Повелитель мух
The Sound of the Shell
Hebecameconsciousoftheweightofclothes, kickedhisshoesofffiercelyandrippedoffeachstockingwithitselasticgarterinasinglemovement. Thenheleaptbackontheterrace, pulledoffhisshirt,andstoodthereamongtheskull-likecoconuts withgreenshadowsfromthepalmsandtheforestslidingoverhisskin. Heundidthesnake-claspofhisbelt, luggedoffhisshortsandpants,andstoodtherenaked,lookingatthedazzlingbeachandthewater.
Hewasoldenough,twelveyearsandafewmonths, tohavelosttheprominenttummyofchildhood andnotyetoldenoughforadolescencetohavemadehimawkward. Youcouldseenowthathemightmakeaboxer,asfaraswidthandheavinessofshoulderswent, buttherewasamildnessabouthismouthandeyesthatproclaimednodevil. Hepattedthepalmtrunksoftly,and,forcedatlasttobelieveintherealityoftheisland laugheddelightedlyagainandstoodonhishead. Heturnedneatlyontohisfeet,jumpeddowntothebeach,knelt andsweptadoublearmfulofsandintoapileagainsthischest. Thenhesatbackandlookedatthewaterwithbright,excitedeyes.
"Ralph—"
Thefatboyloweredhimselfovertheterraceandsatdowncarefully, usingtheedgeasaseat.
"I’msorryIbeensuchatime. Themfruit—"
Hewipedhisglassesandadjustedthemonhisbuttonnose. Theframehadmadeadeep,pink"V"onthebridge. HelookedcriticallyatRalph’sgoldenbody andthendownathisownclothes.
