Wild Jack Read Free Page A

should have happened?”
    â€œThere was a case for exclusion then,” Brian said. “I’m not disputing that. But what about later? What about now? We have more food, more energy, more everything than we need. The cities could support ten times as many people as they do.”
    â€œSo we could live in mobs again, like in the twentieth century?” That was another boy, Roland. “Let’sbring the savages in and live alongside them in ­tenement buildings—is that what you want?”
    â€œNo, of course I don’t.” Brian suddenly seemed to realize the absurdity into which his argument had led him, and looked uncertain. “Anyway, I was talking about servants, really. They’ve lived in the cities for generations. We call them servants, but if we were honest we would call them slaves. They’re born in slavery, live in slavery, die in slavery. In ancient Rome slaves had a slim chance of getting their freedom. Our servants have no hope at all.”
    There was a general murmur of disgust. The reference to ancient Rome had something to do with it. No one was interested in the Dark Ages, either early or late. And it wasn’t true about slavery. Servants were paid money for their work—not a lot, it was true, but too much, many said, for the amount they did. “Slave” was an unpleasant expression which had no place in the civilized world of the twenty-third century.
    Martin said, “You’re just talking rubbish, Brian. The servants don’t mind being servants, any more than the savages mind being savages. They’re used to it—contented, in fact.”
    Brian asked, “How do you know?”
    Roland said, “I know something. I know I’ve had enough of this talk. I mind that. Let’s have some more music.”
    â€œYou won’t think,” Brian said. “None of you will. That’s the trouble—you won’t let yourselves think.”
    â€œI’ll tell you what I think,” Martin said. “I think you should shut up, Brian, or else do the thing properly and go out and join Wild Jack.”
    That raised a laugh. We could all remember being told stories about Wild Jack by our nurses when we were little: Wild Jack, the bogeyman who would creep up from the Outlands, steal over the wall by night, and take back naughty children to his lair among the savages. Martin’s remark reduced the subject to the level of the ridiculous, which was its proper place. Brian made a feeble attempt to continue with his protests, but no one was listening any longer.
    After all, what point was there in talking about the Dark Ages or the savages, far away either in time or space? Servants brought out more food and drink. The sky was black above, but the lamps shone gaily in the trees. It was still warm, but if the evening wereto turn cold, thermostats would switch on the heaters. A long boat, lit up from stem to stern, drifted past on the river, and farther off I heard the high whine of a speedboat.
    The Outlands, we knew, were wild and trackless, inhabited by hungry, murdering savages, but all that was on the far side of the wall. We were snug in the city. I saw a high light in the distance, marking the summit of the energy tower.
    Someone had turned up the music, and couples joined together to dance. Brian had seemingly accepted defeat and now had other things in mind. He came over and asked Miranda for a dance.
    She gave him a small, cool smile. “I’m sorry. Clive’s already asked me.”
    I hadn’t, in fact, but I didn’t argue about that. I took her out onto the circle of polished wood, laid down by the servants between the trees. For the first time I felt there had been some point in the grinding tedium of dancing lessons. She danced lightly, humming in tune to the music. It was good to hold her and see her face close to mine in the lamplight.

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    M Y PARENTS VISIPHONED FROM RHODES the day before the