Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter VI
Ostermanhadnotdonespeakingbeforetheroomrangwithoutcries,thecrowdofmenshouting,forwhattheydidnotknow.
“TheLeague!TheLeague!”
“Now,to-night,thismoment;signournamesbeforeweleave.”
“He’sright.Organisation!TheLeague!”
“Wehaveacommitteeatworkalready,”Ostermanvociferated.“Iamamember,andalsoMr.Broderson,Mr.Annixter,andMr.HarranDerrick.Whatouraimsarewewillexplaintoyoulater.LetthiscommitteebethenucleusoftheLeague—temporarily,atleast.Trustus.Weareworkingforyouandwithyou.LetthiscommitteebemergedintothelargercommitteeoftheLeague,andforPresidentoftheLeague”—hepausedthefractionofasecond—“forPresidenttherecanbebutonenamementioned,onemantowhomweallmustlookasleader—MagnusDerrick.”
TheGovernor’snamewasreceivedwithastormofcheers.Theharnessroomreechoedwithshoutsof:
“Derrick!Derrick!”
“MagnusforPresident!”
“Derrick,ournaturalleader.”
“Derrick,Derrick,DerrickforPresident.”
Magnusrosetohisfeet.Hemadenogesture.Erectasacavalryofficer,tall,thin,commanding,hedominatedthecrowdinaninstant.Therewasamoment’shush.“Gentlemen,”hesaid,“iforganisationisagoodword,moderationisabetterone.Thematteristoograveforhaste.Iwouldsuggestthatweeachandseverallyreturntoourrespectivehomesforthenight,sleepoverwhathashappened,andconveneagainto-morrow,whenwearecalmerandcanapproachthisaffairinamorejudiciousmood.
