360
SAMUEL BECKETT
Take me by the hand, said Mercier, and lead me far away from
here. I'll trot along at your side like a little puppy dog, or a tiny tot.
And the day will come-.
A terrible screech of brakes rent the air, followed by a scream and a
resounding crash. Mercier and Camier made a rush (after a moment's
hesitation) for the open street and were rewarded by the vision, soon
hidden by a concourse of gapers, of a big fat woman writhing feebly on
the ground. The disorder of her dress revealed an amazing mass of
billowing underclothes, originally white in colour. Her lifeblood,
streaming from one or more wounds, had already reached the gutter.
else.
Ah, said Mercier,' that's what I needed, I feel a new man.
He was in fact transfigured.
Let this be a lesson to us, said Camier.
Meaning? said Mercier.
Never to despair, said Camier, or lose our faith in life.
Ah,said Mercier with relief. I was afraid you meant something
As they went their wayan ambulance passed, speeding towards
the scene of the mishap.
I beg your pardon? said Camier.
A crying shame, said Mercier.
I don't follow you, said Camier.
A six cylinder, said Mercier.
And what of it? said Camier.
And they talk about the petrol shortage, said Mercier.
There are perhaps more victims than one, said Camier.
It might be an infant child, said Mercier, for all they care.
The rain was falling gently, as from the fine rose of a watering
pOl. Mercier advanced with upturned face. Now and then he wiped it,
with his free hand. He had not had a wash for some time.
Summary of two preceding chapters
I
Outset.
Meeting of Mercier and Camier
Saint-Ruth Square.
The beech.
The rain .
The shelter.
The dogs.
