In this chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist, a young man who has just returned from a trip to Japan. He has just finished writing a story when he is pushed down by his former editor, a man named Mr. Shinohara. The protagonist is overcome with exhaustion and is unable to concentrate on his work. He asks the man if he has made any progress in his writing. The man tells him that he has, and the protagonist is amazed at how quickly he has written. He wonders if he might have pushed the man too far, and he is beginning to feel dizzy and faint. He tells the man that he will give him a spare key to his typewriter if he is worried about his health. He then tells the protagonist to come to him when he feels that he is nearing his limit.