Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter VI
Voicesquiveredwithwrath,handsflungupward,thefingershooked,prehensile,trembledwithanger.Thesenseofwrongs,theinjustices,theoppression,extortion,andpillageoftwentyyearssuddenlyculminatedandfoundvoiceinaraucoushowlofexecration.Forasecondtherewasnothingarticulateinthatcryofsavageexasperation,nothingevenintelligent.Itwasthehumananimalhoundedtoitscorner,exploited,harriedtoitslaststand,atbay,ferocious,terrible,turningatlastwithbaredteethandupraisedclawstomeetthedeathgrapple.Itwasthehideoussquealingofthetormentedbrute,itsbacktothewall,defendingitslair,itsmateanditswhelps,readytobite,torend,totrample,tobatteroutthelifeofTheEnemyinaprimeval,bestialwelterofbloodandfury.
Theroarsubsidedtointermittentclamour,inthepausesofwhichthesoundsofmusicanddancingmadethemselvesaudibleoncemore.
“S.Behrmanagain,”vociferatedHarranDerrick.
“Chosehismomentwell,”mutteredAnnixter.“Hitshishardestwhenwe’reallroundeduphavingagoodtime.”
“Gentlemen,thisisruin.”
“What’stobedonenow?”
“FIGHT!MyGod!doyouthinkwearegoingtostandthis?DoyouthinkweCAN?”
Theuproarswelledagain.TheclearertheassemblyofranchersunderstoodthesignificanceofthismoveonthepartoftheRailroad,themoreterribleitappeared,themoreflagrant,themoreintolerable.
