The Lower Depths Page #6

Actually, it makes them

kind of sweet.

At least they have a conscience.

By the way, folks,

it's about time

I bid you farewell.

Where are you off to?

I don't know, which is

the whole point of moving on.

There must be

some wonderful place.

We're all searching for it.

So, what do you think?

Do you think you'll find it?

You'll never find it.

As long as you believe

you'll find it, you surely will.

I wish that were true.

Hear me out, Okayo.

Once more,

in front of Gramps.

Come on.

Let's get out of here, you and me.

Where will we go?

To prison?

How many times do I have to tell you?

I've quit my thieving ways.

I'll give you my word as a man.

I swear.

I'll leave those ways behind

and get a job. Please, Okayo.

I know this life is no good for me.

It's just that...

there are so many serious swindlers

living high on the hog.

That was my old excuse.

But that's all it was: An excuse.

I just don't buy it anymore.

It sticks in my craw.

But I don't regret a thing.

Otherwise,

I'd have kicked the bucket.

But you know...

I just can't help but feel

this isn't any way to live.

I've got to find a better life.

That's right, young man.

Okayo, why don't we leave

together and find a better life?

Why don't you be his support?

The truth is, it's much better

to search together than by yourself.

But you know...

I really can't trust

what anyone says.

Why not?

I'm dead serious.

I'm really...

And besides,

why should I go with you?

You see, I really can't tell

whether I love you or hate you.

You'll learn to love me. Don't worry.

The lessons are free, too.

Come on. Say yes.

That way, everything'll

all work out.

The thing is,

I'm head over heels about you.

Don't worry about a thing.

And what about my sister?

Oh, that one?

She can go...

Don't bother about her, young lady.

The fact is,

if you're out of rice,

there's always barley.

If you're out of barley,

there's always millet.

I broke through a ditch board.

I stepped on it, but it was rotten.

Say yes to him.

He's the kind of guy

who needs support.

You're a solid woman.

Just what he needs.

See?

Besides, think about it.

If you stay here as you are,

what'll become of you?

You may be rock-solid, but with

that sister and that husband of hers...

You don't have to tell me.

I know those two

will suck me dry.

Hold it! I won't let it happen.

I'd rather kill you

than see you end up like that.

Listen to you.

Not even married yet

and you're ready to kill me.

Don't say that, Okayo.

Don't you understand?

But Sutekichi,

if you mistreat me even once,

I'll just die.

Hey, you two.

When's the happy day?

Don't be afraid.

I'm not going to let anyone

lay a finger on you.

Don't worry, Okayo.

This man will never abuse you.

But he'll never amuse you, either.

I've got his number.

My God, what a woman.

Might as well be a viper.

His smooth talk is just that: Talk.

Okayo.

What are you doing here?

Bad-mouthing your family again?

You haven't even got the water hot,

you idle wench.

But you said

you'd be back tonight.

It's none of your business

when we get back.

Don't go, Okayo.

Ignore him!

That's enough, you two!

You work her to the bone!

But you listen.

That woman is mine now.

That's news to these ears.

Just when did you make the purchase?

What did she cost?

Get away from here.

Goddamn it! I'll show you!

How scary.

Don't you see?

That woman just wants

to get your goat.

She's provoking you.

Unbelievable.

I won't take the bait.

Same to you.

Goddamn it!

Listen here.

You can count on it.

I'll put on one fine wedding!

Fine wedding, huh?

What a joke.

Bastard!

By the way, Gramps,

what do you think?

About what?

Gotten to like living here?

I don't know.

I think it's about time.

Time for what?

It's about time to pull up stakes.

Don't you mean

make a break for it?

That's a mouthful.

I'm onto you.

You're dressed in pilgrim's garb,

but I'd say you're one sly old fox.

What do you say?

Not nearly the slippery

rascal you are.

You've got nerve.

My wife's uncle

is a deputy of the law.

Get the hell out of here

before it's too late.

You sure it's not

too late for you already?

What the hell...

No, it's just that

even the worst scoundrel

has someone who loves him.

But if he loses that someone,

he's dead as a doornail.

Leaving so soon?

It's about time.

That's good.

There's always

a good time for an exit.

I remember well.

I stayed out of jail by getting out

when my time was up.

My wife took up with my apprentice.

He was good at chess

but even better at fighting.

He grabbed me by my hair,

and I couldn't get a swing at him.

I was so riled up, I figured I'd off

the wife, but then I got wise

and made my escape.

That was an excellent move.

I hated to see my shop go,

but I'd have drunk it away anyway.

Besides, I hated working.

One way or the other,

I would've ended up this way.

Don't be stupid. That's the biggest

pack of lies I've ever heard.

Hey, geezer, what kind of bunk

did you feed this wreck of a man?

What do you mean, bunk?

Say, Gramps, tell him, will ya?

The story of that temple.

I'm going to go there.

I did work today.

Pushed a cart from behind.

I was standing

at the foot of a hill,

and I didn't even take a drink.

What do you say?

Look here. I've got

Give 'em here.

Want me to drink it up for you?

Or squander it gambling?

What the hell!

They're my travel funds.

Listen, you.

Why do you have

to ridicule his resolve?

"Piety is the last refuge

in time of trouble."

"Belief finds glory,

even in a fish's tail."

Praise to Buddha.

I lost, I lost.

I got cleaned out gambling today.

Listen, Gramps.

The world's an amazing place.

Turns out there was even

a better swindler than me.

You certainly are an optimist.

The mark of a decent man.

I used to fancy myself

a leader in my youth.

My pals all looked up to me.

So what led you astray?

You're a busybody, aren't you?

What's it to you?

No, it's just that

I'm plumb baffled by you.

You're a good man and smart, to boot.

What went wrong?

The slammer.

Four years and seven months.

When they threw me out,

I'd nowhere to go.

Oh, my. Why jail?

There was this jerk...

You did him in?

Just my luck,

there was a cleaver handy.

Any women involved?

It wasn't like that.

But enough of that.

That was 10 years ago now.

You refuse to take

the world seriously.

His exact opposite.

He'll get used to it in time.

Hey, widower. What's got you

so down in the dumps?

I'm pondering what to do.

I gave up my tools

to pay for the funeral.

Want some solid advice?

Don't do a thing.

Just let the world carry you along.

That's fine for someone

who can pull it off.

But I could never behave

so disgracefully.

And you call sitting around

like a coward graceful?

Enough of your waffling.

That's Okayo.

This is serious.

Just what did I ever do?

Just what did I ever do?

You ungrateful leech!

Wait. I'll do it myself.

Hey, what are you up to?

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