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By Root 476 0

glass to his mouth when he saw the Gorilla walk in. The sight of him so repelled him that he felt like fleeing so he wouldn’t have to shake the man’s hand. But he fought the urge and, like M. Zura and the others, stood when the Gorilla approached. The reception given this man, scrawny and fattened with weapons, astonished him even as it convinced him of his popularity and power. M. Zura was the first to leap out of his chair to greet him. The others, stiff as posts, stood at attention, clicking their heels together loudly. Then they surrounded him, all of them talking at the same time. An immense man who looked like a boxer put a hand on the Gorilla’s shoulder in a familiar way, and he looked so diminished and ridiculous in contrast that two waiters by the door started whispering to each other.

“Where is the reward I was promised?” the Boxer asked as he leaned toward the little man and put his mouth against his ear. “I gave you five traitors I caught plotting in your midst. Where is the reward I was promised?”

“Can’t you wait a little?”

“I need that land.”

“And you’ll get it, but you need to wait. There are still a few formalities to wrap up.”

“Bull!” the Boxer answered impatiently. “You’re always doing whatever you want.”

He straightened and stuck out his chest, looking so menacing that the little man capitulated.

“Give me a few more days,” he snarled.

“Don’t forget me, please,” another begged humbly. “You promised to reward me, and I too want a piece of land.”

“I’ve been waiting a year,” another protested, “and I’m still paying rent.”

“So stop paying rent,” the little man said coldly. “I’ll protect you in court.”

Visibly unhappy, he tried in vain to escape this horde harassing and suffocating him. Standing on his toes in a desperate attempt to get a little air, he said in a cutting voice:

“And now, gentlemen, let me through.”

The group parted and the little man found himself in front of Louis Normil, who was sitting quietly with his drink. He hesitated, then took a few steps to the table, holding out his hand.

“Pleased to meet you,” Louis Normil said, returning his greeting. “I actually wanted to see you again so we could talk alone.”

He saw the Gorilla’s long hairy hands shaking. From fear or rage? Louis Normil thought. Someone in the room frightens him, but who? He turned around and caught the Boxer looking at the Gorilla. And suddenly he was filled with new strength. The Gorilla had taken a handkerchief from his pocket and was patting his face as he stared at Louis Normil with distrust.

“Did you want to talk alone so you could start crying again?” he asked impertinently.

“The time for tears has come and gone,” Louis Normil said, and burst out laughing.

“Come, then. I’d like to have a talk with you as well.”

With a hand on one of his guns, he walked to an isolated table, called for a waiter, and turning toward Louis Normil:

“What can I get you?” he asked.

“A whiskey-and-soda,” Louis Normil replied.

“Two whiskey-and-sodas,” he ordered.

And leaning toward his interlocutor:

“What do you have to say to me?”

Louis Normil took the glass the server had just put on the table, raised it, and raised his voice to say:

“To Rose’s health!”

“Ah,” the dumbstruck man said, “if that’s how you’re taking it …”

And then he started laughing, his eyes on Louis Normil, whose face suddenly hardened for a fleeting instant.

“My daughter cares for you,” he said with a frozen smile that pulled at his lips but left the rest of his face unmoved. “So I look the other way …”

The man in uniform had taken a sip of liquor and seemed to reflect for a moment.

“I’ve gotten quite attached to her,” he confided to Louis Normil, who clutched his glass tight enough to break it. “I’ve been moved by how sweet and gentle she is. I find myself getting so impatient whenever I’m expecting her. Perhaps I’ll marry her someday. I’m not promising anything, but perhaps I’ll marry her someday.”

“I would be flattered,” he responded, unflappable.

His voice was low, almost hoarse. He lowered his eyes, afraid to give himself away, and fought