Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/187

Rh back," said Kosuké smiling bitterly. "Come. Is Kyūsaku in? If he is in, let him appear. He seems to be a poor peasant, living from hand to mouth. It is clear that he cannot pay such a large amount. But nevertheless I want to see him. Call him at once, girl!"

"Father is not at home, sir," answered O-Mitsu.

"He started for Ōsaka some time ago. Did you not meet him on the road?"

"Gone to Ōsaka?" said Kosuké, getting more irritated. "That is a lie! If it were true, I should have met him on the way here. He must be hiding somewhere. I'll search the house for him."

With these words Kosuké rose to his feet, and prepared to enter the inner apartment. O-Mitsu hurriedly stood in his way.

"My sick mother is lying in that room," she said. "Please speak a little more quietly, sir."

But Kosuké did not heed her, and pushing her aside, prepared to enter the room. The gentle Hisamatsu could remain passive no longer. He caught the ill-mannered clerk by the sleeve, and said:

"This violence is not necessary, Kosuké! Our mistress only ordered me to return home, and stay