"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." 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." |
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