The Case of the Marble Monster and Other Stories (Ooka the Wise)

The Case of the

Marble Monster and Other Stories Ooka The Wise)

(Original

title:

by

EDMONDS

I.

G.

45
-'M,-*-'-^:

grandfather

make one twice as big if he wanted to."

"Well,

if

my

grandfather wanted to," replied

Minoru, "he could take a chisel and carve the whole

world into a

lion."

Kazuo did not know what

to say.

He knew

his

grandfather was greater than any of the others, but it

was impossible

to

make

a lion bigger than the

world. So, determined to have the last word, he

boasted that his grandfather was so wonderful he could

make

their grandfathers' stone lions

come

to

life.

Shigeo and Minoru hooted with laughter. "No

one could do such a thing," they

said.

Kazuo declared he would prove

Angrily,

them and dared them

to

accompany him

it

to

to see

Ooka.

Ooka was an old man, but he had not what

it

when two

was

his

little

like to

be four years old

like

forgotten

Kazuo. So

grandson came into the house with his friends

and asked him

to

prove that he

could turn a stone lion into a living animal,

was placed

in a

Ooka

very awkward position. The judge

25

was a wise and cian

clever man, but he

was not a magi-

and could not perform an impossible

he did not wish

to

admit

this, for his

trick.

But

grandson would

appear ridiculous before his friends.

Ooka thought over then replied, "Well, stone to

knows. So,

if

it is

possible, of course, to bring

anyone who has read a

as

life,

the matter very carefully,

you

me

will bring

fairy tale

the lion which

Minoru's grandfather can carve from the entire world,

I

will breathe life into

at the children

and

it."

Ooka smiled down

silently congratulated himself

on his cleverness. But Kazuo was not father,"

he

satisfied.

"Honorable Grand-

you bring

said, "couldn't

to life

one of

Then Minoru and Shigeo me next time I tell them

the lions outside your gate?

would be sure

to believe

what wonderful things you can do you make the

lion bite

— especially

them a little."

Ooka frowned. "Of course

I

could do as you ask,"

he replied, "but bringing a stone object quires an unusual tired just

amount

of energy,

to life re-

and

I

am

too

now."

Instantly,

The They knew he

the judge realized his mistake.

three boys looked at

was making excuses.

26

if

him accusingly. Kazuo looked dejected.

V

"

^r^p^pn'^']'

"Very well," Ooka Perhaps

I

Ooka

said. "Let's

'\-v7^

go look at the

lion.

am not too tired after all."

set out, followed

by the three

little

boys.

As they walked, the judge told them the marvelous story of the Chinese stone life.

The boys

monkey who came

listened, wide-eyed,

to

and by the time

they came to the gate where the marble lions stood, three were quite sure that

all

power of bringing stone

to

The judge examined ficult trick,"

down isn't

we

said,

at the boys.

he?

The

he

I

Ooka

really

had the

life.

the lion confidently.

"but not impossible."

"He

certainly

is

He

"A

dif-

looked

a huge monster,

expect he will be very ferocious."

three boys began to look worried. "Perhaps

should wait behind a tree while you do the trick,"

Kazuo suggested. "Certainly not,"

man and do

Ooka

said firmly. "I

am

an old

not have enough energy to perform

need your help.

Now

replied. "Surely such a

mon-

such a miracle alone.

I

shall

say good-bye to one another."

"Good-bye?" Shigeo asked.

"Of course," Ooka

strous lion will eat all four of us as soon as to

life. I

hope you

all

he comes

said farewell to everyone at

your homes.

27

"

The mal "If

three Httle boys looked at the great stone ani-

in silence.

you are

be better

At

last

Shigeo said in a small voice,

really so tired,

if

we

my lord,

perhaps

did not bring the lion to

it

would

life after all.

"Nonsense!" the judge said. "I must prove to you that I can

do the

"I believe you,"

"So do

I,"

have

"I

trick,

or

you

Minoru said

will not believe

me."

quickly.

Shigeo added hastily.

always

believed

you.

Grandfather,"

Kazuo said.

Ooka

sighed. "Well, since

regretfully,

where

I

"we may

all insist,"

he said

just as well return to the house,

believe Kazuo's grandmother

some sweet cakes

for us."

added, "I must admit,

had

you

I

may have

Ooka sighed again and

am

very disappointed.

I

so looked forward to performing the trick.

However, disappointments often have a bright side for those

who are able to see it."

29

Ooka and the Honest Thief

\J NE

day, Yahichi,

owner

of a rice store,

came

to

Ooka's court, complaining that each night some of his rice disappeared. "It is

such a small amount that

I

hesitate to trou-

ble your Honorable Honor," Yahichi said, touching

the ground with his head to for the great magistrate.

story of the

"But

show proper respect I

am reminded

mountain that was reduced

because a single grain was stolen from

it

of the

to a plain

each day

for centuries."

Ooka nodded

30

gravely. "It

is

just as dishonest to

one grain of

steal

rice as

it is

to steal a large sack,"

he remarked. "Did you take proper steps

guard

to

your property?" "Yes,

my

lord. I stationed a

each night, but stand

it,"

still it

guard with the rice

disappears.

cannot under-

I

the rice merchant said, pulling his white

beard nervously.

"What about your guard? Can he be Ooka asked. "Absolutely,

guard

is

Lord Ooka," Yahichi

Chogoro.

He

has served

trusted?"

"The

said.

my

family for

seventy-five years." "Yes, I

know Chogoro," Ooka

conscientious man. is

he

He

said.

"He

could not be the

is

a most

thief.

But

possible that he falls asleep at his post. After is

it

all,

eighty years old."

"A man can be

just as alert at eighty as at

Yahichi replied quickly. "I

am

and

alert.

I

have never been so

eighty-one myself,

guard myself with Chogoro these

The rice vanished just

twenty,"

Besides, last

two

I

stood

nights.

the same."

"In that case, I will watch with you tonight,"

Ooka

said. "I

should like to see this for myself."

As he had promised, Ooka made

his

way

that

31

evening to Yahichi's rice

store.

He was

sure that

both Yahichi and Chogoro had fallen asleep and

had allowed the been

stolen,

each time the rice had

thief to enter

and

was not long before

it

his suspi-

cions were proved correct. Within an hour, both

men were

certain that

when

admit he had slept

A

little

Ooka

sleeping soundly.

men

the at

smiled.

He was

awoke, neither would

all.

past midnight,

outside the building.

Ooka heard

He

a slight sound

sprang to his feet and

peered cautiously out the window. To his astonishment, Ooka found himself staring straight into the face of a man, standing in the shadows just outside

the building. a laborer

The judge recognized him

who had been

out of work for some time.

The man was rooted to the

Ooka that he

he had

spot

by fear.

hesitated to arrest him. After

entered the rice store.

had come lost his

all,

he had not

Ooka would have no proof

to steal.

He

could simply say that

way in the dark.

Though Ooka had recognized had not recognized the judge, side the building hid his face.

32

as Gonta,

the thief, Gonta

for the darkness in-

.'•^•T^.

''*

•

Ooka decided

the best thing to do

pretend that he, too, was a

would be

In this

thief.

to

way he

might trap Gonta into completing his crime. Speaking in a harsh tone to disguise his voice, he said,

"You have obviously come here I

to steal rice just as

have."

Gonta was relieved

to find himself face to face

with another thief instead of a guard.

"As a favor from one thief to another," Ooka continued, "I will pass the rice out to you, so that will not

need

to risk

coming in yourself."

Gonta thanked him profusely

for his courtesy,

and Ooka picked up a large sack of it

you

rice

and handed

out to him. "This

is

too much,"

Gonta protested.

"I

want

only a few handfuls."

Ooka was amazed. "But you may

Ooka

if

you are going

to steal,

amount. After

all, if

catches you, you will be punished as

much

as well take a large

for stealing a single grain as

you would

for a

whole

sack."

"That would be dishonest!" Gonta replied dignantly. "I take just

enough

to feed

my

in-

family for

33

a single day, for each day

I

hope

not have to steal any more.

tend to return

all I

do

If I

amount

the

for his family's daily

work and

find work, I in-

of rice

he needed

meal and handed the sack

Thanking Ooka once

to the astonished judge.

more

will find

have taken."

Then he took out back

I

Gonta turned and disap-

for his coiu'tesy,

peared into the darkness. Ooka did not try to stop him.

When

the

shopkeeper and his guard awoke,

Ooka told them what had happened.

why

"But

did you

let

the thief go?" Yahichi asked

indignantly.

"Gonta

am

is

certainly a thief,"

convinced he

steal

is

Ooka

replied.

"But

an honest one, for he refused

I

to

more than he needed."

"But,

Lord Ooka, how can a man be a

thief

and

honest at the same time?" "I is

would never have believed

so,"

ish

Ooka

said. "It is the

possible, but

would be unfair

to treat

it

duty of a judge to pun-

wickedness and reward virtue. In

find both qualities in the

34

it

same man,

him

as

this case,

we

so obviously

any ordinary

it

thief."

