"Альфред Бестер. The Flowered Thundermug (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

"You have been paid, Professor Muni."

"Very true. Well . . . I studied at Hollywood High, Harvard
High, Yale High and the College of the Pacific."

"What is `college'?"

"The old name for a high. They're traditionalists at
Pacific-hidebound reactionaries."

"And how long did you study?"

"Some twenty years."

"How long have you been teaching here at Columbia High?"

"Fifteen years."

"Then that adds up to thirty-five years of experience.
Would you say that you had an extensive knowledge of the merits
and qualifications of the various living historians?"

"Fairly extensive. Yes."

"Then who, in your opinion, is the leading authority on
twentieth-century Americana?"

"Ah. So. Very interesting. Harrison, of course, on
advertising copy, newspaper headlines, and photo captions.
Taylor on domestic science-that's Dr. Elizabeth Taylor. Gable
is probably your best bet for transportation. Clark's at
Cambridge High now, but he-"

"Excuse me, Professor Muni. I put the question badly. I
should have asked: Who is the leading authority on
twentieth-century objects of virtu? Antiques, paintings,
furniture, curios, objets d'art, and so forth . . ."

"Ah! I have no hesitation in answering that, Mr. Lorre.
Myself."

"Very good. Very good. Now listen carefully, Professor
Muni. I have been delegated by a little group of powerful men
to hire your professional services. You will be paid ten
thousand dollars in advance. You will give your word that the
transaction will be kept secret. And it must be understood that
if your mission fails, we will do nothing to help you."

"That's a lot of money," Professor Muni said slowly. "How
can I be sure that this offer is from the Good Guys?"