Маленький Темби. A Little Tembi

Soon the police came, and there was no doubt about what should be done. Tembi nodded at every question: he admitted everything. The handcuffs were put on him, and he was taken away in the police car.

At last Willie came back into the bedroom, where Jane lay crying on the bed. He patted her on the shoulder and said: 'Now stop it. The thing is over. We can't do anything.

Jane sobbed out: 'He's only alive because of me. That's what's so awful. And now he's going to prison.

'They don't think anything of prison. It isn't a disgrace as it is for us.

'But he's going to be one of those natives who spend all their lives in and out of prison..

'Well, what of it? said Willie. With the gentle, controlled exasperation of a husband, he lifted Jane and offered her his handkerchief. 'Now stop it, old girl, he reasoned. 'Do stop it. I'm tired. I want to go to bed. I've had hell up and down those damned pavements all day, and I've got a heavy day tomorrow with the tobacco. He began pulling off his boots.

Jane stopped crying, and also undressed. 'There's something horrible about it all, she said restlessly. 'I can't forget it. And finally, 'What did hewant, Willie? What is it he was wanting, all this time?