Joseph Conrad: Nostromo

PART THIRD: THE LIGHTHOUSE 1. CHAPTER ONE (continued)

The doctor's talk was distasteful to the builder of railways. "It
is impossible to argue that point," he said, philosophically.
"Each man has his gifts. You should have heard Gamacho haranguing
his friends in the street. He has a howling voice, and he
shouted like mad, lifting his clenched fist right above his head,
and throwing his body half out of the window. At every pause the
rabble below yelled, 'Down with the Oligarchs! Viva la Libertad!'
Fuentes inside looked extremely miserable. You know, he is the
brother of Jorge Fuentes, who has been Minister of the Interior
for six months or so, some few years back. Of course, he has no
conscience; but he is a man of birth and education--at one time
the director of the Customs of Cayta. That idiot-brute Gamacho
fastened himself upon him with his following of the lowest
rabble. His sickly fear of that ruffian was the most rejoicing
sight imaginable."

He got up and went to the door to look out towards the harbour.
"All quiet," he said; "I wonder if Sotillo really means to turn
up here?"