Читать книгу The Dark River онлайн

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"That's a pet, evidently," said Hardie. "I've never seen a more comical air of astonishment and disapproval in a bird's behavior. What was it?"

"Belongs to the heron family, I should think," McLeod replied, absently. "Alan, this place is like a dream to me. All sorts of dim memories seem to be coming back. You can't imagine what a strange feeling it gives me."

"Listen, Mac. I think I'll leave you."

"Leave me? What for?"

"You should have come alone. I would have wanted to, in your place. Don't know why I didn't think of this before."

"It doesn't matter."

"Yes it does. You'll want to talk with Mauri about your father and mother, and your childhood here, and all the rest of it. I'll walk to Tautira. Fara said there's a footpath along the beach that can be followed without much trouble. You don't mind paddling the canoe back?"

"Not if you're sure you want to go."

"I do. I'd like to see the coast from on shore."

"There's one thing," McLeod said. "If they ask me, I think I'll stay on here for a day or so."