[p 29]
“A good carrier can handle a dozen tons without too much trouble, but some of these things have it tough to handle their own weight on dry land and you have to look ’em over pretty closely to be sure which is which. Can’t really judge by a projection.”
Barra looked at the man with slightly increased respect. At least, he knew something about his business. He shifted the viewer to the swamp.
Of course, he thought, there were draft animals over in the western sector. But this small herd was convenient.
“Well,” he said, “I’ve got this little herd over here. They got away some time ago and lost a lot of weight before I rounded them up again.”
Makun examined the projection with increased interest.
“Yeah,” he remarked. “I’d like to [p 30] get out there in the morning and look those fellows over. I just might get the five I need right out there. Might even pick up a spare or two.”
The swamp was a backwater of the lake, accessible by a narrow channel. Barra slowed the boat, easing it along through the still water. Here, the channel was clear, he knew, and it would soon widen. But there were some gravel bars a little farther along that could be troublesome if one were careless. And his attention was divided. He glanced at his companion.
Makun leaned against the cushions, looking at the thick foliage far overhead. Then he turned his attention to the banks of the channel. A long, greenish shape was sliding out of the water. He pointed.
“Have many of those around here?”
“Those vermin?” Barra looked at the amphibian. “Not too many, but I could do with less of them.”