The fire raged through the whole night of the 18th and through the whole of the next day, so Chobei engaged yet more coolies, and ordered them to make more charity bento for the relief of the poor.
There was a certain man named Kamada Matahachi, who was well known for his physical strength. He had always kept a large portable closet, about six feet by three, and five feet seven inches in height, in which to carry his furniture in case of fire. When he thought his house was in danger, he put all his belongings into this box, placed a sheet of matting on the top, and carried all these on his back by the means of a rope specially prepared for the purpose. Carrying a long, heavy stick in his hand, he walked unconcernedly and steadily among the crowd like an elephant among dogs. Every one marveled at his size and strength, and was forced to make room for him to go by. When he came to Fukagawa to escape from the fire, he saw there a large sign which read:
Day laborers are wanted for carrying the charity bento. Let all who wish to be engaged call at the timber reservoir of Kinokuniya Bunzayemon at Fukagawa. Three meals will be given, and one kwan mon[[37]] will be paid daily for wages.
[37]. A sum about equal to one dollar.
As he had nowhere to go at the time, he was glad to find some work. He went to the timber reservoir of Bunzayemon, where he found a bustle and hurry of men and women, hundreds in number, for the preparation of luncheon. Some were preparing a quantity of rice in large iron pots, others were cutting up some pickles, while a third set of men were wrapping these up in bamboo leaves.
Matahachi in the great fire at Yedo
Many bands of coolies with their paper flags were carrying out the luncheons in the baskets, while others were coming back with empty ones.
Matahachi, with that big closet on his back, drew near to the place and thundered out: “Is this the place where hands are wanted?” The people turned, and without giving any answer simply looked at one another in astonishment at his curious appearance.
Once more he called out: “I’m one Kamada Matahachi; I come to assist your charity work for the rescue of the people.”