"Robert A. Heinlein - The Man who sold the Moon (collected sto" - читать интересную книгу автора (Heinlein Robert A)

Pinero sat down at his dining table and contemplated the gourmet's
luncheon spread before him. He had ordered this meal with particular care,
and had come home a little early in order to enjoy it fully.
Somewhat later he let a few drops of fiori d'Alpini roll around his tongue
and trickle down his throat. The heavy fragrant syrup warmed his mouth, and
reminded him of the little mountain flowers for which it was named. He
sighed. It - had been a good meal, an exquisite meal and had justified the
exotic liqueur. His musing was interrupted by a disturbance at the front door.
The voice of his elderly maidservant was raised in remonstrance. A heavy
male voice interrupted her. The commotion moved down the hail and the
dining room door was pushed open.
"Madonna! Non si puo entrare! The Master is eating!"
"Never mind, - Angela. I have time to see these gentlemen. You ..may
go." Pinero faced the surly-faced spokesman of the intruders. "You have
business with me; yes?"
"You bet we have. Decent people have had enough of your damned
nonsense."
"And so?"
The caller did not answer at once. A smaller dapper individual moved
out from behind him and faced Pinero.

"We might as well begin." The chairman of the committee placed a key
in the lock-box and opened it. "Wenzell, will you help me pick out today's
envelopes?" He was interrupted by a touch on his arm. - "Dr. Baird, you are
wanted on the telephone."
"Very well. Bring the instrument here."
When it was fetched he placed the receiver to his ear. "Hello.... Yes;
speaking.... What? .. No, we have beard nothing... Destroyed the machine,
you say.... Dead! How?.... No! No statement. None at all.... Call me later...."
He slammed the instrument down - and pushed it from him.
"What's up? Who's dead now?"
Baird held up one hand. "Quiet, gentlemen, please!
14
 Pinero was murdered a few moments ago at his home."
"Murdered?!"
"That isn't all. About the same time vandals broke into his office and
smashed his apparatus." -
No one spoke at first. The committee members glanced around at each
other. No one seemed anxious to be the first to comment.
Finally one spoke up. "Get it out."
"Get what out?"
"Pinero's envelope. It's in there too. I've seen it."
Baird located it and slowly tore it open. He unfolded the single sheet of
paper, and scanned it.
"Well? Out with it!"
"One thirteen p.m. - today."
They took this in silence.
Their dynamic calm was broken by a member across the table from
Baird reaching for the lock-box. Baud interposed a hand.