The Wandering Jew — Volume 05

Produced by David Widger and Pat Castevens
By Eugene Sue
XIV. The Eve of a Great Day XV. The Thug XVI. The Two Brothers of the Good Work XVII. The House in the Rue Saint-Francois XVIII. Debit and Credit XIX. The Heir XX. The Rupture XXI. The Change XXII. The Red Room XXIII. The Testament XXIV. The Last Stroke of Noon XXV. The Deed of Gift
Rodin, dressed in his usual sordid style, mean and dirty as ever, was writing modestly at his desk, faithful to his humble part of secretary, which concealed, as we have already seen a far more important office—that of Socius—a function which, according to the constitutions of the Order, consists in never quitting his superior, watching his least actions, spying into his very thoughts, and reporting all to Rome.
In spite of his usual impassibility, Rodin appeared visibly uneasy and absent in mind; he answered even more briefly than usual to the commands and questions of Father d'Aigrigny, who had but just entered the room.
Has anything new occurred during my absence? asked he. Are the reports still favorable?
Very favorable.
Read them to me.
Before giving this account to your reverence, said Rodin, I must inform you that Morok has been two days in Paris.
Morok? said Abbe d'Aigrigny, with surprise. I thought, on leaving Germany and Switzerland, he had received from Friburg the order to proceed southward. At Nismes, or Avignon, he would at this moment be useful as an agent; for the Protestants begin to move, and we fear a reaction against the Catholics.
I do not know, said Rodin, if Morok may not have had private reasons for changing his route. His ostensible reasons are, that he comes here to give performances.
How so?