Joseph Conrad: Nostromo

PART THIRD: THE LIGHTHOUSE 9. CHAPTER NINE (continued)

The doctor breathed freely. "Listen, Capataz," he said,
stretching out his arm almost affectionately towards Nostromo's
shoulder. "I am going to tell you a very simple thing. You are
safe because you are needed. I would not give you away for any
conceivable reason, because I want you."

In the dark Nostromo bit his lip. He had heard enough of that. He
knew what that meant. No more of that for him. But he had to look
after himself now, he thought. And he thought, too, that it would
not be prudent to part in anger from his companion. The doctor,
admitted to be a great healer, had, amongst the populace of
Sulaco, the reputation of being an evil sort of man. It was based
solidly on his personal appearance, which was strange, and on his
rough ironic manner--proofs visible, sensible, and
incontrovertible of the doctor's malevolent disposition. And
Nostromo was of the people. So he only grunted incredulously.

"You, to speak plainly, are the only man," the doctor pursued.
"It is in your power to save this town and . . . everybody from
the destructive rapacity of men who--"

"No, senor," said Nostromo, sullenly. "It is not in my power to
get the treasure back for you to give up to Sotillo, or Pedrito,
or Gamacho. What do I know?"

"Nobody expects the impossible," was the answer.

"You have said it yourself--nobody," muttered Nostromo, in a
gloomy, threatening tone.

But Dr. Monygham, full of hope, disregarded the enigmatic words
and the threatening tone. To their eyes, accustomed to obscurity,
the late Senor Hirsch, growing more distinct, seemed to have come
nearer. And the doctor lowered his voice in exposing his scheme
as though afraid of being overheard.

He was taking the indispensable man into his fullest confidence.
Its implied flattery and suggestion of great risks came with a
familiar sound to the Capataz. His mind, floating in irresolution
and discontent, recognized it with bitterness. He understood well
that the doctor was anxious to save the San Tome mine from
annihilation. He would be nothing without it. It was his
interest. Just as it had been the interest of Senor Decoud, of
the Blancos, and of the Europeans to get his Cargadores on their
side. His thought became arrested upon Decoud. What would happen
to him?