Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           MagnusDerrickwasthelasttogo.AtthedoorwayofthebarnhefoundAnnixter,therollofnames—whichithadbeendecidedhewastokeepinhissafeforthemoment—underhisarm.Silentlythetwoshookhands.Magnusdeparted.Thegrindofthewheelsofhiscarry-allgratedsharplyonthegravelofthedrivewayinfrontoftheranchhouse,then,withahollowrollacrossalittleplankbridge,gainedtheroadway.Foramomentthebeatofthehorses’hoofsmadeitselfheardontheroadway.Itceased.Suddenlytherewasagreatsilence.

           Annixter,inthedoorwayofthegreatbarn,stoodlookingabouthimforamoment,alone,thoughtful.Thebarnwasempty.Thatastonishingeveninghadcometoanend.Thewhirlofthingsandpeople,thecrowdofdancers,Delaney,thegunfight,HilmaTree,hereyesfixedonhiminmuteconfession,therabbleintheharnessroom,thenewsoftheregrade,thefierceoutburstofwrath,thehastyorganisingoftheLeague,allwentspinningconfusedlythroughhisrecollection.Buthewasexhausted.Timeenoughinthemorningtothinkitallover.Bynowitwasrainingsharply.Heputtherollofnamesintohisinsidepocket,threwasackoverhisheadandshoulders,andwentdowntotheranchhouse.

           Butintheharnessroom,lightedbytheglitteringlanternsandflaringlamps,inthemidstofoverturnedchairs,spilledliquor,cigarstumps,andbrokenglasses,VanameeandPresleystillremainedtalking,talking.Atlength,theyrose,andcameoutuponthefloorofthebarnandstoodforamomentlookingaboutthem