay, so the three of them, making necessary preparations, started for the summit of the Hakoné mountains, to lie in wait for Gōsuké.
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In the meantime, Hōjō Ujimasa and his large retinue were now passing in a procession along the plain on the summit of the Hakoné Mountains. As they were proceeding on their way, Katsugorō and his assistants suddenly sallied forth from a bush near by. They quickly attacked a palanquin in which the enemy was believed to be riding. The numerous samurai, who guarded the palanquin, resisted them violently. Katsugorō and Fudesuké cut and hewed at them with all their strength. Ujimasa and his retainers were so alarmed at their mighty strokes, that they fled in all directions. Gōsuké, waiting his opportunity, had stepped out of the palanquin, and was about to flee after his comrades, when Fudesuké caught him by the arm, and cried:
"Now you coward, Satō Gōstiké! Have you forgotten me?"
"So it is you, Fudesuké! Your blood shall cause my sword to rust."
They fought with might and main. During the fight Fudesuké stumbled over a stone, and fell on his back. Sawarabi rushed to his rescue and fought with Gōsuké. Meanwhile Fudesuké sprang to his feet, and ran to aid Sawarabi. Katsugorō, who had been a little distance away in pursuit of the fleeing foes, returned. He bade Sawarabi and Fudesuké keep a look-out over the rallying enemies, and immediately attacked Gōsuké single-handed.
The villain defended himself with desperate courage, but he was no match for our hero. He reeled and the point of his sword began to waver. At last Katsugorō cut his antagonist down, and stabbing him in the throat, cried: "My brother is now revenged!"
Sawarabi and Fudesuké ran up to the dying man and stabbed him also, crying:
"My husband and daughter are now revenged!"
"My lord is now revenged!"
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