THE NEWS (1921)
(Shadows of Unforgotten Ancestors)
I
“Comrade Kukuy, bring us some supplies from the printing shop.”
“Look, for one thing, that’s your own private affair. Secondly, if you keep entrusting me with your private affairs, I’ll complain to the Third Congress of the Communist International and to the Fourth Assembly of the People’s Commissariat.”
Okay, then, sit tight. To hell with you.”
“And if I want to remain standing?”
“Then remain standing.”
“And if I want to sit down?”
“Will you go to hell?”
“As you wish.”
The News has begun work for the day.
II
“Who’s this ‘Rosta’? Sends us a telegram that apple-trees have blossomed in Sebastopol, and pumpkins have sprouted in Crimea. Tell me, though, is Crimea in Sebastopol or Sebastopol in Crimea?”
“In the Caspian Sea, I th
