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

    A jeep with two uniformed Japanese soldiers drew to a stop alongside the road by the Moncreif bungalow. The soldier beside the driver seemed to hesitate for a few moments, as he appeared to survey his surroundings. When he finally stepped out, he stood erect for a while, stretching his back, as if trying to relieve the tension of a gnawing pain.

  ”Follow me,” he ordered the driver.  

   The driver immediately jumped out of the vehicle, following behind his superior, as they strode up the path leading to the portico of the bungalow. “Beautiful flowers!” the superior officer remarked with a sweep of his hand, as his eyes met the colorful blossoms. “Very good taste!”

   ”Yes, sir, very good taste, indeed,” agreed the other, more in deference to authority than in appreciation of beauty.

    The chime of the famous Big Ben sounded, as the superior officer pushed the doorbell. “A-ha, sounds very British!” he remarked.

    “Yes, sir, very British,” echoed the other.

     The occupants of the house were all seated in the living room, in fearful anticipation of being led away as prisoners of war.

      At the sound of the bell, they stood up, as Cecil opened the door hesitantly. confronting the visitors with remarkable composure.

      The superior officer bowed courteously, according to Japanese custom. “I presume you are the man of the house?” he began.

    “Yes, I am,” Cecil replied.

    “You should know that when an officer of the Japanese Imperial Army bows before you, you should immediately return the compliment by bowing, too.  “Is that understood?”

    “Absolutely,” Cecil replied.

    “Do you mind if we encroach on your privacy at this time and come in?” the officer asked.

    ”Of course not.  Do come in, please.”

     “I am Colonel Toshiba and this is my aide, Lt. Yoshimura.”

     ”Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Cecil replied with a slight bow.

      “And I presume these people are members of your family,” the colonel continued, gesturing in the direction of Ma Shwe and the others, standing a few feet away.

      ”Oh, yes, allow me to introduce my wife, Ma Shwe,” Cecil said.  “That’s my daughter, Rebecca,  Tan, my brother-in-law, and these are our friends, Virginia, Rose, Maung Ba, Maung Po and our maid.  And, of course, we have little Andrew, our adopted son — he’s asleep in the bedroom.”

      ”Nice meeting you all,” the colonel replied, bowing.

      “Can we offer you and the lieutenant some refreshments, maybe a drink?”  Ma Shwe interjected.

      “Oh, no, thank you.” The colonel appeared quite gratified at the officer.

      “Perhaps, you’ll give us the honor of making yourselves comfortable,”  Ma Shwe continued.  “Please — sit down.” She was trying to assume a deliberate air of hospitality, thinking that some added courtesy might, perhaps, help reverse whatever evil that might follow.

      ”You’re a kind woman,” the colonel remarked rather sternly. “Maybe another time when we visit you again.”  He turned to Cecil, with an intimidating grin  “You and the rest of your family should not leave these premises without permission. There will be a sentry posted outside all the time.”

      “But, sir, what must we do for food?” Cecil inquired. “We need to buy our groceries from time to time.”

      “You must ask the sentry’s permission.  But you must return soon.  Is this understood?”

      “Yes, sir.” We will gladly abide by your orders.”

      ”Good.”

       The colonel and his aide executed a pronounced bow before they departed.