Helititandletthematchdropfromhispassivefingers。GiorgioViolalookedup，andsaidabruptly:
`Mysonwouldhavebeenjustsuchafineyoungmanasyou，Gian\'Battista，ifhehadlived。\'
`What?Yourson?Butyouareright，padrone。Ifhehadbeenlikemehewouldhavebeenaman。\'
Heturnedhishorseslowly，andpacedonbetweenthebooths，checkingthemarealmosttoastandstillnowandthenforchildren，forthegroupsofpeoplefromthedistantCampo，whostaredafterhimwithadmiration。
TheCompany\'slightermensalutedhimfromafar；andthegreatlyenviedCapatazdeCargadoresadvanced，amongstmurmursofrecognitionandobsequiousgreetings，towardsthehugecircus-likeerection。Thethrongthickened；
theguitarstinkledlouder；otherhorsemensatmotionless，smokingcalmlyabovetheheadsofthecrowd；iteddiedandpushedbeforethedoorsofthehigh-roofedbuilding，whenceissuedashuffleandthumpingoffeetintimetothedancemusicvibratingandshriekingwitharackingrhythm，overhungbythetremendous，sustained，hollowroarofthegombo。Theharbarousandimposingnoiseofthebigdrum，thatcanmaddenacrowd，andthatevenEuropeanscannothearwithoutastrangeemotion，seemedtodrawNostromoontoitssource，whileaman，wrappedupinafaded，tornponcho，walkedbyhisstirrup，and，buffetedrightandleft，begged`hisworship\'insistentlyforemploymentonthewharf。Hewhined，offeringtheSenorCapatazhalfhisdailypayfortheprivilegeofbeingadmittedtotheswaggeringfraternityofcargadores；theotherhalfwouldbeenoughforhim，heprotested。
ButCaptainMitchell\'sright-handman——`invaluableforourwork——aperfectlyincorruptiblefellow\'——afterlookingdowncriticallyattheraggedmozo，shookhisheadwithoutawordintheuproargoingonaround。
Themanfellback；andalittlefartheronNostromohadtopullup。
Fromthedoorsofthedance-hallmenandwomenemergedtottering，streamingwithsweat，tremblingineverylimb，tolean，panting，withstaringeyesandpartedlips，againstthewallofthestructure，wheretheharpsandguitarsplayedonwithmadspeedinanincessantrollofthunder。Hundredsofhandsclappedinthere；voicesshrieked，andthenallatoncewouldsinklow，chantinginunisontherefrainofalovesong，withadyingfall。
Aredflower，flungwithagoodaimfromsomewhereinthecrowd，strucktheresplendentCapatazonthecheek。
Hecaughtitasitfell，neatly，butforsometimedidnotturnhishead。Whenatlasthecondescendedtolookround，thethrongnearhimhadpartedtomakewayforaprettyMorenita，herhairheldupbyasmallgoldencomb，whowaswalkingtowardshimintheopenspace。
Herarmsandneckemergedplumpandbarefromasnowychemisette；thebluewoollenskirt，withallthefullnessgatheredinfront，scantyonthehipsandtightacrosstheback，disclosedtheprovokingactionofherwalk。Shecamestraightonandlaidherhandonthemare\'sneckwithatimid，coquettishlookupwardsoutofthecornerofhereyes。
`Querido，\'shemurmured，caressingly，`whydoyoupretendnottoseemewhenIpass?\'
`BecauseIdon\'tlovetheeanymore，\'saidNostromo，deliberately，afteramomentofreflectivesilence。
Thehandonthemare\'snecktrembledsuddenly。Shedroppedherheadbeforealltheeyesinthewidecircleformedroundthegenerous，theterrible，theinconstantCapatazdeCargadores，andhisMorenita。
Nostromo，lookingdown，sawtearsbeginningtofalldownherface。
`Hasitcome，then，everbelovedofmyheart?\'shewhispered。`Isittrue?\'
`No，\'saidNostromo，lookingawaycarelessly。`Itwasalie。Ilovetheeasmuchasever。\'
`Isthattrue?\'shecooed，joyously，hercheeksstillwetwithtears。
`Itistrue。\'
`Trueonthelife?\'
`Astrueasthat；butthoumustnotaskmetoswearitontheMadonnathatstandsinthyroom。\'AndtheCapatazlaughedalittleinresponsetothegrinsofthecrowd。
Shepouted——verypretty——alittleuneasy。
`No，Iwillnotaskforthat。Icanseeloveinyoureyes。\'Shelaidherhandonhisknee。`Whyareyoutremblinglikethis?Fromlove?\'shecontinued，whilethecavernousthunderingofthegombowentonwithoutapause。`Butifyouloveherasmuchasthat，youmustgiveyourPaquitaagold-mountedrosaryofbeadsfortheneckofherMadonna。\'
`No，\'saidNostromo，lookingintoheruplifted，beggingeyes，whichsuddenlyturnedstonywithsurprise。
`No?Thenwhatelsewillyourworshipgivemeonthedayofthefiesta?\'
sheasked，angrily；`soasnottoshamemebeforeallthesepeople。\'
`Thereisnoshamefortheeingettingnothingfromthyloverforonce。\'
`True！Theshameisyourworship\'s——mypoorlover\'s，\'sheflaredup，sarcastically。
Laughswereheardatheranger，atherretort。Whatanaudaciousspitfireshewas！Thepeopleawareofthisscenewerecallingouturgentlytoothersinthecrowd。Thecircleroundthesilver-greymarenarrowedslowly。
Thegirlwentoffapaceortwo，confrontingthemockingcuriosityoftheeyes，thenflungbacktothestirrup，tiptoeing，herenragedfaceturneduptoNostromowithapairofblazingeyes。Hebentlowtoherinthesaddle。
`Juan，\'shehissed，`Icouldstabtheetotheheart！\'
ThedreadedCapatazdeCargadores，magnificentandcarelesslypublicinhisamours，flunghisarmroundherneckandkissedhersplutteringlips。Amurmurwentround。
`Aknife！\'hedemandedatlarge，holdingherfirmlybytheshoulder。
Twentybladesflashedouttogetherinthecircle。Ayoungmaninholidayattire，boundingin，thrustoneinNostromo\'shandandboundedbackintotheranks，veryproudofhimself。Nostromohadnotevenlookedathim。
`Standonmyfoot，\'hecommandedthegirl，who，suddenlysubdued，roselightly，andwhenhehadherup，encirclingherwaist，herfaceneartohis，hepressedtheknifeintoherlittlehand。
`No，Morenita！Youshallnotputmetoshame，\'hesaid。`Youshallhaveyourpresent；andsothateveryoneshouldknowwhoisyourlovertoday，youmaycutallthesilverbuttonsoffmycoat。\'
Therewereshoutsoflaughterandapplauseatthiswittyfreak，whilethegirlpassedthekeenblade，andtheimpassiveriderjingledinhispalmtheincreasinghoardofsilverbuttons。Heeasedhertothegroundwithbothherhandsfull。Afterwhisperingforawhilewithaverystrenuousface，shewalkedaway，staringhaughtily，andvanishedintothecrowd。
Thecirclehadbrokenup，andthelordlyCapatazdeCargadores，theindispensableman，thetriedandtrustyNostromo，theMediterraneansailorcomeashorecasuallytotryhisluckinCostaguana，rodeslowlytowardstheharbour。TheJunowasjustthenswinginground；andevenasNostromoreinedupagaintolookon，aflagranupontheimprovisedflagstafferectedinanancientanddismantledlittlefortattheharbourentrance。
HalfabatteryoffieldgunshadbeenhurriedovertherefromtheSulacobarracksforthepurposeoffiringtheregulationsalutesforthePresident-DictatorandtheWarMinister。Asthemail-boatheadedthroughthepass，thebadlytimedreportsannouncedtheendofDonVincenteRibiera\'sfirstofficialvisittoSulaco，andforCaptainMitchelltheendofanother`historicoccasion\'。Nexttimewhenthe`Hopeofhonestmen\'wastocomethatway，ayearandahalflater，itwasunofficially，overthemountaintracks，fleeingafteradefeatonalamemule，tobeonlyjustsavedbyNostromofromanignominiousdeathatthehandsofamob。Itwasaverydifferentevent，ofwhichCaptainMitchellusedtosay:
`Itwashistory——history，sir！Andthatfellowofmine，Nostromo，youknow，wasrightinit。Absolutelymakinghistory，sir。\'
Butthisevent，creditabletoNostromo，wastoleadimmediatelytoanother，whichcouldnotbeclassedeitheras`history\'oras`a\'mistake\'inCaptainMitchell\'sphraseology。Hehadanotherwordforit。
`Sir，\'heusedtosayafterwards，`thatwasnomistake。Itwasafatality。
Amisfortune，pureandsimple，sir。Andthatpoorfellowofminewasrightinit——rightinthemiddleofit！Afatality，ifevertherewasone——andtomymindhehasneverbeenthesamemansince。\'
