"Eric Frank Russell - Allamagoosa" - читать интересную книгу автора (Russell Eric Frank)

"It's a clever idea," added Burman, made suddenly reckless by this news, "based on Finagle's Constant."

"I see," said Cassidy, not seeing at all. He resumed his seat, ticked the offog and carried on. "Z44.
Switchboard, automatic, forty-line intercom, one of."

"Here it is, sir."

Cassidy glanced at it, returned his gaze to the sheet. The others used his momentary distraction to mop
perspiration from their foreheads.

Victory had been gained.

All was well.

For the third time, hah!




┬╖┬╖┬╖┬╖┬╖


Rear Admiral Vane W. Cassidy departed pleased and complimentary. Within one hour the crew bolted
to town. McNaught took turns with Gregory at enjoying the gay lights. For the next five days all was
peace and pleasure.
On the sixth day, Burman brought in a signal, dumped it upon McNaught's desk, and waited for the
reaction. He had an air of gratification, the pleasure of one whose virtue is about to be rewarded.
Terran Headquarters to Bustler. Return here immediately for overhaul and refitting. Improved
power plant to be installed. Feldman. Navy Op. Command. Sirisec.

"Back to Terra," commented McNaught, happily. "And an overhaul will mean at least one month's leave."
He eyed Burman. "Tell all officers on duty to go to town at once and order the crew aboard. The men
will come running when they know why."

"Yes, sir," said Burman, grinning.

Everyone was still grinning two weeks later when the Siriport had receded far behind and Sol had grown
to a vague speck in the sparkling mist of the bow starfield. Eleven weeks still to go, but it was worth it.
Back to Terra. Hurrah!

In the captain's cabin, the grins abruptly vanished one evening when Burman suddenly developed the
willies. He marched in, chewed his bottom lip while waiting for McNaught to finish writing in the log.

Finally, McNaught pushed the book away, glanced up, frowned. "What's the matter with you? Got a
bellyache or something?"

"No, sir. I've been thinking."

"Does it hurt that much?"