‘How did you learn to play cowboys, Ichiro?’ I asked eventually, but he just continued to gallop and neigh. ‘Ichiro,’ I said, more firmly, ‘wait a moment and listen. It’s more interesting, more interesting by far, to pretend to be someone like Lord Yoshitsune. Shall I tell you why? Ichiro, listen, Oji will explain it to you. Ichiro, listen to your Oji-san. Ichiro!’ Possibly I raised my voice more than I had intended, for he stopped and looked at me with a startled expression.
