Page 32 - down-and-out-in-paris-and-london

was some complicated explanation.) that the Jew owed Bo-
ris three hundred francs, and was repaying this by letting
him sleep on the floor and allowing him two francs a day
for food. Two francs would buy a bowl of coffee and three
rolls. The Jew went to work at seven in the mornings, and af-
ter that Boris would leave his sleeping-place (it was beneath
the skylight, which let in the rain) and get into the bed. He
could not sleep much even there owing to the bugs, but it
rested his back after the floor.
It was a great disappointment, when I had come to Boris
for help, to find him even worse off than myself. I explained
that I had only about sixty francs left and must get a job im-
mediately. By this time, however, Boris had eaten the rest
of the bread and was feeling cheerful and talkative. He said
carelessly:
‘Good heavens, what are you worrying about? Sixty
francs—why, it’s a fortune! Please hand me that shoe, MON
AMI. I’m going to smash some of those bugs if they come
within reach.’
‘But do you think there’s any chance of getting a job?’
‘Chance? It’s a certainty. In fact, I have got something al-
ready. There is a new Russian restaurant which is to open in
a few days in the rue du Commerce. It is UNE CHOSE EN-
TENDUE that I am to be MAITRE D’HOTEL. I can easily
get you a job in the kitchen. Five hundred francs a month
and your food—tips, too, if you are lucky.’
‘But in the meantime? I’ve got to pay my rent before
long.’
‘Oh, we shall find something. I have got a few cards-up

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