Inquisitor Read Free

lilies were slightly shaking on the still water. The bottom lit by bright beams of the sun was empty and lifeless. The host didn’t come out to the call.
    -          He must be really offended – Lery whispered peering into the water.
    -          Sure, he did get offended! – Flatis nodded – Can you imagine no one treated him for half a year and cared about him? Anyone would get offended!
    -          What shall we do? – the dark-haired Lery asked, as usual he was waiting for Flatis to make a decision.
    -          Let’s call him again!
    Flatis slapped the water. He was more successful that time – the water in the middle of the hammer-pond started greatly and big circles rolled to the banks.
    -          He heard us – Lery exclaimed with excitement – Flatis, do it again!
    Slaps sounded over the hammer-pond again and again. The boys stared at the bottom that could be seen through the water thickness. But the catfish wasn’t rushing to appear, although the vibration in the middle of the hammer-pond was increasing.
    Flatis was intensively looking at the edge of the water at the bank and he didn’t like what he saw. The only thing moving that he could see was long strings of algae.
    -          Lery, have a look – there is no miserable fish, not even whitebait – he touched the friend’s shoulder.
    -          But it’s very hot – Lery declared knowingly – Fish usually hides in deep places. And you call yourself a fisherman!
    -          I’ve been fishing longer than you! – Flatis got in rage – I’ve never come home with an empty bucket! Have a look! Even frogs have disappeared!
    -          I’ll tell you again – that’s because of the heat! – Lery shrugged his shoulders and pulled off the shirt to stay in the mended pants only – All the living creatures are sleeping. As well as the host! I’ll wake him up! Don’t worry!
    -          Are you going to dive? – Flatis guessed
    -          Yup. I’ll check him and swim a bit.
    Lery’s toes touched the water. And a happy smile spread on his face:
    -          The water is nice. And you? Let’s go!
    Flatis sighed and did what his friend advised – he put down the pot with the odorous mess on the grass and took off his shirt. Lery decided not to wait for him. He yelled and jumped into the water to his neck-level.
    -          Come on! Jump!
    -          It’s not easy – Flatis grumbled and started entering the water carefully carrying the pot with the treat in both hands.
    Lery burst out laughing while looking at the friend. Then he rolled to the stomach and swam towards the center of the hammer-pond  - it was the place where the catfish usually waited till the end of the midday heat. Flatis, who had to keep the clay pot closer to his chest, looked at Lery enviously and went on stepping into the water carefully – ‘Like a little girl!’ – it occurred to him.
    Reaching the center of the hammer-pond, Lery started spinning around to peer into the depth but he couldn’t see the bottom as the sun beams couldn’t pierce the thickness of the muddy water and there was absolute darkness below.
    Lery threw away a wet lock of the hair from his forehead, then turned to the procrastinating friend and shouted:
    -          Hey! Are you still there?
    -          Can’t you see?! – Flatis snapped, he was standing in the water at the chest-level – Do you think I can swim with this pot?
    -          Alright. Stay there – Lery replied – I’ll call him. But when the host appears, don’t waste time!
    Flatis was enviously looking at Lery who inhaled deeply and dove. The water surface covered the boy’s head and got still. Flatis switched from one foot to another glaring at the center of the pond – it was the place where Lery’s wet head would emerge. Several seconds passed but Lery wasn’t seen anywhere. When,