326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuA5697STP
It was Kimoto who tied Robinson's long hair into a topknot for him.  As the locks were tied into a bun Robinson thought of the first time his hair was rearranged as a novice in the temple:  the dread mixed with pride at having been accepted into this new life.  As he exchanged his laborer's clothes for his ceremonial trousers he thought, How little I expected to wear these in a death battle......But there was still time.  Assuming the lotus position, he began to meditate.326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYQNJey5wV

"What of Bronco?" Kimoto said. "What is to happen to him?"326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4dgDg5JhR

"He must be held accountable and judged by the laws of this country," declared Robinson firmly, before pausing for a moment. "And just as I expect to be judged by the customs of another country."

"How is this to be done?"

"He has much to answer for before the law," Robinson said.  He reached for his ceremonial shirt.  It was of soft silk, emblazoned on the back with a red tiger's face.  "The body of the young engineer Thatcher will be unearthed, a full description of all the details shall be entrusted to the authorities....and surely it will be seen that Thatcher was murdered."326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7di3q6Fwt8

"Will it?"

"I'm sure it will," Robinson said.  "And the evidence of the food he has given us will show that much of the money allotted for that purpose has gone into his pocket."

"That is so.  Surely the authorities will be able to see that."

"They will read the engineer's report about the tunnel through the mountain which warned him of the danger of gas and how Bronco proceeded anyway.  All of you will be there to present evidence."

"But who of us can speak of these things to American justice?" Kimoto said.

"I can."

There was a long silence.  Kimoto looked at Robinson, then away.  "Say what you are thinking," Robinson said.

"What will happen if you are killed?"

Robinson wrapped the bright red sash around his waist.  "Then it may be that the man will go free," Robinson said, "if that is the law of this country.  But this country must live with the kind of justice it dispenses.  It is not for us to change it.  This country's fate is in its own hands.  Out of that determination will come its future."

Kimoto thought about this for a long time.  "Yes," he said, "I can see that."

He bowed and left the tent.326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqcZnvDlAL