Mikhail Bulgakov. The Master and Margarita -
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added : ' Relax and go on.'
'All right,' said Ivan, trying to fall into Stravinsky's tone and
knowing from bitter experience that only calm would help him. ' So obviously
this terrible man (he's lying, by the way--he's no professor) has some
unusual power . . . For instance, if you chase him you can't catch up with
him . . . and there's a couple of others with him, just as peculiar in their
way: a tall fellow with broken spectacles and an enormous cat who rides on
the tram by himself. What's more,' went on Ivan with great heat and
conviction, ' he was on the balcony with Pontius Pilate, there's no doubt of
it. What about that, eh? He must be arrested immediately or he'll do untold
harm.'
'So you think he should be arrested? Have I understood you correctly?
' asked Stravinsky.
‘ He's clever,' thought Ivan, ' I must admit there are a few bright
ones among the intellectuals,' and he replied :
'Quite correct. It's obvious--he must be arrested! And meanwhile I'm
being kept here by force while they flash lamps at me, bath me and ask me
idiotic questions about uncle Fyodor! He's been dead for years! I demand to
be let out at once! '
'Splendid, splendid! ' cried Stravinsky. ' I see it all now. You're
right--what is the use of keeping a healthy man in hospital? Very well, I'll
discharge you at once if you tell me you're normal. You don't have to prove
it--just say it. Well, are you normal? '
There was complete silence. The fat woman who had examined Ivan that
morning glanced reverently at the professor and once again Ivan thought:
'Extremely clever! '
The professor's offer pleased him a great deal, but before replying he
thought hard, frowning, until at last he announced firmly:
'I am normal.'
'Splendid,' exclaimed Stravinsky with relief. ' In that case let us
reason logically. We'll begin by considering what happened to you