Asako was taken away, and thrust into the horrible cell again. She collapsed on the hard floor in a state which was partly a fainting-fit, and partly the sleep of exhaustion. Dreams and images swept over her brain like low-flying clouds. It seemed to her distracted fancy that only one person could save her—Geoffrey, her husband! He must be coming soon. She thought that she could hear his step in the corridor.
"Geoffrey! Geoffrey!" she cried.
It was the warder. He stirred her with his foot. She was hauled back to the procurator's court.
"So! Have you considered well?" said the little spotted man. "Will you now confess?"
"How can I confess what I have not done?" protested Asako.
The remorseless inquisition proceeded. Asako's replies became more and more confused. The procurator frowned at her contradictions. She must assuredly be guilty.
"How many times do you say that you have met this Ito?" he asked.
Asako was at the end of her strength. She reeled and would have fallen; but the warder jerked her straight again.
"Confess, then," shouted the procurator, "confess and you will be liberated."
"I will confess," Asako gasped, "anything you like."