第8章

Thegameseemedinhisownhands。TheinitialmovesweretheseizureofthecabletelegraphofficeandthesecuringoftheGovernmentsteamerlyinginthenarrowcreekwhichistheharbourofEsmeralda。Thelastwasaffectedwithoutdifficultybyacompanyofsoldiersswarmingwitharushoverthegangwaysasshelayalongsidethequay；butthelieutenantchargedwiththedutyofarrestingthetelegraphisthaltedonthewaybeforetheonlycafeinEsmeralda，wherehedistributedsomebrandytohismen，andrefreshedhimselfattheexpenseoftheowner，aknownRibierist。Thewholepartybecameintoxicated，andproceededontheirmissionupthestreetyellingandfiringrandomshotsatthewindows。Thislittlefestivity，whichmighthaveturnedoutdangeroustothetelegraphist\'slife，enabledhimintheendtosendhiswarningtoSulaco。Thelieutenant，staggeringupstairswithadrawnsabre，wasbeforelongkissinghimonbothcheeksinoneofthoseswiftchangesofmoodpeculiartoastateofdrunkenness。Heclaspedthetelegraphistcloseroundtheneck，assuringhimthatalltheofficersoftheEsmeraldagarrisonweregoingtobemadecolonels，whiletearsofhappinessstreameddownhissoddenface。Thusitcameaboutthatthetownmajor，comingalonglater，foundthewholepartysleepingonthestairsandinpassages，andthetelegraphist(whoscornedthischanceofescape)

verybusyclickingthekeyofthetransmitter。Themajorledhimawaybareheaded，withhishandstiedbehindhisback，butconcealedthetruthfromSotillo，whoremainedinignoranceofthewarningdispatchedtoSulaco。

Thecolonelwasnotthemantoletanysortofdarknessstandinthewayoftheplannedsurprise。Itappearedtohimadeadcertainty；hisheartwassetuponhisobjectwithanungovernable，childlikeimpatience。EversincethesteamerhadroundedPuntaMala，toenterthedeepershadowofthegulf，hehadremainedonthebridgeinagroupofofficersasexcitedashimself。DistractedbetweenthecoaxingsandmenacesofSotilloandhisStaff，themiserablecommanderofthesteamerkepthermovingwithasmuchprudenceastheywouldlethimexercise。Someofthemhadbeendrinkingheavily，nodoubt；buttheprospectoflayinghandsonsomuchwealthmadethemabsurdlyfoolhardy，and，atthesametime，extremelyanxious。

Theoldmajorofthebattalion，astupid，suspiciousman，whohadneverbeenafloatinhislife，distinguishedhimselfbyputtingoutsuddenlythebinnaclelight，theonlyoneallowedonboardforthenecessitiesofnavigation。Hecouldnotunderstandofwhatuseitcouldbeforfindingtheway。Tothevehementprotestationsoftheship\'scaptain，hestampedhisfootandtappedthehandleofhissword。`Aha！Ihaveunmaskedyou，\'

hecried，triumphantly。`Youaretearingyourhairfromdespairatmyacuteness。

AmIachildtobelievethatalightinthatbrassboxcanshowyouwheretheharbouris?Iamanoldsoldier，Iam。Icansmellatraitoraleagueoff。YouwantedthegleamtobetrayourapproachtoyourfriendtheEnglishman。

Athinglikethatshowyoutheway！Whatamiserablelie！Quepicardia！YouSulacopeopleareallinthepayofthoseforeigners。Youdeservetoberunthroughthebodywithmysword。\'Otherofficers，crowdinground，triedtocalmhisindignation，repeatingpersuasively，`No，no！Thisisanapplianceofthemariners，major。Thisisnotreachery。\'Thecaptainofthetransportflunghimselffacedownwardsonthebridge，andrefusedtorise。`Putanendtomeatonce，\'herepeatedinastifledvoice。Sotillohadtointerfere。

Theuproarandconfusiononthebridgebecamesogreatthatthehelmsmanfledfromthewheel。Hetookrefugeintheengine-room，andalarmedtheengineers，who，disregardingthethreatsofthesoldierssetonguardoverthem，stoppedtheengines，protestingthattheywouldratherbeshotthanruntheriskofbeingdrowneddownbelow。

ThiswasthefirsttimeNostromoandDecoudheardthesteamerstop。

Afterorderhadbeenrestored，andthebinnaclelamprelighted，shewentaheadagain，passingwideofthelighterinhersearchfortheIsabels。

Thegroupcouldnotbemadeout，and，atthepitifulentreatiesofthecaptain，Sotilloallowedtheenginestobestoppedagaintowaitforoneofthoseperiodicallighteningsofdarknesscausedbytheshiftingofthecloudcanopyspreadabovethewatersofthegulf。

Sotillo，onthebridge，mutteredfromtimetotimeangrilytothecaptain。

Theother，inanapologeticandcringingtone，beggedsumercedthecoloneltotakeintoconsiderationthelimitationsputuponhumanfacultiesbythedarknessofthenight。Sotilloswelledwithrageandimpatience。

Itwasthechanceofalifetime。

`Ifyoureyesareofnomoreusetoyouthanthis，Ishallhavethemputout，\'heburstout。

Thecaptainofthesteamermadenoanswer，forjustthenthemassoftheGreatIsabelloomedupdarklyafterapassingshower，thenvanished，asifsweptawaybyawaveofgreaterobscurityprecedinganotherdownpour。

Thiswasenoughforhim。Inthevoiceofamancomebacktolifeagain，heinformedSotillothatinanhourhewouldbealongsidetheSulacowharf。

Theshipwasputthenfullspeedonthecourse，andagreatbustleofpreparationforlandingaroseamongthesoldiersonherdeck。

ItwashearddistinctlybyDecoudandNostromo。TheCapatazunderstooditsmeaning。TheyhadmadeouttheIsabels，andweregoingonnowinastraightlineforSulaco。Hejudgedthattheywouldpassclose；butbelievedthatlyingstilllikethis，withthesaillowered，thelightercouldnotbeseen。`No，noteveniftheyrubbedsideswithus，\'hemuttered。

Therainbegantofallagain；firstlikeawetmist，thenwithaheaviertouch，thickeningintoasmart，perpendiculardownpour；andthehissandthumpoftheapproachingsteamerwascomingextremelynear。Decoud，withhiseyesfullofwater，andloweredhead，askedhimselfhowlongitwouldbebeforeshedrewpast，whenunexpectedlyhefeltalurch。Aninrushoffoambrokeswishingoverthestern，simultaneouslywithacrackoftimbersandastaggeringshock。Hehadtheimpressionofanangryhandlayingholdofthelighteranddraggingitalongtodestruction。Theshock，ofcourse，hadknockedhimdown，andhefoundhimselfrollinginalotofwateratthebottomofthelighter。Aviolentchurningwentonalongside；astrangeandamazedvoicecriedoutsomethingabovehiminthenight。HeheardapiercingshriekforhelpfromSenorHirsch。Hekepthisteethhardsetallthetime。Itwasacollision！

Thesteamerhadstruckthelighterobliquely，heelingherovertillshewashalfswamped，startingsomeofhertimbers，andswingingherheadparalleltoherowncoursewiththeforceoftheblow。Theshockofitonboardofherwashardlyperceptible。Alltheviolenceofthatcollisionwas，asusual，feltonlyonboardthesmallercraft。EvenNostromohimselfthoughtthatthiswasperhapstheendofhisdesperateadventure。He，too，hadbeenflungawayfromthelongtiller，whichtookchargeofthelurch。

Nextmomentthesteamerwouldhavepassedon，leavingthelightertosinkorswimafterhavingshoulderedherthusoutofherway，andwithoutevengettingaglimpseofherform，haditnotbeenthat，beingdeeplyladenwithstoresandthegreatnumberofpeopleonboard，heranchorwaslowenoughtohookitselfintooneofthewireshroudsofthelighter\'smast。

Forthespaceoftwoorthreegaspingbreathsthatnewropeheldagainstthesuddenstrain。ItwasthisthatgaveDecoudthesensationofthesnatchingpull，draggingthelighterawaytodestruction。Thecauseofit，ofcourse，wasinexplicabletohim。Thewholethingwassosuddenthathehadnotimetothink。Butallhissensationswereperfectlyclear；hehadkeptcompletepossessionofhimself；infact，hewasevenpleasantlyawareofthatcalmnessattheverymomentofbeingpitchedheadfirstoverthetransom，tostruggleonhisbackinalotofwater。SenorHirsch\'sshriekhehadheardandrecognizedwhilehewasregaininghisfeet，alwayswiththatmysterioussensationofbeingdraggedheadlongthroughthedarkness。Notaword，notacryescapedhim；hehadnotimetoseeanything；andfollowinguponthedespairingscreamsforhelp，thedraggingmotionceasedsosuddenlythathestaggeredforwardwithopenarmsandfellagainstthepileofthetreasureboxes。

Heclungtotheminstinctively，inthevagueapprehensionofbeingflungaboutagain；andimmediatelyheheardanotherlotofshrieksforhelp，prolongedanddespairing，notnearhimatall，butunaccountablyinthedistance，awayfromthelighteraltogether，asifsomespiritinthenightweremockingatSenorHirsch\'sterroranddespair。

Thenallwasstill——asstillaswhenyouwakeupinyourbedinadarkroomfromabizarreandagitateddream。Thelighterrockedslightly；

therainwasstillfalling。Twogropinghandstookholdofhisbruisedsidesfrombehind，andtheCapataz\'svoicewhispered，inhisear，`Silence，foryourlife！Silence！Thesteamerhasstopped。\'

Decoudlistened。Thegulfwasdumb。Hefeltthewaternearlyuptohisknees。`Arewesinking?\'heaskedinafaintbreath。

