The Tortoise continued to hold his face away. He said: ‘Ono-san, is our teacher aware of this painting?’ ‘No, not yet. But I suppose I may as well show it to him. From now on, I intend to always paint along these lines. Tortoise, look at my painting. Let me explain to you what I’m trying to do. Then perhaps we can again take an important step forward together.’ At last he turned to look at me. ‘Ono-san,’ he said, in a near whisper, ‘you are a traitor. Now please excuse me.’
