He Who Gets Slapped Part 8

BRIQUET

[_Pleased_]: Now that's very nice of you. Zinida, the man really doesn't know anything.

ZINIDA

Well, do as he suggests. Now we must write it down. Where's the book?

BRIQUET

Here. [_To HE_.] I don't like to write [_gives book to_ ZINIDA], but we have to put down the names of the actors, you know--it's police regulations. Then if anyone kills himself, or----

[_Again comes the sound of the Tango, and calls from the ring._]

ZINIDA

What is your name?

HE

[_Smiling_]: HE. I chose it, you know. Or don't you like it?

BRIQUET

We like it all right--but we have to have your real name. Have you a pa.s.sport?

HE

[_Confused_]: A pa.s.sport? No, I have none. Or, rather, yes. I have something of the kind, but I had no idea the rules were strictly enforced here. What do you need papers for?

[ZINIDA _and_ BRIQUET _look at each other_. ZINIDA _pushes the book aside_.]

ZINIDA

Then we can't take you. We cannot quarrel with the police, just on your account.

BRIQUET

She is my wife. I hadn't told you. She's right. You might get hurt by a horse, or hurt yourself--or do something. We don't know you, you see. I personally don't care, but out there, it's different, you see. For me a corpse is just a corpse--and I don't ask anything about him. It's up to G.o.d or the Devil. But they--they're too curious. Well, I suppose it's necessary for order. I don't know---- Got a card?

HE

[_Rubs his head, thinking_]: What shall I do? I have my card, but [_smiles_] you understand that I don't want my name to be known.

BRIQUET

Some story, hey?

HE

Yes, something like that. Why can't you imagine that I have no name?

Can't I lose it as I might lose my hat? Or let someone else take it by mistake? When a stray dog comes to you, you don't ask his name--you simply give him another. Let me be that dog. [_Laughing_] HE--the Dog!

ZINIDA

Why don't you tell us your name, just the two of us. n.o.body else need know it. Unless you should break your neck----

HE

[_Hesitates_]: Honestly? [ZINIDA _shrugs her shoulders_.]

BRIQUET

Where people are honest, their word is good. One sees you come from _out there_.

HE

All right. But please, don't be surprised. [_Gives_ ZINIDA _his card.

She looks at it, then hands it to_ BRIQUET, _then both look at HE_.]

BRIQUET

If it is true, sir, that you are really what is written here----

HE

For heaven's sake--for heaven's sake--this does not exist, but was lost long ago; it is just a check for an old hat. I pray you to forget it, as I have. I am HE Who Gets Slapped--nothing else. [_Silence._]

BRIQUET

I beg your pardon, sir, but I must ask you again, I must humbly ask you--are you not drunk, sir? There is something in your eye--something----

HE

No, no. I am He, Who Gets Slapped. Since when do you speak to me like this, Papa Briquet? You offend me.

ZINIDA

After all, it's his business, Briquet. [_She hides the card._] Truly you are a strange man. [_Smiles._] And you have already noticed that Bezano is in love with the horse-girl? And that I love my Briquet, did you notice that, too?

HE

[_Also smiling_]: Oh, yes. You adore him.

ZINIDA

I adore him. Now go with him, Briquet, show him the ring and the stables--I have something to write.

HE