Industrial Chemistry 



'Workman's hands,' said the prefect's sec- 

 retary. 'Regular workman's hands.' 



The general, almost scandalized at seeing 

 me in such distinguished company, added : 



'Hands of a dyer and cleaner.' 



'Yes, workman's hands,' retorted the min- 

 ister, 'and I wish you many like them. Be- 

 lieve me, they will do much to help the chief 

 industry of your city. Skilled as they are in 

 chemical work, they are equally capable of 

 wielding the pen, the pencil, the scalpel and 

 the lens. As you here seem unaware of it, I 

 am delighted to inform you.' 



This time, I should have liked the ground 

 to open and swallow me up. Fortunately, the 

 bell rang for the train to start. I said good- 

 bye to the minister and, hurriedly taking to 

 flight, left him laughing at the trick which he 

 had played me. 



The incident was noised about, could not 

 help being so, for the peristyle of a railway- 

 station keeps no secrets. I then learnt to what 

 annoyances the shadow of the great exposes 

 us. I was looked upon as an influential person, 

 having the favour of the gods at my disposal. 

 Place-hunters and canvassers tormented me. 

 One wanted a license to sell tobacco and 

 stamps, another a scholarship for his son, an- 

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