Not at all; we must act only as if it were nothing remarkable that I should wish to wear boots; one gets used to everything. GOTTLIEB. Yes, indeed; why, my conversation with you has actually become quite easy! But another thing; now that we have become such good friends, do call me by my first name, too; why do you still want to stand on ceremony with me? HINZE. As you like, Gottlieb. GOTTLIEB. There's the shoemaker passing. Hey! Pst! Friend Leichdorn! Will you please stop a moment? [_The shoemaker comes in_.] SHOEMAK. God bless you! What's the news? GOTTLIEB. I have ordered no work from you for a long time. SHOEMAK. No, my friend, all in all, I have very little to do now. GOTTLIEB. I should like to have another pair of boots made-- SHOEMAK. Please take a seat. I have a measure with me. GOTTLIEB. Not for myself, but for my young friend there. SHOEMAK. For this one here? Very well. HINZE (_sits on a chair and holds out his right leg_). SHOEMAK. Now how should you like it, pussy? HINZE. In the first place, good soles, then brown flaps, and, above all things, stiff. SHOEMAK. Very well. (_He takes the measure_.) Will you be so kind as to draw your claws in a bit--or rather nails? I have already scratched myself. (_He takes the measure_.) HINZE. And they must be finished quickly. (_As his leg is being stroked he begins to purr involuntarily_.) SHOEMAK. The pussy is comfortable. GOTTLIEB. Yes, he's a good-humored fellow. He has just come from school, what they usually call a "smarty." SHOEMAK. Well, good-bye. [_Exit_.] GOTTLIEB. Wouldn't you perhaps like to have your whiskers trimmed too? HINZE. On no account, I look so much more respectable, and you certainly must know that cats immediately become unmanly after that. A tom-cat without whiskers is but a contemptible creature. GOTTLIEB. If I only knew what you are planning! HINZE. You'll find out in due time. Now I want to take a little walk on the roofs; there's a fine, open view there and you're likely to catch a dove too. GOTTLIEB. As a good friend, I want to warn you not to let yourself be caught at it. HINZE. Don't worry, I'm not a novice. Meanwhile, good-bye. [_Exit_.] GOTTLIEB (_alone_).