The Comedians (Penguin Classics) by Graham Greene

Author:Graham Greene [Greene, Graham]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780143039198
Amazon: 0143039199
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Published: 1967-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

4

'Jones,' I exclaimed. There were still the relics of battle on his face, but they were neatly covered now with pieces of sticking-plaster.

'Why, if it isn't Brown,' he said. He came and shook my hand with great warmth. 'It's good to see one of the old lot,' he said as though we were veterans at some regimental reunion who had not met since the last war but one.

'You saw me yesterday.' I said, and I detected a slight embarrassment - when an unpleasantness was over Jones forgot it as quickly as possible. He explained to Captain Concasseur, 'Mr Brown and I were shipmates on the Medea. And how is Mr Smith?'

'Much as he was yesterday when he visited you. He has been anxious about you.'

'About me? But why?' He said, 'Forgive me. I haven't introduced my young friend here.'

'Tin Tin and I know each other well.'

'That's fine, fine. Sit down, dear, and we'll all have a snifter.' He pulled out a chair for her and then took my arm and led me a little aside. He said in a low voice, 'You know all that business is past history now.'

'I'm glad to see you safely out.'

He explained vaguely, 'My note did it. I thought it would. I was never really worried. Mistakes on both sides. I wouldn't want the girls to know about it though.'

'You would find them very sympathetic. But doesn't he know?'

'Oh yes, but he's bound to secrecy. I would have told you tomorrow how things had gone, but tonight I badly needed a roll in the hay. So you know Tin Tin?'

'Yes.'

'She's a sweet girl. I'm glad I chose her. The captain wanted me to take that girl with the flower.'

'I don't suppose you'd have noticed the difference. Mère Catherine caters for a sweet tooth. What are you doing with him?'

'We're in a bit of business together.'

'Not an ice-rink?'

'No. Why an ice-rink?'

'Be careful, Jones. He's dangerous.'

'Don't worry about me,' Jones said, 'I know the world.' Mère Catherine passed: her tray was loaded with rum and what was probably the last of the Seven-Ups and Jones grabbed a glass. 'Tomorrow they are finding me transport. I'll come and see you when I've got my car.' He waved to Tin Tin; to the captain he called 'Salut.' 'I like it here,' he said. 'I've landed on my feet.'

I left the salle, my mouth cloyed with too much Seven-Up, and shook the sentry by the shoulder as I passed - I might as well do someone a good turn. I felt my way past the jeep to my own car, and heard footsteps behind me and dodged sideways. It might be the captain come to preserve the honour of his ice-rink, but it was only Tin Tin.

She said, 'I told them I go faire pipi.'

'How are you, Tin Tin?'

'Very well and you...'

'Ça marche.'

'Why not stay a little while in your car? They will go soon. The Englishman is tout à fait épuisé.'

'I don't doubt it, but I'm tired. I've got to go.

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