LORD JIM BY JOSEPH CONRAD

AUTHOR'S NOTE When this novel fi st !""e! e# in $oo% fo & ! notion 'ot !$o(t th!t I h!# $een $olte# !)!* )ith+ So&e evie)e s &!int!ine# th!t the )o % st! tin' !s ! sho t sto * h!# 'ot $e*on# the ) ite 's ,ont ol+ One o t)o #is,ove e# inte n!l evi#en,e of the f!,t- )hi,h see&e# to !&(se the&+ The* "ointe# o(t the li&it!tions of the n! !tive fo &+ The* ! '(e# th!t no &!n ,o(l# h!ve $een e."e,te# to t!l% !ll th!t ti&e!n# othe &en to listen so lon'+ It )!s not- the* s!i#- ve * , e#i$le+ Afte thin%in' it ove fo so&ethin' li%e si.teen *e! s- I !& not so s( e !$o(t th!t+ Men h!ve $een %no)n- $oth in the t o"i,s !n# in the te&"e !te /one- to sit (" h!lf the ni'ht 's)!""in' *! ns'+ This- ho)eve - is $(t one *! n- *et )ith inte ("tions !ffo #in' so&e &e!s( e of elief0 !n# in e'! # to the listene s' en#( !n,ethe "ost(l!te &(st $e !,,e"te# th!t the sto * )!s inte estin'+ It is the ne,ess! * " eli&in! * !ss(&"tion+ If I h!#n't $elieve# th!t it )!s inte estin' I ,o(l# neve h!ve $e'(n to ) ite it+ As to the &e e "h*si,!l "ossi$ilit* )e !ll %no) th!t so&e s"ee,hes in P! li!&ent h!ve t!%en ne! e si. th!n th ee ho( s in #elive *0 )he e!s !ll th!t "! t of the $oo% )hi,h is M! lo)'s n! !tive ,!n $e e!# th o('h !lo(#- I sho(l# s!*- in less th!n th ee ho( s+ Besi#es11tho('h I h!ve %e"t st i,tl* !ll s(,h insi'nifi,!nt #et!ils o(t of the t!le11)e &!* " es(&e th!t the e &(st h!ve $een ef esh&ents on th!t ni'ht! 'l!ss of &ine !l )!te of so&e so t to hel" the n! !to on+ B(t- se io(sl*- the t (th of the &!tte is- th!t &* fi st tho('ht )!s of ! sho t sto *- ,on,e ne# onl* )ith the "il' i& shi" e"iso#e0 nothin' &o e+ An# th!t )!s ! le'iti&!te ,on,e"tion+ Afte ) itin' ! fe) "!'es- ho)eve - I $e,!&e fo so&e e!son #is,ontente# !n# I l!i# the& !si#e fo ! ti&e+ I #i#n't t!%e the& o(t of the # !)e till the l!te M + Willi!& Bl!,%)oo# s(''este# I sho(l# 'ive so&ethin' !'!in to his &!'!/ine+ It )!s onl* then th!t I "e ,eive# th!t the "il' i& shi" e"iso#e )!s ! 'oo# st! tin'1"oint fo ! f ee !n# )!n#e in' t!le0 th!t it )!s !n event- too- )hi,h ,o(l# ,on,eiv!$l* ,olo( the )hole 'senti&ent of e.isten,e' in ! si&"le !n# sensitive ,h! !,te + B(t !ll these " eli&in! * &oo#s !n# sti in's of s"i it )e e !the o$s,( e !t the ti&e- !n# the* #o not !""e! ,le! e to &e no) !fte the l!"se of so &!n* *e! s+ The fe) "!'es I h!# l!i# !si#e )e e not )itho(t thei )ei'ht in the ,hoi,e of s($2e,t+ B(t the )hole )!s e1) itten #eli$e !tel*+

When I s!t #o)n to it I %ne) it )o(l# $e ! lon' $oo%- tho('h I #i#n't fo esee th!t it )o(l# s" e!# itself ove thi teen n(&$e s of M!'!+ I h!ve $een !s%e# !t ti&es )hethe this )!s not the $oo% of &ine I li%e# $est+ I !& ! ' e!t foe to f!vo( itis& in "($li, life- in " life- !n# even in the #eli,!te el!tionshi" of !n !(tho to his )o As ! &!tte of " in,i"le I )ill h!ve no f!vo( ites0 $(t I #on't 'o f! !s to feel ' ieve# !n# !nno*e# $* the " efe en,e so&e "eo"le 'ive to &* Lo # Ji&+ I )on't even s!* th!t I 'f!il to (n#e st!n# + No3 B(t on,e I h!# o,,!sion to $e "(//le# !n# s( " ise#+ A f ien# of &ine et( nin' f o& It!l* h!# t!l%e# )ith ! l!#* the e )ho #i# not li%e the $oo%+ I e' ette# th!t- of ,o( se- $(t )h!t s( " ise# &e )!s the ' o(n# of he #isli%e+ 'Yo( %no)-' she s!i#'it is !ll so &o $i#+' The " ono(n,e&ent '!ve &e foo# fo !n ho( 's !n.io(s tho('ht+ 4in!ll* I ! ive# !t the ,on,l(sion th!t- &!%in' #(e !llo)!n,es fo the s($2e,t itself $ein' !the fo ei'n to )o&en's no &!l sensi$ilities- the l!#* ,o(l# not h!ve $een !n It!li!n+ I )on#e )hethe she )!s E( o"e!n !t !ll5 In !n* ,!se- no L!tin te&"e !&ent )o(l# h!ve "e ,eive# !n*thin' &o $i# in the !,(te ,ons,io(sness of lost hono( + S(,h ! ,ons,io(sness &!* $e ) on'- o it &!* $e i'ht- o it &!* $e ,on#e&ne# !s ! tifi,i!l0 !n#- "e h!"s- &* Ji& is not ! t*"e of )i#e ,o&&onness+ B(t I ,!n s!fel* !ss( e &* e!#e s th!t he is not the " o#(,t of ,ol#l* "e ve te# thin%in'+ He's not ! fi'( e of No the n Mists eithe + One s(nn* &o nin'- in the ,o&&on"l!,e s( o(n#in's of !n E!ste n o!#ste!#- I s!) his fo & "!ss $*11!""e!lin'11si'nifi,!nt11(n#e ! ,lo(#11"e fe,tl* silent+ Whi,h is !s it sho(l# $e+ It )!s fo &e- )ith !ll the s*&"!th* of )hi,h I )!s ,!"!$le- to see% fit )o #s fo his &e!nin'+ He )!s 'one of (s'+ J+C+ 6768+ LORD JIM iv!te %s+ so + +'

CHAPTER 6 He )!s !n in,h- "e h!"s t)o- (n#e si. feet- "o)e f(ll* $(ilt- !n# he !#v!n,e# st !i'ht !t *o( )ith ! sli'ht stoo" of the sho(l#e she!# fo )! #- !n# ! fi.e# f o&1(n#e st! e )hi,h &!#e *o( thin% of ! ,h! 'in' $(ll+ His voi,e )!s #ee"- lo(#- !n# his &!nne #is"l!*e# ! %in# of #o''e# self1!sse tion )hi,h h!# nothin' !'' essive in it+ It see&e# ! ne,essit*- !n# it )!s #i e,te# !""! entl* !s &(,h !t hi&self !s !t !n*$o#* else+ He )!s s"otlessl* ne!t- !""! elle# in i&&!,(l!te )hite f o& shoes to h!t- !n# in the v! io(s E!ste n "o ts )he e he 'ot his livin' !s shi"1,h!n#le 's )!te 1,le % he )!s ve * "o"(l! +

A )!te 1,le % nee# not "!ss !n e.!&in!tion in !n*thin' (n#e the s(n$(t he &(st h!ve A$ilit* in the !$st !,t !n# #e&onst !te it " !,ti,!ll*+ His )o % ,onsists in !,in' (n#e s!il- ste!&- o o! s !'!inst othe )!te 1,le %s fo !n* shi" !$o(t to !n,ho - ' eetin' he ,!"t!in ,hee il*fo ,in' ("on hi& ! ,! #11the $(siness ,! # of the shi"1,h!n#le 11!n# on his fi st visit on sho e "ilotin' hi& fi &l* $(t )itho(t ostent!tion to ! v!st- ,!ve n1li%e sho" )hi,h is f(ll of thin's th!t ! e e!ten !n# # (n% on $o! # shi"0 )he e *o( ,!n 'et eve *thin' to &!%e he se!)o th* !n# $e!(tif(l- f o& ! set of ,h!in1hoo%s fo he ,!$le to ! $oo% of 'ol#1le!f fo the ,! vin's of he ste n0 !n# )he e he ,o&&!n#e is e,eive# li%e ! $ othe $* ! shi"1,h!n#le he h!s neve seen $efo e+ The e is ! ,ool "! lo( - e!s*1,h!i s- $ottles- ,i'! s- ) itin' i&"le&ents! ,o"* of h! $o( e'(l!tions- !n# ! )! &th of )el,o&e th!t &elts the s!lt of ! th ee &onths' "!ss!'e o(t of ! se!&!n's he! t+ The ,onne,tion th(s $e'(n is %e"t ("- !s lon' !s the shi" e&!ins in h! $o( - $* the #!il* visits of the )!te 1,le %+ To the ,!"t!in he is f!ithf(l li%e ! f ien# !n# !ttentive li%e ! son- )ith the "!tien,e of Jo$- the (nselfish #evotion of ! )o&!n- !n# the 2ollit* of ! $oon ,o&"!nion+ L!te on the $ill is sent in+ It is ! $e!(tif(l !n# h(&!ne o,,("!tion+ The efo e 'oo# )!te 1,le %s ! e s,! ,e+ When ! )!te 1,le % )ho "ossesses A$ilit* in the !$st !,t h!s !lso the !#v!nt!'e of h!vin' $een $ o('ht (" to the se!- he is )o th to his e&"lo*e ! lot of &one* !n# so&e h(&o( in'+ Ji& h!# !l)!*s 'oo# )!'es !n# !s &(,h h(&o( in' !s )o(l# h!ve $o('ht the fi#elit* of ! fien#+ Neve theless- )ith $l!,% in' !tit(#e he )o(l# th o) (" the 2o$ s(##enl* !n# #e"! t+ To his e&"lo*e s the e!sons he '!ve )e e o$vio(sl* in!#e9(!te+ The* s!i# 'Confo(n#e# fool3' !s soon !s his $!,% )!s t( ne#+ This )!s thei , iti,is& on his e.9(isite sensi$ilit*+ To the )hite &en in the )!te si#e $(siness !n# to the ,!"t!ins of shi"s he )!s 2(st Ji&11nothin' &o e+ He h!#- of ,o( se- !nothe n!&e- $(t he )!s !n.io(s th!t it sho(l# not $e " ono(n,e#+ His in,o'nito- )hi,h h!# !s &!n* holes !s ! sieve- )!s not &e!nt to hi#e ! "e son!lit* $(t ! f!,t+ When the f!,t $ o%e th o('h the in,o'nito he )o(l# le!ve s(##enl* the se!"o t )he e he h!""ene# to $e !t the ti&e !n# 'o to !nothe 11'ene !ll* f! the e!st+ He %e"t to se!"o ts $e,!(se he )!s ! se!&!n in e.ile f o& the se!- !n# h!# A$ilit* in the !$st !,t- )hi,h is 'oo# fo no othe )o % $(t th!t of ! )!te 1,le %+ He et e!te# in 'oo# o #e to)! #s the isin' s(n!n# the f!,t follo)e# hi& ,!s(!ll* $(t inevit!$l*+ Th(s in the ,o( se of *e! s he )!s %no)n s(,,essivel* in Bo&$!*- in C!l,(tt!- in R!n'oon- in Pen!n'- in B!t!vi!11!n# in e!,h of these h!ltin'1"l!,es )!s 2(st Ji& the )!te 1,le %+ Afte )! #s- )hen his %een "e ,e"tion of the Intole !$le # ove hi& !)!* fo 'oo# f o& se!"o ts !n# )hite &eneven into the vi 'in fo est- the M!l!*s of the 2(n'le vill!'e- )he e he h!# ele,te# to ,on,e!l his #e"lo !$le f!,(lt*- !##e# ! )o # to the &onos*ll!$le of his in,o'nito+ The* ,!lle# hi& T(!n Ji&: !s one &i'ht s!*11Lo # Ji&+ O i'in!ll* he ,!&e f o& ! "! son!'e+ M!n* ,o&&!n#e s of fine &e ,h!nt1shi"s ,o&e f o& these !$o#es of "iet* !n# "e!,e+ Ji&'s

f!the "ossesse# s(,h ,e t!in %no)le#'e of the Un%no)!$le !s &!#e fo the i'hteo(sness of "eo"le in ,ott!'es )itho(t #ist( $in' the e!se of &in# of those )ho& !n (ne in' P ovi#en,e en!$les to live in &!nsions+ The little ,h( ,h on ! hill h!# the &oss* ' e*ness of ! o,% seen th o('h ! !''e# s, een of le!ves+ It h!# stoo# the e fo ,ent( ies- $(t the t ees ! o(n# " o$!$l* e&e&$e e# the l!*in' of the fi st stone+ Belo)- the e# f ont of the e,to * 'le!&e# )ith ! )! & tint in the &i#st of ' !ss1"lots- flo)e 1$e#s- !n# fi 1t ees)ith !n o ,h! # !t the $!,%- ! "!ve# st!$le1*! # to the left- !n# the slo"in' 'l!ss of ' eenho(ses t!,%e# !lon' ! )!ll of $ i,%s+ The livin' h!# $elon'e# to the f!&il* fo 'ene !tions0 $(t Ji& )!s one of five sons- !n# )hen !fte ! ,o( se of li'ht holi#!* lite !t( e his vo,!tion fo the se! h!# #e,l! e# itself- he )!s sent !t on,e to ! 't !inin'1shi" fo offi,e s of the &e ,!ntile &! ine+' He le! ne# the e ! little t i'ono&et * !n# ho) to , oss to"1'!ll!nt *! #s+ He )!s 'ene !ll* li%e#+ He h!# the thi # "l!,e in n!vi'!tion !n# "(lle# st o%e in the fi st ,(tte + H!vin' ! ste!#* he!# )ith !n e.,ellent "h*si9(e- he )!s ve * s&! t !loft+ His st!tion )!s in the fo e1to"- !n# often f o& the e he loo%e# #o)n- )ith the ,onte&"t of ! &!n #estine# to shine in the &i#st of #!n'e s- !t the "e!,ef(l &(ltit(#e of oofs ,(t in t)o $* the $ o)n ti#e of the st e!&)hile s,!tte e# on the o(ts%i ts of the s( o(n#in' "l!in the f!,to * ,hi&ne*s ose "e "en#i,(l! !'!inst ! ' i&* s%*- e!,h slen#e li%e ! "en,il- !n# $el,hin' o(t s&o%e li%e ! vol,!no+ He ,o(l# see the $i' shi"s #e"! tin'- the $ o!#1$e!&e# fe ies ,onst!ntl* on the &ove- the little $o!ts flo!tin' f! $elo) his feet- )ith the h!/* s"len#o( of the se! in the #ist!n,e- !n# the ho"e of ! sti in' life in the )o l# of !#vent( e+ On the lo)e #e,% in the $!$el of t)o h(n# e# voi,es he )o(l# fo 'et hi&self- !n# $efo eh!n# live in his &in# the se!1life of li'ht lite !t( e+ He s!) hi&self s!vin' "eo"le f o& sin%in' shi"s- ,(ttin' !)!* &!sts in ! h( i,!ne- s)i&&in' th o('h ! s( f )ith ! line0 o !s ! lonel* ,!st!)!*- $! efoote# !n# h!lf n!%e#- )!l%in' on (n,ove e# eefs in se! ,h of shellfish to st!ve off st! v!tion+ He ,onf onte# s!v!'es on t o"i,!l sho es- 9(elle# &(tinies on the hi'h se!s- !n# in ! s&!ll $o!t ("on the o,e!n %e"t (" the he! ts of #es"!i in' &en11!l)!*s !n e.!&"le of #evotion to #(t*- !n# !s (nflin,hin' !s ! he o in ! $oo%+ 'So&ethin''s ("+ Co&e !lon'+' He le!"e# to his feet+ The $o*s )e e st e!&in' (" the l!##e s+ A$ove ,o(l# $e he! # ! ' e!t s,( *in' !$o(t !n# sho(tin'- !n# )hen he 'ot th o('h the h!t,h)!* he stoo# still11!s if ,onfo(n#e#+ It )!s the #(s% of ! )inte 's #!*+ The '!le h!# f eshene# sin,e noon- sto""in' the t !ffi, on the ive - !n# no) $le) )ith the st en'th of ! h( i,!ne in fitf(l $( sts th!t $oo&e# li%e s!lvoes of ' e!t '(ns fi in' ove the o,e!n+ The !in sl!nte# in sheets th!t fli,%e# !n# s($si#e#- !n# $et)een )hiles Ji& h!# th e!tenin' 'li&"ses of the t(&$lin' ti#e- the s&!ll , !ft 2(&$le# !n# tossin' !lon' the sho e- the &otionless $(il#in's in the # ivin' &ist- the $ o!#

fe *1$o!ts "it,hin' "on#e o(sl* !t !n,ho - the v!st l!n#in'1st!'es he!vin' (" !n# #o)n !n# s&othe e# in s" !*s+ The ne.t '(st see&e# to $lo) !ll this !)!*+ The !i )!s f(ll of fl*in' )!te + The e )!s ! fie ,e "( "ose in the '!le- ! f( io(s e! nestness in the s, ee,h of the )in#- in the $ (t!l t(&(lt of e! th !n# s%*- th!t see&e# #i e,te# !t hi&- !n# &!#e hi& hol# his $ e!th in !)e+ He stoo# still+ It see&e# to hi& he )!s )hi le# ! o(n#+ He )!s 2ostle#+ 'M!n the ,(tte 3' Bo*s (she# "!st hi&+ A ,o!ste (nnin' in fo shelte h!# , !she# th o('h ! s,hoone !t !n,ho !n# one of the shi"'s inst (,to s h!# seen the !,,i#ent+ A &o$ of $o*s ,l!&$e e# on the !ils- ,l(ste e# o(n# the #!vits+ 'Collision+ J(st !he!# of (s+ M + S*&ons s!) it+' A "(sh &!#e hi& st!''e !'!inst the &i//en1&!st- !n# he ,!('ht hol# of ! o"e+ The ol# t !inin'1shi" ,h!ine# to he &oo in's 9(ive e# !ll ove - $o)in' 'entl* he!# to )in#- !n# )ith he s,!nt* i''in' h(&&in' in ! #ee" $!ss the $ e!thless son' of he *o(th !t se!+ 'Lo)e !)!*3' He s!) the $o!t- &!nne#- # o" s)iftl* $elo) the !il- !n# (she# !fte he + He he! # ! s"l!sh+ 'Let 'o0 ,le! the f!lls3' He le!ne# ove + The ive !lon'si#e seethe# in f oth* st e!%s+ The ,(tte ,o(l# $e seen in the f!llin' #! %ness (n#e the s"ell of ti#e !n# )in#- th!t fo ! &o&ent hel# he $o(n#- !n# tossin' !$ e!st of the shi"+ A *ellin' voi,e in he e!,he# hi& f!intl*: ';ee" st o%e- *o( *o(n' )hel"s- if *o( )!nt to s!ve !n*$o#*3 ;ee" st o%e3' An# s(##enl* she lifte# hi'h he $o)- !n#- le!"in' )ith !ise# o! s ove ! )!ve$ o%e the s"ell ,!st ("on he $* the )in# !n# ti#e+ Ji& felt his sho(l#e ' i""e# fi &l*+ 'Too l!te- *o(n'ste +' The ,!"t!in of the shi" l!i# ! est !inin' h!n# on th!t $o*- )ho see&e# on the "oint of le!"in' ove $o! #- !n# Ji& loo%e# (" )ith the "!in of ,ons,io(s #efe!t in his e*es+ The ,!"t!in s&ile# s*&"!theti,!ll*+ 'Bette l(,% ne.t ti&e+ This )ill te!,h *o( to $e s&! t+' A sh ill ,hee ' eete# the ,(tte + She ,!&e #!n,in' $!,% h!lf f(ll of )!te - !n# )ith t)o e.h!(ste# &en )!shin' !$o(t on he $otto& $o! #s+ The t(&(lt !n# the &en!,e of )in# !n# se! no) !""e! e# ve * ,onte&"ti$le to Ji&- in, e!sin' the e' et of his !)e !t thei ineffi,ient &en!,e+ No) he %ne) )h!t to thin% of it+ It see&e# to hi& he ,! e# nothin' fo the '!le+ He ,o(l# !ff ont ' e!te "e ils+ He )o(l# #o so11$ette th!n !n*$o#*+ Not ! "! ti,le of fe! )!s left+ Neve theless he $ oo#e# !"! t th!t evenin' )hile the $o)&!n of the ,(tte 11! $o* )ith ! f!,e li%e ! 'i l's !n# $i' ' e* e*es11)!s the he o of the lo)e #e,%+ E!'e 9(estione s , o)#e# o(n# hi&+ He n! !te#: 'I 2(st s!) his he!# $o$$in'- !n# I #!she# &* $o!t1hoo% in the )!te + It ,!('ht in his $ ee,hes !n# I ne! l* )ent ove $o! #!s I tho('ht I )o(l#- onl* ol# S*&ons let 'o the tille !n# ' !$$e# &* le's11the $o!t ne! l* s)!&"e#+ Ol# S*&ons is ! fine ol# ,h!"+ I #on't &in# ! $it hi& $ein' ' (&"* )ith (s+ He s)o e !t &e !ll the ti&e he hel# &* le'- $(t th!t )!s onl* his )!* of tellin' &e to sti,% to the $o!t1hoo%+ Ol# S*&ons is !)f(ll* e.,it!$le11isn't he5 No11not the little f!i ,h!"11the othe - the $i' one )ith ! $e! #+ When )e "(lle# hi& in he ' o!ne#- <Oh- &* le'3 oh- &* le'3< !n# t( ne# (" his e*es+ 4!n,* s(,h ! $i' ,h!" f!intin' li%e ! 'i l+ Wo(l# !n* of *o( fello)s f!int fo ! 2!$ )ith ! $o!t1hoo%511I )o(l#n't+ It )ent into his le' so

f! +' He sho)e# the $o!t1hoo%- )hi,h he h!# ,! ie# $elo) fo the "( "ose!n# " o#(,e# ! sens!tion+ 'No- sill*3 It )!s not his flesh th!t hel# hi&11his $ ee,hes #i#+ Lots of $loo#- of ,o( se+' Ji& tho('ht it ! "itif(l #is"l!* of v!nit*+ The '!le h!# &iniste e# to ! he ois& !s s"( io(s !s its o)n " eten,e of te o + He felt !n' * )ith the $ (t!l t(&(lt of e! th !n# s%* fo t!%in' hi& (n!)! es !n# ,he,%in' (nf!i l* ! 'ene o(s e!#iness fo n! o) es,!"es+ Othe )ise he )!s !the 'l!# he h!# not 'one into the ,(tte - sin,e ! lo)e !,hieve&ent h!# se ve# the t( n+ He h!# enl! 'e# his %no)le#'e &o e th!n those )ho h!# #one the )o %+ When !ll &en flin,he#- then11he felt s( e11he !lone )o(l# %no) ho) to #e!l )ith the s"( io(s &en!,e of )in# !n# se!s+ He %ne) )h!t to thin% of it+ Seen #is"!ssion!tel*- it see&e# ,onte&"ti$le+ He ,o(l# #ete,t no t !,e of e&otion in hi&self- !n# the fin!l effe,t of ! st!''e in' event )!s th!t- (nnoti,e# !n# !"! t f o& the nois* , o)# of $o*she e.(lte# )ith f esh ,e tit(#e in his !vi#it* fo !#vent( e- !n# in ! sense of &!n*1si#e# ,o( !'e+

CHAPTER = Afte t)o *e! s of t !inin' he )ent to se!- !n# ente in' the e'ions so )ell %no)n to his i&!'in!tion- fo(n# the& st !n'el* $! en of !#vent( e+ He &!#e &!n* vo*!'es+ He %ne) the &!'i, &onoton* of e.isten,e $et)een s%* !n# )!te : he h!# to $e! the , iti,is& of &en- the e.!,tions of the se!- !n# the " os!i, seve it* of the #!il* t!s% th!t 'ives $ e!#11$(t )hose onl* e)! # is in the "e fe,t love of the )o %+ This e)! # el(#e# hi&+ Yet he ,o(l# not 'o $!,%- $e,!(se the e is nothin' &o e enti,in'- #isen,h!ntin'!n# ensl!vin' th!n the life !t se!+ Besi#es- his " os"e,ts )e e 'oo#+ He )!s 'entle&!nl*- ste!#*- t !,t!$le- )ith ! tho o('h %no)le#'e of his #(ties0 !n# in ti&e- )hen *et ve * *o(n'- he $e,!&e ,hief &!te of ! fine shi"- )itho(t eve h!vin' $een teste# $* those events of the se! th!t sho) in the li'ht of #!* the inne )o th of ! &!nthe e#'e of his te&"e - !n# the fi$ e of his st(ff0 th!t eve!l the 9(!lit* of his esist!n,e !n# the se, et t (th of his " eten,es- not onl* to othe s $(t !lso to hi&self+ Onl* on,e in !ll th!t ti&e he h!# !'!in ! 'li&"se of the e! nestness in the !n'e of the se!+ Th!t t (th is not so often &!#e !""! ent !s "eo"le &i'ht thin%+ The e ! e &!n* sh!#es in the #!n'e of !#vent( es !n# '!les- !n# it is onl* no) !n# then th!t the e !""e! s on the f!,e of f!,ts ! siniste violen,e of intention11th!t in#efin!$le so&ethin' )hi,h fo ,es it ("on the &in# !n# the he! t of ! &!nth!t this ,o&"li,!tion of !,,i#ents o these ele&ent!l f( ies ! e ,o&in' !t hi& )ith ! "( "ose of &!li,e- )ith ! st en'th $e*on# ,ont ol- )ith !n (n$ i#le# , (elt* th!t &e!ns to te! o(t of hi& his ho"e !n# his fe! - the "!in of his f!ti'(e !n# his lon'in' fo est: )hi,h &e!ns to s&!sh- to #est o*- to !nnihil!te !ll he h!s seen%no)n- love#- en2o*e#- o h!te#0 !ll th!t is " i,eless !n# ne,ess! *11

the s(nshine- the &e&o ies- the f(t( e0 )hi,h &e!ns to s)ee" the )hole " e,io(s )o l# (tte l* !)!* f o& his si'ht $* the si&"le !n# !""!llin' !,t of t!%in' his life+ Ji&- #is!$le# $* ! f!llin' s"! !t the $e'innin' of ! )ee% of )hi,h his S,ottish ,!"t!in (se# to s!* !fte )! #s- 'M!n3 it's ! "!i fe,t &ee !,le to &e ho) she live# th o('h it3' s"ent &!n* #!*s st et,he# on his $!,%- #!/e#- $!tte e#- ho"eless- !n# to &ente# !s if !t the $otto& of !n !$*ss of (n est+ He #i# not ,! e )h!t the en# )o(l# $e- !n# in his l(,i# &o&ents ove v!l(e# his in#iffe en,e+ The #!n'e - )hen not seen- h!s the i&"e fe,t v!'(eness of h(&!n tho('ht+ The fe! ' o)s sh!#o)*0 !n# I&!'in!tion- the ene&* of &en- the f!the of !ll te o s- (nsti&(l!te#- sin%s to est in the #(llness of e.h!(ste# e&otion+ Ji& s!) nothin' $(t the #iso #e of his tosse# ,!$in+ He l!* the e $!ttene# #o)n in the &i#st of ! s&!ll #ev!st!tion- !n# felt se, etl* 'l!# he h!# not to 'o on #e,%+ B(t no) !n# !'!in !n (n,ont oll!$le (sh of !n'(ish )o(l# ' i" hi& $o#il*- &!%e hi& '!s" !n# ) ithe (n#e the $l!n%ets- !n# then the (nintelli'ent $ (t!lit* of !n e.isten,e li!$le to the !'on* of s(,h sens!tions fille# hi& )ith ! #es"!i in' #esi e to es,!"e !t !n* ,ost+ Then fine )e!the et( ne#- !n# he tho('ht no &o e !$o(t It+ His l!&eness- ho)eve - "e siste#- !n# )hen the shi" ! ive# !t !n E!ste n "o t he h!# to 'o to the hos"it!l+ His e,ove * )!s slo)!n# he )!s left $ehin#+ The e )e e onl* t)o othe "!tients in the )hite &en's )! #: the "( se of ! '(n$o!t- )ho h!# $ o%en his le' f!llin' #o)n ! h!t,h)!*0 !n# ! %in# of !il)!* ,ont !,to f o& ! nei'h$o( in' " ovin,e!ffli,te# $* so&e &*ste io(s t o"i,!l #ise!se- )ho hel# the #o,to fo !n !ss- !n# in#(l'e# in se, et #e$!(,he ies of "!tent &e#i,ine )hi,h his T!&il se v!nt (se# to s&(''le in )ith (n)e! ie# #evotion+ The* tol# e!,h othe the sto * of thei lives- "l!*e# ,! #s ! littleo - *!)nin' !n# in "*2!&!s- lo(n'e# th o('h the #!* in e!s*1,h!i s )itho(t s!*in' ! )o #+ The hos"it!l stoo# on ! hill- !n# ! 'entle $ ee/e ente in' th o('h the )in#o)s- !l)!*s fl(n' )i#e o"en- $ o('ht into the $! e oo& the softness of the s%*- the l!n'(o of the e! ththe $e)it,hin' $ e!th of the E!ste n )!te s+ The e )e e "e f(&es in it- s(''estions of infinite e"ose- the 'ift of en#less # e!&s+ Ji& loo%e# eve * #!* ove the thi,%ets of '! #ens- $e*on# the oofs of the to)n- ove the f on#s of "!l&s ' o)in' on the sho e- !t th!t o!#ste!# )hi,h is ! tho o('hf! e to the E!st-11!t the o!#ste!# #otte# $* '! l!n#e# islets- li'hte# $* fest!l s(nshine- its shi"s li%e to*s- its $ illi!nt !,tivit* ese&$lin' ! holi#!* "!'e!nt- )ith the ete n!l se enit* of the E!ste n s%* ove he!# !n# the s&ilin' "e!,e of the E!ste n se!s "ossessin' the s"!,e !s f! !s the ho i/on+ Di e,tl* he ,o(l# )!l% )itho(t ! sti,%- he #es,en#e# into the to)n to loo% fo so&e o""o t(nit* to 'et ho&e+ Nothin' offe e# 2(st then- !n#- )hile )!itin'- he !sso,i!te# n!t( !ll* )ith the &en of his ,!llin' in the "o t+ These )e e of t)o %in#s+ So&e- ve * fe) !n# seen the e $(t sel#o&- le# &*ste io(s lives- h!# " ese ve# !n (n#ef!,e# ene '* )ith the te&"e of $(,,!nee s !n# the e*es of # e!&e s+ The* !""e! e# to live in ! , !/* &!/e of "l!ns- ho"es-

#!n'e s- ente " ises- !he!# of ,ivilis!tion- in the #! % "l!,es of the se!0 !n# thei #e!th )!s the onl* event of thei f!nt!sti, e.isten,e th!t see&e# to h!ve ! e!son!$le ,e tit(#e of !,hieve&ent+ The &!2o it* )e e &en )ho- li%e hi&self- th o)n the e $* so&e !,,i#enth!# e&!ine# !s offi,e s of ,o(nt * shi"s+ The* h!# no) ! ho o of the ho&e se vi,e- )ith its h! #e ,on#itions- seve e vie) of #(t*!n# the h!/! # of sto &* o,e!ns+ The* )e e !tt(ne# to the ete n!l "e!,e of E!ste n s%* !n# se!+ The* love# sho t "!ss!'es- 'oo# #e,%1 ,h!i sl! 'e n!tive , e)s- !n# the #istin,tion of $ein' )hite+ The* sh(##e e# !t the tho('ht of h! # )o %- !n# le# " e,! io(sl* e!s* lives- !l)!*s on the ve 'e of #is&iss!l- !l)!*s on the ve 'e of en'!'e&ent- se vin' Chin!&en- A !$s- h!lf1,!stes11)o(l# h!ve se ve# the #evil hi&self h!# he &!#e it e!s* eno('h+ The* t!l%e# eve l!stin'l* of t( ns of l(,%: ho) So1!n#1so 'ot ,h! 'e of ! $o!t on the ,o!st of Chin!11! soft thin'0 ho) this one h!# !n e!s* $illet in J!"!n so&e)he e- !n# th!t one )!s #oin' )ell in the Si!&ese n!v*0 !n# in !ll the* s!i#11in thei !,tionsin thei loo%s- in thei "e sons11,o(l# $e #ete,te# the soft s"otthe "l!,e of #e,!*- the #ete &in!tion to lo(n'e s!fel* th o('h e.isten,e+ To Ji& th!t 'ossi"in' , o)#- vie)e# !s se!&en- see&e# !t fi st &o e (ns($st!nti!l th!n so &!n* sh!#o)s+ B(t !t len'th he fo(n# ! f!s,in!tion in the si'ht of those &en- in thei !""e! !n,e of #oin' so )ell on s(,h ! s&!ll !llo)!n,e of #!n'e !n# toil+ In ti&e- $esi#e the o i'in!l #is#!in the e ' e) (" slo)l* !nothe senti&ent0 !n# s(##enl*- 'ivin' (" the i#e! of 'oin' ho&e- he too% ! $e th !s ,hief &!te of the P!tn!+ The P!tn! )!s ! lo,!l ste!&e !s ol# !s the hills- le!n li%e ! ' e*ho(n#- !n# e!ten (" )ith (st )o se th!n ! ,on#e&ne# )!te 1t!n%+ She )!s o)ne# $* ! Chin!&!n- ,h! te e# $* !n A !$- !n# ,o&&!n#e# $* ! so t of ene'!#e Ne) So(th W!les >e &!n- ve * !n.io(s to ,( se "($li,l* his n!tive ,o(nt *- $(t )ho- !""! entl* on the st en'th of Bis&! ,%'s vi,to io(s "oli,*- $ (t!lise# !ll those he )!s not !f !i# of- !n# )o e ! '$loo#1!n#1i on' !i -' ,o&$ine# )ith ! "( "le nose !n# ! e# &o(st!,he+ Afte she h!# $een "!inte# o(tsi#e !n# )hite)!she# insi#e- ei'ht h(n# e# "il' i&s ?&o e o less@ )e e # iven on $o! # of he !s she l!* )ith ste!& (" !lon'si#e ! )oo#en 2ett*+ The* st e!&e# !$o! # ove th ee '!n')!*s- the* st e!&e# in ( 'e# $* f!ith !n# the ho"e of "! !#ise- the* st e!&e# in )ith ! ,ontin(o(s t !&" !n# sh(ffle of $! e feet- )itho(t ! )o #- ! &( &( o ! loo% $!,%0 !n# )hen ,le! of ,onfinin' !ils s" e!# on !ll si#es ove the #e,%- flo)e# fo )! # !n# !ft- ove flo)e# #o)n the *!)nin' h!t,h)!*s- fille# the inne e,esses of the shi"11li%e )!te fillin' ! ,iste n- li%e )!te flo)in' into , evi,es !n# , !nnies- li%e )!te isin' silentl* even )ith the i&+ Ei'ht h(n# e# &en !n# )o&en )ith f!ith !n# ho"es- )ith !ffe,tions !n# &e&o ies- the* h!# ,olle,te# the e- ,o&in' f o& no th !n# so(th !n# f o& the o(ts%i ts of the E!st- !fte t e!#in' the 2(n'le "!ths- #es,en#in' the ive s- ,o!stin' in " !(s !lon' the sh!llo)s- , ossin' in s&!ll ,!noes f o& isl!n# to isl!n#- "!ssin' th o('h s(ffe in'- &eetin' st !n'e si'hts- $eset $* st !n'e fe! s- ("hel# $* one #esi e+ The* ,!&e f o& solit! * h(ts in the )il#e ness- f o& "o"(lo(s ,!&"on's-

f o& vill!'es $* the se!+ At the ,!ll of !n i#e! the* h!# left thei fo ests- thei ,le! in's- the " ote,tion of thei (le s- thei " os"e it*- thei "ove t*- the s( o(n#in's of thei *o(th !n# the ' !ves of thei f!the s+ The* ,!&e ,ove e# )ith #(st- )ith s)e!t)ith ' i&e- )ith !'s11the st on' &en !t the he!# of f!&il* "! tiesthe le!n ol# &en " essin' fo )! # )itho(t ho"e of et( n0 *o(n' $o*s )ith fe! less e*es 'l!n,in' ,( io(sl*- sh* little 'i ls )ith t(&$le# lon' h!i 0 the ti&i# )o&en &(ffle# (" !n# ,l!s"in' to thei $ e!sts- ) !""e# in loose en#s of soile# he!#1,loths- thei slee"in' $!$ies- the (n,ons,io(s "il' i&s of !n e.!,tin' $elief+ 'Loo% !t #ese ,!ttle-' s!i# the >e &!n s%i""e to his ne) ,hief &!te+

An A !$- the le!#e of th!t "io(s vo*!'e- ,!&e l!st+ He )!l%e# slo)l* !$o! #- h!n#so&e !n# ' !ve in his )hite 'o)n !n# l! 'e t( $!n+ A st in' of se v!nts follo)e#- lo!#e# )ith his l(''!'e0 the P!tn! ,!st off !n# $!,%e# !)!* f o& the )h! f+ She )!s he!#e# $et)een t)o s&!ll islets- , osse# o$li9(el* the !n,ho in'1' o(n# of s!ilin'1shi"s- s)(n' th o('h h!lf ! ,i ,le in the sh!#o) of ! hill- then !n'e# ,lose to ! le#'e of fo!&in' eefs+ The A !$- st!n#in' (" !ft- e,ite# !lo(# the " !*e of t !velle s $* se!+ He invo%e# the f!vo( of the Most Hi'h ("on th!t 2o( ne*i&"lo e# His $lessin' on &en's toil !n# on the se, et "( "oses of thei he! ts0 the ste!&e "o(n#e# in the #(s% the ,!l& )!te of the St !it0 !n# f! !ste n of the "il' i& shi" ! s, e)1"ile li'htho(se"l!nte# $* (n$elieve s on ! t e!,he o(s sho!l- see&e# to )in% !t he its e*e of fl!&e- !s if in #e ision of he e !n# of f!ith+ She ,le! e# the St !it- , osse# the $!*- ,ontin(e# on he )!* th o('h the 'One1#e' ee' "!ss!'e+ She hel# on st !i'ht fo the Re# Se! (n#e ! se ene s%*- (n#e ! s%* s,o ,hin' !n# (n,lo(#e#envelo"e# in ! f(l'o of s(nshine th!t %ille# !ll tho('ht- o"" esse# the he! t- )ithe e# !ll i&"(lses of st en'th !n# ene '*+ An# (n#e the siniste s"len#o( of th!t s%* the se!- $l(e !n# " ofo(n#e&!ine# still- )itho(t ! sti - )itho(t ! i""le- )itho(t ! ) in%le11 vis,o(s- st!'n!nt- #e!#+ The P!tn!- )ith ! sli'ht hiss- "!sse# ove th!t "l!in- l(&ino(s !n# s&ooth- (n olle# ! $l!,% i$$on of s&o%e !, oss the s%*- left $ehin# he on the )!te ! )hite i$$on of fo!& th!t v!nishe# !t on,e- li%e the "h!nto& of ! t !,% # !)n ("on ! lifeless se! $* the "h!nto& of ! ste!&e + Eve * &o nin' the s(n- !s if %ee"in' "!,e in his evol(tions )ith the " o' ess of the "il' i&!'e- e&e 'e# )ith ! silent $( st of li'ht e.!,tl* !t the s!&e #ist!n,e !ste n of the shi"- ,!('ht (" )ith he !t noon"o( in' the ,on,ent !te# fi e of his !*s on the "io(s "( "oses of the &en- 'li#e# "!st on his #es,ent- !n# s!n% &*ste io(sl* into the se! evenin' !fte evenin'- " ese vin' the s!&e #ist!n,e !he!# of he !#v!n,in' $o)s+ The five )hites on $o! # live# !&i#shi"s- isol!te# f o& the h(&!n ,! 'o+ The !)nin's ,ove e# the #e,% )ith ! )hite oof f o& ste& to ste n- !n# ! f!int h(&- ! lo) &( &( of s!# voi,es- !lone eve!le# the " esen,e of ! , o)# of "eo"le ("on the ' e!t $l!/e of the o,e!n+ S(,h )e e the #!*s- still- hot- he!v*- #is!""e! in' one $* one into the "!st- !s if f!llin' into !n !$*ss fo eve o"en in the )!%e

of the shi"0 !n# the shi"- lonel* (n#e ! )is" of s&o%e- hel# on he ste!#f!st )!* $l!,% !n# s&o(l#e in' in ! l(&ino(s i&&ensit*- !s if s,o ,he# $* ! fl!&e fli,%e# !t he f o& ! he!ven )itho(t "it*+ The ni'hts #es,en#e# on he li%e ! $ene#i,tion+

CHAPTER A A &! vello(s stillness "e v!#e# the )o l#- !n# the st! s- to'ethe )ith the se enit* of thei !*s- see&e# to she# ("on the e! th the !ss( !n,e of eve l!stin' se,( it*+ The *o(n' &oon e,( ve#- !n# shinin' lo) in the )est- )!s li%e ! slen#e sh!vin' th o)n (" f o& ! $! of 'ol#- !n# the A !$i!n Se!- s&ooth !n# ,ool to the e*e li%e ! sheet of i,e- e.ten#e# its "e fe,t level to the "e fe,t ,i ,le of ! #! % ho i/on+ The " o"elle t( ne# )itho(t ! ,he,%- !s tho('h its $e!t h!# $een "! t of the s,he&e of ! s!fe (nive se0 !n# on e!,h si#e of the P!tn! t)o #ee" fol#s of )!te - "e &!nent !n# so&$ e on the (n) in%le# shi&&e - en,lose# )ithin thei st !i'ht !n# #ive 'in' i#'es ! fe) )hite s)i ls of fo!& $( stin' in ! lo) hiss! fe) )!velets- ! fe) i""les- ! fe) (n#(l!tions th!t- left $ehin#!'it!te# the s( f!,e of the se! fo !n inst!nt !fte the "!ss!'e of the shi"- s($si#e# s"l!shin' 'entl*- ,!l&e# #o)n !t l!st into the ,i ,(l! stillness of )!te !n# s%* )ith the $l!,% s"e,% of the &ovin' h(ll e&!inin' eve l!stin'l* in its ,ent e+ Ji& on the $ i#'e )!s "enet !te# $* the ' e!t ,e tit(#e of (n$o(n#e# s!fet* !n# "e!,e th!t ,o(l# $e e!# on the silent !s"e,t of n!t( e li%e the ,e tit(#e of foste in' love ("on the "l!,i# ten#e ness of ! &othe 's f!,e+ Belo) the oof of !)nin's- s( en#e e# to the )is#o& of )hite &en !n# to thei ,o( !'e- t (stin' the "o)e of thei (n$elief !n# the i on shell of thei fi e1shi"- the "il' i&s of !n e.!,tin' f!ith sle"t on &!ts- on $l!n%ets- on $! e "l!n%s- on eve * #e,%- in !ll the #! % ,o ne s- ) !""e# in #*e# ,loths- &(ffle# in soile# !'s- )ith thei he!#s estin' on s&!ll $(n#les- )ith thei f!,es " esse# to $ent fo e! &s: the &en- the )o&en- the ,hil# en0 the ol# )ith the *o(n'- the #e, e"it )ith the l(st*11!ll e9(!l $efo e slee"- #e!th's $ othe + A # !('ht of !i - f!nne# f o& fo )! # $* the s"ee# of the shi""!sse# ste!#il* th o('h the lon' 'loo& $et)een the hi'h $(l)! %ss)e"t ove the o)s of " one $o#ies0 ! fe) #i& fl!&es in 'lo$e1l!&"s )e e h(n' sho t he e !n# the e (n#e the i#'e1"oles- !n# in the $l( e# ,i ,les of li'ht th o)n #o)n !n# t e&$lin' sli'htl* to the (n,e!sin' vi$ !tion of the shi" !""e! e# ! ,hin ("t( ne#- t)o ,lose# e*eli#s- ! #! % h!n# )ith silve in's- ! &e!' e li&$ # !"e# in ! to n ,ove in'- ! he!# $ent $!,%- ! n!%e# foot- ! th o!t $! e# !n# st et,he# !s if offe in' itself to the %nife+ The )ell1to1#o h!# &!#e fo thei f!&ilies shelte s )ith he!v* $o.es !n# #(st* &!ts0 the "oo e"ose# si#e $* si#e )ith !ll the* h!# on e! th tie# (" in ! !' (n#e thei he!#s0 the lone ol# &en sle"t- )ith # !)n1(" le's- ("on thei " !*e 1,! "ets- )ith thei h!n#s ove thei e! s !n# one el$o) on e!,h

si#e of the f!,e0 ! f!the - his sho(l#e s (" !n# his %nees (n#e his fo ehe!#- #o/e# #e2e,te#l* $* ! $o* )ho sle"t on his $!,% )ith to(sle# h!i !n# one ! & ,o&&!n#in'l* e.ten#e#0 ! )o&!n ,ove e# f o& he!# to foot- li%e ! ,o "se- )ith ! "ie,e of )hite sheetin'- h!# ! n!%e# ,hil# in the hollo) of e!,h ! &0 the A !$'s $elon'in's- "ile# i'ht !ft- &!#e ! he!v* &o(n# of $ o%en o(tlines- )ith ! ,! 'o1l!&" s)(n' !$ove- !n# ! ' e!t ,onf(sion of v!'(e fo &s $ehin#: 'le!&s of "!(n,h* $ !ss "ots- the foot1 est of ! #e,%1,h!i - $l!#es of s"e! s- the st !i'ht s,!$$! # of !n ol# s)o # le!nin' !'!inst ! he!" of "illo)sthe s"o(t of ! tin ,offee1"ot+ The "!tent lo' on the t!ff !il "e io#i,!ll* !n' ! sin'le tin%lin' st o%e fo eve * &ile t !ve se# on !n e !n# of f!ith+ A$ove the &!ss of slee"e s ! f!int !n# "!tient si'h !t ti&es flo!te#- the e.h!l!tion of ! t o($le# # e!&0 !n# sho t &et!lli, ,l!n's $( stin' o(t s(##enl* in the #e"ths of the shi"- the h! sh s, !"e of ! shovel- the violent sl!& of ! f( n!,e1#oo - e."lo#e# $ (t!ll*!s if the &en h!n#lin' the &*ste io(s thin's $elo) h!# thei $ e!sts f(ll of fie ,e !n'e : )hile the sli& hi'h h(ll of the ste!&e )ent on evenl* !he!#- )itho(t ! s)!* of he $! e &!sts- ,le!vin' ,ontin(o(sl* the ' e!t ,!l& of the )!te s (n#e the in!,,essi$le se enit* of the s%*+ Ji& "!,e# !th)! t- !n# his footste"s in the v!st silen,e )e e lo(# to his o)n e! s- !s if e,hoe# $* the )!t,hf(l st! s: his e*es- o!&in' !$o(t the line of the ho i/on- see&e# to '!/e h(n' il* into the (n!tt!in!$le- !n# #i# not see the sh!#o) of the ,o&in' event+ The onl* sh!#o) on the se! )!s the sh!#o) of the $l!,% s&o%e "o( in' he!vil* f o& the f(nnel its i&&ense st e!&e - )hose en# )!s ,onst!ntl* #issolvin' in the !i + T)o M!l!*s- silent !n# !l&ost &otionlessstee e#- one on e!,h si#e of the )heel- )hose $ !ss i& shone f !'&ent! il* in the ov!l of li'ht th o)n o(t $* the $inn!,le+ No) !n# then ! h!n#- )ith $l!,% fin'e s !lte n!tel* lettin' 'o !n# ,!t,hin' hol# of evolvin' s"o%es- !""e! e# in the ill(&ine# "! t0 the lin%s of )heel1,h!ins ' o(n# he!vil* in the ' ooves of the $! el+ Ji& )o(l# 'l!n,e !t the ,o&"!ss- )o(l# 'l!n,e ! o(n# the (n!tt!in!$le ho i/on- )o(l# st et,h hi&self till his 2oints , !,%e#- )ith ! leis( el* t)ist of the $o#*- in the ve * e.,ess of )ell1$ein'0 !n#- !s if &!#e !(#!,io(s $* the invin,i$le !s"e,t of the "e!,e- he felt he ,! e# fo nothin' th!t ,o(l# h!""en to hi& to the en# of his #!*s+ 4 o& ti&e to ti&e he 'l!n,e# i#l* !t ! ,h! t "e''e# o(t )ith fo( # !)in'1"ins on ! lo) th ee1le''e# t!$le !$!ft the stee in'1'e! ,!se+ The sheet of "!"e "o t !*in' the #e"ths of the se! " esente# ! shin* s( f!,e (n#e the li'ht of ! $(ll's1e*e l!&" l!she# to ! st!n,hion- ! s( f!,e !s level !n# s&ooth !s the 'li&&e in' s( f!,e of the )!te s+ P! !llel (le s )ith ! "!i of #ivi#e s e"ose# on it0 the shi"'s "osition !t l!st noon )!s &! %e# )ith ! s&!ll $l!,% , oss!n# the st !i'ht "en,il1line # !)n fi &l* !s f! !s Pe i& fi'( e# the ,o( se of the shi"11the "!th of so(ls to)! #s the hol* "l!,e- the " o&ise of s!lv!tion- the e)! # of ete n!l life11)hile the "en,il )ith its sh! " en# to(,hin' the So&!li ,o!st l!* o(n# !n# still li%e ! n!%e# shi"'s s"! flo!tin' in the "ool of ! shelte e# #o,%+ 'Ho) ste!#* she 'oes-' tho('ht Ji& )ith )on#e - )ith so&ethin' li%e ' !tit(#e fo this hi'h "e!,e of se! !n# s%*+ At s(,h ti&es his tho('hts )o(l# $e f(ll of v!lo o(s #ee#s: he love# these # e!&s

