"Kenneth Robeson - Doc Savage 127 - Hell Below" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

ran the gantlet of more watchmen, then finally stood on the street.

“Now, old-timer,” Monk said. “What's this bur you've got under your saddle.”

Too-Too Thomas eyed them intently.

“Know anything about submarines?” he asked.

Monk said, “Sure. Why?”

“Fine,” said Too-Too Thomas. “Now the first thing we do is steal a navy airplane with some bombs on it
and a can of quick-drying paint.”



DOC SAVAGE was a man with more qualities than a remarkable voice. He was a giant of a man who
was so symmetrically proportioned that his actual size was not evident until one stood close to him; then it
became startling. When he moved, the play of sinews in his neck and wrists indicated strength that was
equally startling. His skin was a deep bronze color, his hair was straight and slightly darker, and his eyes
were like pools of flake gold always stirred by tiny winds.

Until now he had, as was his habit, remained silent and expressionless. But the old Westerner's calm
mention of stealing a navy plane was unusual enough to bring a startled expression to his face, and cause
him to speak.

“Steal a navy plane?” he said.

“That's the only chance we got to make it in time.”

“Stealing a navy plane is something they shoot you for,” Doc reminded.

Too-Too Thomas shrugged, not impressed. “Done things I could've been shot for before.”

A small park, pleasant in the sunlight, was across the street. Indicating the park, Doc said, “We had
better go over there and sit down while you explain this.”

They crossed the street, dodging traffic, which was thick. There were benches along the sidewalk, one of
which they selected.

Too-Too Thomas took a deep breath.

“Lives,” he said, “have a relative value, I've noticed. In wartime, they somehow ain't as important. But
these are important to me. They're my friends, the ones that'll die right away. The other ones, the ones
who'll die later, ain't people I know, probably, but they'll be nice folks.”

Doc Savage said patiently, “The best way to tell a story is the way you read a book. Begin at the
beginning and don't leave anything out.”

“I do it a little different,” said Too-Too Thomas. “You savvy what I'm telling you? I got to save some
lives. They'll die right away, tonight probably, if I ain't fast enough on my feet. Later on, more will die.”