Спрут: Калифорнийская история
Chapter IX
Behrman,awayofenjoyingtothefullhistriumph;washetestingthecompletenessofhisvictory,tryingtoseejusthowfarhecouldgo,howfarbeneathhisfeethecouldpushhisold-timeenemy?
“Whatdoyousay?”herepeated.“Willyoutrytheplace?”
“You—youINSIST?”inquiredtheGovernor.
“Oh,I’mnotinsistingonanything,”criedS.Behrman.“I’mofferingyouaplace,that’sall.Willyoutakeit?”
“Yes,yes,I’lltakeit.”
“You’llcomeovertoourside?”
“Yes,I’llcomeover.”
“You’llhavetoturn’railroad,’understand?”
“I’llturnrailroad.”
“Guesstheremaybetimeswhenyou’llhavetotakeordersfromme.”
“I’lltakeordersfromyou.”
“You’llhavetobeloyaltorailroad,youknow.Nofunnybusiness.”
“I’llbeloyaltotherailroad.”
“Youwouldliketheplacethen?”
“Yes.”
S.BehrmanturnedfromMagnus,whoatonceresumedhisseatandbeganagaintosorthispapers.
“Well,Presley,”saidtherailroadagent:“IguessIwon’tseeyouagain.”
“Ihopenot,”answeredtheother.
“Tut,tut,Presley,youknowyoucan’tmakemeangry.”
Heputonhishatofvarnishedstrawandwipedhisfatforeheadwithhishandkerchief.Oflate,hehadgrownfatterthanever,andthelinenvest,stampedwithamultitudeofinterlockedhorseshoes,strainedtightitsimitationpearlbuttonsacrossthegreatprotuberantstomach.
Presleylookedatthemanamomentbeforereplying.
