Question

‘That old beggar, as you call him, is one of the richest men in Europe’. Name the richest man referred to. How is he described to Hughie?

Answer 1

The richest man’s name was Baron Hausberg. He had a house in every capital city. He ate his food in gold plates. He could buy all of London the next day, and prevent Russia from going to war. He was very influential and powerful. He had a desire to get his picture painted as a beggar. He had asked Alan to paint his portrait and offered to pose as the beggar model himself.