Then Prometheus, quite forgetting where he was, suddenly started up and gave a great cry, a call to his eagle. And this stupefying thing happened:
A bird which from afar looked enormous, but which seen close to was not so very big after all, darkened for a moment the sky above the boulevard and sped like a whirlwind towards the café; bursting through the window, it put out Cocles’ eye with one stroke of its wing and then, chirruping as it did so, tenderly indeed but imperiously, fell with a swoop upon Prometheus’ right side.
And Prometheus forthwith undid his waistcoat and offered his liver to the bird.
There was a great disturbance. Voices now mingled confusedly, for some other people had come into the restaurant.
--But for goodness’ sake, take care! cried Cocles.
His remark was unheard beneath the loud cries of:
--That! an eagle! I don’t think!! Look at that poor gaunt bird! That ... an eagle!--Not much!! at the most, a conscience.
The fact is that the great eagle was pitiful to see--thin and mangy, and with drooping wings as it greedily devoured its miserable pittance, the poor bird seemed as if it had not eaten for three days.
Others, nevertheless, made a fuss and whispered insinuatingly to Prometheus: But, sir, I hope you do not think that this eagle distinguishes you in any way. An eagle, shall I tell you?--an eagle, we all have one.
--But we do not bring them to Paris, continued another.--In Paris it is not the fashion. Eagles are a nuisance. You see what it has already done. If it amuses you to let it eat your liver you are at liberty to do so; but I must tell you that it is a painful sight. When you do it you should hide yourself.
Prometheus, confused, murmured: Excuse me, gentlemen,--Oh! I am really sorry. What can I do?
--You ought to get rid of it before you come in, sir.
And others: Sell it. The newspaper offices are there for nothing else, sir.
And in the tumult which followed no one noticed Damocles, who suddenly asked the waiter for the bill.
_3 lunches (with conversation)_ Fr. 30.00 _Shop window_ 450.00 _A glass eye for Cocles_ 3.50
... and keep the rest for yourself, said Damocles, handing the bank-note to the waiter. Then he quickly made off, beaming with joy.