X
MR. MUNCHAUSEN’S ADVENTURE WITH A SHARK
Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Ananias.
THURSDAYS. CIMMERIA.
This was the card sent by the reporter of the Gehenna Gazette, and Mrs. Ananias to Mr. Munchausen upon his return from a trip to mortal realms concerning which many curious reports have crept into circulation. Owing to a rumour persistently circulated at one time, Mr. Munchausen had been eaten by a shark, and it was with the intention of learning, if possible, the basis for the rumour that Ananias and Sapphira called upon the redoubtable Baron of other days.
Mr. Munchausen graciously received the callers and asked what he could do for them.
“Our readers, Mr. Munchausen,” explained Ananias, “have been much concerned over rumours of your death at the hands of a shark.”
“Sharks have no hands,” said the Baron quietly.
“Well—that aside,” observed Ananias. “Were you killed by a shark?”
“Not that I recall,” said the Baron. “I may have been, but I don’t remember it. Indeed I recall only one adventure with a shark. That grew out of my mission on behalf of France to the Czar of Russia. I carried letters once from the King of France to his Imperial Coolness the Czar.”
“What was the nature of the letters?” asked Ananias.