"Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Saint-Germain Story - A Question of Patronage" - читать интересную книгу автора (Yarbro Chelsea Quinn)

our records, during the last thirty years. I have not seen any entries
before that time. The ledger begins thirty-one years ago." This last
was John Henry's most determined bid to show his grasp of what he
had recorded.
"You keep excellent records," Ragoczy said.
"It is necessary for merchants to do that, or they will not last long in
business," said Mr Tubbs officiously.
They had the attention of the other four clerks now, and John Henry
made the most of it. "If you would like to inspect the account books,
Count, it would be my pleasure to show them to you."
Mr Tubbs looked askance. "John Henry!" he admonished the
youngest clerk. "That is for Mr Lamkin to do."
"Well, but he is away, isn't he?" countered John Henry with a show
of deference. "I have the records on my desk. I've been copying
them for Mr Lamkin, at his request, of course. So long as Count
Ragoczy is here, it would be practical to show him what our records
show instead of requiring him to return when Mr Lamkin gets back."
"It is a late hour; Mr Ragoczy would have to come back in the
morning, in any case, or at another, more suitable time." Mr Tubbs
regarded the youngest clerk in consternation, then turned on
Ragoczy with an obsequious gesture. "It is unfortunate that you

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The Vengeful Spirit of Lake Nepeakea


came at this hour. We do not wish to offend, but we will be closing
business for the day shortly."
John Henry's expression brightened. "I don't mind staying late if
that will make matters easier for you, Count." He made a point of
emphasizing Ragoczy's title, as much for his own satisfaction as for
the discomfort it gave Mr Tubbs. "If that would be convenient?"
"A very generous offer, I'm sure, John Henry," said Mr Tubbs, his
jowls becoming mottled with colour and his manner more stiff and
overbearing. "But such a man as Mr Ragoczy must have other
claims upon his time. He will inform us of when he wishes to
review the accounts."
Ragoczy favoured the two clerks with an affable look. "I have no
plans for this evening until much later. I am bidden to… dine at ten."
"Then it's settled," said John Henry before Mr Tubbs could speak.
He indicated his desk. "Yours is the oldest of the account books
there." His gaze was speculative. "Your family must have a long
tradition of enterprise."
"Um," said Ragoczy, a suggestion of amusement in his fathomless
eyes.
Mr Tubbs, aware that he had been outmanoeuvred by his most
junior clerk, began to dither. "It is not acceptable, John Henry. You
have not worked here long enough to be entitled to lock the door."
He cringed as he looked towards Ragoczy. "I am afraid that we will
have to arrange another time, Mr Ragoczy."