Joseph Conrad: Nostromo

PART THIRD: THE LIGHTHOUSE 2. CHAPTER TWO (continued)

"How in the name of all that's marvellous did that confounded
fellow get wind of the affair?" was the first question he asked
directly after the bang, clatter, and flash of the open door
(which was closed again almost before he could lift his dropped
head) informed him that he had a companion of captivity. Dr.
Monygham's voice stopped muttering curses in English and Spanish.

"Is that you, Mitchell?" he made answer, surlily. "I struck my
forehead against this confounded wall with enough force to fell
an ox. Where are you?"

Captain Mitchell, accustomed to the darkness, could make out the
doctor stretching out his hands blindly.

"I am sitting here on the floor. Don't fall over my legs,"
Captain Mitchell's voice announced with great dignity of tone.
The doctor, entreated not to walk about in the dark, sank down to
the ground, too. The two prisoners of Sotillo, with their heads
nearly touching, began to exchange confidences.