"The Hunters" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morrison William)

They all trouped after her, Palit and Manto bringing up the rear. Manto giggled,
and whispered with amusement, "That Pig-Latin business was quick thinking,
Palit. But in fact, quite unnecessary. The things that you do to avoid being
suspected!"
"It never hurts to take precautions. And I think that now it is time to leave."
"No, not yet. You are always anxious to learn details before reporting. Why not
learn a few more details now?"
"Because they are not necessary. We already have a good understanding of human
customs and psychology."
"But not of the psychology of children. And they, if you remember, are the ones
who will have to adapt. We shall be asked about them. It would be nice if we
could report that they are fit for all-purpose service, on a wide range of
planets. Let us stay awhile longer."
"All right," conceded Palit, grudgingly.
So they stayed, and out of some twigs and leaves they shaped the necessary coins
with which to buy peanuts, and popcorn, and ice cream, and other delicacies
favored by the young. Manto wanted to win easy popularity by treating a few of
the other children, but Palit put his girlish foot down. No use arousing
suspicion. Even as it wasЧ
"Gee, your father gives you an awful lot of spending money," said Frances
enviously. "Is he rich?"
"We get as much as we want," replied Manto carelessly.
"Gosh, I wish I did."
Miss Burton collected her brood. "Come together, children, I have something to
say to you. Soon it will be time to go in and hear Mr. George. Now, if Mr.
George is so kind as to entertain us, don't you think that it's only proper for
us to entertain him?"
"We could put on our class play!" yelled Barbara.
"Barbara's a fine one to talk," said Frances. "She doesn't even remember her
lines."
"No, children, we mustn't do anything we can't do well. That wouldn't make a
good impression. And besides, there is no time for a play. Perhaps Barbara will
singЧ"
"I can sing a 'Thank You' song," interrupted Frances.
"That would be nice."
"I can recite," added another little girl.
"Fine. How about you, Carolyn? You and your little friend, Doris. Can she act
too?"
Carolyn giggled. "Oh, yes, she can act very well. I can act like people. She can
act like animals." The laughing, girlish eyes evaded a dirty look from the
little friend. "She can act like any kind of animal."
"She's certainly a talented child. But she seems so shy!"
"Oh, no," said Carolyn. "She likes to be coaxed."
"She shouldn't be like that. Perhaps, Carolyn, you and Doris can do something
together. And perhaps, too, Mr. George will be pleased to see that your teacher
also has talent."
"You, Miss Burton?"
Miss Burton coughed modestly. "Yes, children, I never told you, but I was once
ambitious to be an actress too. I studied dramatics, and really, I was quite
good at it. I was told that if I persevered I might actually be famous. Just