 Chapter 20 of Nobody's Boy. This is a Vibhavats recording. All Vibhavats recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libhavats.org. Recording by Shasta, Oakland, California. Nobody's Boy. Hector Malau, translated by Florence Crue-Jones, Chapter 20. Matia. The world was before me. I could go wherever I liked. North, south, east, or west. I was my own master. How many children there are who say to themselves, if I could only do as I liked, if I were my own master, and how impatiently they look forward to this day when they can do the things they have long to do, often very foolish things. Between these children and myself, there was a vast difference. When they do anything foolish, there is a hand stretched out, and they are picked up if they fall. If I fell, I should go down, down, down. And I might not be able to pick myself up again. I was afraid. I knew the dangers that beset me. Before beginning my wanderings, I wanted to see the man who had been so good to me. Aunt Catherine had not wished to take me with them when they had gone to say goodbye, but I felt that at least I could go and see him now that I was alone. I did not dare walk across Paris with capy running at my heels. I was afraid that a policeman would stop and question me. My greatest fear was the police. I tied a string to capy's collar. I was loath to do this, for I knew that it hurt his self-respect, but it had to be. And in this humiliating manner, I dragged him across to the cliché prison where Mr. Aquinn was serving his sentence. For some moments I looked in a sort of fear at the great prison doors, thinking that perhaps once they had closed on me I might not be able to get out again. I found it more difficult than I had thought to get into a prison, but I would not be discouraged. After much waiting and questioning, I was finally permitted to see Mr. Aquinn. Ah, Remi boy, I was expecting you, he said, as I entered the room where visitors were allowed to see the prisoners. I scolded Aunt Catherine for not bringing you with the others. I brightened up at these words. The children tell me that you're going on your wanderings again. Have you forgotten that you almost died of cold and hunger, my boy? No, I've not forgotten that. You were not alone then. You had someone to look after you. At your age, I don't think it is right to go tramping across the country alone. You don't want me to bring you news of your children, then? I asked. They told me that you were going to see them all one after the other, he replied. But I am not thinking of us when I asked you to give up this wandering life. And if I do what you ask, I should be thinking of myself and not of you, of Lisa. This time, he looked at me for several seconds. Then he suddenly took both my hands. You have a heart, and I will not say another word, my boy. God will take care of you. I threw my arms around his neck. The time had come for me to say goodbye. For some moments he held me in silence. Then suddenly he felt in his vest pocket and pulled out a large silver watch. Here, my boy. Here, boy, take this, he said. I want you to have it. I want you to have it as a keepsake. It isn't of much value. If it had been, I'd have sold it. It doesn't keep good time, either. When anything is wrong with it, just give it a thump. It is all I have. I wanted to refuse such a beautiful present, but he forced it into my closed hands. Oh, I don't need to know the time, he said sadly. The hours pass slowly enough. I should die counting them. Goodbye, little Remy. Always remember to be a good boy. I was very unhappy. How good he had been to me. I lingered round the prison doors for a long time after I had left him. I might have stayed there perhaps until night if I had not suddenly touched a hard, round object in my pocket. My watch. All my grief was forgotten for the moment. My watch. My very own watch by which I could tell the time. I pulled it out to see the hour. Midday. It was a matter of small importance, whether it was midday, 10 o'clock, or 2 o'clock. Yet I was very pleased that it was midday. It would have been hard to say why, but such was the case. I knew that it was midday. My watch told me so. What an affair. It seemed to me that a watch was a sort of confidential friend of whom one could ask advice and to whom one could talk. Friend watch, what's the time? Just 12 o'clock, my dear running. Really, then it's time for me to this. Then it's time for me to do this or that. A good thing you reminded me. If you had not, I should have forgotten. In my joy, I had not noticed that Cappy was almost as pleased as myself. He pulled me by the leg of my trolled trousers and barked several times. As he continued to bark, I was forced to bestow some attention upon him. What do you want, Cappy? I asked. He looked at me, but I failed to understand him. He waited some moments. Then came and stood up against me, putting his paws on the pocket where I had placed my watch. He wanted to know the time to tell the distinguished audience, like in the days when he had worked with Vitalis. I showed the watch to him. He looked at it for some time as though trying to remember. Then, wagging his tail, he barked twelve times. He had not forgotten. We could earn money with my watch. That was something I had not counted upon. Forward march, children. I took one last look at the prison behind the walls of which little Vise's father was shot. Then went on my way. The thing I needed most of all was a map of France. Knowing that in the bookstalls, knowing that in the bookstalls on the Quays I could procure one, I winded my way toward the river. At last I found one that was so yellow that the man let me have it in. Let me have it for fifteen sews. I was able to leave Paris now and I decided to do so at once. I had a choice between two roads. I chose the road to Fontenblum. As I went up the rue Mouffetard, a host of memories rushed upon me. Garofoli, Mathia, Ricardo, the soup pot fastened with a padlock, the whip and the tellus, my poor good master, who had died because he would not rentneed to the padrone. As I passed the church, I saw a little boy leaning against the wall where I recognized him. Surely it was Mathia, the boy with the big head, the great eyes and the soft, resigned look, but then he had not grown one inch. I went nearer to see better. Yes, it was Mathia. He recognized me. His pale face broke into the smile. Ah, it's you, he said. You came to Garofoli's a long time ago with an old man with a white beard just before I went to the hospital. Ah, how I used to suffer with my head then. Is Garofoli still your master? He glanced round before replying. Then, lowering his voice, he said, Garofoli is in prison. They took him because he beat Orlando to death. I was shocked at this. I was pleased to hear that he had put Garofoli in prison. And for the first time, I thought the prisons which inspired me with so much horror had their use. And the other boys, I asked. Oh, I don't know. I was not there when Garofoli was arrested. When I came out of the hospital, Garofoli, seeing that it was no good to beat me because I got ill, wanted to get rid of me. So he sold me for two years at the Gasso Circus. They paid him in advance. Do you know the Gasso Circus? No? Well, it's not much of a circus. But it's a circus all the same. They wanted a child for dislocation. And Garofoli sold me to Mr. Gasso. I stayed with him until last Monday when he sent me off because my head was too big to go into the box. After leaving the circus, I went back to firing to Garofoli but the place was all shut up and a neighbor told me what had