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

As they passed the open main lock, Peaslake observed them, bounded eagerly up the gangway and
joined behind. A pukka member of the crew, he was a large dog whose ancestors had been more
enthusiastic than selective. He wore with pride a big collar inscribed: PeaslakeтАФProperty of S.S.
Bustler. His chief duties, ably performed, were to keep alien rodents off the ship and, on rare occasions,
smell out dangers not visible to human eyes.

The three paraded forward, McNaught and Pike in the manner of men grimly sacrificing pleasure for the
sake of duty, Peaslake with the panting willingness of one ready for any new game no matter what.

Reaching the bow-cabin, McNaught dumped himself in the pilot's seat, took the folder from the other.
"You know this stuff better than meтАФthe chart room is where I shine. So I'll read them out while you
look them over." He opened the folder, started on the first page. "K1. Beam compass, type D, one of."

"Check," said Pike.

"K2. Distance and direction indicator, electronic, type JJ, one of."

"Check."

"K3. Port and starboard gravitic meters, Casini models, one pair."

"Check."

Peaslake planted his head in McNaught's lap, blinked soulfully and whined. He was beginning to get the
others' viewpoint. This tedious itemizing and checking was a hell of a game. McNaught consolingly
lowered a hand and played with Peaslake's ears while he ploughed his way down the list.

"K187. Foam rubber cushions, pilot and co-pilot, one pair."

"Check."




┬╖┬╖┬╖┬╖┬╖


By the time First Officer Gregory appeared, they had reached the tiny intercom cubby and poked around
it in semidarkness. Peaslake had long departed in disgust.
"M24. Spare minispeakers, three inch, type T2, one set of six."

"Check."

Looking in, Gregory popped his eyes and said, "What's going on?"

"Major inspection due soon." McNaught glanced at his watch. "Go see if stores has delivered a load and
if not why not. Then you'd better give me a hand and let Pike take a few hours off."

"Does this mean land-leave is canceled?"