“What lovely children you have here,” Hanshiro said. He took three long strides to the edge of his homemade stage and ruffled a small boy’s thinning hair. The monkey gallop-hopped behind him, careful not to earn another tug on the leash. Okappa wondered why the man kept the rope looped and tucked so short at his waist. What was he afraid of?
“Are they very smart children?” Hanshiro asked.
It was an inquiry that sounded like an accusation. The people fidgeted and looked around.
“Of course they are.” Hanshiro answered his own question and lightened the mood again. “Here’s how I know.” He held up a finger to indicate a grand idea. “I’ll ask them a question and prove it to you.”
He strode back to the well where he could be seen better by the surrounding audience. Two snaps of his fingers a
