Miracle #02 10 августа 1997

Самиздат

Library - The story "Halo," by Henry Kuttner.

Henry Kuttner
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  Needless to blame for this mistake Jr.
Angel. He was given a new halo, and indicated
desired planet, and he, feeling clear
 pride for the trust, comply with
all instructions. It happened when he
 first instructed to make a man a saint. After landing in Asia, 
he was at the entrance to the grotto, which opens onto one of

Himalayan peaks. His heart was pounding with excitement when he 
entered the cave, preparing to materialize and give the Great 
Lame him fairly well-deserved award. Ten years of Tibetan 
ascetic Kai Yang sat motionless, steeped in sublime 
contemplation, spent the next ten  on top of the pillar, and 
the last ten lived in this cave hermit, forgetting

all earthly things.
 Junior Angel crossed the threshold of the cave and
surprise froze. He obviously got the wrong
place. Strong smell of sake struck him in the
nose, he stopped short and
 horror, stared at the small, dried old man who, sitting on the 
hearth, roasted leg of lamb. Truly a cave of the Prophet!

 As expected, the younger angel
knowing nothing about the fate of the world, could not
understand what caused the fall of the Grand Lama. Huge jug of 
sake left in entrance to the cave by some careless believers 
looked very tempting,  Lama and tried it, and then another and 
another. In This time it was the worst candidate

in the saints.
 Junior Angel hesitated. User
was quite unambiguous: not drunk
 could wear the halo. Lama loud and hiccupped
reaching for another cup of sake. Seeing this, the angel 
immediately spread its wings and flew off injured in the best 
feelings.  In a mid-western states of North America there is a 
small town with called Tibet. Who will accuse the angel in

that he landed here and
After a brief search found a man
 which is clearly ripe to
become a saint? His name, as reported by plaque on the door of 
a small house, it was K. Young. <Maybe I misunderstood? 
"Thought the younger angel. -I am told that  his name is Kai 
Yang. Here, Tibet, then this should be it. In any case, the

saint he looks like. Where were my halo?>
 Mr. Young thoughtfully sat on the edge of the bed, his head 
drooping on his chest. Spectacle it was miserable. Finally he 
got up, dressed, shaved, combed and washed, and came down

for breakfast.
 Jill Young, his wife, looking through the newspaper, sipping 
orange juice. This was petite, pretty and beautiful woman of 
middle age, has long refused to from attempts to comprehend the 
meaning of life. She decided it was too difficult. Around 
Strange things were happening constantly, so much wiser to 
stand by and simply contemplate proishodyashee. In  result of 
this decision wrinkles almost did not spoil her face, right on 
the head her husband was adding gray hair.

 However, the head of Mr. Yang can
had to say and more. During the night, she has undergone some 
changes, but Mr. Young did not know about it. Jill drank juice

with a smile and looked at the advertising outlandish hats.
 -Hi, Filth, "Young said.
 It was meant not to his wife, and a small Scottish terrier, 
who spun under the feet of his master, and fell in the real 
madness when he was little patted his shaggy ears. Small

 bully shook his head in all directions,
squealing with delight, rubbing the muzzle on
carpet. Charter finally terrier named
 Filth Maknesti began banging his head
on the floor, apparently intending to get rid of the remnants 
of the brain.  Young long ago bored dog kunshtyuki.

He sat down, unfolded a napkin and looked
for breakfast. Then he grunted, and quite
began to eat.
 After a while he noticed that
the wife looks at him with a strange
interest, and hastily wiped his mouth with a napkin. However, 
Gill Do not look away.  Young looked at his shirt. Though she

was not perfectly clean, but he still has not found her pieces 
of bacon and eggs. Glancing at his wife, he noticed that she 
peering into something over his head, and looked up.

