"Robert A Heinlein - Red Planet v1" - читать интересную книгу автора (Heinlein Robert A)

double canal Strymon. Again we follow colonial custom in
using the name assigned by the immortal Dr. Percival Lowell.

Francis accompanied Jim and Doctor MacRae as far as the
junction of the tunnels under city hall, then turned down his
own tunnel. A few minutes later the doctor and Jim-and
Willis-ascended into the Marlowe home. Jim's mother met
them; Doctor MacRae bowed, a bow made no less courtly by
bare feet, and a grizzled, hairy chest: "Madame, I am again
imposing on your good nature."

"Fiddlesticks, Doctor. You are always welcome at our
table."

"I would that I had the character to wish that you were not
so superlative a cook, that you might know the certain truth: it
is yourself, my dear, that brings me here."

Jim's mother blushed. She was wearing a costume that a
terrestrial lady might choose for sunbathing or gardening and
was a very pretty sight, although Jim was certainly not aware
of it. She changed the subject, "Jim, hang up your pistol.
Don't leave it on the sofa where Oliver can get it."

Jim's baby brother, hearing his name, immediately made a
dash for the pistol. Jim and his sister Phyllis both saw this,
both yelled, "Oilie!"-and were immediately mimicked by
Willis, who performed the difficult trick, possible only to an
atonal diaphragm, of duplicating both voices simultaneously.

Phyllis was nearer; she grabbed the gun and slapped the
child's hands. Oliver began to cry, reinforced by Willis.

"Children!" said Mrs. Marlowe, just as Mr. Marlowe ap-
peared in the door.

"What's all the ruckus?" he inquired mildly.

Doctor MacRae picked up Oliver, turned him upside down,
and sat him on his shoulders. Oliver forgot that he was crying.
Mrs. Marlowe added, "Nothing darling. I'm glad you're
home. Children, go wash for dinner, all of you."

The second generation trooped out. Phyllis said, "Take the
charges out of your gun. Jimmy, and let me practice with it."

"You're too young for a gun."

"Pooh! I can't outshoot you." This was very nearly true
and not to be borne; Phyllis was two years younger than Jim