Pagina 23 de 1294

The master of the establishment was in another room, but he

frequently came down some steps into the main room, his jaunty,

tarred boots with red turn-over tops coming into view each time

before the rest of his person. He wore a full coat and a horribly

greasy black satin waistcoat, with no cravat, and his whole face

seemed smeared with oil like an iron lock. At the counter stood a

boy of about fourteen, and there was another boy somewhat younger

who handed whatever was wanted. On the counter lay some sliced

cucumber, some pieces of dried black bread, and some fish,

chopped up small, all smelling very bad. It was insufferably

close, and so heavy with the fumes of spirits that five minutes

in such an atmosphere might well make a man drunk.