voice was drowned by the rumble as the first of the monster transports rose from the launch pit, followed a moment later by the second, Retief watched them out of sight, then turned to Gulver.
“They’re off,” he said. “Let’s hope they get a liberal education.”
* * * *
V
Retief lay on his back in deep grass by a stream, eating grapes. A tall figure appeared on the knoll above him and waved.
“Retief!” Hank Arapoulous bounded down the slope and embraced Retief, slapping him on the back. “I heard you were here—and I’ve got news for you. You won the final day’s picking competition. Over two hundred bushels! That’s a record!”
“Let’s get on over to the garden. Sounds like the celebration’s about to start.”
In the flower-crowded park among the stripped vines, Retief and Arapoulous made their way to a laden table under the lanterns. A tall girl dressed in loose white, and with long golden hair, came up to Arapoulous.
“Delinda, this is Retief—today’s winner. And he’s also the fellow that got those workers for us.”
Delinda smiled at Retief. “I’ve heard about you, Mr. Retief. We weren’t sure about the boys at first. Two thousand Bogans, and all confused about their baggage that went astray. But they seemed to like the picking.” She smiled again.
“That’s not all. Our gals liked the boys,” Hank said. “Even Bogans aren’t so bad, minus their irons. A lot of ’em will be staying on. But how come you didn’t tell me you were coming, Retief? I’d have laid on some kind of big welcome.”
“I liked the welcome I got. And I didn’t have much notice. Mr. Magnan was a little upset when he got back. It seems I exceeded my authority.”
Arapoulous laughed. “I had a feeling you were wheeling pretty free, Retief. I hope you didn’t get into any trouble over it.”
“No trouble,” Retief said. “A few people were a little unhappy with me. It seems I’m not ready for important assignments at Departmental level. I was shipped off here to the boondocks to get a little more experience.”
“Delinda, look after Retief,” said Arapoulous. “I’ll see you later. I’ve got to see to the wine judging.” He disappeared in the crowd.
“Congratulations on winning the day,” said Delinda. “I noticed you at work. You were wonderful. I’m glad you’re going to have the prize.”
“Thanks. I noticed you too, flitting around in that white nightie of yours. But why weren’t you picking grapes with the rest of us?”
“I had a special assignment.”
“Too bad. You should have had a chance at the prize.”
Delinda took Retief’s hand. “I wouldn’t have anyway,” she said. “I’m the prize.”
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
