Joseph Conrad: Nostromo

PART THIRD: THE LIGHTHOUSE 12. CHAPTER TWELVE (continued)

On his return from his next voyage, Captain Fidanza found the
Violas settled in the light-keeper's cottage. His knowledge of
Giorgio's idiosyncrasies had not played him false. The
Garibaldino had refused to entertain the idea of any companion
whatever, except his girls. And Captain Mitchell, anxious to
please his poor Nostromo, with that felicity of inspiration which
only true affection can give, had formally appointed Linda Viola
as under-keeper of the Isabel's Light.

"The light is private property," he used to explain. "It belongs
to my Company. I've the power to nominate whom I like, and Viola
it shall be. It's about the only thing Nostromo--a man worth his
weight in gold, mind you--has ever asked me to do for him."

Directly his schooner was anchored opposite the New Custom House,
with its sham air of a Greek temple, flatroofed, with a
colonnade, Captain Fidanza went pulling his small boat out of the
harbour, bound for the Great Isabel, openly in the light of a
declining day, before all men's eyes, with a sense of having
mastered the fates. He must establish a regular position. He
would ask him for his daughter now. He thought of Giselle as he
pulled. Linda loved him, perhaps, but the old man would be glad
to keep the elder, who had his wife's voice.

He did not pull for the narrow strand where he had landed with
Decoud, and afterwards alone on his first visit to the treasure.
He made for the beach at the other end, and walked up the regular
and gentle slope of the wedge-shaped island. Giorgio Viola, whom
he saw from afar, sitting on a bench under the front wall of the
cottage, lifted his arm slightly to his loud hail. He walked up.
Neither of the girls appeared.

"It is good here," said the old man, in his austere, far-away
manner.

Nostromo nodded; then, after a short silence--

"You saw my schooner pass in not two hours ago? Do you know why
I am here before, so to speak, my anchor has fairly bitten into
the ground of this port of Sulaco?"