Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter V
Onthewalloverthebed,inagiltframe,wasAnnixter’scollegediploma,whileonthebureau,amidalitterofhair-brushes,dirtycollars,drivinggloves,cigarsandthelike,stoodabrokenmachineforloadingshells.
Itwasessentiallyaman’sroom,rugged,uncouth,virile,fulloftheodoursoftobacco,ofleather,ofrustyiron;thebarefloorhollowedbythegrindofhob-nailedboots,thewallsmarredbythefrictionofheavythingsofmetal.Strangelyenough,Annixter’sclothesweredisposedofonthesinglechairwiththeprecisionofanoldmaid.Thushehadplacedthemthenightbefore;thebootssetcarefullysidebyside,thetrousers,withtheoverallsstilluponthem,neatlyfoldedupontheseatofthechair,thecoathangingfromitsback.
TheQuienSaberanchhousewasasix-roomaffair,allononefloor.Bynoexcessofcharitycouldithavebeencalledahome.Annixterwasawealthyman;hecouldhavefurnishedhisdwellingwithquiteasmucheleganceasthatofMagnusDerrick.Asitwas,however,heconsideredhishousemerelyasaplacetoeat,tosleep,tochangehisclothesin;asashelterfromtherain,anofficewherebusinesswastransacted—nothingmore.
Whenhewassufficientlyawake,Annixterthrusthisfeetintoapairofwickerslippers,andshuffledacrosstheofficeadjoininghisbedroom,tothebathroomjustbeyond,andstoodundertheicyshowerafewminutes,histeethchattering,fulminatingoathsatthecoldnessofthewater.
