That's just a gift for Donnie there is clearly not fit - remembering the selfless love of others to read, I bought him the complete works of my uncle in the Collector's Edition. Twenty-four thick volumes, covered with dark green leather with gold lettering and edging. I think they are perfectly decorate the library of the future family nest couple Watson.
Okay, this evening we will investigate. And by the way, and where he Donnie?
Knocking on his bedroom door and receiving no answer, I'm a little upset. Not that I was against his communication with Marissa, not at all. Just sometimes really want to share with by someone whose opinion you value, your thoughts, ask for advice. And like another one yesterday was there, with him you can always talk, trust him with a secret or just complain about the trouble, and bang! There is a woman, and everything turned upside down.
Well, in any case, I'll see Donny on holiday in the shelter, of course, if he does not appear before the house. Then it will be possible to discuss the upcoming trip, and now if I want to do everything I need to hurry up a bit.
Quick breakfast, thanking Marjorie, I went outside. There's me again back in a good mood, it was simply impossible to frown, looking at all this beauty around. Similarly, in a historic, half-forgotten poem "Frost and sun, a wonderful day ...." Frost, by the way, is really pinched the nose, but the feeling was very pleasant, invigorating.
Catching crew, full of enthusiasm, I went to the first item in the list of places that I had to go round - Londiniumskuyu transatlantic transportation company. And after fifteen minutes left on the street, in a completely upset. Ticket price for parusnoparovoy clipper "Albatross" for five people with a cargo and its own power, was exactly four hundred gold coins. When I asked about the tickets cheaper, told me that on that ship there are only luxury cabins, which are already a total of sixteen pieces, and the next flight - a month.
The transport company "British commercial transportation" to Panama we can deliver half the price, but not in the individual cabins, and highlighting the hammocks in the general cabin, together with the sailors. And all would do, but two important points made me reject the proposal: was a lady, and she definitely need a stateroom, and there were only three places among us.
transport company was "Beauty of the Atlantic" last hope. But when I saw the shabby, as though even a rickety building, which housed the central office, it has evaporated like a drop of water in the surface of the hot stones in the desert, instantly and irrevocably. Although stooped clerk in a shabby suit, constantly rubbed his hands nervously smiling, and assured me that their ship will bring me safely to their destination, and vsegoto one hundred and fifty gold coins of all, I said that I still think about it and quickly went on the air. In a dark room smelled of poverty and despair.
Returning to the crew, I spent some time trying to figure out what to do next. The first option, of course, was perfect - clipper, with its speed, would domchal us to places parutroyku weeks. But the price! But still need to somehow come back.
No, I just do not fit, can not even be considered. It may be possible somehow to negotiate a second office? Well, let's say we Donnie could hire any helpers travel time for a place ... anywhere, but at least on deck.
- Mister, we are where we were going or what? Or just pay?
So what's the simple, to me now, with these quotations have to save every copper coin. And I have this fancy suit and bought for big money, that's settled!
- My dear, as you still do not know the case kakoynibud office, which would be engaged in maritime transport?
- Offices? This you need to buy a reference, sir, there are all specified. And I just know the sailing club, in the city, more than anything.
- Marine Club? What's that?
- Well, I got there somehow carried a couple of naval officers Messrs. They bought out the whole building there, for the rest. Only just, from the street, do not get, if you were not a sailor or a big shot at the court.
Nautical Club! But it is very interesting. If I can get there, you have a chance to talk to by someone who could help me. He, of course, is small, but I have to use it.
- A davayteka this club, so hurry!
- As you say, sir.
Building sea club was difficult to confuse with other kakimto. Not only was the pediment, decorated with stucco work in the form of a variety of ships with their sails, so more and instead knocker hung a real ship's bell. Well, let's hope my new magic key to help me open the door. Mentally wished myself luck, I pulled the rope.
- What do you want, sir?
- Good afternoon. I need to speak with the owner of the club on an urgent matter.