 Kenneth, what is it? "Whispered Jill.
Young held his hand through his hair.
 -What are you, dear?
 -Well ... it ... on your head.
He combed her hair five fingers.
 -On the head? What do you mean?
 -There's a certain glow, "explained Gill
 -What have you done to yourself?
 -Nothing special. Men, do you know whether
sometimes bald, "Young said, irritably.
 Jill frowned and took a sip of juice.
Her eyes were staring upward. Finally she said:
 Kenneth, I would ...
 "What?"
 The woman pointed to the mirror.
 Dissatisfied grunt, Young got up and went
to the mirror. Nothing special, same person
which he had seen for many years. Pride
his reflection he had no grounds, but on the other hand, face no
of those who decided to hesitate. Usual, carefully shaven pink 
face. Long association with him led to a sense of Yang, which 
is close to pride.  However, with a halo, it looked like a new 
way, somehow mysteriously, I suppose.  Halo hanging over ten 
inches in head had a diameter of fifteen inches and most 
resembled the shining light ring. Young touched it, but nothing 
special feeling.  -This is ... halo, "he said finally, and 
turned to Jill.  That, after a pause said:

 -Halos are the saints.
 -Do I look like a saint?-Husband surprised
-This is a physical phenomenon. As with the girl, whose bed was 
running across the room. You're reading itself.  Jill 
remembered the story.  "She has done so, imperceptibly 
shortening muscles.  -But I'm not doing anything, "conviction

he said. -True, many Lightbody
arbitrarily.
 -Oh, yes. Grebe, for example.
 Young received a revelation, not batting
eye and rubbed his hands.
 -Thank you my dear. I hope you do not think
that this news will help me.
 -Halos are the saints, "repeated stubbornly Jill.
 Young again went to the mirror.
 -Honey, could you shut up for a second? I was pretty scared, 
but what are you talking about, do not add me courage.

 Jill burst into tears and ran out of room. You could hear it 
in a low voice complains Filth.  Young finished his coffee 
cooled. He did not was so scared, as asserted. The phenomenon 
was strange, but in any case not scared. Perhaps the horn would 
have caused fear and confusion, but the aura of ... Mr. Young

 read the Sunday supplements, and knew that
all the strange phenomena can be explained scientifically. 
Somewhere he heard that the whole mythology is based on 
scientifically proven facts  That calmed him, but only until

until he was about to leave.
 Halo was too broad, and it seemed
that the hat has two fields, the upper
brightly lit.
 -Damn it, Young said worriedly
He rummaged through closet, trying to turn all
hats, but none closed the halo.
As such, he could not get into the bus. Then his attention was 
attracted by a  large object, throw in a corner. Young

pulled it out and examined. It was a long time
lost form a huge felt hat, reminiscent of an army of Chaco.
 When a hat was part of a carnival costume. Sam costume 
disappeared long ago, but the Chaco somehow survived, to the 
delight of terrier, who sometimes slept in it.


  At least, this thing will cover
halo. Young gently put a monster on
head and walked over to the mirror. He had the
at a glance. Muttering some religious texts, he discovered
door and stepped out of the house.
 Choose the lesser evil, is not easy. For
during a nightmarish journey to the center of the Yang
repeatedly flashed the thought that he was mistaken. He
could not bring himself to break with their heads
this monster and crush, even though its so
and was tempted. Huddled in a corner, he enthusiastically 
looked at their own feet, dreaming of sudden death. Behind the 
sound of muffled laughter, he kept  caught the curious glances, 
staring on his head bowed in shame.

 Some child literally tore him
heart and started poking around in the open
wound ruthless fingers.
 -Mom, loudly whispered baby-faced
What a funny uncle.
 Yes, baby, "replied a female voice. -Behave yourself decently.
 -And what he had in mind?-Probed
baby.
 -I do not know, "replied mother reproachfully after a pause.
 -Why him?
 Silence.
 -Mother ...
 Yes, baby?
 "He is mad?
 Yes, shut up you are!-Evasively answered
mother.
 -What is it he is?
 It was too much. Young stood up and
proud step on anyone not looking, went through the bus. Rising 
on the rear platform he turned away, not to see curious looks 
conductor.  When the bus pulled up, Young felt that someone put 
a hand on his shoulder. He turned, side by side, with 
suspicion, looking at him was his mother cheeky baby.