"But, "I

that

Lord Ooka

have made

work

—

my

found

is

feed his family and to

pay back the

his promise. If

amount each is

rice

"

decision.

Gonta which

for

stole.

see

I will

suflScient to

is

leave enough to allow

still

he

Tomorrow

him

We will see if he keeps

he returns here and replaces the extra

night,

it

will

prove

my

belief that

he

an honest thief."

The plan was wishes. that

carried out according to Ooka's

Gonta was given a

Ooka was

job,

without knowing

And, as the judge

responsible.

sus-

pected, every night Gonta took the rice left over

from

his day's earnings

Ooka put it

all

diflBcult for

and

left it in

the rice shop.

kinds of obstacles in his

him

to enter the shop,

way

but

this

to

make

did not

prevent Gonta from returning each night, although

he became more and more afraid of being caught. Yahichi admitted that the thief had been punished enough for his crime, and told

The

great judge smiled

scroll

which he ordered

not wish to press charges.

and wrote out a small

Yahichi to leave for Gonta to see

pay the

last

Ooka he did

when he came

to

portion of rice.

35

when rice

the honest thief sHpped fearfully into the

shop for the

last time,

the scroll on which

he was shocked

was written

in

to find

Ooka's

handwriting, and bearing Ooka's signature, the

own fol-

lowing message "You owe an extra ten per cent for :

interest.

36

Honesty is the best policy."

mm^^'

C^

r-

.v»

--r

Ooka and the Terrible-tempered

Tradesman

( T was

summer festival in Yedo, and Ooka had come down to the gate to see the the day of the

parade go by his house. see his grandson, Kazuo,

He especially wanted who had been chosen

to to

help pull one of the decorated wagons in the parade.

Ooka smiled

to see all the

happy

faces around

him. This was truly a day for rejoicing, a day

when

everyone forgot his worries and joined in the celebrations.

As the wagon which Kazuo and the other

boys were pulling went by, Ooka glowed with pride.

Only a sharp reminder

to himself that

dignified for a judge to

show

it

was un-

his feelings in public

37

prevented him from waving and calling to his grandson.

Suddenly Ooka became aware that there was one

among all away stood

sad face

the

Not

a

far

happy people

woman

Ooka beckoned to her. The woman came up

to

in the street.

with tears in her eyes.

him and bowed

respect-

"Are you in trouble?" the judge asked kindly.

fully.

"Please don't ask me, Lord Ooka," she replied. "It concerns it is

my

husband's family.

And you know,

not permitted for a wife to complain in these

matters."

"That law. I

is

true,

However,

'

if

were prepared

complain about,

Ooka

said.

"And

it is

you were permitted to listen, then

a very wise

to talk

and

if

what would you

may I ask?"

"About how badly

his uncle, Tarobei, treats

my

son, Zensuke."

know Tarobei," Ooka said. "He is a fine man in many ways, but I hear he has the most terrible tem"I

per in

all

"That

the city of Yedo." is

the cause of

mother replied

tearfully.

my

son's

"Two days

his apprenticeship in his uncle's shop."

38

trouble,"

ago, he

the

began

7?f:^^A

"That learn

v

.^

Ooka remarked. "He

very good,"

is

will

how to run a business."

"But,

Lord Ooka, twice already has the

terrible-

tempered Tarobei become enraged with

and thrown things

at him.

spoon. Another time the poor child

is

Once

it

clumsy, but after

son

was a serving

was a cooking

it

my

pot.

all,

he

I

know only

is

eleven." "I

Ooka

see,"

said thoughtfully. "Naturally

would be most improper

for

it

your husband to com-

plain to his elder brother about this."

He will

sat for a

moment

in silence

and then

said, "I

speak to him."

"Tarobei?" asked the

woman eagerly.

"Certainly not," replied Ooka. "I shall speak to

Zensuke." "But,

new

Lord Ooka,

it is

not the child's

him

fault.

He

is

make a few mistakes. If Tarobei would not frighten him so, he would not make so many." at his work. It

"Nevertheless, said. "I

not

will

natural for

to

speak to Zensuke," Ooka

cannot speak to Tarobei, because you have

made

gotten?

I

is

a complaint against him.

It is

Have you

for-

against the law."

39

Looking even more unhappy than before, Zensuke's all

mother made her way home, wondering

the stories she

to the

if

had heard about Ooka's kindness

poor could possibly be

The next day Ooka paid No sooner had he entered

true.

a visit to Tarobei's shop. the street than he heard

the tradesman's angry voice scolding the unfortu-

nate apprentice.

Ooka hurried down the shop. As he did

40

the street and crossed toward

so,

Zensuke came running out

and, in his haste to escape the merchant's wrath,

bumped was

into the judge.

fortunate, for

it

Both

fell to

the ground. This

kept them from being hit by an

iron rice pot Tarobei hurled after the fleeing boy,

shouting, "Take that,

When

you clumsy nincompoop!"

the merchant

saw how narrowly he had

missed hitting the famous judge, he

and touched the ground with

fell to his

knees

his head, loudly beg-

ging Ooka's pardon.

Calmly, Ooka got to his feet and silenced the apologetic merchant. "I wish to see this boy's apprentice agreement," he

demanded.

41

The merchant hurried

to obey. After glancing

through the document, Ooka handed

it

back to

Tarobei.

Ooka looked sternly at Zensuke and said, "According to your apprentice papers, you are to be fed,

and given a home and any presents your

clothed,

uncle wishes to give."

Zensuke nodded and looked at the ground. "In return for this generous treatment, you are to serve your master faithfully for ten years."

nodded

"Yes! Yes!" Tarobei cried. Zensuke

again.

"Very well," Ooka continued. "I order you to

work very hard to please your uncle." Tarobei rubbed his hands in delight at the judge's words, while Zensuke, in a low voice, promised to

do better.

Ooka smiled he it

"Now

said.

at

him

take your

.

.

.

sure

you

iron rice pot

will,"

and put

my pot?" Zensuke said, puzzled.

"Of course!" Ooka your master

may

give

replied.

"The agreement says

you presents

he wishes, and

if

clearly heard Tarobei say, 'Take that!' as

the pot. So

42

new

am

away for safekeeping."

"My

I

kindly. "I

it

must be yours. Add

to

it

he threw

the serving

"

spoon and the cooking pot and anything

else

he

has thrown at you. They, too, are yours."

"My

—

"To throw the

gifts at

rupted. "Of course

you

the child?"

didn't.

"

mean Ooka inter-

lord!" Tarobei protested. "I didn't

And you

are to be

congratulated on your surprising generosity to your

nephew.

If

you continue

to

be so generous, Zensuke

may own the shop some day. Smiling at the flustered merchant,

Ooka went

back home, well pleased with himself.

From

that

day Tarobei never again threw any-

thing at his nephew. Zensuke, no longer afraid,

fewer mistakes.

He became

made

a fine worker, and soon

everyone was happy in the shop of Tarobei.

43

Ooka and Tosuke's Tax

1

HE

way

typhoon came from the sea and slashed

across the land.

wind and laughed and houses

fences,

tried to stand

One phans

it,

"Why

town

of

sly as the

bamboo

—

was a home

for or-

special house tax

on

owners were happy

all

to

merchant named Tosuke.

man who has no children have to build a new home for orphans?" he

should a

tax to

trees,

Meguro near Yedo. To

in the village. All

crafty tea

But stronger

the

wind and were destroyed.

Ooka placed a

pay except a

44

— not so

to the

in the little

homes

pay a

at the storm.

of the houses destroyed

rebuild

the

up

The wise bamboo bent with

its

asked his wife. "Why, that

judge has set the

silly

tax at one gold ryo for every door in the house.

would cost me

six ryo. I will

"But, husband,

Ooka

not pay

will

That

it!"

put you in prison

if

you refuse to pay," his wife said anxiously.

would

"I did not say I

ing to pay

it,"

clever husband.

Tosuke I

his turn

was not go-

"You have a very

replied.

intend to outsmart Ooka."

Tosuke joined the

When

refuse. I said I

line of taxpayers before

came, Tosuke protested that a

without children should not have to pay the "It is

necessary to build a

home was

children," the old judge said. "It for

Ooka.

man

tax.

for these poor set at

one ryo

each door because a poor man's house has only

one door. Richer houses have more. Kindly make yom- payment, and do

it

quickly before

I

become

angry." "I

still

say

it is

wrong," Tosuke said ungraciously,

handing Ooka a single ryo. "You have six doors! Where are the other ryo?"

five

Ooka asked.

Tosuke looked around

were admiring

to see

if

his cleverness as

before coming here

I

sealed

the other taxpayers

he

up

said, all

"Lord Ooka,

but one door.

Now my house has only one."

