Ностромо
Chapter 8
ThisgossipoftheinlandCampo,socharacteristicoftherulersofthecountrywithitsstoryofoppression,inefficiency,fatuousmethods,treachery,andsavagebrutality,wasperfectlyknowntoMrs.Gould.Thatitshouldbeacceptedwithnoindignantcommentbypeopleofintelligence,refinement,andcharacterassomethinginherentinthenatureofthingswasoneofthesymptomsofdegradationthathadthepowertoexasperateheralmosttothevergeofdespair.Stilllookingattheingotofsilver,sheshookherheadatDonPepe’sremark—
“IfithadnotbeenforthelawlesstyrannyofyourGovernment,DonPepe,manyanoutlawnowwithHernandezwouldbelivingpeaceablyandhappybythehonestworkofhishands.”
“Senora,”criedDonPepe,withenthusiasm,“itistrue!ItisasifGodhadgivenyouthepowertolookintotheverybreastsofpeople.Youhaveseenthemworkingroundyou,DonaEmilia—meekaslambs,patientliketheirownburros,bravelikelions.Ihaveledthemtotheverymuzzlesofguns—I,whostandherebeforeyou,senora—inthetimeofPaez,whowasfullofgenerosity,andincourageonlyapproachedbytheuncleofDonCarloshere,asfarasIknow.NowondertherearebanditsintheCampowhentherearenonebutthieves,swindlers,andsanguinarymacaquestoruleusinSta.Marta.However,allthesame,abanditisabandit,andweshallhaveadozengoodstraightWinchesterstoridewiththesilverdowntoSulaco.”
Mrs.