- In urgent? - Open the door for me, gray-haired and important majordomo, gave me a searching look. - I venture to say that you are too young to have urgent business to Mr. Tonberri.
- I'm sorry, but I'm young or not, it does not matter. If you do not want to let me in, give Mr. Tonberri this. I'm sure he'll want to talk to me - I handed the man a flat badge obtained at the time of the detective, as part of the reward for the quest "The Puppeteer".
- Okay, but you have to wait here.
The door slammed shut, leaving me in the cold. Prepared to wait, and not wanting to freeze, I began to pace back and forth on a small patch in front of the porch, looking at the silhouettes of the ships, which was decorated building. I must say that, although the sailing ships, as far as I knew, had been rather slow and not very safe mode of transportation, they looked simply magical. Such swift, graceful, they resembled not the work of human hands, and living creatures - a flock of birds or white butterflies ...
- Please, sir, Mr. Tonberri expect.
The door opened again, snatching me from brooding contemplation. At this time, the major-domo had lost all their importance, looking at me a little frightened and obsequious.
Apparently, my zhetonamulet worked exactly as it should be.
I went after the man in the spacious foyer, the wide staircase with carved railings stunningly beautiful rose to the second floor. Stopping in front of a folding door with a gorgeous thread, I thanked the escort and knocked.
- Yes, yes, the sign!
- Good afternoon, Mr. Tonberri, I apologize for the trouble.
- Good afternoon, sir. I'm sorry, I do not know your name - from the table toward me stood an imposing man, tall, slightly overweight, who looked about sixty years old, with a fine for his age bearing.
- My name is Sherlock Brown.
- Very nice to meet you, sir. What is required? I must confess, I am not often met people who own a similar distinction in their life.
- I believe, still less - I had to figure out right now, which is, in fact, give me the advantages of this royal badge. The most important thing - not to betray his ignorance. - You see, I have for you is quite a delicate matter ...
Looking at the raised eyebrows in polite interest Mr. Tonberri, I frantically thought about how do I build our conversation - whether to tell him the truth? Fortunately, my interlocutor himself for me all decided.
- That's what I understand, Mr. Brown, your sign says that the other cases you can not be. I will not ask about the details, I only one question. We are talking about the ministry of the Crown?
- Of course - I answered with confidence. Of course, the rescue of the famous writer can be called the crown of service business. His work increases the prestige of the country and, therefore, is for the benefit of the Queen as its integral part.
- Then, I'm listening. Chtonibud drink? Lemonade, ginger ale?
- No, thank you, - it would still warm milk and cookies offered. I decided to go straight to the point. - You see, Mr. Tonberri, I have a very important and urgent business in Central America, but, unfortunately, use the services of companies engaged in passenger transport, I can not ... for some reason, which I would prefer not to spread. I would like to ask you to help solve this problem - to get to Panama to me and my people as quickly as possible, and desirable, without attracting undue attention. I am sure you have th
e proper love.
Now I was, as they say, VABank. Mr. Tonberri clearly embarrassed my age, it was very noticeable, but on the other hand, confident tone and vigor, backed by the sign of the royal confidence, were to play on my side.
With about a minute the man was silent, gazing thoughtfully at one point, then he turned to me, apparently taking some piece solution.
- Well, Mr. Brown, I will help you.
To say that I have a huge stone fell soul - just do not say anything. He hoped that sigh of relief that I was not able to hold back, no one else was inaudible.
- One of our members, Mr. Ellington, is the captain of the battleship of the second class "Petrel". The day after tomorrow, in the third squadron of the Royal Navy and the British Isles, it is sent to the exercises, which will be held in the Caribbean, - continued Mr. Tonberri. - We need to show the Spaniards cursed all the strength and power of our armada that they had no doubt who the true ruler of the seas in the world!
Honestly, I should of enormous effort to hold back, and do not give her joy. Keeping in mind that I, as a person close to the Queen, is obliged to keep the brand, I just thanked reserved for the service and asked about paying the cost of the voyage, and the mediation of Mr. Tonberri.
