Joseph Conrad: Nostromo

PART SECOND: THE ISABELS 8. CHAPTER EIGHT (continued)

"Besides, who would think of looking either for you or the
treasure here?" Nostromo continued, as if he could not tear
himself away from the spot. "Nobody is ever likely to come here.
What could any man want with this piece of earth as long as there
is room for his feet on the mainland! The people in this country
are not curious. There are even no fishermen here to intrude upon
your worship. All the fishing that is done in the gulf goes on
near Zapiga, over there. Senor, if you are forced to leave this
island before anything can be arranged for you, do not try to
make for Zapiga. It is a settlement of thieves and matreros,
where they would cut your throat promptly for the sake of your
gold watch and chain. And, senor, think twice before confiding in
any one whatever; even in the officers of the Company's steamers,
if you ever get on board one. Honesty alone is not enough for
security. You must look to discretion and prudence in a man. And
always remember, senor, before you open your lips for a
confidence, that this treasure may be left safely here for
hundreds of years. Time is on its side, senor. And silver is an
incorruptible metal that can be trusted to keep its value for
ever. . . . An incorruptible metal," he repeated, as if the idea
had given him a profound pleasure.

"As some men are said to be," Decoud pronounced, inscrutably,
while the Capataz, who busied himself in baling out the lighter
with a wooden bucket, went on throwing the water over the side
with a regular splash. Decoud, incorrigible in his scepticism,
reflected, not cynically, but with general satisfaction, that
this man was made incorruptible by his enormous vanity, that
finest form of egoism which can take on the aspect of every
virtue.

Nostromo ceased baling, and, as if struck with a sudden thought,
dropped the bucket with a clatter into the lighter.

"Have you any message?" he asked in a lowered voice. "Remember, I
shall be asked questions."

"You must find the hopeful words that ought to be spoken to the
people in town. I trust for that your intelligence and your
experience, Capataz. You understand?"

"Si, senor. . . . For the ladies."