without the 'episode'? Oh! I don't know; you literary fellows must
come in for that sort of thing as well as the rest of the world; I
should think it would just suit you. Put them--the three of them--
Monsieur, Madame and the Pea-Green Parrot--into a book, or better
still, on the stage. There's your title ready for you too."
I was just thinking of the same thing.
"They are undoubtedly originals, both of them--all three," said I,
"but as far as I have seen them, there is hardly enough to go upon."
"What do you mean by 'enough'?"
"I mean, for one thing, we do not understand the woman's mental and
moral condition sufficiently to make a study of her. You say it is
jealousy, and at the same time the use of chloral. That would have
to be understood more clearly. Then, one would like something to--"
"Go on," said my friend. "To--"
"Happen," said I, lighting a second cigar.
Just then a couple of boys ran across the square. One of them
stumbled over my feet, picked himself up quickly and ran on again.
Two or three people now came, all running. De Kock jumped up.
"Something is happening," he said, "and with a vengeance too I fancy.
Hark!"
The people now came fast and furious through the square, increasing
in numbers every moment, but through the bustle and hurry and
clatter of tongues, we could hear a woman's voice screaming in
evident distress. Mingled with it was another sound which may have
mystified the general crowd, but which De Kock and I could easily
place.
"It is the parrot!" I exclaimed, as we started to run.
"You have your wish, _mon cher_, is it not so? But take it not so
fast; we will be there in time. _Ciel_! What a row!"
The steps leading up to the restaurant were thronged with people,
including two or three policemen. The dining-room was ablaze with
light, and still full of visitors, most of whom, however, were
moving about in a state of agitation. The upper windows were also
lighted and wide open. The screaming suddenly ceased, but not the
parrot.
"For goodness sake don't say I told you!" It went on, louder than
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