!n# the s(,,ess of his i&!'in! * !,hieve&ents+ The* )e e the $est "! ts of life- its se, et t (th- its hi##en e!lit*+ The* h!# ! 'o 'eo(s vi ilit*- the ,h! & of v!'(eness- the* "!sse# $efo e hi& )ith !n he oi, t e!#0 the* ,! ie# his so(l !)!* )ith the& !n# &!#e it # (n% )ith the #ivine "hilt e of !n (n$o(n#e# ,onfi#en,e in itself+ The e )!s nothin' he ,o(l# not f!,e+ He )!s so "le!se# )ith the i#e! th!t he s&ile#- %ee"in' "e f(n,to il* his e*es !he!#0 !n# )hen he h!""ene# to 'l!n,e $!,% he s!) the )hite st e!% of the )!%e # !)n !s st !i'ht $* the shi"'s %eel ("on the se! !s the $l!,% line # !)n $* the "en,il ("on the ,h! t+ The !sh1$(,%ets !,%ete#- ,l!n%in' (" !n# #o)n the sto%e1hol# ventil!to s- !n# this tin1"ot ,l!tte )! ne# hi& the en# of his )!t,h )!s ne! + He si'he# )ith ,ontent- )ith e' et !s )ell !t h!vin' to "! t f o& th!t se enit* )hi,h foste e# the !#vent( o(s f ee#o& of his tho('hts+ He )!s ! little slee"* too- !n# felt ! "le!s( !$le l!n'(o (nnin' th o('h eve * li&$ !s tho('h !ll the $loo# in his $o#* h!# t( ne# to )! & &il%+ His s%i""e h!# ,o&e (" noiselessl*- in "*2!&!s !n# )ith his slee"in'12!,%et fl(n' )i#e o"en+ Re# of f!,eonl* h!lf !)!%e- the left e*e "! tl* ,lose#- the i'ht st! in' st("i# !n# 'l!ss*- he h(n' his $i' he!# ove the ,h! t !n# s, !t,he# his i$s slee"il*+ The e )!s so&ethin' o$s,ene in the si'ht of his n!%e# flesh+ His $! e# $ e!st 'listene# soft !n# ' e!s* !s tho('h he h!# s)e!te# o(t his f!t in his slee"+ He " ono(n,e# ! " ofession!l e&! % in ! voi,e h! sh !n# #e!#- ese&$lin' the !s"in' so(n# of ! )oo#1file on the e#'e of ! "l!n%0 the fol# of his #o($le ,hin h(n' li%e ! $!' t i,e# (" ,lose (n#e the hin'e of his 2!)+ Ji& st! te#!n# his !ns)e )!s f(ll of #efe en,e0 $(t the o#io(s !n# flesh* fi'( e- !s tho('h seen fo the fi st ti&e in ! eve!lin' &o&ent- fi.e# itself in his &e&o * fo eve !s the in,! n!tion of eve *thin' vile !n# $!se th!t l( %s in the )o l# )e love: in o( o)n he! ts )e t (st fo o( s!lv!tion- in the &en th!t s( o(n# (s- in the si'hts th!t fill o( e*es- in the so(n#s th!t fill o( e! s- !n# in the !i th!t fills o( l(n's+ The thin 'ol# sh!vin' of the &oon flo!tin' slo)l* #o)n)! #s h!# lost itself on the #! %ene# s( f!,e of the )!te s- !n# the ete nit* $e*on# the s%* see&e# to ,o&e #o)n ne! e to the e! th- )ith the !('&ente# 'litte of the st! s- )ith the &o e " ofo(n# so&$ eness in the l(st e of the h!lf1t !ns"! ent #o&e ,ove in' the fl!t #is, of !n o"!9(e se!+ The shi" &ove# so s&oothl* th!t he on)! # &otion )!s i&"e ,e"ti$le to the senses of &en- !s tho('h she h!# $een ! , o)#e# "l!net s"ee#in' th o('h the #! % s"!,es of ethe $ehin# the s)! & of s(ns- in the !""!llin' !n# ,!l& solit(#es !)!itin' the $ e!th of f(t( e , e!tions+ 'Hot is no n!&e fo it #o)n $elo)-' s!i# ! voi,e+ Ji& s&ile# )itho(t loo%in' o(n#+ The s%i""e " esente# !n (n&ove# $ e!#th of $!,%: it )!s the ene'!#e's t i,% to !""e! "ointe#l* (n!)! e of *o( e.isten,e (nless it s(ite# his "( "ose to t( n !t *o( )ith ! #evo( in' 'l! e $efo e he let loose ! to ent of fo!&*!$(sive 2! 'on th!t ,!&e li%e ! '(sh f o& ! se)e + No) he e&itte# onl* ! s(l%* ' (nt0 the se,on# en'inee !t the he!# of the $ i#'e1l!##e - %ne!#in' )ith #!&" "!l&s ! #i t* s)e!t1 !'-

(n!$!she#- ,ontin(e# the t!le of his ,o&"l!ints+ The s!ilo s h!# ! 'oo# ti&e of it (" he e- !n# )h!t )!s the (se of the& in the )o l# he )o(l# $e $lo)e# if he ,o(l# see+ The "oo #evils of en'inee s h!# to 'et the shi" !lon' !n*ho)- !n# the* ,o(l# ve * )ell #o the est too0 $* 'osh the*11'Sh(t ("3' ' o)le# the >e &!n stoli#l*+ 'Oh *es3 Sh(t ("11!n# )hen !n*thin' 'oes ) on' *o( fl* to (s#on't *o(5' )ent on the othe + He )!s &o e th!n h!lf ,oo%e#- he e."e,te#0 $(t !n*)!*- no)- he #i# not &in# ho) &(,h he sinne#$e,!(se these l!st th ee #!*s he h!# "!sse# th o('h ! fine ,o( se of t !inin' fo the "l!,e )he e the $!# $o*s 'o )hen the* #ie11$''oshhe h!#11$esi#es $ein' &!#e 2oll* )ell #e!f $* the $l!ste# !,%et $elo)+ The #( ne#- ,o&"o(n#- s( f!,e1,on#ensin'- otten s, !"1he!" !ttle# !n# $!n'e# #o)n the e li%e !n ol# #e,%1)in,h- onl* &o e so0 !n# )h!t &!#e hi& is% his life eve * ni'ht !n# #!* th!t >o# &!#e !&on'st the ef(se of ! $ e!%in'1(" *! # fl*in' o(n# !t fift*1seven evol(tions- )!s &o e th!n BheB ,o(l# tell+ He &(st h!ve $een $o n e,%less- $''osh+ He + + + 'Whe e #i# *o( 'et # in%5' in9(i e# the >e &!n- ve * s!v!'e0 $(t &otionless in the li'ht of the $inn!,le- li%e ! ,l(&s* effi'* of ! &!n ,(t o(t of ! $lo,% of f!t+ Ji& )ent on s&ilin' !t the et e!tin' ho i/on0 his he! t )!s f(ll of 'ene o(s i&"(lses- !n# his tho('ht )!s ,onte&"l!tin' his o)n s("e io it*+ 'D in%3' e"e!te# the en'inee )ith !&i!$le s,o n: he )!s h!n'in' on )ith $oth h!n#s to the !il- ! sh!#o)* fi'( e )ith fle.i$le le's+ 'Not f o& *o(- ,!"t!in+ Yo(' e f! too &e!n- $''osh+ Yo( )o(l# let ! 'oo# &!n #ie soone th!n 'ive hi& ! # o" of s,hn!""s+ Th!t's )h!t *o( >e &!ns ,!ll e,ono&*+ Penn* )ise"o(n# foolish+' He $e,!&e senti&ent!l+ The ,hief h!# 'iven hi& ! fo( 1fin'e ni" !$o(t ten o',lo,%11'onl* one- s'el" &e3'11'oo# ol# ,hief0 $(t !s to 'ettin' the ol# f !(# o(t of his $(n%11! five1ton , !ne ,o(l#n't #o it+ Not it+ Not to1ni'ht !n*ho)+ He )!s slee"in' s)eetl* li%e ! little ,hil#- )ith ! $ottle of " i&e $ !n#* (n#e his "illo)+ 4 o& the thi,% th o!t of the ,o&&!n#e of the P!tn! ,!&e ! lo) (&$le- on )hi,h the so(n# of the )o # s,h)ein fl(tte e# hi'h !n# lo) li%e ! ,!" i,io(s fe!the in ! f!int sti of !i + He !n# the ,hief en'inee h!# $een , onies fo ! 'oo# fe) *e! s11se vin' the s!&e 2ovi!l- , !ft*- ol# Chin!&!n- )ith ho n1 i&&e# 'o''les !n# st in's of e# sil% "l!ite# into the vene !$le ' e* h!i s of his "i't!il+ The 9(!*1si#e o"inion in the P!tn!'s ho&e1"o t )!s th!t these t)o in the )!* of $ !/en "e,(l!tion 'h!# #one to'ethe " ett* )ell eve *thin' *o( ,!n thin% of+' O(t)! #l* the* )e e $!#l* &!t,he#: one #(ll1e*e#- &!levolent- !n# of soft flesh* ,( ves0 the othe le!n- !ll hollo)s- )ith ! he!# lon' !n# $on* li%e the he!# of !n ol# ho se- )ith s(n%en ,hee%s- )ith s(n%en te&"les- )ith !n in#iffe ent 'l!/e# 'l!n,e of s(n%en e*es+ He h!# $een st !n#e# o(t E!st so&e)he e11in C!nton- in Sh!n'h!i- o "e h!"s in Yo%oh!&!0 he " o$!$l* #i# not ,! e to e&e&$e hi&self the e.!,t lo,!lit*- no *et the ,!(se of his shi") e,%+ He h!# $een- in &e ,* to his *o(th%i,%e# 9(ietl* o(t of his shi" t)ent* *e! s !'o o &o e- !n# it &i'ht h!ve $een so &(,h )o se fo hi& th!t the &e&o * of the e"iso#e h!# in it h! #l* ! t !,e of &isfo t(ne+ Then- ste!& n!vi'!tion e."!n#in' in these se!s !n# &en of his , !ft $ein' s,! ,e !t fi sthe h!# ''ot on' !fte ! so t+ He )!s e!'e to let st !n'e s %no) in ! #is&!l &(&$le th!t he )!s '!n ol# st!'e o(t he e+' When he &ove#- ! s%eleton see&e# to s)!* loose in his ,lothes0 his )!l%

)!s &e e )!n#e in'- !n# he )!s 'iven to )!n#e th(s ! o(n# the en'ine1 oo& s%*li'ht- s&o%in'- )itho(t elish- #o,to e# to$!,,o in ! $ !ss $o)l !t the en# of ! ,he *)oo# ste& fo( feet lon'- )ith the i&$e,ile ' !vit* of ! thin%e evolvin' ! s*ste& of "hiloso"h* f o& the h!/* 'li&"se of ! t (th+ He )!s (s(!ll* !n*thin' $(t f ee )ith his " iv!te sto e of li9(o 0 $(t on th!t ni'ht he h!# #e"! te# f o& his " in,i"les- so th!t his se,on#- ! )e!%1he!#e# ,hil# of W!""in'- )h!t )ith the (ne."e,te#ness of the t e!t !n# the st en'th of the st(ff- h!# $e,o&e ve * h!""*- ,hee%*- !n# t!l%!tive+ The f( * of the Ne) So(th W!les >e &!n )!s e.t e&e0 he "(ffe# li%e !n e.h!(st1"i"e- !n# Ji&- f!intl* !&(se# $* the s,ene- )!s i&"!tient fo the ti&e )hen he ,o(l# 'et $elo): the l!st ten &in(tes of the )!t,h )e e i it!tin' li%e ! '(n th!t h!n's fi e0 those &en #i# not $elon' to the )o l# of he oi, !#vent( e0 the* )e en't $!# ,h!"s tho('h+ Even the s%i""e hi&self + + + His 'o 'e ose !t the &!ss of "!ntin' flesh f o& )hi,h iss(e# '( 'lin' &(tte s- ! ,lo(#* t i,%le of filth* e." essions0 $(t he )!s too "le!s( !$l* l!n'(i# to #isli%e !,tivel* this o !n* othe thin'+ The 9(!lit* of these &en #i# not &!tte 0 he ($$e# sho(l#e s )ith the&- $(t the* ,o(l# not to(,h hi&0 he sh! e# the !i the* $ e!the#- $(t he )!s #iffe ent+ + + + Wo(l# the s%i""e 'o fo the en'inee 5 + + + The life )!s e!s* !n# he )!s too s( e of hi&self11too s( e of hi&self to + + + The line #ivi#in' his &e#it!tion f o& ! s( e"titio(s #o/e on his feet )!s thinne th!n ! th e!# in ! s"i#e 's )e$+ The se,on# en'inee )!s ,o&in' $* e!s* t !nsitions to the ,onsi#e !tion of his fin!n,es !n# of his ,o( !'e+ 'Who's # (n%5 I5 No- no- ,!"t!in3 Th!t )on't #o+ Yo( o('ht to %no) $* this ti&e the ,hief !in't f ee1he! te# eno('h to &!%e ! s"! o) # (n%- $''osh+ I've neve $een the )o se fo li9(o in &* life0 the st(ff !in't &!#e *et th!t )o(l# &!%e B&eB # (n%+ I ,o(l# # in% li9(i# fi e !'!inst *o( )his%* "e' fo "e'- $''osh- !n# %ee" !s ,ool !s ! ,(,(&$e + If I tho('ht I )!s # (n% I )o(l# 2(&" ove $o! #11#o !)!* )ith &*self- $''osh+ I )o(l#3 St !i'ht3 An# I )on't 'o off the $ i#'e+ Whe e #o *o( e."e,t &e to t!%e the !i on ! ni'ht li%e this- eh5 On #e,% !&on'st th!t ve &in #o)n the e5 Li%el*11!in't it3 An# I !& not !f !i# of !n*thin' *o( ,!n #o+' The >e &!n lifte# t)o he!v* fists to he!ven !n# shoo% the& ! little )itho(t ! )o #+ 'I #on't %no) )h!t fe! is-' "( s(e# the en'inee - )ith the enth(si!s& of sin,e e ,onvi,tion+ 'I !& not !f !i# of #oin' !ll the $loo&in' )o % in this otten hoo%e - $''osh3 An# ! 2oll* 'oo# thin' fo *o( th!t the e ! e so&e of (s !$o(t the )o l# th!t ! en't !f !i# of thei lives- o )he e )o(l# *o( $e11*o( !n# this ol# thin' he e )ith he "l!tes li%e $ o)n "!"e 11$ o)n "!"e - s'el" &e5 It's !ll ve * fine fo *o(11*o( 'et ! "o)e of "ie,es o(t of he one )!* !n# !nothe 0 $(t )h!t !$o(t &e11)h!t #o I 'et5 A &e!sl* h(n# e# !n# fift* #oll! s ! &onth !n# fin# *o( self+ I )ish to !s% *o( es"e,tf(ll*11 es"e,tf(ll*- &in#11)ho )o(l#n't ,h(,% ! # !tte# 2o$ li%e this5 'T!in't s!fe- s'el" &e- it !in't3 Onl* I !& one of the& fe! less

fello)s + + +' He let 'o the !il !n# &!#e !&"le 'est( es !s if #e&onst !tin' in the !i the sh!"e !n# e.tent of his v!lo( 0 his thin voi,e #! te# in " olon'e# s9(e!%s ("on the se!- he ti"toe# $!,% !n# fo th fo the $ette e&"h!sis of (tte !n,e- !n# s(##enl* "it,he# #o)n he!#1fi st !s tho('h he h!# $een ,l($$e# f o& $ehin#+ He s!i# 'D!&n3' !s he t(&$le#0 !n inst!nt of silen,e follo)e# ("on his s, ee,hin': Ji& !n# the s%i""e st!''e e# fo )! # $* ,o&&on !,,o #- !n# ,!t,hin' the&selves ("- stoo# ve * stiff !n# still '!/in'- !&!/e#!t the (n#ist( $e# level of the se!+ Then the* loo%e# (")! #s !t the st! s+ Wh!t h!# h!""ene#5 The )hee/* th(&" of the en'ines )ent on+ H!# the e! th $een ,he,%e# in he ,o( se5 The* ,o(l# not (n#e st!n#0 !n# s(##enl* the ,!l& se!- the s%* )itho(t ! ,lo(#- !""e! e# fo &i#!$l* inse,( e in thei i&&o$ilit*- !s if "oise# on the $ o) of *!)nin' #est (,tion+ The en'inee e$o(n#e# ve ti,!ll* f(ll len'th !n# ,oll!"se# !'!in into ! v!'(e he!"+ This he!" s!i# 'Wh!t's th!t5' in the &(ffle# !,,ents of " ofo(n# ' ief+ A f!int noise !s of th(n#e of th(n#e infinitel* e&ote- less th!n ! so(n#- h! #l* &o e th!n ! vi$ !tion- "!sse# slo)l*- !n# the shi" 9(ive e# in es"onse- !s if the th(n#e h!# ' o)le# #ee" #o)n in the )!te + The e*es of the t)o M!l!*s !t the )heel 'litte e# to)! #s the )hite &en- $(t thei #! % h!n#s e&!ine# ,lose# on the s"o%es+ The sh! " h(ll # ivin' on its )!* see&e# to ise ! fe) in,hes in s(,,ession th o('h its )hole len'th- !s tho('h it h!# $e,o&e "li!$le- !n# settle# #o)n !'!in i'i#l* to its )o % of ,le!vin' the s&ooth s( f!,e of the se!+ Its 9(ive in' sto""e#- !n# the f!int noise of th(n#e ,e!se# !ll !t on,e- !s tho('h the shi" h!# ste!&e# !, oss ! n! o) $elt of vi$ !tin' )!te !n# of h(&&in' !i +

CHAPTER C A &onth o so !fte )! #s- )hen Ji&- in !ns)e to "ointe# 9(estionst ie# to tell honestl* the t (th of this e."e ien,e- he s!i#s"e!%in' of the shi": 'She )ent ove )h!teve it )!s !s e!s* !s ! sn!%e , !)lin' ove ! sti,%+' The ill(st !tion )!s 'oo#: the 9(estions )e e !i&in' !t f!,ts- !n# the offi,i!l In9(i * )!s $ein' hel# in the "oli,e ,o( t of !n E!ste n "o t+ He stoo# elev!te# in the )itness1$o.- )ith $( nin' ,hee%s in ! ,ool loft* oo&: the $i' f !&e)o % of "(n%!hs &ove# 'entl* to !n# f o hi'h !$ove his he!#!n# f o& $elo) &!n* e*es )e e loo%in' !t hi& o(t of #! % f!,es- o(t of )hite f!,es- o(t of e# f!,es- o(t of f!,es !ttentive- s"ell$o(n#- !s if !ll these "eo"le sittin' in o #e l* o)s ("on n! o) $en,hes h!# $een ensl!ve# $* the f!s,in!tion of his voi,e+ It )!s ve * lo(#- it !n' st! tlin' in his o)n e! s- it )!s the onl* so(n# !(#i$le in the )o l#- fo the te i$l* #istin,t 9(estions th!t e.to te# his !ns)e s see&e# to sh!"e the&selves in !n'(ish !n# "!in )ithin his $ e!st-11 ,!&e to hi& "oi'n!nt !n# silent li%e the te i$le 9(estionin' of one's ,ons,ien,e+ O(tsi#e the ,o( t the s(n $l!/e#11)ithin )!s the

)in# of ' e!t "(n%!hs th!t &!#e *o( shive - the sh!&e th!t &!#e *o( $( n- the !ttentive e*es )hose 'l!n,e st!$$e#+ The f!,e of the " esi#in' &!'ist !te- ,le!n sh!ve# !n# i&"!ssi$le- loo%e# !t hi& #e!#l* "!le $et)een the e# f!,es of the t)o n!(ti,!l !ssesso s+ The li'ht of ! $ o!# )in#o) (n#e the ,eilin' fell f o& !$ove on the he!#s !n# sho(l#e s of the th ee &en- !n# the* )e e fie ,el* #istin,t in the h!lf1li'ht of the $i' ,o( t1 oo& )he e the !(#ien,e see&e# ,o&"ose# of st! in' sh!#o)s+ The* )!nte# f!,ts+ 4!,ts3 The* #e&!n#e# f!,ts f o& hi&- !s if f!,ts ,o(l# e."l!in !n*thin'3 'Afte *o( h!# ,on,l(#e# *o( h!# ,olli#e# )ith so&ethin' flo!tin' !)!sh- s!* ! )!te 1lo''e# ) e,%- *o( )e e o #e e# $* *o( ,!"t!in to 'o fo )! # !n# !s,e t!in if the e )!s !n* #!&!'e #one+ Di# *o( thin% it li%el* f o& the fo ,e of the $lo)5' !s%e# the !ssesso sittin' to the left+ He h!# ! thin ho seshoe $e! #- s!lient ,hee%1$ones- !n# )ith $oth el$o)s on the #es% ,l!s"e# his (''e# h!n#s $efo e his f!,e- loo%in' !t Ji& )ith tho('htf(l $l(e e*es0 the othe - ! he!v*- s,o nf(l &!n- th o)n $!,% in his se!t- his left ! & e.ten#e# f(ll len'th- # (&&e# #eli,!tel* )ith his fin'e 1ti"s on ! $lottin'1"!#: in the &i##le the &!'ist !te (" i'ht in the oo&* ! &1,h!i - his he!# in,line# sli'htl* on the sho(l#e - h!# his ! &s , osse# on his $ e!st !n# ! fe) flo)e s in ! 'l!ss v!se $* the si#e of his in%st!n#+ 'I #i# not-' s!i# Ji&+ 'I )!s tol# to ,!ll no one !n# to &!%e no noise fo fe! of , e!tin' ! "!ni,+ I tho('ht the " e,!(tion e!son!$le+ I too% one of the l!&"s th!t )e e h(n' (n#e the !)nin's !n# )ent fo )! #+ Afte o"enin' the fo e"e!% h!t,h I he! # s"l!shin' in the e+ I lo)e e# then the l!&" the )hole # ift of its l!n*! #- !n# s!) th!t the fo e"e!% )!s &o e th!n h!lf f(ll of )!te !l e!#*+ I %ne) then the e &(st $e ! $i' hole $elo) the )!te 1line+' He "!(se#+ 'Yes-' s!i# the $i' !ssesso - )ith ! # e!&* s&ile !t the $lottin'1"!#0 his fin'e s "l!*e# in,ess!ntl*- to(,hin' the "!"e )itho(t noise+ 'I #i# not thin% of #!n'e 2(st then+ I &i'ht h!ve $een ! little st! tle#: !ll this h!""ene# in s(,h ! 9(iet )!* !n# so ve * s(##enl*+ I %ne) the e )!s no othe $(l%he!# in the shi" $(t the ,ollision $(l%he!# se"! !tin' the fo e"e!% f o& the fo ehol#+ I )ent $!,% to tell the ,!"t!in+ I ,!&e ("on the se,on# en'inee 'ettin' (" !t the foot of the $ i#'e1l!##e : he see&e# #!/e#- !n# tol# &e he tho('ht his left ! & )!s $ o%en0 he h!# sli""e# on the to" ste" )hen 'ettin' #o)n )hile I )!s fo )! #+ He e.,l!i&e#- <M* >o#3 Th!t otten $(l%he!#'ll 'ive )!* in ! &in(te- !n# the #!&ne# thin' )ill 'o #o)n (n#e (s li%e ! l(&" of le!#+< He "(she# &e !)!* )ith his i'ht ! & !n# !n $efo e &e (" the l!##e - sho(tin' !s he ,li&$e#+ His left ! & h(n' $* his si#e+ I follo)e# (" in ti&e to see the ,!"t!in (sh !t hi& !n# %no,% hi& #o)n fl!t on his $!,%+ He #i# not st i%e hi& !'!in: he stoo# $en#in' ove hi& !n# s"e!%in' !n' il* $(t 9(ite lo)+ I f!n,* he )!s !s%in' hi& )h* the #evil he #i#n't 'o !n# sto" the en'ines- inste!# of &!%in' ! o) !$o(t it on #e,%+ I he! # hi& s!*- <>et ("3 R(n3 fl*3< He s)o e !lso+ The en'inee sli# #o)n the st! $o! # l!##e !n# $olte# o(n# the s%*li'ht to the en'ine1 oo& ,o&"!nion )hi,h )!s on the "o t si#e+ He &o!ne#

!s he

!n+ + + +'

He s"o%e slo)l*0 he e&e&$e e# s)iftl* !n# )ith e.t e&e vivi#ness0 he ,o(l# h!ve e" o#(,e# li%e !n e,ho the &o!nin' of the en'inee fo the $ette info &!tion of these &en )ho )!nte# f!,ts+ Afte his fi st feelin' of evolt he h!# ,o&e o(n# to the vie) th!t onl* ! &eti,(lo(s " e,ision of st!te&ent )o(l# $ in' o(t the t (e ho o $ehin# the !""!llin' f!,e of thin's+ The f!,ts those &en )e e so e!'e to %no) h!# $een visi$le- t!n'i$le- o"en to the senseso,,("*in' thei "l!,e in s"!,e !n# ti&e- e9(i in' fo thei e.isten,e ! fo( teen1h(n# e#1ton ste!&e !n# t)ent*1seven &in(tes $* the )!t,h0 the* &!#e ! )hole th!t h!# fe!t( es- sh!#es of e." ession! ,o&"li,!te# !s"e,t th!t ,o(l# $e e&e&$e e# $* the e*e- !n# so&ethin' else $esi#es- so&ethin' invisi$le- ! #i e,tin' s"i it of "e #ition th!t #)elt )ithin- li%e ! &!levolent so(l in ! #etest!$le $o#*+ He )!s !n.io(s to &!%e this ,le! + This h!# not $een ! ,o&&on !ff!i - eve *thin' in it h!# $een of the (t&ost i&"o t!n,e- !n# fo t(n!tel* he e&e&$e e# eve *thin'+ He )!nte# to 'o on t!l%in' fo t (th's s!%e- "e h!"s fo his o)n s!%e !lso0 !n# )hile his (tte !n,e )!s #eli$e !te- his &in# "ositivel* fle) o(n# !n# o(n# the se ie# ,i ,le of f!,ts th!t h!# s( 'e# (" !ll !$o(t hi& to ,(t hi& off f o& the est of his %in#: it )!s li%e ! , e!t( e th!t- fin#in' itself i&" isone# )ithin !n en,los( e of hi'h st!%es#!shes o(n# !n# o(n#- #ist !,te# in the ni'ht- t *in' to fin# ! )e!% s"ot- ! , evi,e- ! "l!,e to s,!le- so&e o"enin' th o('h )hi,h it &!* s9(ee/e itself !n# es,!"e+ This !)f(l !,tivit* of &in# &!#e hi& hesit!te !t ti&es in his s"ee,h+ + + + 'The ,!"t!in %e"t on &ovin' he e !n# the e on the $ i#'e0 he see&e# ,!l& eno('h- onl* he st(&$le# seve !l ti&es0 !n# on,e !s I stoo# s"e!%in' to hi& he )!l%e# i'ht into &e !s tho('h he h!# $een stone1$lin#+ He &!#e no #efinite !ns)e to )h!t I h!# to tell+ He &(&$le# to hi&self0 !ll I he! # of it )e e ! fe) )o #s th!t so(n#e# li%e <,onfo(n#e# ste!&3< !n# <infe n!l ste!&3<11so&ethin' !$o(t ste!&+ I tho('ht + + +' He )!s $e,o&in' i elev!nt0 ! 9(estion to the "oint ,(t sho t his s"ee,h- li%e ! "!n' of "!in- !n# he felt e.t e&el* #is,o( !'e# !n# )e! *+ He )!s ,o&in' to th!t- he )!s ,o&in' to th!t11!n# no),he,%e# $ (t!ll*- he h!# to !ns)e $* *es o no+ He !ns)e e# t (thf(ll* $* ! ,( t 'Yes- I #i#'0 !n# f!i of f!,e- $i' of f !&e)ith *o(n'- 'loo&* e*es- he hel# his sho(l#e s (" i'ht !$ove the $o. )hile his so(l ) ithe# )ithin hi&+ He )!s &!#e to !ns)e !nothe 9(estion so &(,h to the "oint !n# so (seless- then )!ite# !'!in+ His &o(th )!s t!stelessl* # *- !s tho('h he h!# $een e!tin' #(stthen s!lt !n# $itte !s !fte ! # in% of se!1)!te + He )i"e# his #!&" fo ehe!#- "!sse# his ton'(e ove "! ,he# li"s- felt ! shive (n #o)n his $!,%+ The $i' !ssesso h!# # o""e# his e*eli#s- !n# # (&&e# on )itho(t ! so(n#- ,! eless !n# &o( nf(l0 the e*es of the othe !$ove the s(n$( nt- ,l!s"e# fin'e s see&e# to 'lo) )ith %in#liness0 the &!'ist !te h!# s)!*e# fo )! #0 his "!le f!,e hove e# ne! the flo)e s- !n# then # o""in' si#e)!*s ove the ! & of his ,h!i - he este# his te&"le in the "!l& of his h!n#+ The )in# of the "(n%!hs e##ie# #o)n on the he!#s- on the #! %1f!,e# n!tives )o(n# !$o(t in

vol(&ino(s # !"e ies- on the E( o"e!ns sittin' to'ethe ve * hot !n# in # ill s(its th!t see&e# to fit the& !s ,lose !s thei s%ins- !n# hol#in' thei o(n# "ith h!ts on thei %nees0 )hile 'li#in' !lon' the )!lls the ,o( t "eons- $(ttone# ti'ht in lon' )hite ,o!ts- flitte# !"i#l* to !n# f o- (nnin' on $! e toes- e#1s!she#- e# t( $!n on he!#- !s noiseless !s 'hosts- !n# on the !le t li%e so &!n* et ieve s+ Ji&'s e*es- )!n#e in' in the inte v!ls of his !ns)e s- este# ("on ! )hite &!n )ho s!t !"! t f o& the othe s- )ith his f!,e )o n !n# ,lo(#e#- $(t )ith 9(iet e*es th!t 'l!n,e# st !i'ht- inte este# !n# ,le! + Ji& !ns)e e# !nothe 9(estion !n# )!s te&"te# to , * o(t'Wh!t's the 'oo# of this3 )h!t's the 'oo#3' He t!""e# )ith his foot sli'htl*- $it his li"- !n# loo%e# !)!* ove the he!#s+ He &et the e*es of the )hite &!n+ The 'l!n,e #i e,te# !t hi& )!s not the f!s,in!te# st! e of the othe s+ It )!s !n !,t of intelli'ent volition+ Ji& $et)een t)o 9(estions fo 'ot hi&self so f! !s to fin# leis( e fo ! tho('ht+ This fello)11 !n the tho('ht11loo%s !t &e !s tho('h he ,o(l# see so&e$o#* o so&ethin' "!st &* sho(l#e + He h!# ,o&e !, oss th!t &!n $efo e11in the st eet "e h!"s+ He )!s "ositive he h!# neve s"o%en to hi&+ 4o #!*s- fo &!n* #!*s- he h!# s"o%en to no one- $(t h!# hel# silent- in,ohe ent- !n# en#less ,onve se )ith hi&self- li%e ! " isone !lone in his ,ell o li%e ! )!*f! e lost in ! )il#e ness+ At " esent he )!s !ns)e in' 9(estions th!t #i# not &!tte tho('h the* h!# ! "( "ose- $(t he #o($te# )hethe he )o(l# eve !'!in s"e!% o(t !s lon' !s he live#+ The so(n# of his o)n t (thf(l st!te&ents ,onfi &e# his #eli$e !te o"inion th!t s"ee,h )!s of no (se to hi& !n* lon'e + Th!t &!n the e see&e# to $e !)! e of his ho"eless #iffi,(lt*+ Ji& loo%e# !t hi&- then t( ne# !)!* esol(tel*- !s !fte ! fin!l "! tin'+ An# l!te on- &!n* ti&es- in #ist!nt "! ts of the )o l#- M! lo) sho)e# hi&self )illin' to e&e&$e Ji&- to e&e&$e hi& !t len'th- in #et!il !n# !(#i$l*+ Pe h!"s it )o(l# $e !fte #inne - on ! ve !n#!h # !"e# in &otionless foli!'e !n# , o)ne# )ith flo)e s- in the #ee" #(s% s"e,%le# $* fie * ,i'! 1en#s+ The elon'!te# $(l% of e!,h ,!ne1,h!i h! $o( e# ! silent listene + No) !n# then ! s&!ll e# 'lo) )o(l# &ove !$ ("tl*- !n# e."!n#in' li'ht (" the fin'e s of ! l!n'(i# h!n#- "! t of ! f!,e in " ofo(n# e"ose- o fl!sh ! , i&son 'le!& into ! "!i of "ensive e*es ove sh!#o)e# $* ! f !'&ent of !n (n (ffle# fo ehe!#0 !n# )ith the ve * fi st )o # (tte e# M! lo)'s $o#*- e.ten#e# !t est in the se!t- )o(l# $e,o&e ve * still- !s tho('h his s"i it h!# )in'e# its )!* $!,% into the l!"se of ti&e !n# )e e s"e!%in' th o('h his li"s f o& the "!st+

CHAPTER D 'Oh *es+ I !tten#e# the in9(i *-' he )o(l# s!*- '!n# to this #!* I h!ven't left off )on#e in' )h* I )ent+ I !& )illin' to $elieve e!,h of (s h!s ! '(! #i!n !n'el- if *o( fello)s )ill ,on,e#e to &e th!t

e!,h of (s h!s ! f!&ili! #evil !s )ell+ I )!nt *o( to o)n ("- $e,!(se I #on't li%e to feel e.,e"tion!l in !n* )!*- !n# I %no) I h!ve hi&11 the #evil- I &e!n+ I h!ven't seen hi&- of ,o( se- $(t I 'o ("on ,i ,(&st!nti!l evi#en,e+ He is the e i'ht eno('h- !n#- $ein' &!li,io(s- he lets &e in fo th!t %in# of thin'+ Wh!t %in# of thin'*o( !s%5 Wh*- the in9(i * thin'- the *ello)1#o' thin'11*o( )o(l#n't thin% ! &!n'*- n!tive t*%e )o(l# $e !llo)e# to t i" (" "eo"le in the ve !n#!h of ! &!'ist !te's ,o( t- )o(l# *o(511the %in# of thin' th!t $* #evio(s- (ne."e,te#- t (l* #i!$oli,!l )!*s ,!(ses &e to (n (" !'!inst &en )ith soft s"ots- )ith h! # s"ots)ith hi##en "l!'(e s"ots- $* Jove3 !n# loosens thei ton'(es !t the si'ht of &e fo thei infe n!l ,onfi#en,es0 !s tho('h- fo sooth- I h!# no ,onfi#en,es to &!%e to &*self- !s tho('h11>o# hel" &e311I #i#n't h!ve eno('h ,onfi#enti!l info &!tion !$o(t &*self to h! o) &* o)n so(l till the en# of &* !""ointe# ti&e+ An# )h!t I h!ve #one to $e th(s f!vo( e# I )!nt to %no)+ I #e,l! e I !& !s f(ll of &* o)n ,on,e ns !s the ne.t &!n- !n# I h!ve !s &(,h &e&o * !s the !ve !'e "il' i& in this v!lle*- so *o( see I !& not "! ti,(l! l* fit to $e ! e,e"t!,le of ,onfessions+ Then )h*5 C!n't tell11(nless it $e to &!%e ti&e "!ss !)!* !fte #inne + Ch! le*- &* #e! ,h!"- *o( #inne )!s e.t e&el* 'oo#- !n# in ,onse9(en,e these &en he e loo% ("on ! 9(iet ($$e !s ! t(&(lt(o(s o,,("!tion+ The* )!llo) in *o( 'oo# ,h!i s !n# thin% to the&selves- <H!n' e.e tion+ Let th!t M! lo) t!l%+< 'T!l%5 So $e it+ An# it's e!s* eno('h to t!l% of M!ste Ji&- !fte ! 'oo# s" e!#- t)o h(n# e# feet !$ove the se!1level- )ith ! $o. of #e,ent ,i'! s h!n#*- on ! $lesse# evenin' of f eshness !n# st! li'ht th!t )o(l# &!%e the $est of (s fo 'et )e ! e onl* on s(ffe !n,e he e !n# 'ot to "i,% o( )!* in , oss li'hts- )!t,hin' eve * " e,io(s &in(te !n# eve * i e&e#i!$le ste"- t (stin' )e sh!ll &!n!'e *et to 'o o(t #e,entl* in the en#11$(t not so s( e of it !fte !ll11!n# )ith #!she# little hel" to e."e,t f o& those )e to(,h el$o)s )ith i'ht !n# left+ Of ,o( se the e ! e &en he e !n# the e to )ho& the )hole of life is li%e !n !fte 1#inne ho( )ith ! ,i'! 0 e!s*- "le!s!nte&"t*- "e h!"s enlivene# $* so&e f!$le of st ife to $e fo 'otten $efo e the en# is tol#11$efo e the en# is tol#11even if the e h!""ens to $e !n* en# to it+ 'M* e*es &et his fo the fi st ti&e !t th!t in9(i *+ Yo( &(st %no) th!t eve *$o#* ,onne,te# in !n* )!* )ith the se! )!s the e- $e,!(se the !ff!i h!# $een noto io(s fo #!*s- eve sin,e th!t &*ste io(s ,!$le &ess!'e ,!&e f o& A#en to st! t (s !ll ,!,%lin'+ I s!* &*ste io(s$e,!(se it )!s so in ! sense tho('h it ,ont!ine# ! n!%e# f!,t!$o(t !s n!%e# !n# ('l* !s ! f!,t ,!n )ell $e+ The )hole )!te si#e t!l%e# of nothin' else+ 4i st thin' in the &o nin' !s I )!s # essin' in &* st!te1 oo&- I )o(l# he! th o('h the $(l%he!# &* P! see D($!sh 2!$$e in' !$o(t the P!tn! )ith the ste)! #- )hile he # !n% ! ,(" of te!- $* f!vo( - in the "!nt *+ No soone on sho e I )o(l# &eet so&e !,9(!int!n,e- !n# the fi st e&! % )o(l# $e- <Di# *o( eve he! of !n*thin' to $e!t this5< !n# !,,o #in' to his %in# the &!n )o(l# s&ile ,*ni,!ll*- o loo% s!#- o let o(t ! s)e! o t)o+ Co&"lete st !n'e s )o(l# !,,ost e!,h othe f!&ili! l*- 2(st fo the s!%e of e!sin' thei &in#s on the s($2e,t: eve * ,onfo(n#e# lo!fe in the to)n ,!&e in fo ! h! vest of # in%s ove this !ff!i : *o(

he! # of it in the h! $o( offi,e- !t eve * shi"1$ o%e 's- !t *o( !'ent's- f o& )hites- f o& n!tives- f o& h!lf1,!stes- f o& the ve * $o!t&en s9(!ttin' h!lf n!%e# on the stone ste"s !s *o( )ent ("11$* Jove3 The e )!s so&e in#i'n!tion- not ! fe) 2o%es- !n# no en# of #is,(ssions !s to )h!t h!# $e,o&e of the&- *o( %no)+ This )ent on fo ! ,o("le of )ee%s o &o e- !n# the o"inion th!t )h!teve )!s &*ste io(s in this !ff!i )o(l# t( n o(t to $e t !'i, !s )ell$e'!n to " ev!il- )hen one fine &o nin'- !s I )!s st!n#in' in the sh!#e $* the ste"s of the h! $o( offi,e- I "e ,eive# fo( &en )!l%in' to)! #s &e !lon' the 9(!*+ I )on#e e# fo ! )hile )he e th!t 9(ee lot h!# s" (n' f o&- !n# s(##enl*- I &!* s!*- I sho(te# to &*self- <He e the* ! e3< 'The e the* )e e- s( e eno('h- th ee of the& !s l! 'e !s life- !n# one &(,h l! 'e of 'i th th!n !n* livin' &!n h!s ! i'ht to $e- 2(st l!n#e# )ith ! 'oo# $ e!%f!st insi#e of the& f o& !n o(t)! #1$o(n# D!le Line ste!&e th!t h!# ,o&e in !$o(t !n ho( !fte s(n ise+ The e ,o(l# $e no &ist!%e0 I s"otte# the 2oll* s%i""e of the P!tn! !t the fi st 'l!n,e: the f!ttest &!n in the )hole $lesse# t o"i,!l $elt ,le! o(n# th!t 'oo# ol# e! th of o( s+ Mo eove - nine &onths o so $efo e- I h!# ,o&e !, oss hi& in S!&! !n'+ His ste!&e )!s lo!#in' in the Ro!#s- !n# he )!s !$(sin' the t* !nni,!l instit(tions of the >e &!n e&"i e- !n# so!%in' hi&self in $ee !ll #!* lon' !n# #!* !fte #!* in De Jon'h's $!,%1sho"- till De Jon'h- )ho ,h! 'e# ! '(il#e fo eve * $ottle )itho(t !s &(,h !s the 9(ive of !n e*eli#)o(l# $e,%on &e !si#e- !n#- )ith his little le!the * f!,e !ll "(,%e e# ("- #e,l! e ,onfi#enti!ll*- <B(siness is $(siness- $(t this &!n,!"t!in- he &!%e &e ve * si,%+ Tf(i3< 'I )!s loo%in' !t hi& f o& the sh!#e+ He )!s h( *in' on ! little in !#v!n,e- !n# the s(nli'ht $e!tin' on hi& $ o('ht o(t his $(l% in ! st! tlin' )!*+ He &!#e &e thin% of ! t !ine# $!$* ele"h!nt )!l%in' on hin#1le's+ He )!s e.t !v!'!ntl* 'o 'eo(s too11'ot (" in ! soile# slee"in'1s(it- $ i'ht ' een !n# #ee" o !n'e ve ti,!l st i"es- )ith ! "!i of !''e# st !) sli""e s on his $! e feet- !n# so&e$o#*'s ,!st1off "ith h!t- ve * #i t* !n# t)o si/es too s&!ll fo hi&- tie# (" )ith ! &!nill! o"e1*! n on the to" of his $i' he!#+ Yo( (n#e st!n# ! &!n li%e th!t h!sn't the 'host of ! ,h!n,e )hen it ,o&es to $o o)in' ,lothes+ Ee * )ell+ On he ,!&e in hot h!ste)itho(t ! loo% i'ht o left- "!sse# )ithin th ee feet of &e- !n# in the inno,en,e of his he! t )ent on "eltin' ("st!i s into the h! $o( offi,e to &!%e his #e"osition- o e"o t- o )h!teve *o( li%e to ,!ll it+ 'It !""e! s he !## esse# hi&self in the fi st inst!n,e to the " in,i"!l shi""in'1&!ste + A ,hie R(thvel h!# 2(st ,o&e in- !n#- !s his sto * 'oes- )!s !$o(t to $e'in his ! #(o(s #!* $* 'ivin' ! # essin'1#o)n to his ,hief ,le %+ So&e of *o( &i'ht h!ve %no)n hi&11!n o$li'in' little Po t('(ese h!lf1,!ste )ith ! &ise !$l* s%inn* ne,%!n# !l)!*s on the ho" to 'et so&ethin' f o& the shi"&!ste s in the )!* of e!t!$les11! "ie,e of s!lt "o %- ! $!' of $is,(its- ! fe) "ot!toes- o )h!t not+ One vo*!'e- I e,olle,t- I ti""e# hi& ! live shee" o(t of the e&n!nt of &* se!1sto,%: not th!t I )!nte# hi& to #o !n*thin' fo &e11he ,o(l#n't- *o( %no)11$(t $e,!(se his ,hil#li%e

$elief in the s!, e# i'ht to "e 9(isites 9(ite to(,he# &* he! t+ It )!s so st on' !s to $e !l&ost $e!(tif(l+ The !,e11the t)o !,es !the 11!n# the ,li&!te + + + Ho)eve - neve &in#+ I %no) )he e I h!ve ! f ien# fo life+ 'Well- R(thvel s!*s he )!s 'ivin' hi& ! seve e le,t( e11on offi,i!l &o !lit*- I s(""ose11)hen he he! # ! %in# of s($#(e# ,o&&otion !t his $!,%- !n# t( nin' his he!# he s!)- in his o)n )o #s- so&ethin' o(n# !n# eno &o(s- ese&$lin' ! si.teen1h(n# e#1)ei'ht s('! 1ho'she!# ) !""e# in st i"e# fl!nnelette- ("1en#e# in the &i##le of the l! 'e floo s"!,e in the offi,e+ He #e,l! es he )!s so t!%en !$!,% th!t fo 9(ite !n !"" e,i!$le ti&e he #i# not e!lise the thin' )!s !live!n# s!t still )on#e in' fo )h!t "( "ose !n# $* )h!t &e!ns th!t o$2e,t h!# $een t !ns"o te# in f ont of his #es%+ The ! ,h)!* f o& the !nte1 oo& )!s , o)#e# )ith "(n%!h1"(lle s- s)ee"e s- "oli,e "eonsthe ,o.s)!in !n# , e) of the h! $o( ste!&1l!(n,h- !ll , !nin' thei ne,%s !n# !l&ost ,li&$in' on e!,h othe 's $!,%s+ F(ite ! iot+ B* th!t ti&e the fello) h!# &!n!'e# to t(' !n# 2e % his h!t ,le! of his he!#!n# !#v!n,e# )ith sli'ht $o)s !t R(thvel- )ho tol# &e the si'ht )!s so #is,o&"osin' th!t fo so&e ti&e he listene#- 9(ite (n!$le to &!%e o(t )h!t th!t !""! ition )!nte#+ It s"o%e in ! voi,e h! sh !n# l('($ io(s $(t int e"i#- !n# little $* little it #!)ne# ("on A ,hie th!t this )!s ! #evelo"&ent of the P!tn! ,!se+ He s!*s th!t !s soon !s he (n#e stoo# )ho it )!s $efo e hi& he felt 9(ite (n)ell11A ,hie is so s*&"!theti, !n# e!sil* ("set11$(t "(lle# hi&self to'ethe !n# sho(te# <Sto"3 I ,!n't listen to *o(+ Yo( &(st 'o to the M!ste Atten#!nt+ I ,!n't "ossi$l* listen to *o(+ C!"t!in Elliot is the &!n *o( )!nt to see+ This )!*- this )!*+< He 2(&"e# ("- !n o(n# th!t lon' ,o(nte "(lle#- shove#: the othe let hi&- s( " ise# $(t o$e#ient !t fi st!n# onl* !t the #oo of the " iv!te offi,e so&e so t of !ni&!l instin,t &!#e hi& h!n' $!,% !n# sno t li%e ! f i'htene# $(llo,%+ <Loo% he e3 )h!t's ("5 Let 'o3 Loo% he e3< A ,hie fl(n' o"en the #oo )itho(t %no,%in'+ <The &!ste of the P!tn!- si -< he sho(ts+ <>o in- ,!"t!in+< He s!) the ol# &!n lift his he!# f o& so&e ) itin' so sh! " th!t his nose1ni""e s fell off- $!n'e# the #oo to- !n# fle# to his #es%- )he e he h!# so&e "!"e s )!itin' fo his si'n!t( e: $(t he s!*s the o) th!t $( st o(t in the e )!s so !)f(l th!t he ,o(l#n't ,olle,t his senses s(ffi,ientl* to e&e&$e the s"ellin' of his o)n n!&e+ A ,hie's the &ost sensitive shi""in'1&!ste in the t)o he&is"he es+ He #e,l! es he felt !s tho('h he h!# th o)n ! &!n to ! h(n' * lion+ No #o($t the noise )!s ' e!t+ I he! # it #o)n $elo)- !n# I h!ve eve * e!son to $elieve it )!s he! # ,le! !, oss the Es"l!n!#e !s f! !s the $!n#1st!n#+ Ol# f!the Elliot h!# ! ' e!t sto,% of )o #s !n# ,o(l# sho(t11!n# #i#n't &in# )ho he sho(te# !t eithe + He )o(l# h!ve sho(te# !t the Ei,e o* hi&self+ As he (se# to tell &e: <I !& !s hi'h !s I ,!n 'et0 &* "ension is s!fe+ I've ! fe) "o(n#s l!i# $*- !n# if the* #on't li%e &* notions of #(t* I )o(l# 2(st !s soon 'o ho&e !s not+ I !& !n ol# &!n- !n# I h!ve !l)!*s s"o%en &* &in#+ All I ,! e fo no) is to see &* 'i ls &! ie# $efo e I #ie+< He )!s ! little , !/* on th!t "oint+ His th ee #!('hte s )e e !)f(ll* ni,e- tho('h the* ese&$le# hi& !&!/in'l*- !n# on the &o nin's he )o%e (" )ith ! 'loo&* vie) of thei &!t i&oni!l " os"e,ts the offi,e )o(l# e!# it in his e*e !n# t e&$le- $e,!(se-

the* s!i#- he )!s s( e to h!ve so&e$o#* fo $ e!%f!st+ Ho)eve th!t &o nin' he #i# not e!t the ene'!#e- $(t- if I &!* $e !llo)e# to ,! * on the &et!"ho - ,he)e# hi& (" ve * s&!ll- so to s"e!%!n#11!h3 e2e,te# hi& !'!in+ 'Th(s in ! ve * fe) &o&ents I s!) his &onst o(s $(l% #es,en# in h!ste !n# st!n# still on the o(te ste"s+ He h!# sto""e# ,lose to &e fo the "( "ose of " ofo(n# &e#it!tion: his l! 'e "( "le ,hee%s 9(ive e#+ He )!s $itin' his th(&$- !n# !fte ! )hile noti,e# &e )ith ! si#elon' ve.e# loo%+ The othe th ee ,h!"s th!t h!# l!n#e# )ith hi& &!#e ! little ' o(" )!itin' !t so&e #ist!n,e+ The e )!s ! s!llo)1f!,e#- &e!n little ,h!" )ith his ! & in ! slin'- !n# ! lon' in#ivi#(!l in ! $l(e fl!nnel ,o!t- !s # * !s ! ,hi" !n# no sto(te th!n ! $ oo&sti,%- )ith # oo"in' ' e* &o(st!,hes- )ho loo%e# !$o(t hi& )ith !n !i of 2!(nt* i&$e,ilit*+ The thi # )!s !n ("st!n#in'$ o!#1sho(l#e e# *o(th- )ith his h!n#s in his "o,%ets- t( nin' his $!,% on the othe t)o )ho !""e! e# to $e t!l%in' to'ethe e! nestl*+ He st! e# !, oss the e&"t* Es"l!n!#e+ A !&sh!,%le 'h! *- !ll #(st !n# veneti!n $lin#s- "(lle# (" sho t o""osite the ' o("- !n# the # ive - th o)in' (" his i'ht foot ove his %nee- '!ve hi&self (" to the , iti,!l e.!&in!tion of his toes+ The *o(n' ,h!"- &!%in' no &ove&ent- not even sti in' his he!#- 2(st st! e# into the s(nshine+ This )!s &* fi st vie) of Ji&+ He loo%e# !s (n,on,e ne# !n# (n!"" o!,h!$le !s onl* the *o(n' ,!n loo%+ The e he stoo#,le!n1li&$e#- ,le!n1f!,e#- fi & on his feet- !s " o&isin' ! $o* !s the s(n eve shone on0 !n#- loo%in' !t hi&- %no)in' !ll he %ne) !n# ! little &o e too- I )!s !s !n' * !s tho('h I h!# #ete,te# hi& t *in' to 'et so&ethin' o(t of &e $* f!lse " eten,es+ He h!# no $(siness to loo% so so(n#+ I tho('ht to &*self11)ell- if this so t ,!n 'o ) on' li%e th!t + + + !n# I felt !s tho('h I ,o(l# flin' #o)n &* h!t !n# #!n,e on it f o& shee &o tifi,!tion- !s I on,e s!) the s%i""e of !n It!li!n $! 9(e #o $e,!(se his #(ffe of ! &!te 'ot into ! &ess )ith his !n,ho s )hen &!%in' ! fl*in' &oo in ! o!#ste!# f(ll of shi"s+ I !s%e# &*self- seein' hi& the e !""! entl* so &(,h !t e!se11is he sill*5 is he ,!llo(s5 He see&e# e!#* to st! t )histlin' ! t(ne+ An# note- I #i# not ,! e ! !" !$o(t the $eh!vio( of the othe t)o+ Thei "e sons so&eho) fitte# the t!le th!t )!s "($li, " o"e t*- !n# )!s 'oin' to $e the s($2e,t of !n offi,i!l in9(i *+ <Th!t ol# &!# o'(e ("st!i s ,!lle# &e ! ho(n#-< s!i# the ,!"t!in of the P!tn!+ I ,!n't tell )hethe he e,o'nise# &e11I !the thin% he #i#0 $(t !t !n* !te o( 'l!n,es &et+ He 'l! e#11I s&ile#0 ho(n# )!s the ve * &il#est e"ithet th!t h!# e!,he# &e th o('h the o"en )in#o)+ <Di# he5< I s!i# f o& so&e st !n'e in!$ilit* to hol# &* ton'(e+ He no##e#- $it his th(&$ !'!in- s)o e (n#e his $ e!th: then liftin' his he!# !n# loo%in' !t &e )ith s(llen !n# "!ssion!te i&"(#en,e11<B!h3 the P!,ifi, is $i'- &* f ien#t+ Yo( #!&ne# En'lish&en ,!n #o *o( )o st0 I %no) )he e the e's "lent* oo& fo ! &!n li%e &e: I !& )ell !'(!in#t in A"i!- in Honol(l(- in + + +< He "!(se# efle,tivel*- )hile )itho(t effo t I ,o(l# #e"i,t to &*self the so t of "eo"le he )!s <!'(!in#t< )ith in those "l!,es+ I )on't &!%e ! se, et of it th!t I h!# $een <!'(!in#t< )ith not ! fe) of th!t so t &*self+ The e ! e ti&es )hen ! &!n &(st !,t !s tho('h life )e e e9(!ll* s)eet in !n* ,o&"!n*+ I've %no)n s(,h ! ti&e- !n#- )h!t's &o e- I sh!n't no) " eten# to "(ll ! lon' f!,e ove &* ne,essit*- $e,!(se ! 'oo# &!n* of th!t $!# ,o&"!n* f o& )!nt of &o !l11&o !l11)h!t sh!ll I s!*511"ost( e- o f o&

so&e othe e9(!ll* " ofo(n# ,!(se- )e e t)i,e ti&es &o e !&(sin' th!n the (s(!l es"e,t!$le fello)s !s% to sit !t *o( t!$le )itho(t !n* f o& ,o)! #i,e- f o& 'oo#1n!t( e- f o& ! h(n# e!sons+