NostromoATaleoftheSeaboard:Part2Chapter1PARTTWO
THEISABELSIThroughgoodandevilreportinthevaryingfortuneofthatstrugglewhichDonJosehadcharacterizedinthephrase，`thefateofnationalhonestytremblesinthebalance\'，theGouldConcession，`ImperiuminImperio\'，hadgoneonworking；thesquaremountainhadgoneonpouringitstreasuredownthewoodenshootstotheunrestingbatteriesofstamps；thelightsofSanTomehadtwinklednightafternightuponthegreat，limitlessshadowoftheCampo；everythreemonthsthesilverescorthadgonedowntotheseaasifneitherthewarnoritsconsequencescouldeveraffecttheancientOccidentalStatesecludedbeyonditshighbarrieroftheCordillera。AllthefightingtookplaceontheothersideofthatmightywallofserratedpeakslordedoverbythewhitedomeofHiguerotaandasyetunbreachedbytherailway，ofwhichonlythefirstpart，theeasyCampopartfromSulacototheIvieValleyatthefootofthepass，hadbeenlaid。Neitherdidthetelegraphlinecrossthemountainsyet；itspoles，likeslenderbeaconsontheplain，penetratedintotheforestfringeofthefoothillscutbythedeepavenueofthetrack；anditswireendedabruptlyintheconstructioncampatawhitedealtablesupportingaMorseapparatus，inalonghutofplankswithacorrugated-ironroofovershadowedbygiganticcedartrees——thequartersoftheengineerinchargeoftheadvancesection。
Theharbourwasbusy，too，withthetrafficinrailwaymaterial，andwiththemovementsoftroopsalongthecoast。TheO。S。N。Companyfoundmuchoccupationforitsfleet。Costaguanahadnonavy，and，apartfromafewcoastguardcutters，therewerenonationalshipsexceptacoupleofoldmerchantsteamersusedastransports。
CaptainMitchell，feelingmoreandmoreinthethickofhistory，foundtimeforanhourorsoduringanafternooninthedrawing-roomoftheCasaGould，where，withastrangeignoranceoftherealforcesatworkaroundhim，heprofessedhimselfdelightedtogetawayfromthestrainofaffairs。
HedidnotknowwhathewouldhavedonewithouthisinvaluableNostromo，hedeclared。ThoseconfoundedCostaguanapoliticsgavehimmorework——heconfidedtoMrsGould——thanhehadbargainedfor。
DonJoseAvellanoshaddisplayedintheserviceoftheendangeredRibieraGovernmentanorganizingactivityandaneloquenceofwhichtheechoesreachedevenEurope。For，afterthenewloantotheRibieraGovernment，EuropehadbecomeinterestedinCostaguana。TheSalaoftheProvincialAssemblyintheMunicipalBuildingsofSulaco，withitsportraitsoftheLiberatorsonthewallsandanoldflagofCortespreservedinaglasscaseabovethePresident\'schair，hadheardallthesespeeches——theearlyonecontainingtheimpassioneddeclaration`Militarismistheenemy\'，thefamousoneofthe`tremblingbalance\'deliveredontheoccasionofthevotefortheraisingofasecondSulacoregimentinthedefenceofthereformingGovernment；andwhentheprovincesagaindisplayedtheiroldflagsproscribedinGuzmanBento\'stimetherewasanotherofthosegreatorations，whenDonJosegreetedtheseoldemblemsofthewarofIndependence，broughtoutagaininthenameofnewIdeals。TheoldideaofFederalismhaddisappeared。Forhisparthedidnotwishtoreviveoldpoliticaldoctrines。
Theywereperishable。Theydied。Butthedoctrineofpoliticalrectitudewasimmortal。ThesecondSulacoregiment，towhomhewaspresentingthisflag，wasgoingtoshowitsvalourinacontestfororder，peace，progress；
fortheestablishmentofnationalself-respectwithoutwhich——hedeclaredwithenergy——`weareareproachandabywordamongstthepowersoftheworld\'。
DonJoseAvellanoslovedhiscountry。Hehadserveditlavishlywithhisfortuneduringhisdiplomaticcareer，andthelaterstoryofhiscaptivityandbarbarousill-usageunderGuzmanBentowaswellknowntohislisteners。
Itwasawonderthathehadnotbeenavictimoftheferociousandsummaryexecutionswhichmarkedthecourseofthattyranny；forGuzmanhadruledthecountrywiththesombreimbecilityofpoliticalfanaticism。ThepowerofSupremeGovernmenthadbecomeinhisdullmindanobjectofstrangeworship，asifitweresomesortofcrueldeity。Itwasincarnatedinhimself，andhisadversaries，theFederalists，werethesupremesinners，objectsofhate，abhorrence，andfear，ashereticswouldbetoaconvincedInquisitor。
ForyearshehadcarriedaboutatthetailoftheArmyofPacification，alloverthecountry，acaptivebandofsuchatrociouscriminals，whoconsideredthemselvesmostunfortunateatnothavingbeensummarilyexecuted。Itwasadiminishingcompanyofnearlynakedskeletons，loadedwithirons，coveredwithdirt，withvermin，withrawwounds，allmenofposition，ofeducation，ofwealth，whohadlearnedtofightamongstthemselvesforscrapsofrottenbeefthrowntothembysoldiers，ortobegaNegrocookforadrinkofmuddywaterinpitifulaccents。DonJoseAvellanos，clankinghischainsamongsttheothers，seemedonlytoexistinordertoprovehowmuchhunger，pain，degradation，andcrueltortureahumanbodycanstandwithoutpartingwiththelastsparkoflife。Sometimesinterrogatories，backedbysomeprimitivemethodoftorture，wereadministeredtothembyacommissionofofficershastilyassembledinahutofsticksandbranches，andmadepitilessbythefearfortheirownlives。Aluckyoneortwoofthatspectralcompanyofprisonerswouldperhapsbeledtotteringbehindabushtobeshotbyafileofsoldiers。Alwaysanarmychaplain——someunshaven，dirtyman，girtwithaswordandwithatinycrossembroideredinwhitecottonontheleftbreastofalieutenant\'suniform——wouldfollow，cigaretteinthecornerofthemouth，woodenstoolinhand，toheartheconfessionandgiveabsolution；fortheCitizenSaviouroftheCountryGuzmanBentowascalledthusofficiallyinpetitionswasnotaversefromtheexerciseofrationalclemency。Theirregularreportofthefiringsquadwouldbeheard，followedsometimesbyasinglefinishingshot；alittlebluishcloudofsmokewouldfloatupabovethegreenbushes，andtheArmyofPacificationwouldmoveonoverthesavannas，throughtheforests，crossingrivers，invadingruralpueblos，devastatingthehaciendasofthehorridaristocrats，occupyingtheinlandtownsinthefulfilmentofitspatrioticmission，andleavingbehindaunitedlandwhereintheeviltaintofFederalismcouldnolongerbedetectedinthesmokeofburninghousesandthesmellofspiltblood。
DonJoseAvellanoshadsurvivedthattime。
Perhaps，whencontemptuouslysignifyingtohimhisrelease，theCitizenSaviouroftheCountrymighthavethoughtthisbenightedaristocrattoobrokeninhealthandspiritandfortunetobeanylongerdangerous。Or，perhaps，itmayhavebeenasimplecaprice。GuzmanBento，usuallyfulloffancifulfearsandbroodingsuspicions，hadsuddenaccessesofunreasonableself-confidencewhenheperceivedhimselfelevatedonapinnacleofpowerandsafetybeyondthereachofmeremortalplotters。AtsuchtimeshewouldimpulsivelycommandthecelebrationofasolemnMassofthanksgivingwhichwouldbesungingreatpompinthecathedralofStaMartabythetrembling，subservientArchbishopofhiscreation。Hehearditsittinginagiltarmchairplacedbeforethehighaltar，surroundedbythecivilandmilitaryheadsofhisGovernment。TheunofficialworldofStaMartawouldcrowdintothecathedral，foritwasnotquitesafeforanybodyofmarktostayawayfromthesemanifestationsofpresidentialpiety。Havingthusacknowledgedtheonlypowerhewasatalldisposedtorecognizeasabovehimself，hewouldscatteractsofpoliticalgraceinasardonicwantonnessofclemency。Therewasnootherwayleftnowtoenjoyhispowerbutbyseeinghiscrushedadversariescrawlimpotentlyintothelightofdayoutofthedark，noisomecellsoftheCollegio。Theirharmlessnessfedhisinsatiablevanity，andtheycouldalwaysbegotholdofagain。Itwastheruleforallthewomenoftheirfamiliestopresentthanksafterwardsinaspecialaudience。Theincarnationofthatstrangegod:ElGobiernoSupremo，receivedthemstanding，cockedhatonhead，andexhortedtheminamenacingmuttertoshowtheirgratitudebybringinguptheirchildreninfidelitytothedemocraticformofgovernment，`whichIhaveestablishedforthehappinessofourcountry\'。
