"Philip E. High - The Prodigal Sun" - читать интересную книгу автора (High Phillip E)

that his knowledge is valuable, immensely valuable, but getting at it is
another thing. A jewel encrusted bomb is just as dangerous as the other
kind and digging out a few of the gems is a poor return if the damn thing
blows your head off before you've finished."

"Bombs have been de-fused before now," said Dowd, stubbornly.

"Bombs we understand."

"Even bombs we don't. The Vrenka had a lot of gimmicks in the war but
we licked most of them."

"It's a danger to the whole race." There were rare occasions when
Rickman teetered on the brink of political honesty. "This louse sat out the
whole war on a neutral planet and we're going to welcome him back as a
V.I.P. Hell, he may not even be Duncan, he might be a damned alien or, at
the very least, a 'plant' for the Mattrain. All this red carpet stuff is being
laid on because Dowd wants to bleed him of advanced technologies and, I
repeat, it's damned dangerous, best keep him away."

He thrust the cigar back in his mouth and chewed at it angrily. "We
could sell out the race for thirty technical blue prints and Dowd could be
chief Judas."

Dowd sighed and smiled twistedly. He did not look at the politician but
addressed the others. "When our public spirited friend draws on his
meager biblical knowledge I must confess I am impressed, howeverтАФ"
Dowd paused and smiled meaningly. "Mr. Rickman should take time off
for self-analysis because, believe me, he is highly skilled in the art of
implication." He looked at the other directly. "Mr. Rickman would like
others not only to arrange the crucifixion but to wash his hands as well.
What our political friend is trying to 'say, without, of course, implicating
himself is: 'Let's knock our visitor off as soon as he arrives.' "

"I protest!" Rickman was on his feet, flushed and angry.

"Order! Order!" Hodges the chairman banged his gavel noisely. "The
purpose of this meeting is procedure"

"Gentlemen, please." Kaft rose, his timing, as always, was perfect. "Mr.
Rickman's apprehensions are not only understandable but commendable."
He paused. His genius for soothing insincerities was well known but
seldom failed to convince at the time. "It is quite true that Duncan may be
a 'plant' for the Mattrain or, at the very least, working for their espionage
organization but we are not quite fools."

Duncan will be under constant surveillance and"тАФhe smiled slylyтАФ"I
have detailed a special bodyguard to 'protect' him. After the first few
public receptions Duncan won't get near enough to anyone or anything to
be dangerous.