Read Online I Am Crying All Inside and Other Stories by Clifford D. Simak - Free Book Online Page B

bullet.
    Interference, thought Sheridan. There had been someone here between the time the second expedition left and the third one had arrived.
    â€œGideon,” he said.
    â€œWhat is it, Steve?”
    â€œGo back to base and bring the transmog chest. Tell Hezekiah to get my tent and all the other stuff over here as soon as he is able. Call some of the boys off reconnaissance. We have work to do.”
    There had been someone here, he thought—and most certainly there had. A very urbane creature who sat beneath a tree beside a spread-out picnic cloth, swigging at his jug and talking for three solid hours without saying anything at all!
    V
    The messenger from Central Trading brought his small ship down to one side of the village square, not far from where Sheridan’s tent was pitched. He slid back the visi-dome and climbed out of his seat.
    He stood for a moment, shining in the sun, during which be straightened his SPECIAL COURIER badge, which had become askew upon his metal chest. Then he walked deliberately toward the barn, heading for Sheridan, who sat upon the ramp.
    â€œYou are Sheridan?” he asked.
    Sheridan nodded, looking him over. He was a splendid thing.
    â€œI had trouble finding you. Your base seems to be deserted.”
    â€œWe ran into some difficulty,” Sheridan said quietly.
    â€œNot too serious, I trust. I see your cargo is untouched.”
    â€œLet me put it this way—we haven’t been bored.”
    â€œI see,” the robot said, disappointed that an explanation was not immediately forthcoming. “My name is Tobias and I have a message for you.”
    â€œI’m listening.”
    Sometimes, Sheridan told himself, these headquarters robots needed taking down a peg or two.
    â€œIt is a verbal message. I can assure you that I am thoroughly briefed. I can answer any questions you may wish to ask.”
    â€œPlease,” said Sheridan. “The message first.”
    â€œCentral Trading wishes to inform you that they have been offered the drug calenthropodensia in virtually unlimited supply by a firm which describes itself as Galactic Enterprises. We would like to know if you can shed any light upon the matter.”
    â€œGalactic Enterprises,” said Sheridan. “I’ve never heard of them.”
    â€œNeither has Central Trading. I don’t mind telling you that we’re considerably upset.”
    â€œI should imagine you would be.”
    Tobias squared his shoulders. “I have been instructed to point out to you that you were sent to Garson IV to obtain a cargo of podars, from which this drug is made, and that the assignment, in view of the preliminary work already done upon the planet, should not have been so difficult that—”
    â€œNow, now,” cautioned Sheridan. “Let us keep our shirts on. If it will quiet your conscience any, you may consider for the record that I have accepted the bawling out you’re supposed to give me.”
    â€œBut you—”
    â€œI assume,” said Sheridan, “that Galactic Enterprises is quoting a good stiff price on this drug of theirs.”
    â€œIt’s highway robbery. What Central Trading has sent me to find out—”
    â€œIs whether I am going to bring in a cargo of podars . At the moment, I can’t tell you.”
    â€œBut I must take back my report!”
    â€œNot right now, you aren’t. I won’t be able to make a report to you for several days at least. You’ll have to wait.”
    â€œBut my instructions are—”
    â€œSuit yourself,” Sheridan said sharply. “Wait for it or go back without it. I don’t give a damn which you do.”
    He got up from the ramp and walked into the barn.
    The robots, he saw, had finally pried or otherwise dislodged the cap from the big machine and had it on the side on the driveway floor, tilted to reveal the innards of it.
    â€œSteve,” said Abraham bitterly, “take