happened. Now that Garofoli's in prison, I don't know where to go. And I haven't any money, he added. And I haven't had a bite to eat since yesterday. I was not rich, but I had enough to give something to poor Mattia. How I would have blessed one how I would have blessed one who would have given me a crust of bread when I was wandering around Toulouse, famished like Mattia now. Stay here until I come back, I said. I ran to a bakery at the corner of the street and soon returned with a roll which I offered to him. He devoured it in a moment. Now I said, what do you want to do? I don't know. I was trying to sell my violin when you spoke to me. I would have sold it before if I hadn't hated to part with it. My violin is all I have. And when I'm sad, I find a spot where I can be alone and play to myself. Then I see all sorts of beautiful things in the sky. More beautiful than in a dream. Why don't you play your violin in the streets? I did, but I didn't get anything. How well I knew what it was to play and not get a coin. What are you doing? I asked. I don't know why, but on the spur of the moment I put up a ridiculous bluff. I'm the boss of a company, I said probably. It was true, but the truth was very nearer. Nearer was very nearer of falsehood. My company only consisted of Cappy. Oh, will you begin, Mattia? What? Take me in your company? Not wishing to deceive him, I smiled and pointed to Cappy. But that is all the company I have, I said. Well, what does that matter? I'll be another. Oh, please don't leave me. I shall die of hunger. Die of hunger. These words seem to strike my very heart. I knew what it would be to die of hunger. I can play the violin and I can dislocate, said Mattia breathlessly. I can dance on a tight rope. I can sing. I'll do anything you like. I'll be your servant. I'll obey you. I don't ask for money, food only. And if I do badly, you can beat me. That is understood. All that I ask is that you won't strike me on the head. That also must be understood because my head is very sore since Garfield beat me so much on it. I felt like crying to hear poor little Mattia speak so. How could I refuse to take him with me? Die of hunger. But with me there was also a chance that he might die of hunger. I told him so, but he would not listen to me. No, no, he said, when there are two, one doesn't starve because one helps the other. The one who has gives it to the one who hasn't. I hesitated no longer. As I had some, I must help him. Well, then it's understood, I said. Instantly he took my hand and actually kissed it in gratitude. Come with me, I said, not as a servant, Mattia, but as my chum. Shouldering my heart, I gave the signal. Forward march. At the end of a quarter of an hour we had left Paris behind. I left Paris by this route because I wanted to see Mother Barbarin. How many times I had wanted to write to her and tell her that I thought of her and that I loved her with all my heart. But the horrible fear of Barbarin restrained me. If Barbarin found me by means of my letter he might take me and sell me to another man. He probably had the right to do so. I preferred Mother Barbarin should think that I was an ungrateful boy rather than run the risk of falling into Barbarin's power. Oh, but though I dared not write now that I was free, I could go and see her. Since I had taken Mattia into my company I had made up my mind to do so for it seemed to me that it could be that it could easily be arranged. I would send him ahead and he could find out if she were alone and then tell her that I was not far off and was only waiting to know if it were safe for me to come and see her. Then if Barbarin were in the village Mattia could ask her to come to some safe spot where I could meet her. I tramped along in silence working out this plan. Mattia trudged by my side. He also seemed to be thinking deeply. The idea came to me to show off my possessions to Mattia. Unfascining my bag I proudly spread out my riches on the grass. I had three cotton shirts, three pairs of socks, five hackerships all in good condition and one pair of shoes, slightly used. Mattia was awestruck. And you? What have you got? I ask. I've only got my violin. Well, we'll go shares now over chums. You'll have two shirts, two pairs of socks, and three hackerships. But as it's only fair that we go shares in everything you'll carry my bag for one hour and I'll carry it for another. Mattia wanted to refuse the things but as I had quickly fallen into the habit of commanding which I must say I found very pleasant I told him to be silent. I had laid out Entianet's needle case and also a little box in which I had placed these as rows. Mattia wanted to open this box but I would not let him. I put it back in my bag without even lifting the lid. If you want to please me, I said you will never touch this box. It's a present. I promised never to touch it. He said solemnly. Since I had again dawned my sheepskin and my harp there was one thing which caused me serious thought. That was my trousers. It seemed to me that an artist ought not to wear long trousers. To appear in public an artist should have short trousers with stockings coming over them laced over and over with colored ribbons. Trousers were all right for a gardener but now I was an artist. Yes, I must wear knickers. I quickly took the scissors from Entianet's work case. While I arranged my trousers I said to Mattia you ought to show me how to play the violin. Oh, I'd like to. He began to play while I boldly stuck the points of my scissors into my trousers a little above the knee. I commenced to cut the cloth. Yet, however, they were a beautiful pair of gray cloth trousers with vests and coat to match and I had been so proud of them when a quinn had given them to me. But I did not consider that I was spoiling them by shortening them quite the contrary. At first I scarcely listened to Mattia. I was too busy cutting my trousers but soon I stopped manipulating the scissors and became all ears. Mattia played almost as well as Vitellus. Who taught you the violin? I asked, clapping my hands. No one, I studied alone. Hasn't anyone explained to you anything about music? No, I play just what I hear. I'll teach you, I will. You know everything then? Well, so I ought to. If I'm the director I wanted to show Mattia that I was also a musician. I took my harp and wishing to impress me. Him, I sang the famous Canzonet, then as it should be between artists he complimented me. He had great talent. We were worthy of each other. I buckled my knapsack and Mattia in turn hoisted it on his shoulders. We had to stop at the first village to give a performance. It was to be the first appearance of Remy's company. Teach me your song, said Mattia. We'll sing it together and we'll soon be able to accompany you on the violin. That'll be pretty. Certainly, that would be pretty and the distinguished audience would have a heart of stone if they were not generous in their offerings. At the first village that we came to we had to pass before a large farm gate. We saw a crowd of people dressed up in their best. Some of them carried bouquets tied with saddle streamers. It was a wedding. I thought that perhaps these people might like a little music and dance. So I went into the farm yard and suggested it to the first person I met. This was a big, good natured looking man with a red face. He wore a tall white collar and a Prince Albert coat. He did not reply to my question. But turning to the guests, he put his two fingers in his mouth and gave such a thrill whistle that it frightened Cappie. Say, you all! He cried, What about a little music? The