!s inst (,tive !n# t)ent* thief of ,o&&e ,e *o( e!l ne,essit*11f o& h!$ite# sne!%in' !n# in!#e9(!te

' <Yo( En'lish&en ! e !ll o'(es-< )ent on &* "!t ioti, 4lens$o ' o Stettin A(st !li!n+ I e!ll* #on't e,olle,t no) )h!t #e,ent little "o t on the sho es of the B!lti, )!s #efile# $* $ein' the nest of th!t " e,io(s $i #+ <Wh!t ! e *o( to sho(t5 Eh5 Yo( tell &e5 Yo( no $ette th!n othe "eo"le- !n# th!t ol# o'(e he &!%e >ott!& f(ss )ith &e+< His thi,% ,! ,!ss t e&$le# on its le's th!t )e e li%e ! "!i of "ill! s0 it t e&$le# f o& he!# to foot+ <Th!t's )h!t *o( En'lish !l)!*s &!%e11&!%e ! t!&' f(ss11fo !n* little thin'- $e,!(se I )!s not $o n in *o( t!&' ,o(nt *+ T!%e !)!* &* ,e tifi,!te+ T!%e it+ I #on't )!nt the ,e tifi,!te+ A &!n li%e &e #on't )!nt *o( ve fl(,hte ,e tifi,!te+ I sh"it on it+< He s"!t+ <I vill !n A&e i'!n ,iti/en $e'o&e-< he , ie#f ettin' !n# f(&in' !n# sh(fflin' his feet !s if to f ee his !n%les f o& so&e invisi$le !n# &*ste io(s ' !s" th!t )o(l# not let hi& 'et !)!* f o& th!t s"ot+ He &!#e hi&self so )! & th!t the to" of his $(llet he!# "ositivel* s&o%e#+ Nothin' &*ste io(s " evente# &e f o& 'oin' !)!*: ,( iosit* is the &ost o$vio(s of senti&ents- !n# it hel# &e the e to see the effe,t of ! f(ll info &!tion ("on th!t *o(n' fello) )ho- h!n#s in "o,%ets- !n# t( nin' his $!,% ("on the si#e)!l%'!/e# !, oss the ' !ss1"lots of the Es"l!n!#e !t the *ello) "o ti,o of the M!l!$! Hotel )ith the !i of ! &!n !$o(t to 'o fo ! )!l% !s soon !s his f ien# is e!#*+ Th!t's ho) he loo%e#- !n# it )!s o#io(s+ I )!ite# to see hi& ove )hel&e#- ,onfo(n#e#- "ie ,e# th o('h !n# th o('hs9(i &in' li%e !n i&"!le# $eetle11!n# I )!s h!lf !f !i# to see it too11if *o( (n#e st!n# )h!t I &e!n+ Nothin' &o e !)f(l th!n to )!t,h ! &!n )ho h!s $een fo(n# o(t- not in ! , i&e $(t in ! &o e th!n , i&in!l )e!%ness+ The ,o&&onest so t of fo tit(#e " events (s f o& $e,o&in' , i&in!ls in ! le'!l sense0 it is f o& )e!%ness (n%no)n- $(t "e h!"s s(s"e,te#- !s in so&e "! ts of the )o l# *o( s(s"e,t ! #e!#l* sn!%e in eve * $(sh11f o& )e!%ness th!t &!* lie hi##en- )!t,he# o (n)!t,he#- " !*e# !'!inst o &!nf(ll* s,o ne#e" esse# o &!*$e i'no e# &o e th!n h!lf ! lifeti&e- not one of (s is s!fe+ We ! e sn! e# into #oin' thin's fo )hi,h )e 'et ,!lle# n!&es- !n# thin's fo )hi,h )e 'et h!n'e#- !n# *et the s"i it &!* )ell s( vive11s( vive the ,on#e&n!tion- s( vive the h!lte $* Jove3 An# the e ! e thin's11the* loo% s&!ll eno('h so&eti&es too11$* )hi,h so&e of (s ! e tot!ll* !n# ,o&"letel* (n#one+ I )!t,he# the *o(n'ste the e+ I li%e# his !""e! !n,e0 I %ne) his !""e! !n,e0 he ,!&e f o& the i'ht "l!,e0 he )!s one of (s+ He stoo# the e fo !ll the "! ent!'e of his %in#- fo &en !n# )o&en $* no &e!ns ,leve o !&(sin'- $(t )hose ve * e.isten,e is $!se# ("on honest f!ith- !n# ("on the instin,t of ,o( !'e+ I #on't &e!n &ilit! * ,o( !'e- o ,ivil ,o( !'e- o !n* s"e,i!l %in# of ,o( !'e+ I &e!n 2(st th!t in$o n !$ilit* to loo% te&"t!tions st !i'ht in the f!,e11! e!#iness (nintelle,t(!l eno('h- 'oo#ness %no)s- $(t )itho(t "ose11! "o)e of esist!n,e- #on't *o( see- (n' !,io(s if *o( li%e- $(t " i,eless11!n (nthin%in' !n# $lesse# stiffness $efo e the o(t)! # !n# in)! # te o s- $efo e the &i'ht of n!t( e !n# the se#(,tive ,o ("tion of &en11$!,%e# $* ! f!ith inv(lne !$le to the

st en'th of f!,ts- to the ,ont!'ion of e.!&"le- to the soli,it!tion of i#e!s+ H!n' i#e!s3 The* ! e t !&"s- v!'!$on#s- %no,%in' !t the $!,%1#oo of *o( &in#- e!,h t!%in' ! little of *o( s($st!n,e- e!,h ,! *in' !)!* so&e , (&$ of th!t $elief in ! fe) si&"le notions *o( &(st ,lin' to if *o( )!nt to live #e,entl* !n# )o(l# li%e to #ie e!s*3 'This h!s nothin' to #o )ith Ji&- #i e,tl*0 onl* he )!s o(t)! #l* so t*"i,!l of th!t 'oo#- st("i# %in# )e li%e to feel &! ,hin' i'ht !n# left of (s in life- of the %in# th!t is not #ist( $e# $* the v!'! ies of intelli'en,e !n# the "e ve sions of11of ne ves- let (s s!*+ He )!s the %in# of fello) *o( )o(l#- on the st en'th of his loo%s- le!ve in ,h! 'e of the #e,%11fi'( !tivel* !n# " ofession!ll* s"e!%in'+ I s!* I )o(l#- !n# I o('ht to %no)+ H!ven't I t( ne# o(t *o(n'ste s eno('h in &* ti&e- fo the se vi,e of the Re# R!'- to the , !ft of the se!- to the , !ft )hose )hole se, et ,o(l# $e e." esse# in one sho t senten,e- !n# *et &(st $e # iven !f esh eve * #!* into *o(n' he!#s till it $e,o&es the ,o&"onent "! t of eve * )!%in' tho('ht11till it is " esent in eve * # e!& of thei *o(n' slee"3 The se! h!s $een 'oo# to &e- $(t )hen I e&e&$e !ll these $o*s th!t "!sse# th o('h &* h!n#s- so&e ' o)n (" no) !n# so&e # o)ne# $* this ti&e- $(t !ll 'oo# st(ff fo the se!- I #on't thin% I h!ve #one $!#l* $* it eithe + We e I to 'o ho&e to1&o o)- I $et th!t $efo e t)o #!*s "!sse# ove &* he!# so&e s(n$( nt *o(n' ,hief &!te )o(l# ove t!%e &e !t so&e #o,% '!te)!* o othe - !n# ! f esh #ee" voi,e s"e!%in' !$ove &* h!t )o(l# !s%: <Don't *o( e&e&$e &e- si 5 Wh*3 little So1!n#1so+ S(,h !n# s(,h ! shi"+ It )!s &* fi st vo*!'e+< An# I )o(l# e&e&$e ! $e)il#e e# little sh!ve - no hi'he th!n the $!,% of this ,h!i - )ith ! &othe !n# "e h!"s ! $i' siste on the 9(!*- ve * 9(iet $(t too ("set to )!ve thei h!n#%e ,hiefs !t the shi" th!t 'li#es o(t 'entl* $et)een the "ie 1he!#s0 o "e h!"s so&e #e,ent &i##le1!'e# f!the )ho h!# ,o&e e! l* )ith his $o* to see hi& off- !n# st!*s !ll the &o nin'- $e,!(se he is inte este# in the )in#l!ss !""! entl*- !n# st!*s too lon'- !n# h!s 'ot to s, !&$le !sho e !t l!st )ith no ti&e !t !ll to s!* 'oo#1$*e+ The &(# "ilot on the "oo" sin's o(t to &e in ! # !)l- <Hol# he )ith the ,he,% line fo ! &o&ent- Miste M!te+ The e's ! 'entle&!n )!nts to 'et !sho e+ + + + U" )ith *o(- si + Ne! l* 'ot ,! ie# off to T!l,!h(!no#i#n't *o(5 No)'s *o( ti&e0 e!s* #oes it+ + + + All i'ht+ Sl!,% !)!* !'!in fo )! # the e+< The t('s- s&o%in' li%e the "it of "e #ition'et hol# !n# ,h( n the ol# ive into f( *0 the 'entle&!n !sho e is #(stin' his %nees11the $enevolent ste)! # h!s shie# his (&$ ell! !fte hi&+ All ve * " o"e + He h!s offe e# his $it of s!, ifi,e to the se!- !n# no) he &!* 'o ho&e " eten#in' he thin%s nothin' of it0 !n# the little )illin' vi,ti& sh!ll $e ve * se!1si,% $efo e ne.t &o nin'+ B*1!n#1$*- )hen he h!s le! ne# !ll the little &*ste ies !n# the one ' e!t se, et of the , !ft- he sh!ll $e fit to live o #ie !s the se! &!* #e, ee0 !n# the &!n )ho h!# t!%en ! h!n# in this fool '!&e- in )hi,h the se! )ins eve * toss- )ill $e "le!se# to h!ve his $!,% sl!""e# $* ! he!v* *o(n' h!n#- !n# to he! ! ,hee * se!1"(""* voi,e: <Do *o( e&e&$e &e- si 5 The little So1!n#1so+< 'I tell *o( this is 'oo#0 it tells *o( th!t on,e in *o( life !t le!st *o( h!# 'one the i'ht )!* to )o %+ I h!ve $een th(s sl!""e#- !n#

I h!ve )in,e#- fo the sl!" )!s he!v*- !n# I h!ve 'lo)e# !ll #!* lon' !n# 'one to $e# feelin' less lonel* in the )o l# $* vi t(e of th!t he! t* th(&"+ Don't I e&e&$e the little So1!n#1so's3 I tell *o( I o('ht to %no) the i'ht %in# of loo%s+ I )o(l# h!ve t (ste# the #e,% to th!t *o(n'ste on the st en'th of ! sin'le 'l!n,e- !n# 'one to slee" )ith $oth e*es11!n#- $* Jove3 it )o(l#n't h!ve $een s!fe+ The e ! e #e"ths of ho o in th!t tho('ht+ He loo%e# !s 'en(ine !s ! ne) sove ei'n- $(t the e )!s so&e infe n!l !llo* in his &et!l+ Ho) &(,h5 The le!st thin'11the le!st # o" of so&ethin' ! e !n# !,,( se#0 the le!st # o"311$(t he &!#e *o(11st!n#in' the e )ith his #on't1,! e1h!n' !i 11he &!#e *o( )on#e )hethe "e ,h!n,e he )e e nothin' &o e ! e th!n $ !ss+ 'I ,o(l#n't $elieve it+ I tell *o( I )!nte# to see hi& s9(i & fo the hono( of the , !ft+ The othe t)o no1!,,o(nt ,h!"s s"otte# thei ,!"t!in- !n# $e'!n to &ove slo)l* to)! #s (s+ The* ,h!tte# to'ethe !s the* st olle#- !n# I #i# not ,! e !n* &o e th!n if the* h!# not $een visi$le to the n!%e# e*e+ The* ' inne# !t e!,h othe 11&i'ht h!ve $een e.,h!n'in' 2o%es- fo !ll I %no)+ I s!) th!t )ith one of the& it )!s ! ,!se of ! $ o%en ! &0 !n# !s to the lon' in#ivi#(!l )ith ' e* &o(st!,hes he )!s the ,hief en'inee - !n# in v! io(s )!*s ! " ett* noto io(s "e son!lit*+ The* )e e no$o#ies+ The* !"" o!,he#+ The s%i""e '!/e# in !n in!ni&!te )!* $et)een his feet: he see&e# to $e s)ollen to !n (nn!t( !l si/e $* so&e !)f(l #ise!se$* the &*ste io(s !,tion of !n (n%no)n "oison+ He lifte# his he!#s!) the t)o $efo e hi& )!itin'- o"ene# his &o(th )ith !n e.t !o #in! *snee in' ,onto tion of his "(ffe# f!,e11to s"e!% to the&- I s(""ose11!n# then ! tho('ht see&e# to st i%e hi&+ His thi,%- "( "lish li"s ,!&e to'ethe )itho(t ! so(n#- he )ent off in ! esol(te )!##le to the 'h! * !n# $e'!n to 2e % !t the #oo 1h!n#le )ith s(,h ! $lin# $ (t!lit* of i&"!tien,e th!t I e."e,te# to see the )hole ,on,e n ove t( ne# on its si#e- "on* !n# !ll+ The # ive - sh!%en o(t of his &e#it!tion ove the sole of his foot- #is"l!*e# !t on,e !ll the si'ns of intense te o - !n# hel# )ith $oth h!n#s- loo%in' o(n# f o& his $o. !t this v!st ,! ,!ss fo ,in' its )!* into his ,onve*!n,e+ The little &!,hine shoo% !n# o,%e# t(&(lt(o(sl*- !n# the , i&son n!"e of th!t lo)e e# ne,%- the si/e of those st !inin' thi'hs- the i&&ense he!vin' of th!t #in'*- st i"e# ' een1!n#1o !n'e $!,%- the )hole $( o)in' effo t of th!t '!(#* !n# so #i# &!ss- t o($le# one's sense of " o$!$ilit* )ith ! # oll !n# fe! so&e effe,t- li%e one of those ' otes9(e !n# #istin,t visions th!t s,! e !n# f!s,in!te one in ! feve + He #is!""e! e#+ I h!lf e."e,te# the oof to s"lit in t)o- the little $o. on )heels to $( st o"en in the &!nne of ! i"e ,otton1"o#11$(t it onl* s!n% )ith ! ,li,% of fl!ttene# s" in's- !n# s(##enl* one veneti!n $lin# !ttle# #o)n+ His sho(l#e s e!""e! e#- 2!&&e# in the s&!ll o"enin'0 his he!# h(n' o(t- #isten#e# !n# tossin' li%e ! ,!"tive $!lloon- "e s"i in'- f( io(s- s"l(tte in'+ He e!,he# fo the 'h! *1)!ll!h )ith vi,io(s flo( ishes of ! fist !s #(&"* !n# e# !s ! l(&" of !) &e!t+ He o! e# !t hi& to $e off- to 'o on+ Whe e5 Into the P!,ifi,- "e h!"s+ The # ive l!she#0 the "on* sno te#- e! e# on,e- !n# #! te# off !t ! '!llo"+ Whe e5 To A"i!5 To Honol(l(5 He h!# GHHH &iles of t o"i,!l $elt to #is"o t hi&self in- !n# I #i# not he! the " e,ise !## ess+ A sno tin' "on* sn!t,he# hi& into <E)i'%eit< in the t)in%lin' of !n e*e- !n# I neve s!) hi& !'!in0 !n#- )h!t's &o e-

I #on't %no) of !n*$o#* th!t eve h!# ! 'li&"se of hi& !fte he #e"! te# f o& &* %no)le#'e sittin' insi#e ! !&sh!,%le little 'h! * th!t fle# o(n# the ,o ne in ! )hite s&othe of #(st+ He #e"! te#- #is!""e! e#- v!nishe#- !$s,on#e#0 !n# !$s( #l* eno('h it loo%e# !s tho('h he h!# t!%en th!t 'h! * )ith hi&- fo neve !'!in #i# I ,o&e !, oss ! so el "on* )ith ! slit e! !n# ! l!,%!#!isi,!l T!&il # ive !ffli,te# $* ! so e foot+ The P!,ifi, is in#ee# $i'0 $(t )hethe he fo(n# ! "l!,e fo ! #is"l!* of his t!lents in it o notthe f!,t e&!ins he h!# flo)n into s"!,e li%e ! )it,h on ! $ oo&sti,%+ The little ,h!" )ith his ! & in ! slin' st! te# to (n !fte the ,! i!'e- $le!tin'- <C!"t!in3 I s!*- C!"t!in3 I s!1!1!*3<11$(t !fte ! fe) ste"s sto""e# sho t- h(n' his he!#- !n# )!l%e# $!,% slo)l*+ At the sh! " !ttle of the )heels the *o(n' fello) s"(n o(n# )he e he stoo#+ He &!#e no othe &ove&ent- no 'est( e- no si'n- !n# e&!ine# f!,in' in the ne) #i e,tion !fte the 'h! * h!# s)(n' o(t of si'ht+ 'All this h!""ene# in &(,h less ti&e th!n it t!%es to tell- sin,e I !& t *in' to inte " et fo *o( into slo) s"ee,h the inst!nt!neo(s effe,t of vis(!l i&" essions+ Ne.t &o&ent the h!lf1,!ste ,le %- sent $* A ,hie to loo% ! little !fte the "oo ,!st!)!*s of the P!tn!,!&e ("on the s,ene+ He !n o(t e!'e !n# $! ehe!#e#- loo%in' i'ht !n# left- !n# ve * f(ll of his &ission+ It )!s #oo&e# to $e ! f!il( e !s f! !s the " in,i"!l "e son )!s ,on,e ne#- $(t he !"" o!,he# the othe s )ith f(ss* i&"o t!n,e- !n#- !l&ost i&&e#i!tel*- fo(n# hi&self involve# in ! violent !lte ,!tion )ith the ,h!" th!t ,! ie# his ! & in ! slin'- !n# )ho t( ne# o(t to $e e.t e&el* !n.io(s fo ! o)+ He )!sn't 'oin' to $e o #e e# !$o(t11<not he- $''osh+< He )o(l#n't $e te ifie# )ith ! "!,% of lies $* ! ,o,%* h!lf1$ e# little 9(ill1# ive + He )!s not 'oin' to $e $(llie# $* <no o$2e,t of th!t so t-< if the sto * )e e t (e <eve so<3 He $!)le# his )ish- his #esi e- his #ete &in!tion to 'o to $e#+ <If *o( )e en't ! >o#1fo s!%en Po t('(ee-< I he! # hi& *ell- <*o( )o(l# %no) th!t the hos"it!l is the i'ht "l!,e fo &e+< He "(she# the fist of his so(n# ! & (n#e the othe 's nose0 ! , o)# $e'!n to ,olle,t0 the h!lf1,!ste- fl(ste e#- $(t #oin' his $est to !""e! #i'nifie#- t ie# to e."l!in his intentions+ I )ent !)!* )itho(t )!itin' to see the en#+ 'B(t it so h!""ene# th!t I h!# ! &!n in the hos"it!l !t the ti&e!n# 'oin' the e to see !$o(t hi& the #!* $efo e the o"enin' of the In9(i *- I s!) in the )hite &en's )! # th!t little ,h!" tossin' on his $!,%- )ith his ! & in s"lints- !n# 9(ite li'ht1he!#e#+ To &* ' e!t s( " ise the othe one- the lon' in#ivi#(!l )ith # oo"in' )hite &o(st!,he- h!# !lso fo(n# his )!* the e+ I e&e&$e e# I h!# seen hi& slin%in' !)!* #( in' the 9(! el- in ! h!lf " !n,eh!lf sh(ffle- !n# t *in' ve * h! # not to loo% s,! e#+ He )!s no st !n'e to the "o t- it see&s- !n# in his #ist ess )!s !$le to &!%e t !,%s st !i'ht fo M! i!ni's $illi! #1 oo& !n# ' o'1sho" ne! the $!/!! + Th!t (ns"e!%!$le v!'!$on#- M! i!ni- )ho h!# %no)n the &!n !n# h!# &iniste e# to his vi,es in one o t)o othe "l!,es%isse# the ' o(n#- in ! &!nne of s"e!%in'- $efo e hi&- !n# sh(t hi& (" )ith ! s(""l* of $ottles in !n ("st!i s oo& of his inf!&o(s hovel+ It !""e! s he )!s (n#e so&e h!/* !"" ehension !s to his "e son!l s!fet*- !n# )ishe# to $e ,on,e!le#+ Ho)eve - M! i!ni tol#

&e ! lon' ti&e !fte ?)hen he ,!&e on $o! # one #!* to #(n &* ste)! # fo the " i,e of so&e ,i'! s@ th!t he )o(l# h!ve #one &o e fo hi& )itho(t !s%in' !n* 9(estions- f o& ' !tit(#e fo so&e (nhol* f!vo( e,eive# ve * &!n* *e! s !'o11!s f! !s I ,o(l# &!%e o(t+ He th(&"e# t)i,e his $ !)n* ,hest- olle# eno &o(s $l!,%1!n#1)hite e*es 'listenin' )ith te! s: <Antonio neve fo 'et11Antonio neve fo 'et3< Wh!t )!s the " e,ise n!t( e of the i&&o !l o$li'!tion I neve le! ne#$(t $e it )h!t it &!*- he h!# eve * f!,ilit* 'iven hi& to e&!in (n#e lo,% !n# %e*- )ith ! ,h!i - ! t!$le- ! &!tt ess in ! ,o ne - !n# ! litte of f!llen "l!ste on the floo - in !n i !tion!l st!te of f(n%!n# %ee"in' (" his "e,%e )ith s(,h toni,s !s M! i!ni #is"ense#+ This l!ste# till the evenin' of the thi # #!*- )hen- !fte lettin' o(t ! fe) ho i$le s, e!&s- he fo(n# hi&self ,o&"elle# to see% s!fet* in fli'ht f o& ! le'ion of ,enti"e#es+ He $( st the #oo o"en- &!#e one le!" fo #e! life #o)n the , !/* little st!i )!*- l!n#e# $o#il* on M! i!ni's sto&!,h- "i,%e# hi&self ("- !n# $olte# li%e ! !$$it into the st eets+ The "oli,e "l(,%e# hi& off ! '! $!'e1he!" in the e! l* &o nin'+ At fi st he h!# ! notion the* )e e ,! *in' hi& off to $e h!n'e#- !n# fo('ht fo li$e t* li%e ! he o- $(t )hen I s!t #o)n $* his $e# he h!# $een ve * 9(iet fo t)o #!*s+ His le!n $ on/e# he!#- )ith )hite &o(st!,hes- loo%e# fine !n# ,!l& on the "illo)- li%e the he!# of ! )! 1)o n sol#ie )ith ! ,hil#1li%e so(l- h!# it not $een fo ! hint of s"e,t !l !l! & th!t l( %e# in the $l!n% 'litte of his 'l!n,eese&$lin' ! non#es, i"t fo & of ! te o , o(,hin' silentl* $ehin# ! "!ne of 'l!ss+ He )!s so e.t e&el* ,!l&- th!t I $e'!n to in#(l'e in the e,,ent i, ho"e of he! in' so&ethin' e."l!n!to * of the f!&o(s !ff!i f o& his "oint of vie)+ Wh* I lon'e# to 'o ' ($$in' into the #e"lo !$le #et!ils of !n o,,( en,e )hi,h- !fte !ll- ,on,e ne# &e no &o e th!n !s ! &e&$e of !n o$s,( e $o#* of &en hel# to'ethe $* ! ,o&&(nit* of in'lo io(s toil !n# $* fi#elit* to ! ,e t!in st!n#! # of ,on#(,tI ,!n't e."l!in+ Yo( &!* ,!ll it !n (nhe!lth* ,( iosit* if *o( li%e0 $(t I h!ve ! #istin,t notion I )ishe# to fin# so&ethin'+ Pe h!"s(n,ons,io(sl*- I ho"e# I )o(l# fin# th!t so&ethin'- so&e " ofo(n# !n# e#ee&in' ,!(se- so&e &e ,if(l e."l!n!tion- so&e ,onvin,in' sh!#o) of !n e.,(se+ I see )ell eno('h no) th!t I ho"e# fo the i&"ossi$le11fo the l!*in' of )h!t is the &ost o$stin!te 'host of &!n's , e!tion- of the (ne!s* #o($t (" isin' li%e ! &ist- se, et !n# 'n!)in' li%e ! )o &- !n# &o e ,hillin' th!n the ,e tit(#e of #e!th11the #o($t of the sove ei'n "o)e enth one# in ! fi.e# st!n#! # of ,on#(,t+ It is the h! #est thin' to st(&$le !'!inst0 it is the thin' th!t $ ee#s *ellin' "!ni,s !n# 'oo# little 9(iet vill!inies0 it's the t (e sh!#o) of ,!l!&it*+ Di# I $elieve in ! &i !,le5 !n# )h* #i# I #esi e it so ! #entl*5 W!s it fo &* o)n s!%e th!t I )ishe# to fin# so&e sh!#o) of !n e.,(se fo th!t *o(n' fello) )ho& I h!# neve seen $efo e- $(t )hose !""e! !n,e !lone !##e# ! to(,h of "e son!l ,on,e n to the tho('hts s(''este# $* the %no)le#'e of his )e!%ness11&!#e it ! thin' of &*ste * !n# te o 11li%e ! hint of ! #est (,tive f!te e!#* fo (s !ll )hose *o(th11in its #!*11h!# ese&$le# his *o(th5 I fe! th!t s(,h )!s the se, et &otive of &* " *in'+ I )!s- !n# no &ist!%e- loo%in' fo ! &i !,le+ The onl* thin' th!t !t this #ist!n,e of ti&e st i%es &e !s &i !,(lo(s is the e.tent of &* i&$e,ilit*+ I "ositivel* ho"e# to o$t!in f o& th!t $!tte e# !n# sh!#* inv!li# so&e e.o ,is& !'!inst the 'host of #o($t+ I &(st h!ve $een " ett* #es"e !te too- fo - )itho(t loss of ti&e- !fte

! fe) in#iffe ent !n# f ien#l* senten,es )hi,h he !ns)e e# )ith l!n'(i# e!#iness- 2(st !s !n* #e,ent si,% &!n )o(l# #o- I " o#(,e# the )o # P!tn! ) !""e# (" in ! #eli,!te 9(estion !s in ! )is" of floss sil%+ I )!s #eli,!te selfishl*0 I #i# not )!nt to st! tle hi&0 I h!# no soli,it(#e fo hi&0 I )!s not f( io(s )ith hi& !n# so * fo hi&: his e."e ien,e )!s of no i&"o t!n,e- his e#e&"tion )o(l# h!ve h!# no "oint fo &e+ He h!# ' o)n ol# in &ino ini9(ities!n# ,o(l# no lon'e ins"i e !ve sion o "it*+ He e"e!te# P!tn!5 inte o'!tivel*- see&e# to &!%e ! sho t effo t of &e&o *- !n# s!i#: <F(ite i'ht+ I !& !n ol# st!'e o(t he e+ I s!) he 'o #o)n+< I &!#e e!#* to vent &* in#i'n!tion !t s(,h ! st("i# lie- )hen he !##e# s&oothl*- <She )!s f(ll of e"tiles+< 'This &!#e &e "!(se+ Wh!t #i# he &e!n5 The (nste!#* "h!nto& of te o $ehin# his 'l!ss* e*es see&e# to st!n# still !n# loo% into &ine )istf(ll*+ <The* t( ne# &e o(t of &* $(n% in the &i##le )!t,h to loo% !t he sin%in'-< he "( s(e# in ! efle,tive tone+ His voi,e so(n#e# !l! &in'l* st on' !ll !t on,e+ I )!s so * fo &* foll*+ The e )!s no sno)*1)in'e# ,oif of ! n( sin' siste to $e seen flittin' in the "e s"e,tive of the )! #0 $(t !)!* in the &i##le of ! lon' o) of e&"t* i on $e#ste!#s !n !,,i#ent ,!se f o& so&e shi" in the Ro!#s s!t (" $ o)n !n# '!(nt )ith ! )hite $!n#!'e set !%ishl* on the fo ehe!#+ S(##enl* &* inte estin' inv!li# shot o(t !n ! & thin li%e ! tent!,le !n# ,l!)e# &* sho(l#e + <Onl* &* e*es )e e 'oo# eno('h to see+ I !& f!&o(s fo &* e*esi'ht+ Th!t's )h* the* ,!lle# &e- I e."e,t+ None of the& )!s 9(i,% eno('h to see he 'o- $(t the* s!) th!t she )!s 'one i'ht eno('h- !n# s!n' o(t to'ethe 11li%e this+< + + + A )olfish ho)l se! ,he# the ve * e,esses of &* so(l+ <Oh3 &!%e 'i& # * ("-< )hine# the !,,i#ent ,!se i it!$l*+ <Yo( #on't $elieve &e- I s(""ose-< )ent on the othe )ith !n !i of ineff!$le ,on,eit+ <I tell *o( the e ! e no s(,h e*es !s &ine this si#e of the Pe si!n >(lf+ Loo% (n#e the $e#+< 'Of ,o( se I stoo"e# inst!ntl*+ I #ef* !n*$o#* not to h!ve #one so+ <Wh!t ,!n *o( see5< he !s%e#+ <Nothin'-< I s!i#- feelin' !)f(ll* !sh!&e# of &*self+ He s, (tinise# &* f!,e )ith )il# !n# )ithe in' ,onte&"t+ <J(st so-< he s!i#- <$(t if I )e e to loo% I ,o(l# see11the e's no e*es li%e &ine- I tell *o(+< A'!in he ,l!)e#"(llin' !t &e #o)n)! #s in his e!'e ness to elieve hi&self $* ! ,onfi#enti!l ,o&&(ni,!tion+ <Millions of "in% to!#s+ The e's no e*es li%e &ine+ Millions of "in% to!#s+ It's )o se th!n seein' ! shi" sin%+ I ,o(l# loo% !t sin%in' shi"s !n# s&o%e &* "i"e !ll #!* lon'+ Wh* #on't the* 'ive &e $!,% &* "i"e5 I )o(l# 'et ! s&o%e )hile I )!t,he# these to!#s+ The shi" )!s f(ll of the&+ The*'ve 'ot to $e )!t,he#- *o( %no)+< He )in%e# f!,etio(sl*+ The "e s"i !tion # i""e# on hi& off &* he!#- &* # ill ,o!t ,l(n' to &* )et $!,%: the !fte noon $ ee/e s)e"t i&"et(o(sl* ove the o) of $e#ste!#sthe stiff fol#s of ,( t!ins sti e# "e "en#i,(l! l*- !ttlin' on $ !ss o#s- the ,ove s of e&"t* $e#s $le) !$o(t noiselessl* ne! the $! e floo !ll !lon' the line- !n# I shive e# to the ve * &! o)+ The soft )in# of the t o"i,s "l!*e# in th!t n!%e# )! # !s $le!% !s ! )inte 's '!le in !n ol# $! n !t ho&e+ <Don't *o( let hi& st! t his holle in'&iste -< h!ile# f o& !f! the !,,i#ent ,!se in ! #ist esse# !n' * sho(t th!t ,!&e in'in' $et)een the )!lls li%e ! 9(!ve in' ,!ll

#o)n ! t(nnel+ The ,l!)in' h!n# h!(le# !t &* sho(l#e 0 he lee e# !t &e %no)in'l*+ <The shi" )!s f(ll of the&- *o( %no)- !n# )e h!# to ,le! o(t on the st i,t F+T+-< he )his"e e# )ith e.t e&e !"i#it*+ <All "in%+ All "in%11!s $i' !s &!stiffs- )ith !n e*e on the to" of the he!# !n# ,l!)s !ll o(n# thei ('l* &o(ths+ O('h3 O('h3< F(i,% 2e %s !s of '!lv!ni, sho,%s #is,lose# (n#e the fl!t ,ove let the o(tlines of &e!' e !n# !'it!te# le's0 he let 'o &* sho(l#e !n# e!,he# !fte so&ethin' in the !i 0 his $o#* t e&$le# tensel* li%e ! ele!se# h! "1st in'0 !n# )hile I loo%e# #o)n- the s"e,t !l ho o in hi& $ o%e th o('h his 'l!ss* '!/e+ Inst!ntl* his f!,e of !n ol# sol#ie - )ith its no$le !n# ,!l& o(tlines- $e,!&e #e,o&"ose# $efo e &* e*es $* the ,o ("tion of ste!lth* ,(nnin'of !n !$o&in!$le ,!(tion !n# of #es"e !te fe! + He est !ine# ! , *11 <Ssh3 )h!t ! e the* #oin' no) #o)n the e5< he !s%e#- "ointin' to the floo )ith f!nt!sti, " e,!(tions of voi,e !n# 'est( e- )hose &e!nin'- $o ne ("on &* &in# in ! l( i# fl!sh- &!#e &e ve * si,% of &* ,leve ness+ <The* ! e !ll !slee"-< I !ns)e e#- )!t,hin' hi& n! o)l*+ Th!t )!s it+ Th!t's )h!t he )!nte# to he! 0 these )e e the e.!,t )o #s th!t ,o(l# ,!l& hi&+ He # e) ! lon' $ e!th+ <Ssh3 F(iet- ste!#*+ I !& !n ol# st!'e o(t he e+ I %no) the& $ (tes+ B!sh in the he!# of the fi st th!t sti s+ The e's too &!n* of the&!n# she )on't s)i& &o e th!n ten &in(tes+< He "!nte# !'!in+ <H( * ("-< he *elle# s(##enl*- !n# )ent on in ! ste!#* s, e!&: <The* ! e !ll !)!%e11&illions of the&+ The* ! e t !&"lin' on &e3 W!it3 Oh- )!it3 I'll s&!sh the& in he!"s li%e flies+ W!it fo &e3 Hel"3 H1e1el"3< An inte &in!$le !n# s(st!ine# ho)l ,o&"lete# &* #is,o&fit( e+ I s!) in the #ist!n,e the !,,i#ent ,!se !ise #e"lo !$l* $oth his h!n#s to his $!n#!'e# he!#0 ! # esse - !" one# to the ,hin sho)e# hi&self in the vist! of the )! #- !s if seen in the s&!ll en# of ! teles,o"e+ I ,onfesse# &*self f!i l* o(te#- !n# )itho(t &o e !#o- ste""in' o(t th o('h one of the lon' )in#o)s- es,!"e# into the o(tsi#e '!lle *+ The ho)l "( s(e# &e li%e ! ven'e!n,e+ I t( ne# into ! #ese te# l!n#in'- !n# s(##enl* !ll $e,!&e ve * still !n# 9(iet ! o(n# &e- !n# I #es,en#e# the $! e !n# shin* st!i ,!se in ! silen,e th!t en!$le# &e to ,o&"ose &* #ist !,te# tho('hts+ Do)n $elo) I &et one of the esi#ent s( 'eons )ho )!s , ossin' the ,o( t*! # !n# sto""e# &e+ <Been to see *o( &!n- C!"t!in5 I thin% )e &!* let hi& 'o to1&o o)+ These fools h!ve no notion of t!%in' ,! e of the&selves- tho('h+ I s!*- )e've 'ot the ,hief en'inee of th!t "il' i& shi" he e+ A ,( io(s ,!se+ D+T+'s of the )o st %in#+ He h!s $een # in%in' h! # in th!t > ee%'s o It!li!n's ' o'1sho" fo th ee #!*s+ Wh!t ,!n *o( e."e,t5 4o( $ottles of th!t %in# of $ !n#* ! #!*- I !& tol#+ Won#e f(l- if t (e+ Sheete# )ith $oile 1i on insi#e I sho(l# thin%+ The he!#- !h3 the he!#- of ,o( se- 'one- $(t the ,( io(s "! t is the e's so&e so t of &etho# in his !vin'+ I !& t *in' to fin# o(t+ Most (n(s(!l11th!t th e!# of lo'i, in s(,h ! #eli i(&+ T !#ition!ll* he o('ht to see sn!%es- $(t he #oesn't+ >oo# ol# t !#ition's !t ! #is,o(nt no)!#!*s+ Eh3 His11e 11visions ! e $!t !,hi!n+ H!3 h!3 No- se io(sl*- I neve e&e&$e $ein' so inte este# in ! ,!se of 2i&12!&s $efo e+ He o('ht to $e #e!#- #on't *o( %no)!fte s(,h ! festive e."e i&ent+ Oh3 he is ! to('h o$2e,t+ 4o( 1!n#1t)ent* *e! s of the t o"i,s too+ Yo( o('ht e!ll* to t!%e ! "ee" !t hi&+ No$le1loo%in' ol# $oo/e + Most e.t !o #in! * &!n I eve &et11&e#i,!ll*- of ,o( se+ Won't *o(5<

'I h!ve $een !ll $(t no) !ss(&in' shoo% h!n#s in ! th!t in9(i *+ Is

!lon' e.hi$itin' the (s(!l "olite si'ns of inte est!n !i of e' et I &( &( e# of )!nt of ti&e- !n# h( *+ <I s!*-< he , ie# !fte &e0 <he ,!n't !tten# his evi#en,e &!te i!l- *o( thin%5<

' <Not in the le!st-< I ,!lle# $!,% f o& the '!te)!*+'

CHAPTER G 'The !(tho ities )e e evi#entl* of the s!&e o"inion+ The in9(i * )!s not !#2o( ne#+ It )!s hel# on the !""ointe# #!* to s!tisf* the l!)- !n# it )!s )ell !tten#e# $e,!(se of its h(&!n inte est- no #o($t+ The e )!s no in,e tit(#e !s to f!,ts11!s to the one &!te i!l f!,t- I &e!n+ Ho) the P!tn! ,!&e $* he h( t it )!s i&"ossi$le to fin# o(t0 the ,o( t #i# not e."e,t to fin# o(t0 !n# in the )hole !(#ien,e the e )!s not ! &!n )ho ,! e#+ Yet- !s I've tol# *o(- !ll the s!ilo s in the "o t !tten#e#- !n# the )!te si#e $(siness )!s f(ll* e" esente#+ Whethe the* %ne) it o not- the inte est th!t # e) the& he e )!s "( el* "s*,holo'i,!l11the e."e,t!tion of so&e essenti!l #is,los( e !s to the st en'th- the "o)e - the ho o - of h(&!n e&otions+ N!t( !ll* nothin' of the %in# ,o(l# $e #is,lose#+ The e.!&in!tion of the onl* &!n !$le !n# )illin' to f!,e it )!s $e!tin' f(tilel* o(n# the )ell1%no)n f!,t- !n# the "l!* of 9(estions ("on it )!s !s inst (,tive !s the t!""in' )ith ! h!&&e on !n i on $o.- )e e the o$2e,t to fin# o(t )h!t's insi#e+ Ho)eve - !n offi,i!l in9(i * ,o(l# not $e !n* othe thin'+ Its o$2e,t )!s not the f(n#!&ent!l )h*- $(t the s("e fi,i!l ho)- of this !ff!i + 'The *o(n' ,h!" ,o(l# h!ve tol# the&- !n#- tho('h th!t ve * thin' )!s the thin' th!t inte este# the !(#ien,e- the 9(estions "(t to hi& ne,ess! il* le# hi& !)!* f o& )h!t to &e- fo inst!n,e)o(l# h!ve $een the onl* t (th )o th %no)in'+ Yo( ,!n't e."e,t the ,onstit(te# !(tho ities to in9(i e into the st!te of ! &!n's so(l11 o is it onl* of his live 5 Thei $(siness )!s to ,o&e #o)n ("on the ,onse9(en,es- !n# f !n%l*- ! ,!s(!l "oli,e &!'ist !te !n# t)o n!(ti,!l !ssesso s ! e not &(,h 'oo# fo !n*thin' else+ I #on't &e!n to i&"l* these fello)s )e e st("i#+ The &!'ist !te )!s ve * "!tient+ One of the !ssesso s )!s ! s!ilin'1shi" s%i""e )ith ! e##ish $e! #!n# of ! "io(s #is"osition+ B ie l* )!s the othe + Bi' B ie l*+ So&e of *o( &(st h!ve he! # of Bi' B ie l*11the ,!"t!in of the , !,% shi" of the Bl(e St! line+ Th!t's the &!n+ 'He see&e# ,ons(&e#l* $o e# $* the hono( th (st ("on hi&+ He h!# neve in his life &!#e ! &ist!%e- neve h!# !n !,,i#entneve ! &ish!"- neve ! ,he,% in his ste!#* ise- !n# he see&e# to $e one of those l(,%* fello)s )ho %no) nothin' of in#e,ision- &(,h less of self1&ist (st+ At thi t*1t)o he h!# one of the $est ,o&&!n#s 'oin' in the E!ste n t !#e11!n#- )h!t's &o e- he tho('ht ! lot of )h!t he h!#+ The e )!s nothin' li%e it in the )o l#- !n# I s(""ose if *o( h!# !s%e# hi& "oint1$l!n% he )o(l# h!ve ,onfesse# th!t in

his o"inion the e )!s not s(,h !nothe ,o&&!n#e + The ,hoi,e h!# f!llen ("on the i'ht &!n+ The est of &!n%in# th!t #i# not ,o&&!n# the si.teen1%not steel ste!&e Oss! )e e !the "oo , e!t( es+ He h!# s!ve# lives !t se!- h!# es,(e# shi"s in #ist ess- h!# ! 'ol# ,h ono&ete " esente# to hi& $* the (n#e ) ite s- !n# ! "!i of $ino,(l! s )ith ! s(it!$le ins, i"tion f o& so&e fo ei'n >ove n&ent- in ,o&&e&o !tion of these se vi,es+ He )!s !,(tel* !)! e of his &e its !n# of his e)! #s+ I li%e# hi& )ell eno('htho('h so&e I %no)11&ee%- f ien#l* &en !t th!t11,o(l#n't st!n# hi& !t !n* " i,e+ I h!ven't the sli'htest #o($t he ,onsi#e e# hi&self v!stl* &* s("e io 11in#ee#- h!# *o( $een E&"e o of E!st !n# West- *o( ,o(l# not h!ve i'no e# *o( infe io it* in his " esen,e11 $(t I ,o(l#n't 'et (" !n* e!l senti&ent of offen,e+ He #i# not #es"ise &e fo !n*thin' I ,o(l# hel"- fo !n*thin' I )!s11#on't *o( %no)5 I )!s ! ne'li'i$le 9(!ntit* si&"l* $e,!(se I )!s not BtheB fo t(n!te &!n of the e! th- not Mont!'(e B ie l* in ,o&&!n# of the Oss!- not the o)ne of !n ins, i$e# 'ol# ,h ono&ete !n# of silve 1&o(nte# $ino,(l! s testif*in' to the e.,ellen,e of &* se!&!nshi" !n# to &* in#o&it!$le "l(,%0 not "ossesse# of !n !,(te sense of &* &e its !n# of &* e)! #s- $esi#es the love !n# )o shi" of ! $l!,% et ieve - the &ost )on#e f(l of its %in#11fo neve )!s s(,h ! &!n love# th(s $* s(,h ! #o'+ No #o($t- to h!ve !ll this fo ,e# ("on *o( )!s e.!s"e !tin' eno('h0 $(t )hen I efle,te# th!t I )!s !sso,i!te# in these f!t!l #is!#v!nt!'es )ith t)elve h(n# e# &illions of othe &o e o less h(&!n $ein's- I fo(n# I ,o(l# $e! &* sh! e of his 'oo#1n!t( e# !n# ,onte&"t(o(s "it* fo the s!%e of so&ethin' in#efinite !n# !tt !,tive in the &!n+ I h!ve neve #efine# to &*self this !tt !,tion- $(t the e )e e &o&ents )hen I envie# hi&+ The stin' of life ,o(l# #o no &o e to his ,o&"l!,ent so(l th!n the s, !t,h of ! "in to the s&ooth f!,e of ! o,%+ This )!s envi!$le+ As I loo%e# !t hi&- fl!n%in' on one si#e the (n!ss(&in' "!le1f!,e# &!'ist !te )ho " esi#e# !t the in9(i *- his self1s!tisf!,tion " esente# to &e !n# to the )o l# ! s( f!,e !s h! # !s ' !nite+ He ,o&&itte# s(i,i#e ve * soon !fte + 'No )on#e Ji&'s ,!se $o e# hi&- !n# )hile I tho('ht )ith so&ethin' !%in to fe! of the i&&ensit* of his ,onte&"t fo the *o(n' &!n (n#e e.!&in!tion- he )!s " o$!$l* hol#in' silent in9(i * into his o)n ,!se+ The ve #i,t &(st h!ve $een of (n&iti'!te# '(ilt- !n# he too% the se, et of the evi#en,e )ith hi& in th!t le!" into the se!+ If I (n#e st!n# !n*thin' of &en- the &!tte )!s no #o($t of the ' !vest i&"o t- one of those t ifles th!t !)!%en i#e!s11st! t into life so&e tho('ht )ith )hi,h ! &!n (n(se# to s(,h ! ,o&"!nionshi" fin#s it i&"ossi$le to live+ I !& in ! "osition to %no) th!t it )!sn't &one*- !n# it )!sn't # in%- !n# it )!sn't )o&!n+ He 2(&"e# ove $o! # !t se! $! el* ! )ee% !fte the en# of the in9(i *- !n# less th!n th ee #!*s !fte le!vin' "o t on his o(t)! # "!ss!'e0 !s tho('h on th!t e.!,t s"ot in the &i#st of )!te s he h!# s(##enl* "e ,eive# the '!tes of the othe )o l# fl(n' o"en )i#e fo his e,e"tion+ 'Yet it )!s not ! s(##en i&"(lse+ His ' e*1he!#e# &!te- ! fi st1 !te s!ilo !n# ! ni,e ol# ,h!" )ith st !n'e s- $(t in his el!tions )ith his ,o&&!n#e the s( liest ,hief offi,e I've eve seen- )o(l#

tell the sto * )ith te! s in his e*es+ It !""e! s th!t )hen he ,!&e on #e,% in the &o nin' B ie l* h!# $een ) itin' in the ,h! t1 oo&+ <It )!s ten &in(tes to fo( -< he s!i#- <!n# the &i##le )!t,h )!s not elieve# *et of ,o( se+ He he! # &* voi,e on the $ i#'e s"e!%in' to the se,on# &!te- !n# ,!lle# &e in+ I )!s loth to 'o- !n# th!t's the t (th- C!"t!in M! lo)11I ,o(l#n't st!n# "oo C!"t!in B ie l*I tell *o( )ith sh!&e0 )e neve %no) )h!t ! &!n is &!#e of+ He h!# $een " o&ote# ove too &!n* he!#s- not ,o(ntin' &* o)n!n# he h!# ! #!&n!$le t i,% of &!%in' *o( feel s&!ll- nothin' $(t $* the )!* he s!i# '>oo# &o nin'+' I neve !## esse# hi&- si - $(t on &!tte s of #(t*- !n# then it )!s !s &(,h !s I ,o(l# #o to %ee" ! ,ivil ton'(e in &* he!#+< ?He fl!tte e# hi&self the e+ I often )on#e e# ho) B ie l* ,o(l# "(t (" )ith his &!nne s fo &o e th!n h!lf ! vo*!'e+@ <I've ! )ife !n# ,hil# en-< he )ent on- <!n# I h!# $een ten *e! s in the Co&"!n*- !l)!*s e."e,tin' the ne.t ,o&&!n#11&o e fool I+ S!*s he- 2(st li%e this: 'Co&e in he e- M + Jones-' in th!t s)!''e voi,e of his11'Co&e in he e- M + Jones+' In I )ent+ 'We'll l!* #o)n he "osition-' s!*s he- stoo"in' ove the ,h! t- ! "!i of #ivi#e s in h!n#+ B* the st!n#in' o #e s- the offi,e 'oin' off #(t* )o(l# h!ve #one th!t !t the en# of his )!t,h+ Ho)eve I s!i# nothin'- !n# loo%e# on )hile he &! %e# off the shi"'s "osition )ith ! tin* , oss !n# ) ote the #!te !n# the ti&e+ I ,!n see hi& this &o&ent ) itin' his ne!t fi'( es: seventeen- ei'ht- fo( A+M+ The *e! )o(l# $e ) itten in e# in% !t the to" of the ,h! t+ He neve (se# his ,h! ts &o e th!n ! *e! - C!"t!in B ie l* #i#n't+ I've the ,h! t no)+ When he h!# #one he st!n#s loo%in' #o)n !t the &! % he h!# &!#e !n# s&ilin' to hi&self- then loo%s (" !t &e+ 'Thi t*1t)o &iles &o e !s she 'oes-' s!*s he- '!n# then )e sh!ll $e ,le! - !n# *o( &!* !lte the ,o( se t)ent* #e' ees to the so(th)! #+' ' <We )e e "!ssin' to the no th of the He,to B!n% th!t vo*!'e+ I s!i#- 'All i'ht- si -' )on#e in' )h!t he )!s f(ssin' !$o(t- sin,e I h!# to ,!ll hi& $efo e !lte in' the ,o( se !n*ho)+ l(st then ei'ht $ells )e e st (,%: )e ,!&e o(t on the $ i#'e- !n# the se,on# &!te $efo e 'oin' off &entions in the (s(!l )!*11'Sevent*1one on the lo'+' C!"t!in B ie l* loo%s !t the ,o&"!ss !n# then !ll o(n#+ It )!s #! % !n# ,le! - !n# !ll the st! s )e e o(t !s "l!in !s on ! f ost* ni'ht in hi'h l!tit(#es+ S(##enl* he s!*s )ith ! so t of ! little si'h: 'I !& 'oin' !ft- !n# sh!ll set the lo' !t /e o fo *o( &*self- so th!t the e ,!n $e no &ist!%e+ Thi t*1t)o &iles &o e on this ,o( se !n# then *o( ! e s!fe+ Let's see11the ,o e,tion on the lo' is si. "e ,ent+ !##itive0 s!*- then- thi t* $* the #i!l to (n- !n# *o( &!* ,o&e t)ent* #e' ees to st! $o! # !t on,e+ No (se losin' !n* #ist!n,e11is the e5' I h!# neve he! # hi& t!l% so &(,h !t ! st et,h- !n# to no "( "ose !s it see&e# to &e+ I s!i# nothin'+ He )ent #o)n the l!##e - !n# the #o'- th!t )!s !l)!*s !t his heels )heneve he &ove#- ni'ht o #!*- follo)e#- sli#in' nose fi st- !fte hi&+ I he! # his $oot1heels t!"- t!" on the !fte 1#e,%- then he sto""e# !n# s"o%e to the #o'11'>o $!,%- Rove + On the $ i#'e- $o*3 >o on11'et+' Then he ,!lls o(t to &e f o& the #! %- 'Sh(t th!t #o' (" in the ,h! t1 oo&- M + Jones11)ill *o(5' ' <This )!s the l!st ti&e I he! # his voi,e- C!"t!in M! lo)+ These ! e the l!st )o #s he s"o%e in the he! in' of !n* livin' h(&!n