Hisfrontteethhavingbeenknockedoutinsomeaccidentofhisformerherdsman\'slife，hisutterancewassplutteringandindistinct。HehadbeenworkingforCostaguanaaloneinthemidstoftreacheryandopposition。
Letitceasenowlestheshouldbecomewearyofforgiving！
DonJoseAvellanoshadknownthisforgiveness。
Hewasbrokeninhealthandfortunedeplorablyenoughtopresentatrulygratifyingspectacletothesupremechiefofdemocraticinstitutions。HeretiredtoSulaco。Hiswifehadanestateinthatprovince，andshenursedhimbacktolifeoutofthehouseofdeathandcaptivity。Whenshedied，theirdaughter，anonlychild，wasoldenoughtodevoteherselfto`poorpapa\'。
MissAvellanos，borninEuropeandeducatedpartlyinEngland，wasatall，gravegirl，withaself-possessedmanner，awide，whiteforehead，awealthofrichbrownhair，andblueeyes。
TheotheryoungladiesofSulacostoodinaweofhercharacterandaccomplishments。
Shewasreputedtobeterriblylearnedandserious。Astopride，itwaswellknownthatalltheCorbelanswereproud，andhermotherwasaCorbelan。
DonJoseAvellanosdependedverymuchuponthedevotionofhisbelovedAntonia。Heaccepteditinthebenightedwayofmen，who，thoughmadeinGod\'simage，arelikestoneidolswithoutsensebeforethesmokeofcertainburntofferings。Hewasruinedineveryway，butamanpossessedofpassionisnotabankruptinlife。DonJoseAvellanosdesiredpassionatelyforhiscountry:peace，prosperity，andastheendoftheprefacetoFiftyYearsofMisrulehasit`anhonourableplaceinthecomityofcivilizednations\'。InthislastphrasetheMinisterPlenipotentiary，cruellyhumiliatedbythebadfaithofhisGovernmenttowardstheforeignbondholders，standsdisclosedinthepatriot。
ThefatuousturmoilofgreedyfactionssucceedingthetyrannyofGuzmanBentoseemedtobringhisdesiretotheverydoorofopportunity。HewastoooldtodescendpersonallyintothecentreofthearenaatStaMarta。
Butthemenwhoactedtheresoughthisadviceateverystep。Hehimselfthoughtthathecouldbemostusefulatadistance，inSulaco。Hisname，hisconnexions，hisformerposition，hisexperiencecommandedtherespectofhisclass。Thediscoverythatthisman，livingindignifiedpovertyintheCorbelantownresidenceoppositetheCasaGould，coulddisposeofmaterialmeanstowardsthesupportofthecauseincreasedhisinfluence。
ItwashisopenletterofappealthatdecidedthecandidatureofDonVincenteRibieraforthePresidency。AnotheroftheseinformalStatepapersdrawnupbyDonJosethistimeintheshapeofanaddressfromtheProvince
inducedthatscrupulousconstitutionalisttoaccepttheextraordinarypowersconferreduponhimforfiveyearsbyanoverwhelmingvoteofcongressinStaMarta。Itwasaspecificmandatetoestablishtheprosperityofthepeopleonthebasisoffirmpeaceathome，andtoredeemthenationalcreditbythesatisfactionofalljustclaimsabroad。
IntheafternoonthenewsofthatvotehadreachedSulacobytheusualroundaboutpostalwaythroughCayta，andupthecoastbysteamer。DonJose，whohadbeenwaitingforthemailintheGoulds\'drawing-room，gotoutoftherocking-chair，lettinghishatfalloffhisknees。Herubbedhissilvery，shorthairwithbothhands，speechlesswiththeexcessofjoy。
`Emilia，mysoul，\'hehadburstout，`letmeembraceyou！Letme——\'
CaptainMitchell，hadhebeenthere，wouldnodoubthavemadeanaptremarkaboutthedawnofanewera；butifDonJosethoughtsomethingofthekind，hiseloquencefailedhimonthisoccasion。TheinspirerofthatrevivaloftheBlancopartytotteredwherehestood。MrsGouldmovedforwardquicklyand，assheofferedhercheekwithasmiletoheroldfriend，managedverycleverlytogivehimthesupportofherarmhereallyneeded。
DonJosehadrecoveredhimselfatonce，butforatimehecoulddonomorethanmurmur，`Oh，youtwopatriots！Oh，youtwopatriots！\'——lookingfromonetotheother。Vagueplansofanotherhistoricalwork，whereinallthedevotionstotheregenerationofthecountryhelovedwouldbeenshrinedforthereverentworshipofposterity，flittedthroughhismind。
ThehistorianwhohadenoughelevationofsoultowriteofGuzmanBento:
`Yetthismonster，imbruedinthebloodofhiscountrymen，mustnotbeheldunreservedlytotheexecrationoffutureyears。Itappearstobetruethathe，too，lovedhiscountry。Hehadgivenittwelveyearsofpeace；
and，absolutemasteroflivesandfortunesashewas，hediedpoor。Hisworstfault，perhaps，wasnothisferocity，buthisignorance\'；themanwhocouldwritethusofacruelpersecutorthepassageoccursinhisHistoryofMisrulefeltattheforeshadowingofsuccessanalmostboundlessaffectionforhistwohelpers，forthesetwoyoungpeoplefromoverthesea。
Justasyearsago，calmly，fromtheconvictionofpracticalnecessity，strongerthananyabstractpoliticaldoctrine，HenryGouldhaddrawnthesword，sonow，thetimesbeingchanged，CharlesGouldhadflungthesilveroftheSanTomeintothefray。TheInglesofSulaco，the`CostaguanaEnglishman\'
ofthethirdgeneration，wasasfarfrombeingapoliticalintriguerashisunclefromarevolutionaryswashbuckler。Springingfromtheinstinctiveuprightnessoftheirnaturestheiractionwasreasoned。Theysawanopportunityandusedtheweapontohand。
CharlesGould\'sposition——acommandingpositioninthebackgroundofthatattempttoretrievethepeaceandthecreditoftheRepublic——
wasveryclear。Atthebeginninghehadhadtoaccommodatehimselftoexistingcircumstancesofcorruptionsonaivelybrazenastodisarmthehatredofamancourageousenoughnottobeafraidofitsirresponsiblepotencytoruineverythingittouched。Itseemedtohimtoocontemptibleforhotangereven。Hemadeuseofitwithacold，fearlessscorn，manifestedratherthanconcealedbytheformsofstonycourtesywhichdidawaywithmuchoftheignominyofthesituation。Atbottom，perhaps，hesufferedfromit，forhewasnotamanofcowardlyillusions，butherefusedtodiscusstheethicalviewwithhiswife。Hetrustedthat，thoughalittledisenchanted，shewouldbeintelligentenoughtounderstandthathischaractersafeguardedtheenterpriseoftheirlivesasmuchormorethanhispolicy。Theextraordinarydevelopmentoftheminehadputagreatpowerintohishands。Tofeelthatprosperityalwaysatthemercyofunintelligentgreedhadgrownirksometohim。ToMrsGoulditwashumiliating。Atanyrate，itwasdangerous。
IntheconfidentialcommunicationspassingbetweenCharlesGould，theKingofSulaco，andtheheadofthesilverandsteelinterestsfarawayinCalifornia，theconvictionwasgrowingthatanyattemptmadebymenofeducationandintegrityoughttobediscreetlysupported。`YoumaytellyourfriendAvellanosthatIthinkso，\'MrHolroydhadwrittenatthepropermomentfromhisinviolablesanctuarywithintheeleven-storey-highfactoryofgreataffairs。
Andshortlyafterwards，withacreditopenedbytheThirdSouthernBanklocatednextdoorbutonetotheHolroydBuilding，theRibieristpartyinCostaguanatookapracticalshapeundertheeyeoftheadministratoroftheSanTomemine。AndDonJose，thehereditaryfriendoftheGouldfamily，couldsay:`Perhaps，mydearCarlos，Ishallnothavebelievedinvain。\'
NostromoATaleoftheSeaboard:Part2Chapter22Afteranotherarmedstruggle，decidedbyMontero\'svictoryofRioSeco，hadbeenaddedtothetaleofcivilwars，the`honestmen\'，asDonJosecalledthem，couldbreathefreelyforthefirsttimeinhalfacentury。
