More Portmanteau Plays Part 14

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._

AOYAGI

Whither are you bound?

THE GAKI

I am a stranger bound for Kyushu.

AOYAGI

There is Kyushu. (_She indicates the silver stream_)

THE GAKI

I am told there is a ferry on the way to Kyushu.

AOYAGI

Yes,--at Ishiyama.

THE GAKI

At--Ishiyama.

AOYAGI

Why do you speak so?

THE GAKI

I merely echoed your own words.

AOYAGI

I did not say them so terribly.

THE GAKI

What is in your heart came into your voice, perhaps.

AOYAGI

There is the way to Kyushu.

THE GAKI

Down that path?

AOYAGI