$ein'- si +< At this "oint the ol# ,h!"'s voi,e 'ot 9(ite (nste!#*+ <He )!s !f !i# the "oo $ (te )o(l# 2(&" !fte hi&- #on't *o( see5< he "( s(e# )ith ! 9(!ve + <Yes- C!"t!in M! lo)+ He set the lo' fo &e0 he11)o(l# *o( $elieve it511he "(t ! # o" of oil in it too+ The e )!s the oil1fee#e )he e he left it ne! $*+ The $o!t11 s)!in's &!te 'ot the hose !lon' !ft to )!sh #o)n !t h!lf1"!st five0 $*1!n#1$* he %no,%s off !n# (ns (" on the $ i#'e11'Will *o( "le!se ,o&e !ft- M + Jones-' he s!*s+ 'The e's ! f(nn* thin'+ I #on't li%e to to(,h it+' It )!s C!"t!in B ie l*'s 'ol# ,h ono&ete )!t,h ,! ef(ll* h(n' (n#e the !il $* its ,h!in+ ' <As soon !s &* e*es fell on it so&ethin' st (,% &e- !n# I %ne)si + M* le's 'ot soft (n#e &e+ It )!s !s if I h!# seen hi& 'o ove 0 !n# I ,o(l# tell ho) f! $ehin# he )!s left too+ The t!ff !il1lo' &! %e# ei'hteen &iles !n# th ee19(! te s- !n# fo( i on $el!*in'1"ins )e e &issin' o(n# the &!in&!st+ P(t the& in his "o,%ets to hel" hi& #o)n- I s(""ose0 $(t- Lo #3 )h!t's fo( i on "ins to ! "o)e f(l &!n li%e C!"t!in B ie l*+ M!*$e his ,onfi#en,e in hi&self )!s 2(st shoo% ! $it !t the l!st+ Th!t's the onl* si'n of fl(ste he '!ve in his )hole life- I sho(l# thin%0 $(t I !& e!#* to !ns)e fo hi&- th!t on,e ove he #i# not t * to s)i& ! st o%e- the s!&e !s he )o(l# h!ve h!# "l(,% eno('h to %ee" (" !ll #!* lon' on the $! e ,h!n,e h!# he f!llen ove $o! # !,,i#ent!ll*+ Yes- si + He )!s se,on# to none11if he s!i# so hi&self- !s I he! # hi& on,e+ He h!# ) itten t)o lette s in the &i##le )!t,h- one to the Co&"!n* !n# the othe to &e+ He '!ve &e ! lot of inst (,tions !s to the "!ss!'e11 I h!# $een in the t !#e $efo e he )!s o(t of his ti&e11!n# no en# of hints !s to &* ,on#(,t )ith o( "eo"le in Sh!n'h!i- so th!t I sho(l# %ee" the ,o&&!n# of the Oss!+ He ) ote li%e ! f!the )o(l# to ! f!vo( ite son- C!"t!in M! lo)- !n# I )!s five1!n#1t)ent* *e! s his senio !n# h!# t!ste# s!lt )!te $efo e he )!s f!i l* $ ee,he#+ In his lette to the o)ne s11it )!s left o"en fo &e to see11he s!i# th!t he h!# !l)!*s #one his #(t* $* the&11(" to th!t &o&ent11 !n# even no) he )!s not $et !*in' thei ,onfi#en,e- sin,e he )!s le!vin' the shi" to !s ,o&"etent ! se!&!n !s ,o(l# $e fo(n#11 &e!nin' &e- si - &e!nin' &e3 He tol# the& th!t if the l!st !,t of his life #i#n't t!%e !)!* !ll his , e#it )ith the&- the* )o(l# 'ive )ei'ht to &* f!ithf(l se vi,e !n# to his )! & e,o&&en#!tion)hen !$o(t to fill the v!,!n,* &!#e $* his #e!th+ An# &(,h &o e li%e this- si + I ,o(l#n't $elieve &* e*es+ It &!#e &e feel 9(ee !ll ove -< )ent on the ol# ,h!"- in ' e!t "e t( $!tion- !n# s9(!shin' so&ethin' in the ,o ne of his e*e )ith the en# of ! th(&$ !s $ o!# !s ! s"!t(l!+ <Yo( )o(l# thin%- si - he h!# 2(&"e# ove $o! # onl* to 'ive !n (nl(,%* &!n ! l!st sho) to 'et on+ Wh!t )ith the sho,% of hi& 'oin' in this !)f(l !sh )!*- !n# thin%in' &*self ! &!#e &!n $* th!t ,h!n,e- I )!s ne! l* off &* ,h(&" fo ! )ee%+ B(t no fe! + The ,!"t!in of the Pelion )!s shifte# into the Oss!11,!&e !$o! # in Sh!n'h!i11! little "o"in2!*- si - in ! ' e* ,he,% s(it- )ith his h!i "! te# in the &i##le+ 'A)11I !&11!)11*o( ne) ,!"t!inMiste 11Miste 11!)11Jones+' He )!s # o)ne# in s,ent11f!i l* st(n% )ith it- C!"t!in M! lo)+ I #! e s!* it )!s the loo% I '!ve hi& th!t &!#e hi& st!&&e + He &(&$le# so&ethin' !$o(t &* n!t( !l #is!""oint&ent11I h!# $ette %no) !t on,e th!t his ,hief offi,e 'ot the " o&otion to the Pelion11he h!# nothin' to #o )ith it- of

,o( se11s(""ose# the offi,e %ne) $est11so *+ + + + S!*s I- 'Don't *o( &in# ol# Jones- si 0 #!&' his so(l- he's (se# to it+' I ,o(l# see #i e,tl* I h!# sho,%e# his #eli,!te e! - !n# )hile )e s!t !t o( fi st tiffin to'ethe he $e'!n to fin# f!(lt in ! n!st* &!nne )ith this !n# th!t in the shi"+ I neve he! # s(,h ! voi,e o(t of ! P(n,h !n# J(#* sho)+ I set &* teeth h! #- !n# 'l(e# &* e*es to &* "l!te- !n# hel# &* "e!,e !s lon' !s I ,o(l#0 $(t !t l!st I h!# to s!* so&ethin'+ U" he 2(&"s ti"toein'- (fflin' !ll his " ett* "l(&es- li%e ! little fi'htin'1,o,%+ 'Yo('ll fin# *o( h!ve ! #iffe ent "e son to #e!l )ith th!n the l!te C!"t!in B ie l*+' 'I've fo(n# it-' s!*s I- ve * 'l(&- $(t " eten#in' to $e &i'ht* $(s* )ith &* ste!%+ 'Yo( ! e !n ol# (ffi!nMiste 11!)11Jones0 !n# )h!t's &o e- *o( ! e %no)n fo !n ol# (ffi!n in the e&"lo*-' he s9(e!%s !t &e+ The #!&ne# $ottle1)!she s stoo# !$o(t listenin' )ith thei &o(ths st et,he# f o& e! to e! + 'I &!* $e ! h! # ,!se-' !ns)e s I- '$(t I !in't so f! 'one !s to "(t (" )ith the si'ht of *o( sittin' in C!"t!in B ie l*'s ,h!i +' With th!t I l!* #o)n &* %nife !n# fo %+ 'Yo( )o(l# li%e to sit in it *o( self11th!t's )he e the shoe "in,hes-' he snee s+ I left the s!loon- 'ot &* !'s to'ethe - !n# )!s on the 9(!* )ith !ll &* #(nn!'e !$o(t &* feet $efo e the steve#o es h!# t( ne# to !'!in+ Yes+ A# ift11on sho e11!fte ten *e! s' se vi,e11!n# )ith ! "oo )o&!n !n# fo( ,hil# en si. tho(s!n# &iles off #e"en#in' on &* h!lf1"!* fo eve * &o(thf(l the* !te+ Yes- si 3 I ,h(,%e# it !the th!n he! C!"t!in B ie l* !$(se#+ He left &e his ni'ht1'l!sses11he e the* ! e0 !n# he )ishe# &e to t!%e ,! e of the #o'11he e he is+ H!llo- Rove "oo $o*+ Whe e's the ,!"t!in- Rove 5< The #o' loo%e# (" !t (s )ith &o( nf(l *ello) e*es- '!ve one #esol!te $! %- !n# , e"t (n#e the t!$le+ 'All this )!s t!%in' "l!,e- &o e th!n t)o *e! s !fte )! #s- on $o! # th!t n!(ti,!l (in the 4i e1F(een this Jones h!# 'ot ,h! 'e of119(ite $* ! f(nn* !,,i#ent- too11f o& M!the son11&!# M!the son the* 'ene !ll* ,!lle# hi&11the s!&e )ho (se# to h!n' o(t in H!i1"hon'- *o( %no)- $efo e the o,,("!tion #!*s+ The ol# ,h!" sn(ffle# on11 ' <A*- si - C!"t!in B ie l* )ill $e e&e&$e e# he e- if the e's no othe "l!,e on e! th+ I ) ote f(ll* to his f!the !n# #i# not 'et ! )o # in e"l*11neithe Th!n% *o(- no >o to the #evil311nothin'3 Pe h!"s the* #i# not )!nt to %no)+< 'The si'ht of th!t )!te *1e*e# ol# Jones &o""in' his $!l# he!# )ith ! e# ,otton h!n#%e ,hief- the so o)in' *el" of the #o'- the s9(!lo of th!t fl*1$lo)n ,(##* )hi,h )!s the onl* sh ine of his &e&o *- th e) ! veil of ine." essi$l* &e!n "!thos ove B ie l*'s e&e&$e e# fi'( e- the "osth(&o(s even'e of f!te fo th!t $elief in his o)n s"len#o( )hi,h h!# !l&ost ,he!te# his life of its le'iti&!te te o s+ Al&ost3 Pe h!"s )holl*+ Who ,!n tell )h!t fl!tte in' vie) he h!# in#(,e# hi&self to t!%e of his o)n s(i,i#e5 ' <Wh* #i# he ,o&&it the !sh !,t- C!"t!in M! lo)11,!n *o( thin%5< !s%e# Jones- " essin' his "!l&s to'ethe + <Wh*5 It $e!ts &e3 Wh*5< He sl!""e# his lo) !n# ) in%le# fo ehe!#+ <If he h!# $een "oo !n# ol# !n# in #e$t11!n# neve ! sho)11o else &!#+

B(t he )!sn't of the %in# th!t 'oes &!#- not he+ Yo( t (st &e+ Wh!t ! &!te #on't %no) !$o(t his s%i""e isn't )o th %no)in'+ Yo(n'- he!lth*- )ell off- no ,! es+ + + + I sit he e so&eti&es thin%in'thin%in'- till &* he!# f!i l* $e'ins to $(//+ The e )!s so&e e!son+< ' <Yo( &!* #e"en# on it- C!"t!in Jones-< s!i# I- <it )!sn't !n*thin' th!t )o(l# h!ve #ist( $e# &(,h eithe of (s t)o-< I s!i#0 !n# then- !s if ! li'ht h!# $een fl!she# into the &(##le of his $ !in"oo ol# Jones fo(n# ! l!st )o # of !&!/in' " of(n#it*+ He $le) his nose- no##in' !t &e #olef(ll*: <A*- !*3 neithe *o( no I- si h!# eve tho('ht so &(,h of o( selves+< 'Of ,o( se the e,olle,tion of &* l!st ,onve s!tion )ith B ie l* is tin'e# )ith the %no)le#'e of his en# th!t follo)e# so ,lose ("on it+ I s"o%e )ith hi& fo the l!st ti&e #( in' the " o' ess of the in9(i *+ It )!s !fte the fi st !#2o( n&ent- !n# he ,!&e (" )ith &e in the st eet+ He )!s in ! st!te of i it!tion- )hi,h I noti,e# )ith s( " ise- his (s(!l $eh!vio( )hen he ,on#es,en#e# to ,onve se $ein' "e fe,tl* ,ool- )ith ! t !,e of !&(se# tole !n,e- !s if the e.isten,e of his inte lo,(to h!# $een ! !the 'oo# 2o%e+ <The* ,!('ht &e fo th!t in9(i *- *o( see-< he $e'!n- !n# fo ! )hile enl! 'e# ,o&"l!inin'l* ("on the in,onvenien,es of #!il* !tten#!n,e in ,o( t+ <An# 'oo#ness %no)s ho) lon' it )ill l!st+ Th ee #!*sI s(""ose+< I he! # hi& o(t in silen,e0 in &* then o"inion it )!s ! )!* !s 'oo# !s !nothe of "(ttin' on si#e+ <Wh!t's the (se of it5 It is the st("i#est set1o(t *o( ,!n i&!'ine-< he "( s(e# hotl*+ I e&! %e# th!t the e )!s no o"tion+ He inte ("te# &e )ith ! so t of "ent1(" violen,e+ <I feel li%e ! fool !ll the ti&e+< I loo%e# (" !t hi&+ This )!s 'oin' ve * f! 11fo B ie l*11)hen t!l%in' of B ie l*+ He sto""e# sho t- !n# sei/in' the l!"el of &* ,o!t- '!ve it ! sli'ht t('+ <Wh* ! e )e to &entin' th!t *o(n' ,h!"5< he !s%e#+ This 9(estion ,hi&e# in so )ell to the tollin' of ! ,e t!in tho('ht of &ine th!t- )ith the i&!'e of the !$s,on#in' ene'!#e in &* e*e- I !ns)e e# !t on,e- <H!n'e# if I %no)- (nless it $e th!t he lets *o(+< I )!s !stonishe# to see hi& f!ll into line- so to s"e!%- )ith th!t (tte !n,e- )hi,h o('ht to h!ve $een tole !$l* , *"ti,+ He s!i# !n' il*- <Wh*- *es+ C!n't he see th!t ) et,he# s%i""e of his h!s ,le! e# o(t5 Wh!t #oes he e."e,t to h!""en5 Nothin' ,!n s!ve hi&+ He's #one fo +< We )!l%e# on in silen,e ! fe) ste"s+ <Wh* e!t !ll th!t #i t5< he e.,l!i&e#- )ith !n o ient!l ene '* of e." ession11 !$o(t the onl* so t of ene '* *o( ,!n fin# ! t !,e of e!st of the fiftieth &e i#i!n+ I )on#e e# ' e!tl* !t the #i e,tion of his tho('hts- $(t no) I st on'l* s(s"e,t it )!s st i,tl* in ,h! !,te : !t $otto& "oo B ie l* &(st h!ve $een thin%in' of hi&self+ I "ointe# o(t to hi& th!t the s%i""e of the P!tn! )!s %no)n to h!ve fe!the e# his nest " ett* )ell- !n# ,o(l# " o,( e !l&ost !n*)he e the &e!ns of 'ettin' !)!*+ With Ji& it )!s othe )ise: the >ove n&ent )!s %ee"in' hi& in the S!ilo s' Ho&e fo the ti&e $ein'- !n# " o$!$l* he h!#n't ! "enn* in his "o,%et to $less hi&self )ith+ It ,osts so&e &one* to (n !)!*+ <Does it5 Not !l)!*s-< he s!i#- )ith ! $itte l!('h- !n# to so&e f( the e&! % of &ine11<Well- then- let hi& , ee" t)ent* feet (n#e ' o(n# !n# st!* the e3 B* he!vens3 BIB )o(l#+< I #on't %no) )h* his tone " ovo%e# &e- !n# I s!i#- <The e

is ! %in# of ,o( !'e in f!,in' it o(t !s he #oes- %no)in' ve * )ell th!t if he )ent !)!* no$o#* )o(l# t o($le to (n !fte h&&+< <Co( !'e $e h!n'e#3< ' o)le# B ie l*+ <Th!t so t of ,o( !'e is of no (se to %ee" ! &!n st !i'ht- !n# I #on't ,! e ! sn!" fo s(,h ,o( !'e+ If *o( )e e to s!* it )!s ! %in# of ,o)! #i,e no)11of softness+ I tell *o( )h!t- I )ill "(t (" t)o h(n# e# ("ees if *o( "(t (" !nothe h(n# e# !n# (n#e t!%e to &!%e the $e''! ,le! o(t e! l* to1&o o) &o nin'+ The fello)'s ! 'entle&!n if he !in't fit to $e to(,he#11he )ill (n#e st!n#+ He &(st3 This infe n!l "($li,it* is too sho,%in': the e he sits )hile !ll these ,onfo(n#e# n!tives- se !n's- l!s,! s- 9(! te &!ste s- ! e 'ivin' evi#en,e th!t's eno('h to $( n ! &!n to !shes )ith sh!&e+ This is !$o&in!$le+ Wh*- M! lo)- #on't *o( thin%- #on't *o( feel- th!t this is !$o&in!$le0 #on't *o( no)11,o&e11!s ! se!&!n5 If he )ent !)!* !ll this )o(l# sto" !t on,e+< B ie l* s!i# these )o #s )ith ! &ost (n(s(!l !ni&!tion- !n# &!#e !s if to e!,h !fte his "o,%et1$oo%+ I est !ine# hi&- !n# #e,l! e# ,ol#l* th!t the ,o)! #i,e of these fo( &en #i# not see& to &e ! &!tte of s(,h ' e!t i&"o t!n,e+ <An# *o( ,!ll *o( self ! se!&!n- I s(""ose-< he " ono(n,e# !n' il*+ I s!i# th!t's )h!t I ,!lle# &*self- !n# I ho"e# I )!s too+ He he! # &e o(t- !n# &!#e ! 'est( e )ith his $i' ! & th!t see&e# to #e" ive &e of &* in#ivi#(!lit*- to "(sh &e !)!* into the , o)#+ <The )o st of it-< he s!i#- <is th!t !ll *o( fello)s h!ve no sense of #i'nit*0 *o( #on't thin% eno('h of )h!t *o( ! e s(""ose# to $e+< 'We h!# $een )!l%in' slo)l* &e!nti&e- !n# no) sto""e# o""osite the h! $o( offi,e- in si'ht of the ve * s"ot f o& )hi,h the i&&ense ,!"t!in of the P!tn! h!# v!nishe# !s (tte l* !s ! tin* fe!the $lo)n !)!* in ! h( i,!ne+ I s&ile#+ B ie l* )ent on: <This is ! #is' !,e+ We've 'ot !ll %in#s !&on'st (s11so&e !nointe# s,o(n# els in the lot0 $(t- h!n' it- )e &(st " ese ve " ofession!l #e,en,* o )e $e,o&e no $ette th!n so &!n* tin%e s 'oin' !$o(t loose+ We ! e t (ste#+ Do *o( (n#e st!n#511t (ste#3 4 !n%l*- I #on't ,! e ! sn!" fo !ll the "il' i&s th!t eve ,!&e o(t of Asi!- $(t ! #e,ent &!n )o(l# not h!ve $eh!ve# li%e this to ! f(ll ,! 'o of ol# !'s in $!les+ We ! en't !n o '!nise# $o#* of &en- !n# the onl* thin' th!t hol#s (s to'ethe is 2(st the n!&e fo th!t %in# of #e,en,*+ S(,h !n !ff!i #est o*s one's ,onfi#en,e+ A &!n &!* 'o " ett* ne! th o('h his )hole se!1life )itho(t !n* ,!ll to sho) ! stiff (""e li"+ B(t )hen the ,!ll ,o&es + + + Ah!3 + + + If I + + +< 'He $ o%e off- !n# in ! ,h!n'e# tone- <I'll 'ive *o( t)o h(n# e# ("ees no)- M! lo)- !n# *o( 2(st t!l% to th!t ,h!"+ Confo(n# hi&3 I )ish he h!# neve ,o&e o(t he e+ 4!,t is- I !the thin% so&e of &* "eo"le %no) his+ The ol# &!n's ! "! son- !n# I e&e&$e no) I &et hi& on,e )hen st!*in' )ith &* ,o(sin in Esse. l!st *e! + If I !& not &ist!%en- the ol# ,h!" see&e# !the to f!n,* his s!ilo son+ Ho i$le+ I ,!n't #o it &*self11$(t *o( + + +< 'Th(s- !" o"os of Ji&- I h!# ! 'li&"se of the e!l B ie l* ! fe) #!*s $efo e he ,o&&itte# his e!lit* !n# his sh!& to'ethe to the %ee"in' of the se!+ Of ,o( se I #e,line# to &e##le+ The tone of this l!st <$(t *o(< ?"oo B ie l* ,o(l#n't hel" it@- th!t see&e# to i&"l* I )!s no &o e noti,e!$le th!n !n inse,t- ,!(se# &e to loo% !t the

" o"os!l )ith in#i'n!tion- !n# on !,,o(nt of th!t " ovo,!tion- o fo so&e othe e!son- I $e,!&e "ositive in &* &in# th!t the in9(i * )!s ! seve e "(nish&ent to th!t Ji&- !n# th!t his f!,in' it11 " !,ti,!ll* of his o)n f ee )ill11)!s ! e#ee&in' fe!t( e in his !$o&in!$le ,!se+ I h!#n't $een so s( e of it $efo e+ B ie l* )ent off in ! h(ff+ At the ti&e his st!te of &in# )!s &o e of ! &*ste * to &e th!n it is no)+ 'Ne.t #!*- ,o&in' into ,o( t l!te- I s!t $* &*self+ Of ,o( se I ,o(l# not fo 'et the ,onve s!tion I h!# )ith B ie l*- !n# no) I h!# the& $oth (n#e &* e*es+ The #e&e!no( of one s(''este# 'loo&* i&"(#en,e !n# of the othe ! ,onte&"t(o(s $o e#o&0 *et one !ttit(#e &i'ht not h!ve $een t (e th!n the othe - !n# I )!s !)! e th!t one )!s not t (e+ B ie l* )!s not $o e#11he )!s e.!s"e !te#0 !n# if so- then Ji& &i'ht not h!ve $een i&"(#ent+ A,,o #in' to &* theo * he )!s not+ I i&!'ine# he )!s ho"eless+ Then it )!s th!t o( 'l!n,es &et+ The* &et- !n# the loo% he '!ve &e )!s #is,o( !'in' of !n* intention I &i'ht h!ve h!# to s"e!% to hi&+ U"on eithe h*"othesis11insolen,e o #es"!i 11I felt I ,o(l# $e of no (se to hi&+ This )!s the se,on# #!* of the " o,ee#in's+ Ee * soon !fte th!t e.,h!n'e of 'l!n,es the in9(i * )!s !#2o( ne# !'!in to the ne.t #!*+ The )hite &en $e'!n to t oo" o(t !t on,e+ Ji& h!# $een tol# to st!n# #o)n so&e ti&e $efo e- !n# )!s !$le to le!ve !&on'st the fi st+ I s!) his $ o!# sho(l#e s !n# his he!# o(tline# in the li'ht of the #oo - !n# )hile I &!#e &* )!* slo)l* o(t t!l%in' )ith so&e one11so&e st !n'e )ho h!# !## esse# &e ,!s(!ll*11I ,o(l# see hi& f o& )ithin the ,o( t1 oo& estin' $oth el$o)s on the $!l(st !#e of the ve !n#!h !n# t( nin' his $!,% on the s&!ll st e!& of "eo"le t i,%lin' #o)n the fe) ste"s+ The e )!s ! &( &( of voi,es !n# ! sh(ffle of $oots+ 'The ne.t ,!se )!s th!t of !ss!(lt !n# $!tte * ,o&&itte# ("on ! &one*1len#e - I $elieve0 !n# the #efen#!nt11! vene !$le vill!'e )ith ! st !i'ht )hite $e! #11s!t on ! &!t 2(st o(tsi#e the #oo )ith his sons- #!('hte s- sons1in1l!)- thei )ives- !n#- I sho(l# thin%h!lf the "o"(l!tion of his vill!'e $esi#es- s9(!ttin' o st!n#in' ! o(n# hi&+ A sli& #! % )o&!n- )ith "! t of he $!,% !n# one $l!,% sho(l#e $! e#- !n# )ith ! thin 'ol# in' in he nose- s(##enl* $e'!n to t!l% in ! hi'h1"it,he#- sh e)ish tone+ The &!n )ith &e instin,tivel* loo%e# (" !t he + We )e e then 2(st th o('h the #oo - "!ssin' $ehin# Ji&'s $( l* $!,%+ 'Whethe those vill!'e s h!# $ o('ht the *ello) #o' )ith the&I #on't %no)+ An*ho)- ! #o' )!s the e- )e!vin' hi&self in !n# o(t !&on'st "eo"le's le's in th!t &(te ste!lth* )!* n!tive #o's h!ve- !n# &* ,o&"!nion st(&$le# ove hi&+ The #o' le!"e# !)!* )itho(t ! so(n#0 the &!n- !isin' his voi,e ! little- s!i# )ith ! slo) l!('h- <Loo% !t th!t ) et,he# ,( -< !n# #i e,tl* !fte )! #s )e $e,!&e se"! !te# $* ! lot of "eo"le "(shin' in+ I stoo# $!,% fo ! &o&ent !'!inst the )!ll )hile the st !n'e &!n!'e# to 'et #o)n the ste"s !n# #is!""e! e#+ I s!) Ji& s"in o(n#+ He &!#e ! ste" fo )! # !n# $! e# &* )!*+ We )e e !lone0 he 'l! e# !t &e )ith !n !i of st($$o n esol(tion+ I $e,!&e !)! e I )!s $ein' hel# ("-

so to s"e!%- !s if in ! )oo#+ The ve !n#!h )!s e&"t* $* then- the noise !n# &ove&ent in ,o( t h!# ,e!se#: ! ' e!t silen,e fell ("on the $(il#in'- in )hi,h- so&e)he e f! )ithin- !n o ient!l voi,e $e'!n to )hine !$2e,tl*+ The #o'- in the ve * !,t of t *in' to sne!% in !t the #oo - s!t #o)n h( ie#l* to h(nt fo fle!s+ ' <Di# *o( s"e!% to &e5< !s%e# Ji& ve * lo)- !n# $en#in' fo )! #not so &(,h to)! #s &e $(t !t &e- if *o( %no) )h!t I &e!n+ I s!i# <No< !t on,e+ So&ethin' in the so(n# of th!t 9(iet tone of his )! ne# &e to $e on &* #efen,e+ I )!t,he# hi&+ It )!s ve * &(,h li%e ! &eetin' in ! )oo#- onl* &o e (n,e t!in in its iss(esin,e he ,o(l# "ossi$l* )!nt neithe &* &one* no &* life11nothin' th!t I ,o(l# si&"l* 'ive (" o #efen# )ith ! ,le! ,ons,ien,e+ <Yo( s!* *o( #i#n't-< he s!i#- ve * so&$ e+ <B(t I he! #+< <So&e &ist!%e-< I " oteste#- (tte l* !t ! loss- !n# neve t!%in' &* e*es off hi&+ To )!t,h his f!,e )!s li%e )!t,hin' ! #! %enin' s%* $efo e ! ,l!" of th(n#e - sh!#e ("on sh!#e i&"e ,e"ti$l* ,o&in' on- the #oo& ' o)in' &*ste io(sl* intense in the ,!l& of &!t( in' violen,e+ ' <As f! !s I %no)- I h!ven't o"ene# &* li"s in *o( he! in'-< I !ffi &e# )ith "e fe,t t (th+ I )!s 'ettin' ! little !n' *- too- !t the !$s( #it* of this en,o(nte + It st i%es &e no) I h!ve neve in &* life $een so ne! ! $e!tin'11I &e!n it lite !ll*0 ! $e!tin' )ith fists+ I s(""ose I h!# so&e h!/* " es,ien,e of th!t event(!lit* $ein' in the !i + Not th!t he )!s !,tivel* th e!tenin' &e+ On the ,ont ! *he )!s st !n'el* "!ssive11#on't *o( %no)5 $(t he )!s lo)e in'!n#- tho('h not e.,e"tion!ll* $i'- he loo%e# 'ene !ll* fit to #e&olish ! )!ll+ The &ost e!ss( in' s*&"to& I noti,e# )!s ! %in# of slo) !n# "on#e o(s hesit!tion- )hi,h I too% !s ! t i$(te to the evi#ent sin,e it* of &* &!nne !n# of &* tone+ We f!,e# e!,h othe + In the ,o( t the !ss!(lt ,!se )!s " o,ee#in'+ I ,!('ht the )o #s: <Well11$(ff!lo11sti,%11in the ' e!tness of &* fe! + + + +< ' <Wh!t #i# *o( &e!n $* st! in' !t &e !ll the &o nin'5< s!i# Ji& !t l!st+ He loo%e# (" !n# loo%e# #o)n !'!in+ <Di# *o( e."e,t (s !ll to sit )ith #o)n,!st e*es o(t of e'! # fo *o( s(s,e"ti$ilities5< I eto te# sh! "l*+ I )!s not 'oin' to s($&it &ee%l* to !n* of his nonsense+ He !ise# his e*es !'!in- !n# this ti&e ,ontin(e# to loo% &e st !i'ht in the f!,e+ <No+ Th!t's !ll i'ht-< he " ono(n,e# )ith !n !i of #eli$e !tin' )ith hi&self ("on the t (th of this st!te&ent11<th!t's !ll i'ht+ I !& 'oin' th o('h )ith th!t+ Onl*<11!n# the e he s"o%e ! little f!ste 11<I )on't let !n* &!n ,!ll &e n!&es o(tsi#e this ,o( t+ The e )!s ! fello) )ith *o(+ Yo( s"o%e to hi&11oh *es11I %no)0 'tis !ll ve * fine+ Yo( s"o%e to hi&$(t *o( &e!nt &e to he! + + + +< 'I !ss( e# hi& he )!s (n#e so&e e.t !o #in! * #el(sion+ I h!# no ,on,e"tion ho) it ,!&e !$o(t+ <Yo( tho('ht I )o(l# $e !f !i# to esent this-< he s!i#- )ith 2(st ! f!int tin'e of $itte ness+ I )!s inte este# eno('h to #is,e n the sli'htest sh!#es of e." ession- $(t I )!s not in the le!st enli'htene#0 *et I #on't %no) )h!t in these )o #s- o "e h!"s 2(st the inton!tion of th!t "h !se- in#(,e# &e s(##enl* to &!%e !ll "ossi$le !llo)!n,es fo hi&+ I ,e!se# to $e !nno*e# !t &* (ne."e,te# " e#i,!&ent+ It )!s so&e &ist!%e on

his "! t0 he )!s $l(n#e in'- !n# I h!# !n int(ition th!t the $l(n#e )!s of !n o#io(s- of !n (nfo t(n!te n!t( e+ I )!s !n.io(s to en# this s,ene on ' o(n#s of #e,en,*- 2(st !s one is !n.io(s to ,(t sho t so&e (n" ovo%e# !n# !$o&in!$le ,onfi#en,e+ The f(nniest "! t )!s- th!t in the &i#st of !ll these ,onsi#e !tions of the hi'he o #e I )!s ,ons,io(s of ! ,e t!in t e"i#!tion !s to the "ossi$ilit*11n!*li%elihoo#11of this en,o(nte en#in' in so&e #is e"(t!$le $ !)l )hi,h ,o(l# not "ossi$l* $e e."l!ine#- !n# )o(l# &!%e &e i#i,(lo(s+ I #i# not h!n%e !fte ! th ee #!*s' ,ele$ it* !s the &!n )ho 'ot ! $l!,% e*e o so&ethin' of the so t f o& the &!te of the P!tn!+ He- in !ll " o$!$ilit*- #i# not ,! e )h!t he #i#- o !t !n* !te )o(l# $e f(ll* 2(stifie# in his o)n e*es+ It too% no &!'i,i!n to see he )!s !&!/in'l* !n' * !$o(t so&ethin'- fo !ll his 9(iet !n# even to "i# #e&e!no( + I #on't #en* I )!s e.t e&el* #esi o(s to "!,if* hi& !t !ll ,osts- h!# I onl* %no)n )h!t to #o+ B(t I #i#n't %no)- !s *o( &!* )ell i&!'ine+ It )!s ! $l!,%ness )itho(t ! sin'le 'le!&+ We ,onf onte# e!,h othe in silen,e+ He h(n' fi e fo !$o(t fifteen se,on#s- then &!#e ! ste" ne! e - !n# I &!#e e!#* to )! # off ! $lo)- tho('h I #on't thin% I &ove# ! &(s,le+ <If *o( )e e !s $i' !s t)o &en !n# !s st on' !s si.-< he s!i# ve * softl*- <I )o(l# tell *o( )h!t I thin% of *o(+ Yo( + + +< <Sto"3< I e.,l!i&e#+ This ,he,%e# hi& fo ! se,on#+ <Befo e *o( tell &e )h!t *o( thin% of &e-< I )ent on 9(i,%l*- <)ill *o( %in#l* tell &e )h!t it is I've s!i# o #one5< D( in' the "!(se th!t ens(e# he s( ve*e# &e )ith in#i'n!tion- )hile I &!#e s("e n!t( !l effo ts of &e&o *- in )hi,h I )!s hin#e e# $* the o ient!l voi,e )ithin the ,o( t1 oo& e."ost(l!tin' )ith i&"!ssione# vol($ilit* !'!inst ! ,h! 'e of f!lsehoo#+ Then )e s"o%e !l&ost to'ethe + <I )ill soon sho) *o( I !& not-< he s!i#in ! tone s(''estive of ! , isis+ <I #e,l! e I #on't %no)-< I " oteste# e! nestl* !t the s!&e ti&e+ He t ie# to , (sh &e $* the s,o n of his 'l!n,e+ <No) th!t *o( see I !& not !f !i# *o( t * to , !)l o(t of it-< he s!i#+ <Who's ! ,( no)11he*5< Then- !t l!stI (n#e stoo#+ 'He h!# $een s,!nnin' &* fe!t( es !s tho('h loo%in' fo ! "l!,e )he e he )o(l# "l!nt his fist+ <I )ill !llo) no &!n-< + + + he &(&$le# th e!tenin'l*+ It )!s- in#ee#- ! hi#eo(s &ist!%e0 he h!# 'iven hi&self !)!* (tte l*+ I ,!n't 'ive *o( !n i#e! ho) sho,%e# I )!s+ I s(""ose he s!) so&e efle,tion of &* feelin's in &* f!,e- $e,!(se his e." ession ,h!n'e# 2(st ! little+ <>oo# >o#3< I st!&&e e#<*o( #on't thin% I + + +< <B(t I !& s( e I've he! #-< he "e siste#!isin' his voi,e fo the fi st ti&e sin,e the $e'innin' of this #e"lo !$le s,ene+ Then )ith ! sh!#e of #is#!in he !##e#- <It )!sn't *o(- then5 Ee * )ell0 I'll fin# the othe +< <Don't $e ! fool-< I , ie# in e.!s"e !tion0 <it )!sn't th!t !t !ll+< <I've he! #-< he s!i# !'!in )ith !n (nsh!%en !n# so&$ e "e seve !n,e+ 'The e &!* $e those )ho ,o(l# h!ve l!('he# !t his "e tin!,it*0 I #i#n't+ Oh- I #i#n't3 The e h!# neve $een ! &!n so &e ,ilessl* sho)n (" $* his o)n n!t( !l i&"(lse+ A sin'le )o # h!# st i""e# hi& of his #is, etion11of th!t #is, etion )hi,h is &o e ne,ess! * to the #e,en,ies of o( inne $ein' th!n ,lothin' is to the #e,o (& of o( $o#*+ <Don't $e ! fool-< I e"e!te#+ <B(t the othe &!n s!i# it- *o( #on't #en* th!t5< he

" ono(n,e# #istin,tl*- !n# loo%in' in &* f!,e )itho(t flin,hin'+ <NoI #on't #en*-< s!i# I- et( nin' his '!/e+ At l!st his e*es follo)e# #o)n)! #s the #i e,tion of &* "ointin' fin'e + He !""e! e# !t fi st (n,o&" ehen#in'- then ,onfo(n#e#- !n# !t l!st !&!/e# !n# s,! e# !s tho('h ! #o' h!# $een ! &onste !n# he h!# neve seen ! #o' $efo e+ <No$o#* # e!&t of ins(ltin' *o(-< I s!i#+ 'He ,onte&"l!te# the ) et,he# !ni&!l- th!t &ove# no &o e th!n !n effi'*: it s!t )ith e! s " i,%e# !n# its sh! " &(//le "ointe# into the #oo )!*- !n# s(##enl* sn!""e# !t ! fl* li%e ! "ie,e of &e,h!nis&+ 'I loo%e# !t hi&+ The e# of his f!i s(n$( nt ,o&"le.ion #ee"ene# s(##enl* (n#e the #o)n of his ,hee%s- inv!#e# his fo ehe!#s" e!# to the oots of his ,( l* h!i + His e! s $e,!&e intensel* , i&son- !n# even the ,le! $l(e of his e*es )!s #! %ene# &!n* sh!#es $* the (sh of $loo# to his he!#+ His li"s "o(te# ! littlet e&$lin' !s tho('h he h!# $een on the "oint of $( stin' into te! s+ I "e ,eive# he )!s in,!"!$le of " ono(n,in' ! )o # f o& the e.,ess of his h(&ili!tion+ 4 o& #is!""oint&ent too11)ho %no)s5 Pe h!"s he loo%e# fo )! # to th!t h!&&e in' he )!s 'oin' to 'ive &e fo eh!$ilit!tion- fo !""e!se&ent5 Who ,!n tell )h!t elief he e."e,te# f o& this ,h!n,e of ! o)5 He )!s n!ive eno('h to e."e,t !n*thin'0 $(t he h!# 'iven hi&self !)!* fo nothin' in this ,!se+ He h!# $een f !n% )ith hi&self11let !lone )ith &e11in the )il# ho"e of ! ivin' in th!t )!* !t so&e effe,tive ef(t!tion- !n# the st! s h!# $een i oni,!ll* (n" o"itio(s+ He &!#e !n in! ti,(l!te noise in his th o!t li%e ! &!n i&"e fe,tl* st(nne# $* ! $lo) on the he!#+ It )!s "itif(l+ 'I #i#n't ,!t,h (" !'!in )ith hi& till )ell o(tsi#e the '!te+ I h!# even to t ot ! $it !t the l!st- $(t )hen- o(t of $ e!th !t his el$o)I t!.e# hi& )ith (nnin' !)!*- he s!i#- <Neve 3< !n# !t on,e t( ne# !t $!*+ I e."l!ine# I neve &e!nt to s!* he )!s (nnin' !)!* f o& B&eB+ <4 o& no &!n11f o& not ! sin'le &!n on e! th-< he !ffi &e# )ith ! st($$o n &ien+ I fo $o e to "oint o(t the one o$vio(s e.,e"tion )hi,h )o(l# hol# 'oo# fo the $ !vest of (s0 I tho('ht he )o(l# fin# o(t $* hi&self ve * soon+ He loo%e# !t &e "!tientl* )hile I )!s thin%in' of so&ethin' to s!*- $(t I ,o(l# fin# nothin' on the s"( of the &o&ent- !n# he $e'!n to )!l% on+ I %e"t ("- !n# !n.io(s not to lose hi&- I s!i# h( ie#l* th!t I ,o(l#n't thin% of le!vin' hi& (n#e ! f!lse i&" ession of &*11of &*11I st!&&e e#+ The st("i#it* of the "h !se !""!lle# &e )hile I )!s t *in' to finish it- $(t the "o)e of senten,es h!s nothin' to #o )ith thei sense o the lo'i, of thei ,onst (,tion+ M* i#ioti, &(&$le see&e# to "le!se hi&+ He ,(t it sho t $* s!*in'- )ith ,o( teo(s "l!,i#it* th!t ! '(e# !n i&&ense "o)e of self1,ont ol o else ! )on#e f(l el!sti,it* of s"i its11<Alto'ethe &* &ist!%e+< I &! velle# ' e!tl* !t this e." ession: he &i'ht h!ve $een !ll(#in' to so&e t iflin' o,,( en,e+ H!#n't he (n#e stoo# its #e"lo !$le &e!nin'5 <Yo( &!* )ell fo 'ive &e-< he ,ontin(e#- !n# )ent on ! little &oo#il*- <All these st! in' "eo"le in ,o( t see&e# s(,h fools th!t11th!t it &i'ht h!ve $een !s I s(""ose#+<

'This o"ene# s(##enl* ! ne) vie) of hi& to &* )on#e + I loo%e# !t hi& ,( io(sl* !n# &et his (n!$!she# !n# i&"enet !$le e*es+ <I ,!n't "(t (" )ith this %in# of thin'-< he s!i#- ve * si&"l*- <!n# I #on't &e!n to+ In ,o( t it's #iffe ent0 I've 'ot to st!n# th!t11!n# I ,!n #o it too+< 'I #on't " eten# I (n#e stoo# hi&+ The vie)s he let &e h!ve of hi&self )e e li%e those 'li&"ses th o('h the shiftin' ents in ! thi,% fo'11$its of vivi# !n# v!nishin' #et!il- 'ivin' no ,onne,te# i#e! of the 'ene !l !s"e,t of ! ,o(nt *+ The* fe# one's ,( iosit* )itho(t s!tisf*in' it0 the* )e e no 'oo# fo "( "oses of o ient!tion+ U"on the )hole he )!s &isle!#in'+ Th!t's ho) I s(&&e# hi& (" to &*self !fte he left &e l!te in the evenin'+ I h!# $een st!*in' !t the M!l!$! Ho(se fo ! fe) #!*s- !n# on &* " essin' invit!tion he #ine# )ith &e the e+'

CHAPTER 8 'An o(t)! #1$o(n# &!il1$o!t h!# ,o&e in th!t !fte noon- !n# the $i' #inin'1 oo& of the hotel )!s &o e th!n h!lf f(ll of "eo"le )ith !1h(n# e#1"o(n#s1 o(n#1the1)o l# ti,%ets in thei "o,%ets+ The e )e e &! ie# ,o("les loo%in' #o&esti,!te# !n# $o e# )ith e!,h othe in the &i#st of thei t !vels0 the e )e e s&!ll "! ties !n# l! 'e "! ties- !n# lone in#ivi#(!ls #inin' sole&nl* o fe!stin' $oiste o(sl*- $(t !ll thin%in'- ,onve sin'- 2o%in'- o s,o)lin' !s )!s thei )ont !t ho&e0 !n# 2(st !s intelli'entl* e,e"tive of ne) i&" essions !s thei t (n%s ("st!i s+ Hen,efo th the* )o(l# $e l!$elle# !s h!vin' "!sse# th o('h this !n# th!t "l!,e- !n# so )o(l# $e thei l(''!'e+ The* )o(l# ,he ish this #istin,tion of thei "e sons!n# " ese ve the '(&&e# ti,%ets on thei "o t&!nte!(s !s #o,(&ent! * evi#en,e- !s the onl* "e &!nent t !,e of thei i&" ovin' ente " ise+ The #! %1f!,e# se v!nts t i""e# )itho(t noise ove the v!st !n# "olishe# floo 0 no) !n# then ! 'i l's l!('h )o(l# $e he! #- !s inno,ent !n# e&"t* !s he &in#- o - in ! s(##en h(sh of , o,%e *! fe) )o #s in !n !ffe,te# # !)l f o& so&e )it e&$ oi#e in' fo the $enefit of ! ' innin' t!$lef(l the l!st f(nn* sto * of shi"$o! # s,!n#!l+ T)o no&!#i, ol# &!i#s- # esse# (" to %ill)o %e# !, i&onio(sl* th o('h the $ill of f! e- )his"e in' to e!,h othe )ith f!#e# li"s- )oo#en1f!,e# !n# $i/! e- li%e t)o s(&"t(o(s s,! e, o)s+ A little )ine o"ene# Ji&'s he! t !n# loosene# his ton'(e+ His !""etite )!s 'oo#- too- I noti,e#+ He see&e# to h!ve $( ie# so&e)he e the o"enin' e"iso#e of o( !,9(!int!n,e+ It )!s li%e ! thin' of )hi,h the e )o(l# $e no &o e 9(estion in this )o l#+ An# !ll the ti&e I h!# $efo e &e these $l(e- $o*ish e*es loo%in' st !i'ht into &ine- this *o(n' f!,e- these ,!"!$le sho(l#e s- the o"en $ on/e# fo ehe!# )ith ! )hite line (n#e the oots of ,l(ste in' f!i h!i - this !""e! !n,e !""e!lin' !t si'ht to !ll &* s*&"!thies: this f !n% !s"e,t- the ! tless s&ile- the *o(thf(l se io(sness+ He )!s of the i'ht so t0 he )!s one of (s+ He t!l%e# so$e l*- )ith ! so t of ,o&"ose# (n ese ve- !n# )ith ! 9(iet $e! in' th!t &i'ht h!ve $een the o(t,o&e of &!nl* self1,ont ol- of i&"(#en,e- of

,!llo(sness- of ! ,oloss!l (n,ons,io(sness- of ! 'i'!nti, #e,e"tion+ Who ,!n tell3 4 o& o( tone )e &i'ht h!ve $een #is,(ssin' ! thi # "e son- ! foot$!ll &!t,h- l!st *e! 's )e!the + M* &in# flo!te# in ! se! of ,on2e,t( es till the t( n of the ,onve s!tion en!$le# &e)itho(t $ein' offensive- to e&! % th!t- ("on the )hole- this in9(i * &(st h!ve $een " ett* t *in' to hi&+ He #! te# his ! & !, oss the t!$le,loth- !n# ,l(t,hin' &* h!n# $* the si#e of &* "l!te- 'l! e# fi.e#l*+ I )!s st! tle#+ <It &(st $e !)f(ll* h! #-< I st!&&e e#- ,onf(se# $* this #is"l!* of s"ee,hless feelin'+ <It is11 hell-< he $( st o(t in ! &(ffle# voi,e+ 'This &ove&ent !n# these )o #s ,!(se# t)o )ell1' oo&e# &!le 'lo$e1t otte s !t ! nei'h$o( in' t!$le to loo% (" in !l! & f o& thei i,e# "(##in'+ I ose- !n# )e "!sse# into the f ont '!lle * fo ,offee !n# ,i'! s+ 'On little o,t!'on t!$les ,!n#les $( ne# in 'l!ss 'lo$es0 ,l(&"s of stiff1le!ve# "l!nts se"! !te# sets of ,os* )i,%e ,h!i s0 !n# $et)een the "!i s of ,ol(&ns- )hose e##ish sh!fts ,!('ht in ! lon' o) the sheen f o& the t!ll )in#o)s- the ni'ht- 'litte in' !n# so&$ e- see&e# to h!n' li%e ! s"len#i# # !"e *+ The i#in' li'hts of shi"s )in%e# !f! li%e settin' st! s- !n# the hills !, oss the o!#ste!# ese&$le# o(n#e# $l!,% &!sses of ! este# th(n#e 1,lo(#s+ ' <I ,o(l#n't ,le! o(t-< Ji& $e'!n+ <The s%i""e #i#11th!t's !ll ve * )ell fo hi&+ I ,o(l#n't- !n# I )o(l#n't+ The* !ll 'ot o(t of it in one )!* o !nothe - $(t it )o(l#n't #o fo &e+< 'I listene# )ith ,on,ent !te# !ttention- not #! in' to sti in &* ,h!i 0 I )!nte# to %no)11!n# to this #!* I #on't %no)- I ,!n onl* '(ess+ He )o(l# $e ,onfi#ent !n# #e" esse# !ll in the s!&e $ e!th!s if so&e ,onvi,tion of inn!te $l!&elessness h!# ,he,%e# the t (th ) ithin' )ithin hi& !t eve * t( n+ He $e'!n $* s!*in'- in the tone in )hi,h ! &!n )o(l# !#&it his in!$ilit* to 2(&" ! t)ent*1foot )!ll- th!t he ,o(l# neve 'o ho&e no)0 !n# this #e,l! !tion e,!lle# to &* &in# )h!t B ie l* h!# s!i#- <th!t the ol# "! son in Esse. see&e# to f!n,* his s!ilo son not ! little+< 'I ,!n't tell *o( )hethe Ji& %ne) he )!s es"e,i!ll* <f!n,ie#-< $(t the tone of his efe en,es to <&* D!#< )!s ,!l,(l!te# to 'ive &e ! notion th!t the 'oo# ol# ( !l #e!n )!s !$o(t the finest &!n th!t eve h!# $een )o ie# $* the ,! es of ! l! 'e f!&il* sin,e the $e'innin' of the )o l#+ This- tho('h neve st!te#- )!s i&"lie# )ith !n !n.iet* th!t the e sho(l# $e no &ist!%e !$o(t it- )hi,h )!s e!ll* ve * t (e !n# ,h! &in'- $(t !##e# ! "oi'n!nt sense of lives f! off to the othe ele&ents of the sto *+ <He h!s seen it !ll in the ho&e "!"e s $* this ti&e-< s!i# Ji&+ <I ,!n neve f!,e the "oo ol# ,h!"+< I #i# not #! e to lift &* e*es !t this till I he! # hi& !##- <I ,o(l# neve e."l!in+ He )o(l#n't (n#e st!n#+< Then I loo%e# ("+ He )!s s&o%in' efle,tivel*- !n# !fte ! &o&ent- o(sin' hi&self$e'!n to t!l% !'!in+ He #is,ove e# !t on,e ! #esi e th!t I sho(l# not ,onfo(n# hi& )ith his "! tne s in11in , i&e- let (s ,!ll it+ He )!s not one of the&0 he )!s !lto'ethe of !nothe so t+ I '!ve no si'n of #issent+ I h!# no intention- fo the s!%e of $! en t (th- to o$

hi& of the s&!llest "! ti,le of !n* s!vin' ' !,e th!t )o(l# ,o&e in his )!*+ I #i#n't %no) ho) &(,h of it he $elieve# hi&self+ I #i#n't %no) )h!t he )!s "l!*in' (" to11if he )!s "l!*in' (" to !n*thin' !t !ll11!n# I s(s"e,t he #i# not %no) eithe 0 fo it is &* $elief no &!n eve (n#e st!n#s 9(ite his o)n ! tf(l #o#'es to es,!"e f o& the ' i& sh!#o) of self1%no)le#'e+ I &!#e no so(n# !ll the ti&e he )!s )on#e in' )h!t he h!# $ette #o !fte <th!t st("i# in9(i * )!s ove +< 'A""! entl* he sh! e# B ie l*'s ,onte&"t(o(s o"inion of these " o,ee#in's o #!ine# $* l!)+ He )o(l# not %no) )he e to t( nhe ,onfesse#- ,le! l* thin%in' !lo(# !the th!n t!l%in' to &e+ Ce tifi,!te 'one- ,! ee $ o%en- no &one* to 'et !)!*- no )o % th!t he ,o(l# o$t!in !s f! !s he ,o(l# see+ At ho&e he ,o(l# "e h!"s 'et so&ethin'0 $(t it &e!nt 'oin' to his "eo"le fo hel"- !n# th!t he )o(l# not #o+ He s!) nothin' fo it $(t shi" $efo e the &!st11 ,o(l# 'et "e h!"s ! 9(! te &!ste 's $illet in so&e ste!&e + Wo(l# #o fo ! 9(! te &!ste + + + + <Do *o( thin% *o( )o(l#5< I !s%e# "itilessl*+ He 2(&"e# ("- !n# 'oin' to the stone $!l(st !#e loo%e# o(t into the ni'ht+ In ! &o&ent he )!s $!,%- to)e in' !$ove &* ,h!i )ith his *o(thf(l f!,e ,lo(#e# *et $* the "!in of ! ,on9(e e# e&otion+ He h!# (n#e stoo# ve * )ell I #i# not #o($t his !$ilit* to stee ! shi"+ In ! voi,e th!t 9(!ve e# ! $it he !s%e# &e )h* #i# I s!* th!t5 I h!# $een <no en# %in#< to hi&+ I h!# not even l!('he# !t hi& )hen11he e he $e'!n to &(&$le11<th!t &ist!%e- *o( %no)11 &!#e ! ,onfo(n#e# !ss of &*self+< I $ o%e in $* s!*in' !the )! &l* th!t fo &e s(,h ! &ist!%e )!s not ! &!tte to l!('h !t+ He s!t #o)n !n# # !n% #eli$e !tel* so&e ,offee- e&"t*in' the s&!ll ,(" to the l!st # o"+ <Th!t #oes not &e!n I !#&it fo ! &o&ent the ,!" fitte#-< he #e,l! e# #istin,tl*+ <No5< I s!i#+ <No-< he !ffi &e# )ith 9(iet #e,ision+ <Do *o( %no) )h!t B*o(B )o(l# h!ve #one5 Do *o(5 An# *o( #on't thin% *o( self< + + + he '(l"e# so&ethin' + + + <*o( #on't thin% *o( self !11!11,( 5< 'An# )ith this11("on &* hono( 311he loo%e# (" !t &e in9(isitivel*+ It )!s ! 9(estion it !""e! s11! $on! fi#e 9(estion3 Ho)eve - he #i#n't )!it fo !n !ns)e + Befo e I ,o(l# e,ove he )ent on)ith his e*es st !i'ht $efo e hi&- !s if e!#in' off so&ethin' ) itten on the $o#* of the ni'ht+ <It is !ll in $ein' e!#*+ I )!sn't0 not11 not then+ I #on't )!nt to e.,(se &*self0 $(t I )o(l# li%e to e."l!in11 I )o(l# li%e so&e$o#* to (n#e st!n#11so&e$o#*11one "e son !t le!st3 Yo(3 Wh* not *o(5< 'It )!s sole&n- !n# ! little i#i,(lo(s too- !s the* !l)!*s ! ethose st (''les of !n in#ivi#(!l t *in' to s!ve f o& the fi e his i#e! of )h!t his &o !l i#entit* sho(l# $e- this " e,io(s notion of ! ,onvention- onl* one of the (les of the '!&e- nothin' &o e- $(t !ll the s!&e so te i$l* effe,tive $* its !ss(&"tion of (nli&ite# "o)e ove n!t( !l instin,ts- $* the !)f(l "en!lties of its f!il( e+ He $e'!n his sto * 9(ietl* eno('h+ On $o! # th!t D!le Line ste!&e th!t h!# "i,%e# (" these fo( flo!tin' in ! $o!t ("on the #is, eet s(nset 'lo) of the se!- the* h!# $een !fte the fi st #!* loo%e# !s%!n,e ("on+ The f!t s%i""e tol# so&e sto *- the othe s h!# $een silent- !n# !t fi st it h!# $een !,,e"te#+ Yo( #on't