 -What do you want?, He asked bitterly.
 -This bill, "the woman said," from him
not otvyazheshsya. Would you say
what is in your head?
 Beard-Rasputin!-Barked Young. "He left me her legacy.
 Without waiting for the next question, he jumped off the bus, 
trying to hurry hide in the field.

 It was quite difficult, many
passers-by interested in his headdress
fortunately, was close to the office. Breathing heavily, he 
broke into the elevator and sending elevator killer view, 
demanded:  -Nine!

 -Excuse me, politely said the elevator operator, y
you have something on your head.
 -I know, "said Young. -I did it put on.
 It seemed to clarify all doubts
lifters. However, as soon as the passenger came out of the 
elevator boy smiled broadly. A few minutes later, having met 
the cleaner He asked:

 "You know Mr. Yang? This type of ...
 Yes, I know him. And what happened to him?
 -Drunk as a lord.
 "He? You're crazy.
 -Exactly, exactly, "assured the elevator. -Bursting
my eyes.
 Meanwhile, the Holy Young came to the office of Dr. Frencha, a 
physician who for Happily hosted in the same building. Wait

did not have long. Nurse, with horror
glancing at his hat, for a second
disappeared quickly returned and spent
patient in the study.
 Dr. French, a tall man with a huge mustache and suave manner,
greeted Yang.
 -Please, please, come on. As
you feel? I hope nothing serious. Please remove my hat.
 -Wait a minute, "objected to Yang, pulling away from the 
doctor. -First I want something explain. I have on my head ...

 -Cut, scar or crack?, Asked the doctor. -I bandage you in an 
instant.  "I'm not sick," protested Young. Po

At least I hope so. I have ...
uh ... halo.
 Ha-ha, "chuckled politely Dr. French.
-Halo? Are you so holy?
 -Damn! Young-barked and pulled his hat.
 The doctor recoiled, and then, intrigued by
tried to touch the halo fingers, but
nothing happened.
 -Frankly, it's amazing, "he said
Finally. Indeed, like a halo.
 "But what is it?
 Coat hesitated, nervously pulling at their heads.
 -Perhaps it is not my specialty. May appeal to physics? Say to 
the Mayo? That you have removed?

 -No! Its not even touch.
 -Really? .. I need professional advice. In the meantime, if 
you please ...  He had a normal examination: heart, 
temperature, blood, saliva, skin.  Finally, French said:

 -Are you healthy as a bear. Come tomorrow at ten, I will 
invite a couple of specialists for consultation.  A ... you can 
somehow remove it from the me?

 Better yet, do not try. This may
be radioactive. You may need to radium treatment ...
 Young went out, muttering to himself on the alpha and beta 
rays. Reluctantly pulled his hat, he went downstairs to the 
office.  Advertising Agency  was the most

conservative of all. Founded it in
In 1820 the two brothers with gray whiskers, and seemed, to 
this day the shadow of these  whiskers hanging over him. All 
novelties met with disapproval of the Board,

which only in 1938 recognized the existence of radio and signed 
contracts radio advertising. And once young vitsepredsedatelya 
fired for ... wearing a red tie.  Young cautiously crept into 
his office. No one. Crashing into a chair, he took off his hat 
and with a nervous laugh reviewed it. She looked even nastier 
than in the morning. Hat something  like a barn, and, worst of 
all, smell, not very much, but certainly

dog.
 Yang studied the halo, he decided that he holds firmly, and 
set to work. In this moment the door opened, and on the verge 
of singing curled Edwin Dzh.Kipp, director of the agency 
. Young barely had time to poke my head under the table. 
Kipp was a short, elegant man with grace and restraint

worn eyeglasses and a beard, a la Van Dyke.
His blood has long since become
in the ice, he personified the surly conservatism.
 "Good day," he greeted. -E ... you
here, Mr. Young?
 "Yes," assured the invisible Young. -Good
day. Sorry, I loosened the laces on the shoes.
 The answer of Mr. Kipp delivered attack
cough. Under the table were silent.
 -Hmm ... Mr. Young?
 -Yes, I'm here, "replied the unfortunate saint. "They get 
confused ... Laces, I have in mind. You do me wrong?

