"Eric Frank Russel - Next of Kin" - читать интересную книгу автора (Russell Eric Frank)

"I started in the ranks and I haven't forgotten it," said Markham, pointedly. "You can't fool me."



Colonel Farmer, of Military Intelligence, was a beefy, florid-faced character who looked slightly dumb
but had a sharp mind. He was examining a huge star-map' hung upon one wall when Leeming walked in.
Farmer swung around as if expecting to be stabbed in the back.



"Haven't you been taught to knock before you enter?"



"Yes, sir."



"Then why didn't you?"



"I forgot, sir. My mind was occupied with the interview I've just had with Fleet-Admiral Markham."



"Did he send you to me?"



"Yes sir."



"Oh, so you're the long-range reconnaissance pilot, eh? I don't suppose Commodore Keen will be sorry
to see you go. You've been somewhat of a thorn in his side, haven't you?"



"No, sir," denied Leeming. "I have been a pain in his. seat-every time he's tried to sit on me."
"In the armed forces one must get used to that sort of thing."



"Sorry, sir, but I don't agree. One joins the forces to help win a war and for no other purpose. I am not
a juvenile delinquent called up for reformation by the Commodore or by anyone else."



"He'd differ from you there. He's a stickler for discipline." Farmer let go a chuckle at some secret joke,