`Idon\'tknow，\'Nostromobreathedbacktohim。`Senor，makenottheslightestsound。\'

Hirsch，whenorderedforwardbyNostromo，hadnotreturnedintohisfirsthiding-place。Hehadfallennearthemast，andhadnostrengthtorise；moreover，hefearedtomove。Hehadgivenhimselfupfordead，butnotonanyrationalgrounds。Itwassimplyacruelandterrifyingfeeling。

Wheneverhetriedtothinkwhatwouldbecomeofhimhisteethwouldstartchatteringviolently。Hewastooabsorbedintheuttermiseryofhisfeartotakenoticeofanything。

Thoughhewasstiflingunderthelighter\'ssailwhichNostromohadunwittinglyloweredontopofhim，hedidnotevendaretoputouthisheadtilltheverymomentofthesteamerstriking。Then，indeed，heleapedrightout，spurredontonewmiraclesofbodilyvigourbythisnewshapeofdanger。

Theinrushofwaterwhenthelighterheeledoverunsealedhislips。Hisshriek，`Saveme！\'wasthefirstdistinctwarningofthecollisionforthepeopleonboardthesteamer。Nextmomentthewireshroudparted，andthereleasedanchorsweptoverthelighter\'sforecastle。ItcameagainstthebreastofSenorHirsch，whosimplyseizedholdofit，withoutintheleastknowingwhatitwas，butcurlinghisarmsandlegsuponthepartabovetheflukewithaninvincible，unreasonabletenacity。Thelighteryawedoffwide，andthesteamer，movingon，carriedhimaway，clinginghard，andshoutingforhelp。Itwassometime，however，afterthesteamerhadstoppedthathispositionwasdiscovered。Hissustainedyelpingforhelpseemedtocomefromsomebodyswimminginthewater。Atlastacoupleofmenwentoverthebowsandhauledhimonboard。HewascarriedstraightofftoSotilloonthebridge。Hisexaminationconfirmedtheimpressionthatsomecrafthadbeenrunoverandsunk，butitwasimpracticableonsuchadarknighttolookforthepositiveproofoffloatingwreckage。

Sotillowasmoreanxiousthanevernowtoentertheharbourwithoutlossoftime；theideathathehaddestroyedtheprincipalobjectofhisexpeditionwastoointolerabletobeaccepted。Thisfeelingmadethestoryhehadheardappearthemoreincredible。SenorHirsch，afterbeingbeatenalittlefortellinglies，wasthrustintothechartroom。Buthewasbeatenonlyalittle。HistalehadtakentheheartoutofSotillo\'sStaff，thoughtheyallrepeatedroundtheirchief，`Impossible！impossible！\'withtheexceptionoftheoldmajor，whotriumphedgloomily。

`Itoldyou；Itoldyou，\'hemumbled。`Icouldsmellsometreachery，somediableriaaleagueoff。\'

Meantime，thesteamerhadkeptonherwaytowardsSulaco，whereonlythetruthofthatmattercouldbeascertained。DecoudandNostromoheardtheloudchurningofherpropellerdiminishanddieout；andthen，withnouselesswords，busiedthemselvesinmakingfortheIsabels。Thelastshowerhadbroughtwithitagentlebutsteadybreeze。Thedangerwasnotoveryet，andtherewasnotimefortalk。Thelighterwasleakinglikeasieve。Theysplashedinthewaterateverystep。TheCapatazputintoDecoud\'shandsthehandleofthepumpwhichwasfittedatthesideaft，andatonce，withoutquestionorremark，Decoudbegantopumpinutterforgetfulnessofeverydesirebutthatofkeepingthetreasureafloat。

Nostromohoistedthesail，flewbacktothetiller，pulledatthesheetlikemad。Theshortflareofamatch(theyhadbeenkeptdryinatighttinbox，thoughthemanhimselfwascompletelywet)，thevividflareofamatch，disclosedtothetoilingDecoudtheeagernessofhisface，bentlowovertheboxofthecompass，andtheattentivestareofhiseyes。Heknewnowwherehewas，andhehopedtorunthesinkinglighterashoreintheshallowcovewherethehigh，cliff-likeendoftheGreatIsabelisdividedintwoequalpartsbyadeepandovergrownravine。

Decoudpumpedwithoutintermission。Nostromosteeredwithoutrelaxingforasecondtheintense，peeringeffortofhisstare。Eachofthemwasasifutterlyalonewithhistask。Itdidnotoccurtothemtospeak。Therewasnothingincommonbetweenthembuttheknowledgethatthedamagedlightermustbeslowlybutsurelysinking。Inthatknowledge，whichwaslikethecrucialtestoftheirdesires，theyseemedtohavebecomecompletelyestranged，asiftheyhaddiscoveredintheveryshockofthecollisionthatthelossofthelighterwouldnotmeanthesamethingtothemboth。Thiscommondangerbroughttheirdifferencesinaim，inview，incharacter，andinposition，intoabsoluteprominenceintheprivatevisionofeach。Therewasnobondofconviction，ofcommonidea；theyweremerelytwoadventurerspursuingeachhisownadventure，involvedinthesameimminenceofdeadlyperil。Thereforetheyhadnothingtosaytoeachother。Butthisperil，thisonlyincontrovertibletruthinwhichtheyshared，seemedtoactasaninspirationtotheirmentalandbodilypowers。

TherewascertainlysomethingalmostmiraculousinthewaytheCapatazmadethecovewithnothingbuttheshadowyhintoftheisland\'sshapeandthevaguegleamofasmallsandystripforaguide。Wheretheravineopensbetweenthecliffs，andaslender，shallowrivuletmeandersoutofthebushestoloseitselfinthesea，thelighterwasrunashore；andthetwomen，withataciturn，undauntedenergy，begantodischargeherpreciousfreight，carryingeachox-hideboxupthebedoftherivuletbeyondthebushestoahollowplacewhichthecavinginofthesoilhadmadebelowtherootsofalargetree。Itsbigsmoothtrunkleanedlikeafallingcolumnfaroverthetrickleofwaterrunningamongsttheloosestones。

AcoupleofyearsbeforeNostromohadspentawholeSunday，allalone，exploringtheisland。HeexplainedthistoDecoudaftertheirtaskwasdone，andtheysat，wearyineverylimb，withtheirlegshangingdownthelowbank，andtheirbacksagainstthetree，likeapairofblindmenawareofeachotherandtheirsurroundingsbysomeindefinablesixthsense。

`Yes，\'Nostromorepeated，`IneverforgetaplaceIhavecarefullylookedatonce。\'Hespokeslowly，almostlazily，asiftherehadbeenawholeleisurelylifebeforehim，insteadofthescantytwohoursbeforedaylight。

Theexistenceofthetreasure，barelyconcealedinthisimprobablespot，laidaburdenofsecrecyuponeverycontemplatedstep，uponeveryintentionandplanoffutureconduct。Hefeltthepartialfailureofthisdesperateaffairentrustedtothegreatreputationhehadknownhowtomakeforhimself。

However，itwasalsoapartialsuccess。Hisvanitywashalfappeased。Hisnervousirritationhadsubsided。

`Youneverknowwhatmaybeofuse，\'hepursuedwithhisusualquietnessoftoneandmanner。`IspentawholemiserableSundayinexploringthiscrumbofland。\'

`Amisanthropicsortofoccupation，\'mutteredDecoud，viciously。`Youhadnomoney，Isuppose，togamblewith，andtoflingaboutamongstthegirlsinyourusualhaunts，Capataz。\'

`Evero！\'exclaimedtheCapataz，surprisedintotheuseofhisnativetonguebysomuchperspicacity。`Ihadnot！ThereforeIdidnotwanttogoamongstthosebeggarlypeopleaccustomedtomygenerosity。ItislookedforfromtheCapatazoftheCargadores，whoaretherichmen，and，asitwere，thecaballerosamongstthecommonpeople。Idon\'tcareforcardsbutasapastime；andastothosegirlsthatboastofhavingopenedtheirdoorstomyknock，youknowIwouldn\'tlookatanyoneofthemtwiceexceptforwhatthepeoplewouldsay。Theyarequeer，thegoodpeopleofSulaco，andIhavegotmuchusefulinformationsimplybylisteningpatientlytothetalkofthewomenthateverybodybelievedIwasinlovewith。PoorTeresacouldneverunderstandthat。OnthatparticularSunday，senor，shescoldedsothatIwentoutofthehouseswearingthatIwouldneverdarkentheirdooragainunlesstofetchawaymyhammockandmychestofclothes。Senor，thereisnothingmoreexasperatingthantohearawomanyourespectrailagainstyourgoodreputationwhenyouhavenotasinglebrasscoininyourpocket。Iunitedoneofthesmallboatsandpulledmyselfoutoftheharbourwithnothingbutthreecigarsinmypockettohelpmespendthedayonthisisland。Butthewaterofthisrivuletyouhearunderyourfeetiscoolandsweetandgood，senor，bothbeforeandafterasmoke。\'Hewassilentforawhile，thenaddedreflectively，`ThatwasthefirstSundayafterIbroughtthewhite-whiskeredEnglishricoallthewaydownthemountainsfromtheParamoonthetopoftheEntradaPass——andinthecoach，too！Nocoachhadgoneupordownthatmountainroadwithinthememoryofman，senor，tillIbroughtthisonedowninchargeoffiftypeonsworkinglikeonemanwithropes，pick-axes，andpolesundermydirection。ThatwastherichEnglishmanwho，aspeoplesay，paysforthemakingofthisrailway。Hewasverypleasedwithme。Butmywageswerenotduetilltheendofthemonth。\'

Hesliddownthebanksuddenly。Decoudheardthesplashofhisfeetinthebrookandfollowedhisfootstepsdowntheravine。Hisformwaslostamongthebushestillhehadreachedthestripofsandunderthecliff。

