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

ground. The Crew was both at rest and at meat. And, it became at once apparent, at other occupations
as well.
"Scandalous!" exclaimed Mallian. "Shocking!"
One of the Elver Guards shrugged. "As well be scandalized or shocked at cats and dogs," he said.
 Mal protested. "But dogs and cats are not human-- "
The upper lip of the Elver Guard went up further. "Are those?" he demanded.
Not overmuch regarding this remark, Mal allowed his mind to run still more over a notion which, in
seedling form, had occurred to him before. Cautiously, tentatively, he began to broach the matter. "I have
been in some measure too overwhelmed by your kindliness in offering me refuge," he explained, "from
those hangmen Dwerfs to express my gratification fully. But-- "
"No need, no need," the Elver murmured, scratching his armhole-- then, as though only then becoming
aware of what he was doing, he stepped back from the berm with a curse and a scowl. "A tetany upon
those wittol swine! They must have fleas as large as mice-- if indeed no worse. I am for going away and
constructing a steam-lodge and boiling self and habit."
"Do, Naccanath," murmured another Elver. "And when asked how you proceeded to rid the State of
this lumbering menace, be prepared to answer, 'I bathed me.' But for praise or commendation, do not be
prepared."
The guard Naccanath hesitated, muttered, scratched.
Mallian moved his mouth against the sudden fretful silence. "But now that I am able to take two
consecutive breaths free from fear of Bandymen pursuit and am made aware not only of my safety and
refuge but of the wisdom of those whose-- "
A fight broke out among the Crew below, but was soon settled.
An Elver said, in a faintly dissatisfied tone, "Ah... he did but club him. I had thought he might well eat
him; it would surprise me not a wit."
And another said, a peevish note in his voice, bruising a blossom under his nose to counteract the
noisome taint now rising from below, "Why need they eat each other when all the world rushes to supply
them with far less gamy food? In fact," his face became a sight brighter, "may this not be a possible
solution?-- videlicet, simply to supply them with a steady ration of victual, thus depriving them of incentive
to leave their present location. Denizened right here, they remain under supervision and do no further
damage and post no further threat."
Musing a moment, the others then shook their heads. Another said, "They would breed, Durraneth, at
a rate which would soon enough make their maintenance a cost not to be considered. Further,
experience has shown that nomads do not easily take to denization."
They sighed and sucked their lips and their unhappy breaths caused their smooth garments to ripple
and shimmer in a marvelous manner, for which Mallian, nevertheless, had but small eyes.
"-- whose tolerance has undoubtedly saved my life," he continued resolutely-- and a shade more
loudly. The Elver Guards now turned to consider him and his words. "What is the point of your narration,
profugitive?" demanded the one called Durraneth, in his voice a coolness only to be expected in one
whose own proposal had just now been considered and dismissed. Barely had he finished asking his
question when a head appeared above the berm, its countenance vacant and filthy, and looked at them
openmouthed as they stepped backwards with fastidious precaution. "Cappin?" it enquired. "Cappin
Mog?" A bellow from below diverted it so that it turned, released its hold, slid down and away and did
not return.
"The point of my narration, gallant guards Elver, is just this: that I would ask of you a consideration for
which I offer to perform a service, thus and thus, inform me kindly where I may inquire of your Masters a
medicine to solve the problems of my own Land Qanaras, and in return I will rid you and all the Land of
Elver State forever of Bumberboom and its Crew."
The green shade flashed blue as a jay noisily chased another through the trees. Narrowly the guards
regarded him. Then Naccanath said, "Seemingly such an agreement would be of benefit to all and of
detriment to none. Still, I am moved to inquire-- not from suspicion, fie upon such a thought, hem hem,