14. Muddy Road

    Tan-Zan2 and Eki-Do2 were travelling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.

    Coming around a bend they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.

    "Come on, girl," said Tan-Zan at once.

    Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.

    Eki-Do did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tan-Zan, "and especially young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"

    "I left the girl there," said Tan-Zan. "Are you still carrying her?"


Notes:

1. Tan-Zan

2. Eki-Do