Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/380

304 his divine favour, you will soon be all right. Don't be depressed or melancholy, my dear husband!"

"It has become quite dark," said Katsugorō, cheering himself up. "It seems the moon has set in. Well, from Tokuyémon's words, it looks as if we must go somewhere or other to-morrow. Your having mentioned the god Gongen of Hakoné suggests to me that Hakoné is the best place to attain our purpose. You see, Hakoné is the main artery of the Tōkaidé, and all travellers between Kwantō and the western provinces must pass through there. If we go there, and abide our time, I hope that one day we shall not only be able to come across our enemy, but also my servant Fudesuké, who must be looking for me. Let us go there at once, my wife."

Hatsuhana readily approved of his plan, and they set about making necessary preparations for the next day's journey.

Suddenly the revengeful daikwan, with many peasants, made his appearance. They attacked the astonished couple with poles and bamboo sticks; but although he was crippled, Katsugorō bravely defended himself with his sword, and Hatsuhana with her skill in jujutsu, seized the