I waited for him to explain the invitation. Slowly,
the tips of his fingers separated then just as slowly joined
again.
“Would you be so kind as to stand, sir?” the old
man asked. I looked at him quizzically then stood and did
as he requested.
“Good” he said. “Very good. And, would you
mind turning around?”
I turned so that my back faced my host.
“All the way around” he said in a low rasping
voice. “Turn all the way around.”
him.
I completed the circle and stood once more facing
“Again. Turn around again. And do it more slowly
this time” he demanded. I could see that he was smiling
now. His lips had parted slightly, revealing a sliver of
tongue between very yellow teeth. I repeated the requested
act and stood facing him again. The old gentleman waived
a dismissive finger in my direction. His eyes were closed.
His chin rested on his chest. I was about to inquire as to
the reason for the curious maneuver I had just executed
when an ember of log split with a crackle and dropped
through the grating to the floor of the fireplace. My
attention was momentarily diverted by the sparks that it
produced.
“Would you care for something to drink?” he
asked suddenly. His eyes were now wide and alert. “I have
a very fine, very old scotch that I've been saving. Now
might be a good time to open and taste it. Shall I get it for
us?”
7