"Jack Vance - Elder Isles 2 - The Green Pearl" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

Sarles started on his second half-pint he was accosted by one of his
cronies, a certain Juliam, who asked: "How goes the world? No fishing
today?"

"I am not up to it today, owing to my sore back. Also, Junt decided that
he wished to borrow Preval and I told him 'Go to it; fish all night, if you are
so frantic in your zeal!' So off went Junt in my good old Preval."

"Ah well, that was generous of you!"

"Why not? After all, he is my cousin and blood is thicker than water.''

"True."

Sarles finished his wine and strolled out to the end of the jetty. He
scanned the sea with care but neither to the north, the west, nor the south
could he glimpse the patched yellow sail of the Preval.

He turned away and went back along the jetty. Down on the shingle
other fishermen were beaching their boats. Sarles went down and made
inquiries in regard to Junt. "From the kindness of my heart I let him take out
Lirlou, said a fisherman who had just come up. The first fisherman gave a
raucous laugh. "But he is aboard the Prevail"

"Aha. That is something else again. Sarles, you would be wise to make
repairs."

"Yes, yes," muttered Sarles. "In due course. I can neither walk on water
nor blow gold coins out of my nose."

Sunset came and still Junt failed to return to Mynault harbour. Sarles
finally reported the circumstances to Liba. "Today my back was poorly, and
I could not fish over-long. From motives of generosity I allowed Junt the
use of my boat. He has not yet returned and I fear that he has been blown
off down the coast, or even has wrecked the Preval. I suppose this should
be a lesson for me."

Liba stared. "For you? What of Junt and his family?"

"I am concerned on both counts. That goes without saying. However, I
have not told you yet of my amazing good luck."

"Indeed? Your back is well so that finally you can work? Or you have
lost your taste for wine?"

"Woman, control your tongue or you will feel the weight of my hand! I
am bored with acrid jokes."

"Well then, what is your luck?"