Короли и капуста
The Phonograph and the Graft
Acolonelandabattalionofbare-toedinfantryturnedoutandwentbacktothesceneofthemusicalewithus,buttheconspiratorgangwasgone.Butwerecapturedthephonographwithhonoursofwar,andmarchedbacktothecuartelwithitplaying‘AllCoonsLookAliketoMe.’
"ThenextdayMellingertakesmeandHenrytooneside,andbeginstoshedtensandtwenties.
"‘Iwanttobuythatphonograph,’sayshe.‘Ilikedthatlasttuneitplayedatthesoirée.’
"‘Thisismoremoneythanthemachineisworth,’saysI.
""Tisgovernmentexpensemoney,’saysMellinger.‘Thegovernmentpaysforit,andit’sgettingthetune-grindercheap.’
"MeandHenryknewthatprettywell.WeknewthatithadsavedHomerP.Mellinger’sgraftwhenhewasonthepointoflosingit;butweneverlethimknowweknewit.
"‘Nowyouboysbetterslideofffurtherdownthecoastforawhile,’saysMellinger,‘tillIgetthescrewsputonthesefellowshere.Ifyoudon’tthey’llgiveyoutrouble.AndifyoueverhappentoseeBillyRenfrewagainbeforeIdo,tellhimI’mcomingbacktoNewYorkassoonasIcanmakeastake—honest.’
"MeandHenrylaidlowuntilthedaythesteamercameback.Whenwesawthecaptain’sboatonthebeachwewentdownandstoodintheedgeofthewater.Thecaptaingrinnedwhenhesawus.
"‘Itoldyouyou’dbewaiting,’hesays.‘Where’stheHamburgermachine?’
"‘Itstaysbehind,’Isays,‘toplay"Home,SweetHome."’
"‘Itoldyouso,’saysthecaptainagain
