Joseph Conrad: Nostromo

PART THIRD: THE LIGHTHOUSE 8. CHAPTER EIGHT (continued)

"I could almost wish you had shouted and shown a light."

This unexpected utterance astounded the Capataz by its character
of cold-blooded atrocity. It was as much as to say, "I wish you
had shown yourself a coward; I wish you had had your throat cut
for your pains." Naturally he referred it to himself, whereas it
related only to the silver, being uttered simply and with many
mental reservations. Surprise and rage rendered him speechless,
and the doctor pursued, practically unheard by Nostromo, whose
stirred blood was beating violently in his ears.

"For I am convinced Sotillo in possession of the silver would
have turned short round and made for some small port abroad.
Economically it would have been wasteful, but still less wasteful
than having it sunk. It was the next best thing to having it at
hand in some safe place, and using part of it to buy up Sotillo.
But I doubt whether Don Carlos would have ever made up his mind
to it. He is not fit for Costaguana, and that is a fact,
Capataz."

The Capataz had mastered the fury that was like a tempest in his
ears in time to hear the name of Don Carlos. He seemed to have
come out of it a changed man--a man who spoke thoughtfully in a
soft and even voice.

"And would Don Carlos have been content if I had surrendered this
treasure?"

"I should not wonder if they were all of that way of thinking
now," the doctor said, grimly. "I was never consulted. Decoud had
it his own way. Their eyes are opened by this time, I should
think. I for one know that if that silver turned up this moment
miraculously ashore I would give it to Sotillo. And, as things
stand, I would be approved."

"Turned up miraculously," repeated the Capataz very low; then
raised his voice. "That, senor, would be a greater miracle than
any saint could perform."

"I believe you, Capataz," said the doctor, drily.