Page:The Cannery Boat.pdf/33

Rh too good for a fellow who could speak so calmly about the death of the 400 or 500 workers whom he had not attempted to save. They raised their heads and began talking together noisily. Asakawa slouched off with his left shoulder forward.

The missing worker had been caught two days ago as he came out from the side of the boilers. He had remained in hiding for two days, but his stomach had been gnawing and at last he had been forced to come out. He was caught by an old fisherman. One of the younger fishermen was furious over this and threatened to strike the old man.

“You blasted scut! Kidding yourself you’re enjoying that tobacco when you’re not even a smoker!” he said to the old fisherman, who, having received the two packets of Bats, was puffing away at one as if he relished it.

The boss stripped the worker and pushed him into one of two W.C.’s, fastening the lock on the outside. At first no one wanted to go to the W.C. They could not bear to hear that crying voice in the next compartment. On the second day the voice was fainter and came in sobs. Then there were intervals between the crying. As soon as they finished work the fishermen hurried to the W.C. Even when they made signals from their side no answer came. Late that night Miyaguchi was dragged out. They found him with one arm leaning on the urinal, having fallen forward with his head in the box for toilet paper. His lips were an inky blue, just like a dead man’s.

The morning was cold. It was already light