KIBUN DAIZIN
OR
FROM SHARK-BOY TO MERCHANT PRINCE
CHAPTER I
AN AMBITIOUS BOY
“IF you please, sir,—”
And, attracted by a voice behind him, a well-dressed gentleman turned round and saw a boy of about thirteen or fourteen hurrying toward him,—“if you please, sir, are you the head of the Daikokuya[[1]]?”
[1]. Pronounced Dy-ko-koo’ya, meaning “dry-goods house.”
“Yes, I am,” answered the gentleman, eying the boy with surprise. “What can I do for you?”
“I come from Kada-no-Ura,” said the boy, making a polite bow, “and I wish to ask you a great favor. Will you please take me into your shop as an apprentice?”