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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"Rewards and Fairies"

Then Jerry put his trumpet against
Rene's chest, and listened while Rene breathed and coughed. I
was afraid I would cough too.
'"This hollywood one is the best," said Jerry. "'Tis won'erful
like hearin' a man's soul whisperin' in his innards; but unless I've a
buzzin' in my ears, Mosheur Lanark, you make much about the
same kind o' noises as old Gaffer Macklin - but not quite so loud
as young Copper. It sounds like breakers on a reef - a long way
off. Comprenny?"
'"Perfectly," said Rene. "I drive on the breakers. But before I
strike, I shall save hundreds, thousands, millions perhaps, by my
little trumpets. Now tell me what sounds the old Gaffer Macklin
have made in his chest, and what the young Copper also."
'Jerry talked for nearly a quarter of an hour about sick people in
the village, while Rene asked questions. Then he sighed, and said,
"You explain very well, Monsieur Gamm, but if only I had your
opportunities to listen for myself! Do you think these poor people
would let me listen to them through my trumpet - for a little
money? No?" - Rene's as poor as a church mouse.
'"They'd kill you, Mosheur. It's all I can do to coax 'em to
abide it, and I'm Jerry Gamm," said Jerry.


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