Hobohemians

95“We have to find help,” said Viktor. He covered his mouth with stumpy fingers. “This is a black night for borrowing, no one dare bring any money into the café. Berliner Börsenkurier says millions of marks have been lost by speculators, consequent depression of industry, businesses closing down, rising unemployment. I don’t see any statement that old Viktor in his studio is deprived of meals by this crash on the Exchange. I must have lost thousands. All your silly communist ideas are very bad for the artist. If there is a communist election in Hamburg, no loans for Viktor in Berlin. Every profiteer starts hiding his money for wife and child. Won’t be able to borrow anything for weeks. Herr Geheimrat [Privy Councillor]! Herr Geheimrat!”

96Willy looked another way.—This squat cigar-puffing Berliner will unwilling be made to sit. If Viktor can raise something from him he’s a marvel. I suppose I could do that after twenty years apprenticeship. King of borrowers.

97Ali politely, orientally bowed over a shaking paw—Viktor knows presentable people. “Taj Mahal? No, I didn’t build it but I’m an architect from India.”

98Lotte tried to peer round Heinke. “Viktor has got that stingy little Charlottenburg housebuilder. Does he think he can get anything from a man who wouldn’t treat a girl to a drink?”

99Heinke turned to Lotte: “Did you hear that? Ali is a famous Indian architect. Last week he was secretary to Gandhi, brother of Muhammed Ali, magician from the Himalayas, son of the King of Herat.”

100Lotte: “But he told me he studied architecture in London.”

101Discreetly Viktor eliminated himself and Willy from a growing technicality. Ali did not disgrace himself. For half an hour he and the architect discussed buildings western and oriental. Ali agreed gracefully to attend the next meeting of the architects assembled of Berlin and perhaps to read appropriate paper. He beamed. This was showing Willy he could penetrate with ease to serious circles. The architect beamed. Architectural Germany was under his initiative penetrating headquarters of the British Raj, Afghanistan, Timbuktu. Ambition caused him to deflect his gaze.

102Viktor bending slightly: “Herr Geheimrat, might I ask you to do me the favour, just twenty marks? I have invited my oriental friends to this café. The young Englishman there is from Burma. Forestry officer, thousands of miles. Must act in a noble fashion when they come to my studio. The east is very interested in my work.”

103Pocket book, genteel palm to palm, money sandwich. Bows, farewells. “My paper will deal with constructional problems in Delhi, auf wiedersehen [goodbye].”

104Ali to Willy: “I knew as soon as Viktor introduced us, he was going to do that.”

105Willy to himself: “You wouldn’t know that in a thousand years.”

106Lotte: “Viktor, let me have a coffee.”

107Viktor: “You go to your publisher. We are going to a likörstube [liqueur bar]. I must leave a good tip for the waiter. I owe him for stamps.”

108Herrober helped the Englishman into his coat. Young Englishman probably has to pay for everything. Must be rich, running that little cocotte [courtesan] there. Bought her new clothes too. “Danke sehr, meine Herren [Thank you very much, gentlemen].”