Ностромо
Chapter 8
Afterorderhadbeenrestored,andthebinnaclelamprelighted,shewentaheadagain,passingwideofthelighterinhersearchfortheIsabels.Thegroupcouldnotbemadeout,and,atthepitifulentreatiesofthecaptain,Sotilloallowedtheenginestobestoppedagaintowaitforoneofthoseperiodicallighteningsofdarknesscausedbytheshiftingofthecloudcanopyspreadabovethewatersofthegulf.
Sotillo,onthebridge,mutteredfromtimetotimeangrilytothecaptain.Theother,inanapologeticandcringingtone,beggedsumercedthecoloneltotakeintoconsiderationthelimitationsputuponhumanfacultiesbythedarknessofthenight.Sotilloswelledwithrageandimpatience.Itwasthechanceofalifetime.
“Ifyoureyesareofnomoreusetoyouthanthis,Ishallhavethemputout,”heyelled.
Thecaptainofthesteamermadenoanswer,forjustthenthemassoftheGreatIsabelloomedupdarklyafterapassingshower,thenvanished,asifsweptawaybyawaveofgreaterobscurityprecedinganotherdownpour.Thiswasenoughforhim.Inthevoiceofamancomebacktolifeagain,heinformedSotillothatinanhourhewouldbealongsidetheSulacowharf.Theshipwasputthenfullspeedonthecourse,andagreatbustleofpreparationforlandingaroseamongthesoldiersonherdeck.
ItwashearddistinctlybyDecoudandNostromo.TheCapatazunderstooditsmeaning.TheyhadmadeouttheIsabels,andweregoingonnowinastraightlineforSulaco.