, oss1e.!&ine "oo ,!st!)!*s *o( h!# the 'oo# l(,% to s!ve- if not f o& , (el #e!th- then !t le!st f o& , (el s(ffe in'+ Afte )! #s)ith ti&e to thin% it ove - it &i'ht h!ve st (,% the offi,e s of the Avon#!le th!t the e )!s <so&ethin' fish*< in the !ff!i 0 $(t of ,o( se the* )o(l# %ee" thei #o($ts to the&selves+ The* h!# "i,%e# (" the ,!"t!in- the &!te- !n# t)o en'inee s of the ste!&e P!tn! s(n% !t se!- !n# th!t- ve * " o"e l*- )!s eno('h fo the&+ I #i# not !s% Ji& !$o(t the n!t( e of his feelin's #( in' the ten #!*s he s"ent on $o! #+ 4 o& the )!* he n! !te# th!t "! t I )!s !t li$e t* to infe he )!s "! tl* st(nne# $* the #is,ove * he h!# &!#e11the #is,ove * !$o(t hi&self11!n# no #o($t )!s !t )o % t *in' to e."l!in it !)!* to the onl* &!n )ho )!s ,!"!$le of !"" e,i!tin' !ll its t e&en#o(s &!'nit(#e+ Yo( &(st (n#e st!n# he #i# not t * to &ini&ise its i&"o t!n,e+ Of th!t I !& s( e0 !n# the ein lies his #istin,tion+ As to )h!t sens!tions he e."e ien,e# )hen he 'ot !sho e !n# he! # the (nfo eseen ,on,l(sion of the t!le in )hi,h he h!# t!%en s(,h ! "itif(l "! t- he tol# &e nothin' of the&- !n# it is #iffi,(lt to i&!'ine+ 'I )on#e )hethe he felt the ' o(n# ,(t f o& (n#e his feet5 I )on#e 5 B(t no #o($t he &!n!'e# to 'et ! f esh foothol# ve * soon+ He )!s !sho e ! )hole fo tni'ht )!itin' in the S!ilo s' Ho&e!n# !s the e )e e si. o seven &en st!*in' the e !t the ti&e- I h!# he! # of hi& ! little+ Thei l!n'(i# o"inion see&e# to $e th!t- in !##ition to his othe sho t,o&in's- he )!s ! s(l%* $ (te+ He h!# "!sse# these #!*s on the ve !n#!h- $( ie# in ! lon' ,h!i - !n# ,o&in' o(t of his "l!,e of se"(lt( e onl* !t &e!l1ti&es o l!te !t ni'ht- )hen he )!n#e e# on the 9(!*s !ll $* hi&self- #et!,he# f o& his s( o(n#in's- i esol(te !n# silent- li%e ! 'host )itho(t ! ho&e to h!(nt+ <I #on't thin% I've s"o%en th ee )o #s to ! livin' so(l in !ll th!t ti&e-< he s!i#- &!%in' &e ve * so * fo hi&0 !n# #i e,tl* he !##e#- <One of these fello)s )o(l# h!ve $een s( e to $l( t o(t so&ethin' I h!# &!#e (" &* &in# not to "(t (" )ith!n# I #i#n't )!nt ! o)+ No3 Not then+ I )!s too11too + + + I h!# no he! t fo it+< <So th!t $(l%he!# hel# o(t !fte !ll-< I e&! %e# ,hee f(ll*+ <Yes-< he &( &( e#- <it hel#+ An# *et I s)e! to *o( I felt it $(l'e (n#e &* h!n#+< <It's e.t !o #in! * )h!t st !ins ol# i on )ill st!n# so&eti&es-< I s!i#+ Th o)n $!,% in his se!t- his le's stiffl* o(t !n# ! &s h!n'in' #o)n- he no##e# sli'htl* seve !l ti&es+ Yo( ,o(l# not ,on,eive ! s!##e s"e,t!,le+ S(##enl* he lifte# his he!#0 he s!t ("0 he sl!""e# his thi'h+ <Ah3 )h!t ! ,h!n,e &isse#3 M* >o#3 )h!t ! ,h!n,e &isse#3< he $l!/e# o(t- $(t the in' of the l!st <&isse#< ese&$le# ! , * ) (n' o(t $* "!in+ 'He )!s silent !'!in )ith ! still- f! 1!)!* loo% of fie ,e *e! nin' !fte th!t &isse# #istin,tion- )ith his nost ils fo !n inst!nt #il!te#sniffin' the into.i,!tin' $ e!th of th!t )!ste# o""o t(nit*+ If *o( thin% I )!s eithe s( " ise# o sho,%e# *o( #o &e !n in2(sti,e in &o e )!*s th!n one3 Ah- he )!s !n i&!'in!tive $e''! 3 He )o(l# 'ive hi&self !)!*0 he )o(l# 'ive hi&self ("+ I ,o(l# see in his 'l!n,e #! te# into the ni'ht !ll his inne $ein' ,! ie# on- " o2e,te# he!#lon' into the f!n,if(l e!l& of e,%lessl* he oi, !s"i !tions+ He h!# no leis( e to e' et )h!t he h!# lost- he )!s so )holl* !n# n!t( !ll* ,on,e ne# fo )h!t he h!# f!ile# to o$t!in+ He )!s ve *

f! !)!* f o& &e )ho )!t,he# hi& !, oss th ee feet of s"!,e+ With eve * inst!nt he )!s "enet !tin' #ee"e into the i&"ossi$le )o l# of o&!nti, !,hieve&ents+ He 'ot to the he! t of it !t l!st3 A st !n'e loo% of $e!tit(#e ove s" e!# his fe!t( es- his e*es s"! %le# in the li'ht of the ,!n#le $( nin' $et)een (s0 he "ositivel* s&ile#3 He h!# "enet !te# to the ve * he! t11to the ve * he! t+ It )!s !n e,st!ti, s&ile th!t *o( f!,es11o &ine eithe 11)ill neve )e! - &* #e! $o*s+ I )his%e# hi& $!,% $* s!*in'- <If *o( h!# st(,% to the shi"- *o( &e!n3< 'He t( ne# ("on &e- his e*es s(##enl* !&!/e# !n# f(ll of "!in)ith ! $e)il#e e#- st! tle#- s(ffe in' f!,e- !s tho('h he h!# t(&$le# #o)n f o& ! st! + Neithe *o( no I )ill eve loo% li%e this on !n* &!n+ He sh(##e e# " ofo(n#l*- !s if ! ,ol# fin'e 1ti" h!# to(,he# his he! t+ L!st of !ll he si'he#+ 'I )!s not in ! &e ,if(l &oo#+ He " ovo%e# one $* his ,ont !#i,to * in#is, etions+ <It is (nfo t(n!te *o( #i#n't %no) $efo eh!n#3< I s!i# )ith eve * (n%in# intention0 $(t the "e fi#io(s sh!ft fell h! &less11# o""e# !t his feet li%e ! s"ent ! o)- !s it )e e- !n# he #i# not thin% of "i,%in' it ("+ Pe h!"s he h!# not even seen it+ P esentl*- lollin' !t e!se- he s!i#- <D!sh it !ll3 I tell *o( it $(l'e#+ I )!s hol#in' (" &* l!&" !lon' the !n'le1i on in the lo)e #e,% )hen ! fl!%e of (st !s $i' !s the "!l& of &* h!n# fell off the "l!te!ll of itself+< He "!sse# his h!n# ove his fo ehe!#+ <The thin' sti e# !n# 2(&"e# off li%e so&ethin' !live )hile I )!s loo%in' !t it+< <Th!t &!#e *o( feel " ett* $!#-< I o$se ve# ,!s(!ll*+ <Do *o( s(""ose-< he s!i#- <th!t I )!s thin%in' of &*self- )ith ! h(n# e# !n# si.t* "eo"le !t &* $!,%- !ll f!st !slee" in th!t fo e1't)een1#e,% !lone11!n# &o e of the& !ft0 &o e on the #e,%11slee"in'11%no)in' nothin' !$o(t it11th ee ti&es !s &!n* !s the e )e e $o!ts fo even if the e h!# $een ti&e5 I e."e,te# to see the i on o"en o(t !s I stoo# the e !n# the (sh of )!te 'oin' ove the& !s the* l!*+ + + + Wh!t ,o(l# I #o11)h!t5< 'I ,!n e!sil* "i,t( e hi& to &*self in the "eo"le# 'loo& of the ,!ve no(s "l!,e- )ith the li'ht of the 'lo$e1l!&" f!llin' on ! s&!ll "o tion of the $(l%he!# th!t h!# the )ei'ht of the o,e!n on the othe si#e- !n# the $ e!thin' of (n,ons,io(s slee"e s in his e! s+ I ,!n see hi& 'l! in' !t the i on- st! tle# $* the f!llin' (stove $( #ene# $* the %no)le#'e of !n i&&inent #e!th+ This- I '!the e#)!s the se,on# ti&e he h!# $een sent fo )! # $* th!t s%i""e of his- )ho- I !the thin%- )!nte# to %ee" hi& !)!* f o& the $ i#'e+ He tol# &e th!t his fi st i&"(lse )!s to sho(t !n# st !i'ht)!* &!%e !ll those "eo"le le!" o(t of slee" into te o 0 $(t s(,h !n ove )hel&in' sense of his hel"lessness ,!&e ove hi& th!t he )!s not !$le to " o#(,e ! so(n#+ This is- I s(""ose- )h!t "eo"le &e!n $* the ton'(e ,le!vin' to the oof of the &o(th+ <Too # *-< )!s the ,on,ise e." ession he (se# in efe en,e to this st!te+ Witho(t ! so(n#- then- he s, !&$le# o(t on #e,% th o('h the n(&$e one h!t,h+ A )in#s!il i''e# #o)n the e s)(n' !'!inst hi& !,,i#ent!ll*!n# he e&e&$e e# th!t the li'ht to(,h of the ,!nv!s on his f!,e ne! l* %no,%e# hi& off the h!t,h)!* l!##e +

'He ,onfesse# th!t his %nees )o$$le# ! 'oo# #e!l !s he stoo# on the fo e#e,% loo%in' !t !nothe slee"in' , o)#+ The en'ines h!vin' $een sto""e# $* th!t ti&e- the ste!& )!s $lo)in' off+ Its #ee" (&$le &!#e the )hole ni'ht vi$ !te li%e ! $!ss st in'+ The shi" t e&$le# to it+ 'He s!) he e !n# the e ! he!# lifte# off ! &!t- ! v!'(e fo & (" ise in sittin' "ost( e- listen slee"il* fo ! &o&ent- sin% #o)n !'!in into the $illo)* ,onf(sion of $o.es- ste!&1)in,hes- ventil!to s+ He )!s !)! e !ll these "eo"le #i# not %no) eno('h to t!%e intelli'ent noti,e of th!t st !n'e noise+ The shi" of i on- the &en )ith )hite f!,es- !ll the si'hts- !ll the so(n#s- eve *thin' on $o! # to th!t i'no !nt !n# "io(s &(ltit(#e )!s st !n'e !li%e- !n# !s t (st)o th* !s it )o(l# fo eve e&!in in,o&" ehensi$le+ It o,,( e# to hi& th!t the f!,t )!s fo t(n!te+ The i#e! of it )!s si&"l* te i$le+ 'Yo( &(st e&e&$e he $elieve#- !s !n* othe &!n )o(l# h!ve #one in his "l!,e- th!t the shi" )o(l# 'o #o)n !t !n* &o&ent0 the $(l'in'- (st1e!ten "l!tes th!t %e"t $!,% the o,e!n- f!t!ll* &(st 'ive )!*- !ll !t on,e li%e !n (n#e &ine# #!&- !n# let in ! s(##en !n# ove )hel&in' floo#+ He stoo# still loo%in' !t these e,(&$ent $o#ies- ! #oo&e# &!n !)! e of his f!te- s( ve*in' the silent ,o&"!n* of the #e!#+ The* B)e eB #e!#3 Nothin' ,o(l# s!ve the&3 The e )e e $o!ts eno('h fo h!lf of the& "e h!"s- $(t the e )!s no ti&e+ No ti&e3 No ti&e3 It #i# not see& )o th )hile to o"en his li"s- to sti h!n# o foot+ Befo e he ,o(l# sho(t th ee )o #s- o &!%e th ee ste"s- he )o(l# $e flo(n#e in' in ! se! )hitene# !)f(ll* $* the #es"e !te st (''les of h(&!n $ein's- ,l!&o o(s )ith the #ist ess of , ies fo hel"+ The e )!s no hel"+ He i&!'ine# )h!t )o(l# h!""en "e fe,tl*0 he )ent th o('h it !ll &otionless $* the h!t,h)!* )ith the l!&" in his h!n#11he )ent th o('h it to the ve * l!st h! o)in' #et!il+ I thin% he )ent th o('h it !'!in )hile he )!s tellin' &e these thin's he ,o(l# not tell the ,o( t+ ' <I s!) !s ,le! l* !s I see *o( no) th!t the e )!s nothin' I ,o(l# #o+ It see&e# to t!%e !ll life o(t of &* li&$s+ I tho('ht I &i'ht 2(st !s )ell st!n# )he e I )!s !n# )!it+ I #i# not thin% I h!# &!n* se,on#s + + +< S(##enl* the ste!& ,e!se# $lo)in' off+ The noisehe e&! %e#- h!# $een #ist !,tin'- $(t the silen,e !t on,e $e,!&e intole !$l* o"" essive+ ' <I tho('ht I )o(l# ,ho%e $efo e I 'ot # o)ne#-< he s!i#+ 'He " oteste# he #i# not thin% of s!vin' hi&self+ The onl* #istin,t tho('ht fo &e#- v!nishin'- !n# e1fo &in' in his $ !in- )!s: ei'ht h(n# e# "eo"le !n# seven $o!ts0 ei'ht h(n# e# "eo"le !n# seven $o!ts+ ' <So&e$o#* )!s s"e!%in' !lo(# insi#e &* he!#-< he s!i# ! little )il#l*+ <Ei'ht h(n# e# "eo"le !n# seven $o!ts11!n# no ti&e3 J(st thin% of it+< He le!ne# to)! #s &e !, oss the little t!$le- !n# I t ie# to !voi# his st! e+ <Do *o( thin% I )!s !f !i# of #e!th5< he !s%e# in ! voi,e ve * fie ,e !n# lo)+ He $ o('ht #o)n his o"en h!n# )ith ! $!n' th!t &!#e the ,offee1,("s #!n,e+ <I !& e!#* to s)e! I )!s not11I

)!s not+ + + + B* >o#11no3< He hit,he# hi&self (" i'ht !n# , osse# his ! &s0 his ,hin fell on his $ e!st+ 'The soft ,l!shes of , o,%e * e!,he# (s f!intl* th o('h the hi'h )in#o)s+ The e )!s ! $( st of voi,es- !n# seve !l &en ,!&e o(t in hi'h 'oo#1h(&o( into the '!lle *+ The* )e e e.,h!n'in' 2o,(l! e&inis,en,es of the #on%e*s in C!i o+ A "!le !n.io(s *o(th ste""in' softl* on lon' le's )!s $ein' ,h!ffe# $* ! st (ttin' !n# ($i,(n# 'lo$e1t otte !$o(t his "( ,h!ses in the $!/!! + <No- e!ll*11#o *o( thin% I've $een #one to th!t e.tent5< he in9(i e# ve * e! nest !n# #eli$e !te+ The $!n# &ove# !)!*- # o""in' into ,h!i s !s the* )ent0 &!t,hes fl! e#- ill(&in!tin' fo ! se,on# f!,es )itho(t the 'host of !n e." ession !n# the fl!t 'l!/e of )hite shi t1f onts0 the h(& of &!n* ,onve s!tions !ni&!te# )ith the ! #o( of fe!stin' so(n#e# to &e !$s( # !n# infinitel* e&ote+ ' <So&e of the , e) )e e slee"in' on the n(&$e e!,h of &* ! &-< $e'!n Ji& !'!in+ one h!t,h )ithin

'Yo( &(st %no) the* %e"t ;!l!shee )!t,h in th!t shi"- !ll h!n#s slee"in' th o('h the ni'ht- !n# onl* the eliefs of 9(! te &!ste s !n# loo%1o(t &en $ein' ,!lle#+ He )!s te&"te# to ' i" !n# sh!%e the sho(l#e of the ne! est l!s,! - $(t he #i#n't+ So&ethin' hel# his ! &s #o)n !lon' his si#es+ He )!s not !f !i#11oh no3 onl* he 2(st ,o(l#n't11th!t's !ll+ He )!s not !f !i# of #e!th "e h!"s- $(t I'll tell *o( )h!t- he )!s !f !i# of the e&e 'en,*+ His ,onfo(n#e# i&!'in!tion h!# evo%e# fo hi& !ll the ho o s of "!ni,- the t !&"lin' (sh- the "itif(l s, e!&s- $o!ts s)!&"e#11!ll the !""!llin' in,i#ents of ! #is!ste !t se! he h!# eve he! # of+ He &i'ht h!ve $een esi'ne# to #ie $(t I s(s"e,t he )!nte# to #ie )itho(t !##e# te o s- 9(ietl*- in ! so t of "e!,ef(l t !n,e+ A ,e t!in e!#iness to "e ish is not so ve * ! e- $(t it is sel#o& th!t *o( &eet &en )hose so(ls- steele# in the i&"enet !$le ! &o( of esol(tion- ! e e!#* to fi'ht ! losin' $!ttle to the l!st0 the #esi e of "e!,e )!.es st on'e !s ho"e #e,lines- till !t l!st it ,on9(e s the ve * #esi e of life+ Whi,h of (s he e h!s not o$se ve# this- o &!*$e e."e ien,e# so&ethin' of th!t feelin' in his o)n "e son11this e.t e&e )e! iness of e&otions- the v!nit* of effo t- the *e! nin' fo est5 Those st ivin' )ith (n e!son!$le fo ,es %no) it )ell-11the shi") e,%e# ,!st!)!*s in $o!ts- )!n#e e s lost in ! #ese t- &en $!ttlin' !'!inst the (nthin%in' &i'ht of n!t( e- o the st("i# $ (t!lit* of , o)#s+'

CHAPTER I 'Ho) lon' he stoo# sto,%1still $* the h!t,h e."e,tin' eve * &o&ent to feel the shi" #i" (n#e his feet !n# the (sh of )!te t!%e hi& !t the $!,% !n# toss hi& li%e ! ,hi"- I ,!nnot s!*+ Not ve * lon'11t)o &in(tes "e h!"s+ A ,o("le of &en he ,o(l# not &!%e o(t $e'!n to ,onve se # o)sil*- !n# !lso- he ,o(l# not tell )he e- he #ete,te# ! ,( io(s noise of sh(fflin' feet+ A$ove these f!int so(n#s the e )!s th!t !)f(l stillness " e,e#in' ! ,!t!st o"he-

th!t t *in' silen,e of the &o&ent $efo e the , !sh0 then it ,!&e into his he!# th!t "e h!"s he )o(l# h!ve ti&e to (sh !lon' !n# ,(t !ll the l!n*! #s of the ' i"es- so th!t the $o!ts )o(l# flo!t !s the shi" )ent #o)n+ 'The P!tn! h!# ! lon' $ i#'e- !n# !ll the $o!ts )e e (" the efo( on one si#e !n# th ee on the othe 11the s&!llest of the& on the "o t1si#e !n# ne! l* !$ e!st of the stee in' 'e! + He !ss( e# &e- )ith evi#ent !n.iet* to $e $elieve#- th!t he h!# $een &ost ,! ef(l to %ee" the& e!#* fo inst!nt se vi,e+ He %ne) his #(t*+ I #! e s!* he )!s ! 'oo# eno('h &!te !s f! !s th!t )ent+ <I !l)!*s $elieve# in $ein' " e"! e# fo the )o st-< he ,o&&ente#- st! in' !n.io(sl* in &* f!,e+ I no##e# &* !"" ov!l of the so(n# " in,i"le!ve tin' &* e*es $efo e the s($tle (nso(n#ness of the &!n+ 'He st! te# (nste!#il* to (n+ He h!# to ste" ove le's- !voi# st(&$lin' !'!inst the he!#s+ S(##enl* so&e one ,!('ht hol# of his ,o!t f o& $elo)- !n# ! #ist esse# voi,e s"o%e (n#e his el$o)+ The li'ht of the l!&" he ,! ie# in his i'ht h!n# fell ("on !n ("t( ne# #! % f!,e )hose e*es ent e!te# hi& to'ethe )ith the voi,e+ He h!# "i,%e# (" eno('h of the l!n'(!'e to (n#e st!n# the )o # )!te e"e!te# seve !l ti&es in ! tone of insisten,e- of " !*e - !l&ost of #es"!i + He '!ve ! 2e % to 'et !)!*- !n# felt !n ! & e&$ !,e his le'+ ' <The $e''! ,l(n' to &e li%e ! # o)nin' &!n-< he s!i# i&" essivel*+ <W!te - )!te 3 Wh!t )!te #i# he &e!n5 Wh!t #i# he %no)5 As ,!l&l* !s I ,o(l# I o #e e# hi& to let 'o+ He )!s sto""in' &e- ti&e )!s " essin'- othe &en $e'!n to sti 0 I )!nte# ti&e11ti&e to ,(t the $o!ts !# ift+ He 'ot hol# of &* h!n# no)!n# I felt th!t he )o(l# $e'in to sho(t+ It fl!she# ("on &e it )!s eno('h to st! t ! "!ni,- !n# I h!(le# off )ith &* f ee ! & !n# sl(n' the l!&" in his f!,e+ The 'l!ss 2in'le#- the li'ht )ent o(t- $(t the $lo) &!#e hi& let 'o- !n# I !n off11I )!nte# to 'et !t the $o!ts0 I )!nte# to 'et !t the $o!ts+ He le!"e# !fte &e f o& $ehin#+ I t( ne# on hi&+ He )o(l# not %ee" 9(iet0 he t ie# to sho(t0 I h!# h!lf th ottle# hi& $efo e I &!#e o(t )h!t he )!nte#+ He )!nte# so&e )!te 11)!te to # in%0 the* )e e on st i,t !llo)!n,e- *o( %no)- !n# he h!# )ith hi& ! *o(n' $o* I h!# noti,e# seve !l ti&es+ His ,hil# )!s si,%11!n# thi st*+ He h!# ,!('ht si'ht of &e !s I "!sse# $*- !n# )!s $e''in' fo ! little )!te + Th!t's !ll+ We )e e (n#e the $ i#'e- in the #! %+ He %e"t on sn!t,hin' !t &* ) ists0 the e )!s no 'ettin' i# of hi&+ I #!she# into &* $e th- ' !$$e# &* )!te 1$ottle- !n# th (st it into his h!n#s+ He v!nishe#+ I #i#n't fin# o(t till then ho) &(,h I )!s in )!nt of ! # in% &*self+< He le!ne# on one el$o) )ith ! h!n# ove his e*es+ 'I felt ! , ee"* sens!tion !ll #o)n &* $!,%$one0 the e )!s so&ethin' "e,(li! in !ll this+ The fin'e s of the h!n# th!t sh!#e# his $ o) t e&$le# sli'htl*+ He $ o%e the sho t silen,e+ ' <These thin's h!""en onl* on,e to ! &!n !n# + + + Ah3 )ell3 When I 'ot on the $ i#'e !t l!st the $e''! s )e e 'ettin' one of the $o!ts off the ,ho,%s+ A $o!t3 I )!s (nnin' (" the l!##e )hen !

he!v* $lo) fell on &* sho(l#e - 2(st &issin' &* he!#+ It #i#n't sto" &e- !n# the ,hief en'inee 11the* h!# 'ot hi& o(t of his $(n% $* then11 !ise# the $o!t1st et,he !'!in+ So&eho) I h!# no &in# to $e s( " ise# !t !n*thin'+ All this see&e# n!t( !l11!n# !)f(l11 !n# !)f(l+ I #o#'e# th!t &ise !$le &!ni!,- lifte# hi& off the #e,% !s tho('h he h!# $een ! little ,hil#- !n# he st! te# )his"e in' in &* ! &s: 'Don't3 #on't3 I tho('ht *o( )e e one of the& ni''e s+' I fl(n' hi& !)!*- he s%i##e# !lon' the $ i#'e !n# %no,%e# the le's f o& (n#e the little ,h!"11the se,on#+ The s%i""e - $(s* !$o(t the $o!t- loo%e# o(n# !n# ,!&e !t &e he!# #o)n- ' o)lin' li%e ! )il# $e!st+ I flin,he# no &o e th!n ! stone+ I )!s !s soli# st!n#in' the e !s this-< he t!""e# li'htl* )ith his %n(,%les the )!ll $esi#e his ,h!i + <It )!s !s tho('h I h!# he! # it !ll- seen it !ll- 'one th o('h it !ll t)ent* ti&es !l e!#*+ I )!sn't !f !i# of the&+ I # e) $!,% &* fist !n# he sto""e# sho t- &(tte in'11 ' < 'Ah3 it's *o(+ Len# ! h!n# 9(i,%+' ' <Th!t's )h!t he s!i#+ F(i,%3 As if !n*$o#* ,o(l# $e 9(i,% eno('h+ 'A en't *o( 'oin' to #o so&ethin'5' I !s%e#+ 'Yes+ Cle! o(t-' he sn! le# ove his sho(l#e + ' <I #on't thin% I (n#e stoo# then )h!t he &e!nt+ The othe t)o h!# "i,%e# the&selves (" $* th!t ti&e- !n# the* (she# to'ethe to the $o!t+ The* t !&"e#- the* )hee/e#- the* shove#- the* ,( se# the $o!t- the shi"- e!,h othe 11,( se# &e+ All in &(tte s+ I #i#n't &ove- I #i#n't s"e!%+ I )!t,he# the sl!nt of the shi"+ She )!s !s still !s if l!n#e# on the $lo,%s in ! # * #o,%11onl* she )!s li%e this-< He hel# (" his h!n#- "!l& (n#e - the ti"s of the fin'e s in,line# #o)n)! #s+ <Li%e this-< he e"e!te#+ <I ,o(l# see the line of the ho i/on $efo e &e- !s ,le! !s ! $ell- !$ove he ste&1he!#0 I ,o(l# see the )!te f! off the e $l!,% !n# s"! %lin'- !n# still11still !s !1"on#- #e!#l* still- &o e still th!n eve se! )!s $efo e11&o e still th!n I ,o(l# $e! to loo% !t+ H!ve *o( )!t,he# ! shi" flo!tin' he!# #o)n- ,he,%e# in sin%in' $* ! sheet of ol# i on too otten to st!n# $ein' sho e# ("5 H!ve *o(5 Oh *es- sho e# ("5 I tho('ht of th!t11I tho('ht of eve * &o t!l thin'0 $(t ,!n *o( sho e (" ! $(l%he!# in five &in(tes11o in fift* fo th!t &!tte 5 Whe e )!s I 'oin' to 'et &en th!t )o(l# 'o #o)n $elo)5 An# the ti&$e 11the ti&$e 3 Wo(l# *o( h!ve h!# the ,o( !'e to s)in' the &!(l fo the fi st $lo) if *o( h!# seen th!t $(l%he!#5 Don't s!* *o( )o(l#: *o( h!# not seen it0 no$o#* )o(l#+ H!n' it11to #o ! thin' li%e th!t *o( &(st $elieve the e is ! ,h!n,e- one in ! tho(s!n#- !t le!st- so&e 'host of ! ,h!n,e0 !n# *o( )o(l# not h!ve $elieve#+ No$o#* )o(l# h!ve $elieve#+ Yo( thin% &e ! ,( fo st!n#in' the e- $(t )h!t )o(l# *o( h!ve #one5 Wh!t3 Yo( ,!n't tell11no$o#* ,!n tell+ One &(st h!ve ti&e to t( n o(n#+ Wh!t )o(l# *o( h!ve &e #o5 Whe e )!s the %in#ness in &!%in' , !/* )ith f i'ht !ll those "eo"le I ,o(l# not s!ve sin'le1h!n#e#11th!t nothin' ,o(l# s!ve5 Loo% he e3 As t (e !s I sit on this ,h!i $efo e *o( + + +< 'He # e) 9(i,% $ e!ths !t eve * fe) )o #s !n# shot 9(i,% 'l!n,es !t &* f!,e- !s tho('h in his !n'(ish he )e e )!t,hf(l of the effe,t+ He )!s not s"e!%in' to &e- he )!s onl* s"e!%in' $efo e &e- in !

#is"(te )ith !n invisi$le "e son!lit*- !n !nt!'onisti, !n# inse"! !$le "! tne of his e.isten,e11!nothe "ossesso of his so(l+ These )e e iss(es $e*on# the ,o&"eten,* of ! ,o( t of in9(i *: it )!s ! s($tle !n# &o&ento(s 9(! el !s to the t (e essen,e of life- !n# #i# not )!nt ! 2(#'e+ He )!nte# !n !ll*- ! hel"e - !n !,,o&"li,e+ I felt the is% I !n of $ein' ,i ,(&vente#- $lin#e#- #e,o*e#- $(llie#"e h!"s- into t!%in' ! #efinite "! t in ! #is"(te i&"ossi$le of #e,ision if one h!# to $e f!i to !ll the "h!nto&s in "ossession11to the e"(t!$le th!t h!# its ,l!i&s !n# to the #is e"(t!$le th!t h!# its e.i'en,ies+ I ,!n't e."l!in to *o( )ho h!ven't seen hi& !n# )ho he! his )o #s onl* !t se,on# h!n# the &i.e# n!t( e of &* feelin's+ It see&e# to &e I )!s $ein' &!#e to ,o&" ehen# the In,on,eiv!$le11!n# I %no) of nothin' to ,o&"! e )ith the #is,o&fo t of s(,h ! sens!tion+ I )!s &!#e to loo% !t the ,onvention th!t l( %s in !ll t (th !n# on the essenti!l sin,e it* of f!lsehoo#+ He !""e!le# to !ll si#es !t on,e11to the si#e t( ne# "e "et(!ll* to the li'ht of #!*!n# to th!t si#e of (s )hi,h- li%e the othe he&is"he e of the &oone.ists ste!lthil* in "e "et(!l #! %ness- )ith onl* ! fe! f(l !sh* li'ht f!llin' !t ti&es on the e#'e+ He s)!*e# &e+ I o)n to it- I o)n ("+ The o,,!sion )!s o$s,( e- insi'nifi,!nt11)h!t *o( )ill: ! lost *o(n'ste - one in ! &illion11$(t then he )!s one of (s0 !n in,i#ent !s ,o&"letel* #evoi# of i&"o t!n,e !s the floo#in' of !n !nt1he!"!n# *et the &*ste * of his !ttit(#e 'ot hol# of &e !s tho('h he h!# $een !n in#ivi#(!l in the fo ef ont of his %in#- !s if the o$s,( e t (th involve# )e e &o&ento(s eno('h to !ffe,t &!n%in#'s ,on,e"tion of itself+ + + +' M! lo) "!(se# to "(t ne) life into his e."i in' ,he oot- see&e# to fo 'et !ll !$o(t the sto *- !n# !$ ("tl* $e'!n !'!in+ 'M* f!(lt of ,o( se+ One h!s no $(siness e!ll* to 'et inte este#+ It's ! )e!%ness of &ine+ His )!s of !nothe %in#+ M* )e!%ness ,onsists in not h!vin' ! #is, i&in!tin' e*e fo the in,i#ent!l11fo the e.te n!ls11no e*e fo the ho# of the !'1"i,%e o the fine linen of the ne.t &!n+ Ne.t &!n11th!t's it+ I h!ve &et so &!n* &en-' he "( s(e#- )ith &o&ent! * s!#ness11'&et the& too )ith ! ,e t!in11 ,e t!in11i&"!,t- let (s s!*0 li%e this fello)- fo inst!n,e11!n# in e!,h ,!se !ll I ,o(l# see )!s &e el* the h(&!n $ein'+ A ,onfo(n#e# #e&o, !ti, 9(!lit* of vision )hi,h &!* $e $ette th!n tot!l $lin#ness$(t h!s $een of no !#v!nt!'e to &e- I ,!n !ss( e *o(+ Men e."e,t one to t!%e into !,,o(nt thei fine linen+ B(t I neve ,o(l# 'et (" !n* enth(si!s& !$o(t these thin's+ Oh3 it's ! f!ilin'0 it's ! f!ilin'0 !n# then ,o&es ! soft evenin'0 ! lot of &en too in#olent fo )hist11!n# ! sto *+ + + +' He "!(se# !'!in to )!it fo !n en,o( !'in' e&! %- "e h!"s- $(t no$o#* s"o%e0 onl* the host- !s if el(,t!ntl* "e fo &in' ! #(t*&( &( e#11 'Yo( ! e so s($tle- M! lo)+' 'Who5 I5' s!i# M! lo) in ! lo) voi,e+ 'Oh no3 B(t BheB )!s0 !n# t * !s I &!* fo the s(,,ess of this *! n- I !& &issin' inn(&e !$le sh!#es11the* )e e so fine- so #iffi,(lt to en#e in ,olo( less )o #s+

Be,!(se he ,o&"li,!te# &!tte s $* $ein' so si&"le- too11the si&"lest "oo #evil3 + + + B* Jove3 he )!s !&!/in'+ The e he s!t tellin' &e th!t 2(st !s I s!) hi& $efo e &* e*es he )o(l#n't $e !f !i# to f!,e !n*thin'11!n# $elievin' in it too+ I tell *o( it )!s f!$(lo(sl* inno,ent !n# it )!s eno &o(s- eno &o(s3 I )!t,he# hi& ,ove tl*2(st !s tho('h I h!# s(s"e,te# hi& of !n intention to t!%e ! 2oll* 'oo# ise o(t of &e+ He )!s ,onfi#ent th!t- on the s9(! e- <on the s9(! e- &in#3< the e )!s nothin' he ,o(l#n't &eet+ Eve sin,e he h!# $een <so hi'h<11<9(ite ! little ,h!"-< he h!# $een " e"! in' hi&self fo !ll the #iffi,(lties th!t ,!n $eset one on l!n# !n# )!te + He ,onfesse# " o(#l* to this %in# of fo esi'ht+ He h!# $een el!$o !tin' #!n'e s !n# #efen,es- e."e,tin' the )o st- ehe! sin' his $est+ He &(st h!ve le# ! &ost e.!lte# e.isten,e+ C!n *o( f!n,* it5 A s(,,ession of !#vent( es- so &(,h 'lo *- s(,h ! vi,to io(s " o' ess3 !n# the #ee" sense of his s!'!,it* , o)nin' eve * #!* of his inne life+ He fo 'ot hi&self0 his e*es shone0 !n# )ith eve * )o # &* he! t- se! ,he# $* the li'ht of his !$s( #it*- )!s ' o)in' he!vie in &* $ e!st+ I h!# no &in# to l!('h- !n# lest I sho(l# s&ile I &!#e fo &*self ! stoli# f!,e+ He '!ve si'ns of i it!tion+ ' <It is !l)!*s the (ne."e,te# th!t h!""ens-< I s!i# in ! " o"iti!to * tone+ M* o$t(seness " ovo%e# hi& into ! ,onte&"t(o(s <Psh!)3< I s(""ose he &e!nt th!t the (ne."e,te# ,o(l#n't to(,h hi&0 nothin' less th!n the (n,on,eiv!$le itself ,o(l# 'et ove his "e fe,t st!te of " e"! !tion+ He h!# $een t!%en (n!)! es11!n# he )his"e e# to hi&self ! &!le#i,tion ("on the )!te s !n# the fi &!&ent- ("on the shi"- ("on the &en+ Eve *thin' h!# $et !*e# hi&3 He h!# $een t i,%e# into th!t so t of hi'h1&in#e# esi'n!tion )hi,h " evente# hi& liftin' !s &(,h !s his little fin'e - )hile these othe s )ho h!# ! ve * ,le! "e ,e"tion of the !,t(!l ne,essit* )e e t(&$lin' !'!inst e!,h othe !n# s)e!tin' #es"e !tel* ove th!t $o!t $(siness+ So&ethin' h!# 'one ) on' the e !t the l!st &o&ent+ It !""e! s th!t in thei fl( * the* h!# ,ont ive# in so&e &*ste io(s )!* to 'et the sli#in' $olt of the fo e&ost $o!t1,ho,% 2!&&e# ti'ht!n# fo th)ith h!# 'one o(t of the e&n!nts of thei &in#s ove the #e!#l* n!t( e of th!t !,,i#ent+ It &(st h!ve $een ! " ett* si'ht- the fie ,e in#(st * of these $e''! s toilin' on ! &otionless shi" th!t flo!te# 9(ietl* in the silen,e of ! )o l# !slee"- fi'htin' !'!inst ti&e fo the f eein' of th!t $o!t- ' ovellin' on !ll1fo( s- st!n#in' (" in #es"!i - t(''in'- "(shin'- sn! lin' !t e!,h othe veno&o(sl*- e!#* to %ill- e!#* to )ee"- !n# onl* %e"t f o& fl*in' !t e!,h othe 's th o!ts $* the fe! of #e!th th!t stoo# silent $ehin# the& li%e !n infle.i$le !n# ,ol#1e*e# t!s%&!ste + Oh *es3 It &(st h!ve $een ! " ett* si'ht+ He s!) it !ll- he ,o(l# t!l% !$o(t it )ith s,o n !n# $itte ness0 he h!# ! &in(te %no)le#'e of it $* &e!ns of so&e si.th sense- I ,on,l(#e- $e,!(se he s)o e to &e he h!# e&!ine# !"! t )itho(t ! 'l!n,e !t the& !n# !t the $o!t11)itho(t one sin'le 'l!n,e+ An# I $elieve hi&+ I sho(l# thin% he )!s too $(s* )!t,hin' the th e!tenin' sl!nt of the shi"- the s(s"en#e# &en!,e #is,ove e# in the &i#st of the &ost "e fe,t se,( it*11f!s,in!te# $* the s)o # h!n'in' $* ! h!i ove his i&!'in!tive he!#+ 'Nothin' in the )o l# &ove# $efo e his e*es- !n# he ,o(l# #e"i,t to hi&self )itho(t hin# !n,e the s(##en s)in' (")! #s of the #! %

s%*1line- the s(##en tilt (" of the v!st "l!in of the se!- the s)ift still ise- the $ (t!l flin'- the ' !s" of the !$*ss- the st (''le )itho(t ho"e- the st! li'ht ,losin' ove his he!# fo eve li%e the v!(lt of ! to&$11the evolt of his *o(n' life11the $l!,% en#+ He ,o(l#3 B* Jove3 )ho ,o(l#n't5 An# *o( &(st e&e&$e he )!s ! finishe# ! tist in th!t "e,(li! )!*- he )!s ! 'ifte# "oo #evil )ith the f!,(lt* of s)ift !n# fo est!llin' vision+ The si'hts it sho)e# hi& h!# t( ne# hi& into ,ol# stone f o& the soles of his feet to the n!"e of his ne,%0 $(t the e )!s ! hot #!n,e of tho('hts in his he!#- ! #!n,e of l!&e$lin#- &(te tho('hts11! )hi l of !)f(l , i""les+ Di#n't I tell *o( he ,onfesse# hi&self $efo e &e !s tho('h I h!# the "o)e to $in# !n# to loose5 He $( o)e# #ee"- #ee"- in the ho"e of &* !$sol(tion)hi,h )o(l# h!ve $een of no 'oo# to hi&+ This )!s one of those ,!ses )hi,h no sole&n #e,e"tion ,!n "!lli!te- )he e no &!n ,!n hel"0 )he e his ve * M!%e see&s to !$!n#on ! sinne to his o)n #evi,es+ 'He stoo# on the st! $o! # si#e of the $ i#'e- !s f! !s he ,o(l# 'et f o& the st (''le fo the $o!t- )hi,h )ent on )ith the !'it!tion of &!#ness !n# the ste!lthiness of ! ,ons"i !,*+ The t)o M!l!*s h!# &e!nti&e e&!ine# hol#in' to the )heel+ J(st "i,t( e to *o( selves the !,to s in th!t- th!n% >o#3 (ni9(e- e"iso#e of the se!- fo( $esi#e the&selves )ith fie ,e !n# se, et e.e tions- !n# th ee loo%in' on in ,o&"lete i&&o$ilit*- !$ove the !)nin's ,ove in' the " ofo(n# i'no !n,e of h(n# e#s of h(&!n $ein's- )ith thei )e! iness- )ith thei # e!&s- )ith thei ho"es- ! este#- hel# $* !n invisi$le h!n# on the $ in% of !nnihil!tion+ 4o th!t the* )e e so- &!%es no #o($t to &e: 'iven the st!te of the shi"- this )!s the #e!#liest "ossi$le #es, i"tion of !,,i#ent th!t ,o(l# h!""en+ These $e''! s $* the $o!t h!# eve * e!son to 'o #ist !,te# )ith f(n%+ 4 !n%l*- h!# I $een the e- I )o(l# not h!ve 'iven !s &(,h !s ! ,o(nte feit f! thin' fo the shi"'s ,h!n,e to %ee" !$ove )!te to the en# of e!,h s(,,essive se,on#+ An# still she flo!te#3 These slee"in' "il' i&s )e e #estine# to !,,o&"lish thei )hole "il' i&!'e to the $itte ness of so&e othe en#+ It )!s !s if the O&ni"oten,e )hose &e ,* the* ,onfesse# h!# nee#e# thei h(&$le testi&on* on e! th fo ! )hile lon'e - !n# h!# loo%e# #o)n to &!%e ! si'n- <Tho( sh!lt not3< to the o,e!n+ Thei es,!"e )o(l# t o($le &e !s ! " o#i'io(sl* ine."li,!$le event- #i# I not %no) ho) to('h ol# i on ,!n $e11!s to('h so&eti&es !s the s"i it of so&e &en )e &eet no) !n# then)o n to ! sh!#o) !n# $ e!stin' the )ei'ht of life+ Not the le!st )on#e of these t)ent* &in(tes- to &* &in#- is the $eh!vio( of the t)o hel&s&en+ The* )e e !&on'st the n!tive $!t,h of !ll so ts $ o('ht ove f o& A#en to 'ive evi#en,e !t the in9(i *+ One of the&- l!$o( in' (n#e intense $!shf(lness- )!s ve * *o(n'- !n# )ith his s&ooth- *ello)- ,hee * ,o(nten!n,e loo%e# even *o(n'e th!n he )!s+ I e&e&$e "e fe,tl* B ie l* !s%in' hi&- th o('h the inte " ete - )h!t he tho('ht of it !t the ti&e- !n# the inte " ete !fte ! sho t ,ollo9(*- t( nin' to the ,o( t )ith !n i&"o t!nt !i 11 ' <He s!*s he tho('ht nothin'+< 'The othe - )ith "!tient $lin%in' e*es- ! $l(e ,otton h!n#%e ,hieff!#e# )ith &(,h )!shin'- $o(n# )ith ! s&! t t)ist ove ! lot of

' e* )is"s- his f!,e sh (n% into ' i& hollo)s- his $ o)n s%in &!#e #! %e $* ! &esh of ) in%les- e."l!ine# th!t he h!# ! %no)le#'e of so&e evil thin' $ef!llin' the shi"- $(t the e h!# $een no o #e 0 he ,o(l# not e&e&$e !n o #e 0 )h* sho(l# he le!ve the hel&5 To so&e f( the 9(estions he 2e %e# $!,% his s"! e sho(l#e s- !n# #e,l! e# it neve ,!&e into his &in# then th!t the )hite &en )e e !$o(t to le!ve the shi" th o('h fe! of #e!th+ He #i# not $elieve it no)+ The e &i'ht h!ve $een se, et e!sons+ He )!''e# his ol# ,hin %no)in'l*+ Ah!3 se, et e!sons+ He )!s ! &!n of ' e!t e."e ien,e- !n# he )!nte# Bth!tB )hite T(!n to %no)11he t( ne# to)! #s B ie l*- )ho #i#n't !ise his he!#11th!t he h!# !,9(i e# ! %no)le#'e of &!n* thin's $* se vin' )hite &en on the se! fo ! ' e!t n(&$e of *e! s11!n#- s(##enl*- )ith sh!%* e.,ite&ent he "o( e# ("on o( s"ell$o(n# !ttention ! lot of 9(ee 1so(n#in' n!&es- n!&es of #e!#1!n#1'one s%i""e s- n!&es of fo 'otten ,o(nt * shi"s- n!&es of f!&ili! !n# #isto te# so(n#- !s if the h!n# of #(&$ ti&e h!# $een !t )o % on the& fo !'es+ The* sto""e# hi& !t l!st+ A silen,e fell ("on the ,o( t-11! silen,e th!t e&!ine# (n$ o%en fo !t le!st ! &in(te- !n# "!sse# 'entl* into ! #ee" &( &( + This e"iso#e )!s the sens!tion of the se,on# #!*'s " o,ee#in's11!ffe,tin' !ll the !(#ien,e- !ffe,tin' eve *$o#* e.,e"t Ji&- )ho )!s sittin' &oo#il* !t the en# of the fi st $en,h- !n# neve loo%e# (" !t this e.t !o #in! * !n# #!&nin' )itness th!t see&e# "ossesse# of so&e &*ste io(s theo * of #efen,e+ 'So these t)o l!s,! s st(,% to the hel& of th!t shi" )itho(t stee !'e1 )!*)he e #e!th )o(l# h!ve fo(n# the& if s(,h h!# $een thei #estin*+ The )hites #i# not 'ive the& h!lf ! 'l!n,e- h!# " o$!$l* fo 'otten thei e.isten,e+ Ass( e#l* Ji& #i# not e&e&$e it+ He e&e&$e e# he ,o(l# #o nothin'0 he ,o(l# #o nothin'- no) he )!s !lone+ The e )!s nothin' to #o $(t to sin% )ith the shi"+ No (se &!%in' ! #ist( $!n,e !$o(t it+ W!s the e5 He )!ite# ("st!n#in'- )itho(t ! so(n#- stiffene# in the i#e! of so&e so t of he oi, #is, etion+ The fi st en'inee !n ,!(tio(sl* !, oss the $ i#'e to t(' !t his sleeve+ ' <Co&e !n# hel"3 4o >o#'s s!%e- ,o&e !n# hel"3<

'He !n $!,% to the $o!t on the "oints of his toes- !n# et( ne# #i e,tl* to )o * !t his sleeve- $e''in' !n# ,( sin' !t the s!&e ti&e+ ' <I $elieve he )o(l# h!ve %isse# &* h!n#s-< s!i# Ji& s!v!'el*<!n#- ne.t &o&ent- he st! ts fo!&in' !n# )his"e in' in &* f!,e'If I h!# the ti&e I )o(l# li%e to , !,% *o( s%(ll fo *o(+' I "(she# hi& !)!*+ S(##enl* he ,!('ht hol# of &e o(n# the ne,%+ D!&n hi&3 I hit hi&+ I hit o(t )itho(t loo%in'+ 'Won't *o( s!ve *o( o)n life11*o( infe n!l ,o)! #5' he so$s+ Co)! #3 He ,!lle# &e !n infe n!l ,o)! #3 H!3 h!3 h!3 h!3 He ,!lle# &e11h!3 h!3 h!3 + + +< 'He h!# th o)n hi&self $!,% !n# )!s sh!%in' )ith l!('hte + I h!# neve in &* life he! # !n*thin' so $itte !s th!t noise+ It fell li%e ! $li'ht on !ll the &e i&ent !$o(t #on%e*s- "* !&i#s- $!/!! so )h!t not+ Alon' the )hole #i& len'th of the '!lle * the voi,es

# o""e#- the "!le $lot,hes of f!,es t( ne# o( )!* )ith one !,,o #!n# the silen,e $e,!&e so " ofo(n# th!t the ,le! tin%le of ! te!s"oon f!llin' on the tessel!te# floo of the ve !n#!h !n' o(t li%e ! tin* !n# silve * s, e!&+ ' <Yo( &(stn't l!('h li%e this- )ith !ll these "eo"le !$o(t-< I e&onst !te#+ <It isn't ni,e fo the&- *o( %no)+< 'He '!ve no si'n of h!vin' he! # !t fi st- $(t !fte ! )hile- )ith ! st! e th!t- &issin' &e !lto'ethe - see&e# to " o$e the he! t of so&e !)f(l vision- he &(tte e# ,! elessl*11<Oh3 the*'ll thin% I !& # (n%+< 'An# !fte th!t *o( )o(l# h!ve tho('ht f o& his !""e! !n,e he )o(l# neve &!%e ! so(n# !'!in+ B(t11no fe! 3 He ,o(l# no &o e sto" tellin' no) th!n he ,o(l# h!ve sto""e# livin' $* the &e e e.e tion of his )ill+'

