The Lion and the Sun – Chapter 11 – Part 2 (The Rising Sun) – Cont’d

  Soon after the Japanese officers left the Moncreif bungalow, Cecil could hardly wait to praise Ma Shwe for her psychological tact and diplomacy in the way of placating their militaristic temperament by demonstrating a show of courtesy that served to gratify the superior officer’s ego.

  “A little psychology can work wonders,” Ma Shwe boasted.

   “Both you and Cecil were so calm in the presence of those officers!” Virginia remarked. “As for me, I was absolutely unnerved and would have been speechless if those officers had to question me.

   “Do you suppose they’ll come back to  bother us?” Rose interjected.

   “Didn’t you hear what the Colonel said?” Maung Ba reminded.

   “What did he say?” Virginia asked.

   “He said that he’ll see us again,” Maung Ba continued.

   “I’ve heard what the Japanese are doing in Singapore and Malaysia,” Maung Po interjected.

   “Like what?” Virginia asked fearfully.

   “Pulling nails — giving electric shocks — pumping lather through people’s nostrils,” Maung Po continued.

   “My God!  It sounds so incredibly hideous!” Virginia exclaimed.

   “Let’s face it,” Cecil said with cool candor.  We are all at the mercy of an enemy we know little or nothing about.  Who knows, may be we might be taken away and put in a horrible cell. Listen, I don’t intend to rub it in …I’m just trying to cushion the shock by such an expectation.”

   “Not if we play our cards right,” Maung Ba interjected.

   “Don’t be too sure,” Cecil continued.  “What kind of cards are you talking about?.” Your pack of cards, may be missing the aces, reserved only for the enemy.”

    The visit of Japanese officers continued to cast its shadow upon the Moncreif household.   A month has elapsed before finally getting adjusted to the status quo.  There was no option but to adjust to an altered lifestyle and prepare for the unpredictable.

     Prior to the occupation of Rangoon by the Japanese. Rose had withdrawn her savings from the bank where the money was deposited.  While there was still an opportunity to contact a well-known jeweler, she wasted no time buying diamonds and other precious stones with the money that she had withdrawn, having been assured that assets such as these would retain their value.  She had concealed the jewels in a trunk which had remained locked until now.