Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/395

Rh "I made a vow to purify myself in the waterfall of Shirataki twice a day for a hundred days, to pray the god Gongen to cure my husband's lameness. This morning I took the ninety-ninth ablution, and once more will complete my vow. I have come back through indescribable difficulties and danger to make the final ablution. Yes, I have returned to fulfil my vow, and to see whether Gongen will answer my prayers, and cure my husband's lameness. I must now go, and offer my last penance."

She ran up the cliff as she spoke, trampling upon the scattered maple leaves, and soon found herself in front of the waterfall. She plunged into the basin of the fall with a splash, and stood just below the column of icy water, and prayed fervently with clasped hands and closed eyes. As she stood there with her raven-black hair flowing down on her shoulders, and covering the greater part of her face, she presented a ghastly sight.

Sawarabi and Katsugorō were so inspired by her enthusiasm, that they also clasped their hands and earnestly prayed. As it chanced, one of Gōsuké's spies was lurking in the background and seizing the opportunity given him by their