45

The

him

great judge looked at

man from

no law which prevented a tra entrances,

sourly.

There was

sealing

up

but Ooka knew he could not allow

the sly tea merchant to outsmart him. Others try the

same

ex-

trick.

would

Slowly Ooka's ears turned red,

a sure sign that he was embarrassed.

He

said to Tosuke,

"You are a

not hurt you to pay this

tax.

Or even

Ooka paused and looked he continued, "to care for

rich

man.

—

It

would

"

thoughtful. "Or even,"

all

these twelve orphaned

children yourself."

"My

my

lord, I

money.

I

earned see

all I

have by being frugal with

no reason

throw away a single

to

ryo."

Ooka pulled

Thoughtfully,

at

his

beard and

looked at the children gathered in the back of the courtroom. They were

all

shapes and

They

sizes.

wore patched kimonos. They looked very sad.

"Look

at those children,"

"Can you look

Ooka

into their faces

said to Tosuke.

and

still

say you

should not help them?" "I do!"

Tosuke said

someone outside

my

firmly.

family?

me to pay even this one ryoF^

46

"Why It is

should

an

I

help

injustice for

'.

-•;5f^;^r:^,;^. \«-_.-

"An

Oh,

injustice?

my

blamed on think of

Ooka

court!"

some way

cannot have an injustice

I

you

so

"Perhaps

said.

will not

have

to

can

I

pay any

tax at all."

"Lord Ooka, that would be wonderful! You are truly the wise

you. "I

I

and

never realized

it

a shght smile. "Here

"I do!"

his

before."

hope you continue

need pay no

tax.

judge people have called

just

to think so,"

is

Ooka

said with

your gold coin back. You

Do you accept my decision?"

Tosuke

touching the ground with

cried,

head to show his respect for so great a judge.

Before he could

rise,

Ooka, smiling blandly,

called for a carpenter to go nail

up the

last

door in

Tosuke's house.

The

startled tea

merchant

sat up.

"What

is

this?"

he asked. "Since you are paying no tax, and the tax

is

for

each door, you will not be permitted to have a door,"

Ooka explained. "But how will "That

is

not

I

get in?"

my

concern," the great judge said.

"You didn't want

to pay.

you from having

to

do

And

so.

I

foimd a way

You should be

to

keep

pleased."

47

y,^

'

r^Tv^^^-*".-

"But

anything.

money

my

I live in

is

never change

it.

him

Angry

in.

he and to

tried to

once

that,

No one

who keeps changing Tosuke

get in to sell

my

inside.

"You should know I

I can't

get in to eat and sleep. All

I can't

hidden

teashop.

I

make a judgment,

has any use for a judge

mind. You are dismissed."

his

persuade his neighbors to take

at his greed, they refused.

huddled together

his wife slept in the street,

keep warm when the rain

That night

fell.

The next day Tosuke, wet and

miserable,

came

to Ooka's house.

"Lord Ooka," he

"No

tax,

cried.

"You must help me."

no door!" Ooka

replied. "I never

change

my mind." "Lord Ooka,

I will

be delighted

to

pay the whole

six ryo."

"Impossible!"

Ooka

said.

not have to pay any tax.

I

"I

ruled you

would

cannot change that de-

cision."

"But, great judge, poor.

Now

I

am

you are famous

the poorest

man

for helping the

in Japan. Please

help me." "Well,

if

something.

you put If

it

that way, perhaps

I

can do

you took these twelve children

into

49

your home,

would

Orphanages are not taxed,

become an orphanage. so you would have to pay

would not have

to reverse a decision, the

it

legally

nothing.

I

children

would have a home, and

all

the people of

Meguro would get back the taxes they paid. Everybody would be happy. Now that is the way justice should be."

"Take in twelve children? Lord Ooka, that

is

im-

Do you know how much rice so many children would eat? And the amount of tea they would " drink! And the "I know how big your house is and how rich you

possible!

—

are.

This will not bankrupt you,"

Ooka

said se-

verely.

"Well, perhaps not, but

"You are wasting

my

will

it

time,"

still

cost too

Ooka

much."

said angrily.

"Either take the children or be content with

my

de-

cision."

Since he dren. At

had no

first

choice,

his life

Tosuke took the

was miserable. He was

chil-

dis-

turbed by their noise and furious at their appetites.

But

as time

to love them. taxless

50

went

And

on, he

then

it

grew

to like

happened

house was the happiest in

all

and

finally

that Tosuke's

Japan.

-

,

.

.

......

... , ,

^

Ooka and the Willow Witness

^J OKA'S

reputation

was so great

Yedo

for

discovering

the

truth

were

terrified of

facing the famous judge.

Ooka had only

to accuse a

suspect of a crime, and

if

in

that criminals

the

man was

guilty

would confess almost immediately, thinking less to try to

it

he

use-

hide anything from so great a judge.

Ooka was proud

of his success,

and when the

Honorable Kujo, a distinguished Kyoto judge, one

day

visited his court,

Ooka was determined

to im-

press him.

The

case before

Ooka

that

day concerned a man,

Mompei, who had been robbed earlier at

Ochanomizu, a

village

several

months

some distance away.

51

j^

He claimed he had man named Gohei

just

—

recognized the thief

—a

There was no

evi-

in Yedo.

dence against the suspect, but Ooka beheved him

and

guilty

felt

he could frighten the man

into con-

fessing.

Looking sternly into Gohei's loud voice,

face,

he said

in a

me. Gohei, you are

"It is all clear to

guilty."

Unfortunately for the judge, Gohei was a clever

and experienced criminal who was not tricked.

"No,

He

my

easily

returned Ooka's look boldly and replied,

lord,

Mompei

is

mistaken.

I

am

innocent

of the crime."

Ooka glanced pression silently

quickly at the

visitor.

Kujo's ex-

had not changed, but Ooka knew he was triumphing over his

rival's failure to solve

the case.

Ooka's ears turned pink with embarrassment.

He

took out his fan from the sash of his kimono and

began

to fan himself briskly.

"Since you apparently find

Kujo

said, "I

suggest

we walk

it

so

warm

in here,"

to the teahouse while

the court torturer works on both men." "I

Ooka

52

never find torture necessary in replied coldly. "There

is

no need

my

court,"

for the in-

nocent to have to suffer along with the guilty.

I will

have the case solved in a very short time." "In that case," the Honorable Kujo said sarcasti-

marvelous

cally, "the

dom must be

tales I

true, for I

have heard of your wis-

must confess that

can see

I

no other solution myself."

Ooka snapped denly he pointed at

it

at

Sud-

annoyance.

his fan shut in

Gohei. "Did you rob

Mompei

Ochanomizu?" he asked.

"My

lord, I

have never been

to

Ochanomizu

in

my life," Gohei replied. Ooka said, apparently pleased with Gohei's answer. Then he tmned to Mompei and added, "I think you have made up this false charge to cover up some misconduct of your own." "I

see,"

"Lord Ooka!" Mompei

cried. "I

am only

—

"

"What other conclusion do you expect me reach, since

you can produce no witnesses

to

to the

robbery?"

"My lord! My lord!" the frightened man cried. "How can I produce witnesses? It was night, and there

was nothing around except a willow tree."

"A willow should be

tree?"

sufficient.

Ooka

Go

said thoughtfully.

"That

bring this willow witness to

court!"

53

..:<X(*f^

Everyone looked

at the

judge in astonishment.

Perhaps his failure to solve the case had upset his

He was

mind.

certainly behaving very strangely.

Mompei had

moved from

not

staring at the judge with

hear what

I

said?"

Ooka

the spot.

He was

open mouth. "Did you

cried angrily. "Leave im-

mediately for Ochanomizu and return with the wit-

Otherwise

ness.

I shall

believe

you are

afraid to

bring him to court."

The head

startled

man

left

the courtroom, shaking his

bewilderment. Ooka turned to Kujo, look-

in

ing well pleased with himself.

walk

to the teahouse

Mompei

shall

we

and refresh ourselves while

brings the witness?" he asked pohtely.

"Yes, indeed.

thinking

"Now,

it

best

By all means," Kujo said hastily, to humor the judge, who had obvi-

ously lost his reason.

Ooka said to Gohei, "You remain here until Mompei returns. The tree will probably tell us that Mompei has made a false acAs they started

to leave,

cusation against you."

"My

lord,"

Gohei

replied, delighted at his

men call you. long, may I have

fortune, "you are truly the wise judge

Since

54

Mompei

will

be gone so

good

^:—

11^ ^ -

^\'

1^

^^.

*

I

my business?

your permission to return to

I will re-

turn to court next week."

"A week!" Ooka

you suggest delaying the court

Ochanomizu

business.

"How

said indignantly.

dare

your personal

the other side of

just

is

for

Kanda. Mompei should be back in an hour."

is

"I

beg your pardon, Lord Ooka, but Ochanomizu

a

common name.

