"Avram Davidson - Bumberboom" - читать интересную книгу автора (Davidson Avram)

shatter bodies and houses alike!"
 And a fourth person, by his look and manner probably someone of some stature in the community,
said in a sober tone of voice as he patted the middle front of his well-filled tunic, "All this is very true, but
since the community and property of the Section as a whole is threatened, it is not a problem to be
entirely dealt with by individuals. Fortunately, as we have seen, our protectors have been alerted. Two of
their constables have already passed by and, by now, are doubtless making arrangements with the
cannon's Crew. It is equally fortunate," he pointed out, looking around and gathering in the approval of
the crowd, "that the demands of the Crew of Bumberboom are so modest... that it is only food they seek
and not women or power or dominion. Eh ahem? For who could resist in the face of that tremendous and
destructive engine!"
Someone else muttered that it might be better for the Crew if their needs were not limited to food
alone but included water, soap, and a change of clothing. There were scattered laughs at this. The
magnate, however, pursed his lips and drew his face into lines of disproval. "That is as it may be," he
said, severely. "The educated person knows that customs differ among different people, and it is not for
us to risk offending the Crew of Bumberboom by making gauche comments on such matters. For my
part, so long as they withdraw satisfied from the Section, I care not if they ever or never bathe again, eh
ahem?"
Clearly he spoke for the majority and the majority slowly began to disperse to go about their other
business, confident that the Dwerf agents would deal with the matter which had so excited and upset
them. Mallian approached the magnate and saluted him, the latter returning the gesture with an air of
mildly surprised condescension. "Whence and whither, strange my young?" he enquired. "And for why?"
Mal sighed. "Ah, senior, your question not only sums up the matter, it places a finger upon the sore
center of it. The whence is easily answered: Land Qanaras, a Land afflicted and perplexed. As to
whither, I do not yet know, and can say only that I am wandering in search of a medicine which will
supply an answer. Which last, I perceive you have already realized, comprises the why. But before I
speak of that I would enquire of you concerning a current matter. Sympathize with my ignorance and
inform me as to what is Bumberboom, or Juggernaut, as I have heard it also denominated, and who its
Crew may be."
The magnate's face had shown a conflict between flattery at Mal's compliments and unease at the
prospect of being involved in his problems. But the gathering round of a few gaping loungers eager for
free diversion decided his mind. "Important matters," he said, importantly, holding up his chin so that his
jowls withdrew, "are not to be discussed where every lack-work may gawp and crane at an inoffensive
visitor. Come along with me, my young, and I will not scruple to take time away from my many important
affairs and inform you."
And, as they walked slowly through the crossroads hamlet, he related to him that Bumberboom was
an engine or contrivance of both great size and potency, founded upon the principles of a medicine
known only to its Crew. It had the capacity of casting great shots over great distances accompanied (so
it was said) by hideous and deadly fires and deadly and hideous noises. Whence it had been derived,
when and by whom made, only the Crew itself could say, and they-- perhaps naturally enough-- would
not. "Suffice it that they have the secret of this medicine and that they use it to go whither they will,
depending for sustenance upon the inevitable desire of those among whom they wander that they
immediately wander elsewhere without giving an exhibition of their powers, which would prove painful in
the extreme. Thus, my young, is your question answered.
"As for your problems, hem hem, I greatly regret that my civic and commercial duties do not permit
me to indulge in hearing them. I must content myself reluctantly with saying that no Land under the
beneficent protection of the Kings of the Dwerfs can be either afflicted or perplexed, and on this note I,
alas, must take my leave. Fortune favor you!"
He waddled off briskly towards a showy dwelling-place from which came kitchen smells indicative
that at least one household had left the supply of food to the Crew of Bumberboom for the governing
powers to deal with.