Summary

The chief begins to ask Chiu basic biographical questions. Chiu responds that his name is Chiu Maguang, his age is 34 years, he is a lecturer at Harbin University, and he is a member of the Communist Party. The chief pauses the questioning and says that because Chiu is a member of the Communist Party, he should be punished more severely, as Party members are expected to be models of good behavior for the benefit of the general populace. Chiu responds that he did nothing wrong. He explains that the policeman threw a bowl of tea at him and that the policeman is the one who should be reprimanded. The chief demands evidence, and Chiu shows his hand, which was injured when one of the officers struck it with a pistol. The chief responds that Chiu could have injured his own hand. Chiu grows very...