"Indeed," replied the other, "my father received that sword from
Matagorô's father as a mark of friendship and good-will, and,
considering that it would be an insult to send a present of money in
return, thought to return the favour by acts of kindness towards
Matagorô. I suppose it is money he wants."

When Kazuma's service was over, he returned home, and went to his
father's room to tell him the report that was being spread in the
palace, and begged him to send an ample present of money to Matagorô.
Yukryé reflected for a while, and said--

"You are too young to understand the right line of conduct in such
matters. Matagorô's father and myself were very close friends; so,
seeing that he had ungrudgingly given me back the sword of my
ancestors, I, thinking to requite his kindness at his death, rendered
important services to Matagorô. It would be easy to finish the matter
by sending a present of money; but I had rather take the sword and
return it than be under an obligation to this mean churl, who knows
not the laws which regulate the intercourse and dealings of men of
gentle blood."

So Yukiyé, in his anger, took the sword to Matagorô's house, and said
to him--

"I have come to your house this night for no other purpose than to
restore to you the sword which your father gave me;" and with this he
placed the sword before Matagorô.

"Indeed," replied the other, "I trust that you will not pain me by