"Eugeny L.Schwarz. Dragon (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

Howling and whistling suddenly stop. There is a loud knock on the door.

Charlemagne. Come in!

Enter Butler dressed in a lavish livery.

Butler. Sir dragon.
Charlemagne. Our pleasure.

Butler swings the door wide open. Pause. Then an elderly, gray but
sturdy, rather youngish-looking man with a military air about him walks in.
His hair is in a crewcut. He's in no hurry, smiling widely. In general his
manner, while blunt, is not without charm. He's slightly hard of hearing.

Man. How's it going, guys. Hi, Elsa, honey. You've got yourselves a
guest. Who is it now?
Charlemagne. That's a stranger. Just passing by.
Man. What? Report loudly and precisely, as a soldier should.
Charlemagne. He is a stranger!
Man. Is he a gypsy?
Charlemagne. No, no! He's a very nice person.
Man. What?
Charlemagne. Nice man.
Man. Good. Stranger! Why aren't you looking at me? What's with staring
at the door?
Lancelot. I'm waiting for the dragon to come in.
Man. Ha! I'm the dragon.
Lancelot. You are? And I've heard -- three heads, talons, huge size...
Dragon. I'm just plain Jane today. No ranks, y'know.
Charlemagne. Sir dragon has been living among humans for so long that
he turns into one himself from time to time, and drops by for a friendly
visit.
Dragon. Yes. Friends indeed, my dear Charlemagne. In fact, I am even
more than a friend to all of you. I am your childhood friend. Not even that,
I am a childhood friend of your father's, and your grandfather's, and your
great-grandfather's. Why, I even remember your great-great-grandfather in
diapers. Darn! A wayward tear. Ha! The stranger is gawking. Didn't expect
such feelings from me, did you? Did you? Lost your wits, you son of a bitch.
Well, well. That's OK. Ha! Elsa!
Elsa. Yes, sir dragon.
Dragon. Give me your paw.

Elsa gives Dragon her hand

You sweet little thing, you. Such a warm paw. Chin up! Give us a smile.
Right. What's that, stranger? Huh?
Lancelot. Admiring the view.
Dragon. Good. Now that's a honest soldier's reply. Carry on. We're
simple people here, stranger. Like in the military. "I don't know but I've
been told...". Grab a bite!