Page 227 - nostromo-a-tale-of-the-seaboard

continues to call Montero a gran’ bestia, and stigmatize his
brother, the guerrillero, for a combination of lackey and spy.
What could be more effective? In local affairs it urges the
Provincial Government to enlist bodily into the national
army the band of Hernandez the Robber—who is apparent-
ly the protege of the Church—or at least of the Grand Vicar.
Nothing could be more sound.’
The priest nodded and turned on the heels of his square-
toed shoes with big steel buckles. Again, with his hands
clasped behind his back, he paced to and fro, planting his
feet firmly. When he swung about, the skirt of his soutane
was inflated slightly by the brusqueness of his movements.
The great sala had been emptying itself slowly. When
the Gefe Politico rose to go, most of those still remaining
stood up suddenly in sign of respect, and Don Jose Avella-
nos stopped the rocking of his chair. But the good-natured
First Official made a deprecatory gesture, waved his hand to
Charles Gould, and went out discreetly.
In the comparative peace of the room the screaming
‘Monsieur l’Administrateur’ of the frail, hairy Frenchman
seemed to acquire a preternatural shrillness. The explorer
of the Capitalist syndicate was still enthusiastic. ‘Ten mil-
lion dollars’ worth of copper practically in sight, Monsieur
l’Administrateur. Ten millions in sight! And a railway com-
ing—a railway! They will never believe my report. C’est trop
beau.’ He fell a prey to a screaming ecstasy, in the midst of
sagely nodding heads, before Charles Gould’s imperturb-
able calm.
And only the priest continued his pacing, flinging round

Nostromo: A Tale of the Seaboard