"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 01 - The Winds of Gath" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

"You need help," he said flatly. "Do you want us to help you?"

"Help?" The man looked up. His eyes were yellowish, muddy.
"Is this Gath?"
 Dumarest nodded.

"Then everything's all right." He rose and clutched Dumarest
by the arm. "Tell me, is it true what they say about this place?"

"The voices?" Megan nodded. "It's true."

"Thank God!" Abruptly the man grew calm. Slowly he wiped
the saliva from his mouth with the cuff of his sleeve. "IтАФI never
thought that I'd get here." He swallowed. "My name is Sime. I've
very little money but if you will help me I'llтАФ"

"We ask no pay." Dumarest nodded to Megan and together
they stooped over the box. It was over six feet long and shaped
like a coffin. Megan grunted as he felt the weight.

"What's in here? Lead?"

"Just some things," said Sime. He looked anxious. "Just carry
it from the field. I'll be able to manage it after I rest for a while.
Just carry it from the field."

Slowly they moved toward the camp. Megan stumbled, swore
as his ankle turned, and sprang clear as his end of the box fell
with a thud. The vibration tore the box from Dumarest's hands.
The lid, jarred by the fall, began to swing open.

"Careful!" Sime flung himself on the lid. His hands trembled
as he secured the fastenings. "You'll hurtтАФ" He caught himself.
"Please be careful."

He hovered to one side as they carried the box into camp.
Both men were sweating as they eased down their burden. A
handful of travelers looked on with dull curiosity and Megan,
straightening his back, glared at one who laughed.

"Something funny?"

"I think so." The old crone who had traveled with Sime
cackled all the louder. "Why be so careful, dearies? You can't
hurt what's in there."
 "Shut your mouth!" Sime stepped forward. "You hear me?
Now you just shut your mouth!"

"Try and shut if for me!" She cackled again at the thin man.