Two days later I found an opportunity during the recreation time to wander down to the porter's lodge-not for sweets.

All was quiet. The concierge was at the little window. It commanded the straight avenue to the main building. He had evidently seen me coming.

"I have come to know about my book-my Voltaire. Have you got it for me?"

"Ah, mademoiselle, as if I could forget such a sweet and beautiful being as you. Of course I have it. Behold it here?"

He held up in both hands several small volumes bound in rusty leather and waved them triumphantly over his ugly head. He deposited them on the table. I looked at the title, Essai sur les Moeurs et l'Esprit des Nations; Voltaire. I picked up Volume I- Charlemagne.

"You are very good. It is what I want. Tell me the price?"

"You beautiful cherie, you have already paid me for anything I can do for you all my life long. Afterwards we will talk of the price."

He struck his great hollow chest a sounding blow. He actually bowed. Then he struck an attitude.

Had I not felt he was assuming a part, I might have believed in his vehemence. As it was, I knew well enough his vicious designs upon myself. I was on my guard. I put the little volume in my pocket.

"Well, and now, my pretty one, you will give me my reward."

He pressed his long arm round my waist. He gave a side-glance up the avenue, then with his left hand he coolly undid his nether garment and shamelessly produced his big yard.

"I am a man of few words, dear mademoiselle, but only just feel the weight of that?"

I looked upon his nakedness. He took my hand as he spoke. He laid it upon his member. Even as my fingers closed on his exposed nudity, his request had become impossible. Snake-like, the huge thing straightened and lengthened itself. It rose with strong muscular jerks. It stood proudly up by itself at a small angle with his hairy belly. I looked at it, and at the man himself, with a strong inclination to laugh.