Page 509 - nostromo-a-tale-of-the-seaboard

est confidence. Its implied flattery and suggestion of great
risks came with a familiar sound to the Capataz. His mind,
floating in irresolution and discontent, recognized it with
bitterness. He understood well that the doctor was anxious
to save the San Tome mine from annihilation. He would be
nothing without it. It was his interest. Just as it had been the
interest of Senor Decoud, of the Blancos, and of the Europe-
ans to get his Cargadores on their side. His thought became
arrested upon Decoud. What would happen to him?
Nostromo’s prolonged silence made the doctor uneasy.
He pointed out, quite unnecessarily, that though for the
present he was safe, he could not live concealed for ever. The
choice was between accepting the mission to Barrios, with
all its dangers and difficulties, and leaving Sulaco by stealth,
ingloriously, in poverty.
‘None of your friends could reward you and protect you
just now, Capataz. Not even Don Carlos himself.’
‘I would have none of your protection and none of your
rewards. I only wish I could trust your courage and your
sense. When I return in triumph, as you say, with Barri-
os, I may find you all destroyed. You have the knife at your
throat now.’
It was the doctor’s turn to remain silent in the contem-
plation of horrible contingencies.
‘Well, we would trust your courage and your sense. And
you, too, have a knife at your throat.’
‘Ah! And whom am I to thank for that? What are your
politics and your mines to me—your silver and your consti-
tutions—your Don Carlos this, and Don Jose that—‘

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