musicians have arrived. Oh, music! Music came the chorus. Take your places for the quadrills. The dancers soon gathered in the middle of the yard. Matia and I took our places up in a wagon. Can you play the quadrills? I whispered anxiously. Yes. He gave us a few notes on his violin. By luck, I knew the air. We were saved. Although Matia and I had never played together, we did not do badly. It is true, the people had not much ear for music. Can one of you play the cornet? Asked the big man with a red face. I can, said Matia, but I haven't the instrument with me. I'll go and find one. The violin's pretty, but it's squeaky. I found that day that Matia could play everything. We played every night without stopping. It did not matter for me, but poor Matia was very weak. From time to time, I saw him turn pale as though he felt ill. Yet he continued to play, blowing with all his might. Fortunately, I was not the only one who saw that he was ill. The bride remarked also. The bride remarked it also. That's enough, she said. That little chap is tired out. Now all hands into your pockets. Now all hands to your pockets for the musicians. I threw my cap to Cappy, who caught it in his jaws. Give your offerings to our secretary, if you please, I said. They applauded and were delighted at the manner in which Cappy bowed. They gave generously. The husband was the last, and he dropped a five-frank piece in the cap. The cap was full of silver coins. What a fortune! We were invited to supper, and they gave us a place to sleep in the hayloft. The next day, when we left this hospitable farm, we had a capital of twenty-eight francs. I owe this to you, Metia, I said after we had counted it. I could not have made an orchestra all alone. With twenty-eight francs in our pockets we were rich. When we reached Corbille, I could very well afford to buy a few things that I considered indispensable. First, a cornet, which would cost three francs at a second-hand shop. Then, some red ribbons for our stockings. And lastly, another knapsack. It would be easier to carry a small bag all the time than a heavy one in turns. A boss like you, who doesn't beat me, is too good, said Metia, laughing happily from time to time. Our prosperous state of affairs made me decide to set out for mother barbarians as soon as possible. I could take her a present. I was rich now. There was something that more than anything else would make her happy, not only now, but in her old age. A cow that would replace poor Rosette. How happy she would be if I gave her a cow, and how proud I should be. Before arriving at Chevenon, I would buy a cow, and Metia would lead it by a rope right into mother barbarians' house. Into mother barbarians' yard. Metia would say to her, here is a cow, I've brought you. A cow, she would say, give me the mistake, my boy, and she would sigh. No, I haven't. Metia would answer, your mother barbarian of Chevenon, aren't you? Well, the prince, like in the fairy tales, has sent you this as a present. Then what prince? Then I would appear and take her in my arms, and after we had hugged each other, we'd make some pancakes and apple fritters, which would be eaten by the three of us, and not by barbarian, as on that shrove Tuesday when he had returned to upset our frying pan and put our butter in his onion soup. What a beautiful dream, but to realize it, we must first buy a cow. How much would a cow cost? I had not the slightest idea. A great deal, probably. But still, I didn't want a very big cow because the fatter the cow, the higher the price, and then the bigger cow, the more nourishment it would require. And I did not want my present to be a source of inconvenience to mother barbarian. The essential for the moment was to find out the price of cows, or rather, of a cow, of the kind that I wanted. Fortunately, that was not difficult for we often met many farmers and cattle dealers at the different villages where we stopped. I put the question to the first I met at the inn that day. He burst out laughing and gave a bang on the table. Then he called the landlady. This little musician wants to know how much a cow costs, not a very large one, but a very healthy one that will give plenty of milk. Everyone laughed. I didn't care, though. Yes, she must give good milk and not eat too much, I said. And she mustn't mind being led along the lanes by a halter. When he had had his laugh, he was quite willing to enter a discussion with me and to take the matter seriously. He had just the very thing, a nice cow which gave delicious milk, real cream, and she hardly ate anything. If I would put down fifty acues, the cow was mine. Although I had trouble in making him talk at first, once he commenced, it was difficult to stop him. Finally, we were able to retire for the night and I dreamed of all what I could learn from him. Fifty acues, that was one hundred and fifty francs. I had nothing like that great sum. If our luck still continued, I could, if I saved soo by soo, get together the hundred and fifty francs, but it would take time. In that case, we should have to go, first of all, to Varsus and see Benny and give all the performances that we could on our way. And then, on our return, we would have the money and we would go to Chevenon and act the fairytale, the Prince's cow. I told Matilla of my plan and he raised no objections. End of Chapter 10. End of Chapter 20. Chapter 21 of Nobody's Boy. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Nobody's Boy. Hector Malau. Translated by Florence Crue-Jones. Chapter 21. Meeting Old Friends. It took us nearly three months to do this journey, but when we at last reached the outskirts of Varsus, we found that we had indeed employed our time well. In my leather purse, I now had 128 francs. We were only short of 22 francs to buy Mother Barbara's cow. Matilla was almost as pleased as I, and he was very proud that he had contributed his part to such a sum. His part was great, for I am sure that without him Cappy and I could not have collected anything like the sum of 128 francs. From Varsus to Chevenan, we could easily gain the 22 francs that we were short. It was three o'clock in the afternoon when we arrived at Varsus, and a radiant sun shone in the clear sky. But the nearer we got to the town the darker became the atmosphere. Between the sky and the earth hung a cloud of smoke. I knew that Alexis's uncle was a miner at Varsus, but I did not know whether he lived in the town itself or outside. I simply knew that he worked in a mine called the Triviere. Upon entering the town, I asked where this mine was situated, and I was directed through the left bank of the river Devone. In a little dale, transversed by a ravine after which the mine had been named, this dale is as unattractive as the town. At the office they told us where Uncle Gaspard, Alexis's uncle, lived. It was in a winding street which led from the hill to the river at a little distance from the mine. When we reached the house a woman was leaning up against the door talking to two or three neighbors told me that Gaspard, the miner would not be back until six o'clock. What do you want of him? she asked. I want to see Alexis, his nephew. Oh, you're Remy? she said. Alexis has spoken of you. He's been expecting you. Who's that boy? she pointed to Matiam. He's my friend. This woman was Alexis's aunt. I thought she would ask us to go in and rest for we were very dusty and tired but she simply repeated that if I would return at six o'clock I could see Alexis who was then at the mine. I had not the heart to ask for what was not offered. I thanked her and went into the