This one

is

in

Saitama prefec-

ture."

"Oh well, that Ooka replied.

my

"True,

Gohei

lord,"

the edge of a

more than a day,"

will not take

cliff.

said,

"but this tree

be impossible

It will

down without its falling into the river. Mompei must float it downstream until

on

sits

to cut

it

This means ." .

.

Gohei's voice trailed off in a whisper as he real-

Ooka had tricked him into describing the scene of the crime, when he had sworn he had never ized that

been

there.

As Ooka called the guard jail,

Kujo said grudgingly,

the amazing tales

"Oh, quires

56

is

it's

a

I

"I

can well believe

now

have heard about you."

very simple,"

little

to take the prisoner to

Ooka

imagination."

replied. "All

it

re-

Ooka and the Wonderful Wishes

^JOKA

was not by nature a

He

on reason and common sense

relied

cases,

and did not believe

things as magic

in

superstitious

man.

to solve his

such supernatural

and demons.

But there were times when the great judge found it

usefiJ to pretend such beliefs.

casions

One

of these oc-

came about when Ooka's grandson Kazuo,

who was

four years old at the time,

was staying

at

his grandparents' house.

One day

the

little

boy was

in tears

and could not

be quieted. Finally the boy's grandmother came to her husband and asked his advice.

57

The judge smiled with

satisfaction as

to his wife's admission that she could

he Hstened

do nothing

with the child, for he had often told her that only a

man could properly handle a httle boy. "I fear the child

mother

must be punished," the grand-

said.

"Really?" the judge replied. "Punishment

necessary to

if

is

un-

one understands boys. You have only

remove the cause of his unhappiness and the prob-

lem

will

be solved, as

I

will

show you. What

is

he

crying about?"

"At the Shichi-go-san festival he had to the son of the daimyo of Echizen.

higher rank so others will have to

The old

To envy

judge's ears

Now

bow

to

he wants

bow to him."

reddened

another's higher position

in embarrassment.

was a

serious fault

The boy should certainly be punished. But Ooka was unwilling to admit that his wife had been right, after boasting of character in a nobleman's son.

about his

ability to

handle boys without punish-

ment.

He

sighed and ordered Kazuo to

come

to him.

"So you wish to be a daimyo s son so people ourselves must

58

fall

like

on our knees and bow when you

'"•^.

i^o^'/\^^^

•

;

.'

-

pass by," the old judge said gravely to the httle boy.

The

child nodded.

"Then

judge continued. "I shall do ful

wishes a magic

him a

favor.

I shall it

arrange

the

with three wonder-

demon once gave me

You can use one

it,"

of

them

for doing

become a

to

daimyo's son."

The

judge's wife looked at

was unlike Ooka

him

in surprise.

to profess belief in

magical pow-

She was sure he must be joking.

ers.

really believed his grandfather

It

But Kazuo

had received three

wishes from a demon.

"Now make

your wish, and tonight

Ooka said. Kazuo closed his

it

will

come

true,"

Magically enough, ing,

eyes tightly and

made

when he awoke

the next morn-

his wish.

he was wearing the richer robes of a daimyo's

Ooka had borrowed them, and Kazuo's grandmother had put them on the boy while he slept, alson.

though she was

still

puzzled by the judge's ac-

tions.

Kazuo was delighted by

his

new

finery

when he

awoke.

"Now

say good-bye to your grandmother, your

59

.

.

.

:.

fi

aa^^^^Ensifi^

pet dog, and me,"

Ooka

told him.

new home." Some of Kazuo's enthusiasm

"You must go

to

your

take you with

vanished.

"Can't

I

me?" he asked.

"Certainly not!" the old judge replied firmly. "Just as your clothes are

before, so

you

will

have a

and a much nicer dog."

60

now

finer

than they were

finer set of grandparents

"I don't see

how

they could be any better," Kazuo

said.

Ooka

just barely

managed

to hide his delight.

"Well, they are," he said gruffly. "Of course, your

new you

grandfather stories as I

aflFairs

you

is

not going to have the time to

of state. But then

will

He

have done.

you

will

be too busy with

will not miss

be busy every day learning

good son of a daimyo.

Also,

tell

how

them, for to

you must learn

properly to the daimyo of Sendai,

who

is

be the to

bow

a

still

higher-ranking lord." "I don't think I shall

hke

that,"

Kazuo

said.

Ooka replied, "take another wish and become Kazuo again. Then be satisfied with "In that case,

your station

'

in life."

He

looked at his wife to see

she was properly impressed with the

if

way he had

handled the matter.

But Kazuo the wish

said, "I think

it

would be

better to use

and become son of the daimyo of Sendai."

Ooka's ears tinned pink with embarrassment.

wondered

if

answer after

He

punishment would have been a better all.

"Very well," he said reluctantly. "Take another wish.

Tonight

it

will

come

true in the dark of the

moon."

61

Kazuo closed his eyes and wished again. "Of course," Ooka continued, "you must

daimyo

to the

he

of Kii because

is

bow

still

the shoguns

chamberlain."

"Then

I

wish to be the daimyo of

Kii!"

Kazuo -ex-

claimed.

"You

do

can't

that!"

Ooka

said, outraged.

"You

to

become the daimyo

"But, honorable grandfather,

you said there were

have already used the wish of Sendai."

three wishes."

"That

true,"

is

may have you must

still

to

The

come

bow

to the

reluctantly.

"You

But you understand that

that one, also.

as yesterday,

had

Ooka admitted

shogun and

his family, just

when you were my own

grandson, you

bow to the daimyo's family." little

boy swallowed hard. "Do you never be-

so high in rank that there

"Never!"

Ooka

replied.

is

no one higher?"

"Over the shogun

is

the

emperor and over the emperor are the gods, and even

I

cannot make you a god."

"Then

I

could have

might

my

just as well

be Kazuo! Then

dog, and you for

my

grandfather."

Ooka frowned at being placed second puppy in Kazuo's aflFection.

62

I

to

the

"Well, be sure that this for this

our

is

last wish.

really

is

We

what you want, be able to

will not

change again." "This

is

what

I

want," Kazuo said, closing his eyes

and wishing for the third and

"Then let it be so," Ooka

The next day

there

last time.

said.

was an

oflBcial

announcement

from the shoguns palace that Ooka Tadasuke, Echizen-no-Kami, chief magistrate of Yedo, had

been promoted

to the position of

daimyo of Mi-

kawa. Ooka's wife said to her husband, "You

were tell

to obtain this appointment.

Kazuo he was soon

to

Why

knew you didn't

you

be a daimyo's grandson

instead of inventing the story about the wishes?"

Ooka smiled

at her sadly.

He

pitied her lack of

understanding of boys. "Because," he said gently, "that

would not have cured

satisfaction

cured.

I

his basic fault of dis-

with his station in

life.

Now

predict that he will never again

want

he

is

to

be

anyone but Kazuo."

And it so happened.

63

Ooka and the Wasted Wisdom

%^NE

day a case came

Two women

ing a baby boy.

mother, and

claimed to be

Ooka was faced with

deciding which

women had

to Ooka's court concern-

woman was

recently

were no witnesses

come

its

the problem of

telling the truth.

to Yedo,

Both

and so there

to support either claim.

Thinking that the child himself would be sure to recognize his

own

the middle of the

ward one

of the

mother, the judge placed him in floor,

women. But the

tention to either of the

Ooka to pick him up.

64

expecting him to crawl to-

no

at-

two women and cried

for

child paid

j

A murmur

of

.

'I

'1i

:.:.ft

..

amusement ran around the

/

i

court-

room. Ooka's ears began to turn pink.

The

great judge soon thought of another

however.

He

ordered the two

women

test,

each to take

hold of one of the baby's arms and to pull as hard as they

were

able.

65

"I

am

sure the real mother will be given strength

win the

so that she will

What he

really expected

would stop pulling the But the two cleverness,

playing a

Ooka and of

struggle,"

was that the

real

mother

child, for fear of hurting him.

women were

and

he explained.

not fooled by Ooka's

told the judge they

knew he was

trick.

sighed. Finally he called a court attendant

said,

"Go buy me a bowl

bamboo

sticks,

of goldfish, a handful

three pieces of wood, a magnify-

ing glass, and a copy of a book on fortunetelling."

To Ooka's embarrassment, loud

laughter spread

around the courtroom, as the spectators decided that at last the great judge

Ooka

was defeated by a

quickly called for silence, his ears very red.

Soon the attendant returned with the

Ooka had

requested.

fully in front of him. it is

case.

you

to all of

articles

Ooka spread them out

"Now

— that

I

it is

obvious to

cannot solve

me

care-

—

this case,"

as

he

said. "Nevertheless, I shall arrive at a just decision,

for I shall use these articles to look into the future.

There

The

I shall

see

what my decision should be."

spectators

ways used

logic

were astonished.

Ooka had

and common sense

al-

to solve his

Ts^« K*-.

cases.

