Himmel!

Book One, Chapter One - In the Casino at Boulogne

(Yes, you read that right - it's divided up into three books!)

Our nameless narrator is having dinner in Boulogne with his friend Bobbie Harrington, Harrington's aunt and uncle, the Boussets, and the Boussets' mysterious friend Lefevre.

The nameless narrator and Bobbie (it takes half the chapter before we can confirm that they are both male) have one more night in Boulogne before they head off in their yacht, so the five decide to have a night at the casino.

If you would like to go to Boulogne to visit a casino, you should read up on Northern France in a spiffy guidebook.



At the casino, Nameless Narrator and Mrs. Bousset are content to people watch while Bobbie and Lefevre gamble. It turns out that Lefevre is an excellent gambler, which is nice because he was a rather dull dinner guest. A pair of Germans are watching Fefevre intently. Suddenly a crazed "artist, student or anarchist, or perhaps a compound of the three" wanders in and draws a gun. In the ensuing chaos, Lefevre disappears. The crazed "artist, student or anarchist, or perhaps a compound of the three" is backed against a corner as the narrator, Bobbie and the two Germans try to advance on him. Suddenly and inexplicably, the crazed "artist, student or anarchist, or perhaps a compound of the three" is dead.

And we're off - a quick little chapter, but a nice hook at the end. While the book is not dated, my research indicates that it was published in 1924 - I have a feeling that there's going to be some politics that I have to read up on. I am also a little curious about nameless narrator and his pal Bobbie - they seem to be having quite a life gallivanting about on their yacht.

Next: "Lassie Ahoy!"

I'm in the mood for some waffles! You can make waffles with a waffle maker!