Asoftenhappensinthegulfwhentheshowersduringthefirstpartofthenighthadbeenfrequentandheavy，thedarknesshadthinnedconsiderablytowardsthemorningthoughtherewerenosignsofdaylightasyet。

Thecargo-lighter，relievedofitspreciousburden，rockedfeebly，half-afloat，withherfore-footonthesand。AlongropestretchedawaylikeablackcottonthreadacrossthestripofwhitebeachtothegrapnelNostromohadcarriedashoreandhookedtothestemofatree-likeshrubintheveryopeningoftheravine。

TherewasnothingforDecoudbuttoremainontheisland。HereceivedfromNostromo\'shandswhateverfoodtheforesightofCaptainMitchellhadputonboardthelighteranddepositedittemporarilyinthelittledinghywhichontheirarrivaltheyhadhauledupoutofsightamongstthebushes。

Itwastobeleftwithhim。Theislandwastobeahiding-place，notaprison；hecouldpullouttoapassingship。TheO。S。N。Company\'smailboatspassedclosetotheislandswhengoingintoSulacofromthenorth。

ButtheMinerva，carryingofftheex-president，hadtakenthenewsupnorthofthedisturbancesinSulaco。Itwaspossiblethatthenextsteamerdownwouldgetinstructionstomisstheportaltogethersincethetown，asfarastheMinerva\'sofficersknew，wasforthetimebeinginthehandsoftherabble。Thiswouldmeanthattherewouldbenosteamerforamonth，asfarasthemailservicewent；butDecoudhadtotakehischanceofthat。Theislandwashisonlyshelterfromtheproscriptionhangingoverhishead。TheCapatazwas，ofcourse，goingback。Theunloadedlighterleakedmuchless，andhethoughtthatshewouldkeepafloatasfarastheharbour。

HepassedtoDecoud，standingknee-deepalongside，oneofthetwospadeswhichbelongedtotheequipmentofeachlighterforusewhenballastingships。Byworkingwithitcarefullyassoonastherewasdaylightenoughtosee，Decoudcouldloosenamassofearthandstonesoverhangingthecavityinwhichtheyhaddepositedthetreasure，sothatitwouldlookasifithadfallennaturally。Itwouldcoverupnotonlythecavity，butevenalltracesoftheirwork，thefootsteps，thedisplacedstones，andeventhebrokenbushes。

`Besides，whowouldthinkoflookingeitherforyouorthetreasurehere?\'Nostromocontinued，asifhecouldnottearhimselfawayfromthespot。`Nobodyiseverlikelytocomehere。Whatcouldanymanwantwiththispieceofearthaslongasthereisroomforhisfeetonthemainland！

Thepeopleinthiscountryarenotcurious。Thereareevennofishermenheretointrudeuponyourworship。AllthefishingthatisdoneinthegulfgoesonnearZapiga，overthere。Senor，ifyouareforcedtoleavethisislandbeforeanythingcanbearrangedforyou，donottrytomakeforZapiga。Itisasettlementofthievesandmatreros，wheretheywouldcutyourthroatpromptlyforthesakeofyourgoldwatchandchain。And，senor，thinktwicebeforeconfidinginanyonewhatever；

evenintheofficersoftheCompany\'ssteamers，ifyouevergetonboardone。Honestyaloneisnotenoughforsecurity。Youmustlooktodiscretionandprudenceinaman。Andalwaysremember，senor，beforeyouopenyourlipsforaconfidence，thatthistreasuremaybeleftsafelyhereforhundredsofyears。Timeisonitsside，senor。Andsilverisanincorruptiblemetalthatcanbetrustedtokeepitsvalueforever……Anincorruptiblemetal，\'herepeated，asiftheideahadgivenhimaprofoundpleasure。

`Assomemenaresaidtobe，\'Decoudpronounced，inscrutably，whiletheCapataz，whobusiedhimselfinbalingoutthelighterwithawoodenbucket，wentonthrowingthewateroverthesidewitharegularsplash。

Decoud，incorrigibleinhisscepticism，reflected，notcynically，butwithgeneralsatisfaction，thatthismanwasmadeincorruptiblebyhisenormousvanity，thatfinestformofegoismwhichcantakeontheaspectofeveryvirtue。

Nostromoceasedbaling，and，asifstruckwithasuddenthought，droppedthebucketwithaclatterintothelighter。

`Haveyouanymessage?\'heaskedinaloweredvoice。`Remember，Ishallbeaskedquestions。\'

`Youmustfindthehopefulwordsthatoughttobespokentothepeopleintown。Itrustforthatyourintelligenceandyourexperience，Capataz。

Youunderstand?\'

`Si，senor……Fortheladies。\'

`Yes，yes，\'saidDecoud，hastily。`Yourwonderfulreputationwillmakethemattachgreatvaluetoyourwords；thereforebecarefulwhatyousay。

Iamlookingforward，\'hecontinued，feelingthefataltouchofcontemptforhimselftowhichhiscomplexnaturewassubject，`Iamlookingforwardtoagloriousandsuccessfulendingtomymission。Doyouhear，Capataz?

Usethewordsgloriousandsuccessfulwhenyouspeaktothesenorita。

Yourownmissionisaccomplishedgloriouslyandsuccessfully。Youhaveindubitablysavedthesilverofthemine。Notonlythissilver，butprobablyallthesilverthatshallevercomeoutofit。\'

Nostromodetectedtheironictone。`Idaresay，SenorDonMartin，\'hesaid，moodily。`ThereareveryfewthingsthatIamnotequalto。Asktheforeignsignori。I，amanofthepeople，whocannotalwaysunderstandwhatyoumean。ButastothislotwhichImustleavehere，letmetellyouthatIwouldbelieveitingreatersafetyifyouhadnotbeenwithmeatall。\'

AnexclamationescapedDecoud，andashortpausefollowed。`ShallI

gobackwithyoutoSulaco?\'heaskedinanangrytone。

`ShallIstrikeyoudeadwithmyknifewhereyoustand?\'retortedNostromo，contemptuously。`ItwouldbethesamethingastakingyoutoSulaco。Come，senor。Yourreputationisinyourpolitics，andmineisboundupwiththefateofthissilver。DoyouwonderIwishtherehadbeennoothermantosharemyknowledge?Iwantednoonewithme，senor。\'

`Youcouldnothavekeptthelighterafloatwithoutme，\'Decoudalmostshouted。`Youwouldhavegonetothebottomwithher。\'

`Yes，\'utteredNostromo，slowly；`alone。\'

Herewasaman，Decoudreflected，thatseemedasthoughhewouldhavepreferredtodieratherthandefacetheperfectformofhisegoism。Suchamanwassafe。InsilencehehelpedtheCapataztogetthegrapnelonboard。Nostromoclearedtheshelvingshorewithonepushoftheheavyoar，andDecoudfoundhimselfsolitaryonthebeachlikeamaninadream。A

suddendesiretohearahumanvoiceoncemoreseizeduponhisheart。Thelighterwashardlydistinguishablefromtheblackwateruponwhichshefloated。

`WhatdoyouthinkhasbecomeofHirsch?\'heshouted。

`Knockedoverboardanddrowned，\'criedNostromo\'svoiceconfidentlyoutoftheblackwastesofskyandseaaroundtheislet。`Keepcloseintheravine，senor。Ishalltrytocomeouttoyouinanightortwo。\'

AslightswishingrustleshowedthatNostromowassettingthesail。

Itfilledallatoncewithasoundasofasinglelouddrum-tap。Decoudwentbacktotheravine。Nostromo，atthetiller，lookedbackfromtimetotimeatthevanishingmassoftheGreatIsabel，which，littlebylittle，mergedintotheuniformtextureofthenight。Atlast，whenheturnedhisheadagain，hesawnothingbutasmoothdarkness，likeasolidwall。

Thenhe，too，experiencedthatfeelingofsolitudewhichhadweighedheavilyonDecoudafterthelighterhadslippedofftheshore。Butwhilethemanontheislandwasoppressedbyabizarresenseofunrealityaffectingtheverygrounduponwhichhewalked，themindoftheCapatazoftheCargadoresturnedalertlytotheproblemoffutureconduct。Nostromo\'sfaculties，workingonparallellines，enabledhimtosteerstraight，tokeepalook-outforHermosa，nearwhichhehadtopass，andtotrytoimaginewhatwouldhappentomorrowinSulaco。Tomorrow，or，asamatteroffact，today，sincethedawnwasnotveryfar，Sotillowouldfindoutinwhatwaythetreasurehadgone。AgangofcargadoreshadbeenemployedinloadingitintoarailwaytruckfromtheCustomHousestorerooms，andrunningthetruckontothewharf。Therewouldbearrestsmade，andcertainlybeforenoonSotillowouldknowinwhatmannerthesilverhadleftSulaco，andwhoitwasthattookitout。

Nostromo\'sintentionhadbeentosailrightintotheharbour；butatthisthoughtbyasuddentouchofthetillerthethrewthelighterintothewindandcheckedherrapidway。Hisreappearancewiththeveryboatwouldraisesuspicions，wouldcausesurmises，wouldabsolutelyputSotilloonthetrack。Hehimselfwouldbearrested；andonceintheCalabozotherewasnosayingwhattheywoulddotohimtomakehimspeak。Hetrustedhimself，buthestooduptolookround。Nearby，Hermosashowedlowitswhitesurfaceasflatasatable，withtheslightrunofthesearaisedbythebreezewashingoveritsedgesnoisily。Thelightermustbesunkatonce。

