Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/384

308 to the temple from far and near in numberless crowds, to get these alms.

When alms had been given to all of them, three beggars came from somewhere, and asked the relief officers: "We have come late, and so have received no alms. Pray give us something."

The officers were surprised at their curious attire and strange appearance. Their nicknames excited their curiosity still more. One was called "Sea-slug," the second "Angler," and the third "Bear." The officers promptly gave them rice and money, and they were conducted to a courtyard near the temple, and treated to nice dishes and plenty of saké.

Katsugorō supposed that his enemy Kōzuké would attend the religious services; so he put on the dress of a wretched beggar, and conveyed in the wagon by Hatsuhana, went to the temple grounds.

"You must feel very cold," said Hatsuhana. "As this is a mountainous district, the snow is already falling, while the maple leaves still remain."

"Oh, I am quite comfortable in the wagon," said Katsugorō. "Here I can stand the cold more easily. But you, who are dragging my heavy