Повелитель мух

           Otherboyswereappearingnow,tinytotssomeofthem,brown,withthedistendedbelliesofsmallsavages.Oneofthemcameclosetotheofficerandlookedup.

           "I’m,I’m—"

           Buttherewasnomoretocome.PercivalWemysMadisonsoughtinhisheadforanincantationthathadfadedcleanaway.

           TheofficerturnedbacktoRalph.

           "We’lltakeyouoff.Howmanyofyouarethere?"

           Ralphshookhishead.Theofficerlookedpasthimtothegroupofpaintedboys.

           "Who’sbosshere?"

           "Iam,"saidRalphloudly.

           Alittleboywhoworetheremainsofanextraordinaryblackcaponhisredhairandwhocarriedtheremainsofapairofspectaclesathiswaist,startedforward,thenchangedhismindandstoodstill.

           "Wesawyoursmoke.Andyoudon’tknowhowmanyofyouthereare?"

           "No,sir."

           "Ishouldhavethought,"saidtheofficerashevisualizedthesearchbeforehim,"IshouldhavethoughtthatapackofBritishboys—you’reallBritish,aren’tyou?—wouldhavebeenabletoputupabettershowthanthat—Imean—"