Heallowedhertodriftwithhersailaback。Therewasalreadyagooddealofwaterinher。Heallowedhertodrifttowardstheharbourentrance，and，lettingthetillerswingabout，squatteddownandbusiedhimselfinlooseningtheplug。Withthatoutshewouldfillveryquickly，andeverylightercarriedalittleironballast——enoughtomakehergodownwhenfullofwater。WhenhestoodupagainthenoisywashabouttheHermosasoundedfaraway，almostinaudible；andalreadyhecouldmakeouttheshapeoflandabouttheharbourentrance。Thiswasadesperateaffair，andhewasagoodswimmer。Amilewasnothingtohim，andheknewofaneasyplaceforlandingjustbelowtheearthworksoftheoldabandonedfort。itoccurredtohimwithapeculiarfascinationthatthisfortwasagoodplaceinwhichtosleepthedaythroughaftersomanysleeplessnights。

Withoneblowofthetillerheunshippedforthepurpose，heknockedtheplugout，butdidnottakethetroubletolowerthesail。Hefeltthewaterwellingupheavilyabouthislegsbeforeheleapedontothetaffrail。

There，uprightandmotionless，inhisshirtandtrousersonly，hestoodwaiting。Whenhehadfelthersettlehesprangfarawaywithamightysplash。

Atonceheturnedhishead。Thegloomy，cloudeddawnfrombehindthemountainsshowedhimonthesmoothwaterstheuppercornerofthesail，adarkwettriangleofcanvaswavingslightlytoandfro。Hesawitvanish，asifjerkedunder，andthenstruckoutfortheshore。

:NostromoATaleoftheSeaboard:Part3Chapter1PARTTHREE

THELIGHTHOUSE1DirectlythecargoboathadslippedawayfromthewharfandgotlostinthedarknessoftheharbourtheEuropeansofSulacoseparated，toprepareforthecomingoftheMonteristregime，whichwasapproachingSulacofromthemountains，aswellasfromthesea。

Thisbitofmanualworkinloadingthesilverwastheirlastconcertedaction。Itendedthethreedaysofdanger，duringwhich，accordingtothenewspaperpressofEurope，theirenergyhadpreservedthetownfromthecalamitiesofpopulardisorder。Attheshoreendofthejetty，CaptainMitchellsaidgoodnightandturnedback。HisintentionwastowalktheplanksofthewharftillthesteamerfromEsmeraldaturnedup。Theengineersoftherailwaystaff，collectingtheirBasqueandItalianworkmen，marchedthemawaytotherailwayyards，leavingtheCustomHouse，sowelldefendedonthefirstdayoftheriot，standingopentothefourwindsofheaven。

Theirmenhadconductedthemselvesbravelyandfaithfullyduringthefamous`threedays\'ofSulaco。Inagreatpartthisfaithfulnessandthatcouragehadbeenexercisedinself-defenceratherthaninthecauseofthosematerialintereststowhichCharlesGouldhadpinnedhisfaith。Amongstthecriesofthemobnottheleastloudhadbeenthecryofdeathtoforeigners。

Itwas，indeed，aluckycircumstanceforSulacothattherelationsofthoseimportedworkmenwiththepeopleofthecountryhadbeenuniformlybadfromthefirst。

DrMonygham，goingtothedoorofViola\'skitchen，observedthisretreatmarkingtheendoftheforeigninterference，thiswithdrawalofthearmyofmaterialprogressfromthefieldofCostaguanarevolutions。

Algarrobatorchescarriedontheoutskirtsofthemovingbodysenttheirpenetratingaromaintohisnostrils。Theirlight，sweepingalongthefrontofthehouse，madethelettersoftheinscription，`Albergod\'ItaliaUna\'，leapoutblackfromendtoendofthelongwall。Hiseyesblinkedintheclearblaze。Severalyoungmen，mostlyfairandtall，shepherdingthismobofdarkbronzedheads，surmountedbytheglintofslantingriflebarrels，noddedtohimfamiliarlyastheywentby。Thedoctorwasawell-knowncharacter。

Someofthemwonderedwhathewasdoingthere。Then，ontheflankoftheirworkmentheytrampedon，followingthelineofrails。

`Withdrawingyourpeoplefromtheharbour?\'saidthedoctor，addressinghimselftothechiefengineeroftherailway，whohadaccompaniedCharlesGouldsofaronhiswaytothetown，walkingbythesideofthehorse，withhishandonthesaddle-bow。Theyhadstoppedjustoutsidetheopendoortolettheworkmencrosstheroad。

`AsquickasIcan。Wearenotapoliticalfaction，\'answeredtheengineer，meaningly。`Andwearenotgoingtogiveournewrulersahandleagainsttherailway。Youapproveme，Gould?\'

`Absolutely，\'saidCharlesGould\'simpassivevoice，highupandoutsidethedimparallelogramoflightfallingontheroadthroughtheopendoor。

WithSotilloexpectedfromoneside，andPedroMonterofromtheother，theengineer-in-chief\'sonlyanxietynowwastoavoidacollisionwitheither。Sulaco，forhim，wasarailwaystation，aterminus，workshops，agreataccumulationofstores。Asagainstthemobtherailwaydefendeditsproperty，butpoliticallytherailwaywasneutral。Hewasabraveman；

andinthatspiritofneutralityhehadcarriedproposalsoftrucetotheself-appointedchiefsofthepopularparty，thedeputiesFuentesandGamacho。

BulletswerestillflyingaboutwhenhehadcrossedthePlazaonthatmission，wavingabovehisheadawhitenapkinbelongingtothetablelinenoftheAmarillaClub。

Hewasratherproudofthisexploit；andreflectingthatthedoctor，busyalldaywiththewoundedinthepatiooftheCasaGould，hadnothadtimetohearthenews，hebeganasuccinctnarrative。HehadcommunicatedtothemtheintelligencefromtheConstructionCampastoPedroMontero。

Thebrotherofthevictoriousgeneral，hehadassuredthem，couldbeexpectedatSulacoatanytimenow。Thisnews(asheanticipated)，whenshoutedoutofthewindowbySenorGamacho，inducedarushofthemobalongtheCampoRoadtowardsRincon。Thetwodeputiesalso，aftershakinghandswithhimeffusively，mountedandgallopedofftomeetthegreatman。`Ihavemisledthemalittleastothetime，\'thechiefengineerconfessed。`Howeverhardherides，hecanscarcelygetherebeforethemorning。Butmyobjectisattained。I\'vesecuredseveralhours\'peaceforthelosingparty。ButIdidnottellthemanythingaboutSotillo，forfeartheywouldtakeitintotheirheadstotrytogetholdoftheharbouragain，eithertoopposehimorwelcomehim——there\'snosayingwhich。TherewasGould\'ssilver，onwhichreststheremnantofourhopes。Decoud\'sretreathadtobethoughtof，too。Ithinktherailwayhasdoneprettywellbyitsfriendswithoutcompromisingitselfhopelessly。Nowthepartiesmustbelefttothemselves。\'

`CostaguanafortheCostaguaneros，\'interjectedthedoctor，sardonically。

`Itisafinecountry，andtheyhaveraisedafinecropofhates，vengeance，murder，andrapine——thosesonsofthecountry。\'

`Well，Iamoneofthem，\'CharlesGould\'svoicesounded，calmly，`andImustbegoingontoseetomyowncropoftrouble。Mywifehasdrivenstraighton，doctor?\'

`Yes。Allwasquietonthisside。MrsGouldhastakenthetwogirlswithher。\'

CharlesGouldrodeon，andtheengineer-in-chieffollowedthedoctorindoors。

`Thatmaniscalmnesspersonified，\'hesaid，appreciatively，droppingonabench，andstretchinghiswell-shapedlegsincyclingstockingsnearlyacrossthedoorway。`Hemustbeextremelysureofhimself。\'

`Ifthat\'sallheissureof，thenheissureofnothing，\'saidthedoctor。Hehadperchedhimselfagainontheendofthetable。Henursedhischeekinthepalmofonehand，whiletheothersustainedtheelbow。

`Itisthelastthingamanoughttobesureof。\'Thecandle，half-consumedandburningdimlywithalongwick，lightedupfrombelowhisinclinedface，whoseexpressionaffectedbythedrawn-incicatricesinthecheeks，hadsomethingvaguelyunnatural，anexaggeratedremorsefulbitterness。

Ashesattherehehadtheairofmeditatinguponsinisterthings。Theengineer-in-chiefgazedathimforatimebeforeheprotested。

`Ireallydon\'tseethat。Formethereseemstobenothingelse。However——\'

Hewasawiseman，buthecouldnotquiteconcealhiscontemptforthatsortofparadox；infact，DrMonyghamwasnotlikedbytheEuropeansofSulaco。Hisoutwardaspectofanoutcast，whichhepreservedeveninMrsGould\'sdrawing-room，provokedunfavourablecriticism。Therecouldbenodoubtofhisintelligence；andashehadlivedforovertwentyyearsinthecountry，thepessimismofhisoutlookcouldnotbealtogetherignored。

Butinstinctively，inself-defenceoftheiractivitiesandhopes，hishearersputittotheaccountofsomehiddenimperfectionintheman\'scharacter。

Itwasknownthatmanyyearsbefore，whenquiteyoung，hehadbeenmadebyGuzmanBentochiefmedicalofficerofthearmy。NotoneoftheEuropeansthenintheserviceofCostaguanahadbeensomuchlikedandtrustedbythefierceoldDictator。

Afterwardshisstorywasnotsoclear。Itlostitselfamongsttheinnumerabletalesofconspiraciesandplotsagainstthetyrantasastreamislostinanaridbeltofsandycountrybeforeitemerges，diminishedandtroubled，perhaps，ontheotherside。ThedoctormadenosecretofitthathehadlivedforyearsinthewildestpartsoftheRepublic，wanderingwithalmostunknownIndiantribesinthegreatforestsofthefarinteriorwherethegreatrivershavetheirsources。Butitwasmereaimlesswandering；hehadwrittennothing，collectednothing，broughtnothingforscienceoutofthetwilightoftheforests，whichseemedtoclingtohisbatteredpersonalitylimpingaboutSulaco，whereithaddriftedincasually，onlytogetstrandedontheshoresofthesea。