town to find a baker to get something to eat. I was ashamed of this reception for I felt that Matiam would wonder what it meant. Why should we have trapped so many miles for this? It seemed to me that Matiam would have a poor idea of my friends and that when I should speak to him of Lisa he would not listen to me with the same interest and I wanted him very much like Lisa. The cold welcome that the aunt had given us did not encourage me to return to the house so at a little before six o'clock Matia, Cappy and I went to the entrance of the mine to wait for Alexis. We had been told by which gallery the miners would come out we began to see in the dark shadows of the gallery some tiny lights which gradually became larger. The miners with lamp in hand were coming up into the day their work finished. They came on slowly with heavy gate as though they suffered in the knees. I understood how this was later when I myself had gone over the staircases and ladders which led to the last level. Their faces were as black as chimney sweeps their clothes and hats covered with cold dust. Each man entered the lamp ladders cabin and hung up his lamp on a nail. Although keeping a careful look out I did not see Alexis until he had rushed up to me I should have let him pass without recognizing him. It was hard to recognize in this boy black from head to foot the chum who had raced with me down the garden paths in his clean shirt turned up to the elbows and his collar turned open showing his white skin. It's Remy, he cried turning to a man of about 40 years who walked near him and who had a kind, frank face like Mr. Aquinn. This was not surprising considering that they were brothers. I knew that this was Uncle Gaspard. We've been expecting you a long time I said, smiling. The road is long from Paris to Varsus I said smiling back. And your legs are short he retorted laughing. Happy, happy at seeing Alexis expressed his joy by tugging at the leg of his trousers with all his might. During this time I explained to Uncle Gaspard that Matteo was my friend and partner and that he played the cornet better than anyone. And there's Monsieur Capy said, Uncle Gaspard, you'll be rested tomorrow so you can entertain us for its Sunday. Alexis says that that dog is cleverer than a schoolmaster and a comedian combined. As much as I felt ill at ease with the ant so I felt at ease with Uncle Gaspard. Now, you two boys talk together he said cheerily I am sure that you have a lot to say to each other. I'm going to have a chat with this young man who plays the cornet so well. Alexis wanted to know about my journey and I wanted to know about his work. We were so busy questioning each other that neither of us waited for a reply. When we arrived at the house Uncle Gaspard invited us to supper never did an invitation give me such pleasure for I had wondered as we walked along if we should have to part at the door the ants welcome had not given us much hope. Here's Remy and his friend said the father entering the house we sat down to supper the meal did not last long for the ant who was a was only serving delicatessen evening the hard working minor ate his delicatessen supper without a word of a complaint he was an easygoing man who above all liked peace he never complained if he had remarked to pass it was said in a quiet gentle way the supper was soon over Uncle Gaspard told me that he could sleep with Alexix that night and told Matia that if he would go with him into the bake house he would make up a bed there that evening in a greater part of the night Alexix and I spent talking everything that Alexix told me excited me strangely that he could go down in a mine but when I spoke of it the next day to Uncle Gaspard he told me that he could not possibly take me down as only those who worked in the colliery were permitted to enter if you want to be a minor he said it will be easy it's not worse than any other job it's better than being a singer on the streets you can stay here with Alexix we'll get the job for Matia also but not in playing the cornet oh no I had no intention of staying at Varsus there was something else I had set myself to do I was about to leave the town without my curiosity being satisfied when circumstances came about in which I learned in all their horror the dangers to which the miners are exposed on the day that I was to leave Varsus a large block of coal fell on Alexix's hand and almost crushed his finger for several days he was obliged to give the hand complete rest Uncle Gaspard was in despair for now he had no one to push his car and he was afraid that he also would be obliged to stay at home and he could ill afford to do this why can't I take his place I ask when he returned home after hunting in vain for a boy I was afraid the car would be too heavy for you my boy he said but if you'd be willing to try you'd help me a mighty lot it's hard to find a boy for a few days only and while you were down in the mine I'll go off with Cappy and earn the rest of the money for the cow cried Matia the three months that we had lived together in the open air had completely changed Matia he was no longer the poor pale boy whom I had found leaning up against the church much less was he the monster whom I had seen for the first time in Gora Fully's attic looking after the soup and from time to time clasping his hands over his poor aching head Matia never had a headache now he was never unhappy neither was he thin or sad the beautiful sun and the fresh air had given him health and spirits on our tramps he was always laughing and in good humor seeing the best side of everything amused at anything happy at nothing how lonely I would have been without him we were so utterly different in character perhaps that was why we got on so well together he had a sweet sunny disposition a little careless and with a delightful way of overcoming difficulties we might well have quarreled when I was teaching him to read and giving his lessons in music for I had not the patience of a school master I was often unjust to him but never once did he show signs of anger it was understood while I was down in the mine Matia and Cappy would go off into the suburbs and give musical and dramatic performances and thereby increase our fortune Cappy, to whom I explained this arrangement appeared to understand and accordingly barked approval the next day following close in Uncle Gaspar's footsteps I went down into the deep dark mine he bade me be very cautious but there was no need for his warning it is not without a certain fear and anxiety that one leaves the light of day to enter into the bowels of the earth when far down the gallery I instinctively looked back with the daylight at the end of the long black tube looked like a white globe like the moon in a dark starless sky soon the big black pit yawned before us down below I could see the swaying lamps of other miners as they descended the ladder we reached the stall where Uncle Gaspar worked on the second level all those employed in pushing the cars were young boys with the exception of one whom they called Professor he was an old man who in his younger days had worked as a carpenter in the mine but through an accident which had crushed his fingers he had been obliged to give up his trade I was soon to learn what it meant to be a miner End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of Nobody's Boy This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by phone Nobody's Boy by Hector Malau translated by Florence Crew Jones Chapter 22 Imprisoned in a Mine A few days later while pushing my car along the rails I heard a