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Show 142 Riding across Naka ha found the streets empty. The Japanese had pulled the heavy wooden amado across the storelf ronts; Oji looked as if it were under siege. Louisa welcomed him home, hung his dripping coat on a hook and gave orders for drinks. For a moment they sat in the living-room, sipping their highballs and watching the water stream from the eaves. Like all Detachment houses, theirs had been converted: the mats removed, carpets laid down, a simple living-room suite installed. Around the outside ran a corridor lined by sliding glass doors; against them the storm broke in torrents that sent small bursts of spray across the panes. Had it not been for the events of the day, Sid thought, how pleasant he would find it now, watching the storm whip the trees, seeing tha mountains through mist. "I dread it," he said, after telling Louise about the Major's orders. "I do too." She sat silent for a moment; then: "Should I leave?" "No. She may feel easier with you here." "And setting his glass down, he stood up. "Let's get it over." Louise walked to the back of the house, and after a moment Kimiko appeared. She looked at Sid hesitantly, and then advanced into tha room. "How are, Kimiko?" "Wall, sir. Thank you." She bowed. Once more he noticed her beauty of manner, her gestures grave with the dignity of |