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Robert A. Heinlein - A Comedy Of Justice
Atec Февраль 27 2008 02:52:13
Книга только для ознакомления
. I got out.
He jumped back in, called out, 'Okay, Chief! Merci bien! Au 'voir!' and was gone.
I went, Hobson's choice, up the gangway of the strange vessel to learn, if possible, what had become of the Konge Knut. As I stepped aboard, the petty officer on gangway watch saluted and said, 'Afternoon, sir. Mr Graham, Mr Nielsen left a package for you. One moment -'He lifted the lid of his watch desk, took out a large manila envelope. 'Here you are, sir.'
The package had written on it: A. L. Graham, cabin C109. I opened it, found a well-worn wallet.
'Is everything in order, Mr Graham?'
'Yes, thank you. Will you tell Mr Nielsen that I received it? And give him my thanks.'
'Certainly, sir.'
I noted that this was D deck, went up one flight to find cabin C109.
All was not quite in order. My name is not 'Graham'.
Chapter 2
The thing that hath been, it is that which
shall be, and that which is done is that
which shall be done, and there is
no new thing under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9
THANK HEAVEN ships use a consistent numbering system. Stateroom C109 was where it should be: on C deck, starboard side forward, between C107 and C111; I reached it without having to speak to anyone. I tried the door; it was locked - Mr Graham apparently believed the warnings pursers give about locking doors, especially in port.
The key, I thought glumly, is in Mr Graham's pants pocket. But where is Mr Graham? About to catch me snooping at his door? Or is the trying my door while I am trying his door?
There is a small but not zero chance that a given key will fit a strange lock
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