terrible roaring the noise came from all sides my first feeling was one of terror I thought only of saving myself but I had so often been laughed at for my fears that shame made me stay I wondered if it could be an explosion suddenly hundreds of rats raced past me fleeing like a regiment of cavalry then I heard a strange sound against the earth and the walls of the gallery and the noise of running water I raced back to Uncle Gaspar Water's coming into the mine I cried Don't be silly Oh, listen there was something in my manner that forced Uncle Gaspar to stop his work and listen the noise was now louder and more sinister Race for your life the mines flooded he shouted Professor, Professor I screamed down the gallery the old man joined us the water was rising rapidly You go first said the old man when we reached the ladder we were not in a position to show politeness Uncle Gaspar went first I followed then came the professor before we had reached the top of the ladder a rush of water fell extinguishing our lamps Hold on cried Uncle Gaspar we clung to the rungs but some men who were below us were thrown off the fall of the water had turned into a veritable avalanche we were on the first landing water was here also we had no lights for our lamps had been put out I'm afraid we are lost said the professor quietly Say your prayers, my boy At this moment seven or eight miners with lamps came running in our direction trying to reach the ladder the water was now rushing through the mine in a regular torrent dragging in its mad course pieces of wood whirling them round like feathers We must make for an air shaft, boys said the professor that is the only place where we might find refuge give me a lamp usually no one took any notice of the old man when he spoke unless it was to make fun of him but the strongest man there had lost his nerve and it was the voice of the old man whom they had mocked so often that they were now ready to obey a lamp was handed to him he seized it and dragged me along with him taking the lead he, more than any man knew every nook and corner of the mine the water was up to my waist the professor led us to the nearest air shaft two miners refused to enter saying that we were throwing ourselves into a blind alley they continued along the gallery and we never saw them again then came a deafening noise a rush of water, a splintering of wood explosions of compressed air full roaring which terrified us it's the deluge, shrieked one the end of the world oh god have mercy on us hearing the men shrieking their cries of despair the professor said calmly but in a voice to which all listened courage boys now as we are going to stay here for a while we must get to work we can't stay long huddled together like this let us scoop out a hollow in the shale so as to have a place to rest upon his words calmed the men with hands and lamp hooks they began to dig into the soil the task was difficult for the air shaft in which we had taken refuge was on a considerable slope and very slippery and we knew that it meant death if we made a full step a resting place was made and we were able to stop and take note of each other we were seven the professor, Uncle Gaspar three miners, pages Compe-Roux and Bourguen-Roux and a car pusher named Carory and myself the noise in the mine continued with the same violence there are no words with which to describe the horrible uproar it seemed to us that our last hour had come mad with fear we gazed at one another questioning me the evil genius of the mines taking his revenge cried one it's a hole broke through from the river above I've entered to say the professor said nothing he merely shrugged his shoulders as though he could have argued out the matter in full day under the shade of a mulberry tree eating an onion it's all folly about the genius of the mine he said at last the mine is flooded that's a sure thing but what has caused the flood we down here can't tell well if you don't know what it is shut up cried the men now that we were dry and the water was not touching us no one wanted to listen to the old man the authority which his coolness in danger had gained for him was already lost we shan't die from drowning he said at last quietly look at the flame in your lamps how short it is now don't be a wizard what do you mean speak out I am not trying to be a wizard but we shan't be drowned we are in a bell of air and it is this compressed air which stops the water from rising this air shaft without an outlet is doing for us what the diving bell does for the diver the air has accumulated in the shaft and now resists the water which ebbs back it is the foul air that we have to fear the water is not rising afoot now the mine must be full where's Marius? cried Pages thinking of his only son who worked on the third level oh Marius! Marius! he shrieked there was no reply not even an echo his voice did not go beyond our bell was Marius saved? one hundred and fifty men drowned that would be too horrible one hundred and fifty men at least had gone down into the mine how many had been able to get out by the shafts or had found a refuge like ourselves there was now utter silence in the mine at our feet the water was quite still not a ripple, not a gurgle the mine was full this heavy silence impenetrable and deathly was more stupefying than the frightful uproar that we had heard when the water first rushed in we were in a tomb buried alive more than a hundred feet underground we all seemed to feel the awfulness of our situation even the professor seemed crushed down suddenly I felt some warm drops fall on my hand it was carory he was crying silently then came a voice shrieking Marius! my boy! Marius! the air was heavy to breathe I felt suffocated there was a buzzing in my ears I was afraid, afraid of the water the darkness and death the silence oppressed me the uneven jagged walls of our place of refuge seemed as though they would fall and crush me beneath their weight should I never see Lees again and Arthur and Mrs Milligan and dear old Matia would they be able to make little Lees understand that I was dead and that I could not bring her news from her brother and sister and mother Barbaran, poor mother Barbaran in my opinion they are not trying to rescue us said Uncle Gaspar breaking the silence at last we can't hear a sound how can you think that of your comrades tried to Professor Hotley you know well enough that in every mine accident the miners have never deserted one another and that twenty men, one hundred men would sooner be killed than leave a comrade without assistance you know that well enough that is true murmured Uncle Gaspar make no error they are trying their hardest to reach us they have two ways one is to bore a tunnel to us down here the other is to drain off the water the men began a vague discussion as to how long it would take to accomplish this task all realized that we should have to remain at least eight days in our tomb eight days I had heard of miners being imprisoned for twenty four days but that was in a story and this was reality when I was able to fully grasp what this meant I paid no heed to the talk around me I was stunned again there was silence all were plunged in thought how long we remain so I cannot tell but suddenly there was a cry the pumps are at work this was said with one voice for the sounds that had just reached our ears had seemed to touch us by an electric current and we all rose up we should be saved Carory took my hand and squeezed it you're a good boy he said no you are I replied but he insisted energetically that I was a good boy his manner was as