"A. E. Van Vogt - The Rat & the Snake & Other Stories" - читать интересную книгу автора (Van Vogt A E)

present information sources are unreliable.
Your faithful servant, and nephew,
Clane

The reference to the mutation's "agents" reminded Tews unpleasantly
that he lived in a world of spies. I suppose, he thought wearily,
propaganda is even now being circulated against me because I am on a
vacation. People cannot possibly realize what great plans my engineers and
I are making for the State on this so-called pleasure trip.
He wondered if, by releasing a series of public statements about the
grandiose future, he might successfully head off criticism.
That irritation lasted for a day, and then he read Clane's letter
again and decided that an unruffled and diplomatic approach was desirable.
He must ever be in a position to say that he invariably took the most
thorough precaution against any eventuality.
He gave the necessary instructions, advised Clone that he had done so
- and then began to consider seriously the situation that would exist when
Jerrin returued from Venus six or eight months hence to receive his
triumph. It no longer seemed quite the satisfactory prospect that it had
been when he himself had first returned from Venus. These nephews of his
tended to interfere in State affairs, and indeed both had the legal right
to be advisers of the government. Each, according to law, had a Council
vote in Linnan affairs, although neither could directly interfere with
administration.
I suppose, Tews grudgingly acknowledged to himself, Clane is within
his rights; but what was it mother once said: "It is an unwise man who
always exercises his rights." He laughed, grimacing.
That night, just before he went to sleep, Tews had a flash of
insight: I'in slipping back into suspicion - the same fears that disturbed
me when I was on Venus. I'in being influenced by this damnable palace
atmosphere.
He felt personally incapable of base thoughts, and accepted their
presence in others - he told himself - with the greatest reluctance, and
then only because of the possible effect on the State.
His sense of duty - that was the real pressure on him, he felt
convinced. It compelled him to be aware of, and actually to look for,
scheming and plotting, even though he was revolted by any indications of
intrigue.
The realization of his own fundamental integrity reassured Tews.
After all, he thought, I may occasonally be misled, but I cannot be wrong
if I remain constantly on the alert for danger from all sources. And even
a mutation with scientific knowledge and weapons is a matter about which
I, as guardian of the State, must take cognizance.
He had already given considerable thought to the weapons he had seen
Clane use on Venus. And during the days that followed he came to the
conclusion that he must take action. He kept saying to himself how
reluctant he was to do so, but finally he advised Clane:
My dear nephew:
Although you have evidently not felt free to ask for the protection
to which your rank and the value of your work entitles you, I am sure you