ItwasalsoknownthathehadlivedinastateofdestitutiontillthearrivaloftheGouldsfromEurope。DonCarlosandDonaEmiliahadtakenupthemadEnglishdoctor，whenitbecameapparentthatforallhissavageindependencehecouldbetamedbykindness。Perhapsitwasonlyhungerthathadtamedhim。InyearsgonebyhehadcertainlybeenacquaintedwithCharlesGould\'sfatherinStaMarta；andnow，nomatterwhatwerethedarkpassagesofhishistory，asthemedicalofficeroftheSanTomeminehebecamearecognizedpersonality。Hewasrecognized，butnotunreservedlyaccepted。Somuchdefianteccentricityandsuchanoutspokenscornformankindseemedtopointtomererecklessnessofjudgement，thebravadoofguilt。Besides，sincehehadbecomeagainofsomeaccount，vaguewhispershadbeenheardthatyearsago，whenfallenintodisgraceandthrownintoprisonbyGuzmanBentoatthetimeoftheso-calledGreatConspiracy，hehadbetrayedsomeofhisbestfriendsamongsttheconspirators。Nobodypretendedtobelievethatwhisper；thewholestoryoftheGreatConspiracywashopelesslyinvolvedandobscure；itisadmittedinCostaguanathatthereneverhadbeenaconspiracyexceptinthediseasedimaginationoftheTyrant；and，therefore，nothingandnoonetobetray；thoughthemostdistinguishedCostaguaneroshadbeenimprisonedandexecuteduponthataccusation。Theprocedurehaddraggedonforyears，decimatingthebetterclasslikeapestilence。Themereexpressionofsorrowforthefateofexecutedkinsmenhadbeenpunishedwithdeath。DonJoseAvellanoswasperhapstheonlyonelivingwhoknewthewholestoryofthoseunspeakablecruelties。

Hehadsufferedfromthemhimself，andhe，withashrugoftheshouldersandanervous，jerkygestureofthearm，waswonttoputawayfromhim，asitwere，everyallusiontoit。Butwhateverthereason，DrMonygham，apersonageintheadministrationoftheGouldConcession，treatedwithreverentawebytheminers，andindulgedinhispeculiaritiesbyMrsGould，remainedsomehowoutsidethepale。

Itwasnotfromanylikingforthedoctorthattheengineer-in-chiefhadlingeredintheinnupontheplain。HelikedoldViolamuchbetter。

HehadcometolookupontheAlbergod\'ItaliaUnaasadependenceoftherailway。Manyofhissubordinateshadtheirquartersthere。MrsGould\'sinterestinthefamilyconferreduponitasortofdistinction。Theengineer-in-chief，withanarmyofworkersunderhisorders，appreciatedthemoralinfluenceoftheoldGaribaldinouponhiscountrymen。Hisaustere，old-worldRepublicanismhadasevere，soldier-likestandardoffaithfulnessandduty，asiftheworldwereabattlefieldwheremenhadtofightforthesakeofuniversalloveandbrotherhood，insteadofamoreorlesslargeshareofbooty。

`Pooroldchap！\'hesaid，afterhehadheardthedoctor\'saccountofTeresa。`He\'llneverbeabletokeeptheplacegoingbyhimself。Ishallbesorry。\'

`He\'squitealoneupthere，\'gruntedDrMonygham，withatossofhisheavyheadtowardsthenarrowstaircase。`Everylivingsoulhasclearedout，andMrsGouldtookthegirlsawayjustnow。Itmightnotbeover-safeforthemoutherebeforeverylong。Ofcourse，asadoctorIcandonothingmorehere；butshehasaskedmetostaywitholdViola，andasIhavenohorsetogetbacktothemine，whereIoughttobe，Imadenodifficultytostay。Theycandowithoutmeinthetown。\'

`Ihaveagoodmindtoremainwithyou，doctor，tillweseewhetheranythinghappenstonightattheharbour，\'declaredtheengineer-in-chief。

`HemustnotbemolestedbySotillo\'ssoldiery，whomaypushonasfarasthisatonce。SotillousedtobeverycordialtomeattheGoulds\'andattheclub。Howthatman\'lleverdaretolookanyofhisfriendshereinthefaceIcan\'timagine。\'

`He\'llnodoubtbeginbyshootingsomeofthemtogetoverthefirstawkwardness，\'saidthedoctor。`Nothinginthiscountryservesbetteryourmilitarymanwhohaschangedsidesthanafewsummaryexecutions。\'Hespokewithagloomypositivenessthatleftnoroomforprotest。Theengineer-in-chiefdidnotattemptany。Hesimplynoddedseveraltimesregretfully，thensaid:

`Hetookaslightlydifferentview，\'thedoctorsaid。`Iheardhimdeclareinthisveryroomthatitwouldbethemostdesperateaffairofhislife。

Hemadeasortofverbalwillhereinmyhearing，appointingoldViolahisexecutor；and，byJove！doyouknow，he——he\'snotgrownrichbyhisfidelitytoyougoodpeopleoftherailwayandtheharbour。Isupposeheobtainssome——howdoyousaythat?——somespiritualvalueforhislabours，orelseIdon\'tknowwhythedevilheshouldbefaithfultoyou，Gould，Mitchell，oranybodyelse。Heknowsthiscountrywell。Heknows，forinstance，thatGamacho，theDeputyfromjavira，hasbeennothingelsebutatramposoofthecommonestsort，apettypedlaroftheCampo，tillhemanagedtogetenoughgoodsoncreditfromAnzanitoopenalittlestoreinthewilds，andgothimselfelectedbythedrunkenmozosthathangabouttheestanciasandthepoorestsortofrancheroswhowereinhisdebt。AndGamacho，whotomorrowwillbeprobablyoneofourhighofficials，isastranger，too——anisleno。HemighthavebeenacargadorontheO。S。N。wharfhadhenot(theposaderoofRinconisreadytoswearit)murderedapedlarinthewoodsandstolenhispacktobeginlifeon。AnddoyouthinkthatGamacho，then，wouldhaveeverbecomeaherowiththedemocracyofthisplace，likeourCapataz?Ofcoursenot。

Heisn\'thalftheman。No；decidedly，IthinkthatNostromoisafool。\'

Thedoctor\'stalkwasdistastefultothebuilderofrailways。`Itisimpossibletoarguethatpoint，\'hesaid，philosophically。`Eachmanhashisgifts。YoushouldhaveheardGamachoharanguinghisfriendsinthestreet。Hehasahowlingvoice，andheshoutedlikemad，liftinghisclenchedfistrightabovehishead，andthrowinghisbodyhalfoutofthewindow。

Ateverypausetherabblebelowyelled，“DownwiththeOligarchs！Vivalalibertad！“Fuentesinsidelookedextremelymiserable。Youknow，heisthebrotherofJorgeFuentes，whohasbeenMinisteroftheInteriorforsixmonthsorso，somefewyearsback。Ofcourse，hehasnoconscience；

butheisamanofbirthandeducation——atonetimethedirectoroftheCustomsofCayta。Thatidiot-bruteGamachofastenedhimselfuponhimwithhisfollowingofthelowestrabble。Hissicklyfearofthatruffianwasthemostrejoicingsightimaginable。\'

Hegotupandwenttothedoortolookouttowardstheharbour。`Allquiet，\'hesaid；`IwonderifSotilloreallymeanstoturnuphere?\'

NostromoATaleoftheSeaboard:Part3Chapter22CaptainMitchell，pacingthewharf，wasaskinghimselfthesamequestion。

TherewasalwaysthedoubtwhetherthewarningoftheEsmeraldatelegraphist——afragmentaryandinterruptedmessage——hadbeenproperlyunderstood。

However，thegoodmanhadmadeuphismindnottogotobedtilldaylight，ifeventhen。HeimaginedhimselftohaverenderedanenormousservicetoCharlesGould。Whenhethoughtofthesavedsilverherubbedhishandstogetherwithsatisfaction。Inhissimplewayhewasproudatbeingapartytothisextremelycleverexpedient。Itwashewhohadgivenitapracticalshapebysuggestingthepossibilityofinterceptingatseathenorthboundsteamer。AnditwasadvantageoustohisCompany，too，whichwouldhavelostavaluablefreightifthetreasurehadbeenleftashoretobeconfiscated。

ThepleasureofdisappointingtheMonteristswasalsoverygreat。Authoritativebytemperamentandthelonghabitofcommand，CaptainMitchellwasnodemocrat。

Heevenwentsofarastoprofessacontemptforparliamentarismitself。

`HisExcellencyDonVincenteRibiera，\'heusedtosay，`whomIandthatfellowofmine，Nostromo，hadthehonour，sir，andthepleasureofsavingfromacrueldeath，deferredtoomuchtohisCongress。Itwasamistake——adistinctmistake，sir。\'

TheguilelessoldseamansuperintendingtheO。S。N。serviceimaginedthatthelastthreedayshadexhaustedeverystartlingsurprisethepoliticallifeofCostaguanacouldoffer。Heusedtoconfessafterwardsthattheeventswhichfollowedsurpassedhisimagination。Tobeginwith，Sulaco(becauseoftheseizureofthecablesandthedisorganizationofthesteamservice)remainedforawholefortnightcutofffromtherestoftheworldlikeabesiegedcity。

`Onewouldnothavebelieveditpossible；butsoitwas，sir。Afullfortnight。\'