though he were intoxicated and so he was he was intoxicated with hope but before we were to see the beautiful sun again and hear the birds and the trees we were to pass through long, cruel days of agony and wonder in anguish if we should ever see the light of day again we were all very thirsty Pages wanted to go down and get some water but the professor advised him to stay where he was he feared that the debris which we had piled up would give way beneath his weight and that he would fall into the water Remy is lighter Carory's boot and he can go down and get water for his all he said Carory's boot was handed to me and I prepare to slip down the bank wait a minute said the professor let me give you a hand oh but it's all right professor I replied if I fall in I can swim do as I tell you he insisted take my hand in his effort to help me he either miscalculated his step or the coal gave way beneath him for he slid over the inclined plain and fell head first into the black waters the lamp which he helped to light me rolled after him and disappeared also instantly we were plunged in darkness for we were burning only one light there was a simultaneous cry from every man fortunately I was already in position to get to the water letting myself slide down on my back I slipped into the water after the old man in my wanderings with vitalists I had learned to swim and to dive I was as much at ease in the water as on land but how could I direct my course in this black hole I had not thought of that when I let myself slip I only thought that the old man would be drowned where should I look on which side should I swim I was wondering when I felt a firm hand seize my shoulder I was dragged beneath the water kicking out my foot sharply I rose to the surface the hand was still grasping my shoulder hold on professor I cried keep your head up and we're saved saved, neither one nor the other was saved for I did not know which way to swim speak out you fellows I cried Remy where are you it was Uncle Gaspard's voice it came from the left light the lamp there was instantly a light I had only to stretch out my hand to touch the bank with one hand I clutched at a block of coal and drew up the old man it was high time for he had already swallowed a great deal of water and was partly unconscious I kept his head well above water and he soon came round our companions took hold of him and pulled him up while I hoisted him from behind I clambered up in my turn after this disagreeable accident which for the moment had caused us some distraction we again fell into fits of depression and despair and with them came thoughts of approaching death I became very drowsy the place was not favourable for sleep I could easily have rolled into the water then the professor seeing the danger I ran took my head upon his chest and put his arm around my body he did not hold me very tight but enough to keep me from falling and I laid there like a child on his mother's knee when I moved half awake he merely changed a position of his arm that had grown stiff then sat motionless again sleep little chap he whispered leaning over me don't be afraid I've got you Remy and I slipped without fear however I knew very well he would not let go of me we had no idea of time we did not know if we had been there two days or six days opinions differed we spoke no more of our deliverance death was in our hearts say what you like professor cried Bergenhu you have calculated how long it will take him to pump out the water but they'll never be in time to save us we shall die of hunger or suffocation have patience answered the professor I know how long we can live without food and I have made my calculations they will do it in time at this moment big combo burst into thoughts the good lord is punishing me he cried and I repent I repent if I get out of here I swear to atone for the wrong I have done and if I don't get out you boys will make amends for me you know Rukkat who was sentenced for five years for stating a watch from mother Vidal I was the thief I took it it's under my bed now oh throw him in the water cried both Pages and Bergenhu do you want to appear then before the Lord with the crime in your conscience cried the professor let him repent I repent I repent wailed Combrew more feebly than a child in spite of his great strength to the water to the water cried Pages and Bergenhu trying to get at a sinner who was crouching behind the professor if you want to throw him in the water you'll throw me with him no no finally they said they would not push him in the water but upon one condition he was to be left in a corner and no one was to speak to him or to pay any attention to him yes that's what he deserves said the professor that's only fair after the professor's words which seemed like a judgment condemning Combo we all huddled together and got as far away from him as possible leaving a space between us and the unfortunate man for several hours I should think he sat there grief-stricken his lips moving every now and again to say I repent I repent and then Pages and Bergenhu would cry out it's too late it's too late you repent because you're afraid now you should have repented six months ago a year ago he gasped painfully but still repeated I repent I repent he was in a high fever all his body shook and his teeth were chattering I'm thirsty he said give me the boot there was no more water in the boot I got up to go and fetch some but Pages who had seen me called to me to stop and at the same moment Uncle Gaspar pulled me by the arm we swore we would pay no attention to him he said for some minutes Compehu repeated that he was thirsty seeing that we would not give him anything to drink he rose up to go to the water himself he'll drag down the rubbish cried Pages let him at least have his freedom said the professor he had seen me go down by letting myself slide on my back he wanted to do the same but I was light whilst he was heavy scarcely was he on his back then the coal gave way beneath him and with his legs stretched out and his arms striking into space he slipped into the black hole the water splashed up to where we were I leaned forward ready to go down but Uncle Gaspar and the professor each grasped me by the arm half dead and trembling with horror I drew myself back time passed the professor was the only one who could speak with courage but our depression finally made his spirits troop our hunger had become so great that we ate the rotten wood about us carory who was like an animal was the most famished of all he had cut up his other boot and was continually chewing the pieces of leather seeing what hunger had led us to I must confess that I began to have terrible fears fight it was had often told me tales of men who had been shipwrecked in one story a crew who had been shipwrecked on a desert island where there was nothing to eat had eaten the ship's boy seeing my companions in such a famished state I wondered if that fate was to be mine I knew that the professor and Uncle Gaspar would never eat me but of pages Burkant Yu and carory especially carory with his great white teeth which he dug into the letter of his boot I was not quite so sure once when I was half asleep I had been surprised to hear the professor speak in almost a whisper as though he was dreaming he was talking of the clouds the wind and the sun then pages and Burkant Yu began to chatter with him in a foolish manner neither waited for the other to reply Uncle Gaspar seemed hardly to notice how foolish they were were they all gone mad what was to be done suddenly I thought I would like to lamp to economize