Midnight
It was a hot night ; and the blind man sought to cool himself on the verandah before his sleeping-room . The verandah overlooked a small garden in the rear of the Amidaji . There Hoichi waited for the priest 's return , and tried to relieve his solitude by practicing upon his biwa . Midnight passed ; and the priest did not appear . But the atmosphere was still too warm for comfort within doors ; and Hoichi remained outside . At last he heard steps approaching from the back gate . Somebody crossed the garden , advanced to the verandah , and halted directly in front of him -- but it was not the priest .