Chapter 42, In the Onion Cellar Summary

A chance encounter with a bar owner named Schuman, leads to the Rhine River Three being hired to play in a night club called the Onion Cellar. The establishment is a genuine dank, damp cellar with unsteady stairs and smelly carbide lamps, which add to the prices. Before the performance, the owner passes out onions, which the audience cuts. This has the laudable effect of making the customers cry. One of the patrons is Miss Pioch. She met her lover, Willie Volmer, when he stomped her big toe on the streetcar. Miss Pioch was barely able to walk, and he helped her home. Willie began visiting her daily, caring for her wounded toe. They feel deeply in love. As soon as she had recovered, Willie lost interest in her. He suggested he injure her other...