At least, Daniel didn't think so. And if he could get the old man to help him, nobody need know about his loss of taste. "Surely," thought Daniel, "old Colbert could understand the pride we wine tasters have in our profession? After all, he's a proud man himself, in his way". Daniel guessed that Colbert - like most wine experts - would love to try what other wines were on offer. In any case, he knew that Colbert would be needed to instruct Happimart specialists on the methods he used to produce his wine.
Daniel decided to risk it; he would tell Colbert everything about his accident and his loss of taste. Besides, Colbert owed him a favour, didn't he? But, just to be sure, he would tell him that he would get him sacked from his new job if he didn't help. He couldn't refuse then. He would get on the telephone and speak to him right away.
No problem.
The next few days saw Daniel Appleby busily making arrangements over the telephone with old Colbert, who agreed to be there in two weeks.
Thank goodness!
****
A week later Daniel got a phone call from Justin. He had just tasted some of old Colbert's wine and he was very excited about it.
"Daniel, my boy, I knew it must be good because of what you said but I never realised it would be this good. Once we start producing this we'll create a whole new market for quality wine - everybody will want it! And you must get Monsieur Colbert to bring any more of these wonderful wines he may have - the man is simply brilliant! You are a clever old thing, Daniel! But then you are the best in the business - Happimart is lucky to have you! I am looking forward to meeting Monsieur Colbert next week! I've invited people from the television company, photographers from the best newspapers - everybody! Don't disappoint me, Daniel because this is going to be big!"
Daniel was glad to hear Justin praising him again but he had not got back his senses of taste or smell. He had had to pretend that he still had his famous "nose" for wine, whereas he had actually been depending on his eyes and his experience in order to do his job. It hadn't been easy. Old Colbert was going to arrive soon, and he realised that he really would need the old man for the wine - tasting.
He was not happy about that.
****