Спрут: Калифорнийская история
Chapter II
Whilehewasdoingthis,thestablemanutteredanexclamationandpausedintheactofbackingthehorseintotheshafts,holdingupahand,listening.
Fromthehollowroofofthebarnandfromthethickvelvet-likepaddingofdustoverthegroundoutside,andfromamongtheleavesofthefewnearbytreesandplantstherecameavast,monotonousmurmurthatseemedtoissuefromallquartersofthehorizonatonce,aprolongedandsubduedrustlingsound,steady,even,persistent.
“There’syourrain,”announcedthestableman.“Thefirstoftheseason.”
“AndIgottobeoutinit,”fumedAnnixter,“andIsupposethoseswinewillquitworkonthebigbarnnow.”
Whenthebuggywasfinallyready,heputonhisrubbercoat,climbedin,andwithoutwaitingforthestablemantoraisethetop,droveoutintotherain,anew-litcigarinhisteeth.Ashepassedthedairy-house,hesawHilmastandinginthedoorway,holdingoutherhandtotherain,herfaceturnedupwardtowardthegreysky,amusedandinterestedatthisfirstshowerofthewetseason.ShewassoabsorbedthatshedidnotseeAnnixter,andhisclumsynodinherdirectionpassedunnoticed.
“Shediditonpurpose,”Annixtertoldhimself,chewingfiercelyonhiscigar.“Cutsmenow,hey?Well,thisDOESsettleit.SheleavesthisranchbeforeI’madayolder.”
Hedecidedthathewouldputoffhistourofinspectiontillthenextday.Travellinginthebuggyashedid,hemustkeeptotheroadwhichledtoDerrick’s,inveryroundaboutfashion,bywayofGuadalajara.
