The young man stalked into the inner room, while Seihachi, feeling like a fish out of water, followed him. Bunzayemon ushered the guests into one of the finest rooms in his house. Seihachi was troubled at heart, for the man’s clothes were muddy, and said: “Sir, I fear we shall soil your floor.”
Without even listening to Seihachi’s words, or showing that he had heard them, the host courteously said: “I am Bunzayemon of the Kinokuniya; and what is your name?”
“My name is Chobei,” answered the youth somewhat haughtily.
“I’m glad to make your acquaintance.”
Seihachi kept making signs to Chobei as to his behavior, but the latter did not take the least notice.
Seihachi in his distress said to Bunzayemon: “Please, sir, I beg your pardon for his unmannerly behavior. I think he must be a little out of his mind. I’m sorry to have brought such a fellow.”
Meanwhile Bunzayemon and Chobei sat with the tabakobon[[29]] between them and looked into each other’s face. For a while neither of them spoke, while Seihachi, whose trouble of mind was increased by this state of affairs, tried to extricate himself from this uncomfortable position and said:
[29]. A tobacco-tray.
“Chobei San, we had better take our leave now.” Then, turning to the host, “Sir, you won’t engage him after all, will you, sir?”
At this Bunzayemon, speaking somewhat loudly, said: “Oh, yes, I’ll engage you, Chobei San, and take you on as one of my men, if that is your wish.”