They had never known him

to rely

on such

superstition as fortunetelling.

Gravely, the judge took each of the objects and studied them carefully, consulting the fortunetelling

book from time

to

time.

sticks to learn their secret.

in the goldfish bowl.

his ears

He

and hstened

He rolled the bamboo He counted the bubbles

held the pieces of

wood

to their echoes. Finally

to

he

studied the two women's palms.

Ooka did very thoroughly and slowly, and by the time he had finished, the crowd had become very restless. Everyone was relieved when All this

at last the

have used future,

judge said, "I see all

it

quite clearly now. I

the best methods of foreseeing the

and they

all

give the

same answer. Therefore

what I see must be the truth."

Ooka paused and looked around the courtroom. The spectators waited anxiously to hear what Ooka had learned. The judge continued, "I saw very clearly the real mother with her son as they

will

be twenty years

from now. The boy had met with an accident and

was a helpless invahd. His mother was working

in

the rice fields to support him."

67

women

Both

gasped in horror. Ooka looked at

them sorrowfully and added, "And the woman

saw

my vision was —

in

"Stop!" cried one of the

Children are supposed

I

"

women.

was not

"It

I!

to take care of their parents

when they become old, not the other way around." "Is that so?" Ooka said. He turned to the other woman. "And how do you feel about my prophecy?" he asked. "It

makes no

woman there

diflFerence,

replied. "I will

is

breath in

my

happy, knowing that

"Then

this is really

I

Honorable Honor," the

work

for

my

child while

body, and then

I

will die

have served him."

your true son," said the judge.

"The other wanted him only so that he could take care of her in her old age. court's

Take the child with the

good wishes."

The happy mother took

the child in her arms.

Ooka said casually, "Oh, I forgot to finish the prophecy. The child recovered from the injury I saw. He became rich and famous. He, his mother, his fine wife, for

68

and

thirteen children lived happily together

many, many years."

'7^TM,-

|^;^i.»'.r>^,;^';v;

when cloth,

the spectators returned with their pieces of

Ooka

told the old

to stand beside

One by one

him

as

man who had been robbed

he received the

fines.

handed

the people filed past and

When

pieces of cloth to the judge. fines

...

had been

paid, the old

their

about half the

man whispered some-

thing into Ooka's ear.

A

delighted smile appeared on Ooka's face.

man had recognized one piece of his own cloth.

of the samples as a

old

Ooka

at

once ordered the arrest of the

had brought the sample.

The

When

man who

the thief's house

was

searched, the missing cloth was found in a back

room and restored to its

rightful owner.

Gravely thanking the statue for ering the stolen property, the ropes which

bound

it

Ooka

its

part in recov-

himself removed

and had

it

returned to

the temple grounds. As a result of this famous case, it

became the custom

to the statue

and

tie

in old

Yedo

a rope around

to report thefts

it

until the stolen

property was found. Today the statue

is

worn almost

smooth by the many ropes that have bound the past

it

during

two hundred years.

73

Ooka and the Two First Sons

^J

man

rich

of

Yedo died without leaving a

Within minutes of

who

ing over

According

come

to

his death, his

two sons were

will.

fight-

should become head of the family.

Japanese law, the eldest son should be-

the heir, but in this case

which of the two sons was the

it

was not known

elder, for they

were

identical twins.

Once

again, the case

was brought

to

Ooka. First

the famous judge tried to find the nurse

who had

been present

which of

the two

at the twins' birth, to learn

had been

bom

first.

But she was dead.

Then Ooka decided the larger was probably the elder. But they had exactly the same measurements.

74

Ooka's ears began to redden in embarrassment. After considering the matter for

some

said, "I feel that character is the real

Ooka human

time,

key to

problems. Therefore the court will adjourn while

I

inquire into the character of these two men."

Ooka

work questioning the neighbors

set to

He

the family.

men had been

discovered that one of the young a dutiful son, while the other

young scoundrel. The great judge decided tice

of

would best be served

if

was a

that jus-

the dutifxil son were

to inherit his father's property. Unfortunately, since

the two were identical in appearance, the neigh-

bors did not know which son was which.

Ooka

felt

sent for the

"Which

sure he could discover the truth,

and

two sons once again. of

you cared

for the father in his last

days?" he asked them. "I,

Honorable Honor," both cried

Ooka looked down lying.

Do not

at

them

liar.

sternly.

"One

of

you

is

think that the truth can be hidden just

because you look exactiy the

at once.

Now,

I

alike. I will surely

discover

ask you again, which of you

cared for your father?" "I,

Honorable Honor," the two cried again.

"Very well," Ooka said severely. "You will bring

75

your family

to the court

register, a

of plank, a handful of dirt,

gold coin, a piece

and a drawing of a neigh-

bor."

The courtroom buzzed with excitement as the spectators asked one another what the judge could hope

possibly

to

do with such an odd

The two

of articles.

sons stared at

collection

Ooka open-

mouthed, but seeing the determined expression on his face, hurried to

When said,

do

as

he demanded.

the articles were laid before him,

"The family

your house. The plank represents the house

The

Ooka

register represents leadership in itself.

coin symbolizes the wealth your father left you,

and the

dirt,

your land. The drawing of the neighbor

represents the good will of your friends."

::r^^i^?%;a^^!^

'r->^

->^*7'

Ooka looked "Since

it is

'^

--

sharply at the two young men.

impossible to discover which of you

is

the deserving son, your father's belongings must be

divided between you.

You

are both

first

sons, so

you

must both have a fair share."

Ooka paused and considered thoughtfully. "You, on

make

my

left,"

the two brothers

he continued, "may

the division. Divide these articles fairly be-

tween yourself and your brother, and

I

promise that

award the property they represent

I will

in the

same

way."

A

look of greed flashed across the face of the

young man Ooka had chosen. The

spectators gasped

Ooka had made a mistake and had chosen the selfish son to make the division. The young man started to take everything for himself. Angrily, Ooka reminded him that he had as they realized that

ordered a

fair division of

the property.

The greedy son bowed mockingly

"My

lord,"

that the

he

good

said,

"my

brother has often claimed

will of his neighbors

than anything

to the judge.

is

more important

else."

"A very noble thought indeed," Ooka

said, smil-

ing pleasantly. "I

am most pleased

to

hear you say so," the young

77

.

man

replied.

"You

will agree then that

when

take

I

the land, the wealth, and the house, and leave

brother the good will of his neighbors, he

is

my

getting

the best of the division."

"That

is

very clever,"

Ooka

said,

"but not clever

enough."

The young man suddenly looked worried. "Let

me

Ooka

explain,"

asked you to make the division,

knowing which son

I

had chosen

who would divide the son, who would take

"When I had no way of

continued.

property

I

— the

fairly,

dutiful son,

or the selfish

everything for himself. So I

carefully insured against a mistake."

Ooka smiled and you

I

only told

to divide the property. I did not say

you were

award

to

and

continued, "You see,

it.

That by law

as magistrate, I

is

am now

court's decision. I shall

the

work

of the court,

ready to give you the

award

to

your brother the

portion you thought you were choosing for yoiu"self I

award the good

more than your will

is

will to

brother.

you because you need

You

yourself said that

more valuable than money or

it

good

land, so

you

must agree that you have received the best of the bargain."

78

Ooka and the Barbered Beast

'NE day two men came him

to Ooka's court, asking

They were Yoshiaki, a woodcutter, and Zenroku, a barber. The quarrel concerned an agreement they had made when the to

settle

a quarrel.

woodcutter was passing the barber's shop with his cart piled high with

wood.

"Honorable Honor," Zenroku

demand

that this dishonest woodcutter

promise he

keep the

made as part of our agreement."

"Lord Ooka," Yoshiaki to rob

said. "I respectfully

said, "2fenroku is trying

me."

79

only ask for what

"I

sisted righteously. "I

water for

my

shop. So

is

due me," the barber

needed some wood asked Yoshiaki

I

in-

to heat

he would

if

take one ryo, plus a free shave for himself and his helper, for

agreed.

all

Now

wood

the

he refuses

was

his ox

He

pulling.

wood

to deliver all the

to

me. "But,

Lord Ooka, the scoundrel

demanding

is

my

cart, too."

"Naturally," Zenroku said firmly. "All the

pulled

by

wooden

cart."

Yoshiaki's

"But that

ox

wood

includes

certainly

the

robbery!" the poor woodcutter cried.

is

"The way Zenroku worded includes anything

certainly

offer

his

wooden pulled by

the ox,"

Ooka

decided. "You villagers must learn to be careful

when

dealing with these

men from

Yedo. They are

very sly bargainers. Legally, Zenroku ally,

of course,

"What has "This

is

is

right.

Mor-

he has done wrong."

that to

business.

do with

it?"

the barber asked.

A contract is a contract.

want

I

my

cart."

"Please,

Lord Ooka, don't

shiaki pleaded. "I

wood.

