BOTCHAN
“If can’t get it through straight and simple, how does it go?”
“Well, there you are so straight as that. As I was saying, you’re short of experience….”
“I should be. As I wrote it down in my record-sheet, I’m 23 years and four months.”
“That’s it. So you’d be done by some one in unexpected quarter.”
“I’m not afraid who might do me as long as I’m honest”.
“Certainly not. No need be afraid, but I do say you look sharp; your predecessor was done.”
I noticed Clown had become quiet, and turning round, saw him at the stern talking with the boatman. Without Clown, I found our conversation running smoothly.
“By whom was my predecessor done?”
“If I point out the name, it would reflect on the honor of that person, so I can’t mention it. Besides there is no evidence to prove it and I may be in a bad fix if I say it. At any rate, since
–107–
