Page:Ballads of a Bohemian.djvu/60

56 And so I’m waiting, waiting here to meet him face to face; For has it not been ever said that all the world one day Will pass in pilgrimage before the Café de la Paix?”

“But, sir,” I made remonstrance, “if its twenty years ago, You’d scarcely recognize him now, he must have altered so.” The little wizened Spanish man he laughed a hideous laugh, And from his cloak he quickly drew a faded photograph. “You’re right,” said he, “but there are traits (oh, this you must allow) That never change; Lopez was fat, he must be fatter now. His paunch is senatorial, he cannot see his toes, I’m sure of it; and then, behold! that wen upon his nose. I’m looking for a man like that. I’ll wait and wait until…” “What will you do?” I sharply cried; he answered me: “Why, kill! He robbed me of my happiness—nay, stranger, do not start; I’ll firmly and politely put—a bullet in his heart.”

And then that little Spanish man, with big cigar alight,