Nostromo: A Tale of the Seaboard
qualities their brothers of the plain might have had. Hut then there was that other sentimentalist, who at- tached a strangely idealistic meaning to concrete facts, stream of silver must be kept flowing north, to return in the form of financial backing from the great house of Holroyd. Up at the mountain in the strong- room of the mine the silver bars were worth less for his purpose than so much lead, from which at least bullets may be run. Let it come down to the harbor, ready for shipment.
The next north-going steamer would carry it off for the very salvation of the San Tomé mine, which has produced so much treasure. And, moreover, the rumor was probably false, he remarked, with much conviction in his hurried tone.
"Besides, señora," concluded Decoud, "we may suppress it for many days. I have been talking with the telegraphist in the middle of the Plaza Mayor; thus I am certain that we could not have been over- heard. There was not even a bird in the air near us. And also let me tell you something more. I have been making friends with this man called Nostromo, the capataz. We had a conversation this very even- ing, I walking by the side of his horse as he rode slowly out of the town just now. He promised me that if a riot took place, for any reason—even for the most political of reasons—you understand, his cargadores, an important part of the populace, you will admit, should be found on the side of the Europeans."
"He has promised you that?" Mrs. Gould inquired, with interest. "What made him make that promise to you?"
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