“Because your speech savors from the south,” was the answer. “I did not ask you that question from motives of curiosity, but because most of the men who enter into the service of foreigners, are such as are bound to find their way to jail. Every foreigner prefers any servant to one from this neighborhood. What name do you wish to go by? I hear the physician’s footstep, and will speak to him at once.”
He left the room, but returned quickly, preceded by a bearded man in the full vigor of life. Inouye prostrated himself before the stranger, who said in Japanese which sounded quaint although quite intelligible:
“Mr. Tanaka tells me that you wish to enter my service, and I am willing to try you. You are expected to be here from seven in the morning until nine in the evening, and will receive a salary of five riyo.[53] You shall have a room, which Mr. Tanaka will show you, and you can share the meals with the other servants. If you need anything, ask Mr. Tanaka; or if you want to speak to me, come to my room. I shall expect you to-morrow morning; you can now go and bring here what you may have as baggage.”
Inouye prostrated himself again. Tanaka then showed him his room, which was in one of the outhouses, but far more pleasant than his own quarters in Choshiu. Everything was clean. He was then taken to the room where the servants took their meals, and to the bathroom reserved for them. At last Tanaka told him that he could take possession at any time during that day, so as to feel more at home when his duties should commence.
When he had left the physician’s house, Inouye hastened back to the inn. He was dazed and did not know what to think. He would tell his new experience to Kano and consult with him. He entered the yadoya, and, answering the smiling landlord’s humble welcome with a slight bow, he hurried up-stairs. Kano was evidently expecting him, but showed not the least sign of curiosity. Both saluted as became samurai, and upon Kano’s invitation, Inouye sat down and lit his pipe, waiting for Kano to speak first.
“Have you succeeded?”
“I have.”
“When will you enter?”
“I have agreed to begin to-morrow morning, but I can occupy my room to-day, and bring in my baggage.”
“Then you had better make some purchases. Here are a hundred riyo. Nay, do not hesitate,” for Inouye was surprised at such a large sum being offered to him, “for your work is of great value to the clan, and you may need it; something may occur, or you may be suspected, and Choshiu can not afford to lose so worthy a samurai as my young friend Inouye has proved to be.” Inouye bowed low, to hide his confusion. It was so rare that a samurai of Kano’s rank bestowed praise that Inouye was deeply moved. Kano pretended not to notice the emotion, and continued: “While you are making your purchases after dinner, I shall go to Yokohama and see what success I may achieve. But what shall we do with our swords?”