Page 488 - nostromo-a-tale-of-the-seaboard

‘Am I to understand, senor,’ Nostromo went on in a de-
liberate and, as it were, watchful tone, ‘that Sotillo thinks
the treasure has been saved by some means?’
‘No! no! That would be impossible,’ said the doctor, with
conviction; and Nostromo emitted a grunt in the dark. ‘That
would be impossible. He thinks that the silver was no longer
in the lighter when she was sunk. He has convinced himself
that the whole show of getting it away to sea is a mere sham
got up to deceive Gamacho and his Nationals, Pedrito Mon-
tero, Senor Fuentes, our new Gefe Politico, and himself, too.
Only, he says, he is no such fool.’
‘But he is devoid of sense. He is the greatest imbecile that
ever called himself a colonel in this country of evil,’ growled
Nostromo.
‘He is no more unreasonable than many sensible men,’
said the doctor. ‘He has convinced himself that the trea-
sure can be found because he desires passionately to possess
himself of it. And he is also afraid of his officers turning
upon him and going over to Pedrito, whom he has not the
courage either to fight or trust. Do you see that, Capataz?
He need fear no desertion as long as some hope remains of
that enormous plunder turning up. I have made it my busi-
ness to keep this very hope up.’
‘You have?’ the Capataz de Cargadores repeated cau-
tiously. ‘Well, that is wonderful. And how long do you think
you are going to keep it up?’
‘As long as I can.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘I can tell you exactly. As long as I live,’ the doctor retort-