altered all the personal names, though they happen to be those of villagers unknown to the outside world and it is of no consequence one way or another. As to the title, it is the author's own choice after his recovery.
April 2, 1918
1.
The moon is very beautiful tonight.
Since it was over thirty years ago that I saw it last, the sight of it makes me feel particularly good. Now I realize that for the last thirty years or more I have been living in ignorance and darkness. But I must be on my guard. Did not Chao's dog look at me with malignant eyes?
I have good reason to be afraid.
2.
There is no moonlight at all tonight and I know that this bodes ill. Even as I went out cautiously this morning I was struck by something strange about Chao Kuei-weng's behavior. He looked as if he were afraid of me, as if thinking of doing me harm. Seven or eight other men were whispering among themselves about me, though they tried to appear innocent. Everyone I met on the street acted the same way. One of the most vicious among them opened his mouth and grinned at me; I shivered from head to heels, for I realized that their plans were set and they were about ready to strike.
But I walked on unafraid. Then I came to a group of children, also talking about me, their eyes exactly like those of Chao Kuei-weng and their faces blue like steel. What grudge do they hold against me, I thought, that they should act like this? I could not refrain from shouting at them, "Now tell me!" But they ran away.
