Межзвёздный скиталец
Chapter 11
“Sinceyouareinhaste,”HenryBohemondproposedtome,“andsincetherearethreeofthemandthreeofus,whynotsettleitattheonetime?”
“Yes,yes,”wasLanfranc’seagercry.“DoyoutakedeGoncourt.DeVillehardouinformine.”
ButIwavedmygoodfriendsback.
“Theyareherebycommand,”Iexplained.“ItisItheydesiresostronglythatbymyfaithIhavecaughtthecontagionoftheirdesire,sothatnowIwantthemandwillhavethemformyself.”
IhadobservedthatPasquinifrettedatmydelayofspeech-making,andIresolvedtofrethimfurther.
“You,Pasquini,”Iannounced,“Ishallsettlewithinshortaccount.IwouldnotthatyoutarriedwhileFortiniwaitsyourcompanionship.You,RaouldeGoncourt,Ishallpunishasyoudeserveforbeinginsuchbadcompany.Youaregettingfatandwheezy.Ishalltakemytimewithyouuntilyourfatmeltsandyourlungspantandwheezelikeleakybellows.You,deVillehardouin,IhavenotdecidedinwhatmannerIshallkill.”
AndthenIsalutedPasquini,andwewereatit.Oh,Iwasmindedtoberarelydevilishthisnight.Quickandbrilliant—thatwasthething.NorwasIunmindfulofthatdeceptivemoonlight.
