Page 57 - down-and-out-in-paris-and-london

about LE SPORT? Could I do articles on LE SPORT? (Foot-
ball and Socialism have some mysterious connexion on the
Continent.) Oh, of course, again. Both men nodded gravely.
The unshaven one said:
‘EVIDEMMENT, you have a thorough knowledge of
conditions in England. Could you undertake to write a se-
ries of articles for a Moscow weekly paper? We will give you
the particulars.’
‘Certainly.’
‘Then, comrade, you will hear from us by the first post
tomorrow. Or possibly the second post. Our rate of pay is
a hundred and fifty francs an article. Remember to bring a
parcel of washing next time you come. AU REVOIR, com-
rade.’
We went downstairs, looked carefully out of the laun-
dry to see if there was anyone in the street, and slipped out.
Boris was wild with joy. In a sort of sacrificial ecstasy he
rushed into the nearest tobacconist’s and spent fifty cen-
times on a cigar. He came out thumping his stick on the
pavement and beaming.
‘At last! At last! Now, MON AMI, out fortune really is
made. You took them in finely. Did you hear him call you
comrade? A hundred and fifty francs an article—NOM DE
DIEU, what luck!’
Next morning when I heard the postman I rushed down
to the BISTRO for my letter; to my disappointment, it had
not come. I stayed at home for the second post; still no let-
ter. When three days had gone by and I had not heard from
the secret society, we gave up hope, deciding that they must

Down and Out in Paris and London