- I'm sure that the captain Ellington will be delighted to provide you and your team a place in their ship for free, and only me, you did wrong, and such a proposal. I will write for you a cover letter, but you have to have time to sail. If memory serves me correctly, it's scheduled for six o'clock in the morning, waiting for you, no one will.
Interrupting the expression of gratitude, Mr. Tonberri returned my badge, which I was looking to the well-deserved respect, and asked me to wait a moment while he would write a letter.
Indeed, less than a couple of minutes, I was presented with a tight envelope, with the assurance that I have not brought absolutely no concern. Saying goodbye to the owner of the club, mentally promised myself to thank him kaknibud at the first opportunity, I went outside.
Now my mood again became beautiful, and with a sense of accomplishment I went home. We had to hurry, especially since the time it was almost lunchtime, soon to go to the gala ball in the shelter.
Back home, the first thing I asked Jerome malchishkoykurerom pass with a letter for Mr. Langdon, which put him on notice when and on what ship we sail, offering to meet at the train station, or already in Portsmouth, in the port. The courier would bring the answer.
Donnie is still not there, and I decided to do as long as gifts. Expanding on sacs coins and souvenirs, I stopped for a moment in thought in front of the bag with the name Donnie. Suddenly it came up with a great idea.
I took a piece of paper and wrote a note to read as follows:
"There you will find your gift, which was found by the entrance to the magical land where birds and animals talk and the children save the world from eternal winter."
Given that Donnie bibliophile, I think that this mystery will not be an obstacle for him. It remains only to hide the gift itself.
Upstairs in his room, I pushed a box of books deep in the closet, as he could disguise hanging clothes. It is done!
The clock, meanwhile, showed already half of the fifth! Interestingly, there will be fed, or better yet, eat at home?
At the bottom of the door slam. Fearing it back Donnie, I hurried out of his room so as not to cause too many questions.
As it turned out, I was not mistaken. In the lobby fluttering pink cloud with lace, starched wings, which I hardly recognized Marissa and stood sullenly downcast, my friend, dressed in spooky costume, which consisted of velvet breeches, stockings, short coat and beret with a feather. By comparison, my pirate costume looked just pokorolevski.
- Yeah, that's Sherlock! - Marissa was clearly glad to see me. - How do you like my dress? - She whirled around the room again.
- Simply delicious. And whom do you portray? - I doubt looked at the dark Donny.
- Is it clear? I feyakrestnaya, and this is my page!
- The page? - I could not help smiling. Donny, who was above the miniature Marissa almost on his head, looked at the role of a page, which voobscheto must be a child, is very comical.
- Page, page. I do not see anything so funny. Come on, change clothes, we go go.
- Donald, wait, you have not forgotten anything? We should give our gift to Sherlock.
- Ah, yes, exactly. Happy change of seasons - Donny, who apparently did not like his suit, somewhat irritably shoved me into the hands of the box.
- Happy change of seasons, Sherlock! - Marissa, as opposed to the other, clearly enjoying the scene.
The box turned out to be absolutely stunning fold-out telescope, in hard leather tube, and with a strap to be worn on a belt.
Deciding that the time is quite appropriate, I sent Donnie to the fireplace with a bag and handed Marissa fine workmanship of ivory cameo on agate, on which was a picture of the lovely rose. While she gasped excitedly and pinned to the collar of her dress, from the living room back Donnie bewildered, with a note in his hand.
It turned out that he did not understand my riddle, so as CS Lewis and Narnia did not have a clue. Already preparing to make a joke about a bibliophile who has no idea about the work of the famous English writer, I suddenly understood and bit his tongue. CS Lewis prostonaprosto was not even born in this world, so Donny and may not know it. And how could I not think about it?
I had to come up with a story that is a little-known work of a little-known writer. In general, the time of delivery of gifts left crumpled, and not the way I planned it. Although, it seems that it is no one but me, do not bother.
