ACCOUNT OF MY DAYS
Sequence: 7
CLOSE CALL
Uniformed and well-armed bullies surrounded the car. Here,
where his well-known piety and reliance on higher powers should
have sustained him, M the cripple was secretly ashamed that he
could only maintain his calm by an act of vanity, the desire not
to act in any way other than what would be expected of the notor-
ious M. His pale companions seemed relieved as he stepped out
of the car to face the brute police. No doubt they anticipated
a miracle, or at least heroic defiance and death. But M was
terrified and feared his bowels would loosen. He was too fright-
ened to speak, which gave him the appearance of dignified silence.
The chief officer, looking stupid and mean, approached him where
he stood by the door of the car. "Is M the cripple in that car?"
M had to fight both tears and a giggle. "No, on my honor, no
he's not." The officer looked suspiciously within and repeated
his question. M leaned on his good leg, trying to appear casual.
Satisfied by the answers of the trembling riders, the officer left.
M the cripple sighed. He could feel his piety returning.