Потерянный континент: история Атлантиды
15. Zaemon’s Summons
ItseemshecanfindlittleenoughtoearnathiscraftinAtlantistheselatterdays,andhasscruplesatseeinghiswifeandyoungoneshungry.HetoldmethisattheharboursidewhenIputmyneckundertheaxebysayingIwantedcarriageforyou,sir,andsohavingmeunderhisthumb,hewasperhapsmoreloose-lippedthanusual.YouseemtohavemadeafineimpressiononTob,Deucalion.Hesaid—Irepeathisheartydisrespect—youwerejusttherecruithewanted,butwhetheryoujoinedhimornot,hewouldgotothenetherGodstodoyouservice.”
“Bythefellow’sside,Igainedsomeexperienceinfightingthegreaterseabeasts.”
“Well,goanddoitagain.Believeme,sir,itisyouronlychance.Itwouldgrievememuchtohearthesearing-ironhissonyourstumps.IbargainedwithTobtogetclearoftheharbourfortsbeforethechainwasupforthenight,andasheisaverydaringfellow,withnofearofnavigatingunderthedarkness,hehimselfsaidhewouldcometoapointoftheshorewhichweagreedupon,andthereawaityou.Come,Deucalion,letmeleadyoutotheplace.”
“Mygirl,”Isaid,“IseeIoweyoumanythanksforwhatyouhavedoneonmypoorbehalf.”
“Oh,yourthanks!”shesaid.“Youmaykeepthem.Ididnotcomeouthereinthedarkandthedangersformerethanks,thoughIknewwellenoughtherewouldbelittleelseoffered.”—Shepluckedatmysleeve.—“Nowshowmeyourwalkingpace,sir.Theywillbegintowantyourcountenanceinthecampdirectly,andweneedhankerafternotoonarrowinquiriesforwhat’salong.
