Part 8 (1/2)

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?