CHAPTER 7 ' <I )!s s!*in' to &*self- 'Sin%11,( se *o(3 Sin%3' < These )e e the )o #s )ith )hi,h he $e'!n !'!in+ He )!nte# it ove + He )!s seve el* left !lone- !n# he fo &(l!te# in his he!# this !## ess to the shi" in ! tone of i&" e,!tion- )hile !t the s!&e ti&e he en2o*e# the " ivile'e of )itnessin' s,enes11!s f! !s I ,!n 2(#'e11of lo) ,o&e#*+ The* )e e still !t th!t $olt+ The s%i""e )!s o #e in'<>et (n#e !n# t * to lift<0 !n# the othe s n!t( !ll* shi %e#+ Yo( (n#e st!n# th!t to $e s9(ee/e# fl!t (n#e the %eel of ! $o!t )!sn't ! #esi !$le "osition to $e ,!('ht in if the shi" )ent #o)n s(##enl*+ <Wh* #on't *o(11*o( the st on'est5< )hine# the little en'inee + <>ott1fo 1#!&3 I !& too thi,%-< s"l(tte e# the s%i""e in #es"!i + It )!s f(nn* eno('h to &!%e !n'els )ee"+ The* stoo# i#le fo ! &o&ent- !n# s(##enl* the ,hief en'inee (she# !'!in !t Ji&+ ' <Co&e !n# hel"- &!n3 A e *o( &!# to th o) *o( onl* ,h!n,e !)!*5 Co&e !n# hel"- &!n3 M!n3 Loo% the e11loo%3< 'An# !t l!st Ji& loo%e# !ste n )he e the othe "ointe# )ith &!ni!,!l insisten,e+ He s!) ! silent $l!,% s9(!ll )hi,h h!# e!ten (" !l e!#* one1thi # of the s%*+ Yo( %no) ho) these s9(!lls ,o&e (" the e !$o(t th!t ti&e of the *e! + 4i st *o( see ! #! %enin' of the ho i/on11no &o e0 then ! ,lo(# ises o"!9(e li%e ! )!ll+ A st !i'ht e#'e of v!"o( line# )ith si,%l* )hitish 'le!&s flies (" f o& the so(th)est- s)!llo)in' the st! s in )hole ,onstell!tions0 its sh!#o) flies ove the )!te s- !n# ,onfo(n#s se! !n# s%* into one !$*ss of o$s,( it*+ An# !ll is still+ No th(n#e - no )in#- no so(n#0 not ! fli,%e of li'htnin'+ Then in the tene$ o(s i&&ensit* ! livi# ! ,h !""e! s0 ! s)ell o t)o li%e (n#(l!tions of the ve * #! %ness (n "!st- !n# s(##enl*- )in# !n# !in st i%e to'ethe )ith ! "e,(li! i&"et(osit* !s if the* h!# $( st th o('h so&ethin' soli#+ S(,h ! ,lo(# h!# ,o&e (" )hile the* )e en't loo%in'+ The* h!# 2(st

noti,e# it- !n# )e e "e fe,tl* 2(stifie# in s( &isin' th!t if in !$sol(te stillness the e )!s so&e ,h!n,e fo the shi" to %ee" !flo!t ! fe) &in(tes lon'e - the le!st #ist( $!n,e of the se! )o(l# &!%e !n en# of he inst!ntl*+ He fi st no# to the s)ell th!t " e,e#es the $( st of s(,h ! s9(!ll )o(l# $e !lso he l!st- )o(l# $e,o&e ! "l(n'e)o(l#- so to s"e!%- $e " olon'e# into ! lon' #ive- #o)n- #o)n to the $otto&+ Hen,e these ne) ,!"e s of thei f i'ht- these ne) !nti,s in )hi,h the* #is"l!*e# thei e.t e&e !ve sion to #ie+ ' <It )!s $l!,%- $l!,%-< "( s(e# Ji& )ith &oo#* ste!#iness+ <It h!# sne!%e# ("on (s f o& $ehin#+ The infe n!l thin'3 I s(""ose the e h!# $een !t the $!,% of &* he!# so&e ho"e *et+ I #on't %no)+ B(t th!t )!s !ll ove !n*ho)+ It &!##ene# &e to see &*self ,!('ht li%e this+ I )!s !n' *- !s tho('h I h!# $een t !""e#+ I B)!sB t !""e#3 The ni'ht )!s hot- too- I e&e&$e + Not ! $ e!th of !i +< 'He e&e&$e e# so )ell th!t- '!s"in' in the ,h!i - he see&e# to s)e!t !n# ,ho%e $efo e &* e*es+ No #o($t it &!##ene# hi&0 it %no,%e# hi& ove !f esh11in ! &!nne of s"e!%in'11$(t it &!#e hi& !lso e&e&$e th!t i&"o t!nt "( "ose )hi,h h!# sent hi& (shin' on th!t $ i#'e onl* to sli" ,le!n o(t of his &in#+ He h!# inten#e# to ,(t the life$o!ts ,le! of the shi"+ He )hi""e# o(t his %nife !n# )ent to )o % sl!shin' !s tho('h he h!# seen nothin'h!# he! # nothin'- h!# %no)n of no one on $o! #+ The* tho('ht hi& ho"elessl* ) on'1he!#e# !n# , !/*- $(t #! e# not " otest noisil* !'!inst this (seless loss of ti&e+ When he h!# #one he et( ne# to the ve * s!&e s"ot f o& )hi,h he h!# st! te#+ The ,hief )!s the e- e!#* )ith ! ,l(t,h !t hi& to )his"e ,lose to his he!#s,!thin'l*- !s tho('h he )!nte# to $ite his e! 11 ' <Yo( sill* fool3 #o *o( thin% *o('ll 'et the 'host of ! sho) )hen !ll th!t lot of $ (tes is in the )!te 5 Wh*- the* )ill $!tte *o( he!# fo *o( f o& these $o!ts+< 'He ) (n' his h!n#s- i'no e#- !t Ji&'s el$o)+ The s%i""e %e"t (" ! ne vo(s sh(ffle in one "l!,e !n# &(&$le#- <H!&&e 3 h!&&e 3 Mein >ott3 >et ! h!&&e +< 'The little en'inee )hi&"e e# li%e ! ,hil#- $(t- $ o%en ! & !n# !ll- he t( ne# o(t the le!st , !ven of the lot !s it see&s- !n#!,t(!ll*&(ste e# eno('h "l(,% to (n !n e !n# to the en'ine1 oo&+ No t ifle- it &(st $e o)ne# in f!i ness to hi&+ Ji& tol# &e he #! te# #es"e !te loo%s li%e ! ,o ne e# &!n- '!ve one lo) )!il- !n# #!she# off+ He )!s $!,% inst!ntl* ,l!&$e in'- h!&&e in h!n#- !n# )itho(t ! "!(se fl(n' hi&self !t the $olt+ The othe s '!ve (" Ji& !t on,e !n# !n off to !ssist+ He he! # the t!"- t!" of the h!&&e - the so(n# of the ele!se# ,ho,% f!llin' ove + The $o!t )!s ,le! + Onl* then he t( ne# to loo%11onl* then+ B(t he %e"t his #ist!n,e11he %e"t his #ist!n,e+ He )!nte# &e to %no) he h!# %e"t his #ist!n,e0 th!t the e )!s nothin' in ,o&&on $et)een hi& !n# these &en11)ho h!# the h!&&e + Nothin' )h!teve + It is &o e th!n " o$!$le he tho('ht hi&self ,(t off f o& the& $* ! s"!,e th!t ,o(l# not $e

t !ve se#- $* !n o$st!,le th!t ,o(l# not $e ove ,o&e- $* ! ,h!s& )itho(t $otto&+ He )!s !s f! !s he ,o(l# 'et f o& the&11the )hole $ e!#th of the shi"+ 'His feet )e e 'l(e# to th!t e&ote s"ot !n# his e*es to thei in#istin,t ' o(" $o)e# to'ethe !n# s)!*in' st !n'el* in the ,o&&on to &ent of fe! + A h!n#1l!&" l!she# to ! st!n,hion !$ove ! little t!$le i''e# (" on the $ i#'e11the P!tn! h!# no ,h! t1 oo& !&i#shi"s11th e) ! li'ht on thei l!$o( in' sho(l#e s- on thei ! ,he# !n# $o$$in' $!,%s+ The* "(she# !t the $o) of the $o!t0 the* "(she# o(t into the ni'ht0 the* "(she#- !n# )o(l# no &o e loo% $!,% !t hi&+ The* h!# 'iven hi& (" !s if in#ee# he h!# $een too f! - too ho"elessl* se"! !te# f o& the&selves- to $e )o th !n !""e!lin' )o #- ! 'l!n,e- o ! si'n+ The* h!# no leis( e to loo% $!,% ("on his "!ssive he ois&- to feel the stin' of his !$stention+ The $o!t )!s he!v*0 the* "(she# !t the $o) )ith no $ e!th to s"! e fo !n en,o( !'in' )o #: $(t the t( &oil of te o th!t h!# s,!tte e# thei self1,o&&!n# li%e ,h!ff $efo e the )in#- ,onve te# thei #es"e !te e.e tions into ! $it of foolin'- ("on &* )o #- fit fo %no,%!$o(t ,lo)ns in ! f! ,e+ The* "(she# )ith thei h!n#s- )ith thei he!#s- the* "(she# fo #e! life )ith !ll the )ei'ht of thei $o#ies- the* "(she# )ith !ll the &i'ht of thei so(ls11onl* no soone h!# the* s(,,ee#e# in ,!ntin' the ste& ,le! of the #!vit th!n the* )o(l# le!ve off li%e one &!n !n# st! t ! )il# s, !&$le into he + As ! n!t( !l ,onse9(en,e the $o!t )o(l# s)in' in !$ ("tl*- # ivin' the& $!,%- hel"less !n# 2ostlin' !'!inst e!,h othe + The* )o(l# st!n# non"l(sse# fo ! )hile- e.,h!n'in' in fie ,e )his"e s !ll the inf!&o(s n!&es the* ,o(l# ,!ll to &in#- !n# 'o !t it !'!in+ Th ee ti&es this o,,( e#+ He #es, i$e# it to &e )ith &o ose tho('htf(lness+ He h!#n't lost ! sin'le &ove&ent of th!t ,o&i, $(siness+ <I lo!the# the&+ I h!te# the&+ I h!# to loo% !t !ll th!t-< he s!i# )itho(t e&"h!sis- t( nin' ("on &e ! so&$ el* )!t,hf(l 'l!n,e+ <W!s eve the e !n* one so sh!&ef(ll* t ie#5< 'He too% his he!# in his h!n#s fo ! &o&ent- li%e ! &!n # iven to #ist !,tion $* so&e (ns"e!%!$le o(t !'e+ These )e e thin's he ,o(l# not e."l!in to the ,o( t11!n# not even to &e0 $(t I )o(l# h!ve $een little fitte# fo the e,e"tion of his ,onfi#en,es h!# I not $een !$le !t ti&es to (n#e st!n# the "!(ses $et)een the )o #s+ In this !ss!(lt ("on his fo tit(#e the e )!s the 2ee in' intention of ! s"itef(l !n# vile ven'e!n,e0 the e )!s !n ele&ent of $( les9(e in his o #e!l11! #e' !#!tion of f(nn* ' i&!,es in the !"" o!,h of #e!th o #ishono( + 'He el!te# f!,ts )hi,h I h!ve not fo 'otten- $(t !t this #ist!n,e of ti&e I ,o(l#n't e,!ll his ve * )o #s: I onl* e&e&$e th!t he &!n!'e# )on#e f(ll* to ,onve* the $ oo#in' !n,o( of his &in# into the $! e e,it!l of events+ T)i,e- he tol# &e- he sh(t his e*es in the ,e tit(#e th!t the en# )!s ("on hi& !l e!#*- !n# t)i,e he h!# to o"en the& !'!in+ E!,h ti&e he note# the #! %enin' of the ' e!t stillness+ The sh!#o) of the silent ,lo(# h!# f!llen ("on the shi" f o& the /enith- !n# see&e# to h!ve e.tin'(ishe# eve * so(n# of he tee&in' life+ He ,o(l# no lon'e he! the voi,es (n#e the !)nin's+ He tol# &e th!t e!,h ti&e he ,lose# his e*es ! fl!sh of

tho('ht sho)e# hi& th!t , o)# of $o#ies- l!i# o(t fo #e!th- !s "l!in !s #!*li'ht+ When he o"ene# the&- it )!s to see the #i& st (''le of fo( &en fi'htin' li%e &!# )ith ! st($$o n $o!t+ <The* )o(l# f!ll $!,% $efo e it ti&e !fte ti&e- st!n# s)e! in' !t e!,h othe - !n# s(##enl* &!%e !nothe (sh in ! $(n,h+ + + + Eno('h to &!%e *o( #ie l!('hin'-< he ,o&&ente# )ith #o)n,!st e*es0 then !isin' the& fo ! &o&ent to &* f!,e )ith ! #is&!l s&ile- <I o('ht to h!ve ! &e * life of it- $* >o#3 fo I sh!ll see th!t f(nn* si'ht ! 'oo# &!n* ti&es *et $efo e I #ie+< His e*es fell !'!in+ <See !n# he! + + + + See !n# he! -< he e"e!te# t)i,e- !t lon' inte v!ls- fille# $* v!,!nt st! in'+ 'He o(se# hi&self+

' <I &!#e (" &* &in# to %ee" &* e*es sh(t-< he s!i#- <!n# I ,o(l#n't+ I ,o(l#n't- !n# I #on't ,! e )ho %no)s it+ Let the& 'o th o('h th!t %in# of thin' $efo e the* t!l%+ J(st let the&11!n# #o $ette 11th!t's !ll+ The se,on# ti&e &* e*eli#s fle) o"en !n# &* &o(th too+ I h!# felt the shi" &ove+ She 2(st #i""e# he $o)s11!n# lifte# the& 'entl*11!n# slo)3 eve l!stin'l* slo)0 !n# eve so little+ She h!#n't #one th!t &(,h fo #!*s+ The ,lo(# h!# !,e# !he!#- !n# this fi st s)ell see&e# to t !vel ("on ! se! of le!#+ The e )!s no life in th!t sti + It &!n!'e#- tho('h- to %no,% ove so&ethin' in &* he!#+ Wh!t )o(l# *o( h!ve #one5 Yo( ! e s( e of *o( self11! en't *o(5 Wh!t )o(l# *o( #o if *o( felt no)11this &in(te11the ho(se he e &ove- 2(st &ove ! little (n#e *o( ,h!i + Le!"3 B* he!vens3 *o( )o(l# t!%e one s" in' f o& )he e *o( sit !n# l!n# in th!t ,l(&" of $(shes *on#e +< 'He fl(n' his ! & o(t !t the ni'ht $e*on# the stone $!l(st !#e+ I hel# &* "e!,e+ He loo%e# !t &e ve * ste!#il*- ve * seve e+ The e ,o(l# $e no &ist!%e: I )!s $ein' $(llie# no)- !n# it $ehove# &e to &!%e no si'n lest $* ! 'est( e o ! )o # I sho(l# $e # !)n into ! f!t!l !#&ission !$o(t &*self )hi,h )o(l# h!ve h!# so&e $e! in' on the ,!se+ I )!s not #is"ose# to t!%e !n* is% of th!t so t+ Don't fo 'et I h!# hi& $efo e &e- !n# e!ll* he )!s too &(,h li%e one of (s not to $e #!n'e o(s+ B(t if *o( )!nt to %no) I #on't &in# tellin' *o( th!t I #i#- )ith ! !"i# 'l!n,e- esti&!te the #ist!n,e to the &!ss of #ense $l!,%ness in the &i##le of the ' !ss1"lot $efo e the ve !n#!h+ He e.!''e !te#+ I )o(l# h!ve l!n#e# sho t $* seve !l feet11!n# th!t's the onl* thin' of )hi,h I !& f!i l* ,e t!in+ 'The l!st &o&ent h!# ,o&e- !s he tho('ht- !n# he #i# not &ove+ His feet e&!ine# 'l(e# to the "l!n%s if his tho('hts )e e %no,%in' !$o(t loose in his he!#+ It )!s !t this &o&ent too th!t he s!) one of the &en ! o(n# the $o!t ste" $!,%)! #s s(##enl*- ,l(t,h !t the !i )ith !ise# ! &s- totte !n# ,oll!"se+ He #i#n't e.!,tl* f!ll- he onl* sli# 'entl* into ! sittin' "ost( e- !ll h(n,he# ("- !n# )ith his sho(l#e s " o""e# !'!inst the si#e of the en'ine1 oo& s%*li'ht+ <Th!t )!s the #on%e*1&!n+ A h!''! #- )hite1f!,e# ,h!" )ith ! !''e# &o(st!,he+ A,te# thi # en'inee -< he e."l!ine#+ ' <De!#-< I s!i#+ We h!# he! # so&ethin' of th!t in ,o( t+

' <So the* s!*-< he " ono(n,e# )ith so&$ e in#iffe en,e+ <Of ,o( se I neve %ne)+ We!% he! t+ The &!n h!# $een ,o&"l!inin' of $ein' o(t of so ts fo so&e ti&e $efo e+ E.,ite&ent+ Ove 1e.e tion+ Devil onl* %no)s+ H!3 h!3 h!3 It )!s e!s* to see he #i# not )!nt to #ie eithe + D oll- isn't it5 M!* I $e shot if he h!#n't $een foole# into %illin' hi&self3 4oole#11neithe &o e no less+ 4oole# into it- $* he!vens3 2(st !s I + + + Ah3 If he h!# onl* %e"t still0 if he h!# onl* tol# the& to 'o to the #evil )hen the* ,!&e to (sh hi& o(t of his $(n% $e,!(se the shi" )!s sin%in'3 If he h!# onl* stoo# $* )ith his h!n#s in his "o,%ets !n# ,!lle# the& n!&es3< 'He 'ot ("- shoo% his fist- 'l! e# !t &e- !n# s!t #o)n+ ' <A ,h!n,e &isse#- eh5< I &( &( e#+ ' <Wh* #on't *o( l!('h5< he s!i#+ <A 2o%e h!t,he# in hell+ We!% he! t3 + + + I )ish so&eti&es &ine h!# $een+< 'This i it!te# &e+ <Do *o(5< I e.,l!i&e# )ith #ee"1 oote# i on*+ <Yes3 C!n't B*o(B (n#e st!n#5< he , ie#+ <I #on't %no) )h!t &o e *o( ,o(l# )ish fo -< I s!i# !n' il*+ He '!ve &e !n (tte l* (n,o&" ehen#in' 'l!n,e+ This sh!ft h!# !lso 'one )i#e of the &! %- !n# he )!s not the &!n to $othe !$o(t st !* ! o)s+ U"on &* )o #- he )!s too (ns(s"e,tin'0 he )!s not f!i '!&e+ I )!s 'l!# th!t &* &issile h!# $een th o)n !)!*-11th!t he h!# not even he! # the t)!n' of the $o)+ 'Of ,o( se he ,o(l# not %no) !t the ti&e the &!n )!s #e!#+ The ne.t &in(te11his l!st on $o! #11)!s , o)#e# )ith ! t(&(lt of events !n# sens!tions )hi,h $e!t !$o(t hi& li%e the se! ("on ! o,%+ I (se the si&ile !#vise#l*- $e,!(se f o& his el!tion I !& fo ,e# to $elieve he h!# " ese ve# th o('h it !ll ! st !n'e ill(sion of "!ssiveness- !s tho('h he h!# not !,te# $(t h!# s(ffe e# hi&self to $e h!n#le# $* the infe n!l "o)e s )ho h!# sele,te# hi& fo the vi,ti& of thei " !,ti,!l 2o%e+ The fi st thin' th!t ,!&e to hi& )!s the ' in#in' s( 'e of the he!v* #!vits s)in'in' o(t !t l!st11! 2! )hi,h see&e# to ente his $o#* f o& the #e,% th o('h the soles of his feet- !n# t !vel (" his s"ine to the , o)n of his he!#+ Then- the s9(!ll $ein' ve * ne! no)- !nothe !n# ! he!vie s)ell lifte# the "!ssive h(ll in ! th e!tenin' he!ve th!t ,he,%e# his $ e!th- )hile his $ !in !n# his he! t to'ethe )e e "ie ,e# !s )ith #!''e s $* "!ni,1st i,%en s, e!&s+ <Let 'o3 4o >o#'s s!%e- let 'o3 Let 'o3 She's 'oin'+< 4ollo)in' ("on th!t the $o!t1f!lls i""e# th o('h the $lo,%s- !n# ! lot of &en $e'!n to t!l% in st! tle# tones (n#e the !)nin's+ <When these $e''! s #i# $ e!% o(t- thei *el"s )e e eno('h to )!%e the #e!#-< he s!i#+ Ne.t- !fte the s"l!shin' sho,% of the $o!t lite !ll* # o""e# in the )!te - ,!&e the hollo) noises of st!&"in' !n# t(&$lin' in he - &in'le# )ith ,onf(se# sho(ts: <Unhoo%3 Unhoo%3 Shove3 Unhoo%3 Shove fo *o( life3 He e's the s9(!ll #o)n on (s+ + + +< He he! #- hi'h !$ove his he!#- the f!int &(tte in' of the )in#0 he he! # $elo) his feet ! , * of "!in+ A lost voi,e !lon'si#e st! te# ,( sin' ! s)ivel hoo%+ The shi" $e'!n to $(// fo e !n# !ft li%e ! #ist( $e# hive- !n#- !s 9(ietl* !s he )!s tellin' &e of !ll this11$e,!(se 2(st then he )!s ve * 9(iet in !ttit(#e-

in f!,e- in voi,e11he )ent on to s!* )itho(t the sli'htest )! nin' !s it )e e- <I st(&$le# ove his le's+< 'This )!s the fi st I he! # of his h!vin' &ove# !t !ll+ I ,o(l# not est !in ! ' (nt of s( " ise+ So&ethin' h!# st! te# hi& off !t l!st$(t of the e.!,t &o&ent- of the ,!(se th!t to e hi& o(t of his i&&o$ilit*- he %ne) no &o e th!n the (" oote# t ee %no)s of the )in# th!t l!i# it lo)+ All this h!# ,o&e to hi&: the so(n#s- the si'hts- the le's of the #e!# &!n11$* Jove3 The infe n!l 2o%e )!s $ein' , !&&e# #evilishl* #o)n his th o!t- $(t11loo% *o(11he )!s not 'oin' to !#&it of !n* so t of s)!llo)in' &otion in his '(llet+ It's e.t !o #in! * ho) he ,o(l# ,!st ("on *o( the s"i it of his ill(sion+ I listene# !s if to ! t!le of $l!,% &!'i, !t )o % ("on ! ,o "se+ ' <He )ent ove si#e)!*s- ve * 'entl*- !n# this is the l!st thin' I e&e&$e seein' on $o! #-< he ,ontin(e#+ <I #i# not ,! e )h!t he #i#+ It loo%e# !s tho('h he )e e "i,%in' hi&self (": I tho('ht he )!s "i,%in' hi&self ("- of ,o( se: I e."e,te# hi& to $olt "!st &e ove the !il !n# # o" into the $o!t !fte the othe s+ I ,o(l# he! the& %no,%in' !$o(t #o)n the e- !n# ! voi,e !s if , *in' (" ! sh!ft ,!lle# o(t '>eo 'e3' Then th ee voi,es to'ethe !ise# ! *ell+ The* ,!&e to &e se"! !tel*: one $le!te#- !nothe s, e!&e#- one ho)le#+ O('h3< 'He shive e# ! little- !n# I $ehel# hi& ise slo)l* !s if ! ste!#* h!n# f o& !$ove h!# $een "(llin' hi& o(t of the ,h!i $* his h!i + U"- slo)l*11to his f(ll hei'ht- !n# )hen his %nees h!# lo,%e# stiff the h!n# let hi& 'o- !n# he s)!*e# ! little on his feet+ The e )!s ! s(''estion of !)f(l stillness in his f!,e- in his &ove&ents- in his ve * voi,e )hen he s!i# <The* sho(te#<11!n# invol(nt! il* I " i,%e# (" &* e! s fo the 'host of th!t sho(t th!t )o(l# $e he! # #i e,tl* th o('h the f!lse effe,t of silen,e+ <The e )e e ei'ht h(n# e# "eo"le in th!t shi"-< he s!i#- i&"!lin' &e to the $!,% of &* se!t )ith !n !)f(l $l!n% st! e+ <Ei'ht h(n# e# livin' "eo"le- !n# the* )e e *ellin' !fte the one #e!# &!n to ,o&e #o)n !n# $e s!ve#+ 'J(&"- >eo 'e3 J(&"3 Oh- 2(&"3' I stoo# $* )ith &* h!n# on the #!vit+ I )!s ve * 9(iet+ It h!# ,o&e ove "it,h #! %+ Yo( ,o(l# see neithe s%* no se!+ I he! # the $o!t !lon'si#e 'o $(&"$(&"- !n# not !nothe so(n# #o)n the e fo ! )hile- $(t the shi" (n#e &e )!s f(ll of t!l%in' noises+ S(##enl* the s%i""e ho)le# 'Mein >ott3 The s9(!ll3 The s9(!ll3 Shove off3' With the fi st hiss of !in- !n# the fi st '(st of )in#- the* s, e!&e#- 'J(&"- >eo 'e3 We'll ,!t,h *o(3 J(&"3' The shi" $e'!n ! slo) "l(n'e0 the !in s)e"t ove he li%e ! $ o%en se!0 &* ,!" fle) off &* he!#0 &* $ e!th )!s # iven $!,% into &* th o!t+ I he! # !s if I h!# $een on the to" of ! to)e !nothe )il# s, ee,h- '>eo1o1o1o 'e3 Oh- 2(&"3' She )!s 'oin' #o)n- #o)n- he!# fi st (n#e &e+ + + +< 'He !ise# his h!n# #eli$e !tel* to his f!,e- !n# &!#e "i,%in' &otions )ith his fin'e s !s tho('h he h!# $een $othe e# )ith ,o$)e$s!n# !fte )! #s he loo%e# into the o"en "!l& fo 9(ite h!lf ! se,on# $efo e he $l( te# o(t11

' <I h!# 2(&"e# + + +< He ,he,%e# hi&self- !ve te# his '!/e+ + + + <It see&s-< he !##e#+ 'His ,le! $l(e e*es t( ne# to &e )ith ! "iteo(s st! e- !n# loo%in' !t hi& st!n#in' $efo e &e- #(&fo(n#e# !n# h( t- I )!s o"" esse# $* ! s!# sense of esi'ne# )is#o&- &in'le# )ith the !&(se# !n# " ofo(n# "it* of !n ol# &!n hel"less $efo e ! ,hil#ish #is!ste + ' <Loo%s li%e it-< I &(tte e#+ ' <I %ne) nothin' !$o(t it till I loo%e# ("-< he e."l!ine# h!stil*+ An# th!t's "ossi$le- too+ Yo( h!# to listen to hi& !s *o( )o(l# to ! s&!ll $o* in t o($le+ He #i#n't %no)+ It h!# h!""ene# so&eho)+ It )o(l# neve h!""en !'!in+ He h!# l!n#e# "! tl* on so&e$o#* !n# f!llen !, oss ! th)! t+ He felt !s tho('h !ll his i$s on his left si#e &(st $e $ o%en0 then he olle# ove - !n# s!) v!'(el* the shi" he h!# #ese te# (" isin' !$ove hi&- )ith the e# si#e1li'ht 'lo)in' l! 'e in the !in li%e ! fi e on the $ o) of ! hill seen th o('h ! &ist+ <She see&e# hi'he th!n ! )!ll0 she loo&e# li%e ! ,liff ove the $o!t + + + I )ishe# I ,o(l# #ie-< he , ie#+ <The e )!s no 'oin' $!,%+ It )!s !s if I h!# 2(&"e# into ! )ell11into !n eve l!stin' #ee" hole+ + + +< '

CHAPTER 6H 'He lo,%e# his fin'e s to'ethe !n# to e the& !"! t+ Nothin' ,o(l# $e &o e t (e: he h!# in#ee# 2(&"e# into !n eve l!stin' #ee" hole+ He h!# t(&$le# f o& ! hei'ht he ,o(l# neve s,!le !'!in+ B* th!t ti&e the $o!t h!# 'one # ivin' fo )! # "!st the $o)s+ It )!s too #! % 2(st then fo the& to see e!,h othe - !n#- &o eove - the* )e e $lin#e# !n# h!lf # o)ne# )ith !in+ He tol# &e it )!s li%e $ein' s)e"t $* ! floo# th o('h ! ,!ve n+ The* t( ne# thei $!,%s to the s9(!ll0 the s%i""e - it see&s- 'ot !n o! ove the ste n to %ee" the $o!t $efo e it- !n# fo t)o o th ee &in(tes the en# of the )o l# h!# ,o&e th o('h ! #el('e in ! "it,h* $l!,%ness+ The se! hisse# <li%e t)ent* tho(s!n# %ettles+< Th!t's his si&ile- not &ine+ I f!n,* the e )!s not &(,h )in# !fte the fi st '(st0 !n# he hi&self h!# !#&itte# !t the in9(i * th!t the se! neve 'ot (" th!t ni'ht to !n* e.tent+ He , o(,he# #o)n in the $o)s !n# stole ! f( tive 'l!n,e $!,%+ He s!) 2(st one *ello) 'le!& of the &!st1he!# li'ht hi'h (" !n# $l( e# li%e ! l!st st! e!#* to #issolve+ <It te ifie# &e to see it still the e-< he s!i#+ Th!t's )h!t he s!i#+ Wh!t te ifie# hi& )!s the tho('ht th!t the # o)nin' )!s not ove *et+ No #o($t he )!nte# to $e #one )ith th!t !$o&in!tion !s 9(i,%l* !s "ossi$le+ No$o#* in the $o!t &!#e ! so(n#+ In the #! % she see&e# to fl*- $(t of ,o( se she ,o(l# not h!ve h!# &(,h )!*+ Then the sho)e s)e"t !he!#- !n# the ' e!t- #ist !,tin'- hissin' noise follo)e# the !in into #ist!n,e !n# #ie# o(t+ The e )!s nothin' to $e he! # then $(t the sli'ht )!sh !$o(t the $o!t's si#es+ So&e$o#*'s teeth )e e ,h!tte in' violentl*+ A h!n# to(,he# his $!,%+ A f!int voi,e s!i#<Yo( the e5< Anothe , ie# o(t sh!%il*- <She's 'one3< !n# the*

!ll stoo# (" to'ethe to loo% !ste n+ The* s!) no li'hts+ All )!s $l!,%+ A thin ,ol# # i//le )!s # ivin' into thei f!,es+ The $o!t l( ,he# sli'htl*+ The teeth ,h!tte e# f!ste - sto""e#- !n# $e'!n !'!in t)i,e $efo e the &!n ,o(l# &!ste his shive s(ffi,ientl* to s!*- <J(12(1st in ti1ti1&e+ + + + B +< He e,o'nise# the voi,e of the ,hief en'inee s!*in' s( lil*- <I s!) he 'o #o)n+ I h!""ene# to t( n &* he!#+< The )in# h!# # o""e# !l&ost ,o&"letel*+ 'The* )!t,he# in the #! % )ith thei he!#s h!lf t( ne# to )in#)! # !s if e."e,tin' to he! , ies+ At fi st he )!s th!n%f(l the ni'ht h!# ,ove e# (" the s,ene $efo e his e*es- !n# then to %no) of it !n# *et to h!ve seen !n# he! # nothin' !""e! e# so&eho) the ,(l&in!tin' "oint of !n !)f(l &isfo t(ne+ <St !n'e- isn't it5< he &( &( e#- inte ("tin' hi&self in his #is2ointe# n! !tive+ 'It #i# not see& so st !n'e to &e+ He &(st h!ve h!# !n (n,ons,io(s ,onvi,tion th!t the e!lit* ,o(l# not $e h!lf !s $!#- not h!lf !s !n'(ishin'- !""!llin'- !n# ven'ef(l !s the , e!te# te o of his i&!'in!tion+ I $elieve th!t- in this fi st &o&ent- his he! t )!s ) (n' )ith !ll the s(ffe in'- th!t his so(l %ne) the !,,(&(l!te# s!vo( of !ll the fe! - !ll the ho o - !ll the #es"!i of ei'ht h(n# e# h(&!n $ein's "o(n,e# ("on in the ni'ht $* ! s(##en !n# violent #e!th- else )h* sho(l# he h!ve s!i#- <It see&e# to &e th!t I &(st 2(&" o(t of th!t !,,( se# $o!t !n# s)i& $!,% to see11h!lf ! &ile11&o e 11!n* #ist!n,e11to the ve * s"ot + + +<5 Wh* this i&"(lse5 Do *o( see the si'nifi,!n,e5 Wh* $!,% to the ve * s"ot5 Wh* not # o)n !lon'si#e11if he &e!nt # o)nin'5 Wh* $!,% to the ve * s"ot- to see11!s if his i&!'in!tion h!# to $e soothe# $* the !ss( !n,e th!t !ll )!s ove $efo e #e!th ,o(l# $ in' elief5 I #ef* !n* one of *o( to offe !nothe e."l!n!tion+ It )!s one of those $i/! e !n# e.,itin' 'li&"ses th o('h the fo'+ It )!s !n e.t !o #in! * #is,los( e+ He let it o(t !s the &ost n!t( !l thin' one ,o(l# s!*+ He fo('ht #o)n th!t i&"(lse !n# then he $e,!&e ,ons,io(s of the silen,e+ He &entione# this to &e+ A silen,e of the se!- of the s%*&e 'e# into one in#efinite i&&ensit* still !s #e!th ! o(n# these s!ve#- "!l"it!tin' lives+ <Yo( &i'ht h!ve he! # ! "in # o" in the $o!t-< he s!i# )ith ! 9(ee ,ont !,tion of his li"s- li%e ! &!n t *in' to &!ste his sensi$ilities )hile el!tin' so&e e.t e&el* &ovin' f!,t+ A silen,e3 >o# !lone- )ho h!# )ille# hi& !s he )!s- %no)s )h!t he &!#e of it in his he! t+ <I #i#n't thin% !n* s"ot on e! th ,o(l# $e so still-< he s!i#+ <Yo( ,o(l#n't #istin'(ish the se! f o& the s%*0 the e )!s nothin' to see !n# nothin' to he! + Not ! 'li&&e not ! sh!"e- not ! so(n#+ Yo( ,o(l# h!ve $elieve# th!t eve * $it of # * l!n# h!# 'one to the $otto&0 th!t eve * &!n on e! th $(t I !n# these $e''! s in the $o!t h!# 'ot # o)ne#+< He le!ne# ove the t!$le )ith his %n(,%les " o""e# !&on'st ,offee1,("s- li9(e( 1'l!sses,i'! 1en#s+ <I see&e# to $elieve it+ Eve *thin' )!s 'one !n#11!ll )!s ove + + +< he fet,he# ! #ee" si'h + + + <)ith &e+< ' M! lo) s!t (" !$ ("tl* !n# fl(n' !)!* his ,he oot )ith fo ,e+ It &!#e ! #! tin' e# t !il li%e ! to* o,%et fi e# th o('h the # !"e * of , ee"e s+ No$o#* sti e#+ 'He*- )h!t #o *o( thin% of it5' he , ie# )ith s(##en !ni&!tion+

'W!sn't he t (e to hi&self- )!sn't he5 His s!ve# life )!s ove fo )!nt of ' o(n# (n#e his feet- fo )!nt of si'hts fo his e*es- fo )!nt of voi,es in his e! s+ Annihil!tion11he*3 An# !ll the ti&e it )!s onl* ! ,lo(#e# s%*- ! se! th!t #i# not $ e!%- the !i th!t #i# not sti + Onl* ! ni'ht0 onl* ! silen,e+ 'It l!ste# fo ! )hile- !n# then the* )e e s(##enl* !n# (n!ni&o(sl* &ove# to &!%e ! noise ove thei es,!"e+ <I %ne) f o& the fi st she )o(l# 'o+< <Not ! &in(te too soon+< <A n! o) s9(e!%- $''osh3< He s!i# nothin'- $(t the $ ee/e th!t h!# # o""e# ,!&e $!,%- ! 'entle # !('ht f eshene# ste!#il*- !n# the se! 2oine# its &( &( in' voi,e to this t!l%!tive e!,tion s(,,ee#in' the #(&$ &o&ents of !)e+ She )!s 'one3 She )!s 'one3 Not ! #o($t of it+ No$o#* ,o(l# h!ve hel"e#+ The* e"e!te# the s!&e )o #s ove !n# ove !'!in !s tho('h the* ,o(l#n't sto" the&selves+ Neve #o($te# she )o(l# 'o+ The li'hts )e e 'one+ No &ist!%e+ The li'hts )e e 'one+ Co(l#n't e."e,t !n*thin' else+ She h!# to 'o+ + + + He noti,e# th!t the* t!l%e# !s tho('h the* h!# left $ehin# the& nothin' $(t !n e&"t* shi"+ The* ,on,l(#e# she )o(l# not h!ve $een lon' )hen she on,e st! te#+ It see&e# to ,!(se the& so&e so t of s!tisf!,tion+ The* !ss( e# e!,h othe th!t she ,o(l#n't h!ve $een lon' !$o(t it11<J(st shot #o)n li%e ! fl!t1i on+< The ,hief en'inee #e,l! e# th!t the &!st1he!# li'ht !t the &o&ent of sin%in' see&e# to # o" <li%e ! li'hte# &!t,h *o( th o) #o)n+< At this the se,on# l!('he# h*ste i,!ll*+ <I !& '1'1'l!#- I !& 'l!1!1!1#+< His teeth )ent on <li%e !n ele,t i, !ttle-< s!i# Ji&- <!n# !ll !t on,e he $e'!n to , *+ He )e"t !n# $l($$e e# li%e ! ,hil#- ,!t,hin' his $ e!th !n# so$$in' 'Oh #e! 3 oh #e! 3 oh #e! 3' He )o(l# $e 9(iet fo ! )hile !n# st! t s(##enl*'Oh- &* "oo ! &3 oh- &* "oo !1!1!1! &3' I felt I ,o(l# %no,% hi& #o)n+ So&e of the& s!t in the ste n1sheets+ I ,o(l# 2(st &!%e o(t thei sh!"es+ Eoi,es ,!&e to &e- &(&$le- &(&$le- ' (nt- ' (nt+ All this see&e# ve * h! # to $e! + I )!s ,ol# too+ An# I ,o(l# #o nothin'+ I tho('ht th!t if I &ove# I )o(l# h!ve to 'o ove the si#e !n# + + +< 'His h!n# ' o"e# ste!lthil*- ,!&e in ,ont!,t )ith ! li9(e( 1'l!ss!n# )!s )ith# !)n s(##enl* !s if it h!# to(,he# ! e#1hot ,o!l+ I "(she# the $ottle sli'htl*+ <Won't *o( h!ve so&e &o e5< I !s%e#+ He loo%e# !t &e !n' il*+ <Don't *o( thin% I ,!n tell *o( )h!t the e is to tell )itho(t s, e)in' &*self ("5< he !s%e#+ The s9(!# of 'lo$e1t otte s h!# 'one to $e#+ We )e e !lone $(t fo ! v!'(e )hite fo & e e,t in the sh!#o)- th!t- $ein' loo%e# !t- , in'e# fo )! #hesit!te#- $!,%e# !)!* silentl*+ It )!s 'ettin' l!te- $(t I #i# not h( * &* '(est+ 'In the &i#st of his fo lo n st!te he he! # his ,o&"!nions $e'in to !$(se so&e one+ <Wh!t %e"t *o( f o& 2(&"in'- *o( l(n!ti,5< s!i# ! s,ol#in' voi,e+ The ,hief en'inee left the ste n1sheets- !n# ,o(l# $e he! # ,l!&$e in' fo )! # !s if )ith hostile intentions !'!inst <the ' e!test i#iot th!t eve )!s+< The s%i""e sho(te# )ith !s"in' effo t offensive e"ithets f o& )he e he s!t !t the o! + He lifte# his he!# !t th!t (" o! - !n# he! # the n!&e <>eo 'e-< )hile ! h!n# in the #! % st (,% hi& on the $ e!st+ <Wh!t h!ve *o( 'ot to s!* fo *o( self- *o( fool5< 9(e ie# so&e$o#*- )ith ! so t of

vi t(o(s f( *+ <The* )e e !fte &e-< he s!i#+ <The* )e e !$(sin' &e11!$(sin' &e + + + $* the n!&e of >eo 'e+< 'He "!(se# to st! e- t ie# to s&ile- t( ne# his e*es on+ <Th!t little se,on# "(ts his he!# i'ht (n#e &* it's th!t $l!ste# &!te3' 'Wh!t3' ho)ls the s%i""e f en# of the $o!t+ 'No3' sh ie%s the ,hief+ An# he too !t &* f!,e+< !)!* !n# )ent nose- 'Wh*o& the othe stoo"e# to loo%

'The )in# h!# left the $o!t s(##enl*+ The !in $e'!n to f!ll !'!in- !n# the soft- (ninte ("te#- ! little &*ste io(s so(n# )ith )hi,h the se! e,eives ! sho)e ! ose on !ll si#es in the ni'ht+ <The* )e e too t!%en !$!,% to s!* !n*thin' &o e !t fi st-< he n! !te# ste!#il*- <!n# )h!t ,o(l# I h!ve to s!* to the&5< He f!lte e# fo ! &o&ent- !n# &!#e !n effo t to 'o on+ <The* ,!lle# &e ho i$le n!&es+< His voi,e- sin%in' to ! )his"e - no) !n# then )o(l# le!" (" s(##enl*- h! #ene# $* the "!ssion of s,o n- !s tho('h he h!# $een t!l%in' of se, et !$o&in!tions+ <Neve &in# )h!t the* ,!lle# &e-< he s!i# ' i&l*+ <I ,o(l# he! h!te in thei voi,es+ A 'oo# thin' too+ The* ,o(l# not fo 'ive &e fo $ein' in th!t $o!t+ The* h!te# it+ It &!#e the& &!#+ + + +< He l!('he# sho t+ + + + <B(t it %e"t &e f o&11Loo%3 I )!s sittin' )ith &* ! &s , osse#- on the '(n)!le3 + + +< He "e ,he# hi&self s&! tl* on the e#'e of the t!$le !n# , osse# his ! &s+ + + + <Li%e this11see5 One little tilt $!,%)! #s !n# I )o(l# h!ve $een 'one11!fte the othe s+ One little tilt11the le!st $it11the le!st $it+< He f o)ne#- !n# t!""in' his fo ehe!# )ith the ti" of his &i##le fin'e - <It )!s the e !ll the ti&e-< he s!i# i&" essivel*+ <All the ti&e11th!t notion+ An# the !in11,ol#- thi,%- ,ol# !s &elte# sno)11,ol#e 11on &* thin ,otton ,lothes11I'll neve $e so ,ol# !'!in in &* life- I %no)+ An# the s%* )!s $l!,% too11!ll $l!,%+ Not ! st! - not ! li'ht !n*)he e+ Nothin' o(tsi#e th!t ,onfo(n#e# $o!t !n# those t)o *!""in' $efo e &e li%e ! ,o("le of &e!n &on' els !t ! t ee'# thief+ Y!"3 *!"3 'Wh!t *o( #oin' he e5 Yo(' e ! fine so t3 Too &(,h of ! $loo&in' 'entle&!n to "(t *o( h!n# to it+ Co&e o(t of *o( t !n,e- #i# *o(5 To sne!% in5 Di# *o(5' Y!"3 *!"3 'Yo( !in't fit to live3' Y!"3 *!"3 T)o of the& to'ethe t *in' to o(t1$! % e!,h othe + The othe )o(l# $!* f o& the ste n th o('h the !in11,o(l#n't see hi&11,o(l#n't &!%e it o(t11so&e of his filth* 2! 'on+ Y!"3 *!"3 Bo)1o)1o)1o)1o)3 Y!"3 *!"3 It )!s s)eet to he! the&0 it %e"t &e !live- I tell *o(+ It s!ve# &* life+ At it the* )ent- !s if t *in' to # ive &e ove $o! # )ith the noise3 + + + 'I )on#e *o( h!# "l(,% eno('h to 2(&"+ Yo( !in't )!nte# he e+ If I h!# %no)n )ho it )!s- I )o(l# h!ve ti""e# *o( ove 11*o( s%(n%3 Wh!t h!ve *o( #one )ith the othe 5 Whe e #i# *o( 'et the "l(,% to 2(&"11*o( ,o)! #5 Wh!t's to " event (s th ee f o& fi in' *o( ove $o! #5' + + + The* )e e o(t of $ e!th0 the sho)e "!sse# !)!* ("on the se!+ Then nothin'+ The e )!s nothin' o(n# the $o!t- not even ! so(n#+ W!nte# to see &e ove $o! #- #i# the*5 U"on &* so(l3 I thin% the* )o(l# h!ve h!# thei )ish if the* h!# onl* %e"t 9(iet+ 4i e &e ove $o! #3 Wo(l# the*5 'T *-' I s!i#+ 'I )o(l# fo t)o"en,e+' 'Too 'oo# fo *o(-' the* s, ee,he# to'ethe + It )!s so #! % th!t it )!s onl* )hen one o the othe of the& &ove# th!t I )!s 9(ite s( e of seein' hi&+ B* he!vens3 I onl* )ish the* h!# t ie#+<

'I ,o(l#n't hel" e.,l!i&in'- <Wh!t !n e.t !o #in! * !ff!i 3< ' <Not $!#11eh5< he s!i#- !s if in so&e so t !sto(n#e#+ <The* " eten#e# to thin% I h!# #one !)!* )ith th!t #on%e*1&!n fo so&e e!son o othe + Wh* sho(l# I5 An# ho) the #evil )!s I to %no)5 Di#n't I 'et so&eho) into th!t $o!t5 into th!t $o!t11I + + +< The &(s,les o(n# his li"s ,ont !,te# into !n (n,ons,io(s ' i&!,e th!t to e th o('h the &!s% of his (s(!l e." ession11so&ethin' violentsho t1live# !n# ill(&in!tin' li%e ! t)ist of li'htnin' th!t !#&its the e*e fo !n inst!nt into the se, et ,onvol(tions of ! ,lo(#+ <I #i#+ I )!s "l!inl* the e )ith the&11)!sn't I5 Isn't it !)f(l ! &!n sho(l# $e # iven to #o ! thin' li%e th!t11!n# $e es"onsi$le5 Wh!t #i# I %no) !$o(t thei >eo 'e the* )e e ho)lin' !fte 5 I e&e&$e e# I h!# seen hi& ,( le# (" on the #e,%+ 'M( #e in' ,o)! #3' the ,hief %e"t on ,!llin' &e+ He #i#n't see& !$le to e&e&$e !n* othe t)o )o #s+ I #i#n't ,! e- onl* his noise $e'!n to )o * &e+ 'Sh(t ("-' I s!i#+ At th!t he ,olle,te# hi&self fo ! ,onfo(n#e# s, ee,h+ 'Yo( %ille# hi&3 Yo( %ille# hi&3' 'No-' I sho(te#- '$(t I )ill %ill *o( #i e,tl*+' I 2(&"e# ("- !n# he fell $!,%)! #s ove ! th)! t )ith !n !)f(l lo(# th(&"+ I #on't %no) )h*+ Too #! %+ T ie# to ste" $!,% I s(""ose+ I stoo# still f!,in' !ft- !n# the ) et,he# little se,on# $e'!n to )hine- 'Yo( !in't 'oin' to hit ! ,h!" )ith ! $ o%en ! &11!n# *o( ,!ll *o( self ! 'entle&!n- too+' I he! # ! he!v* t !&"11one11t)o11!n# )hee/* ' (ntin'+ The othe $e!st )!s ,o&in' !t &e- ,l!tte in' his o! ove the ste n+ I s!) hi& &ovin'- $i'- $i'11!s *o( see ! &!n in ! &ist- in ! # e!&+ 'Co&e on-' I , ie#+ I )o(l# h!ve t(&$le# hi& ove li%e ! $!le of sh!%in's+ He sto""e#- &(tte e# to hi&self- !n# )ent $!,%+ Pe h!"s he h!# he! # the )in#+ I #i#n't+ It )!s the l!st he!v* '(st )e h!#+ He )ent $!,% to his o! + I )!s so *+ I )o(l# h!ve t ie# to11to + + +< 'He o"ene# !n# ,lose# his ,( ve# fin'e s- !n# his h!n#s h!# !n e!'e !n# , (el fl(tte + <Ste!#*- ste!#*-< I &( &( e#+ ' <Eh5 Wh!t5 I !& not e.,ite#-< he e&onst !te#- !)f(ll* h( t!n# )ith ! ,onv(lsive 2e % of his el$o) %no,%e# ove the ,o'n!, $ottle+ I st! te# fo )! #- s, !"in' &* ,h!i + He $o(n,e# off the t!$le !s if ! &ine h!# $een e."lo#e# $ehin# his $!,%- !n# h!lf t( ne# $efo e he !li'hte#- , o(,hin' on his feet to sho) &e ! st! tle# "!i of e*es !n# ! f!,e )hite !$o(t the nost ils+ A loo% of intense !nno*!n,e s(,,ee#e#+ <A)f(ll* so *+ Ho) ,l(&s* of &e3< he &(&$le#- ve * ve.e#- )hile the "(n'ent o#o( of s"ilt !l,ohol envelo"e# (s s(##enl* )ith !n !t&os"he e of ! lo) # in%in'1$o(t in the ,ool- "( e #! %ness of the ni'ht+ The li'hts h!# $een "(t o(t in the #inin'1h!ll0 o( ,!n#le 'li&&e e# solit! * in the lon' '!lle *!n# the ,ol(&ns h!# t( ne# $l!,% f o& "e#i&ent to ,!"it!l+ On the vivi# st! s the hi'h ,o ne of the H! $o( Offi,e stoo# o(t #istin,t !, oss the Es"l!n!#e- !s tho('h the so&$ e "ile h!# 'li#e# ne! e to see !n# he! + 'He !ss(&e# !n !i of in#iffe en,e+ e!#* fo

' <I #! e s!* I !& less ,!l& no) th!n I )!s then+ I )!s

!n*thin'+ These )e e t ifles+ + + +< ' <Yo( h!# ! livel* ti&e of it in th!t $o!t-< I e&! %e#

' <I )!s e!#*-< he e"e!te#+ <Afte the shi"'s li'hts h!# 'one!n*thin' &i'ht h!ve h!""ene# in th!t $o!t11!n*thin' in the )o l#11!n# the )o l# no )ise + I felt this- !n# I )!s "le!se#+ It )!s 2(st #! % eno('h too+ We )e e li%e &en )!lle# (" 9(i,% in ! oo&* ' !ve+ No ,on,e n )ith !n*thin' on e! th+ No$o#* to "!ss !n o"inion+ Nothin' &!tte e#+< 4o the thi # ti&e #( in' this ,onve s!tion he l!('he# h! shl*- $(t the e )!s no one !$o(t to s(s"e,t hi& of $ein' onl* # (n%+ <No fe! - no l!)- no so(n#s- no e*es11not even o( o)ntill11till s(n ise !t le!st+< 'I )!s st (,% $* the s(''estive t (th of his )o #s+ The e is so&ethin' "e,(li! in ! s&!ll $o!t ("on the )i#e se!+ Ove the lives $o ne f o& (n#e the sh!#o) of #e!th the e see&s to f!ll the sh!#o) of &!#ness+ When *o( shi" f!ils *o(- *o( )hole )o l# see&s to f!il *o(0 the )o l# th!t &!#e *o(- est !ine# *o(- too% ,! e of *o(+ It is !s if the so(ls of &en flo!tin' on !n !$*ss !n# in to(,h )ith i&&ensit* h!# $een set f ee fo !n* e.,ess of he ois&- !$s( #it*o !$o&in!tion+ Of ,o( se- !s )ith $elief- tho('ht- love- h!te,onvi,tion- o even the vis(!l !s"e,t of &!te i!l thin's- the e ! e !s &!n* shi") e,%s !s the e ! e &en- !n# in this one the e )!s so&ethin' !$2e,t )hi,h &!#e the isol!tion &o e ,o&"lete11the e )!s ! vill!in* of ,i ,(&st!n,es th!t ,(t these &en off &o e ,o&"letel* f o& the est of &!n%in#- )hose i#e!l of ,on#(,t h!# neve (n#e 'one the t i!l of ! fien#ish !n# !""!llin' 2o%e+ The* )e e e.!s"e !te# )ith hi& fo $ein' ! h!lf1he! te# shi %e : he fo,(sse# on the& his h!t e# of the )hole thin'0 he )o(l# h!ve li%e# to t!%e ! si'n!l even'e fo the !$ho ent o""o t(nit* the* h!# "(t in his )!*+ T (st ! $o!t on the hi'h se!s to $ in' o(t the I !tion!l th!t l( %s !t the $otto& of eve * tho('ht- senti&ent- sens!tion- e&otion+ It )!s "! t of the $( les9(e &e!nness "e v!#in' th!t "! ti,(l! #is!ste !t se! th!t the* #i# not ,o&e to $lo)s+ It )!s !ll th e!ts- !ll ! te i$l* effe,tive feint- ! sh!& f o& $e'innin' to en#- "l!nne# $* the t e&en#o(s #is#!in of the D! % Po)e s )hose e!l te o s- !l)!*s on the ve 'e of t i(&"h- ! e "e "et(!ll* foile# $* the ste!#f!stness of &en+ I !s%e#- !fte )!itin' fo ! )hile- <Well- )h!t h!""ene#5< A f(tile 9(estion+ I %ne) too &(,h !l e!#* to ho"e fo the ' !,e of ! sin'le ("liftin' to(,h- fo the f!vo( of hinte# &!#ness- of sh!#o)e# ho o + <Nothin'-< he s!i#+ <I &e!nt $(siness- $(t the* &e!nt noise onl*+ Nothin' h!""ene#+< 'An# the isin' s(n fo(n# hi& 2(st !s he h!# 2(&"e# (" fi st in the $o)s of the $o!t+ Wh!t ! "e sisten,e of e!#iness3 He h!# $een hol#in' the tille in his h!n#- too- !ll the ni'ht+ The* h!# # o""e# the (##e ove $o! # )hile !tte&"tin' to shi" it- !n# I s(""ose the tille 'ot %i,%e# fo )! # so&eho) )hile the* )e e (shin' (" !n# #o)n th!t $o!t t *in' to #o !ll so ts of thin's !t on,e so !s to 'et ,le! of the si#e+ It )!s ! lon' he!v* "ie,e of h! # )oo#- !n# !""! entl* he h!# $een ,l(t,hin' it fo si. ho( s o so+ If *o( #on't ,!ll th!t $ein' e!#*3 C!n *o( i&!'ine hi&- silent !n# on his feet h!lf the ni'ht- his f!,e to the '(sts of !in- st! in' !t so&$ e fo &s