80

let

him have

have no other way

My eleven children will starve."

it,"

to haul

Yo-

my

"There

is

nothing

I

can do," Ooka

said.

"As

soon as Zenroku pays the one ryo and gives you and

your helper a free shave, the wood and cart are

his."

Dehghted, Zenroku gave a deep bow, while Yoshiaki wept bitterly.

"Will your Honorable

Honor send

for Yoshiaki's

helper?" the barber asked respectfully.

accompany us

to court.

He

is

"He did not

who

Kantaro,

has a

farm near the place where Yoshiaki obtains his

wood." "But

why is he not here?" Ooka asked.

"He merely accompanied me said. "He went on to attend to "Oh, indeed!

Is that

an obvious fraud!

I

was not

passenger.

I

his

his

own

business."

so?" Zenroku cried. "This

told the woodcutter I

give a free shave to himself taro

to town," Yoshiaki

and

helper at

his helper. all.

is

would

But Kan-

He was

just

a

should be released from the extra

shave, because Kantaro does not

fit

the terms of the

contract."

"Who

said

taro in the

first

you were supposed place?"

Ooka asked

to

shave Kan-

severely.

"But what other helper did he have?" Zenroku asked, bewildered.

Ooka smiled blandly. "He had the ox."

81

"what!

am asked to shave an ox!"

I

"No, you are not asked. You are ordered to do so." "But,

Lord Ooka,

this is ridiculous!"

"In that case, since you are both dissatisfied with the agreement,

why

not end

it?

Then Yoshiaki

will

not have to give up his cart, and you will not have to shave the ox."

The courtroom buzzed with whispered admiration. Ooka looked pleased with himself, for he took great pride in his clever solutions. But Zenroku noticed the audience's appreciation in

it,

He

and Ooka's pride

and decided the judge should not win so

smiled slyly and said,

"My

lord, I will

easily.

shave the

beast."

Ooka's

ears

reddened

in

embarrassment

as

amused laughter rippled through the courtroom. "The law

is

the law," the great judge said shortly.

"Go shave the ox. But mind you treat him exactly as you would any other customer." Zenroku bowed and went out to shave the ox A large crowd gathered to see the unusual sight and laugh with the barber at the

Ooka. But a short time courtroom. torn,

82

He was

later

way he had

outwitted

Zenroku returned

breathless.

and he was covered with

dirt.

to the

His clothes were

what

"Well,

is it

now?" the old judge asked im-

patiently.

"My lord, when I put lather on the beast's face, he butted me into a ditch. He ripped my kimono with his horns. Since the ox refuses to be shaved, I am released from the bargain.

I

also

demand,

respectfully,

pay for my torn kimono."

that Yoshiaki

"You are certainly not released from your bargain to shave the ox,"

terday

saw

I

little

Ooka

said indignantly. "Yes-

Uchida make a

Kinjiro

terrible

when you tried to cut his hair. He bit your thumb and pulled your hair. Did you refuse to go on

fuss

then?"

"Oh, to

my

lord,

become "It

it is

natural for very small children

afraid in a barber chair,"

just as natural for

is

an

ox,"

Zenroku

Ooka

said.

retorted.

"Proceed with the shaving."

"But

it

impossible.

is

Every time

I

The

beast will

slap lather in his face,

it

me!

kill

infuriates

him."

"Then the

you refuse

wood and

tract. I

ages."

84

if

cart,

to

pay the agreed price

you are

for

guilty of breach of con-

hereby award Yoshiaki ten

mon

for

dam-

>

«^,?:,•,»•

^jr* .'•T

'•.•?

"Lord Ooka!" Zenroku protested.

"Now, you are

also entitled to

your torn kimono.

A

compensation for

customer has no right to tear

your clothes. So you are awarded ten shiaki.

Yo-

Now

you

That cancels the ten he owes you.

two are back where you a

mon from

new bargain which And this they did.

started. See that

will

be

fair to

you

strike

both of you."

85

Ooka and the Stronsier Stick

W.HEN Ooka's grandson Kazuo was ten years he and

his cousin

Tadayo came

to

hve with

old,

their

grandfather for a short time, since both of the boys' fathers

were away

in Kyoto.

The

boys' mothers,

Ooka's daughters-in-law, came with them. The two children quarreled

bering his of

little

own

the time, but Ooka,

remem-

childhood, decided this was the

way

boys.

One day his cousin

86

all

the quarrel

ended

in a fight.

on the head with a bamboo

Kazuo pole,

hit

and

Tadayo

by pulling out a handful of Kazuo's Ooka decided it was time to intervene, and

hair.

replied

took the children aside to point out to them the error of their ways.

He

told

them an

exciting story full of adventures,

and daring. At the end, the story had a

fighting,

moral which pointed out the great value of family unity.

The

children were delighted

and Ooka, very proud

tale,

by the marvelous

of himself, sent

them

out to play.

"You law,

see,"

"it is

ter of

he said

to his wife

and daughters-in-

very easy to handle boys.

It is just

a mat-

understanding them."

Scarcely were the words out of Ooka's

when Kazuo pushed Tadayo Only Ooka's another

swift arrival

mouth

into the goldfish pond.

on the scene prevented

fight.

Ooka's wife looked innocently at her husband and said, "I

do beheve you are

right.

Your lessons have

caused a great improvement in the children's behavior.

Now

they do not hit each other quite so

hard."

Ooka's expression did not change, but the tale

tell-

reddening of his ears showed that his pride was

hurt.

87

"On

the contrary," he said

a mistake.

I

"I

assumed the boys took

could be reasoned with.

have inherited

their

side of the family."

88

stiffly,

I

see

difficult

now

admit after

I

made

me and

that they

must

natures from your

"My only

little

"I

for

lord," the judge's wife replied, "they are

boys."

know

that," said the judge, "but their dislike

each other seems unusually strong.

cases

I

have had

to deal with in

Many

of the

my court have come

about as the result of childhood hatreds within a family,

which bring tragedy

do not wish

later on.

That

this quarrel to continue. It

trouble in our

own

why

I

could cause

family."

Ooka thought over the problem, and morning he awoke with a new idea. First

is

the next

he sent a servant on a secret errand. Then

he called the boys said the

same

to

him one

thing. "Since

man," Ooka told them,

To each he

you are now almost a

"it is

time you assumed re-

am

going to give each of

sponsibility. Therefore, I

you some personal papers tend to reward the one

at a time.

to deliver for

me.

I in-

who does the best job."

The boys' mothers were indignant. How could Ooka hope to cure the children's dislike by encouraging them to compete against each other, they wondered? But they did not dare

Ooka gave each liver,

to protest.

of the boys a set of papers to de-

and, each determined to outdo the other, they

both hurried out on their errands.

89

Within a very short time, both boys returned. Their faces were scratched and their clothes were torn.

But

this

time they had not been fighting each

other.

Their stories were the same. Each boy had met

an older boy on the way,

who

refused to

let

him

pass unless he paid ten mon. Neither of the two had

any money, and so the bully had thrashed both of them.

The

children's

Angrily,

handle

mothers were very distressed.

Ooka ordered them

this,"

he said

sternly.

to

"But

be

quiet. "I will

first I insist

on

my

papers being delivered. The boys were given a duty to perform,

and do

and they must go back immediately

it."

"You think the bully has gone now?" the grandmother asked. "Probably not," the judge replied. "But tle

I will set-

that problem."

Ooka

sent a servant to bring

were rather

small,

him two

sticks.

and the two boys looked

at

They them

doubtfully.

"You don't think these tion?" asked the judge.

90

sticks are sufficient protec-

pppl.-R'^

-^le*:

"They are very small," Kazuo "Yes,"

Ooka

replied.

they would be

together to

would

be.

or

they were combined,

stronger."

"Now," he continued, "you two are going

out again. stick,

if

He held the two show how much thicker they

much

sticks

"But

said.

You can go

separately, each with one

you can go together and be protection

each other.

I

for

leave the decision to you."

The two boys were gone nearly an hour. When they returned, they were even more disheveled than before, but they

"We

did

it!

were very excited.

We

did

it!"

Kazuo

"The bully

cried.

chased me, but Tadayo jumped on his back."

"Then Kazuo

hit

him with the

stick

when he

fell,"

Tadayo added. "Then we both jumped on him," Kazuo continued happily.

"That

is

excellent," the judge said.

two continued

many

things

to

work

"And

together, there

if

you

would be

you could do that you cannot do alone.

With Tadayo's

help, you, Kazuo,

would be able

to

climb that wall you were unable to climb yesterday.

And

that fat ripe

peach on the tree

in

our garden

which you could not reach, Tadayo. With Kazuo's

91

"

help,

would be

it

things

you could do

But

it

I

cannot mention them

was not necessary

The boys saw

amples.

to provide

—

When

all.

any more

ex-

the advantages of being

instead of enemies

friends

again

There are so many more

easy.

and never quarreled

at least, hardly ever.

