Tales of Old Japan - Maybe You Like It

after all he had no quarrel with the beggar, and that he had better attend
to Seibei's wounds than go on fighting to no purpose, drew Seibei away,
leaving the beggar, who was too lame to follow them, in peace. When he
examined Seibei's wounds, he found that they were so severe that they
must give up their night's frolic and go home. So they went back to the
house of Chôbei, the Father of the Otokodaté, and Seibei, afraid to show
himself with his sword-cuts, feigned sickness, and went to bed. On the
following morning Chôbei, happening to need his apprentice Seibei's
services, sent for him, and was told that he was sick; so he went to the
room, where he lay abed, and, to his astonishment, saw the cut upon his
temple. At first the wounded man refused to answer any questions as to
how he had been hurt; but at last, on being pressed by Chôbei, he told
the whole story of what had taken place the night before. When Chôbei
heard the tale, be guessed that the valiant beggar must be some noble
Samurai in disguise, who, having a wrong to avenge, was biding his
time to meet with his enemy; and wishing to help so brave a man, he
went in the evening, with his two faithful apprentices, Tôken Gombei
and Shirobei "the loose Colt," to the bank outside the Yoshiwara to seek
out the beggar. The latter, not one whit frightened by the adventure of
the previous night, had taken his place as usual, and was lying on the
bank, when Chôbei came up to him, and said—
"Sir, I am Chôbei, the chief of the Otokodaté, at your service. I have
learnt with deep regret that two of my men insulted and attacked you
last night. However, happily, even Gompachi, famous swordsman
though he be, was no match for you, and had to beat a retreat before you.
I know, therefore, that you must be a noble Samurai, who by some ill
chance have become a cripple and a beggar. Now, therefore, I pray you
tell me all your story; for, humble wardsman as I am, I may be able to assist
you, if you will condescend to allow me."
The cripple at first tried to shun Chôbei's questions; but at last,
touched by the honesty and kindness of his speech, he replied—
"Sir, my name is Takagi Umanosuké, and I am a native of Yamato;"
and then he went on to narrate all the misfortunes which the wickedness
of Banzayémon had brought about.
"This is indeed a strange story," said Chôbei who had listened with indignation.
"This Banzayémon, before I knew the blackness of his heart,
was once under my protection. But after he murdered Sanza, hard by
here, he was pursued by these two apprentices of mine, and since that
day he has been no more to my house."
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