 Yes.
 Kipp waited with growing irritation, but no signs of haste was 
not noticeably. Director weighed the possibility to look under 
the table, but the conversation such a grotesque pose for him 
was unacceptable. Giving up, he outlined the essence of Yang 
case.  -Called Mr. Devlin, "said Kipp. "He

coming soon and wants ... to
showed him the town.
 Invisible Young knowingly chuckled. Devlin
was one of the best customer agencies.
More precisely, the former clients, because
Last year, he transferred his affairs of another
firm.
 "He said," continued the director, "that
He had doubts about its
new contract. He wanted to charge all
Firm <Wold>, but corresponded with him
 this issue, I will persuade him to personal
conversation that can bring us def.
benefit. So, he intends to come to our
city ​​and wants ... whew, wants to explore
him. Kipp confided:
 -I note that Mr Devlin quite categorically stated that he 
prefers less than conservative agency. More flexible, as it has 
identified. In the evening we agreed to have dinner, and I will 
try to convince him that our services will be most suitable for 
him. But ... Kipp again have a fit of coughing, though, 
diplomacy, of course important, I would like you to do today 
our guest in a less formal setting.  During this monologue 
table was silent, but oyknul now choked and refused:

 -I can not, I ... I'm sick.
 -Does it hurt? Maybe call the doctor?
 Young immediately rejected the proposal, still staying in the 
shelter.  No, I ... I wanted to say ...

 -You're a pretty original, said Mr. Kipp with commendable
restraint. "However, there is something
what you should know. I do not want to talk, but ... In 
general, the board drew attention to you. We discussed this at 
last board meeting. Perhaps We offer you the position of 
vice-chairman of the agency.  Under the table were numb.

 -For the past fifteen years, you lot
done to raise the prestige of our company. -He did, of course, 
Kipp. In-your reputation is not a single blemish. I 
congratulate you!  Director approached with an outstretched 
hand. Hand, leaning out from under the table, quickly

answered on a handshake, and lightning
disappeared. Nothing else happened.
Young stubbornly sat in his shelter, and Kipp
realized that if you do not pull him out by force,
chance to see Yang he is not there.
Clearing his throat again, he went out.
 Poor Young popped out from under the table, wincing in pain on 
as the straightened leg. Gee! How can he deal with Devlin, the 
halo? And do not you want to do, goodbye increase! Young, well 
knew that the selection of employees advertisement Agency 
 virtually none.  The sudden appearance of an angel in 
the book cabinet interrupted his thoughts.

 Cabinet was fairly large, so the guest
sat down with the comforts and turning wings
began to swing one's legs. His clothing consisted of kutsego 
dress of white brocade and a bright halo in the form which Yang

felt sick.
 -All right, "he said confidently. Halo-yet
may be the result of mass hypnosis
but when an angel ...
 "Do not be afraid," consoled him an angel, "I insisted. Young 
continued to stare at him.  -How do I know? Apparently, I'm 
talking to air. This is obviously a schizo-something-there. Hit 
the fuck ...  Angel moved his toes and worried

stared at him.
 -While I can not. The fact that I was mistaken
I hope you noticed a halo over his head? Young laughed 
nervously.  -Oh yeah, time to see!

 The door opened before the angel answered. Kipp looked, but 
saw that Yang busy growled  and closed the door

 Angel rubbed his golden curls.
 -You know, your halo is needed to give another person ... 
Tibetan Lama but due to certain circumstances, I came to the 
conclusion that you are a candidate for the saints. So ... 
-Angel pointedly took his hand.  Young looked at him 
dumbfounded.  "I'm not quite ...

 -This Lama ... have sinned, and none of the sinner has no 
right to wear a halo. And I as I said and handed it to you in 
error, however.  -So you can pick it up?-Young asked hopefully.


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