"Cedric Walker - The Guinea Pig" - читать интересную книгу автора (Walker Cedric)

Sellon thought: If you didn't know you could certainly mistake him for a human
boy. Nothing at all on the surface--apart from that oddly penetrating stare at
times. Maybe he exaggerated that. Maybe the boy saw things that ordinary boys
didn't. Had to admit he was above the average in classwork. But that wasn't
everything.
The two seemed to have forgotten his presence. He coughed.
"If you would prefer it I--"
"Forgive me," said Mostyn, "It's been so long. Naturally, my interest.....Please
stay. I should not dream of turning you out of your own room."
Sellon inclined his head. He listened without a great deal of interest as Mostyn
questioned the boy about his work, asked about his friendships, whether he liked
being at the school, and so on--in fact, behaved like any father visiting his
son. Sellon found the thought amusing.
About the ragging episodes the boy was reticent. Small wonder, Sellon thought,
in front of his headmaster! "You see, Andy," said Mostyn, "It may be silly to
you. It is silly. But then, it's the sort of silliness that's affected human
beings in all ages--everywhere, and you've just got to get used to it and learn
to put up with it. In fact--" he smiled--"you've just got to put up with us."
Sellon just barely managed to repress a snort of disgust. What stuff to put into
the minds of such creatures!
The scientist was continuing, apparently unaware of the storm he was creating
behind him. "By the way, Andy, in your fights......how did you get on?"
For the first time the boy grinned. "I won," he said simply. The headmaster cut
in, speaking with heavy sarcasm. "If you like, I can show you some of the
results of our young friend's experiments in remolding the features of his
fellows."
Mostyn shook his head, but could not restrain a smile. There was a look almost
of pride on his face. Certainly, when he had made the androids he had made them
strong and free from disease. Physically, they were certainly far superior to
the average human being. But, Sellon thought, with repugnance, their perfection
was entirely laboratory-made. Mass-production. A thousand perfect human beings,
quickly, please! There you are, sir, call again!
"You won fairly?" said Mostyn.
"Yes, sir. I'm stronger than they are. They all piled into me, but they couldn't
lick me!"
Sellon thought: Now he's bragging. They all piled into him! Sellon glanced at
Mostyn, hoping for signs of disapproval. But the scientist maintained his calm,
detached air, like a student listening to a lecture and occasionally noting some
outstanding point.
"Whatever happens, Andy," said Mostyn, "you must never lose your temper. Scrap,
by all means, but remember that they don't see things as clearly as you do. What
is clear to you may not always be so to the other boys. In many ways they are
hampered; their thoughts are often over-clouded by emotions. Their heritage
weighs heavily upon them in so much that they do. It is difficult, I know, but
try and see things through their eyes, too."
Lay it on! Sellon said to himself. Talk to him as if he were one of your learned
biologist friends instead of a child! Tell him that humans are creatures who go
chasing around emoting love and hate all over the place! Pity you couldn't have
seen him when he was knocking young Martin about! He'd looked pretty emotional
himself just then!