TheFive-Year-Mandatelawbecamethebasisofthatregeneration，thepassionatedesireandhopeforwhichhadbeenliketheelixirofeverlastingyouthforDonJoseAvellanos。
Andwhenitwassuddenly——andnotquiteunexpectedly——endangeredbythat`bruteMontero\'，itwasapassionateindignationthatgavehimanewleaseoflife，asitwere。Already，atthetimeofthePresident-Dictator\'svisittoSulaco，MoragahadsoundedanoteofwarningfromStaMartaabouttheWarMinister。MonteroandhisbrothermadethesubjectofanearnesttalkbetweentheDictator-PresidentandtheNestor-inspireroftheparty。
ButDonVincente，adoctorofphilosophyfromtheCordovaUniversity，seemedtohaveanexaggeratedrespectformilitaryability，whosemysteriousness——sinceitappearedtobealtogetherindependentofintellect——imposeduponhisimagination。TheVictorofRioSecowasapopularhero。HisservicesweresorecentthatthePresident-Dictatorquailedbeforetheobviouschargeofpoliticalingratitude。Greatregeneratingtransactionswerebeinginitiated——thefreshloan，anewrailwayline，avastcolonizationscheme。Anythingthatcouldunsettlethepublicopinioninthecapitalwastobeavoided。
DonJosebowedtotheseargumentsandtriedtodismissfromhismindthegold-lacedportentinboots，andwithasabre，mademeaninglessnowatlast，hehoped，intheneworderofthings。
LessthansixmonthsafterthePresident-Dictator\'svisit，Sulacolearnedwithstupefactionofthemilitaryrevoltinthenameofnationalhonour。
TheMinisterofWar，inabarrack-squareallocutiontotheofficersoftheartilleryregimenthehadbeeninspecting，haddeclaredthenationalhonoursoldtoforeigners。TheDictator，byhisweakcompliancewiththedemandsoftheEuropeanpowers——forthesettlementoflongoutstandingmoneyclaims——hadshowedhimselfunfittorule。AletterfromMoragaexplainedafterwardsthattheinitiative，andeventheverytext，oftheincendiaryallocutioncame，inreality，fromtheotherMontero，theex-guerrillero，theCommandantedePlaza。TheenergetictreatmentofDrMonygham，sentforinhaste`tothemountain\'，whocamegallopingthreeleaguesinthedark，savedDonJosefromadangerousattackofjaundice。
Aftergettingovertheshock，DonJoserefusedtolethimselfbeprostrated。
Indeed，betternewssucceededatfirst。Therevoltinthecapitalhadbeensuppressedafteranightoffightinginthestreets。Unfortunately，boththeMonteroshadbeenabletomaketheirescapesouth，totheirnativeprovinceofEntre-Montes。Theherooftheforestmarch，thevictorofRioSeco，hadbeenreceivedwithfrenziedacclamationsinNicoya，theprovincialcapital。Thetroopsingarrisontherehadgonetohiminabody。Thebrotherswereorganizinganarmy，gatheringmalcontents，sendingemissariesprimedwithpatrioticliestothepeople，andwithpromisesofplundertothewildllaneros。EvenaMonteristpresshadcomeintoexistence，speakingoracularlyofthesecretpromisesofsupportgivenby`ourgreatsisterRepublicoftheNorth\'againstthesinisterland-grabbingdesignsofEuropeanpowers，cursingineveryissuethe`miserableRibiera\'，whohadplottedtodeliverhiscountry，boundhandandfoot，forapreytoforeignspeculators。
Sulaco，pastoralandsleepy，withitsopulentCampoandtherichsilvermine，heardthedinofarmsfitfullyinitsfortunateisolation。Itwasneverthelessintheveryforefrontofthedefencewithmenandmoney；buttheveryrumoursreacheditcircuitously——fromabroadeven，somuchwasitcutofffromtherestoftheRepublic，notonlybynaturalobstacles，butalsobythevicissitudesofthewar。TheMonteristoswerebesiegingCayta，animportantpostallink。Theoverlandcouriersceasedtocomeacrossthemountains，andnomuleteerwouldconsenttoriskthejourneyatlast；
evenBonifacioononeoccasionfailedtoreturnfromStaMarta，eithernotdaringtostart，orperhapscapturedbythepartiesoftheenemyraidingthecountrybetweentheCordilleraandthecapital。Monteristpublications，however，foundtheirwayintotheprovince，mysteriouslyenough；andalsoMonteristemissariespreachingdeathtoaristocratsinthevillagesandtownsoftheCampo。Veryearly，atthebeginningofthetrouble，Hernandez，thebandit，hadproposedthroughtheagencyofanoldpriestofavillageinthewildstodelivertwoofthemtotheRibieristauthoritiesinTonoro。
TheyhadcometoofferhimafreepardonandtherankofcolonelfromGeneralMonteroinconsiderationofjoiningtherebelarmywithhismountedband。
Nonoticewastakenatthetimeoftheproposal。Itwasjoined，asanevidenceofgoodfaith，toapetitionprayingtheSulacoAssemblyforpermissiontoenlist，withallhisfollowers，intheforcesbeingthenraisedinSulacoforthedefenceoftheFive-YearMandateofregeneration。Thepetition，likeeverythingelse，hadfounditswayintoDonJose\'shands。HehadshowedtoMrsGouldthesepagesofdirty-greyishroughpaperperhapslootedinsomevillagestore，coveredwiththecrabbed，illiteratehandwritingoftheoldpadre，carriedofffromhishutbythesideofamud-walledchurchtobethesecretaryofthedreadedSalteador。TheyhadbothbentinthelamplightoftheGoulddrawing-roomoverthedocumentcontainingthefierceandyethumbleappealofthemanagainsttheblindandstupidbarbarityturninganhonestrancherointoabandit。Apostscriptoftheprieststatedthat，butforbeingdeprivedofhislibertyfortendays，hehadbeentreatedwithhumanityandtherespectduetohissacredcalling。Hehadbeen，itappears，confessingandabsolvingthechiefandmostoftheband，andheguaranteedthesincerityoftheirgooddisposition。Hehaddistributedheavypenances，nodoubtinthewayoflitaniesandfasts；
buthearguedshrewdlythatitwouldbedifficultforthemtomaketheirpeacewithGoddurablytilltheyhadmadepeacewithmen。
Neverbefore，perhaps，hadHernandez\'sheadbeeninlessjeopardythanwhenhepetitionedhumblyforpermissiontobuyapardonforhimselfandhisgangofdesertersbyarmedservice。Hecouldrangeafarfromthewastelandsprotectinghisfastness，unchecked，becausetherewerenotroopsleftinthewholeprovince。TheusualgarrisonofSulacohadgonesouthtothewar，withitsbrassbandplayingthe`BolivarMarch\'onthebridgeofoneoftheO。S。N。Company\'ssteamers。Thegreatfamilycoachesdrawnupalongtheshoreoftheharbourweremadetorockonthehighleathernspringsbytheenthusiasmofthesenorasandthesenoritasstandinguptowavetheirlacehandkerchiefs，aslighterafterlighterpackedfulloftroopslefttheendofthejetty。
Nostromodirectedtheembarkation，underthesuperintendenceofCaptainMitchell，red-facedinthesun，conspicuousinawhitewaistcoat，representingthealliedandanxiousgoodwillofallthematerialinterestsofcivilization。
GeneralBarrios，whocommandedthetroops，assuredDonJoseonpartingthatinthreeweekshewouldhaveMonteroinawoodencagedrawnbythreepairofoxenreadyforatourthroughallthetownsoftheRepublic。
`Andthen，senora，\'hecontinued，baringhiscurlyiron-greyheadtoMrsGouldinherlandau——`andthen，senora，weshallconvertourswordsintoploughsharesandgrowrich。EvenI，myself，assoonasthislittlebusinessissettled，shallopenafundaciononsomelandIhaveonthellanosandtrytomakealittlemoneyinpeaceandquietness。Senora，youknow，allCostaguanaknows——whatdoIsay?——thiswholeSouthAmericancontinentknows，thatPabloBarrioshashadhisfillofmilitaryglory。\'
CharlesGouldwasnotpresentattheanxiousandpatrioticsend-off。
