Going Home - Doris May Lessing [64]
‘Billy and Mubaiwa! who gave you two permission to talk to that visitor?’ a tall, robust gaol warder dreaded by all the prisoners exclaimed. ‘All I know is that this gentleman had permission to talk to Hatichke. Come with me and I’ll show you how to keep the regulations,’ he said. Billy and Mubaiwa, after receiving some strokes, were taken to a ward to polish the floors. ‘By five o’clock I want to see my own shadow here.’ The warder left them there.
‘These fellows as well as yourself deserve this punishment, Hatichke,’ Munhira said scornfully. ‘I have no compassion for people who are mischievous,’ Munhira said. ‘When are you supposed to come out?’ he asked. ‘I hope to be out by Saturday this week. But one never knows because there are several regulations to observe here. I understand my friends will remain here because they were found smoking two days ago,’ Hatichke said, shedding tears. ‘Well, goodbye. I’ll see you on Saturday when you come out.’ ‘I really need good food at home on Saturday, Munhira,’ Hatichke sobbed. Munhira left.
‘Good heavens! I nearly landed into a mess! Now how shall I explain this to Hatichke’s parents? I was certainly an accomplice in this mischievous operation. It was just by sheer luck that the travellers failed to identify me,’ Munhira murmured to himself, hurrying away from the Magistrates’ Court. ‘Although I have no money on me now, I must get home, right to Hatichke’s parents as soon as possible before false rumours spread to them. I know they will not believe my story. However, that cannot be helped. It is human nature to disbelieve true stories,’ he said to himself.
As he trotted talking to himself a Policeman on duty gazed at him. ‘You have all the qualities of a habitual criminal, my dear boy!’ the Policeman said in a rough voice. ‘I beg your pardon! Are you addressing me, Sir?’ he asked frightfully. ‘Let’s have a look at your Registration Certificate or Town Pass, please,’ the Police demanded. After searching through his pockets Munhira retorted: ‘It appears I have left it at the Police Camp where I was working as a scavenger. I have just been discharged and I am hurrying home to explain that my comrade had landed into trouble,’ Munhira said shivering. ‘Whom do you think will believe that story?’ the Police was getting impatient. ‘You need a foolish Policeman to believe it and not me,’ he said in a mockery. ‘Please, Sir, take my word for it,’ Munhira said. ‘You are lucky because I am hurrying to go off duty. I would have taken you there to get at the bottom of the story. However, do go and get your papers now. Next time if I meet you without them you will certainly be in serious trouble,’ the Police warned. Munhira pretended to return to the Police Camp but when the Police was out of sight he took a sudden turn homewards. He ran as fast as his thin, long legs could carry him, falling headlong thrice within a distance of five miles and lo! there was another Policeman checking passes of loafers. ‘I must change direction and walk home through the forest,’ he said. From this point onwards he travelled through thick forests until he arrived. On his arrival Hatichke’s parents came to find out what was happening with their son who never visited them for a long time. ‘How is your friend, Hatichke?’ the mother asked. ‘He is very well, indeed, except