Nostromo - A Tale of the Seaboard.pdf - Planet eBook

ullets may be run. Let it come down to the harbour, readyfor shipment.The next north-going steamer would carry it off for thevery salvation of the San Tome mine, which had producedso much treasure. And, moreover, the rumour was probablyfalse, he remarked, with much conviction in his hurriedtone.‘Besides, senora,’ concluded Decoud, ‘we may suppressit for many days. I have been talking with the telegraphistin the middle of the Plaza Mayor; thus I am certain that wecould not have been overheard. There was not even a birdin the air near us. And also let me tell you something more.I have been making friends with this man called Nostromo,the Capataz. We had a conversation this very evening,I walking by the side of his horse as he rode slowly out ofthe town just now. He promised me that if a riot took placefor any reason—even for the most political of reasons, youunderstand—his Cargadores, an important part of the populace,you will admit, should be found on the side of theEuropeans.’‘He has promised you that?’ Mrs. Gould inquired, withinterest. ‘What made him make that promise to you?’‘Upon my word, I don’t know,’ declared Decoud, in aslightly surprised tone. ‘He certainly promised me that, butnow you ask me why, I could not tell you his reasons. Hetalked with his usual carelessness, which, if he had beenanything else but a common sailor, I would call a pose oran affectation.’Decoud, interrupting himself, looked at Mrs. Gould cu-