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DIAMONDS TO SIT ON

and Father Theodore almost fell over him. His kind face was beaming with happiness. He too had come out on to the corridor to take a short walk. The rivals passed each other several times, and after throwing triumphant looks at each other they walked on. Hippolyte was bubbling over with delight and Father Theodore was equally delighted. Each of them was overcome with feelings of pity for his vanquished rival. At last, as they met for the fifth time, Hippolyte could not resist saying something, and with inexpressible sweetness he said : ‘ Good morning. Father Theodore ! ’ ‘ Good morning, Hippolyte,’ replied Father Theodore with all the sarcasm he could summon. The enemies parted. As they passed each other again Hippolyte remarked : ‘ TeU me, did I hurt you last time we met ? ’ ‘ Not at all! Not at aU 1 I was very happy to meet you,’ said Father Theodore with a smile. Again they separated. Father Theodore’s face was beginning to annoy Hippolyte. ‘ Don’t you hold Mass any more ? ’ he said as he passed the priest again. ‘ How can I ? ’ said Father Theodore. ' All the congregation are scattered looking for treasure in the towns. I don’t know whose treasure it is, but I know they are looking for it.’ Hippolyte wanted to be insulting and opened his mouth to say something, but he could not think of anything strong enough to say, and, feeling annoyed, he went back into his room. A minute later Bender came out in his pale blue waistcoat and, tripping over his boot-laces, walked up to Father Theodore. The priest turned pale. ‘ Do you buy antiques ? ’ asked Bender severely. ‘ Chairs ? Giblets ? Old tins ? ’ ‘ What d’you mean ? ’ said Father Theodore in a frightened voice.