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246 The joy of Jirōzayémon at this decision knew no bounds. He advised his lord forthwith to return to his clan, and to this suggestion he gave a prompt assent. The Yamaguchi Clan was filled with delight at the news and the services of Jirōzayémon were spoken of in terms of highest praise.

Soon after Yoshioki's departure on his return to his clan, Jirōzayémon also started for his home, having as travelling companion a colleague named Iwashiro Takita. This Takita was a black-hearted villain, and he it was who had insinuated Yoshioki into dissolute ways and well-nigh wrought his ruin. In secret communication with the old virago of Mt. Maya, and her followers, he had been traitorously plotting the downfall of the Ōuchi house. It was but natural, then, that he should conceive a strong animosity against Jirōzayémon, who had, all unwittingly, thwarted his fell designs.

The two samurai, in the course of their journey, arrived at the post-town of Shimada, on the Tōkaidō, and put up at an inn called Ebisuya. During their sojourn in this inn it was Takita's purpose to kill Jirōzayémon, and for the accomplishment of this foul deed he had hired two