'It is customary for such heroic endeavour,' said the Patrician, a little testily.
Vimes faced forward again. 'Really haven't thought about it, sir,' he said. 'Can't speak for the men, of course.'
There was an awkward pause. Out of the corner of his eye Vimes was aware of Nobby nudging the sergeant in the ribs. Eventually Colon stumbled forward and ripped off another salute. 'Permission to speak, sir,' he muttered.
The Patrician nodded graciously.
The sergeant coughed. He removed his helmet and pulled out a scrap of paper.
'Er,' he said. 'The thing is, saving your honour's presence, we think, you know, what with saving the city and everything, or sort of, or, what I mean is ... we just had a go you see, man on the spot and that sort of thing ... the thing is, we reckon we're entitled. If you catch my drift.'
The assembled company nodded. This was exactly how it should be.
'Do go on,' said the Patrician.
'So we, like, put our heads together,' said the sergeant. 'A bit of a cheek, I know ...'
'Please carry on, Sergeant,' said the Patrician. 'You needn't keep stopping. We are well aware of the magnitude of the matter.'
Вы читаете Guards! Guards!
