Page:Karel Čapek - The Absolute at Large (1927).djvu/65



do we stand in London?"

"M.E.C. shares were quoted at 1470 yesterday. The day before yesterday they were 750."

"Good!"

"Mr. Marek has been made an honorary member of ten learned societies, and is certain to be awarded the Nobel Prize."

"Good!"

"There's a rush of orders from Germany. Over five thousand Karburators wanted."

"Aha!"

"Nine hundred orders from Japan, too."

"Look at that now!'

"Czechoslovakia doesn't show much interest. Three fresh inquiries."

"Hm. That's all one might expect. A wretched state of affairs here, you know."

"The Russian Government wants two hundred immediately."

"Good! What's the total?"

"Thirteen thousand orders."

"Good! How far have we got with the buildings?"