Question and answer followed in
quick succession and Louis was soon able to put Burns in possession of a
few significant facts.
"He say he come to dis countree October. Try find work New York--no
good. He start to valk to countree, find vork farm. Bad time. Seeck,
cold, hungree. Fear he spoil hands for veolinn--dat's vhy he not take
vork on road, vat he could get. He museecian--good one."
"Does he say that?" Burns asked, amused.
Louis nodded. "Many museecians in Hungary. Franz come from Budapest. No
poor museecians dere. Budapest great ceety--better Vienna, Berlin,
Leipsic--oh, yes! See, I ask heem."
He spoke to the boy again, evidently putting a meaning question, for
again the other responded with ardour, using his hands to emphasize his
assertion--for assertion it plainly was.
Louis laughed. "He say ze countree of Franz Liszt know no poor museeck.
He named for Franz Liszt. He play beeg museeck for you and ze ladee
last night. So?"
"He did--and took us off our feet. Tell him, will you?"
"He no un'erstand," laughed Louis, "eef I tell him 'off de feet.'"
"That's so--no American idioms yet for him, eh? Well, say he made us
very happy with his wonderful music. I'll wager that will get over to
him."
Plainly it did, to judge by the eloquence of Franz's eyes and his joyous
smile. With quick speech he responded.
"He say," reported Louis, "he vant to vork for you. No wagees till he
plees you. He do anyting.
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