III
Miesima and Ozawa scraped together the small sum required for travelling expenses and set off with their banner to the national conference of the Suihei.
The popular Socialist college-teacher, Doshi sha Hamamato Sendzo, came to the conference and made a speech of welcome.
When they got back the delegates made a detailed report to their comrades.
Next summer, the summer of 1921, Miesima noticed on his way to work a man of middle height clad in a light kimono. He recognized him as Hamamato Sendzo, who had spoken at the conference.
“Hamamato!” he exclaimed, removing his hokabura,[1] “You are Hamamato. I am a member of the Suihei in this village.”
Hamamato stopped.
“Really! Where are you from?” he said.
“From over there.”
Miesima pointed towards the huts huddled together in the valley.
“I was at the conference last year and recognized your face.”
“I’m staying at the Hotel Tekisuikaku. Come and see me.”
Miesima bowed and thanked him. Hamamato strode on with big steps. After he had gone a little way he stopped and called out:
“What’s your name?”
- ↑ Small towel wound round the head and face while travelling.