)!t,hf(l of v!'(e &ove&ents- st !inin' his e! s to ,!t,h ! e lo) &( &( s in the ste n1sheets3 4i &ness of ,o( !'e o effo t of fe! 5 Wh!t #o *o( thin%5 An# the en#( !n,e is (n#eni!$le too+ Si. ho( s &o e o less on the #efensive0 si. ho( s of !le t i&&o$ilit* )hile the $o!t # ove slo)l* o flo!te# ! este#- !,,o #in' to the ,!" i,e of the )in#0 )hile the se!- ,!l&e#- sle"t !t l!st0 )hile the ,lo(#s "!sse# !$ove his he!#0 )hile the s%* f o& !n i&&ensit* l(st eless !n# $l!,%- #i&inishe# to ! so&$ e !n# l(st o(s v!(lt- s,intill!te# )ith ! ' e!te $ illi!n,e- f!#e# to the e!st- "!le# !t the /enith0 )hile the #! % sh!"es $lottin' the lo) st! s !ste n 'ot o(tlines- elief $e,!&e sho(l#e s- he!#s- f!,es- fe!t( es-11,onf onte# hi& )ith # e! * st! es- h!# #ishevelle# h!i - to n ,lothes- $lin%e# e# e*eli#s !t the )hite #!)n+ <The* loo%e# !s tho('h the* h!# $een %no,%in' !$o(t # (n% in '(tte s fo ! )ee%-< he #es, i$e# ' !"hi,!ll*0 !n# then he &(tte e# so&ethin' !$o(t the s(n ise $ein' of ! %in# th!t fo etells ! ,!l& #!*+ Yo( %no) th!t s!ilo h!$it of efe in' to the )e!the in eve * ,onne,tion+ An# on &* si#e his fe) &(&$le# )o #s )e e eno('h to &!%e &e see the lo)e li&$ of the s(n ,le! in' the line of the ho i/on- the t e&$le of ! v!st i""le (nnin' ove !ll the visi$le e."!nse of the se!- !s if the )!te s h!# sh(##e e#'ivin' $i th to the 'lo$e of li'ht- )hile the l!st "(ff of the $ ee/e )o(l# sti the !i in ! si'h of elief+ ' <The* s!t in the ste n sho(l#e to sho(l#e - )ith the s%i""e in the &i##le- li%e th ee #i t* o)ls- !n# st! e# !t &e-< I he! # hi& s!* )ith !n intention of h!te th!t #istille# ! ,o osive vi t(e into the ,o&&on"l!,e )o #s li%e ! # o" of "o)e f(l "oison f!llin' into ! 'l!ss of )!te 0 $(t &* tho('hts #)elt ("on th!t s(n ise+ I ,o(l# i&!'ine (n#e the "ell(,i# e&"tiness of the s%* these fo( &en i&" isone# in the solit(#e of the se!- the lonel* s(n- e'! #less of the s"e,% of life- !s,en#in' the ,le! ,( ve of the he!ven !s if to '!/e ! #entl* f o& ! ' e!te hei'ht !t his o)n s"len#o( efle,te# in the still o,e!n+ <The* ,!lle# o(t to &e f o& !ft-< s!i# Ji&- <!s tho('h )e h!# $een ,h(&s to'ethe + I he! # the&+ The* )e e $e''in' &e to $e sensi$le !n# # o" th!t '$loo&in' "ie,e of )oo#+' Wh* B)o(l#B I ,! * on so5 The* h!#n't #one &e !n* h! &11h!# the*5 The e h!# $een no h! &+ + + + No h! &3< 'His f!,e , i&sone# !s tho('h he ,o(l# not 'et his l(n's+ i# of the !i in

' <No h! &3< he $( st o(t+ <I le!ve it to *o(+ Yo( ,!n (n#e st!n#+ C!n't *o(5 Yo( see it11#on't *o(5 No h! &3 >oo# >o#3 Wh!t &o e ,o(l# the* h!ve #one5 Oh *es- I %no) ve * )ell11I 2(&"e#+ Ce t!inl*+ I 2(&"e#3 I tol# *o( I 2(&"e#0 $(t I tell *o( the* )e e too &(,h fo !n* &!n+ It )!s thei #oin' !s "l!inl* !s if the* h!# e!,he# (" )ith ! $o!t1hoo% !n# "(lle# &e ove + C!n't *o( see it5 Yo( &(st see it+ Co&e+ S"e!%11st !i'ht o(t+< 'His (ne!s* e*es f!stene# ("on &ine- 9(estione#- $e''e#- ,h!llen'e#ent e!te#+ 4o the life of &e I ,o(l#n't hel" &( &( in'- <Yo('ve $een t ie#+< <Mo e th!n is f!i -< he ,!('ht (" s)iftl*+ <I )!sn't 'iven h!lf ! ,h!n,e11)ith ! '!n' li%e th!t+ An# no) the* )e e f ien#l*11ohso #!&n!$l* f ien#l*3 Ch(&s- shi"&!tes+ All in the s!&e $o!t+ M!%e

the $est of it+ The* h!#n't &e!nt !n*thin'+ The* #i#n't ,! e ! h!n' fo >eo 'e+ >eo 'e h!# 'one $!,% to his $e th fo so&ethin' !t the l!st &o&ent !n# 'ot ,!('ht+ The &!n )!s ! &!nifest fool+ Ee * s!#of ,o( se+ + + + Thei e*es loo%e# !t &e0 thei li"s &ove#0 the* )!''e# thei he!#s !t the othe en# of the $o!t11th ee of the&0 the* $e,%one#11to &e+ Wh* not5 H!#n't I 2(&"e#5 I s!i# nothin'+ The e ! e no )o #s fo the so t of thin's I )!nte# to s!*+ If I h!# o"ene# &* li"s 2(st then I )o(l# h!ve si&"l* ho)le# li%e !n !ni&!l+ I )!s !s%in' &*self )hen I )o(l# )!%e ("+ The* ( 'e# &e !lo(# to ,o&e !ft !n# he! 9(ietl* )h!t the s%i""e h!# to s!*+ We )e e s( e to $e "i,%e# (" $efo e the evenin'11 i'ht in the t !,% of !ll the C!n!l t !ffi,0 the e )!s s&o%e to the no th1)est no)+ ' <It '!ve &e !n !)f(l sho,% to see this f!int- f!int $l( - this lo) t !il of $ o)n &ist th o('h )hi,h *o( ,o(l# see the $o(n#! * of se! !n# s%*+ I ,!lle# o(t to the& th!t I ,o(l# he! ve * )ell )he e I )!s+ The s%i""e st! te# s)e! in'- !s ho! se !s ! , o)+ He )!sn't 'oin' to t!l% !t the to" of his voi,e fo B&*B !,,o&&o#!tion+ 'A e *o( !f !i# the* )ill he! *o( on sho e5' I !s%e#+ He 'l! e# !s if he )o(l# h!ve li%e# to ,l!) &e to "ie,es+ The ,hief en'inee !#vise# hi& to h(&o( &e+ He s!i# I )!sn't i'ht in &* he!# *et+ The othe ose !ste n- li%e ! thi,% "ill! of flesh11!n# t!l%e#11t!l%e#+ + + +< 'Ji& e&!ine# tho('htf(l+ <Well5< I s!i#+ <Wh!t #i# I ,! e )h!t sto * the* !' ee# to &!%e ("5< he , ie# e,%lessl*+ <The* ,o(l# tell )h!t the* 2oll* )ell li%e#+ It )!s thei $(siness+ I %ne) the sto *+ Nothin' the* ,o(l# &!%e "eo"le $elieve ,o(l# !lte it fo &e+ I let hi& t!l%- ! '(e11t!l%- ! '(e+ He )ent on !n# on !n# on+ S(##enl* I felt &* le's 'ive )!* (n#e &e+ I )!s si,%- ti e#11ti e# to #e!th+ I let f!ll the tille - t( ne# &* $!,% on the&- !n# s!t #o)n on the fo e&ost th)! t+ I h!# eno('h+ The* ,!lle# to &e to %no) if I (n#e stoo#11)!sn't it t (e- eve * )o # of it5 It )!s t (e- $* >o#3 !fte thei f!shion+ I #i# not t( n &* he!#+ I he! # the& "!l!ve in' to'ethe + 'The sill* !ss )on't s!* !n*thin'+' 'Oh- he (n#e st!n#s )ell eno('h+' 'Let hi& $e0 he )ill $e !ll i'ht+' 'Wh!t ,!n he #o5' Wh!t ,o(l# I #o5 We en't )e !ll in the s!&e $o!t5 I t ie# to $e #e!f+ The s&o%e h!# #is!""e! e# to the no th)! #+ It )!s ! #e!# ,!l&+ The* h!# ! # in% f o& the )!te 1$ e!%e - !n# I # !n% too+ Afte )! #s the* &!#e ! ' e!t $(siness of s" e!#in' the $o!t1s!il ove the '(n)!les+ Wo(l# I %ee" ! loo%1o(t5 The* , e"t (n#e - o(t of &* si'ht- th!n% >o#3 I felt )e! *- )e! *- #one ("!s if I h!#n't h!# one ho( 's slee" sin,e the #!* I )!s $o n+ I ,o(l#n't see the )!te fo the 'litte of the s(nshine+ 4 o& ti&e to ti&e one of the& )o(l# , ee" o(t- st!n# (" to t!%e ! loo% !ll o(n#!n# 'et (n#e !'!in+ I ,o(l# he! s"ells of sno in' $elo) the s!il+ So&e of the& ,o(l# slee"+ One of the& !t le!st+ I ,o(l#n't3 All )!s li'ht- li'ht- !n# the $o!t see&e# to $e f!llin' th o('h it+ No) !n# then I )o(l# feel 9(ite s( " ise# to fin# &*self sittin' on ! th)! t+ + + +< 'He $e'!n to )!l% )ith &e!s( e# ste"s to !n# f o $efo e &* ,h!i - one h!n# in his t o(se s1"o,%et- his he!# $ent tho('htf(ll*!n# his i'ht ! & !t lon' inte v!ls !ise# fo ! 'est( e th!t see&e# to "(t o(t of his )!* !n invisi$le int (#e +

' <I s(""ose *o( thin% I )!s 'oin' &!#-< he $e'!n in ! ,h!n'e# tone+ <An# )ell *o( &!*- if *o( e&e&$e I h!# lost &* ,!"+ The s(n , e"t !ll the )!* f o& e!st to )est ove &* $! e he!#- $(t th!t #!* I ,o(l# not ,o&e to !n* h! &- I s(""ose+ The s(n ,o(l# not &!%e &e &!#+ + + +< His i'ht ! & "(t !si#e the i#e! of &!#ness+ + + + <Neithe ,o(l# it %ill &e+ + + +< A'!in his ! & e"(lse# ! sh!#o)+ + + + <BTh!tB este# )ith &e+< ' <Di# it5< I loo%e# !t hi& to e."e ien,e !n !lto'ethe s!i#- ine." essi$l* !&!/e# !t this ne) t( n- !n# I )ith the s!&e so t of feelin' I &i'ht $e f!i l* ,on,eive# h!# he- !fte s"innin' o(n# on his heel- " esente# ne) f!,e+

' <I #i#n't 'et $ !in feve - I #i# not # o" #e!# eithe -< he )ent on+ <I #i#n't $othe &*self !t !ll !$o(t the s(n ove &* he!#+ I )!s thin%in' !s ,ooll* !s !n* &!n th!t eve s!t thin%in' in the sh!#e+ Th!t ' e!s* $e!st of ! s%i""e "o%e# his $i' , o""e# he!# f o& (n#e the ,!nv!s !n# s, e)e# his fish* e*es (" !t &e+ 'Donne )ette 3 *o( )ill #ie-' he ' o)le#- !n# # e) in li%e ! t( tle+ I h!# seen hi&+ I h!# he! # hi&+ He #i#n't inte ("t &e+ I )!s thin%in' 2(st then th!t I )o(l#n't+< 'He t ie# to so(n# &* tho('ht )ith !n !ttentive 'l!n,e # o""e# on &e in "!ssin'+ <Do *o( &e!n to s!* *o( h!# $een #eli$e !tin' )ith *o( self )hethe *o( )o(l# #ie5< I !s%e# in !s i&"enet !$le ! tone !s I ,o(l# ,o&&!n#+ He no##e# )itho(t sto""in'+ <Yes- it h!# ,o&e to th!t !s I s!t the e !lone-< he s!i#+ He "!sse# on ! fe) ste"s to the i&!'in! * en# of his $e!t- !n# )hen he fl(n' o(n# to ,o&e $!,% $oth his h!n#s )e e th (st #ee" into his "o,%ets+ He sto""e# sho t in f ont of &* ,h!i !n# loo%e# #o)n+ <Don't *o( $elieve it5< he in9(i e# )ith tense ,( iosit*+ I )!s &ove# to &!%e ! sole&n #e,l! !tion of &* e!#iness to $elieve i&"li,itl* !n*thin' he tho('ht fit to tell &e+'

CHAPTER 66 'He he! # &e o(t )ith his he!# on one si#e- !n# I h!# !nothe 'li&"se th o('h ! ent in the &ist in )hi,h he &ove# !n# h!# his $ein'+ The #i& ,!n#le s"l(tte e# )ithin the $!ll of 'l!ss- !n# th!t )!s !ll I h!# to see hi& $*0 !t his $!,% )!s the #! % ni'ht )ith the ,le! st! s- )hose #ist!nt 'litte #is"ose# in et e!tin' "l!nes l( e# the e*e into the #e"ths of ! ' e!te #! %ness0 !n# *et ! &*ste io(s li'ht see&e# to sho) &e his $o*ish he!#- !s if in th!t &o&ent the *o(th )ithin hi& h!#- fo ! &o&ent- 'lo)e# !n# e."i e#+ <Yo( ! e !n !)f(l 'oo# so t to listen li%e this-< he s!i#+ <It #oes &e 'oo#+ Yo( #on't %no) )h!t it is to &e+ Yo( #on't< + + + )o #s see&e# to f!il hi&+ It )!s ! #istin,t 'li&"se+ He )!s ! *o(n'ste of the so t *o( li%e to see !$o(t *o(0 of the so t *o( li%e to i&!'ine *o( self to h!ve $een0 of the so t )hose !""e! !n,e ,l!i&s the fello)shi" of these ill(sions *o( h!# tho('ht 'one o(t- e.tin,t- ,ol#- !n# )hi,h-

!s if e%in#le# !t the !"" o!,h of !nothe fl!&e- 'ive ! fl(tte #ee"#ee" #o)n so&e)he e- 'ive ! fl(tte of li'ht + + + of he!t3 + + + Yes0 I h!# ! 'li&"se of hi& then + + + !n# it )!s not the l!st of th!t %in#+ + + + <Yo( #on't %no) )h!t it is fo ! fello) in &* "osition to $e $elieve#11&!%e ! ,le!n $ e!st of it to !n el#e &!n+ It is so #iffi,(lt11so !)f(ll* (nf!i 11so h! # to (n#e st!n#+< 'The &ists )e e ,losin' !'!in+ I #on't %no) ho) ol# I !""e! e# to hi&11!n# ho) &(,h )ise+ Not h!lf !s ol# !s I felt 2(st then0 not h!lf !s (selessl* )ise !s I %ne) &*self to $e+ S( el* in no othe , !ft !s in th!t of the se! #o the he! ts of those !l e!#* l!(n,he# to sin% o s)i& 'o o(t so &(,h to the *o(th on the $ in%- loo%in' )ith shinin' e*es ("on th!t 'litte of the v!st s( f!,e )hi,h is onl* ! efle,tion of his o)n 'l!n,es f(ll of fi e+ The e is s(,h &!'nifi,ent v!'(eness in the e."e,t!tions th!t h!# # iven e!,h of (s to se!- s(,h ! 'lo io(s in#efiniteness- s(,h ! $e!(tif(l ' ee# of !#vent( es th!t ! e thei o)n !n# onl* e)! #+ Wh!t )e 'et11)ell- )e )on't t!l% of th!t0 $(t ,!n one of (s est !in ! s&ile5 In no othe %in# of life is the ill(sion &o e )i#e of e!lit*11in no othe is the $e'innin' B!llB ill(sion11the #isen,h!nt&ent &o e s)ift11the s($2('!tion &o e ,o&"lete+ H!#n't )e !ll ,o&&en,e# )ith the s!&e #esi e- en#e# )ith the s!&e %no)le#'e- ,! ie# the &e&o * of the s!&e ,he ishe# 'l!&o( th o('h the so #i# #!*s of i&" e,!tion5 Wh!t )on#e th!t )hen so&e he!v* " o# 'ets ho&e the $on# is fo(n# to $e ,lose0 th!t $esi#es the fello)shi" of the , !ft the e is felt the st en'th of ! )i#e feelin'11the feelin' th!t $in#s ! &!n to ! ,hil#+ He )!s the e $efo e &e- $elievin' th!t !'e !n# )is#o& ,!n fin# ! e&e#* !'!inst the "!in of t (th- 'ivin' &e ! 'li&"se of hi&self !s ! *o(n' fello) in ! s, !"e th!t is the ve * #evil of ! s, !"e- the so t of s, !"e ' e*$e! #s )!' !t sole&nl* )hile the* hi#e ! s&ile+ An# he h!# $een #eli$e !tin' ("on #e!th11,onfo(n# hi&3 He h!# fo(n# th!t to &e#it!te !$o(t $e,!(se he tho('ht he h!# s!ve# his life- )hile !ll its 'l!&o( h!# 'one )ith the shi" in the ni'ht+ Wh!t &o e n!t( !l3 It )!s t !'i, eno('h !n# f(nn* eno('h in !ll ,ons,ien,e to ,!ll !lo(# fo ,o&"!ssion- !n# in )h!t )!s I $ette th!n the est of (s to ef(se hi& &* "it*5 An# even !s I loo%e# !t hi& the &ists olle# into the ent- !n# his voi,e s"o%e11 ' <I )!s so lost- *o( %no)+ It )!s the so t of thin' one #oes not e."e,t to h!""en to one+ It )!s not li%e ! fi'ht- fo inst!n,e+< ' <It )!s not-< I !#&itte#+ He !""e! e# ,h!n'e#- !s if he h!# s(##enl* &!t( e#+ ' <One ,o(l#n't $e s( e-< he &(tte e#+ ' <Ah3 Yo( )e e not s( e-< I s!i#- !n# )!s "l!,!te# $* the so(n# of ! f!int si'h th!t "!sse# $et)een (s li%e the fli'ht of ! $i # in the ni'ht+ ' <Well- I )!sn't-< he s!i# ,o( !'eo(sl*+ <It )!s so&ethin' li%e th!t ) et,he# sto * the* &!#e ("+ It )!s not ! lie11$(t it )!sn't t (th !ll the s!&e+ It )!s so&ethin'+ + + + One %no)s ! #o)n i'ht lie+ The e )!s not the thi,%ness of ! sheet of "!"e $et)een the

i'ht !n# the ) on' of this !ff!i +< ' <Ho) &(,h so lo) th!t ! '(&ent !s ,h!s&s+ His &o e #i# *o( )!nt5< I !s%e#0 $(t I thin% I s"o%e he #i# not ,!t,h )h!t I s!i#+ He h!# !#v!n,e# his tho('h life h!# $een ! net)o % of "!ths se"! !te# $* voi,e so(n#e# e!son!$le+

' <S(""ose I h!# not11I &e!n to s!*- s(""ose I h!# st(,% to the shi"5 Well+ Ho) &(,h lon'e 5 S!* ! &in(te11h!lf ! &in(te+ Co&e+ In thi t* se,on#s- !s it see&e# ,e t!in then- I )o(l# h!ve $een ove $o! #0 !n# #o *o( thin% I )o(l# not h!ve l!i# hol# of the fi st thin' th!t ,!&e in &* )!*11o! - life1$(o*- ' !tin'11!n*thin'5 Wo(l#n't *o(5< ' <An# $e s!ve#-< I inte 2e,te#+ ' <I )o(l# h!ve &e!nt to $e-< he eto te#+ <An# th!t's &o e th!n I &e!nt )hen I< + + + he shive e# !s if !$o(t to s)!llo) so&e n!(seo(s # (' + + + <2(&"e#-< he " ono(n,e# )ith ! ,onv(lsive effo t- )hose st ess- !s if " o"!'!te# $* the )!ves of the !i - &!#e &* $o#* sti ! little in the ,h!i + He fi.e# &e )ith lo)e in' e*es+ <Don't *o( $elieve &e5< he , ie#+ <I s)e! 3 + + + Confo(n# it3 Yo( 'ot &e he e to t!l%- !n# + + + Yo( &(st3 + + + Yo( s!i# *o( )o(l# $elieve+< <Of ,o( se I #o-< I " oteste#- in ! &!tte 1of1f!,t tone )hi,h " o#(,e# ! ,!l&in' effe,t+ <4o 'ive &e-< he s!i#+ <Of ,o( se I )o(l#n't h!ve t!l%e# to *o( !$o(t !ll this if *o( h!# not $een ! 'entle&!n+ I o('ht to h!ve %no)n + + + I !&11I !&11! 'entle&!n too + + +< <Yes- *es-< I s!i# h!stil*+ He )!s loo%in' &e s9(! el* in the f!,e- !n# )ith# e) his '!/e slo)l*+ <No) *o( (n#e st!n# )h* I #i#n't !fte !ll + + + #i#n't 'o o(t in th!t )!*+ I )!sn't 'oin' to $e f i'htene# !t )h!t I h!# #one+ An#- !n*ho)- if I h!# st(,% to the shi" I )o(l# h!ve #one &* $est to $e s!ve#+ Men h!ve $een %no)n to flo!t fo ho( s11in the o"en se!11!n# $e "i,%e# (" not &(,h the )o se fo it+ I &i'ht h!ve l!ste# it o(t $ette th!n &!n* othe s+ The e's nothin' the &!tte )ith &* he! t+< He )ith# e) his i'ht fist f o& his "o,%et- !n# the $lo) he st (,% on his ,hest eso(n#e# li%e ! &(ffle# #eton!tion in the ni'ht+ ' <No-< I s!i#+ He &e#it!te#- )ith his le's sli'htl* !"! t !n# his ,hin s(n%+ <A h!i 's1$ e!#th-< he &(tte e#+ <Not the $ e!#th of ! h!i $et)een this !n# th!t+ An# !t the ti&e + + +< ' <It is #iffi,(lt to see ! h!i !t &i#ni'ht-< I "(t in- ! little vi,io(sl* I fe! + Don't *o( see )h!t I &e!n $* the soli#! it* of the , !ft5 I )!s !'' ieve# !'!inst hi&- !s tho('h he h!# ,he!te# &e11 &e311of ! s"len#i# o""o t(nit* to %ee" (" the ill(sion of &* $e'innin's- !s tho('h he h!# o$$e# o( ,o&&on life of the l!st s"! % of its 'l!&o( + <An# so *o( ,le! e# o(t11!t on,e+< ' <J(&"e#-< he ,o e,te# &e in,isivel*+ <J(&"e#11&in#3< he e"e!te#- !n# I )on#e e# !t the evi#ent $(t o$s,( e intention+ <Well- *es3 Pe h!"s I ,o(l# not see then+ B(t I h!# "lent* of ti&e !n# !n* !&o(nt of li'ht in th!t $o!t+ An# I ,o(l# thin%- too+ No$o#* )o(l# %no)- of ,o( se- $(t this #i# not &!%e it !n* e!sie fo &e+

Yo('ve 'ot to $elieve th!t- too+ I #i# not )!nt !ll this t!l%+ + + + No + + + Yes + + + I )on't lie + + + I )!nte# it: it is the ve * thin' I )!nte#11the e+ Do *o( thin% *o( o !n*$o#* ,o(l# h!ve &!#e &e if I + + + I !&11I !& not !f !i# to tell+ An# I )!sn't !f !i# to thin% eithe + I loo%e# it in the f!,e+ I )!sn't 'oin' to (n !)!*+ At fi st11 !t ni'ht- if it h!#n't $een fo those fello)s I &i'ht h!ve + + + No3 $* he!vens3 I )!s not 'oin' to 'ive the& th!t s!tisf!,tion+ The* h!# #one eno('h+ The* &!#e (" ! sto *- !n# $elieve# it fo !ll I %no)+ B(t I %ne) the t (th- !n# I )o(l# live it #o)n11!lone- )ith &*self+ I )!sn't 'oin' to 'ive in to s(,h ! $e!stl* (nf!i thin'+ Wh!t #i# it " ove !fte !ll5 I )!s ,onfo(n#e#l* ,(t ("+ Si,% of life11to tell *o( the t (th0 $(t )h!t )o(l# h!ve $een the 'oo# to shi % it11 in11in11th!t )!*5 Th!t )!s not the )!*+ I $elieve11I $elieve it )o(l# h!ve11it )o(l# h!ve en#e#11nothin'+< 'He h!# $een )!l%in' (" !n# #o)n- $(t )ith the l!st )o # he t( ne# sho t !t &e+ ' <Wh!t #o B*o(B $elieve5< he !s%e# )ith violen,e+ A "!(se ens(e#!n# s(##enl* I felt &*self ove ,o&e $* ! " ofo(n# !n# ho"eless f!ti'(e- !s tho('h his voi,e h!# st! tle# &e o(t of ! # e!& of )!n#e in' th o('h e&"t* s"!,es )hose i&&ensit* h!# h! !sse# &* so(l !n# e.h!(ste# &* $o#*+ ' <+ + + Wo(l# h!ve en#e# nothin'-< he &(tte e# ove &e o$stin!tel*!fte ! little )hile+ <No3 the " o"e thin' )!s to f!,e it o(t11 !lone fo &*self11)!it fo !nothe ,h!n,e11fin# o(t + + +< '

CHAPTER 6= 'All ! o(n# eve *thin' )!s still !s f! !s the e! The &ist of his feelin's shifte# $et)een (s- !s if st (''les- !n# in the ifts of the i&&!te i!l veil &* st! in' e*es #istin,t of fo & !n# " e'n!nt )ith li%e ! s*&$oli, fi'( e in ! "i,t( e+ The ,hill !i to lie on &* li&$s !s he!v* !s ! sl!$ of &! $le+ ,o(l# e!,h+ #ist( $e# $* his he )o(l# !""e! to v!'(e !""e!l of the ni'ht see&e#

' <I see-< I &( &( e#- &o e to " ove to &*self th!t I ,o(l# $ e!% &* st!te of n(&$ness th!n fo !n* othe e!son+ ' <The Avon#!le "i,%e# (s (" 2(st $efo e s(nset-< he e&! %e# &oo#il*+ <Ste!&e# i'ht st !i'ht fo (s+ We h!# onl* to sit !n# )!it+< 'Afte ! lon' inte v!l- he s!i#- <The* tol# thei sto *+< An# !'!in the e )!s th!t o"" essive silen,e+ <Then onl* I %ne) )h!t it )!s I h!# &!#e (" &* &in# to-< he !##e#+ ' <Yo( s!i# nothin'-< I )his"e e#+ ' <Wh!t ,o(l# I s!*5< he !s%e#- in the s!&e lo) tone+ + + +

<Sho,% sli'ht+ Sto""e# the shi"+ As,e t!ine# the #!&!'e+ Too% &e!s( es to 'et the $o!ts o(t )itho(t , e!tin' ! "!ni,+ As the fi st $o!t )!s lo)e e# shi" )ent #o)n in ! s9(!ll+ S!n% li%e le!#+ + + + Wh!t ,o(l# $e &o e ,le! < + + + he h(n' his he!# + + + <!n# &o e !)f(l5< His li"s 9(ive e# )hile he loo%e# st !i'ht into &* e*es+ <I h!# 2(&"e#11h!#n't I5< he !s%e#- #is&!*e#+ <Th!t's )h!t I h!# to live #o)n+ The sto * #i#n't &!tte +< + + + He ,l!s"e# his h!n#s fo !n inst!nt- 'l!n,e# i'ht !n# left into the 'loo&: <It )!s li%e ,he!tin' the #e!#-< he st!&&e e#+ ' <An# the e )e e no #e!#-< I s!i#+ 'He )ent !)!* f o& &e !t this+ Th!t is the onl* )!* I ,!n #es, i$e it+ In ! &o&ent I s!) his $!,% ,lose to the $!l(st !#e+ He stoo# the e fo so&e ti&e- !s if !#&i in' the "( it* !n# the "e!,e of the ni'ht+ So&e flo)e in'1sh ($ in the '! #en $elo) s" e!# its "o)e f(l s,ent th o('h the #!&" !i + He et( ne# to &e )ith h!st* ste"s+ ' <An# th!t #i# not &!tte -< he s!i#- !s st($$o nl* !s *o( "le!se+ ' <Pe h!"s not-< I !#&itte#+ I $e'!n to h!ve ! notion he )!s too &(,h fo &e+ Afte !ll- )h!t #i# BIB %no)5 ' <De!# o not #e!#- I ,o(l# not 'et ,le! -< he s!i#+ <I h!# to live0 h!#n't I5< ' <Well- *es11if *o( t!%e it in th!t )!*-< I &(&$le#+ ' <I )!s 'l!#- of ,o( se-< he th e) o(t ,! elessl*- )ith his &in# fi.e# on so&ethin' else+ <The e."os( e-< he " ono(n,e# slo)l*!n# lifte# his he!#+ <Do *o( %no) )h!t )!s &* fi st tho('ht )hen I he! #5 I )!s elieve#+ I )!s elieve# to le! n th!t those sho(ts11 #i# I tell *o( I h!# he! # sho(ts5 No5 Well- I #i#+ Sho(ts fo hel" + + + $lo)n !lon' )ith the # i//le+ I&!'in!tion- I s(""ose+ An# *et I ,!n h! #l* + + + Ho) st("i#+ + + + The othe s #i# not+ I !s%e# the& !fte )! #s+ The* !ll s!i# No+ No5 An# I )!s he! in' the& even then3 I &i'ht h!ve %no)n11$(t I #i#n't thin%11I onl* listene#+ Ee * f!int s, e!&s11#!* !fte #!*+ Then th!t little h!lf1,!ste ,h!" he e ,!&e (" !n# s"o%e to &e+ 'The P!tn! + + + 4 en,h '(n$o!t+ + + to)e# s(,,essf(ll* to A#en+ + + Investi'!tion+ + + M! ine Offi,e + + + S!ilo s' Ho&e + + + ! !n'e&ents &!#e fo *o( $o! # !n# lo#'in'3' I )!l%e# !lon' )ith hi&- !n# I en2o*e# the silen,e+ So the e h!# $een no sho(tin'+ I&!'in!tion+ I h!# to $elieve hi&+ I ,o(l# he! nothin' !n* &o e+ I )on#e ho) lon' I ,o(l# h!ve stoo# it+ It )!s 'ettin' )o se- too + + + I &e!n11lo(#e +< 'He fell into tho('ht+ ' <An# I h!# he! # nothin'3 Well11so $e it+ B(t the li'hts3 The li'hts #i# 'o3 We #i# not see the&+ The* )e e not the e+ If the* h!# $een- I )o(l# h!ve s)!& $!,%11I )o(l# h!ve 'one $!,% !n# sho(te# !lon'si#e11I )o(l# h!ve $e''e# the& to t!%e &e on $o! #+ + + + I )o(l# h!ve h!# &* ,h!n,e+ + + + Yo( #o($t &e5 + + + Ho) #o *o( %no) ho) I felt5 + + + Wh!t i'ht h!ve *o( to #o($t5 + + + I ve * ne! l* #i# it !s it )!s11#o *o( (n#e st!n#5< His

voi,e fell+ <The e )!s not ! 'li&&e 11not ! 'li&&e -< he " oteste# &o( nf(ll*+ <Don't *o( (n#e st!n# th!t if the e h!# $een- *o( )o(l# not h!ve seen &e he e5 Yo( see &e11!n# *o( #o($t+< 'I shoo% &* he!# ne'!tivel*+ This 9(estion of the li'hts $ein' lost si'ht of )hen the $o!t ,o(l# not h!ve $een &o e th!n ! 9(! te of ! &ile f o& the shi" )!s ! &!tte fo &(,h #is,(ssion+ Ji& st(,% to it th!t the e )!s nothin' to $e seen !fte the fi st sho)e h!# ,le! e# !)!*0 !n# the othe s h!# !ffi &e# the s!&e thin' to the offi,e s of the Avon#!le+ Of ,o( se "eo"le shoo% thei he!#s !n# s&ile#+ One ol# s%i""e )ho s!t ne! &e in ,o( t ti,%le# &* e! )ith his )hite $e! # to &( &( - <Of ,o( se the* )o(l# lie+< As ! &!tte of f!,t no$o#* lie#0 not even the ,hief en'inee )ith his sto * of the &!st1he!# li'ht # o""in' li%e ! &!t,h *o( th o) #o)n+ Not ,ons,io(sl*- !t le!st+ A &!n )ith his live in s(,h ! st!te &i'ht ve * )ell h!ve seen ! flo!tin' s"! % in the ,o ne of his e*e )hen ste!lin' ! h( ie# 'l!n,e ove his sho(l#e + The* h!# seen no li'ht of !n* so t tho('h the* )e e )ell )ithin !n'e- !n# the* ,o(l# onl* e."l!in this in one )!*: the shi" h!# 'one #o)n+ It )!s o$vio(s !n# ,o&fo tin'+ The fo eseen f!,t ,o&in' so s)iftl* h!# 2(stifie# thei h!ste+ No )on#e the* #i# not ,!st !$o(t fo !n* othe e."l!n!tion+ Yet the t (e one )!s ve * si&"le- !n# !s soon !s B ie l* s(''este# it the ,o( t ,e!se# to $othe !$o(t the 9(estion+ If *o( e&e&$e - the shi" h!# $een sto""e#- !n# )!s l*in' )ith he he!# on the ,o( se stee e# th o('h the ni'ht- )ith he ste n ,!nte# hi'h !n# he $o)s $ o('ht lo) #o)n in the )!te th o('h the fillin' of the fo e1,o&"! t&ent+ Bein' th(s o(t of t i&- )hen the s9(!ll st (,% he ! little on the 9(! te - she s)(n' he!# to )in# !s sh! "l* !s tho('h she h!# $een !t !n,ho + B* this ,h!n'e in he "osition !ll he li'hts )e e in ! ve * fe) &o&ents sh(t off f o& the $o!t to lee)! #+ It &!* ve * )ell $e th!t- h!# the* $een seen- the* )o(l# h!ve h!# the effe,t of ! &(te !""e!l11th!t thei 'li&&e lost in the #! %ness of the ,lo(# )o(l# h!ve h!# the &*ste io(s "o)e of the h(&!n 'l!n,e th!t ,!n !)!%en the feelin's of e&o se !n# "it*+ It )o(l# h!ve s!i#- <I !& he e11still he e< + + + !n# )h!t &o e ,!n the e*e of the &ost fo s!%en of h(&!n $ein's s!*5 B(t she t( ne# he $!,% on the& !s if in #is#!in of thei f!te: she h!# s)(n' o(n#$( #ene#- to 'l! e st($$o nl* !t the ne) #!n'e of the o"en se! )hi,h she so st !n'el* s( vive# to en# he #!*s in ! $ e!%in'1(" *! #- !s if it h!# $een he e,o #e# f!te to #ie o$s,( el* (n#e the $lo)s of &!n* h!&&e s+ Wh!t )e e the v! io(s en#s thei #estin* " ovi#e# fo the "il' i&s I !& (n!$le to s!*0 $(t the i&&e#i!te f(t( e $ o('ht- !t !$o(t nine o',lo,% ne.t &o nin'- ! 4 en,h '(n$o!t ho&e)! # $o(n# f o& Re(nion+ The e"o t of he ,o&&!n#e )!s "($li, " o"e t*+ He h!# s)e"t ! little o(t of his ,o( se to !s,e t!in )h!t )!s the &!tte )ith th!t ste!&e flo!tin' #!n'e o(sl* $* the he!# ("on ! still !n# h!/* se!+ The e )!s !n ensi'n- (nion #o)n- fl*in' !t he &!in '!ff ?the se !n' h!# the sense to &!%e ! si'n!l of #ist ess !t #!*li'ht@0 $(t the ,oo%s )e e " e"! in' the foo# in the ,oo%in'1$o.es fo )! # !s (s(!l+ The #e,%s )e e "!,%e# !s ,lose !s ! shee"1"en: the e )e e "eo"le "e ,he# !ll !lon' the !ils- 2!&&e# on the $ i#'e in ! soli# &!ss0 h(n# e#s of e*es st! e#- !n# not ! so(n# )!s he! # )hen the '(n$o!t !n'e# !$ e!st- !s if !ll th!t &(ltit(#e of li"s h!# $een se!le# $* ! s"ell+

'The 4 en,h&!n h!ile#- ,o(l# 'et no intelli'i$le e"l*- !n# !fte !s,e t!inin' th o('h his $ino,(l! s th!t the , o)# on #e,% #i# not loo% "l!'(e1st i,%en- #e,i#e# to sen# ! $o!t+ T)o offi,e s ,!&e on $o! #- listene# to the se !n'- t ie# to t!l% )ith the A !$- ,o(l#n't &!%e he!# o t!il of it: $(t of ,o( se the n!t( e of the e&e 'en,* )!s o$vio(s eno('h+ The* )e e !lso ve * &(,h st (,% $* #is,ove in' ! )hite &!n- #e!# !n# ,( le# (" "e!,ef(ll* on the $ i#'e+ <4o t int i'(es "! ,e ,!#!v e-< !s I )!s info &e# ! lon' ti&e !fte $* !n el#e l* 4 en,h lie(ten!nt )ho& I ,!&e !, oss one !fte noon in S*#ne*- $* the &e est ,h!n,e- in ! so t of ,!fe- !n# )ho e&e&$e e# the !ff!i "e fe,tl*+ In#ee# this !ff!i - I &!* noti,e in "!ssin'h!# !n e.t !o #in! * "o)e of #ef*in' the sho tness of &e&o ies !n# the len'th of ti&e: it see&e# to live- )ith ! so t of (n,!nn* vit!lit*- in the &in#s of &en- on the ti"s of thei ton'(es+ I've h!# the 9(estion!$le "le!s( e of &eetin' it often- *e! s !fte )! #stho(s!n#s of &iles !)!*- e&e 'in' f o& the e&otest "ossi$le t!l%,o&in' to the s( f!,e of the &ost #ist!nt !ll(sions+ H!s it not t( ne# (" to1ni'ht $et)een (s5 An# I !& the onl* se!&!n he e+ I !& the onl* one to )ho& it is ! &e&o *+ An# *et it h!s &!#e its )!* o(t3 B(t if t)o &en )ho- (n%no)n to e!,h othe - %ne) of this !ff!i &et !,,i#ent!ll* on !n* s"ot of this e! th- the thin' )o(l# "o" (" $et)een the& !s s( e !s f!te- $efo e the* "! te#+ I h!# neve seen th!t 4 en,h&!n $efo e- !n# !t the en# of !n ho( )e h!# #one )ith e!,h othe fo life: he #i# not see& "! ti,(l! l* t!l%!tive eithe 0 he )!s ! 9(iet- &!ssive ,h!" in ! , e!se# (nifo &- sittin' # o)sil* ove ! t(&$le h!lf f(ll of so&e #! % li9(i#+ His sho(l#e 1st !"s )e e ! $it t! nishe#- his ,le!n1sh!ve# ,hee%s )e e l! 'e !n# s!llo)0 he loo%e# li%e ! &!n )ho )o(l# $e 'iven to t!%in' sn(ff11#on't *o( %no)5 I )on't s!* he #i#0 $(t the h!$it )o(l# h!ve fitte# th!t %in# of &!n+ It !ll $e'!n $* his h!n#in' &e ! n(&$e of Ho&e Ne)s- )hi,h I #i#n't )!nt- !, oss the &! $le t!$le+ I s!i# <Me ,i+< We e.,h!n'e# ! fe) !""! entl* inno,ent e&! %s- !n# s(##enl*$efo e I %ne) ho) it h!# ,o&e !$o(t- )e )e e in the &i#st of it!n# he )!s tellin' &e ho) &(,h the* h!# $een <int i'(e# $* th!t ,o "se+< It t( ne# o(t he h!# $een one of the $o! #in' offi,e s+ 'In the est!$lish&ent )he e )e s!t one ,o(l# 'et ! v! iet* of fo ei'n # in%s )hi,h )e e %e"t fo the visitin' n!v!l offi,e s- !n# he too% ! si" of the #! % &e#i,!l1loo%in' st(ff- )hi,h " o$!$l* )!s nothin' &o e n!st* th!n ,!ssis ! l'e!(- !n# 'l!n,in' )ith one e*e into the t(&$le - shoo% his he!# sli'htl*+ <I&"ossi$le #e ,o&" en# e11 vo(s ,on,eve/-< he s!i#- )ith ! ,( io(s &i.t( e of (n,on,e n !n# tho('htf(lness+ I ,o(l# ve * e!sil* ,on,eive ho) i&"ossi$le it h!# $een fo the& to (n#e st!n#+ No$o#* in the '(n$o!t %ne) eno('h En'lish to 'et hol# of the sto * !s tol# $* the se !n'+ The e )!s ! 'oo# #e!l of noise- too- o(n# the t)o offi,e s+ <The* , o)#e# ("on (s+ The e )!s ! ,i ,le o(n# th!t #e!# &!n ?!(to( #e ,e &o t@-< he #es, i$e#+ <One h!# to !tten# to the &ost " essin'+ These "eo"le )e e $e'innin' to !'it!te the&selves11P! $le(3 A &o$ li%e th!t11#on't *o( see5< he inte 2e,te# )ith "hiloso"hi, in#(l'en,e+ As to the $(l%he!#- he h!# !#vise# his ,o&&!n#e th!t the s!fest thin' )!s to le!ve it !lone- it )!s so vill!ino(s to loo% !t+ The* 'ot t)o h!)se s on $o! # " o&"tl* ?en to(te h!le@ !n# too% the P!tn! in to)11ste n

fo e&ost !t th!t11)hi,h- (n#e the ,i ,(&st!n,es- )!s not so foolishsin,e the (##e )!s too &(,h o(t of the )!te to $e of !n* ' e!t (se fo stee in'- !n# this &!noe(v e e!se# the st !in on the $(l%he!#)hose st!te- he e."o(n#e# )ith stoli# 'li$ness- #e&!n#e# the ' e!test ,! e ?e.i'e!it les "l(s ' !n#s &en!'e&ents@+ I ,o(l# not hel" thin%in' th!t &* ne) !,9(!int!n,e &(st h!ve h!# ! voi,e in &ost of these ! !n'e&ents: he loo%e# ! eli!$le offi,e - no lon'e ve * !,tive!n# he )!s se!&!nli%e too- in ! )!*- tho('h !s he s!t the e- )ith his thi,% fin'e s ,l!s"e# li'htl* on his sto&!,h- he e&in#e# *o( of one of those sn(ff*- 9(iet vill!'e " iests- into )hose e! s ! e "o( e# the sins- the s(ffe in's- the e&o se of "e!s!nt 'ene !tionson )hose f!,es the "l!,i# !n# si&"le e." ession is li%e ! veil th o)n ove the &*ste * of "!in !n# #ist ess+ He o('ht to h!ve h!# ! th e!#$! e $l!,% so(t!ne $(ttone# s&oothl* (" to his !&"le ,hininste!# of ! f o,%1,o!t )ith sho(l#e 1st !"s !n# $ !ss $(ttons+ His $ o!# $oso& he!ve# e'(l! l* )hile he )ent on tellin' &e th!t it h!# $een the ve * #evil of ! 2o$- !s #o($tless ?s!ns #o(te@ I ,o(l# fi'( e to &*self in &* 9(!lit* of ! se!&!n ?en vot e 9(!lite #e &! in@+ At the en# of the "e io# he in,line# his $o#* sli'htl* to)! #s &e!n#- "( sin' his sh!ve# li"s- !llo)e# the !i to es,!"e )ith ! 'entle hiss+ <L(,%il*-< he ,ontin(e#- <the se! )!s level li%e this t!$le!n# the e )!s no &o e )in# th!n the e is he e+< + + + The "l!,e st (,% &e !s in#ee# intole !$l* st(ff*- !n# ve * hot0 &* f!,e $( ne# !s tho('h I h!# $een *o(n' eno('h to $e e&$! !sse# !n# $l(shin'+ The* h!# #i e,te# thei ,o( se- he "( s(e#- to the ne! est En'lish "o t <n!t( elle&ent-< )he e thei es"onsi$ilit* ,e!se#- <Die( &e ,i+< + + + He $le) o(t his fl!t ,hee%s ! little+ + + + <Be,!(se- &in# *o( ?note/ $ien@- !ll the ti&e of to)in' )e h!# t)o 9(! te &!ste s st!tione# )ith !.es $* the h!)se s- to ,(t (s ,le! of o( to) in ,!se she + + +< He fl(tte e# #o)n)! #s his he!v* e*eli#s- &!%in' his &e!nin' !s "l!in !s "ossi$le+ + + + <Wh!t )o(l# *o(3 One #oes )h!t one ,!n ?on f!it ,e 9('on "e(t@-< !n# fo ! &o&ent he &!n!'e# to invest his "on#e o(s i&&o$ilit* )ith !n !i of esi'n!tion+ <T)o 9(! te &!ste s11thi t* ho( s11!l)!*s the e+ T)o3< he e"e!te#liftin' (" his i'ht h!n# ! little- !n# e.hi$itin' t)o fin'e s+ This )!s !$sol(tel* the fi st 'est( e I s!) hi& &!%e+ It '!ve &e the o""o t(nit* to <note< ! st! e# s,! on the $!,% of his h!n#11effe,t of ! '(nshot ,le! l*0 !n#- !s if &* si'ht h!# $een &!#e &o e !,(te $* this #is,ove *- I "e ,eive# !lso the se!& of !n ol# )o(n#$e'innin' ! little $elo) the te&"le !n# 'oin' o(t of si'ht (n#e the sho t ' e* h!i !t the si#e of his he!#11the ' !/e of ! s"e! o the ,(t of ! s!$ e+ He ,l!s"e# his h!n#s on his sto&!,h !'!in+ <I e&!ine# on $o! # th!t11th!t11&* &e&o * is 'oin' ?s'en v!@+ Ah3 P!tt1n!+ C'est $ien ,!+ P!tt1n!+ Me ,i+ It is # oll ho) one fo 'ets+ I st!*e# on th!t shi" thi t* ho( s+ + + +< ' <Yo( #i#3< I e.,l!i&e#+ Still '!/in' !t his h!n#s- he "( se# his li"s ! little- $(t this ti&e &!#e no hissin' so(n#+ <It )!s 2(#'e# " o"e -< he s!i#- liftin' his e*e$ o)s #is"!ssion!tel*- <th!t one of the offi,e s sho(l# e&!in to %ee" !n e*e o"en ?"o( o(v i l'oeil@< + + + he si'he# i#l* + + + <!n# fo ,o&&(ni,!tin' $* si'n!ls )ith the to)in' shi"11#o *o( see511!n# so on+ 4o the est- it )!s

&* o"inion too+ We &!#e o( $o!ts e!#* to # o" ove 11!n# I !lso on th!t shi" too% &e!s( es+ + + + Enfin3 One h!s #one one's "ossi$le+ It )!s ! #eli,!te "osition+ Thi t* ho( s3 The* " e"! e# &e so&e foo#+ As fo the )ine11'o !n# )histle fo it11not ! # o"+< In so&e e.t !o #in! * )!*- )itho(t !n* &! %e# ,h!n'e in his ine t !ttit(#e !n# in the "l!,i# e." ession of his f!,e- he &!n!'e# to ,onve* the i#e! of " ofo(n# #is'(st+ <I11*o( %no)11)hen it ,o&es to e!tin' )itho(t &* 'l!ss of )ine11I !& no)he e+< 'I )!s !f !i# he )o(l# enl! 'e ("on the ' iev!n,e- fo tho('h he #i#n't sti ! li&$ o t)it,h ! fe!t( e- he &!#e one !)! e ho) &(,h he )!s i it!te# $* the e,olle,tion+ B(t he see&e# to fo 'et !ll !$o(t it+ The* #elive e# thei ,h! 'e to the <"o t !(tho ities-< !s he e." esse# it+ He )!s st (,% $* the ,!l&ness )ith )hi,h it h!# $een e,eive#+ <One &i'ht h!ve tho('ht the* h!# s(,h ! # oll fin# ?# ole #e t o(v!ille@ $ o('ht the& eve * #!*+ Yo( ! e e.t !o #in! *11 *o( othe s-< he ,o&&ente#- )ith his $!,% " o""e# !'!inst the )!ll!n# loo%in' hi&self !s in,!"!$le of !n e&otion!l #is"l!* !s ! s!,% of &e!l+ The e h!""ene# to $e ! &!n1of1)! !n# !n In#i!n M! ine ste!&e in the h! $o( !t the ti&e- !n# he #i# not ,on,e!l his !#&i !tion of the effi,ient &!nne in )hi,h the $o!ts of these t)o shi"s ,le! e# the P!tn! of he "!ssen'e s+ In#ee# his to "i# #e&e!no( ,on,e!le# nothin': it h!# th!t &*ste io(s- !l&ost &i !,(lo(s"o)e of " o#(,in' st i%in' effe,ts $* &e!ns i&"ossi$le of #ete,tion )hi,h is the l!st )o # of the hi'hest ! t+ <T)ent*1five &in(tes11)!t,h in h!n#11t)ent*1five- no &o e+< + + + He (n,l!s"e# !n# ,l!s"e# !'!in his fin'e s )itho(t e&ovin' his h!n#s f o& his sto&!,h!n# &!#e it infinitel* &o e effe,tive th!n if he h!# th o)n (" his ! &s to he!ven in !&!/e&ent+ + + + <All th!t lot ?to(t ,e &on#e@ on sho e11)ith thei little !ff!i s11no$o#* left $(t ! '(! # of se!&en ?&! ins #e l'Et!t@ !n# th!t inte estin' ,o "se ?,et inte ess!nt ,!#!v e@+ T)ent*1five &in(tes+< + + + With #o)n,!st e*es !n# his he!# tilte# sli'htl* on one si#e he see&e# to oll %no)in'l* on his ton'(e the s!vo( of ! s&! t $it of )o %+ He "e s(!#e# one )itho(t !n* f( the #e&onst !tion th!t his !"" ov!l )!s e&inentl* )o th h!vin'- !n# es(&in' his h! #l* inte ("te# i&&o$ilit*- he )ent on to info & &e th!t- $ein' (n#e o #e s to &!%e the $est of thei )!* to To(lon- the* left in t)o ho( s' ti&e- <so th!t ?#e so te 9(e@ the e ! e &!n* thin's in this in,i#ent of &* life ?#!ns ,et e"iso#e #e &! vie@ )hi,h h!ve e&!ine# o$s,( e+< '