we had decided only to have a light when it was absolutely necessary when they saw the light they apparently regained their senses I went to get some water for them the waters were going down after a time they began to talk strangely again my own thoughts were vague and wild and for long hours and perhaps days we laid their chattering to one another foolishly after a time we became quieter and Burkant Yu said that before dying we should put down our last wishes we lit a lamp and Burkant Yu wrote for us all and we each signed the paper I gave my dog and harp to Matia and I expressed a wish for Alexics to go to Lees and kiss her for me and give her the dried rose that was in my vest pocket dear little Lees after some time I slipped down the bank again and saw that the waters were lowering considerably I hurried back to my companions and told them that now I could swim to the ladders and tell our rescuers in what part of the mine we had taken refuge the professor forbade me to go but I insisted go on Remy and I'll give you my watch cried Uncle Gaspar the professor thought for a moment then took my hand do as you think boy he said you have a heart I think that you are attempting the impossible but it is not the first time that what was thought impossible has been successful kiss us boy I kissed the professor and Uncle Gaspar and then having thrown off my clothes I went into the water you keep shouting all the while I said before taking the plunge your voices will guide me I wondered if the space under the roof of the gallery was big enough for me to move freely that was the question after some strokes I found that I could swim if I went gently I knew that there was a meeting of galleries not far away but I had to be cautious for if I made a mistake in the course I should lose my way the roof and the walls of the gallery were not enough to guide me on the ground there was a sure guide the rails if I followed them I should be sure to find the ladders from time to time I let my feet go down and having touched the iron rails I rose up again gently with the voices of my companions behind me and the rails under my feet I was not lost as the voices became less distinct the noise of the pumps increased I was advancing thank God I should soon see the light of day going straight down the middle of the gallery I had only to turn to the right to touch the rail I went on a little farther then dived again to touch the rail it was not there I went from side to side of the gallery but there was no rail I had made a mistake the voices of my companions only reached me in a faintest murmur I took in a deep breath then plunged again but with no more success there were no rails I had taken the wrong level without knowing I must have turned back but how was it the others were not shouting if they were I could not hear them I was distracted for I did not know which way to turn in this cold black water then suddenly I heard the sounds of voices again and I knew which way to turn after having taken a few dozen strokes back I turned to the right down to the left but only found the walls where were the rails I was sure now that I was in the right level then I suddenly realized that the railroad had been carried away by the rush of waters and that I had no guide under these circumstances it was impossible for me to carry out my plan and I was forced to turn back I swam back quickly to our place of refuge the voices guiding me as I approached it seemed to me that my companions' voices were more assured as though they felt stronger I was soon at the entrance of the shaft come back, come back, shouted the professor I could not find the way I called out never mind the tunnel was nearly finished they hear our cries and we can hear theirs we shall soon speak I climbed quickly to our landing and listened we could hear the blows from the picks and the cries of those who worked for our freedom came to us feebly but yet very distinct after the first rush of joy I realized that I was frozen as there were no warm clothes to give me they buried me up to the neck in cold dust and Uncle Gaspar and the professor huddled up against me to keep me warm we knew now that our rescuers would soon reach us through the tunnel and by the water but these lost hours of our imprisonment were the hardest to bear the blows from the picks continued and the pumping had not stopped for one moment strange, the nearer we reached the hour of our deliverance the weaker we grew I was lying in the coldest trembling but I was not cold we were unable to speak suddenly there was a noise in the waters of the gallery and turning my head I saw a great light coming towards us the engineer was at the head of several men he was the first to climb up to us he had me in his arms before I could say a word it was time for my heart was failing me yet I was conscious that I was being carried away and I was wrapped up in a blanket after our rescuers had waded through the water in the gallery I closed my eyes when I opened them again it was daylight we were in the open air at the same time something jumped on me it was Cappy with a bound he had sprung upon me as I laid in the engineer's arms he licked my face again and again then my hand was taken I felt a kiss and heard a weak voice murmuring Remi, oh, Remi! it was Mathia I smiled at him then I glanced round a mass of people were crowded together in two straight rows leaving a passage down the centre it was a silent crowd for they had been requested not to excite us by their cries but their looks spoke for their lips in the first row I seemed to see some white surpluses and gilt ornaments which shone in the sun they were the priests who had come to the entrance of the mine to offer prayers for our deliverance when we were brought out they went down on their knees in the dust twenty arms were stretched out to take me but the engineer would not give me up he carried me to the offices where beds had been prepared to receive us two days later I was walking down the village street followed by Mathia, Alexis and Cappy there were some who came and shook me by the hands with tears in their eyes and there were others who turned away their heads these were in mourning and they asked themselves bitterly why this orphaned child had been saved when their fathers and sons were still in the mine ghastly corpses drifting hither and thither in the dark waters End of chapter 22 recording by phone Chapter 23 of Nobody's Boy this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Shasta, Oakland, California Nobody's Boy Hector Malau translated by Florence Crue-Jones Chapter 23 Once more upon the way I had made some friends in the mine such terrible experiences born in common unites one Uncle Gaspar and the professor in particular had grown very fond of me and although the engineer had not shared our captivity he had become attached to me like one is to a child that one has snatched from death he invited me to his house I had to tell his daughter all that had happened to us in the mine everyone wanted to keep me at versus the engineer told me that if I wished he could find me a position in the offices Uncle Gaspar said he would get me a permanent job in the mine he seemed to think it quite natural that I should return to the colliery he himself was soon going down again with that indifference that men show when they are accustomed to brave danger each day I had no wish to go back a mine was very interesting and I was very pleased that I had seen one but I had not the slightest desire to return I preferred to have the sky over my head even a sky full of snow the open