Theaccountoftheextraordinarythingsthathappenedduringthattime，andthepowerfulemotionsheexperienced，acquiredacomicimpressivenessfromthepompousmannerofhispersonalnarrative。Heopeneditalwaysbyassuringhishearerthathewas`inthethickofthingsfromfirsttolast\'。Thenhewouldbeginbydescribingthegettingawayofthesilver，andhisnaturalanxietylest`hisfellow\'inchargeofthelightershouldmakesomemistake。Apartfromthelossofsomuchpreciousmetal，thelifeofSenorMartinDecoud，anagreeable，wealthy，andwell-informedyounggentleman，wouldhavebeenjeopardizedthroughhisfallingintothehandsofhispoliticalenemies。CaptainMitchellalsoadmittedthatinhissolitaryvigilonthewharfhehadfeltacertainmeasureofconcernforthefutureofthewholecountry。

`Afeeling，sir，\'heexclaimed，`perfectlycomprehensibleinamanproperlygratefulforthemanykindnessesreceivedfromthebestfamiliesofmerchantsandothernativegentlemenofindependentmeans，who，barelysavedbyusfromtheexcessesofthemob，seemed，tomymind\'seye，destinedtobecomethepreyinpersonandfortuneofthenativesoldiery，which，asiswellknown，behavewithregrettablebarbaritytotheinhabitantsduringtheircivilcommotions。Andthen，sir，thereweretheGoulds，forbothofwhom，manandwife，Icouldnotbutentertainthewarmestfeelingsdeservedbytheirhospitalityandkindness。Ifelt，too，thedangersofthegentlemenoftheAmarillaClub，whohadmademehonorarymember，andhadtreatedmewithuniformregardandcivility，bothinmycapacityofConsularAgentandasSuperintendentofanimportantSteamService。MissAntoniaAvellanos，themostbeautifulandaccomplishedyoungladywhomithadeverbeenmyprivilegetospeakto，wasnotalittleinmymind，Iconfess。HowtheinterestsofmyCompanywouldbeaffectedbytheimpendingchangeofofficialsclaimedalargeshareofmyattention，too。Inshort，sir，Iwasextremelyanxiousandverytired，asyoumaysuppose，bytheexcitingandmemorableeventsinwhichIhadtakenmylittlepart。TheCompany\'sbuildingcontainingmyresidencewaswithinfiveminutes\'walk，withtheattractionofsomesupperandofmyhammock(Ialwaystakemynightlyrestinahammock，asthemostsuitabletotheclimate)；butsomehow，sir，thoughevidentlyI

coulddonothingforanyonebyremainingabout，Icouldnottearmyselfawayfromthatwharf，wherethefatiguemademestumblepainfullyattimes。

Thenightwasexcessivelydark——thedarkestIrememberinmylife；sothatIbegantothinkthatthearrivalofthetransportfromEsmeraldacouldnotpossiblytakeplacebeforedaylight，owingtothedifficultyofnavigatingthegulf。Themosquitoesbitlikefury。Wehavebeeninfestedherewithmosquitoesbeforethelateimprovements；apeculiarharbourbrand，sir，renownedforitsferocity。Theywerelikeacloudaboutmyhead，andIshouldn\'twonderthatbutfortheirattacksIwouldhavedozedoffasIwalkedupanddown，andgotaheavyfall。Ikeptonsmokingcigaraftercigar，moretoprotectmyselffrombeingeatenupalivethanfromanyrealrelishfortheweed。Then，sir，whenperhapsforthetwentiethtimeIwasapproachingmywatchtothelightedendinordertoseethetime，andobservingwithsurprisethatitwantedyettenminutestomidnight，Iheardthesplashofaship\'spropeller——anunmistakablesoundtoasailor\'searonsuchacalmnight。Itwasfaintindeed，becausetheywereadvancingwithprecautionanddeadslow，bothonaccountofthedarknessandfromtheirdesireofnotrevealingtoosoontheirpresence:averyunnecessarycare，because，Iverilybelieve，inalltheenormousextentofthisharbourIwastheonlylivingsoulabout。Eventheusualstaffofwatchmenandothershadbeenabsentfromtheirpostsforseveralnightsowingtothedisturbances。

Istoodstockstill，afterdroppingandstampingoutmycigar——acircumstancehighlyagreeable，Ishouldthink，tothemosquitoes，ifImayjudgefromthestateofmyfacenextmorning。ButthatwasatriflinginconvenienceincomparisonwiththebrutalproceedingsIbecamevictimofonthepartofSotillo。Somethingutterlyinconceivable，sir；moreliketheproceedingsofamaniacthantheactionofasaneman，howeverlosttoallsenseofhonouranddecency。ButSotillowasfuriousatthefailureofhisthievishscheme。\'

InthisCaptainMitchellwasright。Sotillowasindeedinfuriated。CaptainMitchell，however，hadnotbeenarrestedatonce；avividcuriosityinducedhimtoremainonthewharf(whichisnearlyfourhundredfeetlong)tosee，orratherhear，thewholeprocessofdisembarkation。Concealedbytherailwaytruckusedforthesilver，whichhadbeenrunbackafterwardstotheshoreendofthejetty，CaptainMitchellsawthesmalldetachmentthrownforward，passby，takingdifferentdirectionsupontheplain。Meantime，thetroopswerebeinglandedandformedintoacolumn，whoseheadcreptupgraduallysoclosetohimthathemadeitout，barringnearlythewholewidthofthewharf，onlyaveryfewyardsfromhim。Thenthelow，shuffling，murmuring，clinkingsoundsceased，andthewholemassremainedforaboutanhourmotionlessandsilent，awaitingthereturnofthescouts。Onlandnothingwastobeheardexceptthedeepbayingofthemastiffsattherailwayyards，answeredbythefaintbarkingofthecursinfestingtheouterlimitsofthetown。Adetachedknotofdarkshapesstoodinfrontoftheheadofthecolumn。

Presentlythepicketattheendofthewharfbegantochallengeinundertonessinglefiguresapproachingfromtheplain。Thosemessengerssentbackfromthescoutingpartiesflungtotheircomradesbriefsentencesandpassedonrapidly，becominglostinthegreatmotionlessmass，tomaketheirreporttotheStaff。ItoccurredtoCaptainMitchellthathispositioncouldbecomedisagreeableandperhapsdangerous，whensuddenly，attheheadofthejetty，therewasashoutofcommand，abuglecall，followedbyastirandarattlingofarms，andamurmuringnoisethatranrightupthecolumn。Nearbyaloudvoicedirectedhurriedly，`Pushthatrailwaycaroutoftheway！\'

AttherushofbarefeettoexecutetheorderCaptainMitchellskippedbackapaceortwo；thecar，suddenlyimpelledbymanyhands，flewawayfromhimalongtherails，andbeforeheknewwhathadhappenedhefoundhimselfsurroundedandseizedbyhisarmsandthecollarofhiscoat。

`Wehavecaughtamanhidinghere，miteniente！\'criedoneofhiscaptors。

`Holdhimononesidetilltherearguardcomesalong，\'answeredthevoice。ThewholecolumnstreamedpastCaptainMitchellatarun，thethunderingnoiseoftheirfeetdyingawaysuddenlyontheshore。Hiscaptorsheldhimtightly，disregardinghisdeclarationthathewasanEnglishmanandhislouddemandstobetakenatoncebeforetheircommandingofficer。Finallyhelapsedintodignifiedsilence。Withahollowrumbleofwheelsontheplanksacoupleoffieldguns，draggedbyhand，rolledby。Then，afterasmallbodyofmenhadmarchedpastescortingfourorfivefigureswhichwalkedinadvance，withajingleofsteelscabbards，hefeltatugathisarms，andwasorderedtocomealong。DuringthepassagefromthewharftotheCustomHouseitistobefearedthatCaptainMitchellwassubjectedtocertainindignitiesatthehandsofthesoldiers——suchasjerks，thumpsontheneck，forcibleapplicationofthebuttofarifletothesmallofhisback。Theirideasofspeedwerenotinaccordwithhisnotionofhisdignity。Hebecameflustered，flushed，andhelpless。Itwasasiftheworldwerecomingtoanend。

Thelongbuildingwassurroundedbytroops，whichwerealreadypilingarmsbycompaniesandpreparingtopassthenightlyingonthegroundintheirponchoswiththeirsacksundertheirheads。Corporalsmovedwithswinginglanternspostingsentriesallroundthewallswherevertherewasadoororanopening。Sotillowastakinghismeasurestoprotecthisconquestasifithadindeedcontainedthetreasure。Hisdesiretomakehisfortuneatoneaudaciousstrokeofgeniushadovermasteredhisreasoningfaculties。

Hewouldnotbelieveinthepossibilityoffailure；themerehintofsuchathingmadehisbrainreelwithrage。Everycircumstancepointingtoitappearedincredible。ThestatementofHirsch，whichwassoabsolutelyfataltohishopes，couldbynomeansbeadmitted。Itistrue，too，thatHirsch\'sstoryhadbeentoldsoincoherently，withsuchexcessivesignsofdistraction，thatitreallylookedimprobable。Itwasextremelydifficult，asthesayingis，tomakeheadortailofit。Onthebridgeofthesteamer，directlyafterhisrescue，Sotilloandhisofficers，intheirimpatienceandexcitement，wouldnotgivethewretchedmantimetocollectsuchfewwitsasremainedtohim。Heoughttohavebeenquieted，soothed，andreassured，whereashehadbeenroughlyhandled，cuffed，shaken，andaddressedinmenacingtones。Hisstruggles，hiswriggles，hisattemptstogetdownonhisknees，followedbythemostviolenteffortstobreakaway，asifhemeantincontinentlytojumpoverboard，hisshrieksandshrinkingsandcoweringwildglanceshadfilledthemfirstwithamazement，thenwithadoubtofhisgenuineness，asmenarewonttosuspectthesincerityofeverygreatpassion。HisSpanish，too，becamesomixedupwithGermanthatthebetterhalfofhisstatementsremainedincomprehensible。HetriedtopropitiatethembycallingthemhochwohlgeboreneHerren，whichinitselfsoundedsuspicious。WhenadmonishedsternlynottotrifleherepeatedhisentreatiesandprotestationsofloyaltyandinnocenceagaininGerman，obstinately，becausehewasnotawareinwhatlanguagehewasspeaking。Hisidentity，ofcourse，wasperfectlyknownasaninhabitantofEsmeralda，butthismadethemattertoclearer。

