Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/146

96 sandals on his feet, and carrying something on his back wrapped in a furoshiki, knocked at the door.

"I am a priest," he said, "on a pilgrimage to various temples in different provinces. I am afraid that you will think I am asking too much, but can you give me lodging for the night?"

"I am afraid I can only offer you very poor accommodation," answered the old woman, "but you are welcome to spend the night under my roof."

"Many thanks, my dear madam."

With this he immediately entered, and began to untie his sandals. Misao and Hatsugiku brought him a tub of water in which to wash his feet.

"You are very kind, ladies," said the shaveling.

"Please do not put yourselves to so much trouble. A travelling priest always has to do everything for himself. I can sleep soundly anywhere, even in the corner of a shed. I need neither a mosquito net nor bedding. Please leave me to myself, and "

Theres one thing I must tell you, priest," broke in the old lady. "There is a bath-room just beside the entrance. The bath-tub is luckily