A Case of Child Murder
69
Oh, how terrible it is to be so poor, and what misery it brings us, Sir! Although I killed my baby, I did not do it wickedly; I did it from the mercy that was in my heart. It nearly killed me to do it, I tell you. Oh, Sir, be merciful this time, and overlook my crime!
- Koyama.—Now you have told me the exact truth, I feel deeply for you, but I cannot overlook your crime,—it is my duty to arrest you, and bring you before justice.
- Asa.—Oh, I know it well; but for pity’s sake, spare me that, I beg you, Sir!
- Koyama.—It is impossible, especially now that the child’s corpse is found.
- Asa.—What? The baby found?
- Koyama.—Yes. You buried your baby in the bamboo thicket.
- Asa.—I am lost! (She falls down in grief and weeps.)
- Koyama.—All I can advise you now is to confess everything, and to tell the truth; that is the only way to lessen your penalty. What is your name? (He takes out a note-book and prepares to write.)
- Asa.—(Answers nothing, but only weeps silently.)
- Koyama.—You must answer, for it will be the worse for you if you don’t; what is your name?
- Asa.—(Still weeping) Asa is my name, Sir.
- Koyama.—(Writing in his book, goes on questioning calmly.) Your husband’s name?
- Asa.—Sugihara; Sadajiro Sugihara.
- Koyama.—He died three months ago, did you say?