AshekeptonforgettingDecoud\'sname，mixinghimupwithseveralotherpeoplehehadseenintheCasaGould，itlookedasiftheyallhadbeeninthelightertogether；andforamomentSotillothoughtthathehaddrownedeveryprominentRibieristofSulaco。Theimprobabilityofsuchathingthrewadoubtuponthewholestatement。Hirschwaseithermadorplayingapart——pretendingfearanddistractiononthespurofthemomenttocoverthetruth。Sotillo\'srapacity，excitedtothehighestpitchbytheprospectofanimmensebooty，couldbelieveinnothingadverse。ThisJewmighthavebeenverymuchfrightenedbytheaccident，butheknewwherethesilverwasconcealed，andhadinventedthisstory，withhisJewishcunning，toputhimentirelyoffthetrackastowhathadbeendone。

Sotillohadtakenuphisquartersontheupperfloorinavastapartmentwithheavyblackbeams。Buttherewasnoceiling，andtheeyelostitselfinthedarknessunderthehighpitchoftheroof。Thethickshuttersstoodopen。Onalongtablecouldbeseenalargeinkstand，somestumpy，inkyquillpens，andtwosquarewoodenboxes，eachholdinghalfahundredweightofsand。Sheetsofgreycoarseofficialpaperbestrewedthefloor。ItmusthavebeenaroomoccupiedbysomehigherofficialoftheCustoms，becausealargeleathernarmchairstoodbehindthetable，withotherhigh-backedchairsscatteredabout。Anethammockwasswungunderoneofthebeams——fortheofficial\'safternoonsiesta，nodoubt。Acoupleofcandlesstuckintotallironcandlesticksgaveadimreddishlight。Thecolonel\'shat，sword，andrevolverlaybetweenthem，andacoupleofhismoretrustyofficersloungedgloomilyagainstthetable。Thecolonelthrewhimselfintothearmchair，andabigNegrowithasergeant\'sstripesonhisraggedsleeve，kneelingdown，pulledoffhisboots。Sotillo\'sebonymoustachecontrastedviolentlywiththelividcolouringofhischeeks。Hiseyesweresombreandasifsunkveryfarintohishead。Heseemedexhaustedbyhisperplexities，languidwithdisappointment；butwhenthesentryonthelandingthrusthisheadintoannouncethearrivalofaprisoner，herevivedatonce。

`Lethimbebroughtin，\'heshouted，fiercely。

Thedoorflewopen，andCaptainMitchell，bareheaded，hiswaistcoatopen，thebowofhistieunderhisear，washustledintotheroom。

Sotillorecognizedhimatonce。Hecouldnothavehopedforamorepreciouscapture；herewasamanwhocouldtellhim，ifhechose，everythinghewishedtoknow——anddirectlytheproblemofhowbesttomakehimtalktothepointpresenteditselftohismind。TheresentmentofaforeignnationhadnoterrorsforSotillo。ThemightofthewholearmedEuropewouldnothaveprotectedCaptainMitchellfrominsultsandill-usage，sowellasthequickreflectionofSotillothatthiswasanEnglishmanwhowouldmostlikelyturnobstinateunderbadtreatment，andbecomequiteunmanageable。Atallevents，thecolonelsmoothedthescowlonhisbrow。

`What！TheexcellentSenorMitchell！\'hecried，inaffecteddismay。

Thepretendedangerofhisswiftadvanceandofhisshout，`Releasethecaballeroatonce，\'wassoeffectivethattheastoundedsoldierspositivelysprangawayfromtheirprisoner。Thussuddenlydeprivedofforciblesupport，CaptainMitchellreeledasthoughabouttofall。Sotillotookhimfamiliarlyunderthearm，ledhimtoachair，wavedhishandattheroom。`Goout，allofyou，\'hecommanded。

Whentheyhadbeenleftalonehestoodlookingdown，irresoluteandsilent，watchingtillCaptainMitchellhadrecoveredhispowerofspeech。

Hereinhisverygraspwasoneofthemenconcernedintheremovalofthesilver。Sotillo\'stemperamentwasofthatsortthatheexperiencedanardentdesiretobeathim；justasformerlywhennegotiatingwithdifficultyaloanfromthecautiousAnzani，hisfingersalwaysitchedtotaketheshopkeeperbythethroat。AstoCaptainMitchell，thesuddenness，unexpectedness，andgeneralinconceivablenessofthisexperiencehadconfusedhisthoughts。

Moreover，hewasphysicallyoutofbreath。

`I\'vebeenknockeddownthreetimesbetweenthisandthewharf，\'hegaspedoutatlast。`Somebodyshallbemadetopayforthis。\'Hehadcertainlystumbledmorethanonce，andhadbeendraggedalongforsomedistancebeforehecouldregainhisstride。Withhisrecoveredbreathhisindignationseemedtomaddenhim。Hejumpedup，crimson，allhiswhitehairbristling，hiseyesglaringvengefully，andshookviolentlytheflapsofhisruinedwaistcoatbeforethedisconcertedSotillo。`Look！Thoseuniformedthievesofyoursdownstairshaverobbedmeofmywatch。\'

Theoldsailor\'saspectwasverythreatening。Sotillosawhimselfcutofffromthetableonwhichhissabreandrevolverwerelying。

`Idemandrestitutionandapologies，\'Mitchellthunderedathim，quitebesidehimself。`Fromyou！Yes，fromyou！\'

Forthespaceofasecondorsothecolonelstoodwithaperfectlystonyexpressionofface；then，asCaptainMitchellflungoutanarmtowardsthetableasiftosnatchuptherevolver，Sotillo，withayellofalarm，boundedtothedoorandwasgoneinaflash，slammingitafterhim。SurprisecalmedCaptainMitchell\'sfury。BehindthecloseddoorSotilloshoutedonthelanding，andtherewasagreattumultoffeetonthewoodenstaircase。

`Disarmhim！Bindhim！\'thecolonelcouldbeheardvociferating。

CaptainMitchellhadjustthetimetoglanceonceatthewindows，withthreeperpendicularbarsofironeachandsometwentyfeetfromtheground，ashewellknew，beforethedoorflewopenandtherushuponhimtookplace。

Inanincrediblyshorttimehefoundhimselfboundwithmanyturnsofahideropetoahigh-backedchair，sothathisheadaloneremainedfree。

NottillthendidSotillo，whohadbeenleaninginthedoorwaytremblingvisibly，ventureagainwithin。Thesoldiers，pickingupfromthefloortheriflestheyhaddroppedtograpplewiththeprisoner，filedoutoftheroom。Theofficersremainedleaningontheirswordsandlookingon。

`Thewatch！thewatch！\'ravedthecolonel，pacingtoandfrolikeatigerinacage。`Givemethatman\'swatch。\'

Itwastrue，thatwhensearchedforarmsinthehalldownstairs，beforebeingtakenintoSotillo\'spresence，CaptainMitchellhadbeenrelievedofhiswatchandchain；butatthecolonel\'sclamouritwasproducedquicklyenough，acorporalbringingitup，carriedcarefullyinthepalmsofhisjoinedhands。Sotillosnatchedit，andpushedtheclenchedfistfromwhichitdangledclosetoCaptainMitchell\'sface。

`Nowthen！YouarrogantEnglishman！Youdaretocallthesoldiersofthearmythieves！Beholdyourwatch。\'

Heflourishedhisfistasifaimingblowsattheprisoner\'snose。CaptainMitchell，helplessasaswathedinfant，lookedanxiouslyatthesixty-guineagoldhalf-chronometer，presentedtohimyearsagobyaCommitteeofUnderwritersforsavingashipfromtotallossbyfire。Sotillo，too，seemedtoperceiveitsvaluableappearance。Hebecamesilentsuddenly，steppedasidetothetable，andbeganacarefulexaminationinthelightofthecandles。Hehadneverseenanythingsofine。Hisofficersclosedinandcranedtheirnecksbehindhisback。

Hebecamesointerestedthatforaninstantheforgothispreciousprisoner。

Thereisalwayssomethingchildishintherapacityofthepassionate，clear-minded，Southernraces，wantinginthemistyidealismoftheNortherners，whoatthesmallestencouragementdreamofnothinglessthantheconquestoftheearth。Sotillowasfondofjewels，goldtrinkets，ofpersonaladornment。

Afteramomentheturnedabout，andwithacommandinggesturemadeallhisofficersfallback。Helaiddownthewatchonthetable，then，negligently，pushedhishatoverit。

`Ha！\'hebegan，goingupveryclosetothechair。`YoudarecallmyvaliantsoldiersoftheEsmeraldaregiment，thieves。Youdare！Whatimpudence！

Youforeignerscomeheretorobourcountryofitswealth。Youneverhaveenough！Youraudacityknowsnobounds。\'

Helookedtowardstheofficers，amongwhomtherewasanapprovingmurmur。

Theoldermajorwasmovedtodeclare:

`Si，micoronel。Theyarealltraitors。\'

