A Case of Child Murder
75
- Asa.—Don’t ask me to do that, Sir; I cannot! If I see them now, I shall never be able to part from them again.
- Koyama.—Yes, it will be a very painful thing for you to see them, I realise fully.
- Asa.—(Rising a little, and looking at him) Sir!
- Koyama.—Yes?
- Asa.—I have one thing to ask you.
- Koyama.—What is it?
- Asa.—I have with me here what remains out of my wages. Please will you take this money to my house?
- Koyama.—Of course I will do what you ask.
- Asa.—Oh, thank you, Sir. Please take it for me and give it to the old man. (She hands her purse to the policeman).
- Koyama.—Please trust me. I will look after the money and will hand it to your family without fail.
- Asa.—Thank you kindly. Sir. (Silence for a few moments.)
- Asa.—Sir!
- Koyama.—Yes?
- Asa.—How many years shall I have to stay in prison?
- Koyama.—I am afraid that I cannot tell you exactly,—perhaps for four or five years. Perhaps in your particular case, if you tell the truth to the court, and tell them all you have told me, they may be merciful to you, and you may be allowed to return to your home, but that is not for me to say.
- Asa.—Oh, thank you for saying that. Sir. (Short silence
