The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein

Author:Robert A. Heinlein [Heinlein, Robert A.]
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Sci-Fi
ISBN: 0345314689
Publisher: New York : Ballantine Books, 1977, c1954.
Published: 2009-06-09T19:30:00+00:00

93

“This is ridiculous.”

“I think so, too. But there is nothing I can do.” Perkins stood up. “Good night, Mr. Stuart. Thanks for letting me speak my piece-and for letting me see Lummox. No, don’t get up; I can find the door.” He started to leave, while the Stuarts were busy not looking at each other. He paused at the door. “Mr.

• Stuart?”

“Huh? Yes, Mr. Perkins?”

“Would you do me a favor? Get as many pictures of Lummox as possible? Color-stereo-motion-sound if you can: I would have a professional crew flown here .

but there may not be time. You know. It would be a shame indeed if there were not some scientific record left of him. So do wha.t you can.” He turned away again.

John Thomas gulped and was up out of his chair. “Mr. Perkins! Hey! Come back.”

A few minutes later he found himself, signing a bill of sale. His signature was shaky but legible. “Now Mrs. Stuart,” Mr. Perkins said smoothly, “if you will sign Underneath, where it say~ ‘Guardian’ . . . thanks! Oh yes! I must scratch out that part about ‘subject to settlement of claim.’ I don’t have the cash with me; I got here after the banks had closed, so I’ll pass over a nominal sum to bind it and we’ll settle the rest before we move the specimen.” “No,” said John Thomas.

“Eh?”

“I forgot to tell you. The Museum can settle the claims, since I can’t and after all Lummox did it. But I’m not going to take any money. I’d feel like Judas.” His mother said sharply, “John Thomas! I won’t let you...” “Better not say it, Mum,” he said dangerously. “You know what Dad would have thought.”

“Hrrumph!” Mr. Perkins cleared his t-hroat loudly. “I’m going to fill in the usual legal fiction of a nominal sum. I won t stay longer; Judge O’Farrell told me that he goes to bed at ten. Mrs. Stuart, I consider the Museum bound by my offer. Mr. Stuart, I’ll leave you to settle with your mother in your own way. Good night all!” He shoved the bill of sale in his pocket and left quickly. An hour later they were still facing each other wearily and angrily aci’oss the living room. John Thomas had let himself be bullied into conceding that his mother could take the money, as long as he was not required to touch it. He had

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