"As I had expected, the President was surprised to see me. He wore many orders and decorations; but his face had a tired and haggard look, and he shrank visibly, as though he expected me to strike him. It was an obvious relief to him when I sat down and commenced a friendly conversation.
"'Fear nothing,' I said. 'I am Jean Antoine Stromboli Kosnapulski, and I shall not assassinate you unless it is absolutely necessary.'
"Perceiving that he was at my mercy, he bowed his head with all the dignity that he could muster and waited for me to proceed.
"'I conjecture, sir,' I went on, 'that it is less for your pleasure than for your profit that you have assumed the onerous position of President of this Republic.'
"He opened his eyes wide. My candour evidently puzzled him. He did not seem to know whether to take offence at it or not.
"'If my impression is correct,' I continued, 'we have already found the basis of an arrangement which will be equally satisfactory to both of us. Do not beat about the bush, but confide in me frankly. Tell me, as nearly as you can, what the Presidency is worth to you, and I will see what sort of an offer I can make you for it.'
"His face exhibited a strange mixture of emotions, his first impulse being to ring the bell for his servants to eject me.
"'It is useless,' I explained. 'All the members of your household, and all the members of your Cabinet, have gone to the bank to cash the cheques which I have given them.'
"The President spoke for the first time.
"'Really,' he said, 'this is a very extraordinary situation.'