`Ishallsaynothing，\'continuedSotillo，fixingthemotionlessandpowerlessMitchellwithanangrybutuneasystare。`IshallsaynothingofyourtreacherousattempttogetpossessionofmyrevolvertoshootmewhileIwastryingtotreatyouwithconsiderationyoudidnotdeserve。

Youhaveforfeitedyourlife。Youronlyhopeisinmyclemency。\'

Hewatchedfortheeffectofhiswords，buttherewasnoobvioussignoffearonCaptainMitchell\'sface。Hiswhitehairwasfullofdust，whichcoveredalsotherestofhishelplessperson。Asifhehadheardnothing，hetwitchedaneyebrowtogetridofabitofstrawwhichhungamongstthehairs。

Sotilloadvancedonelegandputhisarmsakimbo。`Itisyou，Mitchell，\'

hesaid，emphatically，`whoarethethief，notmysoldiers！\'Hepointedathisprisoneraforefingerwithalong，almond-shapednail。`WhereisthesilveroftheSanTomemine?Iaskyou，Mitchell，whereisthesilverthatwasdepositedinthisCustomHouse?Answermethat！Youstoleit。

Youwereapartytostealingit。ItwasstolenfromtheGovernment。Aha！

youthinkIdonotknowwhatIsay；butIamuptoyourforeigntricks。

Itisgone，thesilver！No?Goneinoneofyourlanchas，youmiserableman！Howdaredyou?\'

Thistimeheproducedhiseffect。`HowonearthcouldSotilloknowthat?\'

thoughtMitchell。Hishead，theonlypartofhisbodythatcouldmove，betrayedhissurprisebyasuddenjerk。

`Ha！youtremble，\'Sotilloshouted，suddenly。`Itisaconspiracy。ItisacrimeagainsttheState。DidyounotknowthatthesilverbelongstotheRepublictilltheGovernmentclaimsaresatisfied?Whereisit?

Wherehaveyouhiddenit，youmiserablethief?\'

AtthisquestionCaptainMitchell\'ssinkingspiritsrevived。InwhateverincomprehensiblemannerSotillohadalreadygothisinformationaboutthelighter，hehadnotcapturedit。Thatwasclear。Inhisoutragedheart，CaptainMitchellhadresolvedthatnothingwouldinducehimtosayawordwhileheremainedsodisgracefullybound，buthisdesiretohelptheescapeofthesilvermadehimdepartfromthisresolution。Hiswitswereverymuchatwork。HedetectedinSotilloacertainairofdoubt，ofirresolution。

`Thatman，\'hesaidtohimself，`isnotcertainofwhatheadvances。\'

Forallhispomposityinsocialintercourse，CaptainMitchellcouldmeettherealitiesoflifeinaresoluteandreadyspirit。Nowhehadgotoverthefirstshockoftheabominabletreatmenthewascoolandcollectedenough。

TheimmensecontempthefeltforSotillosteadiedhim，andhesaidoracularly，`Nodoubtitiswellconcealedbythistime。\'

Sotillo，too，hadtimetocooldown。`Muybien，Mitchell，\'hesaidinacoldandthreateningmanner。`ButcanyouproducetheGovernmentreceiptfortheroyaltyandtheCustomHousepermitofembarkation，hey?

Canyou?No。Thenthesilverhasbeenremovedillegally，andtheguiltyshallbemadetosuffer，unlessitisproducedwithinfivedaysfromthis。\'

Hegaveordersfortheprisonertobeunboundandlockedupinoneofthesmallerroomsdownstairs。Hewalkedabouttheroom，moodyandsilent，tillCaptainMitchell，witheachofhisarmsheldbyacoupleofmen，stoodup，shookhimself，andstampedhisfeet。

`Howdidyouliketobetiedup，Mitchell?\'heasked，derisively。

`Itisthemostincredible，abominableuseofpower！\'CaptainMitchelldeclaredinaloudvoice。`Andwhateveryourpurpose，youshallgainnothingfromit，Icanpromiseyou。\'

Thetallcolonel，livid，withhiscoal-blackringletsandmoustache，crouched，asitwere，tolookintotheeyesoftheshort，thick-set，red-facedprisonerwithrumpledwhitehair。

`Thatweshallsee。YoushallknowmypoweralittlebetterwhenItieyouuptoapotalonoutsideinthesunforawholeday。\'Hedrewhimselfuphaughtily，andmadeasignforCaptainMitchelltobeledaway。

`Whataboutmywatch?\'criedCaptainMitchell，hangingbackfromtheeffortsofthemenpullinghimtowardsthedoor。

Sotilloturnedtohisofficers。`No！Butonlylistentothispicaro，caballeros，\'hepronouncedwithaffectedscorn，andwasansweredbyachorusofderisivelaughter。`Hedemandshiswatch！\'……HeranupagaintoCaptainMitchell，forthedesiretorelievehisfeelingsbyinflictingblowsandpainuponthisEnglishmanwasverystrongwithinhim。`Yourwatch！

Youareaprisonerinwartime，Mitchell！Inwartime！Youhavenorightsandnoproperty！Caramba！Theverybreathinyourbodybelongstome。Rememberthat。\'

`Bosh！\'saidCaptainMitchell，concealingadisagreeableimpression。

Downbelow，inagreathall，withtheearthenfloorandwithatallmoundthrownupbywhiteantsinacorner，thesoldiershadkindledasmallfirewithbrokenchairsandtablesnearthearchedgateway，throughwhichthefaintmurmuroftheharbourwatersonthebeachcouldbeheard。WhileCaptainMitchellwasbeingleddownthestaircase，anofficerpassedhim，runninguptoreporttoSotillothecaptureofmoreprisoners。Alotofsmokehungaboutinthevastgloomyplace，thefirecrackled，and，asifthroughahaze，CaptainMitchellmadeout，surroundedbyshortsoldierswithfixedbayonets，theheadsofthreetallprisoners——thedoctor，theengineer-in-chief，andthewhiteleoninemaneofoldViola，whostoodhalf-turnedawayfromtheotherswithhischinonhisbreastandhisarmscrossed。

Mitchell\'sastonishmentknewnobounds。Hecriedout；theothertwoexclaimedalso。Buthehurriedon，diagonally，acrossthebigcavern-likehall。Lotsofthoughts，surmises，hintsofcaution，andsoon，crowdedhisheadtodistraction。

`Isheactuallykeepingyou?\'shoutedthechiefengineer，whosesingleeyeglassglitteredinthefirelight。

Anofficerfromthetopofthestairswasshoutingurgently，`Bringthemallup——allthree。\'

Intheclamourofvoicesandtherattleofarms，CaptainMitchellmadehimselfheardimperfectly:`Byheavens！thefellowhasstolenmywatch。\'

Theengineer-in-chiefonthestaircaseresistedthepressurelongenoughtoshout，`What?Whatdidyousay?\'

`Mychronometer！\'CaptainMitchellyelledviolentlyattheverymomentofbeingthrustheadforemostthroughasmalldoorintoasortofcell，perfectlyblack，andsonarrowthathefetchedupagainsttheoppositewall。Thedoorhadbeeninstantlyslammed。Heknewwheretheyhadputhim。

Thiswasthestrong-roomoftheCustomHouse，whencethesilverhadbeenremovedonlyafewhoursearlier。Itwasalmostasnarrowasacorridor，withasmallsquareaperture，barredbyaheavygrating，atthedistantend。CaptainMitchellstaggeredforafewsteps，thensatdownontheearthenfloorwithhisbacktothewall。Nothing，notevenagleamoflightfromanywhere，interferedwithCaptainMitchell\'smeditation。Hedidsomehardbutnotveryextensivethinking。Itwasnotofagloomycast。Theoldsailor，withallhissmallweaknessesandabsurdities，wasconstitutionallyincapableofentertainingforanylengthoftimeafearofhispersonalsafety。Itwasnotsomuchfirmnessofsoulasthelackofacertainkindofimagination——thekindwhoseunduedevelopmentcausedintensesufferingtoSenorHirsch；

thatsortofimaginationwhichaddstheblindterrorofbodilysufferingandofdeath，envisagedasanaccidenttothebodyalone，strictly——toalltheotherapprehensionsonwhichthesenseofone\'sexistenceisbased。

Unfortunately，CaptainMitchellhadnotmuchpenetrationofanykind；characteristic，illuminatingtriflesofexpression，action，ormovement，escapedhimcompletely。

Hewastoopompouslyandinnocentlyawareofhisownexistencetoobservethatofothers。Forinstance，hecouldnotbelievethatSotillohadbeenreallyafraidofhim，andthissimplybecauseitwouldneverhaveenteredintohisheadtoshootanyoneexceptinthemostpressingcaseofself-defence。

Anybodycouldseehewasnotamurderingkindofman，hereflectedquitegravely。Thenwhythispreposterousandinsultingcharge?heaskedhimself。

Buthisthoughtsmainlyclungaroundtheastoundingandunanswerablequestion:

Howthedevilthefellowgottoknowthatthesilverhadgoneoffinthelighter?Itwasobviousthathehadnotcapturedit。And，obviously，hecouldnothavecapturedit！InthislastconclusionCaptainMitchellwasmisledbytheassumptiondrawnfromhisobservationoftheweatherduringhislongvigilonthewharf。Hethoughtthattherehadbeenmuchmorewindthanusualthatnightinthegulf；whereas，asamatteroffact，thereversewasthecase。

`Howinthenameofallthat\'smarvellousdidthatconfoundedfellowgetwindoftheaffair?\'wasthefirstquestionheaskeddirectlyafterthebang，clatter，andflashoftheopendoor(whichwasclosedagainalmostbeforehecouldlifthisdroppedhead)informedhimthathehadacompanionofcaptivity。DrMonygham\'svoicestoppedmutteringcursesinEnglishandSpanish。