Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter VIII
Whereweretheynow?Wherehadtheysleptlastnight?Wherebreakfastedthismorning?Hadthereevenbeenanybreakfastthismorning?Hadthereevenbeenanybedlastnight?Lost,andforgottenintheplexusofthecity’slife,whathadbefallenthem?Towardswhatfatewastheebbtideofthestreetsdriftingthem?
Wasthistobestillanotherthemewroughtoutbyironhandsupontheold,theworld-old,world-widekeynote?Howfarweretheconsequencesofthatdreadfulday’sworkattheirrigatingditchtoreach?Towhatlengthwasthetentacleofthemonstertoextend?
Presleyreturnedtowardthecentral,thebusinessquarterofthecity,alternatelyformulatinganddismissingfromhismindplanafterplanforthefindingandaidingofMrs.Hoovenandherdaughters.HereachedMontgomeryStreet,andturnedtowardhisclub,hisimaginationoncemorereviewingallthecausesandcircumstancesofthegreatbattleofwhichforthelasteighteenmonthshehadbeenwitness.
Allatoncehepaused,hiseyecaughtbyasignaffixedtothewalljustinsidethestreetentranceofahugeofficebuilding,andsmittenwithanidea,stoodforaninstantmotionless,uponthesidewalk,hiseyeswide,hisfistsshuttight.
ThebuildingcontainedtheGeneralOfficeofthePacificandSouthwesternRailroad.Largethoughitwas,itnevertheless,wasnotpretentious,andduringhisvisitstothecity,Presleymusthavepassedit,unheeding,manytimes.
