"Anthony Wall - The Eden Mission (2)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wall Anthony)

giggling.

"But," Bellingham added, "there's one very important person you haven't met
... Captain James Alexander."

A lean, distinguished-looking man with grey hair, kind but shrewd brown eyes
and a firm jaw raised a hand in greeting.

Bellingham continued: "Captain Alexander--Jim to his friends, which you will
all become if you follow orders--is the master of Sea Shepherd. As far as
everyone on board is concerned, he's Alexander the Great ... his word is
law."

Captain Alexander laughed, then introduced the two men with him. They were
First Officer Philip Grant and Radio Officer Leslie Curtis.

Bellingham sat down, reaching for the menu. "I dunno about you lot, but I'm
starving."

Two white-coated stewards padded in and began to circulate around the table.
Gary ordered mushroom soup, quiche and salad, and fruit salad for dessert.
Susan asked for the same, except that she wanted mixed ice-cream. Vanessa
dithered daintily over the menu, seeking Yves' advice. She also consulted
Darren, whose only retort was "Please yourself".

Soon the six were tucking in as though they hadn't eaten for a week. When
appetites were satisfied, the clatter gave way to chatter.

Dinner over, some of the youngsters were now looking round rather restlessly.
Bellingham called for quiet, then said: "Before you leave, a couple of points.
Tomorrow's schedule is on the notice-board outside. Do read it. I don't know
what time you usually go to bed, but I suggest you turn in early. We've got a
heavy programme ahead--and this isn't a joy-ride."

Catching sight of Darren's miserable countenance, the naturalist hastily
added: "It isn't a funeral either, so there's no reason why we shouldn't enjoy
ourselves.

"Oh, and one more thing. If you have any questions, feel free to come and ask
me. Sleep well, shipmates!"

Saying goodnight to the others, Gary and Susan slipped out of the dining-room.
They paused at the notice-board, then went up on deck.

A simmering sun was just sinking into the sea. Gary strained forward, as if
expecting to hear a hiss, and watched the waves which seemed to be on fire.
Beside him Susan said nothing. Her eyes were drawn to the new moon, a hammock
slung at an impossible angle between two clouds, and the first blooming of
stars. Gulls mewed and snickered around the ship's stern. The lightest of
breezes tiptoed across the water.