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

est confidence. Its implied flattery and suggestion of greatrisks came with a familiar sound to the Capataz. His mind,floating in irresolution and discontent, recognized it withbitterness. He understood well that the doctor was anxiousto save the San Tome mine from annihilation. He would benothing without it. It was his interest. Just as it had been theinterest of Senor Decoud, of the Blancos, and of the Europeansto get his Cargadores on their side. His thought becamearrested upon Decoud. What would happen to him?Nostromo’s prolonged silence made the doctor uneasy.He pointed out, quite unnecessarily, that though for thepresent he was safe, he could not live concealed for ever. Thechoice was between accepting the mission to Barrios, withall its dangers and difficulties, and leaving Sulaco by stealth,ingloriously, in poverty.‘None of your friends could reward you and protect youjust now, Capataz. Not even Don Carlos himself.’‘I would have none of your protection and none of yourrewards. I only wish I could trust your courage and yoursense. When I return in triumph, as you say, with Barrios,I may find you all destroyed. You have the knife at yourthroat now.’It was the doctor’s turn to remain silent in the contemplationof horrible contingencies.‘Well, we would trust your courage and your sense. Andyou, too, have a knife at your throat.’‘Ah! And whom am I to thank for that? What are yourpolitics and your mines to me—your silver and your constitutions—yourDon Carlos this, and Don Jose that—‘