"Jack Vance - The Moon Moth" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

mask, which symbolized erudition and patient exploration of abstract ideas; Mathew Kershaul had worn it on the
occasion of their meeting a week before.
"Good morning, Ser Kershaul," muttered Thissell.
"And how are the studies coming? Have you mastered the C-Sharp Plus scale on the gomapard? As I recall,
you were finding those inverse intervals puzzling."
"I've worked on them," said Thissell in a gloomy voice. "However, since I'll probably be recalled to Polypolis, it
may be all time wasted."
"Eh? What's this?"
Thissell explained the situation in regard to Haxo Angmark. Kershaul nodded gravely. "I recall Angmark. Not a
gracious personality, but an excellent musician, with quick fingers and a real talent for new instruments."
Thoughtfully he twisted the goatee of his Cave Owl mask. "What are your plans?"
"They're nonexistent," said Thissell, playing a doleful phrase on the kiv. "I haven't any idea what masks hell be
wearing and if I don't know what he looks like, how can I find him?"
 Kershaul tugged at his goatee. "In the old days he favored the Exo Cambian Cycle, and I believe he used an
entire set of Nether Denizens. Now of course his tastes may have changed."
"Exactly," Thissell complained. "He might be twenty feet away and I'd never know it." He glanced bitterly across
the esplanade toward the mask-maker's shop. "No one will tell me anything; I doubt if they care that a murderer is
walk-ing their docks."
"Quite correct," Kershaul agreed. "Sirenese standards are different from ours."
"They have no sense of responsibility," declared Thissell. "I doubt if they'd throw a rope to a drowning man."
"It's true that they dislike interference," Kershaul agreed. "They emphasize individual responsibility and
self-suffici-ency."
"Interesting," said Thissell, "but I'm still in the dark about Angmark."
Kershaul surveyed him gravely. "And should you locate Angmark, what will you do then?"
"I'll carry out the orders of my superior," said Thissell doggedly.
"Angmark is a dangerous man," mused Kershaul. "He's got a number of advantages over you."
"I can't take that into account. It's my duty to send him back to Polypolis. He's probably safe, since I haven't the
remotest idea how to find him."
Kershaul reflected. "An out-worlder can't hide behind a mask, not from the Sirenes, at least. There are four of us
here at FanтАФRolver, Welibus, you and me. If another out-worlder tries to set up housekeeping the news will get
around in short order."
"What if he heads for Zundar?"
Kershaul shrugged. "I doubt if he'd dare. On the other handтАФ" Kershaul paused, then noting Thissell's sudden
inattention, turned to follow Thissell's gaze.
A man in a Forest Goblin mask came swaggering toward them along the esplanade. Kershaul laid a restraining
hand on Thissell's arm, but Thissell stepped out into the path of the Forest Goblin, his borrowed gun ready. "Haxo
Ang-mark," he cried, "don't make a move, or I'll kill you. You're under arrest."
"Are you sure this is Angmark?" asked Kershaul in a worried voice.
"I'll find out," said Thissell. "Angmark, turn around, hold up your hands."
The Forest Goblin stood rigid with surprise and puzzle-ment. He reached to his zachinko, played an interrogatory
arpeggio, and sang, "Why do you molest me, Moon Moth?"
Kershaul stepped forward and played a placatory phrase on his slobo. "I fear that a case of confused identity
exists, Ser Forest Goblin. Ser Moon Moth seeks an out-worlder in a Forest Goblin mask."
The Forest Goblin's music became irritated, and he sud-denly switched to his stimic. "He asserts that I am an
out-worlder? Let him prove his case, or he has my retaliation to face."
Kershaul glanced in embarrassment around the crowd which had gathered and once more struck up an
ingratiating melody. "I am sure that Ser Moon MothтАФ"
The Forest Goblin interrupted with a fanfare of skaranyi tones. "Let him demonstrate his case or prepare for the
flow of blood."
Thissell said, "Very well, I'll prove my case." He stepped forward, grasped the Forest Goblin's mask. "Let's see