（外文电子版资料）Smith, Clark Ashton - The Root Of Ampoi.doc

The Root of Ampoi Clark Ashton Smith A circus had arrived in Auburn. The siding at the station was crowded with long lines of cars from which issued a medley of exotic howls, growls, snarls and trumpetings. Elephants and zebras and dromedaries were led along the main streets; and many of the freaks and performers wandered about the town. Two bearded ladies passed with the graceful air and walk of women of fashion. Then came a whole troupe of midgets, trudging along with the look of mournful, sophisticated children. And then I saw the giant, who was slightly more than eight feet tall and magnificently built, with no sign of the disproportion which often attends giantism. He was merely a fine physical specimen of the ordinary man, somewhat more than life-size. And even at first glance, there was something about his features and his gait which suggested a seaman. I am a doctor; and the man provoked my medical curiosity. His abnormal bulk and height, without trace of acromegaly, was something I had never happened to meet before. He must have felt my interest, for he returned my gaze with a speculative eye; and then, lurching in sailor- like fashion, he came over to me. I say, sir, could a chap buy a drink in this ere town? He queried cautiously. I made a quick decision. Come with me, I replied. Im an allopath; and I can tell without asking that youre a sick man. We were only a block from my office. I steered the giant up the stairs and into my private sanctum. He almost filled the place, even when he sat dovm at my urging. I brought out a bottle of rye and poured a liberal glassful for him. He downed it with manifest appreciation. He had worn an air of mild depression when I first met him; now he began to brighten. You wouldnt think, to look at me, that I wasnt always a bloomin giant, he soliloquized. Have another drink, I suggested. After the second glass, he resumed a little mournfully: No, sir, Jim Knox wasnt always a damn circus freak. Then, with little