“An exalted personage?”
“Are you surprised?”
“I am. In this van?”
“It is his own idea.”
“Well, Popof, when this exalted personage gets out perhaps you will let me know?”
“He Will not get out.”
“Why not?”
“Because he is dead.”
“Dead?”
“Yes, and it is his body they are taking to Pekin, where he will be interred with all the honors due to him.”