54
Eminent Authors of Japan
- Tsugi.—Is that really true?
- Wife.—If we could get enough to keep the life in us, none of us would ever go into such a place. We hunger and we thirst, and we cannot overcome it, so we must be fed, and so to get our daily food we must turn to, and be treated shamefully.
- Tsugi.—Yes, the hardest thing in life is to live.(A boy from a wine merchant’s shop comes in from the back door.)
- Boy.—Please excuse me, I am behind time.
- Tsugi.—Have you brought miso?
- Boy.—Yes, Miss; also some kindling wood and salt. (The boy seems to be peering intently under the floor at the door.)
- Tsugi.—What are you looking for? Have you lost something?
- Boy.—I am seeking for a dog.
- Tsugi.—Dog! Why, there is no dog here. There may be a few rats under the floor, but there is certainly no dog there!
- Boy.—It might come here, Miss.
- Tsugi.—If you play with dogs instead of hurrying with your rounds I will have to tell your master.
- Boy.—I don’t mind if you do, Miss.
- Tsugi.—O, what a naughty boy you are!
- Boy.—All the same, if I find it, it might bring me 500 yen.
- Wife.—What are you talking about? What is likely to bring you such a sum?
- Boy.—You know that big new brick house that belongs
