a very meagre attendance; there had also been the
question of depreciation. The bulk of the stock had
been bought by a man from Marseille representing
the Galeries Bleues—people said he had got it for
practically nothing. Still, after Kahn had settled his
debts to the townsfolk there was certainly money left
over, for he calmly ignored the obvious claims of La
Societe Fonciere du Midi.
'Let them go to the devil,' he remarked; and then
grinned, remembering the incalculable sea, 'they are
welcome to take my land with them,5 he added.
Not quite honest? Perhaps not. But now Anatole
Kahn had become enamoured of his repentance. He
could see little else save Jouse's need and his own
obligation to build up the business. The Societe, he
argued, was rolling in wealth and could quite well
afford a doubtful venture, therefore why pay it interest
out of his funds which, in any case, would be quickly
exhausted? Like most enthusiasts Anatole Kahn saw
only his latest enthusiasm, its predecessors appearing
as dross when compared with the inspiration of the
moment; but then, after all, he was not alone since
even the righteous have limited vision. So now as well
as paying his board he bought many new tools that
were badly needed; some more delicate than those
that Jouse had used, some more up to date and thus
more convenient. He also purchased a brand-new
bench, wishing Christophe to have the use of his
father's, and that, for him, was a great courtesy which
let us assume was remarked on in heaven. Oh, yes,
he was doubtless making his soul, though with some-
what less skill than he made bed-tables.
Sometimes Jouse protested that Kahn was too
generous, that indeed he was far exceeding their
bargain. But Kahn knew very well how the profits
had grown: 'That is nonsense,' he said; CI shall pay
myself back in less than a year; I know what I have
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