"Asimov, Isaac - Cleon the Emperor" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asimov Isaac)

Cleon said, УGardener!Ф

The gardener approached quickly. УSire!Ф

УGet rid of these for me,Ф and he tapped the shells into the gardener's hand.

УYes, Sire.Ф

Seldon said, УI have a few, too, Gruber.Ф

Gruber held out his hand and said, almost shyly, УYes, First Minister.Ф

He hurried away, and the Emperor looked after him curiously. УDo you know the fellow, Seldon?Ф

УYes, indeed, Sire. An old friend.Ф

УThe gardener is an old friend? What is he? A mathematical colleague fallen on hard times?Ф

УNo, Sire. Perhaps you remember the story. It was the time whenФ (he cleared his throat searching for the most tactful way to recall the incident) Уthe sergeant threatened my life shortly after I was appointed to my present post through your kindness.Ф

УThe assassination attempt.Ф Cleon looked up to heaven as though seeking patience. УI don't know why everyone is so afraid of that word.Ф

УPerhaps,Ф said Seldon, smoothly, slightly despising himself for the ease with which he had come to be able to flatter, Уthe rest of us are more perturbed at the possibility of something untoward happening to our Emperor than you yourself are.Ф

Cleon smiled ironically. УI dare say. And what has this to do with Gruber? Is that his name?Ф

УYes, Sire. Mandell Gruber. I'm sure you will recall, if you cast your mind back, that there was a gardener who came rushing up with a rake to defend me against the armed sergeant.Ф

УAh, yes. Was he the gardener who did that?Ф

УHe was the man, Sire. I've considered him a friend ever since, and I meet him almost every time I am on the grounds. I think he watches for me; feels proprietary toward me. And, of course, I feel kindly toward him.Ф

УI don't blame you. ЧAnd while we're on the subject, how is your formidable lady, Ms. Venabili? I don't see her often.Ф

УShe's a historian, Sire. Lost in the past.Ф

УShe doesn't frighten you? She'd frighten me. I've been told how she treated that sergeant. One could almost be sorry for him.Ф

УShe grows savage on my behalf, Sire, but has not had occasion to do so lately. It's been very quiet.Ф

The Emperor looked after the disappearing gardener. УHave we ever rewarded that man?Ф

УI have done so, Sire. He has a wife and two daughters and I have arranged that each daughter will have a sum of money put aside for the education of any children she may have.Ф

УVery good. But he needs a promotion, I think. ЧIs he a good gardener?Ф

УExcellent, Sire.Ф

УThe Chief Gardener, MalcomberЧI'm not quite sure I remember his nameЧis getting on and is, perhaps, not up to the job any more. He is well into his late seventies. Do you think this Gruber might be able to take over?Ф