"Kagig it is! And has all happened as I, Kagig, warned you it
would happen?"

"Aye. All. More. Worse!"

"Had you acted beforehand in the manner I advised?"

"No, Kagig. We put it off. We talked, and disagreed. And then
it was too late to agree. They were cutting throats while we still
argued. When we ran into the street to take the offensive they were
already shooting from the roofs!"

"Hah!"

That bitter dry expletive, coughed out between set teeth, could not
be named a laugh.

"Kagig, listen!"

"Aye! Now it is 'Kagig, listen!' But a little while ago it was
I who was sayin 'Listen!' I walked myself lame, and talked myself
hoarse. Who listened to me? Why should I listen to you?"

"But, Kagig, my wife is gone!"

"Hah!"

"My daughter, Kagig!"