“Keiki Sama already has the answer of the geisha,” replied Kohana in her clear bell-like voice. “Woroto Sama came to serve Dai Nippon, not to betray.”
“Kohana forgets. We will aid her memory,” mocked Keiki.
The eta torturers dragged the girl to the post and lashed her fast. A silk cord was looped around her head and twisted tight with a stick.
“Speak!” commanded Keiki.
“The truth has been told,” she replied.
The torturer with the stick began to twist. At the first shriek I bounded forward to fling myself upon the etas. Guards rushed between and bore me back. The shrieks died away in a moan. Kohana had swooned. The cord was relaxed, and a pungent powder held to the girl’s nostrils. She revived.
“Speak!” commanded Keiki.
“The truth has been told,” she gasped.
Keiki made a sign, and the torturer again twisted the cord. As it tightened, the agony became greater than the girl could bear.
“Wait!—Have mercy!” she screamed.