"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 24 - Nectar of Heaven" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

sound. Vardoon grunted from where he stood next in line.

"You've fought, Earl. On Jaldrach?"

"No."
 "Other places, then. I can spot a mercenaryтАФa good one
responds to the sound of gunfire like a well-trained dog." His
eyes roved over the neutral gray plastic of Dumarest's tunic and
pants, the high boots, the hilt of the knife riding above the right.
A match for his own dull olive, the boots different, the material
lacking the polished places on which protective armor had
rested. Neater, more recently refurbished, but to his eye an
unmistakable uniform.

That of a traveler, a rover, an adventurer among the stars.

Ahead of them a man swore in shocked disbelief.

"This all? Hell, I damned near broke my back for a week and
for this?"

"You owed for shelter, clothing, a shot of antibiotics when you
skinned your knee. Next!"

A big man, smiling, a sheaf of paper in his hand. Slips given
by those he had skinned. The official checked them, paid, looked
to the next in line.

A short lineтАФtoo many had nothing to collect.

Outside, the rafts were loading the men bound for the town.
Two lifted as Dumarest watched, rising slowly, veering as their
drivers gained altitude, heavy, sluggish craft, designed more for
the moving of freight than speed. Neither was canopied and the
men crammed into the open bodies huddled together for
warmth. Above, the sun had just passed zenith.

"Keep moving there!" the supervisor yelled to those handling
the loading. "Get 'em full and get 'em on their way!" He turned,
scowling, his face clearing as he saw Dumarest. "Earl! I've been
watching out for you. Got a minute?"

Dumarest hesitated, glancing at the loading area. Two rafts
remained, both rapidly filling.

"There'll be more," said the supervisor. "Everyone will get
transport."
 "When?"

"Later today. The first ones were hired to do a double trip.