Читать книгу Rolltown - Mack Reynolds - Страница 9

When Bat and Ferd had returned from their disastrous visit to Linares, Ferd had staggered off for his own quarters but Bat got out of his electro-steamer on his side and started over to the colony physician.

Doc Barnes looked startled and came to his feet. “What in the world’s happened?” he snapped. And then to his nurse, “Miss Stevens!”

Barbara Stevens hustled to her own feet and held open the door to the colony hospital.

Bat headed into the interior, saying, “Ferd Zogbaum and I went into town and got into trouble at a bar.”

Doc Barnes, following him, said grumpily, “I wouldn’t think either of you were the types to get into barroom brawls. Here, let me look at that.”

They had entered the emergency room and Nurse Stevens, a middle-aged woman, professionally efficient, was going about the necessary tasks to treat the cut.

Bat said, “They were laying for us, Doc. Haven’t you noticed the atmosphere?”

“I can’t say that I have. Hold still.”

“Well, we’re evidently not as popular around here as we might be.”

The veteran doctor moved briskly, staunched the blood flow, treated the cut, closed it and placed a layer of pseudo-flesh over the wound. “There you are,” he said. “Nurse.”