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The Stars My Destination ( Tiger! Tiger! ) :: Bester Alfred
Страница: 33 из 164'What Foyle have you got?»
«There are thirteen of that name associated with the clan Presteign.»
«An interesting number. Did you know I was a Master of Superstition? Some day I must show you the Mirror-And-Listen Mystery. I refer to the Foyle involved in a reported attempt on Mr. Presteign's life this morning.»
«Presteign,» Presteign corrected. «I am not 'Mister.' I am Presteign of, Presteign.»
«Three attempts have been made on Presteign's life,» Sheffield said. «You'll have to be more specific.»
«Three this morning? Presteign must have been busy.» Y'ang-Yeovil sighed. Sheffield was proving himself a resolute opponent. The Intelligence man tried another diversion. «I do wish our Mr. Presto had been more specific.»
«Your Mr. Presto!» Presteign exclaimed.
«Oh yes. Didn't you know one of your five hundred Prestos was an agent of ours? That's odd. We took it for granted you'd find out and went ahead with a confusion operation.»
Presteign looked appalled. Y'ang-Yeovil crossed his legs and continued to chat breezily. «That's the basic weakness in routine intelligence procedure; you start finessing before finesse is required.»
«He's bluffing,» Presteign burst out. «None of our Prestos could possibly have any knowledge of Gulliver Foyle.»
«Thank you.» Y'ang-Yeovil smiled. «That's the Foyle I want. When can you let us have him?»
Sheffield scowled at Presteign and then turned on Y'ang-Yeovil. «Who's 'us'?» he demanded.
«Central Intelligence.»
«Why do you want him?»
«Do you make love to a woman before or after you take your clothes off?»
«That's a damned impertinent question to ask.»
«And so was yours. When can you let us have Foyle?»
«When you show cause.»
«To whom?»
«To me.» Sheffield hammered a heavy forefinger against his palm. «This is a civilian matter concerning civilians. Unless war material, war personnel, or the strategy and tactics of a war-in-being are involved, civilian jurisdiction shall always prevail.»
«303 Terran Appeals 191,» murmured Bunny.
«The 'Nomad' was carrying war material.»
«The 'Nomad' was transporting platinum bullion to Mars Bank,» Presteign snapped. «If money is a…”
«I am leading this discussion,» Sheffield interrupted. He swung around on Y'ang-Yeovil. «Name the war material.»
This blunt challenge knocked Y'ang-Yeovil off balance.