Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/432

350 along the sword. Rejoicing at his success, Tombei climbed a ladder, and kicking away the shōji, entered the room. He tore the bedclothes from off the bed, and looked at the face on which the moonbeams were shining brightly. Alas! It was not Yoshiminé, but Tombei's own daughter O-Funé, groaning, with the blood flowing fast from her wounds.

He was filled with astonishment, but instead of aiding the unfortunate girl, he roared out furiously: "Where have Yoshiminé and the woman fled to? Tell me at once!"

"Father!" said she in low and plaintive tones, "I am ashamed to confess the truth, but I fell deeply in love with the traveller, the first time I saw him. I was astonished to hear Rokuzō say that he was Yoshiminé. After sending Rokuzō away, I met Yoshiminé, and laid bare my secret to him. He said he could not marry me in this life, for I was the daughter of his brother's murderer. If, however, I could give him some proof that I did not share your opinions, he would gladly take me for his wife in the next world. I was overjoyed with his promise, but told him that there was great danger in his staying here longer.