"Robert Rankin - The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rankin Robert)

The farmer, groaning and moaning, lowered himself into the hole.

The lad tucked his weapon back into his sleeve, stepped over to the farmer's horse and detached it from
the cart. Then he leapt onto the horse's back and prepared to gallop away. 'I've never ridden a horse
before,' he called down to the farmer, 'so this should be something of an adventure.'

'I hope you are thrown and break your neck,' called the farmer.

'What was that?'

'Nothing. May good luck attend you.'

'Thank you very much. And what is the name of this mount, farmer?'

'Anthrax,' called the farmer. 'But he'll not answer to your commands. Quite the reverse, in fact.'

'I'm sure Anthrax and I will get along fine.' The lad held Anthrax by his reins. 'And so we say farewell,
master farmer. Our acquaintance has been brief, but it has been instructive. We have both learned
something, so let us not part upon bad terms.'

'I am stuck fast.' The farmer huffed and puffed and moaned and groaned. 'I might well die in this hole.'

'If no one comes looking for you, then in a day or two you'll be slim enough to climb out. Or perhaps
loss of blood will facilitate a more immediate shrinkage and you'll be home in time for tea.'

'You filthy...’

'Quite enough,' called the lad. 'Your conversation tires me. I will now take my leave for the city. One
day I will return this way with great wealth. Though not along this particular path.'

'One thing before you go.' The farmer raised his voice.

'And what thing is this?'

'Tell me only your name.'

'My name?' said the lad. 'My name is Jack.'

'That is good,' called the farmer. 'A man may not truly lay a curse upon another man without first
knowing his name. I curse you, Jack. May you never know wealth. May all that you wish for be denied
you.'

'A spiteful sentiment,' said Jack. 'And so farewell. Jack dug hisheels into Anthrax and Anthrax sprang
forward.

The farmer, unable to duck his head, was heavily hooved upon.
2

Anthrax the horse jogged merrily along. There was a definite spring in his four-legged step. Freed from
his death-cart constraints, he appeared a very happy horse indeed.