Having decided, nevertheless, a little at first bite, which I was very happy as could be hungry, we had tea and biscuits, and decided to put forward, as time is running out. I changed into my brilliant pirate costume and boldly stepped into the street, deep down fear that we are now begin to point fingers.
My fears proved groundless. By evening, the city already began to feel the festive atmosphere, and even a cab, we stopped, turned out to be decorated with bunches of green branches, and the horses' manes were woven red ribbons.
Sam cabby did not even bat an eye when the cab sat a pink fairy with his page, and a pirate in green tights. However, looking out the window on the way, I understand - why. During those forty minutes, we went to the shelter, I saw three girls dressed princesses, a few pages, a pair of robbers, Harlequin and jack of spades. The whole city is clearly going to full of a mass masquerade ball. Making sure not to look like an idiot in his suit and did not attract anyone's attention, I calmed down.
Mr. Robertson, who opened the door to my knock, I did not at first recognize. Bushy black beard covered most of his face, a dark blue coat, decorated with embroidery and gold buttons, tight stomach a huge bill, with a belt hung a sword of frightening proportions.
- Thousand devils! Anchor you in the throat! Who has brought us hard?
Yeah, everything is clear, the image is quite recognizable. But who am I, and yet I do not know, however, what a trifle! Play, so bigger!
- Vintage Edward, do not you recognize me? It's me, Henry!
- Henry? - it was clear that Mr. Robertson a little confused.
- Of course, Henry! Are not you glad to see me, my friend?
- I ... Uh ...
- Of course, I'm glad! All are glad to see such a famous person, as Henry Morgan, no, my friends right? - I turned to standing next to Donny and Marissa. - Let me introduce you to my old friend, Sir Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. These are my prisoners - again I turned to the man - the Spanish princess and her chaperone ... mmm.
- What? What I'll chaperone! I page!
- And I'm not a princess, I have a fairy godmother Cinderella.
- What? What a fairy in the sea? You - the princess captured, respectively, ravaged our Spanish galleon. And you, - I said to Donnie - her chaperone. Since highborn Spanish girls did not travel with the men, even if he page, though the king.
-
Would you play in the theater, Mr. Brown. Come in, you are too tired of waiting - smile seen through the false beard.
- Thank you, Mr. Robertson. Happy Changes of your years.
They gathered to celebrate the feast in the dining room, in the largest room in the house. Part of the table has been taken out, the rest are placed on the sides of the room, leaving a lot of space. The room was decorated already familiar green bouquets and wreaths, and very brightly illuminated.
As it turned out, it really has been in place, and our appearance has caused a clear revival. And if the image of Donny in his old velvet trousers, called restrained laughter in the ranks of the students, then Marissa struck all on the spot. A couple dozen admiring boyish looks made her smile and proudly assume a dignified air, although Donald was clearly unhappy.
As soon as we greeted each other and sat down on the empty seats, began the official part of the evening. As it turned out, we had to watch the performance of the theater itself, which I admit, so did not bother to find out. Well, do not take the same familiarity that I had once enjoyed his props.
Yes ... Very long ago it all was, it feels like another life. If you compare me, how I was when I just came into this world, and I am today - it will be two different people. Of course, the most difficult to assess, but judging by the fact that on the same things, I began to look quite differently, it is. On a tiny, makeshift stage, meanwhile, the action unfolds:
My love is not expressed in words,
You are dearer to me than air, light eyes,
More valuable than all the treasures and riches of the world,
Health, life, honor, beauty,
I love you, but loved children
Hitherto never their fathers.
Tongue numb from such feelings,
And it takes your breath away.
Wow! I looked at Miss Emily, who was watching the game of young actors with obvious excitement. Love of Shakespeare - it's certainly good, but 'King Lear'? Not sure that this product is suitable for children's theater, it's better to put "Much Ado About Nothing" and "The Taming of the Shrew." Although, I must say, the guys played just great - Goneril and Regan looked frankly unpleasant hypocrite, and Cordelia was a nice and modest.
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