Escape, and a strange question

Sadao decides to solve the problem himself. He tells Tom that the time has come for him to escape. He gives him his boat, with food, bottled water, two quilts, Japanese clothes, and his own flashlight. He tells him to row to a small island nearby and wait there for a Korean fishing boat that will pass, and to signal with the flashlight only if he is in trouble.

The American thanks him for saving his life again. Sadao answers coolly that he does not need to be thanked: it is simply inconvenient to keep him.

Some days later, the General, recovering from his operation, admits that he forgot to send the assassins: he was too busy thinking about his own illness. Now he needs Sadao to keep quiet about it, since it would look bad for him. So Sadao is safe.

Each night, Sadao watches the island for a signal. None comes. The prisoner has gone, probably to safety.

Sadao still dislikes white people, and is puzzled: why could he not simply kill him? The story's answer is that his duty as a doctor, and his humanity, were stronger than his hatred and national prejudice. Even in war, humanity can win.