Itwasnothisparttoseethesoldiersembark。Itwasneitherhispart，norhisinclination，norhispolicy。Hispart，hisinclination，andhispolicywasunitedinoneendeavourtokeepuncheckedtheflowoftreasurehehadstartedsingle-handedfromthere-openedscarintheflankofthemountain。Astheminedevelopedhehadtrainedforhimselfsomenativehelp。Therewereforemen，artificers，andclerks，withDonPepeforthegobernadoroftheminingpopulation。Fortheresthisshouldersalonesustainedthewholeweightofthe`ImperiuminImperio\'，thegreatGouldConcessionwhosemereshadowhadbeenenoughtocrushthelifeoutofhisfather。
MrsGouldhadnosilverminetolookafter。InthegenerallifeoftheGouldConcessionshewasrepresentedbyhertwolieutenants，thedoctorandthepriest，butshefedherwoman\'sloveforexcitementoneventswhosesignificancewaspurifiedtoherbythefireofherimaginativepurpose。
OnthatdayshehadbroughttheAvellanos，fatheranddaughter，downtotheharbourwithher。
Amongsthisotheractivitiesofthatstirringtime，DonJosehadbecomethechairmanofaPatrioticCommitteewhichhadarmedagreatproportionoftroopsintheSulacocommandwithanimprovedmodelofamilitaryrifle。
IthadbeenjustdiscardedforsomethingstillmoredeadlybyoneofthegreatEuropeanpowers。Howmuchofthemarket-priceforsecondhandweaponswascoveredbythevoluntarycontributionsoftheprincipalfamilies，andhowmuchcamefromthosefundsDonJosewasunderstoodtocommandabroad，remainedasecretwhichhealonecouldhavedisclosed；butthericos，asthepopulacecalledthem，hadcontributedunderthepressureoftheirNestor\'seloquence。Someofthemoreenthusiasticladieshadbeenmovedtobringofferingsofjewelsintothehandsofthemanwhowasthelifeandsouloftheparty。
Thereweremomentswhenbothhislifeandhissoulseemedovertaxedbysomanyyearsofundiscouragedbeliefinregeneration。Heappearedalmostinanimate，sittingrigidlybythesideofMrsGouldinthelandau，withhisfine，old，clean-shavenfaceofauniformtintasifmodelledinyellowwax，shadedbyasoftfelthat，thedarkeyeslookingoutfixedly。Antonia，thebeautifulAntonia，asMissAvellanoswascalledinSulaco，leanedback，facingthem；andherfullfigure，thegraveovalofherfacewithfullredlips，madeherlookmorematurethanMrsGould，withhermobileexpressionandsmall，erectpersonunderaslightlyswayingsunshade。
WheneverpossibleAntoniaattendedherfather；herrecognizeddevotionweakenedtheshockingeffectofherscornfortherigidconventionsregulatingthelifeofSpanish-Americangirlhood。And，intruth，shewasnolongergirlish。ItwassaidthatsheoftenwroteStatepapersfromherfather\'sdictation，andwasallowedtoreadallthebooksinhislibrary。Atthereceptions——wherethesituationwassavedbythepresenceofaverydecrepitoldladyarelationoftheCorbelans，quitedeafandmotionlessinanarmchair——Antoniacouldholdherowninadiscussionwithtwoorthreemenatatime。Obviouslyshewasnotthegirltobecontentwithpeepingthroughabarredwindowatacloakedfigureofaloverensconcedinadoorwayopposite——whichisthecorrectformofCostaguanacourtship。ItwasgenerallybelievedthatwithherforeignupbringingandforeignideasthelearnedandproudAntoniawouldnevermarry——unless，indeed，shemarriedaforeignerfromEuropeorNorthAmerica，nowthatSulacoseemedonthepointofbeinginvadedbyalltheworld。
NostromoATaleoftheSeaboard:Part2Chapter33WhenGeneralBarriosstoppedtoaddressMrsGould，Antoniaraisednegligentlyherhandholdinganopenfan，asiftoshadefromthesunherhead，wrappedinalightlaceshawl。Thecleargleamofherblueeyesglidingbehindtheblackfringeofeyelashespausedforamomentuponherfather，thentravelledfarthertothefigureofayoungmanofthirtyatmost，ofmediumheight，ratherthick-set，wearingalightovercoat。Bearingdownwiththeopenpalmofhishandupontheknobofaflexiblecane，hehadbeenlookingonfromadistance；butdirectlyhesawhimselfnoticed，heapproachedquietlyandputhiselbowoverthedoorofthelandau。
Theshirtcollar，cutlowintheneck，thebigbowofhiscravat，thestyleofhisclothing，fromtheroundhattothevarnishedshoes，suggestedanideaofFrenchelegance；butotherwisehewastheverytypeofafairSpanishcreole。Thefluffymoustacheandtheshort，curly，goldenbearddidnotconcealhislips，rosy，fresh，almostpoutinginexpression。Hisfull，roundfacewasofthatwarm，healthycreolewhitewhichisnevertannedbyitsnativesunshine。MartinDecoudwasseldomexposedtotheCostaguanasununderwhichhewasborn。HispeoplehadbeenlongsettledinParis，wherehehadstudiedlaw，haddabbledinliterature，hadhopednowandtheninmomentsofexaltationtobecomeapoetlikethatotherforeignerofSpanishblood，JoseMariaHeredia。Inothermomentshehad，topassthetime，condescendedtowritearticlesonEuropeanaffairsfortheSemenario，theprincipalnewspaperinStaMarta，whichprintedthemundertheheading`Fromourspecialcorrespondent\'，thoughtheauthorshipwasanopensecret。EverybodyinCostaguana，wherethetaleofcompatriotsinEuropeisjealouslykept，knewthatitwas`thesonDecoud\'，atalentedyoungman，supposedtobemovinginthehigherspheresofSociety。Asamatteroffact，hewasanidleboulevardier，intouchwithsomesmartjournalists，madefreeofafewnewspaperoffices，andwelcomedinthepleasure-hauntsofpressmen。Thislife，whosedrearysuperficialityiscoveredbytheglitterofuniversalblague，likethestupidclowningofaharlequinbythespanglesofamotleycostume，inducedinhimaFrenchified——butmostun-French——cosmopolitanism，inrealityamerebarrenindifferentismposingasintellectualsuperiority。OfhisowncountryheusedtosaytohisFrenchassociates:`Imagineanatmosphereofoperabouffeinwhichallthecomicbusinessofstagestatesmen，brigands，etc。，etc。，alltheirfarcicalstealing，intriguing，andstabbingisdoneindeadearnest。Itisscreaminglyfunny，thebloodflowsallthetime，andtheactorsbelievethemselvestobeinfluencingthefateoftheuniverse。Ofcourse，governmentingeneral，anygovernmentanywhere，isathingofexquisitecomicalitytoadiscerningmind；butreallyweSpanish-Americansdooverstepthebounds。
Nomanofordinaryintelligencecantakepartintheintriguesofunefarcemacabre。However，theseRibierists，ofwhomwehearsomuchjustnow，arereallytryingintheirowncomicalwaytomakethecountryhabitable，andeventopaysomeofitsdebts。Myfriends，youhadbetterwriteupSenorRibieraallyoucaninkindnesstoyourownbondholders。Really，ifwhatIamtoldinmylettersistrue，thereissomechanceforthematlast。\'
AndhewouldexplainwithrailingvervewhatDonVincenteRibierastoodfor——amournfullittlemanoppressedbyhisowngoodintentions，thesignificanceofbattleswon，whoMonterowasungrotesquevaniteuxetferoce，andthemannerofthenewloanconnectedwithrailwaydevelopment，andthecolonizationofvasttractsoflandinonegreatfinancialscheme。
AndhisFrenchfriendswouldremarkthatevidentlythislittlefellowDecoudconnaissaitlaquestionafond。AnimportantParisianreviewaskedhimforanarticleonthesituation。Itwascomposedinaserioustoneandinaspiritoflevity。Afterwardsheaskedoneofhisintimates:
`HaveyoureadmythingabouttheregenerationofCostaguana——unebonneblague，hein?\'
HeimaginedhimselfParisiantothetipsofhisfingers。Butfarfrombeingthathewasindangerofremainingasortofnondescriptdilettanteallhislife。Hehadpushedthehabitofuniversalraillerytoapointwhereitblindedhimtothegenuineimpulsesofhisownnature。Tobesuddenlyselectedfortheexecutivememberofthepatrioticsmall-armscommitteeofSulacoseemedtohimtheheightoftheunexpected，oneofthosefantasticmovesofwhichonlyhis`dearcountrymen\'werecapable。
`It\'slikeatilefallingonmyhead。I——I——executivemember！It\'sthefirstIhearofit！WhatdoIknowofmilitaryrifles?C\'estfunambulesque！\'
