RECITATIVE. He is glib of tongue, and rubbing his legs and hips, he goes home murmuring. It is past the hour of the boar[2] when all are asleep in the neighbouring houses, which are invisible in the gloom of the clouded moon. Several policemen make for Gihei’s house; they carry truncheons, cords, and dark lanterns. Hiding the light, they proceed warily; they summon a servant who appears to be their spy and whisper to him. He nods, and hurriedly raps at the door. GIHEI. Who is it? Who is it? SPY. I am the skipper of the large ship who came in the evening. There is a mistake in the reckoning of the freight. Please, open the door. GIHEI. What a fuss you make! I suppose it is some trifling difference. Come to-morrow. SPY. No, the ship is to leave to-night; but unless you settle the account, I cannot set sail. RECITATIVE. Gihei fears his loud voice will be heard in the neighbourhood, and he rises and without any suspicion, opens the door, when he is instantly surrounded. POLICEMEN. We have caught you. Don’t move, we command in the name of the Government. GIHEI. What is it? RECITATIVE. He looks around him. POLICEMEN. What, do you ask why, you rascal? As you have, at the request of Enya Hangwan’s retainer, Oboshi Yuranosuke, purchased weapons and equipages and sent them by sea to Kamakura, we have been ordered to seize you at once and torture you into confession. You cannot escape. Here, tie his arms behind. GIHEI. Such accusation is most unexpected. I have never done anything of the kind. You have probably mistaken your man. POLICEMEN. Hold your tongue. We have a proof which you cannot dispute. Here, servants, bring it in. RECITATIVE. The servants bring in the long box packed in straw matting which he shipped this evening. Upon seeing it, Gihei feels his heart palpitate with apprehension. POLICEMEN. There, don’t let him move. RECITATIVE. They cut the ropes and are about to open the box when Gidayu breaks [Illustration: Gihei sitting on a shipping box] loose and, kicking away the servants, he jumps and sits upon the lid. GIHEI. You are too heedless. In this box are various wares and private articles which were ordered by the consort of a certain _daimyo_. As her name is marked on every one of them, the name of this great family will become known if you open the box; and if you see it, your own lives may be in danger. POLICEMAN. This grows more and more suspicious. He will not readily confess. Come, let us do as we agreed. SECOND POLICEMAN. Yes, we will. RECITATIVE. He runs into an inner room and brings out Gihei’s only son, Yoshimatsu. POLICEMAN. Now, Gihei, be the contents of the box what they may, you have joined the league of Enya’s _ronin_ and are, no doubt, fully acquainted with the secrets of their plot against Moronao’s life. Confess all you know; if you refuse, see, we will instantly do thus to your son. RECITATIVE. The bare blade is pointed at the child’s throat; but startled though he be, Gihei looks unmoved.