I listened with rapt attention as Ho-ichi told of his return to his room at the temple after his midnight performance for the august company of listeners.

“Ho-ichi continued his tale. ‘I could tell by the birdsong that dawn was approaching. I returned to my room and fell into bed, exhausted from my night’s adventure. I slept through the day but was ready again at midnight when the samurai returned to fetch me for my next performance. Again I was amazed at the admiration my audience expressed for my storytelling. Again I was instructed to return the following night.

‘The next morning Osamu called for me. ‘Ho-ichi, we have been worried about you. A blind man out alone at night is not safe. Why did you go out without telling us? One of my servants could have gone with you. Where have you been?’

‘I remembered the stern warning of my host of the past two evenings. I dared not say anything lest I lose the great reward promised to me.

”I am sorry I worried you,’ I said. ‘I had a personal matter to attend to. I could not take care of it any earlier. Don’t worry, I am fine. Just tired.’

‘I stumbled by Osamu and went to my room where I collapsed onto my bed and fell into a deep sleep. But as I learned later, Osamu was concerned for he knew of the mischief the ghosts of the Heike caused with the unsuspecting an careless. I did not know that Osamu told two of his servants to keep watch over me that night and to follow me if I should leave the temple again. after dark.’

Next time: “Among the Fires of the Dead”