GOTTLIEB
Well, as you think best; but the shoemaker will be surprised.
HINZE
Not at all; we must act only as if it were nothing remarkable that I should wish to wear boots; one gets used to everything.
GOTTLIEB
Yes, indeed; why, my conversation with you has actually become quite easy! But another thing; now that we have become such good friends, do call me by my first name, too; why do you still want to stand on ceremony with me?
HINZE
As you like, Gottlieb.
GOTTLIEB
There's the shoemaker passing. Hey! Pst! Friend Leichdorn! Will you please stop a moment?
[The shoemaker comes in.]
SHOEMAK
God bless you! What's the news?
GOTTLIEB
I have ordered no work from you for a long time.
SHOEMAK
No, my friend, all in all, I have very little to do now.
GOTTLIEB
I should like to have another pair of boots made—
SHOEMAK
Please take a seat. I have a measure with me.
GOTTLIEB
Not for myself, but for my young friend there.
SHOEMAK
For this one here? Very well.
HINZE (sits on a chair and holds out his right leg).
SHOEMAK
Now how should you like it, pussy?
HINZE
In the first place, good soles, then brown flaps, and, above all things, stiff.
SHOEMAK
Very well. (He takes the measure.) Will you be so kind as to draw your claws in a bit—or rather nails? I have already scratched myself. (He takes the measure.)
HINZE
And they must be finished quickly. (As his leg is being stroked he begins to purr involuntarily.)
SHOEMAK
The pussy is comfortable.
GOTTLIEB
Yes, he's a good-humored fellow. He has just come from school, what they usually call a "smarty."
SHOEMAK
Well, good-bye.
[Exit.]
GOTTLIEB
Wouldn't you perhaps like to have your whiskers trimmed too?
HINZE
On no account, I look so much more respectable, and you certainly must know that cats immediately become unmanly after that. A tom-cat without whiskers is but a contemptible creature.
GOTTLIEB
If I only knew what you are planning!
HINZE
You'll find out in due time. Now I want to take a little walk on the roofs; there's a fine, open view there and you're likely to catch a dove too.
GOTTLIEB