The Chinese let out a squeak and began to twitter in an unknown language. Probably Chinese. When he felt Mashl's grip slacken, he yanked away from him and took to his heels, with odd little hops. Mashl had no difficulty catching him, and took him by the throat. "Now tell me what the hell you're doing here," he snarled, "or I'll break your little mole neck!" And the tiny Chinese squeaked, this time in another language, interspersed with birdlike chirruping. He wriggled and twisted so much that Mashl had to step on his foot to anchor him down. Suddenly the little man burst out laughing. He had dazzling white teeth. "You haven't grasped anything, Mashl, have you?" he guffawed. "Who do you think I am, clever-boots?!" Mashl hadn't grasped how he could suddenly understand, either. All he was sure of was that the little man wasn't speaking Czech. "It worked, it worked!," the Chinese exulted. The stupefied Mashl released him. The little man immediately jumped up on the table. "It always takes so much effort trying to manifest myself," he squeaked, „and even when I manage it, once in a while, nobody recognises me anyway." Mr. Mashl froze. The blurred photo from the newspapers rose before his eyes. Good Lord! - the idea flashed through his brain. "Just so," the Chinese man confirmed, and clapped his miniature hands. "You wanted an interview, so hurry up and ask. You can only have one question," he announced. "In a moment I'll have to vanish again, because imagining myself is dreadfully exhausting." He pirouetted on the table. His sharp little eyes winked at Mashl. Mashl sat down on the floor in consternation. "Oh... Is this really happening? ...Thank you for....for manifesting yourself to me," he stammered, „ Forgive me for my inconsiderate behaviour...I had no idea..." "Get on with it, we don't have much time," declared God. "Yes, yes," Mashl was overjoyed now, "Well, wor example, tell me how the universe works..." "It depends on how you look at it," said God. "But I have to go now. It was nice to meet you." Mashl jumped up. "No, no," he proclaimed. "I won't let you go so easily. I still need to know a whole lot of things!" He grabbed Him by the arm. For a moment they struggled. "Will say. Won't say ," chuckled God. He threw his head until the deep wrinkles on his throat stretched smooth. He laughed until he began to choke. Then he sat on the ground and waited until he got his breath back. Mashl groped for a leather belt lying under the table and looped it round his leg and His leg. Then he tightened it. "Now you won't get away from me," he said. "Oh, come on, is this the way to deal with God Almighty?" God asked. "You should be worshipping me!" But his little eyes were still laughing and this gave Mashl courage. "Please, answer me at least one question," he said. "But in detail, so that I understand. And no evasions and excuses." "I'm listening," said God and it was obvious he liked Mashl's courage. "Well then, tell me how come I exist? How come the world exists and how come I'm alive?" |