Повелитель мух
Beast from Water
Ceremonially,Ralphlaidtheconchonthetrunkbesidehimasasignthatthespeechwasover.Whatsunlightreachedthemwaslevel.
Jackstoodupandtooktheconch.
"Sothisisameetingtofindoutwhat’swhat.I’lltellyouwhat’swhat.Youlittlunsstartedallthis,withthefeartalk.Beasts!Wherefrom?Ofcoursewe’refrightenedsometimesbutweputupwithbeingfrightened.OnlyRalphsaysyouscreaminthenight.Whatdoesthatmeanbutnightmares?Anyway,youdon’thuntorbuildorhelp—you’realotofcry-babiesandsissies.That’swhat.Andasforthefear—you’llhavetoputupwiththatliketherestofus."
RalphlookedatJackopen-mouthed,butJacktooknonotice.
"Thethingis—fearcan’thurtyouanymorethanadream.Therearen’tanybeaststobeafraidofonthisisland."Helookedalongtherowofwhisperinglittluns."Serveyourightifsomethingdidgetyou,youuselesslotofcry-babies!Butthereisnoanimal—"
Ralphinterruptedhimtestily.
"Whatisallthis?Whosaidanythingaboutananimal?"
"Youdid,theotherday.Yousaidtheydreamandcryout.Nowtheytalk—notonlythelittluns,butmyhunterssometimes—talkofathing,adarkthing,abeast,somesortofanimal.I’veheard.Youthoughtnot,didn’tyou?Nowlisten.Youdon’tgetbiganimalsonsmallislands.Onlypigs.YouonlygetlionsandtigersinbigcountrieslikeAfricaandIndia—"
"AndtheZoo—"
