ABSTRACT
In his difficult mission Kondō Rokurōbei had hopes of Chōbei; but not much more. It was with no small pleasure that he heard the announcement of his visit the next morning. The maid was a shade more civil— “Please wait.” Kondō was decidedly so. He greeted Chōbei with an effusion which Chōbei noted. The tea brought, the two men faced each other over the cups. To Kondō's inquiring look— “Honoured master the task is a difficult one.” He retailed his experience at the Kanda market. Kondō was somewhat discomfited. He had put a different interpretation on the early visit of Chōbei. Continued the latter— “A difficult task, but not hopeless. Surely five ryō is very small remuneration.” Kondō's eye lit up. Chōbei had his man. “It is all this Kondō is qualified to give. Chōbei knows Tamiya Dono. After all it is he who pays, and Chōbei can claim but his share. However, the matter is not urgent. A bad turn with Matazaémon, and O'Naka will be much easier to deal with … unless it be Yoemon who interposes.” He made a wry face; joined in by Chōbei. Kondō went on— “It is matter of regret to have troubled you. The parents of Natsume Kyuzō show signs of breaking off present negotiations and coming round to us. This is a matter of yesterday, and on hearing that the affair of O'Iwa San was definitely in the hands of Rokurōbei.” Chōbei was frightened. Was this the cause of Kondō's joy? Had he misinterpreted on his entrance? He put out a hand, as if to stop the talk of his host. “Deign to allow the money question to stand as agreed. Such step would put this Chōbei in an awkward position. The man is found, and soon will be here. Probably even Kondō Dono will be satisfied.”— “Who is he?”asked Kondō.— “One Yanagi-bara Kazuma. He has practised divination at Asakusa …” — “A charlatan! A quack doctor! Chōbei, are you mad?” Rokurōbei pushed back his cushion and his cue in horror. Not a word did he say of Natsume Kyuzō. Chōbei smiled. He had been trapped; but he had detected Kondō. “Don't be alarmed. The man is a rōnin, his divination of small account and due to temporary stress. Kondō Dono will soon judge of the man by his appearance. Let the subject of Kazuma San be dropped—with that of Natsume San. Our bargain has been made firm.” Kondō looked down. He felt a little injured. Continued Chōbei— “For his man Chōbei cannot answer if all be known. Pray follow my plan, and precede us to the house of Matazaémon. He must not see O'Iwa at this juncture. Tamiya Dono is ill and not visible. The O'Basan is wise enough to do as she is told. Years have drilled that into her. O'Iwa has taken cold. Her hair is loose and she cannot think of appearing. Make this known when the time comes to serve the wine. Meanwhile send her off on some mission; to the house of Akiyama, or that of the newly-wed Imaizumi.”—“But the man must see the girl,” protested Kondō. Answered Chōbei— “He must see the property. It is with that Chōbei intends he shall become enamoured. He is not to see the girl until she is his wife. To keep the estate he will cleave to the woman. Trust Chōbei for a knowledge of men's hearts … at least that of Yanagibara Kazuma.” Perhaps he spoke a little too plainly. Rokurōbei had a last touch of conscience— “Chōbei, what manner of man is this one you bring? What is his real nature? Tamiya is upright as the walls of the Honmaru (castle). And Yanagibara Kazuma?” Chōbei's brow wrinkled. He was spared an answer. Said the maid— “Yanagibara Sama would see the master.”— “Show him in at once,” said Rokurōbei.
