in Chelsea I heard what he said quite clearly, although his voice
was low and reflective.
"If they sleep together, they might have a child. Would it be
born with a beard or an eagle's beak?"
I told Learoyd to concentrate on cats. I hoped I sounded like a
man who was content with the night's work. Then I left him.
The articles appeared and they were good. Papa Gaudin was
satisfied and I had nothing to worry about, till the old man told
me that Learoyd was a friendly soul, who came to see them six
days out of six. Then those alarm bells of mine began to work
overtime.
In my business a hunch is as good as a black and white fact.
Cutting a lunch date, I went down to the Olympic, telling myself I
ought to pay the American some attention, the way he was pay-
ing me ten percent.
Papa Gaudin opinioned if he was anywhere, he'd be with the
cats, so I went to find him. There was no sign of the sandy boy,
but a big broad man in a German topcoat was standing in front of
the cage that held the snow-leopard. I knew I'd seen him before.
Then I remembered it. Amsterdam. I wasn't curious, I wasn't even
interested. I just thought he might know where I could find the
American. So I walked toward him.
He was talking to the white cat, his voice soft, fond, caressing,
and I knew at once the coat had lied. He was not a German.
He heard me come behind him and turned sharply. I saw the
eagle spread proudly where the features used to be. Then I looked
into his eyes.
There was a little silence, while my thoughts shook into place.
Now I said his name, his true name.
"Jules."
The tears started, and lay like drops of rain on the eagle's
wings. I put up my hand to touch his face. I wanted him to know
that I was reaching to the scars benea.th and that I loved him.
He understood, and when he spoke it was to comfort me.
"I've made a life. Just sometimes I want to smell the cats."
There was another silence, then the sound of feline claws scrap-
ing jealously at the bars behind us.
Jules turned and with gentle Gallic words qu-ietened the snow-
leopard.
When next he spoke, his voice was rough.
"How long before the scribbler leaves her in peace?"
I knew that Learoyd's was a terrier's hold. He would not let go
till he had his story. So I bought a little time. I made believe I
hadn't understood and asked Jules to lunch with me, to sup, dine,
or anything that suited him.
He raised his head, sharply and jerkily. "In my flat?" I added
hurriedly.
Then Jules laughed and I saw the fine white teeth I remem-
bered so well and experienced a generous moment that brought
him back to me as he had been, healthy, strong, with a French-
