"James Tiptree Jr - Beyond the Dead Reef" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tiptree James Jr)

"Oh, there is one pretty spot. But there's some very bad stuff there too. If you don't mind my advice,
don't go far from the boat. I mean, a couple of meters. And don't follow anything. And above all be very
sure it is Jorge's boat."

His voice had become quite different, with almost military authority.

"A couple of meters!" I expostulated. "ButтАФ"

"I know, I know. What I don't know is why Chuc is taking you there at all." He thought for a moment.
"You haven't by any chance offended him, have you? In any way?"

"Why, noтАФwe were out for a long go yesterday, and had a nice chat on the way back. YesтАж although
he is a trifle changeable, isn't he? I put it down to fatigue, and gave him some extra dinero for being only
one party."

My companion made an untranslatable sound, compounded of dubiety, speculation, possible
enlightenment, and strong suspicion.

"Did he tell you the name of that part of the reef? Or that it's out of sight of land?"

"Yes, he said it was far out. And that part of it was so poor it's called dead."

"And you chattedтАФforgive me, but was your talk entirely in Spanish?"

I chuckled deprecatingly. "Well, yesтАФI know my Spanish is pretty horrible, but he seemed to get the
drift."

"Did you mention his family?"

"Oh, yesтАФI could draw you the whole Chuc family tree."

"HmmmтАж" My companion's eyes had been searching the pier-side where the incoming boats were being
secured for the night.

"Ah. There's Chuc now. This is none of my business, you understandтАФbut do I have your permission for
a short word with Jorge?"

"Why, yes. If you think it necessary."

"I do, my friend. I most certainly do."

"Carry on."

His long-legged stride had already carried him to Chuc's big skiff, the Estrellita. Chuc was covering his
motors. I had raised my hand in greeting but he was apparently too busy to respond. Now he greeted my
companion briefly, but did not turn when he clambered into the boat uninvited. I could not hear the
interchange. But presently the two men were standing, faces somewhat averted from each other as they
conversed. My companion made rather a long speech, ending with questions. There was little response
from Chuc until a sudden outburst from him took me by surprise. The odd dialogue went on for some