The story can be summed up easily, two criminals handcuffed together on the run. One of the main elements of the story is the threat of having to cut off their hands in order to escape. My favourite part was the princess bride style 'one of these glasses is poisoned'. There isn't much to say, as it is so short. There is an old art style, fitting for a 50s manga.
There are only two named characters in the story, and another important character. One of the criminals, only referred to as 'Susumu-san' in a letter, is a broke alcoholic pianist. He was charged with murder after the death of a circus ringleader. He is the character we learn the most about, and the story is mostly from his point of view. The other criminal is unnamed, and all we know about him is that he's been in prison for 30 years and he hasn't seen his daughter for 14 years. Coincidentally, both of these men know a young circus performer, a girl named Saeko.
This was a really enjoyable manga, and one that I'm glad I encountered when first discovered manga and anime. It isn't the best, but it was a fun read.
