“He should have been here, ” said Kobayashi truculently. “He

was told.”

Takeo made no reply.

“You don’t think much of him, do you, Takeo?”

“He’s your son.”

“I asked for your opinion.”

Takeo hesitated. “I am not comfortable with him.”

“Nor am I, ” said Kobayashi. “Does that surprise you? He’s a

smart boy, but he’s been a disappointment to me. I had hoped that

he would take my place someday and run the business, but I know

that isn’t where his heart is. He wants to go to America, did you

know that?”

“No. He never mentioned it.”

“I had hoped that with the increased responsibilities I’d given

him, he would come around, ” said Kobayashi. “But lately, I’ve been

forced to realize that he lacks the proper qualities to follow in my

footsteps. I think that I will let him go-”

“To America?”

“Why not, if that is what will make him happy? Tomorrow, I will

tell him my decision. Let him go to New York and be a clerk on

Wall Street. You will take his place, Takeo. I have always been able

to reply on you.”

“I am honored, Don Kobayashi. Thank you.”

“This entire business has left a bad taste in my mouth. I will be

glad when it is over.”

They reached the bridge and the men took up their positions.

“I have always liked this place, ” said Kobayashi. “I have always

felt at peace here.”

He walked out on the bridge.

They left for the meeting with Kobayashi shortly after dinner. It

had been an unusual afternoon. In telling them what he had said to

Sakahara, Katayama, and Yohaku, Fugisawa had subtly managed

to indicate to them that he had told the three newcomers nothing