590
PARTISAN REVIEW
forbidden him to join because he was accused of being an agent of the
Russian secret po lice.
The small group of onlookers behind the rope shouted insults at
the emigres, bellowing at random "Rascals!" .. . "Pigs!" ... "Spies!"
. .. "German agents!"
The emigres shouted back half-heartedly and finally sang the
"Internationale." The stationmaster herded them onto the train. The
Swiss railroad personnel sealed the baggage cars and we watched the
train slow ly pu lling out through the smoke and fog until it disap–
peared from sight. We heard the coughing of the engine graduall y fade
away. For a moment, there was complete si lence in the station.
The little group that had come to watch straggled away. Strauss
and I, at first on ly curious, were now excited and disturbed. We
returned to the Cafe Odeon for an espresso.
THE COLLOQUISTS
by
Peter
Berlinrut
"A unique effort to encompass our time in a vIsionary view,
definitely successful. It restores philosophizing to its ancient
and honorable niche ..." David Herrstrom, poet.
" ... Peter Berlinrut's book is engrossing ... a series of conver–
sations among three friends. It ought to delight . .." Bernarda
Bryson (Mrs. Ben Shahn) , artist and writer.
"Three men ... old friends . .. meet occasionally to come
abreast of themselves and to speculate on the time and the
timeless ... probing talk that takes astonishing turns...."
H. William Fitelson, The New Leader.
"THE COLLOQUISTS is a rare book . .. a prime intellectual
encounter ..." Robert Mueller, author.
SPECTRUM PRESS, ROOSEVELT, N.]. 08555
$10.00
