"Jack Vance - Marune v1.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

"What is the fare to Numenes?"

"Third class by Prydania Line: two hundred and twelve ozols."

Squil terminated the call. He swung about to face the amnesiac. "Do you
understand what I say to you?"

The answer came in a clear voice. "Yes."

"You are ill. You have lost your memory. Do you realize this?"

There was a pause of ten seconds. Squil wondered if any response were
forthcoming. Then, haltingly: "You have told me so."

"We will send you to a place where you can work and earn money. Do you know
how to work?"

"No."

"Well, anyway, you need money: two hundred and twelve ozols. On Gaswin Moor
you will earn three and a half ozols a day. In two or three months you will
have earned enough money to take you to the Connatic's Hospital on Numenes,
where you will be cured of your illness. Do you understand all this?"

The amnesiac reflected a moment, but made no response.

Squil rose to his feet. "Gaswin will be a good place for you, and perhaps
your memory will return." He dubiously considered the amnesiac's bland brown
hair, which for mysterious reasons, someone had rudely cut short. "Do you
have an enemy? Is there someone who does not like you?"

"I don't know. I can't remember any such person."

"What is your name?" shouted Squil, hoping to surprise that part of the
brain which was withholding information.

The amnesiac's gray eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't know."

"Well, we have to find a name for you. Do you play hussade?"

"No."

"Think of that! A strong agile fellow like yourself! Still, we'll call you
Pardero, after the great strike forward of the Schaide Thunderstones. So
now, when someone calls out 'Pardero' you must respond. Is this understood?"

"Yes."

"Very well, and now you'll be an your way to Gaswin. The sooner you begin