For the days off payment will be in one and a half time above, - Ball has promised, and risen there was a discontent has
settled.
Fed nourishingly, but it is monotonous. Fresh water on island was not; water-desalinating installations worked all day and
night and nevertheless water gave out on strict norm. On Saturdays everyone received a bottle of whisky.
The people exhausted by work instantly got drunk, and quarrels and squabbles began. Every possible valid and imaginary
insults were recollected, fights flashed. Then to fighting patrols with letters "MR" on pith helmets slowly approached and
inconsiderately silently took away them.
Charlie and Dik, as well as the majority of qualified workers, tried to keep aloof from scandals and did not leave in such
evenings barracks. But Dik, having become slightly tight, sometimes did not maintain and with bloodshot eyes silently rushed
in a dump. He fought was able and is ruthless, and of it were rather afraid.
I polish blood, - it justified before Charlie, - and that here and to sour not for long.
Charlie was silent, praying about itself to god that this polishing has not terminated badly for a companion. And it could come
to an end badly. Even mild, good-natured Mike once some days otlezhivalsja, having received blow by something heavy
behind on a head.
I do not know, how it happens, guys, - puzzly staring bluish fibers, he spoke. - I do not like to fight and I do not fight never...
The truth I tell, you know. Always, on the contrary, I separate, if who fights. And here to you... Has drunk the small bottle, has
gone on coast to look a convenient place to have a sleep. Suddenly - bats! - and I remember nothing...
I would like to catch one such swell that flies from a back! For certain any smelly slug, from those who likes to clean Negro
quarters. - Dik has looked at the clenched fists, then has cautiously touched a huge black eye.
You would not communicate with it chako! - ozabochenno Charlie has told. - you courageous and strong, Dik, but after all
here also can kill... Well, that you neigh? Look at the Negro... It, apparently, meek and mild always...
Mike has gloomily smiled.
Meanwhile works went at full speed. The island became covered by the thick plates of the concrete which has been held
down by iron armature. In the middle of island the giant construction grew from a steel and the metal cables, similar to a tower
with the basis in some hundreds square metres. In the evenings the lacy shade of a tower freakish stains laid down on walls
and roofs of working barracks. All night long on it electric welders pottered about, round it at lebedok and enormous coils half
of all working army of island pottered with cables.
The steel tower grew in the face of, and it was obvious that the basic efforts of building are concentrated here.
Children say that it devilishly looks like a beacon, - Charlie, - or on a derrick has told somehow.