"De Camp, L Sprague - RK 1 - The Undesired Princess UC" - читать интересную книгу автора (De Camp L Sprague)

"What tbe hell?" scowled Hobart. "What sort of

gagЧ"

"I have no intention of gagging you," said Hoimon, folding his bed of spikes. He turned piercing blue eyes on Hobart. "Do not haver and quibble, O Rol-

THE UNDESIRED PRINCESS

9

lin. The life of the fairest, wisest, and best depends on you. Already the androsphinx draws nigh unto the Stump of Sacrifice."

"But!" cried Hobart, "what's Logaia, who's this fairest etcetera, what'sЧ"

"All will become clear," said Hoimon calmly. Though he was standing a good ten feet away, his free arm shot across the room like a chameleon's tongue and grabbed Hobart by the coat collar of the latter's conservative brown business suit. The indignant Rollin was hoisted out of his chair and across his desk. He swung a pair of knobby fists, but Hoimon held him dangling just out of reach.

"George!" yelled Hobart. "Stop him! Get a cop! He's a nut!"

Prince registered indecision. He said: "Hey, Hoimon, if he doesn't want to go, you got no rightЧ"

"That will do, O George," rumbled Hoimon. "It is not for you to judge. It is but natural that one of his character should resist. Waste not your breath in shouting, as this room is now part of Logaia. By my spiritual perfection I have caused it to be so, temporarily."

Prince stepped across to the window and looked out. He turned a blankly dismayed face. "Hey, there isn't anything outside!"

"Of course not," said the ascetic, dodging an extra-long punch that Hobart threw at him. "Will you open the door, O George, as my hands are occupied?"

"WellЧIЧ"

"Open it!" roared Hoimon.

Prince obeyed, asking hesitantly: "Hey, Hoimon, how can a skinny old guy like you do it?"

Hoimon replied: "My strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure. Farewell, O George.

10

L. Sprague de Camp

Danger awaits your friend, but also opportunity. We

go!"

"Help!" screamed Hobart. "My glasses!"

"You have them on, O Rollin," And the ascetic,

with the folding bed of nails dangling from his left

hand and a struggling Rollin Hobart at arm's length