MS-BRML-NWWR-2-38

[0494] and you say, Thankyou, thankyou lady, thankyou kind lady. [0495] To
him who has nothing it is forbidden not to relish filth. [0496] The
liquid overflowed, the mug rocked with a noise of chattering
teeth, not my teeth, I had no teeth, and the sodden bread sagged
mor^e and more. [0497] Until, panic-stricken, I flung it all far from me.

[0498] I did not let it fall, no, but with a convulsive thrust of both
my hands I threw it on the floor, where it smashed to smithereens,
or against the wall, far from me, with all my strength. [0499] I will
not tell what followed, for I am weary of this place, I want
to leave this place. [0500] It was late afternoon when they told me
I could go. [0501] I was advised to behave better in the future.

[0502] Conscious of my wrongs, knowing now the reasons for my arrest,
alive to my irregular situation as exposed by the eⁱnquiry, I
was surprised to find myself so soon at freedom once again, if
that was what it was, unpenalis^zed. [0503] Had I, without my knowledge,
a protector in high places? [0504] Had I, without knowing it, favorably
impressed the sergeant?

[0505] Had they succeeded in reaching my
mother and obtaining from her, or from the neighbours, partial
confirmation of my statements? [0506] Were they of the opinion that it
was useless to prosecute me? [0507] To apply the letter of the law to
a creature like me is not an easy matter. [0508] It can be done, but
reason is against it. [0509] It is better to leave things to the
police. [0510] I don't know.

[0511] If it is unlawful to be without papers,
why did they not insist on my getting them. [0512] Because that
costs money and I had none? [0513] But in that case could they not
have appropriated my bicycle? [0514] Probably not, without a court
order. [0515] All that is incomprehensible. [0516] What is certain is
this, that I never rested in that way again, my feet obscenely
resting on the earth, my arms on the handle^[#]bars and on my arms