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Chapter 5
It’smychoice.It’smylastcardtoplay.”
Theengineer-in-chiefwhistledlow.“Aprettygame,”hesaid,withashadeofdiscretion.“AndhaveyoutoldHolroydofthatextraordinarytrumpcardyouholdinyourhand?”
“Cardonlywhenit’splayed;whenitfallsattheendofthegame.Tillthenyoumaycallita—a—”
“Weapon,”suggestedtherailwayman.
“No.Youmaycallitratheranargument,”correctedCharlesGould,gently.“Andthat’showI’vepresentedittoMr.Holroyd.”
“Andwhatdidhesaytoit?”askedtheengineer,withundisguisedinterest.
“He”—CharlesGouldspokeafteraslightpause—“hesaidsomethingaboutholdingonlikegrimdeathandputtingourtrustinGod.Ishouldimaginehemusthavebeenratherstartled.Butthen”—pursuedtheAdministradoroftheSanTomemine—“butthen,heisveryfaraway,youknow,and,astheysayinthiscountry,Godisveryhighabove.”
Theengineer’sappreciativelaughdiedawaydownthestairs,wheretheMadonnawiththeChildonherarmseemedtolookafterhisshakingbroadbackfromhershallowniche.