air life suited me better and so I told them everyone was surprised especially the professor at the colliery when he met me called me a chicken during the time that they were all trying to persuade me to stay at versus Matia became very preoccupied and thoughtful I questioned him but he always answered that nothing was the matter it was not until I told him that we were starting off on our tramps three days time that he admitted the cause of his sadness oh, I thought that you would stay and that you would leave me he said I gave him a good slap so as to teach him not to doubt me Matia was quite able to look after himself now while I was down in the mine he had earned 18 francs he was very proud when he handed me this large sum for with the 128 that we already had this made a total of 146 francs we only wanted four francs more to be able to buy the princess cow forward march children with baggage strapped on our back we set forth on the road with cappy barking and rolling in the dust for joy Matia suggested that we get a little more money before but buying the cow the more money we had the better the cow and the better the cow the more pleased mother Barbara would be while tramping from Paris to Varsus I had begun to give Matia reading lessons and elementary music lessons I continued these lessons now either I was not a good teacher which was quite possible or Matia was not a good pupil which also was quite possible the lessons were not a success often I got angry and shutting the book with a bang told him that he was a thick head that's true he said smiling my head is only soft when it's banged Garafoli found out that how could one keep angry at this reply I laughed and we went on with the lessons but with music from the beginning he made astonishing progress in the end he so confused me with his questions that I was obliged to confess that I could not teach him anymore this confession mortified me exceedingly I had been a very proud professor and it was humiliating for me not to be able to answer my pupil's questions and did he spare me? oh no I'd like to go and take one lesson from a real master he said only just one and I'll ask him all the questions I want answered why didn't you take this lesson from a real master while I was in the mine because I didn't want to take what he would charge out of your money I was hurt when Matia had spoken thus of a real master but my absurd vanity could not hold out against his last words you're a good boy I said my money is your money you earn it also more than I very often you can take as many lessons as you like and I'll take them with you the master the real master that we required was not a villager but an artiste a great artiste such as might be found only in important towns consulting our map we found that the next big town was Mendez it was already night when we reached Mendez and as we were tired out we decided that we could not take a lesson that evening we asked the landlady of the inn where we could find a good music master she said that she was very surprised that we were asking such a question surely we knew Espenasus we've come from a distance I said you must have come from a very great distance then from Italy replied Matia then she was no longer astonished and she admitted that coming from so far we might not have heard from Mr. Espenasus is this professor very busy I asked, fearing that such a celebrated musician might not care to give just one lesson to two little urchins like ourselves oh yes, I should say he is busy how couldn't he be do you think he would receive us tomorrow morning sure, he receives everyone when they have money in their pockets naturally we understood that of course before going to sleep we discussed all the questions that we intended to ask the celebrated professor the next day Matia was quite elated at our luck in finding just the kind of musician we wanted next morning we took our instruments Matia is vile in my harp and set out to find Mr. Espenasus we did not take copy because we thought that it would not do to call on such a celebrated person with a dog we tied him up in the instables when we reached the house which our landlady indicated was the professors we thought that we must have made a mistake for before the house two little brass plaques were swinging which was certainly not the sign of a music professor the place bore every appearance of a barber's shop turning to a man who was passing we asked him if he could direct us to Mr. Espenasus house there it is he said pointing to the barber's shop after all why should not a professor live with a barber we entered the shop was partitioned off into two equal parts on the right were brushes combs jars of cream and barber's chairs on the left shelves were various instruments violin cornets crombones etc Mr. Espenasus inquired Matia fluttering like a bird the dapper little man who was in the act of shaving a man replied I am Mr. Espenasus I glanced at Matia as much as to say that the barber musician was not the man we were looking for that it would be wasting good money to consult him but Matia instead of understanding my look sat down in a chair with deliberate air when you cut my hair after you have shaved that gentleman he asked certainly young man and I'll give you a shave also if you like thanks replied Matia I was abashed at his assurance he looked at me out of the corner of his eye to ask me to wait before getting annoyed when the man was shaved Mr. Espenasus with towel over his arm prepared to cut Matia's hair Asor said Matia while the barber tied the sheet round his neck my friend and I had an argument and as we know that you are a celebrated musician we thought that you would give us your advice and settle the matter for us what is it young man now I knew Matia was driving at first of all he wanted to see if this barber musician was capable of replying to our questions if so he intended to get a music lesson at the price of a haircut all the while Matia was having his hair cut he asked questions the barber musician was highly amused each question put to him quickly and with pleasure when we were ready to leave he asked Matia to play something on his violin Matia played a piece and you don't know a note of music cried the barber clapping his hands and looking affectionately at Matia as though he had known and loved him all his life it is wonderful Matia took a clarinet from amongst the instruments and played on it then a clarinet why the youngsters of prodigy cried Mr. Aspenasus in rapture if you will stay here with me I'll make you a great musician in the mornings you shall learn to shave the scissors and the rest of the day you shall study music don't think because I'm a barber I don't know music one has to live I looked at Matia what was he going to reply was I going to lose my friend my chum my brother think for your own good Matia I said leave my friend he cried linking his arm and mine that I never could thank you all the same Mr. Aspenasus insisted and told Matia that later they would find the means to send him to the conservatoire in Paris because he would surely be a great musician leave Remy? never well then replied the barber sorrowfully let me give you a book and you can learn what you do not know from that he took a book out of one of the drawers entitled the theory of music it was old and torn but what did that matter taking a pen to a page to a child who when he becomes celebrated will remember the barber of Mendez I don't know if there were any other professors of music at Mendez but that was the only one we knew and we never forgot him end of chapter 23