Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter II
Hewatchedit,silent,thoughtful,andwithoutarticulatecomment.Evenafteritpassedhesatinhisplacealongtime,watchingitloseitselfslowlyinthedistance,itsprolongedrumblediminishingtoafaintmurmur.SoonheheardtheenginesoundingitswhistlefortheLongTrestle.
ButthemovingtrainnolongercarriedwithitthatimpressionofterroranddestructionthathadsothrilledPresley’simaginationthenightbefore.Itpassedslowlyonitswaywithamournfulrollofwheels,likethepassingofacortege,likeafileofartillery-caissonschariotingdeadbodies;theengine’ssmokeenvelopingitinamournfulveil,leavingasenseofmelancholyinitswake,movingpastthere,lugubrious,lamentable,infinitelysadunderthegreyskyandunderthegreymistofrainwhichcontinuedtofallwithasubdued,rustlingsound,steady,persistent,avastmonotonousmurmurthatseemedtocomefromallquartersofthehorizonatonce.
