I
It was a few days after this that Prometheus, denounced by the
over-zealous waiter, found himself in prison for making matches without
a licence.
The prison was isolated from the rest of the world, and its only
outlook was on to the sky. From the outside it had the appearance of a
tower. In the inside Prometheus was consumed by boredom.
* * * * *
The waiter paid him a visit.
--Oh! said Prometheus smiling, I am so happy to see you! I was bored
to death. Tell me, you who come from outside; the wall of this dungeon
separates me from everything and I know nothing about other people.
What is happening?--And you, first tell me what you are doing.
--Since your scandal, replied the waiter nothing much; hardly anybody
has been to the restaurant. We have lost a great deal of time in
repairing the window.
--I am greatly distressed, said Prometheus;--but Damocles? Have you
seen Damocles? He left the restaurant so quickly the other day; I was
not able to say good-bye. I am so sorry. He seemed a very quiet person,
well-mannered, and full of scruples; I was touched when he told me so
naturally of his trouble.--I hope when he left the table he was happier?
--That did not last, said the waiter. I saw him the next day more
uneasy than ever. In talking to me he cried. His greatest anxiety was
the health of Cocles.
--Is he unwell? asked Prometheus.
--Cocles?--Oh no, replied the waiter. I will say more: He sees better
since he sees with only one eye. He shows every one his glass eye, and
is delighted when he is condoled with. When you see him, tell him that
his new eye looks well, and that he wears it gracefully; but add how
he must have suffered....
--He suffers then?
--Yes, perhaps, when people do not sympathize with him.
--But then, if Cocles is well and does not suffer, why is Damocles
anxious?
--Because of that which Cocles should have suffered.
--You advise me then strongly....
--To say it, yes, but Damocles thinks it, and that’s what kills him.
--What else does he do?
--Nothing. This unique occupation wears him out. Between us, he is
a man obsessed.--He says that without those £20 Cocles would not be
miserable.
--And Cocles?
--He says the same.... But he has become rich.
--Really ... how?
--Oh! I do not know exactly;--but he has been talked about in the
papers; and a subscription has been opened in his favour.
--And what does he do with it?
--He is an artful fellow. With the money collected he thinks of
founding a hospital.
--A hospital?
--Yes, a small hospital for the one eyed. He has made himself director
of it.
--Ah bah! cried Prometheus; you interest me enormously.
--I hoped you would be interested, said the waiter.
--And tell me ... the Miglionaire?
--Oh! he, he is a wonderful chap!--If you imagine that all that upsets
him! He is like me: he observes.... If it would amuse you, I will
introduce you to him--when you come out of this....
--Well, by the way, why am I here? Prometheus said at last. What am I
accused of? Do you know, waiter, you seem to know everything?
--My goodness no, pretended the waiter. All that I know is that it is
only preliminary detention. After they have condemned you, you will
know.
--Well, so much the better! said Prometheus. I always prefer to know.
--Good-bye, said the waiter; it is late. With you it is astonishing how
the time flies.... But tell me: your eagle? What has become of him?
--Bless me! I have thought no more of him, said Prometheus. But when
the waiter had gone Prometheus began to think of his eagle.