The gigantic figure waddled across the room to where they stood before the fireplace.
“This is a friend of mine, Bhag.”
The great ape held out his hand, and for a second Michael’s was held in its velvet palm. This done, he lifted his paw to his nose and sniffed loudly, the only sound he made.
“Get me some cigars,” said Penne.
Immediately the ape walked to a cabinet, pulled open a drawer, and brought out a box.
“Not those,” said Gregory. “The small ones.”
He spoke distinctly, as if he were articulating to somebody who was deaf, and, without a moment’s hesitation, the hideous Bhag replaced the box and brought out another.
“Pour me out a whisky and soda.”
The ape obeyed. He did not spill a drop, and when his owner said “Enough,” replaced the stopper in the decanter and put it back.
“Thank you, that will do, Bhag.”