"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 20 - Web of Sand" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

was we won."

"So what did you learn, Earl?" Kemmer scowled at a painted
harlot who caught at his arm. As she fell back with a screamed
insult he added, "A way out of this mess?"

There was only one way out and they knew it and in the Stril
it could be found. Dumarest led the way through passages lined
with booths, past vendors of assorted and exotic delights,
ignoring the touts, pimps and harlots. Once he halted to drive
the heel of his palm against the chin of a man who lingered too
close too long, sending the pickpocket staggering back with
empty hands and vacant eyes. At a junction he heard a familiar
drone.

"Back the winner and pick up twice what you put down. The
red fights the yellow. Roll up! Roll up! The next bout is about to
commence!"

The spieler was tall, gaunt, his clothing shabby, his eyes
restless. Behind him a chamber held a circular barrier centered
with a table on which stood a dome of clear plastic. Now it was
empty but for a thin, blue vapor but, once activated, clouds of
red and yellow spores would be released to fight, to fall, the
victors feeding on the vanquished to display the winning hue.

"Red and yellow, back your choice. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! The
next bout is about to commence!"

His words faded, were replaced by others yelled from a
stunted, leather-lunged man who strutted on bowed legs.

"Three temple dancers from Fecundis—need I say more?
Witness the immaculate purity of their movements. See with
your own eyes the hidden mysteries of a secret cult. Watch as
they perform exotic movements of tantalizing delight and, for a
small fee, participate. You, sir!" His finger stabbed at Santis.
"Age rests on your shoulders—before the doors of life close why
not indulge in an experience you will never forget? Fifty kren to
watch—another hundred to mount the platform. A bargain!" His
voice rose as they moved on. "You refuse the offer? What has
happened to the men of Harge?"

A simpering woman could have told him as she displayed the
charms of veiled and lissom girls. An apothecary, eyes blank,
droned the offer of charms and love philtres, medicines and
salves for annoying ailments. A magician ate fire and produced
eggs from unlikely places. A boxer, knotted with rope-like
muscle, offered to take on all comers.