"07 - The Bellmaker UC" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jacques Brian)

you said you'd keep as a memento of Redwall Abbey. It's four seasons since we left thereЧI'd break every tooth in my head trying to chomp on them. Besides, I'm too dry to eat. Whew, it's too hot even to talk!"

Mariel closed her eyes, settling back into the shade. "Sleep then; we'll carry on tonight when it gets cooler."

Dandin lay down clasping his paws behind his head and called out to the sun, "Did you hear that? We're going to sleep, turn the heat down a bit, will you!"

Mariel opened one eye. "Get to sleep, thirstygut," she said.

Dandin closed his eyes. There was a moment's silence, then he began talking aloud to himself. "It'll be teatime back at the Abbey now. I bet I know what they'll be having, too. Cold strawberry cordial from deep in the cellars, October ale, dark and cool in foaming tankards. Prob'ly mint tea as well, icy cold, brewed since dawn, clear and fragrant, just right for sipping on a hot day like ...Yowch!"

Mariel brandished the haversack over her friend. "One more word and I'll let you have it again!"

"Can't hear you, old mouseypaws," Dandin said as he flopped against her, rolling his eyes comically. "You've knocked me senseless with those two oatcakes in there."

"Good. Perhaps you'll be quiet now."

"Quiet? I haven't said a single word!"

"Right, then I'll say a single word. Goodnight!"

"Don't you mean good afternoon?"

"I mean goodnight, or I'll brain you with this haversack!"

"Oh, righto. Goodnight!"

12 BRIAN JACQUES

Mariel woke in darkness. Warned by her warrior instinct, she lay motionless. Somebeast was trying gradually to sneak the haversack out from under her head. It was not DandinЧshe could hear his snores drifting gently up to the canopy of the star-strewn night. As the final corner of their supply bag eased slowly away, she sprang into action. Slamming a footpaw hard on the haversack, she prevented the thief from making off with it. In the dim light, Mariel could make out a small, fat figure scurrying off into the wasteland. Snatching one of the two ancient oatcakes from the bag, the mousemaid hefted it like a discus, yelling as she flung it.

"Redwaaaaallll!"

Thonk!

It struck edge on, right between the robber's ears. He dropped in a heap. Dandin leaped up, still half asleep, his paws waving.

"More October ale there! Wha ... Who ... Mariel!"

As she ran toward the felon, the mousemaid was yelling, "I knew those oatcakes'd come in usefulЧgot the blaggard!"

Dandin followed, rubbing sleep from his eyes. When he arrived upon the scene, Mariel was kneeling crestfallen over her quarry. "Oh dear, what've I done?" she wailed. "He's only a little un!"

It was a small hedgehog. Dandin stooped to feel the big bump in the center of its head.

"Middle of the night, running target, great shot I'd say."

Mariel turned on him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Oh, Dandin, how could you say that. I'd never have thrown at such a little feller intentionally. But it all hap-

The BeUmaker 13