The Little One fell silent for about three minutes. Then the dance of the muscles began again on his face and chest. Quick fingers pulled and pushed the leaves around. Finally, he pushed the leaves away with his foot and said in a loud hearty baritone,
“That is the question. Hoist the royal sails!”
Vanderhuse stifled a cough in his corner, and The Little One immediately turned to look at him.
“Phenomenal!” he uttered, still in that baritone. “I always wanted to know, why long hair on the cheeks?”
Silence ensued. Suddenly, I noticed that the ruby light went off and the emerald one came on.
“Answer him, Jacob,” Komov asked calmly.
“Um…” Vanderhuse said, going pink. “How should I say it, my boy…” He compulsively fluffed up his sideburns. “It looks good, I like it… I think it’s reason en