Ooka called his servant. "Did they hurt the other boy much?" he asked. "I

they had gone,

watched, as you ordered,

replied.

"That

my

lord," the servant

"They gave him a really good beating." is

more than

"Go pay the poor

I

expected," the judge said.

lad twice

playing the part of the bully.

what

And

I

tell his

me when he finishes find him a good job. He has earned it." send the boy to

92

promised for father to

school. I will

>Sk>^2^'>^'-

*'

"^ •

•

•-^" .

'V-'-

Ooka and the Halved Horse

^^NE solve

of the most difficult cases

came before him

Ooka ever had

to

as the result of the jealousy

of Ooka's rival, Kujo, from Kyoto.

The Kyoto judge had never

umph

forgotten Ooka's

tri-

over the Case of the Willow Witness, and so

he was delighted when he thought he saw an opportunity to bring about Ooka's downfall.

Kujo had recently been transferred from Kyoto to all

Yedo. Each of the two served for a month, hearing the cases that occurred during that time.

Then

the other took his place for the following month.

93

-

• •

•

'

The Case

of the

end of Kujo's it

Halved Horse occurred near the

session.

Kujo was unable

seemed an impossible

too, for

case,

to solve

— two

important feudal lords. So Kujo cleverly found a of delaying the hearings so that the case

tinue into Ooka's

for

and a dangerous one

concerned two powerful daimyos

it

it,

way

would con-

new session.

Ooka for not having time to but Ooka was not fooled by Kujo's

Kujo apologized finish the case,

to

politeness. "I fear

you

will find the case insolvable,"

told his rival, shaking his

Kujo

head slowly with pre-

tended sadness. "Oh,

I

don't think so,"

Ooka

replied quickly, im-

plying that he found cases Kujo thought impossible really simple.

Kujo's face reddened, but he smiled politely. "I

think

it is

impossible," he said. "The

and the daimyo of Satsuma for raising

war

Mito

a farm

Then they quarreled and partnership. The property was

be evenly divided between them. Unfortunately,

there are thirteen horses.

horses equally between

94

owned

of

horses.

decided to end their to

jointly

daimyo

Can you

two men?"

divide thirteen

"Why horse?"

doesn't one

man buy

the other's half a

Ooka asked.

"These are exceptionally

know how

war

fine

scarce that type of animal

wants the extra horse himself. Neither sell his

is.

You

Each man

will agree to

half a horse to the other one.

"Then cut the horse half,"

horses.

Ooka

replied.

in

two and give each

his

"That would serve them right

for being so stubborn."

Kujo smiled nastily. "You do

it,

"

he

said.

'V

.r

Ooka looked

stood Kujo's remark only too well.

were so

under-

Good war

horses

shogun would be outraged

rare, the

were unnecessarily

Aloud, he said, "Oh, I'll

settle

it

it

is

to

admit

it

to his

nothing to worry

easily."

"Do you want to bet on that?" Kujo asked. "I do not normally care to gamble," Ooka slowly. "But

if

you

horse against your

"To everybody's "To the

insist, I will

mount

"Agreed!

which case "

my own war

that I shall settle the case."

Mito and Satsuma," Ooka

I will

be

satisfied."

Kujo cried eagerly.

"Very well," Ooka

said.

"Let us get our horses

to court."

This they did.

daimyo

When Ooka opened

the case, each

insisted that the other sell his half of the

disputed horse.

96

bet

said

satisfaction?"

satisfaction of

replied. "In

and go

to

he agreed with Kujo that the division

was impossible, but he refused about.

men

half of the horse.

Privatel)',

rival.

one

Knowing Mito and Satthat it would be impossible

persuade either of the two stubborn old

sell his

if

killed.

suma, Ooka also realized to

He

at his bitter rival sourly.

•

'ftv:^;^

r!Wm^^:A- f--'

.^^^^

"I

am

the older," Mito said. "It

right that

is

I

should have the animal."

"Age has nothing

to

do with

it,"

was the one who suggested

"I

Therefore

it is

just that I

Satsuma argued.

raising the horses.

have the extra horse."

"Ridiculous!" Mito shouted.

"The question should

be settled on the basis of family. Mine

is

older than

yours."

"But mine

"These are

He

I

"

all

very fine reasons,"

Ooka interrupted

while Kujo smiled with satisfaction. "But

hastily,

think

—

I

have a better way of finding a solution."

ordered the thirteen horses brought out into

the courtyard.

Ooka gravely inspected them. Kujo

went with him,

his expression triumphant.

Finally the great judge said, "It seems unfair to

me

to ask either of

you

to take less than the other.

As you both agree, the horse money.

If either of

he would be the

you accepted money

for his half,

loser."

Both men nodded

in

They looked

clouded.

worth more than

is

agreement, but their faces at

Ooka

suspiciously, as

if

they expected a trick of some kind.

"Now

I

considered a possible solution," the great

97

judge continued. "You might each donate your half a horse to the

shogun"

Kujo greeted the suggestion with a dehghted

While

smile.

would

this solution

secretly outrage

would

settle the case,

it

Mito and Satsuma. Ooka

would make two powerful enemies, and Kujo would gain a

war

satisfied,

horse, since the

two men would be

dis-

with the result that Ooka would lose the

bet.

"However," Ooka said

to the relief of the

daimyos, "I decided against the idea, as

it

two

requires

both our lord of Mito and our lord of Satsuma to

make a hghted

sacrifice. I

know both

you would be de-

of

to present the horse to the

shogun

—

"

Both men bowed low. Ooka smiled and continued,

"Still, it

seems poor

you

justice for either of

lose financially. Since neither of

you

will

sell,

to

the

horses must be divided equally." "That's impossible," Kujo said scornfully. Quietly,

Ooka ordered his own horse to be brought

forward and put with the thirteen.

"Now," said the judge, "there are fourteen

Each

of

you take seven. They are divided equally.

The case is "But

98

horses.

we

solved." can't take

your horse!

"

both

men

cried.

wrTrs''^'

"Of course you can," Ooka

"You cannot do

that!"

insisted. "I

Why,

if

is

to profit

from a

case.

not supposed to lose anything either.

you were allowed

decision, all judges

to

make such

a ridiculous

would soon go bankrupt!"

"That's right," Mito said. horse."

it."

Kujo protested. "The

shoguns law forbids a judge But a judge

donate

"We

cannot take your

Satsuma nodded his agreement.

Ooka smiled

slyly.

"But

if I

do not

lose anything,

then will you accept the horse?" he asked.

Both nodded for

you not

in

to lose

agreement. "But if

we

it is

impossible

take your horse," Satsuma

said.

"That "I

is

absolutely true," Kujo added.

am not losing anything," the judge said.

"You are losing a horse," Kujo "I

am?" Ooka asked

"You certainly "I don't

are!"

said.

in a surprised voice.

Kujo said flatly.

know how you reach

that conclusion,"

the great judge said with a bland smile as he took the reins of the horse bet.

He

Satsuma

led

it

Kujo had put up

off to his stable,

as stakes for their

leaving Mito and

to divide the fourteen horses, while

Kujo

stood speechless with anger.

99

Ooka and the Cleanest Case

VJNE

day an aged merchant named Chokichi

came to Ooka's court complaining had been stolen. The old man was and so he had hidden the money

that his savings afraid of banks,

in the

bottom of a

pickle barrel.

A thief saw him hide the money and stole fully,

it.

Tear-

Chokichi appealed to Ooka.

Unfortunately there was no evidence, but the

judge was determined to find a merchant.

way

He made some inquiries

to help the old

to try to discover

who might have seen Chokichi hide his savings.

100

'r».^ ?^.

"As far as

can discover," Ooka told Chokichi,

I

when he had completed

his investigations, "there

were ten of your customers who might have seen have questioned each of

you hide the money.

I

them. They

theft."

all

deny the

He had no

Chokichi looked dejected. port him, and the stolen

sons to sup-

money had been saved

for

his retirement.

"However," Ooka trap the thief. thief

had

I

said, "I

have a plan that

will

shall tell the suspects that since the

put his hand in the pickle barrel, a

to

strong odor will cling to

it.

Then

I

will

demand

to

smell everyone's hands."

Lord Ooka,

"But,

I

doubt that the smell would

linger this long," Chokichi objected.

"That

is

unimportant,"

Ooka

said.

He was

quite

delighted with his scheme. "The thief will not be sure, so

am

he

right.

for the

The

will secretly smell his

You

will stand

hands

behind the

to see if I

men and watch

one who smells his hands." trick

was only too

successful. Eight of the

suspects nervously sniffed their fingers.

When Ooka

questioned them, he discovered that four of them

— Hirobei,

Hambei,

Jigoro,

and

Chigoro

—

101

claimed they ate pickles for dinner.

Tadayo and day.

