|
Comrade Stalin
During the war Lieutenant Ivanov stood on guard by Stalin's study door and as he walked by Stalin would enjoy having a joke with him.
'What, Comrade Ivanov, you haven't been shot yet?'
'No, Comrade Stalin,' Ivanov would reply white-faced and standing stiffly to attention.
Time passed. Ivanov had become a major but as before he stood guard outside Stalin's study and as before Comrade Stalin passing by would have a little joke with him. 'What, Comrade Ivanov, you haven't been shot yet?'
'No, Comrade Stalin,' replied Major Ivanov.
The war ended. It was Victory Day. Comrade Stalin was making a triumphal speech in the Kremlin.
'Our nation has conquered because our nation never despairs, it loves a good joke . . .'
Stalin paused for a moment. He was looking for someone in the auditorium.
'Isn't that right Comrade Ivanov?' he continued turning to a general sitting not far away.
Up jumped General Ivanov, white-faced. 'Absolutely right, Comrade Stalin.'
|