hehadexclaimedtohisfavouritesister；fortheDecoudfamily——excepttheoldfatherandmother——usedtheFrenchlanguageamongstthemselves。
`Andyoushouldseetheexplanatoryandconfidentialletter！Eightpagesofit——noless！\'
Thisletter，inAntonia\'shandwriting，wassignedbyDonJose，whoappealedtothe`youngandgiftedCostaguanero\'onpublicgrounds，andprivatelyopenedhishearttohistalentedgodson，amanofwealthandleisure，withwiderelations，andbyhisparentageandbringing-upworthyofallconfidence。
`Whichmeans，\'Martincommented，cynically，tohissister，`thatIamnotlikelytomisappropriatethefunds，orgoblabbingtoourCharged\'Affaireshere。\'
ThewholethingwasbeingcarriedoutbehindthebackoftheWarMinister，Montero，amistrustedmemberoftheRibieraGovernment，butdifficulttogetridofatonce。HewasnottoknowanythingofittillthetroopsunderBarrios\'scommandhadthenewrifleintheirhands。ThePresident-Dictator，whosepositionwasverydifficult，wasaloneinthesecret。
`Howfunny！\'commentedMartin\'ssisterandconfidant；towhichthebrother，withanairofbestParisianblague，hadretorted:
`It\'simmense！TheideaofthatChiefoftheStateengaged，withthehelpofprivatecitizens，indiggingamineunderhisownindispensableWarMinister。No！Weareunapproachable！\'Andhelaughedimmoderately。
Afterwardshissisterwassurprisedattheearnestnessandabilityhedisplayedincarryingouthismission，whichcircumstancesmadedelicate，andhiswantofspecialknowledgerendereddifficult。ShehadneverseenMartintakesomuchtroubleaboutanythinginhiswholelife。
`Itamusesme，\'hehadexplained，briefly。`Iambesetbyalotofswindlerstryingtosellallsortsofgaspipeweapons。Theyarecharming；theyinvitemetoexpensiveluncheons；Ikeepuptheirhopes；it\'sextremelyentertaining。
Meanwhile，therealaffairisbeingcarriedthroughinquiteanotherquarter。\'
WhenthebusinesswasconcludedhedeclaredsuddenlyhisintentionofseeingthepreciousconsignmentdeliveredsafelyinSulaco。Thewholeburlesquebusiness，hethought，wasworthfollowinguptotheend。Hemumbledhisexcuses，tuggingathisgoldenbeard，beforetheacuteyoungladywhoafterthefirstwidestareofastonishmentlookedathimwithnarrowedeyes，andpronouncedslowly:
`IbelieveyouwanttoseeAntonia。\'
`WhatAntonia?\'askedtheCostaguanaboulevardier，inavexedanddisdainfultone。Heshruggedhisshoulders，andspunroundonhisheel。Hissistercalledoutafterhimjoyously:
`TheAntoniayouusedtoknowwhensheworeherhairintwoplaitsdownherback。\'
Hehadknownhersomeeightyearssince，shortlybeforetheAvellanoshadleftEuropeforgood，asatallgirlofsixteen，youthfullyaustere，andofacharacteralreadysoformedthatsheventuredtotreatslightinglyhisposeofdisabusedwisdom。Ononeoccasion，asthoughshehadlostallpatience，sheflewoutathimabouttheaimlessnessofhislifeandthelevityofhisopinion。Hewastwentythen，anonlyson，spoiledbyhisadoringfamily。Thisattackdisconcertedhimsogreatlythathehadfalteredinhisaffectionofamusedsuperioritybeforethatinsignificantchitofaschool-girl。ButtheimpressionleftwassostrongthateversinceallthegirlfriendsofhissistersrecalledtohimAntoniaAvellanosbysomefaintresemblance，orbythegreatforceofcontrast。Itwas，hetoldhimself，likearidiculousfatality。And，ofcourse，inthenewstheDecoudsreceivedregularlyfromCostaguana，thenameoftheirfriends，theAvellanos，croppedupfrequently——thearrestandtheabominabletreatmentoftheex-Minister，thedangersandhardshipsenduredbythefamily，itswithdrawalinpovertytoSulaco，thedeathofthemother。
TheMonteristpronunciamientohadtakenplacebeforeMartinDecoudreachedCostaguana。Hecameoutinaround-aboutway，throughMagellan\'sStraitsbythemainlineandtheWestCoastServiceoftheO。S。N。Company。
Hispreciousconsignmentarrivedjustintimetoconvertthefirstfeelingsofconsternationintoamoodofhopeandresolution。Publiclyhewasmademuchofbythefamiliasprincipales。PrivatelyDonJose，stillshakenandweak，embracedhimwithtearsinhiseyes。
`Youhavecomeoutyourself！NolesscouldbeexpectedfromaDecoud。
Alas！ourworstfearshavebeenrealized，\'hemoaned，affectionately。Andagainhehuggedhisgodson。Thiswasindeedthetimeformenofintellectandconsciencetorallyroundtheendangeredcause。
ItwasthenthatMartinDecoud，theadoptedchildofWesternEurope，felttheabsolutechangeofatmosphere。Hesubmittedtobeingembracedandtalkedtowithoutaword。HewasmovedinspiteofhimselfbythatnoteofpassionandsorrowunknownonthemorerefinedstageofEuropeanpolitics。ButwhenthetallAntonia，advancingwithherlightstepinthedimnessofthebigbaresalaoftheAvellanoshouse，offeredhimherhandinheremancipatedway，andmurmured，`Iamgladtoseeyouhere，DonMartin，\'hefelthowimpossibleitwouldbetotellthesetwopeoplethathehadintendedtogoawaybythenextmonth\'spacket。DonJose，meantime，continuedhispraises。Everyaccessionaddedtopublicconfidence，and，besides，whatanexampletotheyoungmenathomefromthebrilliantdefenderofthecountry\'sregeneration，theworthyexpounderoftheparty\'spoliticalfaithbeforetheworld！EverybodyhadreadthemagnificentarticleinthefamousParisianReview。Theworldwasnowinformed:andtheauthor\'sappearanceatthismomentwaslikeapublicactoffaith。YoungDecoudfeltovercomebyafeelingofimpatientconfusion。
HisplanhadbeentoreturnbywayoftheUnitedStatesthroughCalifornia，visitYellowstonePark，seeChicago，Niagara，havealookatCanada，perhapsmakeashortstayinNewYork，alongeroneinNewport，usehislettersofintroduction。ThepressureofAntonia\'shandwassofrank，thetoneofhervoicewassounexpectedlyunchangedinitsapprovingwarmth，thatallhefoundtosayafterhislowbowwas:
`Iaminexpressiblygratefulforyourwelcome；butwhyneedamanbethankedforreturningtohisnativecountry?IamsureDonaAntoniadoesnotthinkso。\'
`Certainlynot，senor，\'shesaid，withthatperfectlycalmopennessofmannerwhichcharacterizedallherutterances。`Butwhenhereturns，asyoureturn，onemaybeglad——forthesakeofboth。\'
MartinDecoudsaidnothingofhisplans。Henotonlyneverbreathedawordofthemtoanyone，butonlyafortnightlateraskedthemistressoftheCasaGouldwherehehadofcourseobtainedadmissionatonce，leaningforwardinhischairwithanairofwell-bredfamiliarity，whethershecouldnotdetectinhimthatdayamarkedchange——anair，heexplained，ofmoreexcellentgravity。AtthisMrsGouldturnedherfacefulltowardshimwiththesilentinquiryofslightlywidenedeyesandthemerestghostofasmile，ahabitualmovementwithher，whichwasveryfascinatingtomenbysomethingsubtlydevoted，finelyself-forgetfulinitslivelyreadinessofattention。Because，Decoudcontinuedimperturbably，hefeltnolongeranidlecumbereroftheearth。Shewas，heassuredher，actuallybeholdingatthatmomenttheJournalistofSulaco。AtonceMrsGouldglancedtowardsAntonia，poseduprightinthecornerofahigh，straight-backedSpanishsofa，alargeblackfanwavingslowlyagainstthecurvesofherfinefigure，thetipsofcrossedfeetpeepingfromunderthehemoftheblackskirt。
Decoud\'seyesalsoremainedfixedthere，whileinanundertoneheaddedthatMissAvellanoswasquiteawareofhisnewandunexpectedvocation，whichinCostaguanawasgenerallythespecialityofhalf-educatedNegroesandwhollypennilesslawyers。Then，confrontingwithasortofurbaneeffronteryMrsGould\'sgaze，nowturnedsympatheticallyuponhimself，hebreathedoutthewords，`Propatria！\'
