"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 10 - Jondelle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

It was dark, thick, and heavy with a cloying sweetness,
pungent with the scent of spice which warmed throat and
stomach. Cautiously he sipped and then said, casually, "You have
lived long and are wise. Tell me: have you ever heard of a planet
called Earth?"

"Earth?" Akon Batik stared thoughtfully at his wine.

"An odd name for a world, but no, I have not. A place you
seek?"

"A world I intend to find."
 "May good fortune attend you. Do you intend to remain long
on Ourelle?"

"I don't know," said Dumarest cautiously. "It depends."

"On whether or not you find things to attract you?" The
jeweler sipped at his wine. "I asked because it is barely possible
that I may be able to find you suitable employment. Men who
can acquire chorismite are rare. It could be that I will have a
proposition to make you at some later time. Naturally, it will be
of a profitable kind. You would not be averse?"

"I would be interested," said Dumarest flatly. He sipped again
at his wine, wondering at the other's interest A man like Akon
Batik would not have a need for men to do his bidding; certainly
he would not have to rely on strangers no matter how skillful
they appeared to be. Setting down the goblet, he said, "I thank
you for the wine and your courtesy. And now, the money?"

"It's waiting for you at the door." The jeweler pursed his thin
mouth. "You are a stranger on Ourelle, am I correct?"

"Yes."

"It is a strange world and perhaps I could save you
misfortune. If you are tempted to seek games of chance, do not
play in the Stewpot the Pavilion of Many Delights, or the Purple
Flower. You may win, but you will not live to count your gains.
The House of the Gong is as fair as any and you will be safe from
violence."

Dumarest said, "You own it?"

"Naturally, and if you are eager to lose your money, I may as
well regain what I have paid. Another thing: Ourelle is not as
other worlds. If you remain in the city, that need not concern
you; but if you wish to explore, take nothing for granted. You