Межзвёздный скиталец
Chapter 10
WardenAthertonwasacholericman,andhetookmyrequestforinsultingbraggadocio.
“Justforthatyougetanextracinching,”heinformedme.
“Imadeyouasportingproposition,Warden,”Isaidquietly.“Youcancinchmeastightasyouplease,butifIsmiletendaysfromnowwillyougivetheBullDurhamtoMorrellandOppenheimer?”
“Youaremightysureofyourself,”heretorted.
“That’swhyImadetheproposition,”Ireplied.
“Gettingreligion,eh?”hesneered.
“No,”wasmyanswer.“ItmerelyhappensthatIpossessmorelifethanyoucaneverreachtheendof.Makeitahundreddaysifyouwant,andI’llsmileatyouwhenit’sover.”
“Iguesstendayswillmorethandoyou,Standing.”
“That’syouropinion,”Isaid.“Haveyougotfaithinit?Ifyouhaveyouwon’tevenlosethepriceofthetwofive-centssacksoftobacco.Anyway,whathaveyougottobeafraidof?”
“FortwocentsI’dkickthefaceoffofyourightnow,”hesnarled.
“Don’tletmestopyou.”Iwasimpudentlysuave.