WhathadhappenedwasthathehadallatonceyieldedtoDonJose\'spressingentreatiestotakethedirectionofanewspaperthatwould`voicetheaspirationsoftheprovince\'。IthadbeenDonJose\'soldandcherishedidea。ThenecessaryplantonamodestscaleandalargeconsignmentofpaperhadbeenreceivedfromAmericasometimebefore；therightmanalonewaswanted。EvenSenorMoragainStaMartahadnotbeenabletofindone，andthematterwasnowbecomingpressing；someorganwasabsolutelyneededtocounteracttheeffectoftheliesdisseminatedbytheMonteristpress:
theatrociouscalumnies，theappealsofthepeoplecallinguponthemtorisewiththeirknivesintheirhandsandputanendonceforalltotheBlancos，totheseGothicremnants，tothesesinistermummies，theseimpotentparaliticos，whoplottedwithforeignersforthesurrenderofthelandsandtheslaveryofthepeople。
Theclamourofthis`NegroLiberalism\'frightenedSenorAvellanos。A
newspaperwastheonlyremedy。AndnowthattherightmanhadbeenfoundinDecoud，greatblacklettersappearedpaintedbetweenthewindowsabovethearcadedgroundfloorofahouseonthePlaza。Itwasnextto`Anzani\'sgreatemporiumofboots，silks，ironware，muslins，woodentoys，tinysilverarms，legs，heads，heartsforex-votoofferings，rosaries，champagne，women\'shats，patentmedicines，evenafewdustybooksinpapercoversandmostlyintheFrenchlanguage。Thebigblacklettersformedthewords，`OfficesofthePorvenir\'。FromtheseofficesasinglefoldedsheetofMartin\'sjournalismissuedthreetimesaweek；andthesleekyellowAnzaniprowlinginasuitofampleblackandcarpetslippers，beforethemanydoorsofhisestablishment，greetedbyadeep，side-longinclinationofhisbodytheJournalistofSulacogoingtoandfroonthebusinessofhisaugustcalling。
NostromoATaleoftheSeaboard:Part2Chapter44Perhapsitwasintheexerciseofhiscallingthathehadcometoseethetroopsdepart。ThePorvenirofthedayafternextwouldnodoubtrelatetheevent，butitseditor，leaninghissideagainstthelandau，seemedtolookatnothing。Thefrontrankofthecompanyofinfantrydrawnupthreedeepacrosstheshore-endofthejettywhenpressedtooclosewouldbringtheirbayonetstothechargeferociously，withanawfulrattle；
andthenthecrowdofspectatorsswayedbackbodily，evenunderthenosesofthebigwhitemules。Notwithstandingthegreatmultitudetherewasonlyalow，mutteringnoise；thedusthunginabrownhaze，inwhichthehorsemen，wedgedinthethronghereandthere，toweredfromthehipsupwards，gazingallonewayovertheheads。Almosteveryoneofthemhadmountedafriend，whosteadiedhimselfwithbothhandsgraspinghisshouldersfrombehind；
andtherimsoftheirhatstouching，madelikeonediscsustainingtheconesoftwopointedcrownswithadoublefaceunderneath。Ahoarsemozowouldbawloutsomethingtoanacquaintanceintheranks，orawomanwouldshrieksuddenlythewordAdios！followedbytheChristiannameofaman。
GeneralBarrios，inashabbybluetunicandwhitepeg-toptrousersfallinguponstrangeredboots，kepthisheaduncoveredandstoopedslightly，proppinghimselfupwithathickstick。No！Hehadearnedenoughmilitaryglorytosatiateanyman，heinsistedtoMrsGould，tryingatthesametimetoputanairofgallantryintohisattitude。Afewjettyhairshungsparselyfromhisupperlip，hehadasalientnose，athinlongjaw，andablacksilkpatchoveroneeye。Hisothereye，smallanddeep-set，twinklederraticallyinalldirections，aimlesslyaffable。ThefewEuropeanspectators，allmen，whohadnaturallydriftedintotheneighbourhoodoftheGouldcarriage，betrayedbythesolemnityoftheirfacestheirimpressionthatthegeneralmusthavehadtoomuchpunchSwedishpunch，importedinbottlesbyAnzani
attheAmarillaClubbeforehehadstartedwithhisStaffonafuriousridetotheharbour。ButMrsGouldbentforward，self-possessed，anddeclaredherconvictionthatstillmoregloryawaitedthegeneralinthenearfuture。
`Senora！\'heremonstrated，withgreatfeeling，`inthenameofGod，reflect！Howcantherebeanygloryforamanlikemeinovercomingthatbald-headedembusterowiththedyedmoustaches?\'
PabloIgnacioBarrios，sonofavillagealcalde，generalofdivision，commandinginchieftheOccidentalMilitarydistrict，didnotfrequentthehighersocietyofthetown。Hepreferredtheunceremoniousgatheringsofmenwherehecouldtelljaguar-huntstories，boastofhispowerswiththelasso，withwhichhecouldperformextremelydifficultfeatsofthesort`nomarriedmanshouldattempt\'，asthesayinggoesamongstthellaneros；
relatetalesofextraordinarynightrides，encounterswithwildbulls，struggleswithcrocodiles，adventuresinthegreatforests，crossingsofswollenrivers。Anditwasnotmereboastfulnessthatpromptedthegeneral\'sreminiscences，butagenuineloveofthatwildlifewhichhehadledinhisyoungdaysbeforeheturnedhisbackforeveronthethatchedroofoftheparentaltolderiainthewoods。WanderingawayasfarasMexicohehadfoughtagainsttheFrenchbythesideashesaidofJuarez，andwastheonlymilitarymanofCostaguanawhohadeverencounteredEuropeantroopsinthefield。ThatfactshedagreatlustreuponhisnametillitbecameeclipsedbytherisingstarofMontero。Allhislifehehadbeenaninveterategambler。Healludedhimselfquiteopenlytothecurrentstoryhowonce，duringsomecampaignwhenincommandofabrigade，hehadgambledawayhishorses，pistols，andaccoutrements，totheveryepaulettes，playingmontewithhiscolonelsthenightbeforethebattle。Finally，hehadsentunderescorthisswordapresentationsword，withagoldhilt
tothetownintherearofhispositiontobeimmediatelypledgedforfivehundredpesetaswithasleepyandfrightenedshopkeeper。Byday-breakhehadlostthelastofthatmoney，too，whenhisonlyremark，asherosecalmly，was，`Nowletusgoandfighttothedeath。\'Fromthattimehehadbecomeawarethatageneralcouldleadhistroopsintobattleverywellwithasimplestickinhishand。`Ithasbeenmycustomeversince，\'
hewouldsay。
Hewasalwaysoverwhelmedwithdebts；evenduringtheperiodsofsplendourinhisvariedfortunesofaCostaguanageneral，whenheheldhighmilitarycommands，hisgold-laceduniformswerealmostalwaysinpawnwithsometradesman。Andatlast，toavoidtheincessantdifficultiesofcostumecausedbytheanxiouslenders，hehadassumedadisdainofmilitarytrappings，aneccentricfashionofshabbyoldtunics，whichhadbecomelikeasecondnature。ButthefactionBarriosjoinedneededtofearnopoliticalbetrayal。
Hewastoomuchofarealsoldierfortheignobletrafficofbuyingandsellingvictories。AmemberoftheforeigndiplomaticbodyinStaMartahadoncepassedajudgementuponhim:`Barriosisamanofperfecthonestyandevenofsometalentforwar，maisilmanquedetenue。\'AfterthetriumphoftheRibieristshehadobtainedthereputedlylucrativeOccidentalcommand，mainlythroughtheexertionsofhiscreditorstheStaMartashopkeepers，allgreatpoliticians，whomovedheavenandearthinhisinterestpublicly，andprivatelybesiegedSenorMoraga，theinfluentialagentoftheSanTomemine，withtheexaggeratedlamentationsthatifthegeneralwerepassedover，`weshallallberuined\'。AnincidentalbutfavourablementionofhisnameinMrGouldsenior\'slongcorrespondencewithhissonhadsomethingtodowithhisappointment，too；butmostofallundoubtedlyhisestablishedpoliticalhonesty。NoonequestionedthepersonalbraveryoftheTiger-killer，asthepopulacecalledhim。Hewas，however，saidtobeunluckyinthefield——butthiswastobethebeginningofaneraofpeace。Thesoldierslikedhimforhishumanetemper，whichwaslikeastrangeandpreciousflowerunexpectedlybloomingonthehotbedofcorruptrevolutions；andwhenherodeslowlythroughthestreetsduringsomemilitarydisplay，thecontemptuousgoodhumourofhissolitaryeyeroamingoverthecrowdsextortedtheacclamationsofthepopulace。