A Japanese miscellany - University of Oregon

46 Japanese Miscellany
There is nothing to risk, — since, if the picture
does not reappear, I shall at once return the
money."
On hearing of these strange assertions, Nobu-
naga ordered the hundred ryo to be paid, and
came in person to observe the result. The kakemono
was then unrolled before him ; and, to the
amazement of all present, the painting reappeared,
with all its details. But the colors seemed to
have faded a little ; and the figures of the souls
and the demons did not look really alive, as be-
fore. Perceiving this difference, the lord asked
Kwashin Koji to explain the reason of it; and
" The value of the
Kwashin Koji replied : —
painting, as you first saw it, was the value of a
painting beyond all price. But the value of the
painting, as you now see it, represents exactly
what you paid for it, — one hundred ryo of
gold. . . . How could it be otherwise ?" On
hearing this answer, all present felt that it would
be worse than useless to oppose the old man any
further. He was immediately set at liberty ; and
Arakawa was also liberated, as he had more than
expiated his fault by the punishment which he
had undergone.