“You say your home is in Noto; from what part of the province do you come?”

“I was born in Ogita-mura near Nanao. My name is Kyūsuké and I am the son of a peasant called Kyūzaemon.”

“Was your elder brother called Kyūtarō?”

“How do you know that?”

“You may well wonder. Kyūsuké, I have hardly the face to tell you.... I am Kyūtarō, fallen as you see to the depths of degradation and misery.”

“My elder brother, Kyūtarō!”

“With shame I say it, yes.”

The two brothers embraced with tears. O-Nami was surprised beyond measure at the pathetic sight.

“Are you indeed my husband’s brother? Forgive me, I did not guess it,” and she burst into tears.

Kyūsuké hastened to console her.