"Various people and companies, I suppose, who own the different houses," answered Reggie. "A fellow once offered to sell me his whole establishment, bedding and six girls for £50 down. But he must have been having a run of bad luck. In most countries it is a most profitable form of investment. Do you remember 'Mrs. Warren's Profession'? Thirty-five per cent I think was the exact figure. I don't suppose Japan is any exception."
"By Jove!" said Geoffrey, "The women, poor wretches, they can't help themselves; and the men who buy what they sell, one can't blame them either. But the creatures who make fortunes out of all this beastiness and cruelty, I say, they ought to be flogged round the place with a cat-o'-nine-tails till the life is beaten out of them. Let's get away from here!"
As they left the beer-house a small round Japanese man bobbed up from the crowd, raised his hat, bowed and smiled. It was Tanaka. Geoffrey had left him behind on purpose, that his servants, at least, might not know where he was going.
"I think—I meet Ladyship here," said the little man, "but for long time I do not spy her. I am very sorry."
"Is anything wrong? Why did you come?" asked Geoffrey.
"Good samurai never leave Lordship's side. Of course, I come," was the reply.
"Well, hurry up and get back," said his master, "or we shall be home before you."
With renewed bowings he disappeared.
Asako was laughing.
"We can never get rid of Tanaka," she said, "can we? He follows us like a detective."