Before they leave, they are warned by a retired old man that they might die if they hear Okiku's voice count plates up to nine, so it's better to run off when they hear Okiku count them up to about six.
出かける前に隠居からお菊の皿を数える声を九枚まで聞くと死んでしまうから六枚ぐらいで逃げ出せと教えられる。