Evening star., 1912-06-27
GEORGE c. SIIEDD

about Gaspard's pen sharpened and all
once more made ready. II was to be the
hnal act of the drama played within the
boathouse; all felt that the climax had
come and gathered themselves to meet II.
But IL could have laughed. for / knew
what lies Esper would tell and l held In
reserve still another witness. The little
fellow had mounted TO the chair, smirked.
laid his hat upon the board. tickled the
side of his bent nose with his forefnger.
and began his testimony with q character
fstic preface Jean for the first time left
his position by the wall; he quietly moved
to the edge OF the platform. where he
seated himself on the planking not three
feet from the witness elbow. Esper eyed
him furtively. eyed the handle OF the re-
voIver which peepcd out from the young
fshermans coat at the belt line, while
Jean. for his part. was seemingly en-
gagged with other thoughts. and sat. as
ever. with arms folded, gazing straight
before him.
"A most excellent jest. Esper re-
peated.
Surcon raped smarty on the table
There is no jest in 1t whatever he said.
Pardon, monsieur the mayor" Esper
replied, twisting his head about. lis not
jest that
Begin. begin. And at the beginning"
Nom de CHEN! II one begins how else
could II be but at a beginning? / have
the honor to inform every one that I was
born in stable in the town OF Luneville.
department Of Meurthe-et- Moselle in
France. | am thirty-eight years OF age
have followed the professions Of street
vender. paper seller, musician. juggler.
chef. fisherman. valet de chambre writer.
grave digger and barber: have lived In
Lyons, chalons, Orleans. Rochelle. Mar
seille. Bordeaux. Cologne. Paris. Geneva.
Venice Genoa, Tuns. Lisbon. st. Johns
Quebec and Layouche: my nose was
broken by soldier who disputed with me
over woman; can fence. speak five
languages. dance beautifully. weave bae-
kets and compose amorous verses: 1 have
been thrice seriously ill-once with ty-
phus. once with cholera, once with jaun-
dice. besides which / am troubled with
badness and have been kissed by st.
Nitus on the lips: / am
Stop Surcon thundered.
Yes. monsieur the mayor
We care not what you are or what
you can do; get on with your evidence"
I'm good time. monsieur: permit me
also to state that l am familiar with ju-
dicial procedure. | have been eight times
arrested. but each time through mistake:
seventeen times a witness, and forty
three times present at trials where had
an interest-these i'm many cities and in
various process examination"
He perked over his shoulder like a
clown. his long horse face turned to Sur
con. his smile f1ickering like candle light.
Begin with Lavouche." the mayor or
dered
vouche with Descarte, who was a drunk
ard. and Pilon, who was also a drunkard.
with whom | made the acquaintance OF In
Marseille one time when he had just
been released from the galleys-"
"Galleys. thou rat.'' Pilon shouted.
starting to his feet. II have not yet worn
the iron-I will strangle theer'
.'Silence-silence." the mayor cried, and
Pilon fell back. fuming.
1T is true: thou has the love marks OF
Ia thxyo III 1nS to
day." Esper continued. I'VE came to La
vouche to fish. Said Pilon, There are
those simpletons down yonder: we will
find way to empty their pockets That
i, Esper, was disappointed to find this
spot but little village: to one who had
lived In cities il was insignificant, hope
less though ] congratulate madame upon
the fact that she keeps excellent wine.
One day we became acquainted with
Senor Del Hervalle, and Pilon conducted
certain business matters with that gen.
tleman. 1t seems that they concerned NJ.
Woodworth, but what will you, men
must live, Monsieur was to be picked
like a mackerel. though in the sea in
stead of in a cask. ! 1t was who inform
ed him. in accordance with the trap
which had been set. that Jean lay hurt.
That, too, was amusing"
Thou villain. Pilon sprang forward.
Esper leaped to his feet and whipped
forth a knife.
VILLAIN thou! Have I borne thy kicks
and cuffs and flung wine cups. swine.
for nothing! Ha, you have taken money
and not divided. kept monsieur's watch
and not divided-come thou here and let
me slit your gulet little way. Esper is
a rat, Esper is marionette, Esper Is an
old boot to kick about, I have waited,
thou dog and son of dog! Come, will
pick your teeth with my knife point, l
will tickle your fat belly. Name OF God.
will slice you into ribbons and little
squares." And kissing curses, Esper
stood, knife in hand. an image OF hate
and rage.
CTo be continued tomorrow)