Hobohemians

84In a neighbouring billiard hall he found his friends making a foursome with two postmen. Viktor’s respect for postmen bordered on superstition. These messengers bringing registered letters on hungry mornings were easily offended. Insult done to one of the brotherhood on a dark unofficial night might call out in sympathy money supplies during months. Might even lead to begging letters not being sent through. For these reasons, and in fear for immediate drafts, Viktor refused to allow the defeated postmen to pay. Willy took their place, but when the game was over Viktor, having had time to get over his former generosity, refused to contribute anything. Heinke and Willy, over the extra burden thrown on them, quarrelled. Viktor passing the postmen drinking at the bar was filled with envy for their lot. “They have probably done well out of registered letters to-day. There goes some poor artist’s money.” Willy placed a five franc note in his breast pocket.

* * *

85Willy breakfasted next morning in the café. The first person to sit at his table was Lisette.

86“Did you go with my friend last night?”

87“Yes, he took me to a hotel.”

88“What did he give you?”

89“He is going to buy me some stockings.”

90“Did he give you any money?”

91“No.”

92Bitterly, Willy exposed this fresh cupidity of the doktor’s. “He has lots of money, he pays well enough on the streets.”

93“He told me I was the first.”

94“Parlez-vous [Do you speak (French)?],” sneered Willy. “You must be careful of him. Was he better than Heinke?”

95Lisette dropped her gaze.

96“Was he?”

97“Heinke is nervous, a little nervous. Your other friend is stronger.”

98Willy rushed to Jank, panting: “My dear man, you were gone when we came back yesterday. I meant to see you first. You didn’t go away with Lisette, did you?”

99Jank: “Yes. I took her somewhere.”

100Consternation disfigured Willy: “But she’s got syphilis! Didn’t Heinke tell you? I never thought you’d go off so quickly.”—Jank started to his feet: “Heavens, how do you know?”

101Willy: “I found out casually from Heinke just now. He mentioned something about a hospital before but I supposed he had told you. Both of you being Germans I mean. I didn’t expect you to clear off like that.”

102Jank wrung his hands. His eyes filled with tears. “What a terrible thing! How could Heinke behave like that? What have I done? What have I ever done to him?”

103Willy: “Heinke is a horrible fellow. He is lowdown and cunning. I am glad you pointed that out to me.” He spoke with conviction; the billiard quarrel was still fresh. “He must have done this purposely. Soon as he told me, I thought, good God, I hope poor Jank hasn’t fallen into the trap. I remember now, Heinke told me days ago: ‘I wish that damned snob would get the pox. I’d love to see him with it.’ I thought it was only a joke, of course. What are you going to do?”