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Part I: The Enigmas of Innocent Smith | Gilbert K. Chesterton | |
Chapter V. The Allegorical Practical Joker |
Page 9 of 14 |
Towards the synod thus somewhat at a standstill there approached through the growing haze and gloaming a short dark figure with a walk apparently founded on the imperfect repression of a negro breakdown. Something at once in the familiarity and the incongruity of this being moved Michael to even heartier outbursts of a healthy and humane flippancy. "Why, here's little Nosey Gould," he exclaimed. "Isn't the mere sight of him enough to banish all your morbid reflections?" "Really," replied Dr. Warner," I really fail to see how Mr. Gould affects the question; and I once more demand--" "Hello! what's the funeral, gents?" inquired the newcomer with the air of an uproarious umpire. "Doctor demandin' something? Always the way at a boarding-house, you know. Always lots of demand. No supply." As delicately and impartially as he could, Michael restated his position, and indicated generally that Smith had been guilty of certain dangerous and dubious acts, and that there had even arisen an allegation that he was insane. "Well, of course he is," said Moses Gould equably; "it don't need old 'Olmes to see that. The 'awk-like face of 'Olmes," he added with abstract relish, "showed a shide of disappointment, the sleuth-like Gould 'avin' got there before 'im." "If he is mad," began Inglewood. "Well," said Moses, "when a cove gets out on the tile the first night there's generally a tile loose." "You never objected before," said Diana Duke rather stiffly, "and you're generally pretty free with your complaints." "I don't compline of him," said Moses magnanimously, "the poor chap's 'armless enough; you might tie 'im up in the garden her and 'e'd make noises at the burglars." |
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Manalive Gilbert K. Chesterton |
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