Le Gourmand.
For some weeks since the boys returned after Christmas holidays, Brother Julien, who had charge of the dormitories, complained of finding scraps of cake, apple cores, etc., hidden behind the water tank in the lavatory; no one could tell who placed them there. Fulton and Allen knew, but would not inform, although both were very often disturbed by hearing Hyacinth Laforge munching apples in the bed next them.
One morning Brother Director came into the Refectory looking very stern. "I will thank the young gentlemen as they pass from the room to turn their pockets inside out," was the bland invitation that filled everybody with amusement or consternation, as the case might be.
There was a good deal of laughing and joking, as the boys filed out of the room and a great display of knives, pencil, bits of string, etc.
At last the guilty one took his turn. Out came apples, crumbs of cake, nuts, a little of everything.
"So it seems we have a thief among us!" Brother Director spoke in a very severe tone of voice.
"I didn't suppose you would begrudge me an apple or two," said the boy, throwing the contents of his pocket defiantly on the table.
"Nor do I. If you had come to me or to the Brother Procurator, and said: 'I am a greedy fellow; I want to eat all I can hold at the table, and have something to fall back on between times,' you would have been amply provided. But what is that bulging out under your jacket? Open it immediately." Hyacinth slowly and with a dogged air, unbuttoned his vest, when, to the astonishment of the Brother, and the great amusement of the boys, out came a whole pie.
Such a laugh as followed! Brother Isadore, who was standing near, touched the pie, and finding it was still warm, asked when he had managed to capture it. The cook answered the question by coming on the scene, saying: "That boy ran through my kitchen a minute ago, shouldn't wonder if he had taken something, he's always sneaking round."
"Here Brother, here's his plunder," said the Director, "Ce n'est bon que pour les poules maintenant!" (It is only fit for the chickens now), answered the cook, who was very much provoked.
After the laughter had subsided, Hyacinth received a severe and mortifying reproof.
Brother Director said: "Since eating seems to be your chief aim in life, and to save you from stealing, your bed shall be moved into the little clothes room and a plate of cakes and apples placed so that you can munch all night if you wish, without disturbing the rest of the dormitory." The boys passed out laughing. It is needless to add that the apples and cakes were beside the greedy one, every night until he was sick of the sight and smell.