Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           SoontheentirenumberofAnnixter’sguestsfoundthemselvesintwocompanies,thedancersonthefloorofthebarn,frolickingthroughthelastfiguresoftheVirginiareelandtheboisterousgatheringofmenintheharnessroom,downingthelastquartsoffertiliser.Bothassemblieshadbeenincreased.Eventheolderpeoplehadjoinedinthedance,whilenearlyeveryoneofthemenwhodidnotdancehadfoundtheirwayintotheharnessroom.Thetwogroupsrivalledeachotherintheirnoise.Outonthefloorofthebarnwasaverywhirlwindofgayety,atempestoflaughter,hand-clappingandcriesofamusement.Intheharnessroomtheconfusedshoutingandsinging,thestampingofheavyfeet,setaquiveringreverberationintheoilofthekerosenelamps,theflameofthecandlesintheJapaneselanternsflaringandswayinginthegustsofhilarity.Atintervals,betweenthetwo,oneheardthemusic,thewailingoftheviolins,thevigoroussnarlingofthecornet,andtheharsh,incessantraspingofthesnaredrum.

           Andattimesallthesevarioussoundsmingledinasinglevaguenote,huge,clamorous,thatroseupintothenightfromthecolossal,reverberatingcompassofthebarnandsentitsechoesfaroffacrosstheunbrokenlevelsofthesurroundingranches,stretchingouttoinfinityunderthecloudedsky,calm,mysterious,still.

           Annixter,thepunchbowlclaspedinhisarms,waspouringoutthelastspoonfulofliquorintoCaraher’sglasswhenhewasawarethatsomeonewaspullingatthesleeveofhiscoat.Hesetdownthepunchbowl.

           “Well,wheredidYOUcomefrom?”hedemanded.