Голод
Part III
Inthismanner,Ireachedtherailwaywharf.Therewasnotraffic,nonoise—onlyhereandthereapersontobeseen,alabourerorsailorslinkingroundwiththeirhandsintheirpockets.Itooknoticeofalameman,wholookedsharplyatmeaswepassedoneanother.Istoppedhiminstinctively,touchedmyhat,andinquiredifheknewiftheNunhadsailed.Someway,Icouldn’thelpsnappingmyfingersrightundertheman’snose,andsaying,"Ay,byJove,theNun;yes,theNun!"whichIhadtotallyforgotten.Allthesame,thethoughtofherhadbeensmoulderinginme.Ihadcarrieditaboutunconsciously.
Yes,blessme,theNunhadsailed.
Hecouldn’ttellmewhereshehadsailedto?
Themanreflects,standsonhislongleg,keepstheotherupintheair;itdanglesalittle.
"No,"hereplies."Doyouknowwhatcargoshewastakinginhere?"
"No,"Ianswer.ButbythistimeIhadalreadylostinterestintheNun,andIaskedthemanhowfaritmightbetoHolmestrand,reckonedingoodoldgeographicalmiles.
"ToHolmestrand?Ishouldthink..."
"OrtoVoeblungsnaess?"
"WhatwasIgoingtosay?IshouldthinktoHolmestrand..."
"Oh,nevermind;Ihavejustrememberedit,"Iinterruptedhimagain."Youwouldn’tperhapsbesokindastogivemeasmallbitoftobacco—onlyjustatinyscrap?"
Ireceivedthetobacco,thankedthemanheartily,andwenton.
