“Because you’re trying to make a fool of me.”
“Indeed and I’m not. I’m Drikus the First, President of the Independent Republic of Altenet.”
The lad laughed no longer; he looked round in alarm, convinced that he had a madman in the room with him.
“Shave my beard off!” commanded Bloemstein.
“Very well, Mr ... President.”
“À la bonne heure, my lad! I like that—you know how to behave.”
“SEE HERE, LAD, DID YOU EVER SHAVE A PRESIDENT?”
As speedily as possible the wish of this strange customer was gratified.
“Now just wait a bit, my boy. I must see how the moustache looks by itself,” and the ruler of the republic placed himself before the mirror.