Man—"Oi! Oi! Yoshi San. Does a ghost really appear?"
Yoshi—"It really does."
Man—"What kind of a ghost?"
Yoshi—"As to that—right before one; a most blood-curdling thing. Anyhow, I shiver all over at sight of it. Just like this—"
Man—"Where does it show itself?"
Yoshi—"Just where you are seated."
Man—"Yoshi San, jokes don't go."
Without waiting for an answer he fled. Seeing this said Tsutayoshi:
Yoshi—"A ghost is a very profitable object. Do but speak of it, and he who would collect borrowed money takes to flight. If it appears, money is obtained. Hence a ghost is a remarkable thing. After this when the dry goods man comes for repayment, I'll chase him out again with the ghost. Anyhow this house brings good luck. The rent is cheap, and there is a ghost which enables one to dodge paying loans. Thanks: henceforth in renting a house I'll confine myself to haunted houses. So much for that. Will it show itself to-night?"
Tsutayoshi hung up the mosquito net. He drank a glass. Thus reinforced, tranquil and pleased he laid down on the pillow. After sleeping awhile he opened his eyes. All around was quiet. The bustle of the night had ceased. There was not a sound. Outside the mosquito net the wick of the andon had burned low and gave a faint light. Suddenly the bell of the eighth watch (1 a.m.) was heard on Bentenyama. Thereupon—de!... the sound was heard and the light of the andon went out. Then as a mist an object like to a human being (hito) was visible. Ha! Tsutayoshi was frightened. Was this the ghost? He rolled up the mosquito net, the pupils of the eyes intent. Thus he had it in plain view. The hair of the head was in wild disorder. To sight it was certain it was a man. He wore a grey cotton garment.