Page 131 - HEART OF DARKNESS

Heart of Darkness

‘I had turned to the wilderness really, not to Mr. Kurtz,
who, I was ready to admit, was as good as buried. And for
a moment it seemed to me as if I also were buried in a vast
grave full of unspeakable secrets. I felt an intolerable

weight oppressing my breast, the smell of the damp earth,
the unseen presence of victorious corruption, the darkness
of an impenetrable night…. The Russian tapped me on
the shoulder. I heard him mumbling and stammering
something about ‘brother seaman—couldn’t conceal—
knowledge of matters that would affect Mr. Kurtz’s
reputation.’ I waited. For him evidently Mr. Kurtz was
not in his grave; I suspect that for him Mr. Kurtz was one
of the immortals. ‘Well!’ said I at last, ‘speak out. As it
happens, I am Mr. Kurtz’s friend—in a way.’
‘He stated with a good deal of formality that had we
not been ‘of the same profession,’ he would have kept the
matter to himself without regard to consequences. ‘He
suspected there was an active ill-will towards him on the
part of these white men that—’ ‘You are right,’ I said,
remembering a certain conversation I had overheard. ‘The
manager thinks you ought to be hanged.’ He showed a
concern at this intelligence which amused me at first. ‘I
had better get out of the way quietly,’ he said earnestly. ‘I
can do no more for Kurtz now, and they would soon find

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