BOTCHAN
taught and for the public as well. When Red Shirt laughed, he laughed at my simplicity. My word! what chances have the simple-hearted or the pure in a society where they are made objects of contempt! Kiyo would never laugh at such a time; she would listen with profound respect. Kiyo is far superior to Red Shirt.
“Of course, that’s all right as long as you don’t do anything wrong. But although you may not do anything wrong, they will do you just the same unless you can see the wrong of others. There are fellows you have got to watch,–the fellows who may appear off-hand, simple and so kind as to get boarding house for you…. Getting rather cold. ’Tis already autumn, isn’t it. The beach looks beer-color in the fog. A fine view. Say, Mr. Yoshikawa, what do you think of the scene along the beach?….” This in a loud voice was addressed to Clown.
“Indeed, this is a fine view. I’d get a sketch of it if I had time. Seems a pity to leave it
–109–
