The White Fox
33
toward the upper part of the stream, crossing many rocks and boulders on their way, and gradually disappearing from view on the right side.There is rather a long pause, then a policeman, carrying a Japanese paper lantern, Osayo, and her mother appear round the comer of the road. They are looking in every direction as they walk, and seem to be searching. They come to the middle of the bridge and pause.)
- Osayo.—(Looking down from the bridge toward the cottage,) Kaku-chan, Kaku-chan, please answer me, dear!
- Mother.—You see, he has already disappeared. I am sure the fox has taken him!
- Policeman.—(Peeps into the cottage, and then looks round the outside of the building.) I wonder where he is. I am sure he is not down here.
- Osayo.—(Looking toward the upper part of the stream, calls.) Kaku-chan, Kaku-chan! Where are you? Where have you gone?
- Policeman.—(To Osayo.) My girl, are you sure that you saw the Fox here?
- Osayo.—Oh, yes, I am certain. While Kaku-chan and I were peeping into the cottage from the window, we both saw a large white fox in the bath.
- Policeman.—It is very curious! (He stops and thinks deeply for a moment.)
- Mother.—Now, my girl, you know that what I told you was true. How many times did I advise you! You can see plainly that he is not here!
