Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/124

104 an important Idol is kept) at the Chorakuji Temple, and he explained to the disciple a method of shortening the nose of the Naigu.

When told of this, the Naigu, as usual pretended that he was not at all concerned about his nose, and he obstinately appeared to show little interest in what he was told, nor would he make any promise that he would even consider giving the idea a test. But at mealtimes he would remark pleasantly that he was sorry he needed the disciple’s help. Deep in his heart he was really waiting for the time when his disciple would persuade him to undergo this experiment with his nose. As for the latter, it was quite obvious that he saw through this trick of the Naigu’s. But it may be that he had a deep compassion in his heart for the Naigu who was tricking him so carefully, so he treated his obstinacy with patience and good-will.

However, in accordance with the Naigu’s expectation, the disciple at last commenced to advise him earnestly to give this experiment a trial. The Naigu too, as was to be expected, began to take heed of the advice given him.

The experiment was a very simple one indeed. It had to be done with very hot water. In fact the nose had to be boiled, and after it had boiled long enough, it required pressing very firmly between someone’s feet.

There was always quantities of hot water everyday in the bath-room of the temple, so one day the disciple poured some of it into a “hisage” (a wooden vessel for holding wine) and took it to the Naigu’s room. The