Part 14 (1/2)

I can not say? I only know that we are here--you and I--and we are happy.

Two make a world, Aoyagi. Why? How? I do not know.

AOYAGI

Can we not send a message to Obaa-San?

RIKI

Yes. I shall go down the mountain to the road and tell some pa.s.ser-by.

AOYAGI

And I?

RIKI

Sit here and rest--and watch the silver stream at Kyushu.

AOYAGI

I shall wait--I shall wait.

RIKI

Sayonara.

AOYAGI

Sayonara.--Sayonara, my august lord.

[_Riki goes out. Aoyagi, left alone, feels the air in the old way. She sways slightly in the breeze, then flutters toward the steps._

Oh, Kyushu! The silver stream at Kyushu!

[_She evidently sees the place where Obaa-San lives. Her eyes dim a bit and slowly she hums the old lullaby_:

See, baby, see, The ears of the wolf are long; Sleep, baby, sleep, Thy father is brave and strong.

Poor Obaa-San!

[_The Gaki appears._

THE GAKI

I have lost my way.

[_Aoyagi turns quickly, questioning him almost fearfully with her eyes.

There is something of the Aoyagi of the time when The Gaki bade her leave Obaa-San._