Королі та капуста

           "ElDiabloColorado"theydubbedhim,andderidedthemilitaryforitsdefeat.

           Dicky,withtherestoftheprisoners,couldlookoutthroughthebarreddooratthegrassofthelittleplaza,atarowoforangetreesandtheredtileroofsand‘dobewallsofalineofinsignificantstores.

           Atsunsetalongapathacrossthisplazacameamelancholyprocessionofsad-facedwomenbearingplantains,cassaba,breadandfruit—eachcomingwithfoodtosomewretchbehindthosebarstowhomshestillclungandfurnishedthemeansoflife.Twiceaday—morningandevening—theywerepermittedtocome.Waterwasfurnishedtohercompulsoryguestsbytherepublic,butnofood.

           ThateveningDicky’snamewascalledbythesentry,andhesteppedbeforethebarsofthedoor.Therestoodhislittlesaint,ablackmantilladrapedaboutherheadandshoulders,herfacelikeglorifiedmelancholy,hercleareyesgazinglonginglyathimasiftheymightdrawhimbetweenthebarstoher.Shebroughtachicken,someoranges,dulcesandaloafofwhitebread.Asoldierinspectedthefood,andpasseditintoDicky.Pasaspokecalmly,asshealwaysdid,briefly,inherthrilling,flute-liketones."Angelofmylife,"shesaid,"letitnotbelongthatthouartawayfromme.Thouknowestthatlifeisnotathingtobeenduredwiththounotatmyside.TellmeifIcandoaughtinthismatter.Ifnot,Iwillwait—alittlewhile.Icomeagaininthemorning."