Sohei, said they

others,

bought pickles that

The remaining two worked

in pickle factories.

Both suspects and spectators were at the failure of Ooka's trick.

Two

Ooka

silently

amused

struggled to hide

embarrassment.

his

For a while the old judge

no longer have the

said, "Since I

a simple case,

I

me

he

ability to solve

must ask for assistance."

Then, turning "Bring

sat in silence. Finally

to the court secretary,

he added,

a writing brush, eight pieces of paper,

a bucket of water, and the stone statue of the god Jizo

which stands

The tators

in the roadside shrine."

judge's order

was quickly obeyed. The spec-

were especially interested

wanted with the

statue, for this

to see

what Ooka

was not the

first

time

he had asked the help of Jizo to solve a case.

The judge ordered

the dust-covered statue to be

placed in the garden. Then he called for the eight suspects. "I

of

have asked Jizo

you

of the

is

lying,"

god

I

he

to help

me

determine which

said. "In front of the stone figure

will place a writing brush, a scroll of

paper for each of you, and a bucket of water. You will kneel before Jizo

102

and write on the

scroll,

1 am

ISTm: ?*«^:

Then you will your statement by placing your right hand

innocent of this scandalous crime.'

swear

to

upon

Jizo's

head. Before touching the god, kindly

purify your hands by washing as

is

fitting

Each his

them

in the bucket,

and proper."

make

of the suspects went, one at a time, to

sworn statement under the watchful eye of

When "Did

all

all

The

had returned

of

to the courtroom,

Ooka

Jizo.

said,

you make your statements?"

eight suspects

nodded. Ooka asked, "But

all

did you place your hands upon Jizo as you swore?"

Again the suspects nodded. Ooka smiled. "Then I

am

sure that Jizo gave

falsely

some

sign

when

swore upon the god. Will those to

gave no such sign All eight

men

raise their right

whom

Jizo

hands?"

hastily raised their hands.

was another smothered ure of Ooka's

the thief

titter at this

new scheme. But

this

There

apparent

fail-

time the old

judge seemed well pleased with himself. "All of

you except Sohei are dismissed," he de-

clared. "Sohei,

you are convicted by the testimony

of Jizo."

"But,

when

I

Lord Ooka, placed

I

swear that Jizo said nothing

my hand upon

him!" Sohei cried.

"Of course not!" Ooka cried indignantly.

"How

103

could he? Stone statues cannot speak. That

is,"

he

added hastily, "except to me!" "Lord Ooka," Sohei sign.

I

clean!"

am

innocent.

insisted, "the statue I

swear that

my

gave no

hands are

"Indeed they are," Ooka that that

is

exactly

clean. Jizo, because

side shrine,

what

"And

said.

is

so

happens

wrong. Your hands are

he has been

sitting in the road-

covered with dust.

is

it

everyone to hold up his hands,

I

When

noted that

I

asked

all

hands

had dust on them except yours. You were afraid to

swear on Jizo that your statement was true!" Sohei's face

went

pale.

"Lord Ooka,

I

can explain

my unsoiled hands," he said hastily. "Do so then,"

the judge replied.

Sohei could not immediately think of a good excuse, so

he

said, "I

am

all

confused by

May I have a little time to think?" "You may have a lot of time," Ooka antly.

this matter.

said pleas-

"Seven years in Yedo prison, to be exact!"

105

Ooka and the Death Decree

tVERYONE

in

kindest of men.

Yedo believed Ooka

They

it

be the

said this in the streets, in the

teahouses, and in their poor. So

to

own homes, whether

was a great shock

rich or

for the people

when

they heard the judge had agreed that a young

girl

should be put to death for the simple crime of breaking a flower vase.

This happened at the time of falling leaves, the shogun, the warlord

had gone

to the

enjoy the

fall

106

who

mountains to

when

ruled over Old Japan, stroll in

the

hills

and

yellows and reds of the maple trees.

"

'

Wfl^^^W^^'^

One

tree

delighted him,

particularly

ruler asked that a sprig of castle.

But the

branch

in the

vase and broke

The

ruler

little

its

leaves be placed in the

maid who came

shoguns

and the

favorite vase

to place the

dropped

thie

it.

was

furious.

The vase had once be-

longed to his grandfather, the famous leyasu, great-

The shogun worshiped

est

warlord of them

his

memory. Long ago he had given orders

all.

that

anyone who destroyed anything once belonging

to

leyasu would be put to death.

The shogun

sent for

Ooka and ordered

the old

judge to carry out the sentence. Ooka was dismayed.

The

girl

had not meant any harm, and she was the

daughter of an old friend. With Ooka's grandson, Kazuo, she had often listened as a child to the judge's stories of

"But,

"she

is

Old Japan. Most Honorable One/' Ooka protested,

only a

girl. I

am sure

—

"

"Don't start finding excuses for her!" the shogun said peevishly. "People think they can

please today, because they

law

in

know you

do

as they

will twist the

some way to protect them.

107

''•>*V-*/>

^

?mfw^:'.

Ooka

realized

was

it

low before the angry to speak

up

for her.

ruler.

She

He bowed

useless to argue.

is

"Oh,

I

would be the

last

a complete idiot."

"Complete!" the shogun agreed.

"She deserves

The like

to

be punished," Ooka

said.

ruler looked sharply at the judge. It

was not

Ooka to give up so easily.

Behind the rice-paper listening.

She ran

terrible news.

to death!

The

maid was

wall, another

off to tell the

Ooka had agreed

to

other servants the

put the

story spread rapidly,

little

and within min-

hundreds knew about Ooka's failure

utes,

maid

to save

the maid.

In the castle, girl is so

Ooka

said to the shogun,

"The poor

stupid she probably does not fully realize

why she is being killed." "That's enough, Ooka!" the shogun said angrily.

"You are up

Ooka that

I

to

some

hastily

sly trick again."

bowed. "Oh no," he

have always

felt that

said. "It is just

anyone who

is

being pun-

ished for a crime should clearly imderstand the

reason for the punishment

— otherwise

it is

not ef-

fective. In this case, there are several reasons

why

109

the

should be punished. Three, in

girl

lordship desires,

I

will explain

your

fact. If

them to her."

"Three reasons. Imagine that!" said the shogun.

"What other crimes has she committed?" "I will explain

turning to the

what

little

I

mean," Ooka

maid, he said severely, "First

you broke a sacred vase which belonged leyasu. This

shogun

is

was your

obliged to

ful of clay

first

to our great

crime. As a result, the

condemn you

human

forced to take a

Then,

said.

to death,

and

is

exchange for a hand-

life in

shaped into a vase. This

is

your second

crime."

The

Ooka

ruler looked sharply at his judge, but

pretended not to notice.

"Now

all

Ooka

over Yedo,"

will say that our ruler values a

he does a handful of

continued, "people

human

life less

clay. This will cause the

much embarrassment.

This

is

than

shogun

your third and great-

est crime."

The shoguns harshly, "Ooka,

face

turned very red.

He

shown me

that

you have

slyly

a fool to put a death sentence upon this too

110

late.

You know

that in

all

girl.

said I

was

But

it is

our history no shogun

^..r^^

has ever changed a sentence once

would be unthinkable

nounced.

It

now. The

girl

must

me

for

to

do so

die."

"Of course," Ooka replied. to

has been pro-

it

"I

know it is

impossible

change a death decree." seems to me," the shogun

"It

just as guilty as she

you waited too keep "I

is.

said, "that

You showed my

late. It is

my

the duty of

me from making errors." am guilty," Ooka agreed, bowing

have both of us beheaded as soon as girl is

made

pay

to

you are

error,

but

advisers to

low. "I will

this

worthless

in cash for the vase she broke."

"What do you mean, pay?"

the shogun said, puz-

zled.

"She broke bornly.

"Her

it.

She must pay

life

— and

for

mine

it,"

Ooka said stub-

— are

payment

for

the embarrassment caused you. But they do not pay for the vase.

The

girl

must pay

for that before she

is

killed."

The shogun frowned. vase,

worth

at least a

"It

was a very valuable

hundred mon.

A

servant does

not have such a sum."

"She must pay a

little

at a time," replied

Ooka.

Ill

"

"One mon a year I

until the

debt

is

Then she and

paid.

can be beheaded.

"One mon a

Have you

lost

your reason?"

cried the shogun. "It will take her a

hundred years

to pay!

The lord,

year!

She cannot possibly

old judge smiled. "With your permission,

I w^ill

Slowly

changed

my

order her to try." the

shoguns

to a smile.

as long yourself,"

112

live so long."

he

"And said.

look I

of

astonishment

order you to try to live

If

you were a judge, would you:

— punish a man for stealing a smell? — order a barber to give an ox a shave? — call in a willow tree as a witness to a crime? Judge Ooka does

all

these things.

And when Ooka commands, let

the thief

and

the cheat beware!

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NEW YORK

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LONDON

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