Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/269

 "Oh, my!"

"As the train was running at full speed, it suddenly tilted to one side and went backwards making a great deal of noise. I wondered what had happened. I was later told that the engine had exploded and two stokers were instantly killed...."

"Ah! That's very dangerous!"

"We were detained for over two hours until they brought another locomotive from Numazu. In the meantime I thought if anything should happen to me during my journey," turning to his daughter, he said, "Yoshi would feel sorry for her brother."

Drooping her head Yoshiko kept silent.

"How serious! I'm glad that you escaped injury," Tokio said.

"Thank you...."

Mr. Yokoyama and Tokio talked for some time about the engine explosion. Suddenly interrupting them Yoshiko asked, "Father, how's everyone at home?"

"They're all fine."

"And mother?"

"Yes, she's fine. I asked your mother to come up to Tokyo instead of me as I was busy, but in the long run we thought it best if I came up to Tokyo...."

"How's my brother getting along?"

"Nowadays he's just settling down."

Meanwhile, lunch trays were brought in. Yoshiko returned to her room. After lunch, Tokio continued to talk with Mr. Yokoyama about the pending problems over a cup of tea.