Ностромо
Chapter 8
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Decoudrecognizedtheringofgenuinedeterminationinthenervousmurmurs,thevindictiveexcitementofthefamousCapataz.Beforethesteamer,guidedbyashriekortwo(fortherecouldbenomorethanthat,Nostromosaid,gnashinghisteethaudibly),couldfindthelightertherewouldbeplentyoftimetosinkthistreasuretieduproundhisneck.
ThelastwordshehissedintoDecoud’sear.Decoudsaidnothing.Hewasperfectlyconvinced.Theusualcharacteristicquietnessofthemanwasgone.Itwasnotequaltothesituationasheconceivedit.Somethingdeeper,somethingunsuspectedbyeveryone,hadcometothesurface.Decoud,withcarefulmovements,slippedoffhisovercoatanddivestedhimselfofhisboots;hedidnotconsiderhimselfboundinhonourtosinkwiththetreasure.HisobjectwastogetdowntoBarrios,inCayta,astheCapatazknewverywell;andhe,too,meant,inhisownway,toputintothatattemptallthedesperationofwhichhewascapable.Nostromomuttered,“True,true!Youareapolitician,senor.Rejointhearmy,andstartanotherrevolution.”Hepointedout,however,thattherewasalittleboatbelongingtoeverylighterfittocarrytwomen,ifnotmore.Theirswastowingbehind.
OfthatDecoudhadnotbeenaware.Ofcourse,itwastoodarktosee,anditwasonlywhenNostromoputhishanduponitspainterfastenedtoacleatinthesternthatheexperiencedafullmeasureofrelief.
