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 that. The mage has been buried in a field; and it will be found there and returned to me during the eighth month of the coming year. So please do not be anxious about it.”

More and more amazed, the old ninsomi ventured to observe:—

“I have studied the In-Yō, and the science of divination; and I make my living by telling peoples’ fortunes;—but I cannot possibly understand how you know these things.”

Ryōseki answered gravely:—

“Never mind how I happen to know them I now want to speak to you about Hagiwara’s funeral. The House of Hagiwara has its own family-cemetery, of course; but to bury him there would not be proper. He must be buried beside O-Tsuyu, the Lady Iijima; for his karma-relation to her was a very deep one. And it is but right that you should erect a tomb for him at your own cost, because you have been indebted to him for many favors.”