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

one of the two spades which belonged to the equipment ofeach lighter for use when ballasting ships. By working withit carefully as soon as there was daylight enough to see, Decoudcould loosen a mass of earth and stones overhangingthe cavity in which they had deposited the treasure, so thatit would look as if it had fallen naturally. It would cover upnot only the cavity, but even all traces of their work, thefootsteps, the displaced stones, and even the broken bushes.‘Besides, who would think of looking either for you or thetreasure here?’ Nostromo continued, as if he could not tearhimself away from the spot. ‘Nobody is ever likely to comehere. What could any man want with this piece of earthas long as there is room for his feet on the mainland! Thepeople in this country are not curious. There are even nofishermen here to intrude upon your worship. All the fishingthat is done in the gulf goes on near Zapiga, over there.Senor, if you are forced to leave this island before anythingcan be arranged for you, do not try to make for Zapiga. It isa settlement of thieves and matreros, where they would cutyour throat promptly for the sake of your gold watch andchain. And, senor, think twice before confiding in any onewhatever; even in the officers of the Company’s steamers,if you ever get on board one. Honesty alone is not enoughfor security. You must look to discretion and prudence ina man. And always remember, senor, before you open yourlips for a confidence, that this treasure may be left safelyhere for hundreds of years. Time is on its side, senor. Andsilver is an incorruptible metal that can be trusted to keep