NOBODY'S BOY (Sans Famille) - Hector Malot

[Chap X - XII]

CHAPTER X

HOMELESS

When I returned to the inn with heavy heart and red eyes, the landlord

was standing in the yard. I was going to pass him to get to my dogs, but

he stopped me.

"Well, what about your master?" he asked.

"He is sentenced."

"How long?"

"Two months' prison."

"How much fine?"

"One hundred francs."

"Two months ... one hundred francs," he repeated two or three times.

I wanted to go on, but again he stopped me.

"What are you going to do these two months?"

"I don't know, sir."

"Oh, you don't know. You've got some money to live on and to buy food

for your animals, I suppose."

"No, sir."

"Then do you count on me keeping you?"

"No, sir, I don't count on any one."

That was true. I did not count upon any one.

"Your master already owes me a lot of money," he continued. "I can't

board you for two months without knowing if I shall be paid. You'll

have to go."

"Go! Where shall I go, sir?"

"That's not my business. I'm nothing to you. Why should I keep you?"

For a moment I was dazed. The man was right. Why should he give me

shelter?

"Come, take your dogs and monkey and get out! Of course, you must leave

your master's bag with me. When he comes out of jail, he'll come here to

get it, and then he can settle his account."

An idea came to me.

"As you know he will settle his bill then, can't you keep me until then,

and add what I cost to it?"

"Ah, ah! Your master might be able to pay for two days' lodging, but two

months! that's a different thing."

"I'll eat as little as you wish."

"And your dogs and monkey! No, be off! You'll pick up enough in the

villages."

"But, sir, how will my master find me when he comes out of prison? He'll

come to look for me here."

"All you've got to do is to come back on that day."

"And if he writes to me?"

"I'll keep the letter."

"But if I don't answer him?..."

"Oh, stop your talk. Hurry up and get out! I give you five minutes. If I

find you here when I come out again I'll settle you."

I knew it was useless to plead with him. I had to "get out." I went to