A Case of Child Murder
71
- Koyama.—And?
- Asa.—I only had to let the child suckle my dry breast, for I could do nothing more.
- Koyama.—And then?
- Asa.—The baby went on crying;—I was desperate. Then at last it fell asleep through exhaustion from crying.
- Koyama.—It was then perhaps that you killed it?
- Asa.—(Remains silent.)
- Koyama.—And how did you do it? With a towel?
- Asa.—(Silent)
- Koyama.—What did you use when you killed it?
- Asa.—(Suddenly is taken violently ill with a fit of cerebral anaemia, and falls backwards. Koyama in great confusion bends to her assistance. Just then the door opens and Tsugi comes in.)
- Koyama.—Oh, you have just come back in time. Please help me at once!
- Tsugi.—Oh, Papa, whatever is the matter—yes, what can I do?
- Koyama.—This woman is ill. Let us carry her into our room. (He and Tsugi carry her gently into the sitting-room, laying her on the floor.) There is no need for a pillow; we must keep her head low. Put something under her legs and feet. (She puts a stool under the coolie’s feet, and takes off her straw sandals. Koyama brings a cup of water, and sprinkles her face and breast with it.)
- Tsugi.—Papa, you must unbind those cords. The poor thing is in a wretched condition.
