Page 45 - down-and-out-in-paris-and-london

behaviour is becoming intolerable. Will you believe it, the
other night he had the indecency to bring a woman in here,
while I was there on the floor. The low animal! And I have a
worse thing to tell you. The Jew intends clearing out of here.
He owes a week’s rent, and his idea is to avoid paying that
and give me the slip at the same time. If the Jew shoots the
moon I shall be left without a roof, and the PATRON will
take my suitcase in lieu of rent, curse him! We have got to
make a vigorous move.’
‘All right. But what can we do? It seems to me that the
only thing is to pawn our overcoats and get some food.’
‘We’ll do that, of course, but I must get my possessions
out of this house first. To think of my photographs being
seized! Well, my plan is ready. I’m going to forestall the Jew
and shoot the moon myself. F—— LE CAMP—retreat, you
understand. I think that is the correct move, eh?’
‘But, my dear Boris, how can you, in daytime? You’re
bound to be caught.’
‘Ah well, it will need strategy, of course. Our PATRON
is on the watch for people slipping out without paying their
rent; he’s been had that way before. He and his wife take it in
turns all day to sit in the office— what misers, these French-
men! But I have thought of a way to do it, if you will help.’
I did not feel in a very helpful mood, but I asked Boris
what his plan was. He explained it carefully.
‘Now listen. We must start by pawning our overcoats.
First go back to your room and fetch your overcoat, then
come back here and fetch mine, and smuggle it out under
cover of yours. Take them to the pawnshop in the rue des

Down and Out in Paris and London