The hawk, even when it is on the verge of starvation, does not pick rice-ears contrary to its nature. For many days has Hayano Kanpei dwelt in his temporary home near Yamazaki; and for the fault committed in the flush of youth, he makes his living now by hunting deer and monkeys on these hills. He is caught with his gun in a summer shower, and takes shelter under a pine-tree until it ceases. Yonder comes a traveller with a little lantern stretched out with a bow, which he covers with the skirt of his rain-coat to keep the light burning. He hurries along the dark road in the heavy rain. Kanpei goes up to him. KANPEI. If you please, will you kindly give me a light? RECITATIVE. The traveller stops short and stands on the defensive. TRAVELLER. Humph, I travel alone, fully knowing that this road is unsafe. I see you have a gun and I certainly cannot give you a light. Come another time. RECITATIVE. He watches him, ready to cut him down if he moves an inch. KANPEI. Well, I do not wonder at your mistaking me for a robber; but I am a hunter of the neighbourhood. I am in a great trouble as I have got my tinder drenched in the heavy rain. Come, I will hand you my gun and get the light myself. RECITATIVE. Hearing his straightforward reply, the traveller looks fixedly at his face. TRAVELLER. Are you not Hayano Kanpei? KANPEI. And you are Senzaki Yagoro? YAGORO. I am glad to see you well. KANPEI. And you, too, are in sound health. RECITATIVE. It is long since they last met. They cannot forget the fall of their master’s house, and as they think of it with resentment, they both clench their fists. Kanpei bows down his head and remains speechless for a while; and then he speaks out.