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

Nerves are overtense and tempers are too thin. The Devil is loose
among us." He helped himself to another drink. "Trouble," he
mourned. "I stand on the brink of a volcano. A touch is enough
to destroy me."
The monk said nothing. He had come to pay his respects; he
had stayed to listen to the outpourings of a tormented soul.

"The satellites are moving into position," continued the
resident. "Soon their juxtaposition will affect the stability of
Gath and thenтАФ"

"The storm?"

"The storm." Piers swallowed his drink, poured another. He
felt the impact of the monk's eyes, recognized their displeasure,
and irritably set down the glass. "By that time everyone will be
north, standing before the mountains. God knows what will
happen thenтАФI can only guess. We have never had a storm quite
like this before. It is time for you to pray, Brother."

"Always it is time to pray," corrected the monk gravely. "The
psychological effect of channeled thought cannot be
overestimated." He hesitated. "Neither can adherence to the
Supreme Ethic."

"I am not my brother's keeper," snapped Piers sharply. He
took up his drink, looked at it, gulped it down. "You're thinking
of Lowtown, of course."

"The camp? Yes."

"I didn't ask them to come here. Penniless travelers swept up
by the vagaries of space. Do you think I want them around?"

He strode to the window and looked through it, staring
toward the camp. He had never minimized the danger of
starving men, the strength of desperation. On this planet wealth
and poverty were too close; they had nothing but a little distance
between them. One day, perhaps during a storm, that distance
wouldn't be enough. Even now a strong man couldтАж He
shuddered at the prospect.

"They are a part of humanity," said Ely gently. He was
accustomed to the sight of poverty. "Remember, brother, there,
but for the grace of God, go you."
"Spare me the sermon, monk."

"Not a sermon, brother. Facts. They are here. You are the
resident. They are your responsibility."