“Why don’t you tell me the truth?”
“I do. Now, who is Zoug-Zoug?”
“Find out.”
“You said you’d tell me.”
“No. I said I’d tell you if I knew Zoug-Zoug. I do.”
“That’s all you’ll tell me?”
“That’s all. And see, scavenger, take my advice and let Zoug-Zoug alone. He’s a man of influence; and he’s possessed of a devil. He’ll make you sorry, if you meddle with him!”
He rose, and Meyerbeer did the same, saying: “You’d better tell me.”
“Now, don’t bother me. Drink your vermouth, take that bundle of cigarettes, and hunt Zoug-Zoug else where. If you find him, let me know. Good-bye.”
Meyerbeer went out furious. The treatment had been too heroic.