| caption: |
Chapter Four. Above the Clouds |
| caption: |
description of court scene with Mills |
| text: |
The trial proceeded in the most friendly fashion. It was rather like an informal gathering on the side of the fields, when you stop to discuss the state of the rice-harvest. Defendants, witnesses, dobashi, and spectators all squatted in front of us, arms resting on drawn-up knees and mouths casually chewing betel. Some of them had dressed up for the occasion, and had wrapped themselves in embroidered cloths, but the majority of the men wore only cane-belts, with the little apron hanging down in front. Women and (43) children assembled in the background, only too eager to enjoy the unique sensation of the Great Sahib's visit. |
