Ностромо
Chapter 8
Bothmutteredastifledexclamationofsurprise,andleapedbackandstoodstill,eachindistincttotheother.Nostromowassilent.Theothermanspokefirst,inanamazedanddeadenedtone.
“Whoareyou?”
AlreadyNostromohadseemedtorecognizeDr.Monygham.Hehadnodoubtnow.Hehesitatedthespaceofasecond.Theideaofboltingwithoutawordpresenteditselftohismind.Nouse!Aninexplicablerepugnancetopronouncethenamebywhichhewasknownkepthimsilentalittlelonger.Atlasthesaidinalowvoice—
“ACargador.”
Hewalkeduptotheother.Dr.Monyghamhadreceivedashock.Heflunghisarmsupandcriedouthiswonderaloud,forgettinghimselfbeforethemarvelofthismeeting.Nostromoangrilywarnedhimtomoderatehisvoice.TheCustomHousewasnotsodesertedasitlooked.Therewassomebodyinthelightedroomabove.
Thereisnomoreevanescentqualityinanaccomplishedfactthanitswonderfulness.Solicitedincessantlybytheconsiderationsaffectingitsfearsanddesires,thehumanmindturnsnaturallyawayfromthemarvelloussideofevents.Anditwasinthemostnaturalwaypossiblethatthedoctoraskedthismanwhomonlytwominutesbeforehebelievedtohavebeendrownedinthegulf—
“Youhaveseensomebodyupthere?Haveyou?”
“No,Ihavenotseenhim.”
“Thenhowdoyouknow?”
“Iwasrunningawayfromhisshadowwhenwemet.
