Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/132

116 “I am thinking what I shall do, for I have no place to lay my head or pass the night.”

“I understand. I am very sorry for you, but… I will tell you what to do. Stand here in the rays of the setting sun, and when your shadow is cast upon the ground, carefully mark the spot of the shadow which corresponds to your abdomen. Come here at midnight, and dig in that place, and I am sure you will find a cart-load of …”

But this time Tu Tzuchun interrupted the old man before he could finish his words, and holding up his hands he said:

“I want no money!”

“You want no money? I see! Then you are at last tired of luxurious living?”

The old man incredulously watched Tu Tzuchun’s eyes.

“No, I am not tired of my way of living, but I am disgusted with all men,” replidreplied [sic] Tu Tzuchun harshly.

“That is amusing. And what has made you so disgusted with men?”

“They are heartless, every one of them! While I am rich, they say pretty things, but, as soon as I become poor, they will not even smile at me. It seems useless to become rich again when I reflect on what has happened before.”

On hearing Tu Tzuchun’s words, the old man began to grin broadly.

“I see. Even though you are young, you have some good sense left. Well, then, even though you