Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-06-14
CHAPTER XI.-Continued.

'They are much drier. even without
wringing. than yours will be presently
my little man. You are fresh. too fresh,
for q mackerel who has been nicely hailed
in the net. Therefore ! have been con-
siderirg while I sat over my petit cognac,
considering how Pilon might remove the
freshness" He fixed his bloodshot eyes
upon me with an air Of wisdom. 'What
is it we fishermen do with the nackerel
we catch, the nice fat mackerel that we
want to keep? Lavouche is famous for
it's mackerel. and. therefore. when we
have the most famous fresh mackerel OF
all We must be very careful to keep him
from spelling. Answer Pilon. little man.
and tell him what it is the fishermen
dor AS I made no reply. he continued,
lifting one hand and spreading his sun
burnt fingers: FIRST. they take the fish
and hold 1t SO. between thumb and finger.
under the gills, yes. Then they take
sharp knife. and with single stroke
they slit the belly and clean 1t. behold.
Dieu. what jest 1t is. this for Pilon.'
He leaned back. roaring with laughter.
''And then they put the good fish IN brine
to keep, If necessary. for many years.
rs that intended as a parable! !
asked.
He paused. surprised. THAT parable.
what is that, monsieur
"A story intended to point moral"
A smile Of understanding broke over his
face. -.
.'And when will this event occur?"
I'VE shall have the honor OF conduct
ing you into pickle tonight"
"Senor Del Hervalle will leave 1t IN
your hands, ! presume?"
air Of not catching my meaning.
''Senor Del Hervalle?"
1.-THE little gentleman who called on you
a couple of days ago."
droll!''
Very" said I, dryly.
''Pilon will do what is necessary. said
he.
There was little to expect from him In
the way Of mercy. Now, IL 1t had been
Esper! For Esper was fellow who had
a proper understanding OF the value OF
money, as I had discovered. Pilon. on
the contrary, while avariciouS, was VAN,
and In this particular business he TED ms
vanity by believing himself my master.
Moreover, he hated me; the desire for
revenge for the insult l had heaped on
him was strong: added to this was a nat
ural strain of brutality, a love of cruelty;
and altogether had not much OF COM
passion to hope for from the man.
Presently he resumed his satirical
monologue. 1t was very unfortunate
very unfortunate, he explained. that
could have no dinner. neither supper. ior
fasting Is necessary to prepare the spirit
for it's long journey to heaven. Did not
priests and monks fast even once a week
for the benefit OF their souls? And they
did not grow thin, not they, they were as
fat as capons: 1t was desirable that
should initiate the priests, and with an
irreverent leer he rose to his feet. He.
~ hn nelCQYfn
Esper. for though they were not going
on any journey except little way Out
to sea that night and afterward back to
Lavouche, neverthe. ess, since that was
journey on this earth and not to heaven
food was needed for their insides as fuel
is needed for engines or wind for sails.
So saying, he stretched his arms above
his head and yawned. Then he approach
ed to examine my bonds.
BE not too lively, my mackerel, while
Pilon is gone.' he'said. giving me a play
full cuff.
When he had departed / digested, In
lieu Of dinner, the information which he
had conveyed. / did not like the nature
Of the food; 1t had a bad taste. and as !
recalled his vivid description Of the fish
ermen preparing mackerel for brine
shiver ran over me. To be trusSed uI
in this fashion by a set OF scoundrels,
to be carried out to sea, to have my
throat cut and be dumped into the ocean
but a knife or q club or even but my
bare fists-and let me stand free! l then
should die as a man should die. resisting
his enemies. But to go out of the world
in this fashion!
Night-it was now only noon. Twelve
hours! Was it meant, after all, that
with all the strength and brains God had
given me was to sit here helpless twelve
hours? BY heaven, would burst the
rope but what should be free! 1 sprang
to my feet. Next instant found my
self SPRAYING on my side. the chair atop
Of me: for ropes are not broken by ex-
CARNATIONS. I had forgotten that the
rope held my legs to those Of the chair.
and my convu sive leap had precipitated
me headlong upon the floor. Thus does
best endeavor come often to a rid Gu. Gus
position. Gradually I wormed my legs
downward until my bonds gathered about
my knees. and, rising. I was able. still
bearing my burden Of chair with me,
to move forward after a fashion.
Pilon might be a braggart. but he could
tie devuishly secure knots.