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

your work, the sooner you'll arrive on Numenes. I'll speak with the
director; he's a good chap and he'll see to your welfare."

Pardero, as his name now would be, sat uncertainly.

Squil took pity on him. "It won't be so bad. Agreed, there are tough nuts at
the work camp, but do you know how to handle them? You must be just a bit
tougher than they are. Still, don't attract the attention of the
disciplinary officer. You seem a decent fellow; I'll put in a word for you,
and keep an eye on your progress. One bit of advice - no, two. First: never
try to cheat on your work quota. The officials know all the tricks; they can
smell out the sluggards as a kribbat smells out carrion. Second, do not
gamble! Do you know what the word 'gamble' means?"

"No."

"It means to risk your money on games or wagers. Never be tempted or
inveigled! Leave your money in the camp account! I advise you to form no
friendships! Aside from yourself, there is only riff-raff at the camp. I
wish you well. If you find trouble, call for Detective Squil. Can you
remember that name?"

"Detective Squil."

"Good." Squil led the amnesiac out to a dock and put him aboard the daily
transport to Gaswin. "A final word of advice! Confide in no one! Your name
is Pardero; aside from this, keep your problems to yourself! Do you
understand?"

"Yes."

"Good luck!"


The transport flew low under the overcast, close above the mottled black and
purple moors, and presently landed beside a cluster of concrete buildings:
the Gaswin Work Camp.

At the personnel office Pardero underwent entry formalities, facilitated by
Squil's notification to the camp director. He was assigned a cubicle in a
dormitory block, fitted with work boots and gloves, and issued a copy of
camp regulations, which he studied without comprehension. On the next
morning he was detailed into a work party and sent out to harvest pods from
colucoid creeper, the source of a peculiarly rich red dye.

Pardero gathered his quota without difficulty. Among the taciturn group of
indigents his deficiency went unnoticed.

He ate his evening meal in silence, ignoring the presence of his fellows,
who at last had begun to sense that all was not well with Pardero.