Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter IX
Andatthispoint,thelabouroftherancherended.Here,atthelipofthechute,hepartedcompanywithhisgrain,andfromherethewheatstreamedforthtofeedtheworld.TheyawningmouthsofthesacksmightwellstandfortheunnumberedmouthsofthePeople,allagapeforfood;andhere,intothesesacks,atfirstsolean,soflaccid,attenuatedlikestarvedstomachs,rushedthelivingstreamoffood,insistent,interminable,fillingtheempty,fatteningtheshrivelled,makingitsleekandheavyandsolid.
Halfanhourlater,theharvesterstoppedagain.Themenonthesackingplatformhadusedupallthesacks.ButS.Behrman’sforeman,anewmanonLosMuertos,putinanappearancewiththereportthatthewagonbringingafreshsupplywasapproaching.
“HowisthegrainelevatoratPortCostagettingon,sir?”
“Finished,”repliedS.Behrman.
ThenewmasterofLosMuertoshaddecideduponaccumulatinghisgraininbulkinagreatelevatoratthetide-waterport,wherethegrainshipsforLiverpoolandtheEasttookontheircargoes.Tothisend,hehadboughtandgreatlyenlargedabuildingatPortCosta,thatwasalreadyinuseforthatpurpose,andtothiselevatorallthecropofLosMuertoswastobecarried.TheP.andS.W.madeS.Behrmanaspecialrate.
“Bytheway,”saidS.Behrmantohissuperintendent,“we’reinluck.Fallon’sbuyerwasinBonnevilleyesterday.He’sbuyingforFallonandforHolt,too.Ihappenedtorunintohim,andI’vesoldashipload.”
“Ashipload!”
“OfLosMuertoswheat.
