Page 290 - nostromo-a-tale-of-the-seaboard

the one which they say is guarded by ghosts and devils on
Azuera. It is true. I am resolved to make this the most des-
perate affair I was ever engaged on in my whole life.’
She felt a despairing indignation. The supreme test had
failed. Standing above her, Nostromo did not see the dis-
torted features of her face, distorted by a paroxysm of pain
and anger. Only she began to tremble all over. Her bowed
head shook. The broad shoulders quivered.
‘Then God, perhaps, will have mercy upon me! But do
you look to it, man, that you get something for yourself out
of it, besides the remorse that shall overtake you some day.’
She laughed feebly. ‘Get riches at least for once, you in-
dispensable, admired Gian’ Battista, to whom the peace of
a dying woman is less than the praise of people who have
given you a silly name—and nothing besides—in exchange
for your soul and body.’
The Capataz de Cargadores swore to himself under his
breath.
‘Leave my soul alone, Padrona, and I shall know how to
take care of my body. Where is the harm of people having
need of me? What are you envying me that I have robbed
you and the children of? Those very people you are throw-
ing in my teeth have done more for old Giorgio than they
ever thought of doing for me.’
He struck his breast with his open palm; his voice had
remained low though he had spoken in a forcible tone. He
twisted his moustaches one after another, and his eyes wan-
dered a little about the room.
‘Is it my fault that I am the only man for their purposes?