Pure poetry Dux, and such classics in your list Roger that I'm certain we will be able to exchange memories of unforgettable scenes and memorable dialogue.
Like the scene in "The sound of Gulag" where the Governess in her deep voice comforts the youngest child after losing three toes and two fingers due to frostbite: "Don't worry little one, you will not need these to perform your splendid duty to the Rodina to perfection"
And before bringing you the conclusion to the tale of Ignatsius, Olga and the Africans, I should like to apologise and ask forgivenes from OldDux for borrowing your creation and heroine, and utter my sincere thanks for being so nice and understanding about it.
-IV- To the African businessmen, Ignatsius had elexed complex instructions concerning their attire for when they met him at the airport. Beginning to wear considerably on their patience by insisting on yet more security and secrecy, cloak-and-dagger imbecilic precautions, Ignatsius had adamantly required the businessmen to wear special headgear, code-names not being nearly enough to safeguard the delicate operation, he told the African partners.
�The only way to be completely inconspicuous, safe from prying eyes and avoid being noticed�, he had stated firmly in his elex, �is to be boldly and outrageously conspicuous�.
When Ignatsius had asked for a likeness of the African partners so he could better recognize them from afar on arrival, they relaxed considerably and felt reassured by the return of some modicum of sanity, and promptly they elexed him copies of the photographs in their passports.
They didn't stop to think that they did not know ehat Ignatsius looked like as he omitted returning the gesture.
And such were the reasons that both African business associates could be seen in the Royal Airport of Kingdom of Sand, behind the line in the area for people waiting for arrived travelers, wearing extremely large, flower-ornamented pink hats of the kind usually reserved for queens and princesses, or members of the female attendees at Ascot, hats bestowed upon them by the little man in the shop assuring them with a longing smile and a lisp that �Sirs� looked �absolutely ravishing�, holding a cardboard placard requesting, the immediate attention of Ignatsius, under his elected code-name of �Olga�.
In the same moment Olga and the business men met in the airport, before Olga could say more than �Ignat...�, and before the Africans could begin to form the initial thought of beginning suspicion in their minds that Ignatsius was not at all what they had expected him to be; wasn't Ignatsius the kind of name you give to a male? - they were interrupted in their train of thought as they were intercepted by a running and panting messenger frantically waving a cablegram above his head shouting; �Message for Messieurs Mbteki and Bigone�. The two Africans excused themselves for a moment, and turned their attention towards the incoming message:
To: Messieurs Mbteki and Bigone From: Banque du Derniere Heure, Kingdom of Sand
Message: Regret to inform, that due to an at the moment completely unexplainable glitch, large sum of money has been removed from all your accounts by unknown agents. We are fearful bank can not re-compensate your loss.
M. Claude du-Lussac Fourager, Gen. Mgr. Business Accounts � Thank you for your business, we aim to grow your fortune.
P.S.: Sorry about the slogan in the standard signature file, most inappropriate in these circumstances. Dreadful business. Sorry.
-epilogue- Ignatsius Bommerlunder hummed to himself as he descended the staircase after the luncheon with his banking connection.
The early afternoon in D�sseldorf was poignant with the aroma of a light midday drizzle, but now the sun shone through breaking clouds, promising a pleasant and warm afternoon.
Upon the parting question from the General Managing Director, as to what Ignatsius would do now, with several hundred millions of money in any denomination you'd care to mention to his account, Ingatsius seemed lost in contemplation for a little while. Then he shrugged, smiled and said: �Oh, I don't know. Maybe settle down, marry a nice girl, and pursue a few business opportunities.�
-postscript- And so it is that it is only at the end of our tale that the title can be given, because had it appeared at its traditional spot on the title-page at the beginning of our story, all would have been revealed far ahead of time.