Thewomenofthatclassespeciallyseemedpositivelyfascinatedbythelongdroppingnose，thepeakedchin，theheavylowerlip，theblacksilkeye-patchandbandslantingrakishlyovertheforehead。Hishighrankalwaysprocuredanaudienceofcaballerosforhissportingstories，whichhedetailedverywellwithasimple，graveenjoyment。Astothesocietyofladies，itwasirksomebytherestraintsitimposedwithoutanyequivalent，asfarashecouldsee。Hehadnot，perhaps，spokenthreetimesonthewholetoMrsGouldsincehehadtakenuphishighcommand；buthehadobservedherfrequentlyridingwiththeSenorAdministrador，andhadpronouncedthattherewasmoresenseinherlittlebridle-handthaninallthefemaleheadsinSulaco。Hisimpulsehadbeentobeverycivilonpartingtoawomanwhodidnotwobbleinthesaddle，andhappenedtobethewifeofapersonalityveryimportanttoamanalwaysshortofmoney。Heevenpushedhisattentionssofarastodesiretheaide-de-campathissideathick-set，shortcaptainwithaTartarphysiognomytobringalongacorporalwithafileofmeninfrontofthecarriage，lestthecrowdinitsbackwardsurgeswould`incommodethemulesofthesenora\'。Then，turningtothesmallknotofsilentEuropeanslookingonwithinearshot，heraisedhisvoiceprotectingly:
`Senores，havenoapprehension。GoonquietlymakingyourFerroCarril——yourrailways，yourtelegraphs。Your——There\'senoughwealthinCostaguanatopayforeverything——orelseyouwouldnotbehere。Ha！ha！
Don\'tmindthislittlepicardiaofmyfriendMontero。Inalittlewhileyoushallbeholdhisdyedmoustachesthroughthebarsofastrongwoodencage。Si，senores！Fearnothing，developthecountry，work，work！\'
Thelittlegroupofengineersreceivedthisexhortationwithoutaword，andafterwavinghishandatthemloftily，headdressedhimselfagaintoMrsGould:
`ThatiswhatDonJosesayswemustdo。Beenterprising！Work！Growrich！ToputMonteroinacageismywork；andwhenthatinsignificantpieceofbusinessisdone，then，asDonJosewishesus，weshallgrowrich，oneandall，likesomanyEnglishmen，becauseitismoneythatsavesacountry，and——\'
Butayoungofficerinaverynewuniform，hurryingupfromthedirectionofthejetty，interruptedhisinterpretationofSenorAvellanos\'sideals。
Thegeneralmadeamovementofimpatience；theotherwentontalkingtohiminsistently，withanairofrespect。ThehorsesoftheStaffhadbeenembarked，thesteamer\'sgigwasawaitingthegeneralattheboatsteps；
andBarrios，afterafiercestareofhisoneeye，begantotakeleave。
DonJoserousedhimselfforanappropriatephrasepronouncedmechanically。
Theterriblestrainofhopeandfearwastellingonhim，andheseemedtohusbandthelastsparksofhisfireforthoseoratoricaleffortsofwhicheventhedistantEuropewastohear。Antonia，herredlipsfirmlyclosed，avertedherheadbehindtheraisedfan；andyoungDecoud，thoughhefeltthegirl\'seyesuponhim，gazedawaypersistently，hookedonhiselbow，withascornfulandcompletedetachment。MrsGouldheroicallyconcealedherdismayattheappearanceofmenandeventssoremotefromherracialconventions，dismaytoodeeptobeutteredinwordseventoherhusband。
Sheunderstoodhisvoicelessreservebetternow。Theirconfidentialintercoursefell，notinmomentsofprivacy，butpreciselyinpublic，whenthequickmeetingoftheirglanceswouldcommentuponsomefreshturnofevents。
Shehadgonetohisschoolofuncompromisingsilence，theonlyonepossible，sincesomuchthatseemedshocking，weird，andgrotesqueintheworkingoutoftheirpurposeshadtobeacceptedasnormalinthiscountry。Decidedly，thestatelyAntonialookedmorematureandinfinitelycalm；butshewouldneverhaveknownhowtoreconcilethesuddensinkingsofherheartwithanamiablemobilityofexpression。
MrsGouldsmiledagood-byeatBarrios，noddedroundtotheEuropeanswhoraisedtheirhatssimultaneouslywithanengaginginvitation，`I
hopetoseeyouallpresently，athome\'；thensaidnervouslytoDecoud，`Getin，DonMartin，\'andheardhimmuttertohimselfinFrench，asheopenedthecarriagedoor，`Lesortenestjete。\'Sheheardhimwithasortofexasperation。Nobodyoughttohaveknownbetterthanhimselfthatthefirstcastofdicehadbeenalreadythrownlongagoinamostdesperategame。Distantacclamations，wordsofcommandyelledout，andarollofdrumsonthejettygreetedthedepartinggeneral。Somethinglikeaslightfaintnesscameoverher，andshelookedblanklyatAntonia\'sstillface，wonderingwhatwouldhappentoCharleyifthatabsurdmanfailed。
`Alacasa，Ignacio，\'shecriedatthemotionlessbroadbackofthecoachman，whogatheredthereinswithouthaste，mumblingtohimselfunderhisbreath，`Si，lacasa。Si，si，nina。\'
Thecarriagerollednoiselesslyonthesofttrack，theshadowsfelllongonthedustylittleplaininterspersedwithdarkbushes，moundsofturned-upearth，lowwoodenbuildingswithironroofsoftheRailwayCompany；
thesparserowoftelegraphpolesstrodeobliquelyclearofthetown，bearingasingle，almostinvisiblewirefarintothegreatcampo——likeaslender，vibratingfeelerofthatprogresswaitingoutsideforamomentofpeacetoenterandtwineitselfaboutthewearyheartoftheland。
ThecafewindowoftheAlbergod\'ItaliaUnawasfullofsunburnt，whiskeredfacesofrailwaymen。Butattheotherendofthehouse，theendoftheSignoriInglesi，oldGiorgio，atthedoorwithoneofhisgirlsoneachside，baredhisbushyhead，aswhiteasthesnowsofHiguerota。MrsGouldstoppedthecarriage。Sheseldomfailedtospeaktotheprotege；moreover，theexcitement，theheat，andthedusthadmadeherthirsty。Sheaskedforaglassofwater。Giorgiosentthechildrenindoorsforit，andapproachedwithpleasureexpressedinhiswholeruggedcountenance。Itwasnotoftenthathehadoccasiontoseehisbenefactress，whowasalsoanEnglishwoman——anothertitletohisregard。Heofferedsomeexcusesforhiswife。Itwasabaddaywithher；heroppressions——hetappedhisownbroadchest。Shecouldnotmovefromherchairthatday。
Decoud，ensconcedinthecornerofhisseat，observedgloomilyMrsGould\'soldrevolutionist，then，offhand:
`Well，andwhatdoyouthinkofitall，Garibaldino?\'
OldGiorgio，lookingathimwithsomecuriosity，saidcivillythatthetroopshadmarchedverywell。One-eyedBarriosandhisofficershaddonewonderswiththerecruitsinashorttime。Thoseindios，onlycaughttheotherday，hadgoneswingingpastindouble-quicktime，likebersaglieri；
theylookedwellfed，too，andhadwholeuniforms。`Uniforms！\'herepeatedwithahalf-smileofpity。Alookofgrimretrospectstoleoverhispiercing，steadyeyes。Ithadbeenotherwiseinhistimewhenmenfoughtagainsttyranny，intheforestsofBrazil，orontheplainsofUruguay，starvingonhalf-rawbeefwithoutsalt，halfnaked，withoftenonlyaknifetiedtoastickforaweapon。`Andyetweusedtoprevailagainsttheoppressor，\'
heconcluded，proudly。
Hisanimationfell；theslightgestureofhishandexpresseddiscouragement；
butheaddedthathehadaskedoneofthesergeantstoshowhimthenewrifle。Therewasnosuchweaponinhisfightingdays；andifBarrioscouldnot——
`Yes，yes，\'brokeinDonJose，almosttremblingwitheagerness。`Wearesafe。ThegoodSenorViolaisamanofexperience。Extremelydeadly——isitnotso?Youhaveaccomplishedyourmissionadmirably，mydearMartin。\'
Decoud，lollingbackmoodily，contemplatedoldViola。
`Ah！Yes。Amanofexperience。Butwhoareyoufor，really，inyourheart?\'
MrsGouldleanedovertothechildren。Lindahadbroughtoutaglassofwateronatray，withextremecare；Gisellepresentedherwithabunchofflowersgatheredhastily。
`Forthepeople，\'declaredoldViola，sternly。
`Weareallforthepeople——intheend。\'
`Yes，\'mutteredoldViola，savagely。`Andmeantimetheyfightforyou。
Blind。Esclavos！\'