The Ape, the Idiot & Other People

ng to a fashionable hotel at a great summer resort. The sun was setting, and its slanting rays caused the shadow to assume the ap

sted of a slouch hat, torn around the rim and covered with dust; a woollen shirt; a pair of very badly soiled cotton trousers; suspenders made of rawhide strips, fastened to

onfidence, timidity, humility, and honesty. His look was vague and uncertain, and seemed to be searching hopelessly for a friend-for the guidance of natures that were stronger and minds that were clearer. He

wide in the hips and very narrow in the shoulders. Their contents were a mystery. The pockets at least produced the g

reputable-looking man was picking his way with great nicety up the broad interior

in a small, timid voice, coming to

, what's you

in

, yo

iling until his gaze rested upon a glass chandelier above him; but, finding no assis

nswered at last, in his thin

t know your

after a thoughtful pause. "I rec

ver call you a

M

s,

, and then his eyes sought the oriel. Then he started as if he had

r," he a

t wa

ooking at his questioner with a shad

that a lunatic stood

are you

org

art of

again did his glance seek

he a

part of Georgi

gy," he fi

you wan

ou to hire me," he replied, wi

can yo

M

s,

l tell you. Mo

lary do

M

ourse

an

es

t five dollars

u needn't talk to me about it,"

ch?" ask

e b

then he looked very

a brusque and menacing tone, "Now, say-you get away from here qu

d looking helplessly at the

, or I'll set t

ce, but he was not frightened; he did not move a m

on't I'll lock you up and send for the sheriff;

itation, and suddenly realized that no such encumbrance detained him. He shook off the delusion and sprang to the bottom of the stairs. His whole appearance had changed. Humility had given way to uncontrollable fear,

called a ster

nd submissive. All signs of fear had disappeared from his face; but he was no longer the Baker from Georgia who, a few minutes ago, had trudged along the gravelled walk after the ungainly shadow. He had sought a thing and had not

e act of making off with dishonest booty stored in ample pockets. Yet his face had a generous look, though anger made his eyes harsh. Th

me," said the g

the rear, when they came near a hitching-post, to which rings were affixed with staples. Baker had been looking around for something, and, as the gentleman (who was Mr. Clayton, the proprietor of the hotel) stopped near the post, Baker walked straight up to it, without having looked to the left or the right. Upon reaching it he dropped the invisible something that he carried in his right hand, laid his hat on the gro

e piece of mosaic-human flesh inlaid with the venom of the lash. There were scars, and seams, and ridges, and cuts that crosse

n your

ected turn of events. He hesitated at first, however, for he evidently did no

ot chained," expl

hand slowly, that a sudden jerk might not lacerate his wrist. Then he pulled out the other, resum

name?" asked

er'd'

in the servants' quarter of the hotel

r." He was examining the ceiling, th

right," said

ld on the invisible weight. They halted at No. 13

g curryder. Cell hu

he gentleman, as he opened the door and ushered Baker within. The ro

r, you know. Hunder'd'n One-lifer-plays off cr

but we'll not tal

wash in a basin in the room, though he begged hard to be permitted to go to the pump.

got to take it off," Baker re

nd unlocked and removed an imaginary ball and chain. Baker seem

ip anybody. I will give you all you want to eat, and good cl

and made no reply. He undressed, lay