CHAPTER 6A 'Afte these )o #s- !n# )itho(t ! ,h!n'e of !ttit(#e- he- so to s"e!%- s($&itte# hi&self "!ssivel* to ! st!te of silen,e+ I %e"t hi& ,o&"!n*0 !n# s(##enl*- $(t not !$ ("tl*- !s if the !""ointe# ti&e h!# ! ive# fo his &o#e !te !n# h(s%* voi,e to ,o&e o(t of his i&&o$ilit*- he " ono(n,e#- <Mon Die(3 ho) the ti&e "!sses3< Nothin' ,o(l# h!ve $een &o e ,o&&on"l!,e th!n this e&! %0 $(t its (tte !n,e ,oin,i#e# fo &e )ith ! &o&ent of vision+ It's e.t !o #in! * ho) )e 'o th o('h life )ith e*es h!lf sh(t- )ith #(ll

e! s- )ith #o &!nt tho('hts+ Pe h!"s it's 2(st !s )ell0 !n# it &!* $e th!t it is this ve * #(llness th!t &!%es life to the in,!l,(l!$le &!2o it* so s(""o t!$le !n# so )el,o&e+ Neve theless- the e ,!n $e $(t fe) of (s )ho h!# neve %no)n one of these ! e &o&ents of !)!%enin' )hen )e see- he! - (n#e st!n# eve so &(,h11eve *thin'11in ! fl!sh11$efo e )e f!ll $!,% !'!in into o( !' ee!$le so&nolen,e+ I !ise# &* e*es )hen he s"o%e- !n# I s!) hi& !s tho('h I h!# neve seen hi& $efo e+ I s!) his ,hin s(n% on his $ e!st- the ,l(&s* fol#s of his ,o!t- his ,l!s"e# h!n#s- his &otionless "ose- so ,( io(sl* s(''estive of his h!vin' $een si&"l* left the e+ Ti&e h!# "!sse# in#ee#: it h!# ove t!%en hi& !n# 'one !he!#+ It h!# left hi& ho"elessl* $ehin# )ith ! fe) "oo 'ifts: the i on1' e* h!i the he!v* f!ti'(e of the t!nne# f!,e- t)o s,! s- ! "!i of t! nishe# sho(l#e 1st !"s0 one of those ste!#*- eli!$le &en )ho ! e the !) &!te i!l of ' e!t e"(t!tions- one of those (n,o(nte# lives th!t ! e $( ie# )itho(t # (&s !n# t (&"ets (n#e the fo(n#!tions of &on(&ent!l s(,,esses+ <I !& no) thi # lie(ten!nt of the Ei,to ie(se< ?she )!s the fl!'shi" of the 4 en,h P!,ifi, s9(!# on !t the ti&e@he s!i#- #et!,hin' his sho(l#e s f o& the )!ll ! ,o("le of in,hes to int o#(,e hi&self+ I $o)e# sli'htl* on &* si#e of the t!$le!n# tol# hi& I ,o&&!n#e# ! &e ,h!nt vessel !t " esent !n,ho e# in R(sh,(tte s' B!*+ He h!# < e&! %e#< he -11! " ett* little , !ft+ He )!s ve * ,ivil !$o(t it in his i&"!ssive )!*+ I even f!n,* he )ent the len'th of tiltin' his he!# in ,o&"li&ent !s he e"e!te#$ e!thin' visi$l* the )hile- <Ah- *es+ A little , !ft "!inte# $l!,%11ve * " ett*11ve * " ett* ?t es ,o9(et@+< Afte ! ti&e he t)iste# his $o#* slo)l* to f!,e the 'l!ss #oo on o( i'ht+ <A #(ll to)n ?t iste ville@-< he o$se ve#- st! in' into the st eet+ It )!s ! $ illi!nt #!*0 ! so(the l* $(ste )!s !'in'- !n# )e ,o(l# see the "!sse s1$*- &en !n# )o&en- $(ffete# $* the )in# on the si#e)!l%sthe s(nlit f onts of the ho(ses !, oss the o!# $l( e# $* the t!ll )hi ls of #(st+ <I #es,en#e# on sho e-< he s!i#- <to st et,h &* le's ! little- $(t + + +< He #i#n't finish- !n# s!n% into the #e"ths of his e"ose+ <P !*11tell &e-< he $e'!n- ,o&in' (" "on#e o(sl*- <)h!t )!s the e !t the $otto& of this !ff!i 11" e,isel* ?!( 2(ste@5 It is ,( io(s+ Th!t #e!# &!n- fo inst!n,e11!n# so on+< ' <The e )e e livin' &en too-< I s!i#0 <&(,h &o e ,( io(s+< ' <No #o($t- no #o($t-< he !' ee# h!lf !(#i$l*- then- !s if !fte &!t( e ,onsi#e !tion- &( &( e#- <Evi#entl*+< I &!#e no #iffi,(lt* in ,o&&(ni,!tin' to hi& )h!t h!# inte este# &e &ost in this !ff!i + It see&e# !s tho('h he h!# ! i'ht to %no): h!#n't he s"ent thi t* ho( s on $o! # the P!ln!11h!# he not t!%en the s(,,essionso to s"e!%- h!# he not #one <his "ossi$le<5 He listene# to &eloo%in' &o e " iest1li%e th!n eve - !n# )ith )h!t11" o$!$l* on !,,o(nt of his #o)n,!st e*es11h!# the !""e! !n,e of #evo(t ,on,ent !tion+ On,e o t)i,e he elev!te# his e*e$ o)s ?$(t )itho(t !isin' his e*eli#s@!s one )o(l# s!* <The #evil3< On,e he ,!l&l* e.,l!i&e#- <Ah- $!h3< (n#e his $ e!th- !n# )hen I h!# finishe# he "( se# his li"s in ! #eli$e !te )!* !n# e&itte# ! so t of so o)f(l )histle+ 'In !n* one else it &i'ht h!ve $een !n evi#en,e of $o e#o&- ! si'n of in#iffe en,e0 $(t he- in his o,,(lt )!*- &!n!'e# to &!%e

his i&&o$ilit* !""e! " ofo(n#l* es"onsive- !n# !s f(ll of v!l(!$le tho('hts !s !n e'' is of &e!t+ Wh!t he s!i# !t l!st )!s nothin' &o e th!n ! <Ee * inte estin'-< " ono(n,e# "olitel*- !n# not &(,h !$ove ! )his"e + Befo e I 'ot ove &* #is!""oint&ent he !##e#$(t !s if s"e!%in' to hi&self- <Th!t's it+ Th!t BisB it+< His ,hin see&e# to sin% lo)e on his $ e!st- his $o#* to )ei'h he!vie on his se!t+ I )!s !$o(t to !s% hi& )h!t he &e!nt- )hen ! so t of " e"! !to * t e&o "!sse# ove his )hole "e son- !s ! f!int i""le &!* $e seen ("on st!'n!nt )!te even $efo e the )in# is felt+ <An# so th!t "oo *o(n' &!n !n !)!* !lon' )ith the othe s-< he s!i#- )ith ' !ve t !n9(illit*+ 'I #on't %no) )h!t &!#e &e s&ile: it is the onl* 'en(ine s&ile of &ine I ,!n e&e&$e in ,onne,tion )ith Ji&'s !ff!i + B(t so&eho) this si&"le st!te&ent of the &!tte so(n#e# f(nn* in 4 en,h+ + + + <S'est enf(i !ve, les !(t es-< h!# s!i# the lie(ten!nt+ An# s(##enl* I $e'!n to !#&i e the #is, i&in!tion of the &!n+ He h!# &!#e o(t the "oint !t on,e: he #i# 'et hol# of the onl* thin' I ,! e# !$o(t+ I felt !s tho('h I )e e t!%in' " ofession!l o"inion on the ,!se+ His i&"e t( $!$le !n# &!t( e ,!l&ness )!s th!t of !n e."e t in "ossession of the f!,ts- !n# to )ho& one's "e "le.ities ! e &e e ,hil#'s1"l!*+ <Ah3 The *o(n'- the *o(n'-< he s!i# in#(l'entl*+ <An# !fte !ll- one #oes not #ie of it+< <Die of )h!t5< I !s%e# s)iftl*+ <Of $ein' !f !i#+< He el(,i#!te# his &e!nin' !n# si""e# his # in%+ 'I "e ,eive# th!t the th ee l!st fin'e s of his )o(n#e# h!n# )e e stiff !n# ,o(l# not &ove in#e"en#entl* of e!,h othe - so th!t he too% (" his t(&$le )ith !n (n'!inl* ,l(t,h+ <One is !l)!*s !f !i#+ One &!* t!l%- $(t + + +< He "(t #o)n the 'l!ss !)%)! #l*+ + + + <The fe! - the fe! 11loo% *o(11it is !l)!*s the e+< + + + He to(,he# his $ e!st ne! ! $ !ss $(tton- on the ve * s"ot )he e Ji& h!# 'iven ! th(&" to his o)n )hen " otestin' th!t the e )!s nothin' the &!tte )ith his he! t+ I s(""ose I &!#e so&e si'n of #issent$e,!(se he insiste#- <Yes3 *es3 One t!l%s- one t!l%s0 this is !ll ve * fine0 $(t !t the en# of the e,%onin' one is no ,leve e th!n the ne.t &!n11!n# no &o e $ !ve+ B !ve3 This is !l)!*s to $e seen+ I h!ve olle# &* h(&" ? o(le &! $osse@-< he s!i#- (sin' the sl!n' e." ession )ith i&"e t( $!$le se io(sness- <in !ll "! ts of the )o l#0 I h!ve %no)n $ !ve &en11f!&o(s ones3 Alle/3< + + + He # !n% ,! elessl*+ + + + <B !ve11*o( ,on,eive11in the Se vi,e11one h!s 'ot to $e11the t !#e #e&!n#s it ?le &etie ve(t ,!@+ Is it not so5< he !""e!le# to &e e!son!$l*+ <Eh $ien3 E!,h of the&11I s!* e!,h of the&- if he )e e !n honest &!n11$ien enten#(11)o(l# ,onfess th!t the e is ! "oint11the e is ! "oint11fo the $est of (s11the e is so&e)he e ! "oint )hen *o( let 'o eve *thin' ?vo(s l!,he/ to(t@+ An# *o( h!ve 'ot to live )ith th!t t (th11#o *o( see5 >iven ! ,e t!in ,o&$in!tion of ,i ,(&st!n,es- fe! is s( e to ,o&e+ A$o&in!$le f(n% ?(n t !, e"o(v!nt!$le@+ An# even fo those )ho #o not $elieve this t (th the e is fe! !ll the s!&e11the fe! of the&selves+ A$sol(tel* so+ T (st &e+ Yes+ Yes+ + + + At &* !'e one %no)s )h!t one is t!l%in' !$o(t119(e #i!$le3< + + + He h!# #elive e# hi&self of !ll this !s i&&ov!$l* !s tho('h he h!# $een the &o(th"ie,e of !$st !,t )is#o&- $(t !t this "oint he hei'htene# the effe,t of

#et!,h&ent $* $e'innin' to t)i l his th(&$s slo)l*+ <It's evi#ent11 "! $le(3< he ,ontin(e#0 <fo - &!%e (" *o( &in# !s &(,h !s *o( li%e- even ! si&"le he!#!,he o ! fit of in#i'estion ?(n #e !n'e&ent #'esto&!,@ is eno('h to + + + T!%e &e- fo inst!n,e11I h!ve &!#e &* " oofs+ Eh $ien3 I- )ho !& s"e!%in' to *o(- on,e + + +< 'He # !ine# his 'l!ss !n# et( ne# to his t)i lin'+ <No- no0 one #oes not #ie of it-< he " ono(n,e# fin!ll*- !n# )hen I fo(n# he #i# not &e!n to " o,ee# )ith the "e son!l !ne,#ote- I )!s e.t e&el* #is!""ointe#0 the &o e so !s it )!s not the so t of sto *- *o( %no)one ,o(l# ve * )ell " ess hi& fo + I s!t silent- !n# he too- !s if nothin' ,o(l# "le!se hi& $ette + Even his th(&$s )e e still no)+ S(##enl* his li"s $e'!n to &ove+ <Th!t is so-< he es(&e# "l!,i#l*+ <M!n is $o n ! ,o)! # ?L'ho&&e est ne "olt on@+ It is ! #iffi,(lt*11 "! $le(3 It )o(l# $e too e!s* othe vise+ B(t h!$it11h!$it11ne,essit*11 #o *o( see511the e*e of othe s11voil!+ One "(ts (" )ith it+ An# then the e.!&"le of othe s )ho ! e no $ette th!n *o( self!n# *et &!%e 'oo# ,o(nten!n,e+ + + +< 'His voi,e ,e!se#+ ' <Th!t *o(n' &!n11*o( )ill o$se ve11h!# none of these in#(,e&ents11!t le!st !t the &o&ent-< I e&! %e#+ 'He !ise# his e*e$ o)s fo 'ivin'l*: <I #on't s!*0 I #on't s!*+ The *o(n' &!n in 9(estion &i'ht h!ve h!# the $est #is"ositions11 the $est #is"ositions-< he e"e!te#- )hee/in' ! little+ ' <I !& 'l!# to see *o( t!%in' ! lenient vie)-< I s!i#+ <His o)n feelin' in the &!tte )!s11!h311ho"ef(l- !n# + + +< 'The sh(ffle of his feet (n#e the t!$le inte ("te# &e+ He # e) (" his he!v* e*eli#s+ D e) ("- I s!*11no othe e." ession ,!n #es, i$e the ste!#* #eli$e !tion of the !,t11!n# !t l!st )!s #is,lose# ,o&"letel* to &e+ I )!s ,onf onte# $* t)o n! o) ' e* ,i ,letsli%e t)o tin* steel in's ! o(n# the " ofo(n# $l!,%ness of the "("ils+ The sh! " 'l!n,e- ,o&in' f o& th!t &!ssive $o#*- '!ve ! notion of e.t e&e effi,ien,*- li%e ! !/o 1e#'e on ! $!ttle1!.e+ <P! #on-< he s!i# "(n,tilio(sl*+ His i'ht h!n# )ent ("- !n# he s)!*e# fo )! #+ <Allo) &e + + + I ,onten#e# th!t one &!* 'et on %no)in' ve * )ell th!t one's ,o( !'e #oes not ,o&e of itself ?ne vient "!s to(t se(l@+ The e's nothin' &(,h in th!t to 'et ("set !$o(t+ One t (th the &o e o('ht not to &!%e life i&"ossi$le+ + + + B(t the hono( 11the hono( - &onsie( 3 + + + The hono( + + + th!t is e!l11th!t is3 An# )h!t life &!* $e )o th )hen< + + + he 'ot on his feet )ith ! "on#e o(s i&"et(osit*- !s ! st! tle# o. &i'ht s, !&$le (" f o& the ' !ss + + + <)hen the hono( is 'one11!h ,!3 "! e.e&"le11I ,!n offe no o"inion+ I ,!n offe no o"inion11$e,!(se11 &onsie( 11I %no) nothin' of it+< 'I h!# isen too- !n#- t *in' to th o) infinite "oliteness into o( !ttit(#es- )e f!,e# e!,h othe &(tel*- li%e t)o ,hin! #o's on ! &!ntel"ie,e+ H!n' the fello)3 he h!# " i,%e# the $($$le+ The $li'ht of f(tilit* th!t lies in )!it fo &en's s"ee,hes h!# f!llen ("on

o( ,onve s!tion- !n# &!#e it ! thin' of e&"t* so(n#s+ <Ee * )ell-< I s!i#- )ith ! #is,on,e te# s&ile0 <$(t ,o(l#n't it e#(,e itself to not $ein' fo(n# o(t5< He &!#e !s if to eto t e!#il*- $(t )hen he s"o%e he h!# ,h!n'e# his &in#+ <This- &onsie( - is too fine fo &e11&(,h !$ove &e11I #on't thin% !$o(t it+< He $o)e# he!vil* ove his ,!"- )hi,h he hel# $efo e hi& $* the "e!%- $et)een the th(&$ !n# the fo efin'e of his )o(n#e# h!n#+ I $o)e# too+ We $o)e# to'ethe : )e s, !"e# o( feet !t e!,h othe )ith &(,h ,e e&on*- )hile ! #i t* s"e,i&en of ! )!ite loo%e# on , iti,!ll*!s tho('h he h!# "!i# fo the "e fo &!n,e+ <Se vite( -< s!i# the 4 en,h&!n+ Anothe s, !"e+ <Monsie( < + + + <Monsie( +< + + + The 'l!ss #oo s)(n' $ehin# his $( l* $!,%+ I s!) the so(the l* $(ste 'et hol# of hi& !n# # ive hi& #o)n )in# )ith his h!n# to his he!#- his sho(l#e s $ !,e#- !n# the t!ils of his ,o!t $lo)n h! # !'!inst his le's+ 'I s!t #o)n !'!in !lone !n# #is,o( !'e#11#is,o( !'e# !$o(t Ji&'s ,!se+ If *o( )on#e th!t !fte &o e th!n th ee *e! s it h!# " ese ve# its !,t(!lit*- *o( &(st %no) th!t I h!# seen hi& onl* ve * l!tel*+ I h!# ,o&e st !i'ht f o& S!&! !n'- )he e I h!# lo!#e# ! ,! 'o fo S*#ne*: !n (tte l* (ninte estin' $it of $(siness-11)h!t Ch! le* he e )o(l# ,!ll one of &* !tion!l t !ns!,tions-11!n# in S!&! !n' I h!# seen so&ethin' of Ji&+ He )!s then )o %in' fo De Jon'h- on &* e,o&&en#!tion+ W!te 1,le %+ <M* e" esent!tive !flo!t-< !s De Jon'h ,!lle# hi&+ Yo( ,!n't i&!'ine ! &o#e of life &o e $! en of ,onsol!tion- less ,!"!$le of $ein' investe# )ith ! s"! % of 'l!&o( 11(nless it $e the $(siness of !n ins( !n,e ,!nv!sse + Little Bo$ St!nton11Ch! le* he e %ne) hi& )ell11h!# 'one th o('h th!t e."e ien,e+ The s!&e )ho 'ot # o)ne# !fte )! #s t *in' to s!ve ! l!#*'s1&!i# in the Se"ho ! #is!ste + A ,!se of ,ollision on ! h!/* &o nin' off the S"!nish ,o!st11*o( &!* e&e&$e + All the "!ssen'e s h!# $een "!,%e# ti#il* into the $o!ts !n# shove# ,le! of the shi")hen Bo$ shee e# !lon'si#e !'!in !n# s, !&$le# $!,% on #e,% to fet,h th!t 'i l+ Ho) she h!# $een left $ehin# I ,!n't &!%e o(t0 !n*ho)she h!# 'one ,o&"letel* , !/*11)o(l#n't le!ve the shi"11hel# to the !il li%e ' i& #e!th+ The ) estlin'1&!t,h ,o(l# $e seen "l!inl* f o& the $o!ts0 $(t "oo Bo$ )!s the sho test ,hief &!te in the &e ,h!nt se vi,e- !n# the )o&!n stoo# five feet ten in he shoes !n# )!s !s st on' !s ! ho se- I've $een tol#+ So it )ent on- "(ll #evil- "(ll $!%e - the ) et,he# 'i l s, e!&in' !ll the ti&e- !n# Bo$ lettin' o(t ! *ell no) !n# then to )! n his $o!t to %ee" )ell ,le! of the shi"+ One of the h!n#s tol# &e- hi#in' ! s&ile !t the e,olle,tion- <It )!s fo !ll the )o l#- si - li%e ! n!('ht* *o(n'ste fi'htin' )ith his &othe +< The s!&e ol# ,h!" s!i# th!t <At the l!st )e ,o(l# see th!t M + St!nton h!# 'iven (" h!(lin' !t the '!l- !n# 2(st stoo# $* loo%in' !t he - )!t,hf(l li%e+ We tho('ht !fte )! #s he &(st've $een e,%onin' th!t- &!*$e- the (sh of )!te )o(l# te! he !)!* f o& the !il $*1!n#1$* !n# 'ive hi& ! sho) to s!ve he + We #! en't ,o&e !lon'si#e fo o( life0 !n# !fte ! $it the ol# shi" )ent #o)n !ll on ! s(##en )ith ! l( ,h to st! $o! #11"lo"+ The s(,% in )!s so&ethin' !)f(l+ We neve s!) !n*thin' !live o #e!# ,o&e ("+< Poo Bo$'s s"ell of sho e1life h!# $een one of the ,o&"li,!tions of ! love !ff!i - I $elieve+ He fon#l* ho"e# he h!# #one )ith the se! fo eve - !n# &!#e s( e he h!# 'ot hol# of !ll the $liss on e! th- $(t it ,!&e to

,!nv!ssin' in the en#+ So&e ,o(sin of his in Live "ool "(t (" to it+ He (se# to tell (s his e."e ien,es in th!t line+ He &!#e (s l!('h till )e , ie#- !n#- not !lto'ethe #is"le!se# !t the effe,t- (n#e si/e# !n# $e! #e# to the )!ist li%e ! 'no&e- he )o(l# ti"toe !&on'st (s !n# s!*<It's !ll ve * )ell fo *o( $e''! s to l!('h- $(t &* i&&o t!l so(l )!s sh ivelle# #o)n to the si/e of ! "! ,he# "e! !fte ! )ee% of th!t )o %+< I #on't %no) ho) Ji&'s so(l !,,o&&o#!te# itself to the ne) ,on#itions of his life11I )!s %e"t too $(s* in 'ettin' hi& so&ethin' to #o th!t )o(l# %ee" $o#* !n# so(l to'ethe 11$(t I !& " ett* ,e t!in his !#vent( o(s f!n,* )!s s(ffe in' !ll the "!n's of st! v!tion+ It h!# ,e t!inl* nothin' to fee# ("on in this ne) ,!llin'+ It )!s #ist essin' to see hi& !t it- tho('h he t!,%le# it )ith ! st($$o n se enit* fo )hi,h I &(st 'ive hi& f(ll , e#it+ I %e"t &* e*e on his sh!$$* "lo##in' )ith ! so t of notion th!t it )!s ! "(nish&ent fo the he oi,s of his f!n,*11!n e."i!tion fo his , !vin' !fte &o e 'l!&o( th!n he ,o(l# ,! *+ He h!# love# too )ell to i&!'ine hi&self ! 'lo io(s !,eho se- !n# no) he )!s ,on#e&ne# to toil )itho(t hono( li%e ! ,oste &on'e 's #on%e*+ He #i# it ve * )ell+ He sh(t hi&self in- "(t his he!# #o)n- s!i# neve ! )o #+ Ee * )ell0 ve * )ell in#ee#11e.,e"t fo ,e t!in f!nt!sti, !n# violent o(t$ e!%s- on the #e"lo !$le o,,!sions )hen the i e" essi$le P!tn! ,!se , o""e# ("+ Unfo t(n!tel* th!t s,!n#!l of the E!ste n se!s )o(l# not #ie o(t+ An# this is the e!son )h* I ,o(l# neve feel I h!# #one )ith Ji& fo 'oo#+ 'I s!t thin%in' of hi& !fte the 4 en,h lie(ten!nt h!# left- notho)eve - in ,onne,tion )ith De Jon'h's ,ool !n# 'loo&* $!,%sho")he e )e h!# h( ie#l* sh!%en h!n#s not ve * lon' !'o- $(t !s I h!# seen hi& *e! s $efo e in the l!st fli,%e s of the ,!n#le- !lone )ith &e in the lon' '!lle * of the M!l!$! Ho(se- )ith the ,hill !n# the #! %ness of the ni'ht !t his $!,%+ The es"e,t!$le s)o # of his ,o(nt *'s l!) )!s s(s"en#e# ove his he!#+ To1&o o)11o )!s it to1#!*5 ?&i#ni'ht h!# sli""e# $* lon' $efo e )e "! te#@11the &! $le1f!,e# "oli,e &!'ist !te- !fte #ist i$(tin' fines !n# te &s of i&" ison&ent in the !ss!(lt1!n#1$!tte * ,!se- )o(l# t!%e (" the !)f(l )e!"on !n# s&ite his $o)e# ne,%+ O( ,o&&(nion in the ni'ht )!s (n,o&&onl* li%e ! l!st vi'il )ith ! ,on#e&ne# &!n+ He )!s '(ilt* too+ He )!s '(ilt*11!s I h!# tol# &*self e"e!te#l*'(ilt* !n# #one fo 0 neve theless- I )ishe# to s"! e hi& the &e e #et!il of ! fo &!l e.e,(tion+ I #on't " eten# to e."l!in the e!sons of &* #esi e11I #on't thin% I ,o(l#0 $(t if *o( h!ven't 'ot ! so t of notion $* this ti&e- then I &(st h!ve $een ve * o$s,( e in &* n! !tive- o *o( too slee"* to sei/e ("on the sense of &* )o #s+ I #on't #efen# &* &o !lit*+ The e )!s no &o !lit* in the i&"(lse )hi,h in#(,e# &e to l!* $efo e hi& B ie l*'s "l!n of ev!sion11I &!* ,!ll it11in !ll its " i&itive si&"li,it*+ The e )e e the ("ees11 !$sol(tel* e!#* in &* "o,%et !n# ve * &(,h !t his se vi,e+ Oh3 ! lo!n0 ! lo!n of ,o( se11!n# if !n int o#(,tion to ! &!n ?in R!n'oon@ )ho ,o(l# "(t so&e )o % in his )!* + + + Wh*3 )ith the ' e!test "le!s( e+ I h!# "en- in%- !n# "!"e in &* oo& on the fi st floo An# even )hile I )!s s"e!%in' I )!s i&"!tient to $e'in the lette 11 #!*- &onth- *e! - =+AH A+M+ + + + fo the s!%e of o( ol# f ien#shi" I !s% *o( to "(t so&e )o % in the )!* of M + J!&es So1!n#1so- in )ho&- J,+- J,+ + + + I )!s even e!#* to ) ite in th!t st !in !$o(t hi&+ If he h!# not enliste# &* s*&"!thies he h!# #one $ette fo

hi&self11he h!# 'one to the ve * fo(nt !n# o i'in of th!t senti&ent he h!# e!,he# the se, et sensi$ilit* of &* e'ois&+ I !& ,on,e!lin' nothin' f o& *o(- $e,!(se )e e I to #o so &* !,tion )o(l# !""e! &o e (nintelli'i$le th!n !n* &!n's !,tion h!s the i'ht to $e- !n#11 in the se,on# "l!,e11to1&o o) *o( )ill fo 'et &* sin,e it* !lon' )ith the othe lessons of the "!st+ In this t !ns!,tion- to s"e!% ' ossl* !n# " e,isel*- I )!s the i e" o!,h!$le &!n0 $(t the s($tle intentions of &* i&&o !lit* )e e #efe!te# $* the &o !l si&"li,it* of the , i&in!l+ No #o($t he )!s selfish too- $(t his selfishness h!# ! hi'he o i'in- ! &o e loft* !i&+ I #is,ove e# th!t- s!* )h!t I )o(l#- he )!s e!'e to 'o th o('h the ,e e&on* of e.e,(tion- !n# I #i#n't s!* &(,h- fo I felt th!t in ! '(&ent his *o(th )o(l# tell !'!inst &e he!vil*: he $elieve# )he e I h!# !l e!#* ,e!se# to #o($t+ The e )!s so&ethin' fine in the )il#ness of his (ne." esse#- h! #l* fo &(l!te# ho"e+ <Cle! o(t3 Co(l#n't thin% of it-< he s!i#- )ith ! sh!%e of the he!#+ <I &!%e *o( !n offe fo )hi,h I neithe #e&!n# no e."e,t !n* so t of ' !tit(#e-< I s!i#0 <*o( sh!ll e"!* the &one* )hen ,onvenient- !n# + + +< <A)f(ll* 'oo# of *o(-< he &(tte e# )itho(t loo%in' ("+ I )!t,he# hi& n! o)l*: the f(t( e &(st h!ve !""e! e# ho i$l* (n,e t!in to hi&0 $(t he #i# not f!lte - !s tho('h in#ee# the e h!# $een nothin' ) on' )ith his he! t+ I felt !n' *11 not fo the fi st ti&e th!t ni'ht+ <The )hole ) et,he# $(siness-< I s!i#- <is $itte eno('h- I sho(l# thin%- fo ! &!n of *o( %in# + + +< <It is- it is-< he )his"e e# t)i,e- )ith his e*es fi.e# on the floo + It )!s he! t en#in'+ He to)e e# !$ove the li'ht- !n# I ,o(l# see the #o)n on his ,hee%- the ,olo( &!ntlin' )! & (n#e the s&ooth s%in of his f!,e+ Believe &e o not- I s!* it )!s o(t !'eo(sl* he! t en#in'+ It " ovo%e# &e to $ (t!lit*+ <Yes-< I s!i#0 <!n# !llo) &e to ,onfess th!t I !& tot!ll* (n!$le to i&!'ine )h!t !#v!nt!'e *o( ,!n e."e,t f o& this li,%in' of the # e's+< <A#v!nt!'e3< he &( &( e# o(t of his stillness+ <I !& #!she# if I #o-< I s!i#- en !'e#+ <I've $een t *in' to tell *o( !ll the e is in it-< he )ent on slo)l*!s if &e#it!tin' so&ethin' (n!ns)e !$le+ <B(t !fte !ll- it is B&*B t o($le+< I o"ene# &* &o(th to eto t- !n# #is,ove e# s(##enl* th!t I'# lost !ll ,onfi#en,e in &*self0 !n# it )!s !s if he too h!# 'iven &e ("- fo he &(&$le# li%e ! &!n thin%in' h!lf !lo(#+ <Went !)!* + + + )ent into hos"it!ls+ + + + Not one of the& )o(l# f!,e it+ + + + The*3 + + +< He &ove# his h!n# sli'htl* to i&"l* #is#!in+ <B(t I've 'ot to 'et ove this thin'- !n# I &(stn't shi % !n* of it o + + + I )on't shi % !n* of it+< He )!s silent+ He '!/e# !s tho('h he h!# $een h!(nte#+ His (n,ons,io(s f!,e efle,te# the "!ssin' e." essions of s,o n- of #es"!i - of esol(tion11 efle,te# the& in t( n- !s ! &!'i, &i o )o(l# efle,t the 'li#in' "!ss!'e of (ne! thl* sh!"es+ He live# s( o(n#e# $* #e,eitf(l 'hosts- $* !(ste e sh!#es+ <Oh3 nonsense- &* #e! fello)-< I $e'!n+ He h!# ! &ove&ent of i&"!tien,e+ <Yo( #on't see& to (n#e st!n#-< he s!i# in,isivel*0 then loo%in' !t &e )itho(t ! )in%- <I &!* h!ve 2(&"e#- $(t I #on't (n !)!*+< <I &e!nt no offen,e-< I s!i#0 !n# !##e# st("i#l*- <Bette &en th!n *o( h!ve fo(n# it e."e#ient to (n- !t ti&es+< He ,olo( e# !ll ove - )hile in &* ,onf(sion I h!lf1,ho%e# &*self )ith &* o)n ton'(e+ <Pe h!"s so-< he s!i# !t l!st- <I !& not 'oo# eno('h0 I ,!n't !ffo # it+ I !& $o(n# to fi'ht this thin' #o)n11I !& fi'htin' it no)+< I 'ot o(t of &* ,h!i !n# felt stiff !ll ove + The silen,e )!s e&$! !ssin'!n# to "(t !n en# to it I i&!'ine# nothin' $ette $(t to e&! %-

<I h!# no i#e! it )!s so l!te-< in !n !i * tone+ + + + <I #! e s!* *o( h!ve h!# eno('h of this-< he s!i# $ (s9(el*: <!n# to tell *o( the t (th<11he $e'!n to loo% o(n# fo his h!t11<so h!ve I+< 'Well3 he h!# ef(se# this (ni9(e offe + He h!# st (,% !si#e &* hel"in' h!n#0 he )!s e!#* to 'o no)- !n# $e*on# the $!l(st !#e the ni'ht see&e# to )!it fo hi& ve * still- !s tho('h he h!# $een &! %e# #o)n fo its " e*+ I he! # his voi,e+ <Ah3 he e it is+< He h!# fo(n# his h!t+ 4o ! fe) se,on#s )e h(n' in the )in#+ <Wh!t )ill *o( #o !fte 11!fte + + +< I !s%e# ve * lo)+ <>o to the #o's !s li%el* !s not-< he !ns)e e# in ! ' (ff &(tte + I h!# e,ove e# &* )its in ! &e!s( e- !n# 2(#'e# $est to t!%e it li'htl*+ <P !* e&e&$e -< I s!i#- <th!t I sho(l# li%e ve * &(,h to see *o( !'!in $efo e *o( 'o+< <I #on't %no) )h!t's to " event *o(+ The #!&ne# thin' )on't &!%e &e invisi$le-< he s!i# )ith intense $itte ness-11<no s(,h l(,%+< An# then !t the &o&ent of t!%in' le!ve he t e!te# &e to ! 'h!stl* &(##le of #($io(s st!&&e s !n# &ove&ents- to !n !)f(l #is"l!* of hesit!tions+ >o# fo 'ive hi&11&e3 He h!# t!%en it into his f!n,if(l he!# th!t I )!s li%el* to &!%e so&e #iffi,(lt* !s to sh!%in' h!n#s+ It )!s too !)f(l fo )o #s+ I $elieve I sho(te# s(##enl* !t hi& !s *o( )o(l# $ello) to ! &!n *o( s!) !$o(t to )!l% ove ! ,liff0 I e&e&$e o( voi,es $ein' !ise#- the !""e! !n,e of ! &ise !$le ' in on his f!,e- ! , (shin' ,l(t,h on &* h!n#- ! ne vo(s l!('h+ The ,!n#le s"l(tte e# o(t- !n# the thin' )!s ove !t l!st)ith ! ' o!n th!t flo!te# (" to &e in the #! %+ He 'ot hi&self !)!* so&eho)+ The ni'ht s)!llo)e# his fo &+ He )!s ! ho i$le $(n'le + Ho i$le+ I he! # the 9(i,% , (n,h1, (n,h of the ' !vel (n#e his $oots+ He )!s (nnin'+ A$sol(tel* (nnin'- )ith no)he e to 'o to+ An# he )!s not *et fo( 1!n#1t)ent*+'

CHAPTER 6C 'I sle"t little- h( ie# ove &* $ e!%f!st- !n# !fte ! sli'ht hesit!tion '!ve (" &* e! l* &o nin' visit to &* shi"+ It )!s e!ll* ve * ) on' of &e- $e,!(se- tho('h &* ,hief &!te )!s !n e.,ellent &!n !ll o(n#- he )!s the vi,ti& of s(,h $l!,% i&!'inin's th!t if he #i# not 'et ! lette f o& his )ife !t the e."e,te# ti&e he )o(l# 'o 9(ite #ist !,te# )ith !'e !n# 2e!lo(s*- lose !ll ' i" on the )o %- 9(! el )ith !ll h!n#s- !n# eithe )ee" in his ,!$in o #evelo" s(,h ! fe o,it* of te&"e !s !ll $(t # ove the , e) to the ve 'e of &(tin*+ The thin' h!# !l)!*s see&e# ine."li,!$le to &e: the* h!# $een &! ie# thi teen *e! s0 I h!# ! 'li&"se of he on,e- !n#- honestl*I ,o(l#n't ,on,eive ! &!n !$!n#one# eno('h to "l(n'e into sin fo the s!%e of s(,h !n (n!tt !,tive "e son+ I #on't %no) )hethe I h!ve not #one ) on' $* ef !inin' f o& "(ttin' th!t vie) $efo e "oo Selvin: the &!n &!#e ! little hell on e! th fo hi&self- !n# I !lso s(ffe e# in#i e,tl*- $(t so&e so t of- no #o($t- f!lse #eli,!,* " evente# &e+ The &! it!l el!tions of se!&en )o(l# &!%e !n inte estin' s($2e,t- !n# I ,o(l# tell *o( inst!n,es+ + + + Ho)eve this is not the "l!,e- no the ti&e- !n# )e ! e ,on,e ne# )ith Ji&11 )ho )!s (n&! ie#+ If his i&!'in!tive ,ons,ien,e o his " i#e0 if !ll

the e.t !v!'!nt 'hosts !n# !(ste e sh!#es th!t )e e the #is!st o(s f!&ili! s of his *o(th )o(l# not let hi& (n !)!* f o& the $lo,%I- )ho of ,o( se ,!n't $e s(s"e,te# of s(,h f!&ili! s- )!s i esisti$l* i&"elle# to 'o !n# see his he!# oll off+ I )en#e# &* )!* to)! #s the ,o( t+ I #i#n't ho"e to $e ve * &(,h i&" esse# o e#ifie#- o inte este# o even f i'htene#11tho('h- !s lon' !s the e is !n* life $efo e one- ! 2oll* 'oo# f i'ht no) !n# then is ! s!l(t! * #is,i"line+ B(t neithe #i# I e."e,t to $e so !)f(ll* #e" esse#+ The $itte ness of his "(nish&ent )!s in its ,hill !n# &e!n !t&os"he e+ The e!l si'nifi,!n,e of , i&e is in its $ein' ! $ e!,h of f!ith )ith the ,o&&(nit* of &!n%in#- !n# f o& th!t "oint of vie) he )!s no &e!n t !ito - $(t his e.e,(tion )!s ! hole1!n#1,o ne !ff!i + The e )!s no hi'h s,!ffol#in'- no s,! let ,loth ?#i# the* h!ve s,! let ,loth on To)e Hill5 The* sho(l# h!ve h!#@- no !)e1st i,%en &(ltit(#e to $e ho ifie# !t his '(ilt !n# $e &ove# to te! s !t his f!te11no !i of so&$ e et i$(tion+ The e )!s- !s I )!l%e# !lon'- the ,le! s(nshine! $ illi!n,e too "!ssion!te to $e ,onsolin'- the st eets f(ll of 2(&$le# $its of ,olo( li%e ! #!&!'e# %!lei#os,o"e: *ello)- ' een$l(e- #!//lin' )hite- the $ o)n n(#it* of !n (n# !"e# sho(l#e - ! $(llo,%1,! t )ith ! e# ,!no"*- ! ,o&"!n* of n!tive inf!nt * in ! # !$ $o#* )ith #! % he!#s &! ,hin' in #(st* l!,e# $oots- ! n!tive "oli,e&!n in ! so&$ e (nifo & of s,!nt* ,(t !n# $elte# in "!tent le!the - )ho loo%e# (" !t &e )ith o ient!ll* "itif(l e*es !s tho('h his &i' !tin' s"i it )e e s(ffe in' e.,ee#in'l* f o& th!t (nfo eseen11 )h!t #'*e ,!ll 'e&511!v!t! 11in,! n!tion+ Un#e the sh!#e of ! lonel* t ee in the ,o( t*! #- the vill!'e s ,onne,te# )ith the !ss!(lt ,!se s!t in ! "i,t( es9(e ' o("- loo%in' li%e ! ,h o&o1litho' !"h of ! ,!&" in ! $oo% of E!ste n t !vel+ One &isse# the o$li'!to * th e!# of s&o%e in the fo e' o(n# !n# the "!,%1!ni&!ls ' !/in'+ A $l!n% *ello) )!ll ose $ehin# ove to""in' the t ee- efle,tin' the 'l! e+ The ,o( t1 oo& )!s so&$ e- see&e# &o e v!st+ Hi'h (" in the #i& s"!,e the "(n%!hs )e e s)!*in' sho t to !n# f o- to !n# f o+ He e !n# the e ! # !"e# fi'( e- #)! fe# $* the $! e )!lls- e&!ine# )itho(t sti in' !&on'st the o)s of e&"t* $en,hes- !s if !$so $e# in "io(s &e#it!tion+ The "l!intiff- )ho h!# $een $e!ten-11!n o$ese ,ho,ol!te1,olo( e# &!n )ith sh!ve# he!#- one f!t $ e!st $! e !n# ! $ i'ht *ello) ,!ste1&! % !$ove the $ i#'e of his nose-11s!t in "o&"o(s i&&o$ilit*: onl* his e*es 'litte e#- ollin' in the 'loo&!n# the nost ils #il!te# !n# ,oll!"se# violentl* !s he $ e!the#+ B ie l* # o""e# into his se!t loo%in' #one ("- !s tho('h he h!# s"ent the ni'ht in s" intin' on ! ,in#e 1t !,%+ The "io(s s!ilin'1shi" s%i""e !""e! e# e.,ite# !n# &!#e (ne!s* &ove&ents- !s if est !inin' )ith #iffi,(lt* !n i&"(lse to st!n# (" !n# e.ho t (s e! nestl* to " !*e !n# e"ent!n,e+ The he!# of the &!'ist !te- #eli,!tel* "!le (n#e the ne!tl* ! !n'e# h!i - ese&$le# the he!# of ! ho"eless inv!li# !fte he h!# $een )!she# !n# $ (she# !n# " o""e# (" in $e#+ He &ove# !si#e the v!se of flo)e s11! $(n,h of "( "le )ith ! fe) "in% $losso&s on lon' st!l%s11!n# sei/in' in $oth h!n#s ! lon' sheet of $l(ish "!"e - !n his e*e ove it- " o""e# his fo e! &s on the e#'e of the #es%- !n# $e'!n to e!# !lo(# in !n even- #istin,t- !n# ,! eless voi,e+ 'B* Jove3 4o !ll &* foolishness !$o(t s,!ffol#s !n# he!#s ollin' off11I !ss( e *o( it )!s infinitel* )o se th!n ! $ehe!#in'+ A he!v*

sense of fin!lit* $ oo#e# ove !ll this- (n elieve# $* the ho"e of est !n# s!fet* follo)in' the f!ll of the !.e+ These " o,ee#in's h!# !ll the ,ol# ven'ef(lness of ! #e!th1senten,e- !n# the , (elt* of ! senten,e of e.ile+ This is ho) I loo%e# !t it th!t &o nin'11!n# even no) I see& to see !n (n#eni!$le vesti'e of t (th in th!t e.!''e !te# vie) of ! ,o&&on o,,( en,e+ Yo( &!* i&!'ine ho) st on'l* I felt this !t the ti&e+ Pe h!"s it is fo th!t e!son th!t I ,o(l# not $ in' &*self to !#&it the fin!lit*+ The thin' )!s !l)!*s )ith &e- I )!s !l)!*s e!'e to t!%e o"inion on it- !s tho('h it h!# not $een " !,ti,!ll* settle#: in#ivi#(!l o"inion11inte n!tion!l o"inion11$* Jove3 Th!t 4 en,h&!n's- fo inst!n,e+ His o)n ,o(nt *'s " ono(n,e&ent )!s (tte e# in the "!ssionless !n# #efinite "h !seolo'* ! &!,hine )o(l# (se- if &!,hines ,o(l# s"e!%+ The he!# of the &!'ist !te )!s h!lf hi##en $* the "!"e - his $ o) )!s li%e !l!$!ste + 'The e )e e seve !l 9(estions $efo e the ,o( t+ The fi st !s to )hethe the shi" )!s in eve * es"e,t fit !n# se!)o th* fo the vo*!'e+ The ,o( t fo(n# she )!s not+ The ne.t "oint- I e&e&$e )!s- )hethe (" to the ti&e of the !,,i#ent the shi" h!# $een n!vi'!te# )ith " o"e !n# se!&!nli%e ,! e+ The* s!i# Yes to th!t'oo#ness %no)s )h*- !n# then the* #e,l! e# th!t the e )!s no evi#en,e to sho) the e.!,t ,!(se of the !,,i#ent+ A flo!tin' #e eli,t " o$!$l*+ I &*self e&e&$e th!t ! No )e'i!n $! 9(e $o(n# o(t )ith ! ,! 'o of "it,h1"ine h!# $een 'iven (" !s &issin' !$o(t th!t ti&e- !n# it )!s 2(st the so t of , !ft th!t )o(l# ,!"si/e in ! s9(!ll !n# flo!t $otto& (" fo &onths11! %in# of &! iti&e 'ho(l on the " o)l to %ill shi"s in the #! %+ S(,h )!n#e in' ,o "ses ! e ,o&&on eno('h in the No th Atl!nti,- )hi,h is h!(nte# $* !ll the te o s of the se!-11fo's- i,e$e 's- #e!# shi"s $ent ("on &is,hief- !n# lon' siniste '!les th!t f!sten ("on one li%e ! v!&"i e till !ll the st en'th !n# the s"i it !n# even ho"e ! e 'one- !n# one feels li%e the e&"t* shell of ! &!n+ B(t the e11in those se!s11the in,i#ent )!s ! e eno('h to ese&$le ! s"e,i!l ! !n'e&ent of ! &!levolent " ovi#en,e)hi,h- (nless it h!# fo its o$2e,t the %illin' of ! #on%e*&!n !n# the $ in'in' of )o se th!n #e!th ("on Ji&- !""e! e# !n (tte l* !i&less "ie,e of #evil *+ This vie) o,,( in' to &e too% off &* !ttention+ 4o ! ti&e I )!s !)! e of the &!'ist !te's voi,e !s ! so(n# &e el*0 $(t in ! &o&ent it sh!"e# itself into #istin,t )o #s + + + <in (tte #is e'! # of thei "l!in #(t*-< it s!i#+ The ne.t senten,e es,!"e# &e so&eho)- !n# then + + + <!$!n#onin' in the &o&ent of #!n'e the lives !n# " o"e t* ,onfi#e# to thei ,h! 'e< + + + )ent on the voi,e evenl*- !n# sto""e#+ A "!i of e*es (n#e the )hite fo ehe!# shot #! %l* ! 'l!n,e !$ove the e#'e of the "!"e + I loo%e# fo Ji& h( ie#l*- !s tho('h I h!# e."e,te# hi& to #is!""e! + He )!s ve * still11$(t he )!s the e+ He s!t "in% !n# f!i !n# e.t e&el* !ttentive+ <The efo e- + + +< $e'!n the voi,e e&"h!ti,!ll*+ He st! e# )ith "! te# li"s- h!n'in' ("on the )o #s of the &!n $ehin# the #es%+ These ,!&e o(t into the stillness )!fte# on the )in# &!#e $* the "(n%!hs- !n# I- )!t,hin' fo thei effe,t ("on hi&- ,!('ht onl* the f !'&ents of offi,i!l l!n'(!'e+ + + + <The Co( t+ + + >(st!v So1!n#1so + + + &!ste + + + n!tive of >e &!n* + + + J!&es So1!n#1so+ + + &!te + + + ,e tifi,!tes ,!n,elle#+< A silen,e fell+ The &!'ist !te h!# # o""e# the "!"e - !n#- le!nin' si#e)!*s on the ! & of his ,h!i - $e'!n to t!l% )ith B ie l* e!sil*+ Peo"le st! te#

to &ove o(t0 othe s )e e "(shin' in- !n# I !lso &!#e fo the #oo + O(tsi#e I stoo# still- !n# )hen Ji& "!sse# &e on his )!* to the '!te- I ,!('ht !t his ! & !n# #et!ine# hi&+ The loo% he '!ve #is,o&"ose# &e- !s tho('h I h!# $een es"onsi$le fo his st!te he loo%e# !t &e !s if I h!# $een the e&$o#ie# evil of life+ <It's !ll ove -< I st!&&e e#+ <Yes-< he s!i# thi,%l*+ <An# no) let no &!n + + +< He 2e %e# his ! & o(t of &* ' !s"+ I )!t,he# his $!,% !s he )ent !)!*+ It )!s ! lon' st eet- !n# he e&!ine# in si'ht fo so&e ti&e+ He )!l%e# !the slo)- !n# st !##lin' his le's ! little- !s if he h!# fo(n# it #iffi,(lt to %ee" ! st !i'ht line+ J(st $efo e I lost hi& I f!n,ie# he st!''e e# ! $it+ ' <M!n ove $o! #-< s!i# ! #ee" voi,e $ehin# &e+ T( nin' o(n#- I s!) ! fello) I %ne) sli'htl*- ! West A(st !li!n0 Cheste )!s his n!&e+ He- too- h!# $een loo%in' !fte Ji&+ He )!s ! &!n )ith !n i&&ense 'i th of ,hest- ! (''e#- ,le!n1sh!ve# f!,e of &!ho'!n* ,olo( - !n# t)o $l(nt t(fts of i on1' e*- thi,%- )i * h!i s on his (""e li"+ He h!# $een "e! le - ) e,%e - t !#e - )h!le tooI $elieve0 in his o)n )o #s11!n*thin' !n# eve *thin' ! &!n &!* $e !t se!- $(t ! "i !te+ The P!,ifi,- no th !n# so(th- )!s his " o"e h(ntin'1' o(n#0 $(t he h!# )!n#e e# so f! !fiel# loo%in' fo ! ,he!" ste!&e to $(*+ L!tel* he h!# #is,ove e#11so he s!i#11! '(!no isl!n# so&e)he e- $(t its !"" o!,hes )e e #!n'e o(s- !n# the !n,ho !'e- s(,h !s it )!s- ,o(l# not $e ,onsi#e e# s!fe- to s!* the le!st of it+ <As 'oo# !s ! 'ol#1&ine-< he )o(l# e.,l!i&+ <Ri'ht $!n' in the &i##le of the W!l"ole Reefs- !n# if it's t (e eno('h th!t *o( ,!n 'et no hol#in'1' o(n# !n*)he e in less th!n fo t* f!tho&- then )h!t of th!t5 The e ! e the h( i,!nes- too+ B(t it's ! fi st1 !te thin'+ As 'oo# !s ! 'ol#1&ine11$ette 3 Yet the e's not ! fool of the& th!t )ill see it+ I ,!n't 'et ! s%i""e o ! shi"o)ne to 'o ne! the "l!,e+ So I &!#e (" &* &in# to ,! t the $lesse# st(ff &*self+< + + + This )!s )h!t he e9(i e# ! ste!&e fo - !n# I %ne) he )!s 2(st then ne'oti!tin' enth(si!sti,!ll* )ith ! P! see fi & fo !n ol#- $ i'1 i''e#- se!1!n!,h onis& of ninet* ho se1"o)e + We h!# &et !n# s"o%en to'ethe seve !l ti&es+ He loo%e# %no)in'l* !fte Ji&+ <T!%es it to he! t5< he !s%e# s,o nf(ll*+ <Ee * &(,h-< I s!i#+ <Then he's no 'oo#-< he o"ine#+ <Wh!t's !ll the to1#o !$o(t5 A $it of !ss's s%in+ Th!t neve *et &!#e ! &!n+ Yo( &(st see thin's e.!,tl* !s the* ! e11if *o( #on't- *o( &!* 2(st !s )ell 'ive in !t on,e+ Yo( )ill neve #o !n*thin' in this )o l#+ Loo% !t &e+ I &!#e it ! " !,ti,e neve to t!%e !n*thin' to he! t+< <Yes-< I s!i#- <*o( see thin's !s the* ! e+< <I )ish I ,o(l# see &* "! tne ,o&in' !lon'- th!t's )h!t I )ish to see-< he s!i#+ <;no) &* "! tne 5 Ol# Ro$inson+ Yes0 BtheB Ro$inson+ Don't B*o(B %no)5 The noto io(s Ro$inson+ The &!n )ho s&(''le# &o e o"i(& !n# $!''e# &o e se!ls in his ti&e th!n !n* loose Johnn* no) !live+ The* s!* he (se# to $o! # the se!lin'1s,hoone s (" Al!s%! )!* )hen the fo' )!s so thi,% th!t the Lo # >o#- He !lone- ,o(l# tell one &!n f o& !nothe + Hol*1Te o Ro$inson+ Th!t's the &!n+ He is )ith &e in th!t '(!no thin'+ The $est ,h!n,e he eve ,!&e !, oss in his life+< He "(t his li"s to &* e! + <C!nni$!l511)ell- the* (se# to 'ive hi& the n!&e *e! s !n# *e! s !'o+ Yo( e&e&$e the sto *5 A shi") e,% on the )est si#e of Ste)! t Isl!n#0 th!t's i'ht0 seven of the& 'ot !sho e- !n# it see&s the* #i#

not 'et on ve * )ell to'ethe + So&e &en ! e too ,!nt!n%e o(s fo !n*thin'11#on't %no) ho) to &!%e the $est of ! $!# 2o$11#on't see thin's !s the* ! e11!s the* B! eB- &* $o*3 An# then )h!t's the ,onse9(en,e5 O$vio(s3 T o($le- t o($le0 !s li%el* !s not ! %no,% on the he!#0 !n# se ve 'e& i'ht too+ Th!t so t is the &ost (sef(l )hen it's #e!#+ The sto * 'oes th!t ! $o!t of He M!2est*'s shi" Wolve ine fo(n# hi& %neelin' on the %el"- n!%e# !s the #!* he )!s $o n- !n# ,h!ntin' so&e "s!l&1t(ne o othe 0 li'ht sno) )!s f!llin' !t the ti&e+ He )!ite# till the $o!t )!s !n o! 's len'th f o& the sho e- !n# then (" !n# !)!*+ The* ,h!se# hi& fo !n ho( (" !n# #o)n the $o(l#e s- till ! &! ihe fl(n' ! stone th!t too% hi& $ehin# the e! " ovi#enti!ll* !n# %no,%e# hi& senseless+ Alone5 Of ,o( se+ B(t th!t's li%e th!t t!le of se!lin'1s,hoone s0 the Lo # >o# %no)s the i'ht !n# the ) on' of th!t sto *+ The ,(tte #i# not investi'!te &(,h+ The* ) !""e# hi& in ! $o!t1,lo!% !n# too% hi& off !s 9(i,% !s the* ,o(l#)ith ! #! % ni'ht ,o&in' on- the )e!the th e!tenin'- !n# the shi" fi in' e,!ll '(ns eve * five &in(tes+ Th ee )ee%s !fte )! #s he )!s !s )ell !s eve + He #i#n't !llo) !n* f(ss th!t )!s &!#e on sho e to ("set hi&0 he 2(st sh(t his li"s ti'ht- !n# let "eo"le s, ee,h+ It )!s $!# eno('h to h!ve lost his shi"- !n# !ll he )!s )o th $esi#es)itho(t "!*in' !ttention to the h! # n!&es the* ,!lle# hi&+ Th!t's the &!n fo &e+< He lifte# his ! & fo ! si'n!l to so&e one #o)n the st eet+ <He's 'ot ! little &one*- so I h!# to let hi& into &* thin'+ H!# to3 It )o(l# h!ve $een sinf(l to th o) !)!* s(,h ! fin#- !n# I )!s ,le!ne# o(t &*self+ It ,(t &e to the 9(i,%- $(t I ,o(l# see the &!tte 2(st !s it )!s- !n# if I B&(stB sh! e11thin%s I11)ith !n* &!nthen 'ive &e Ro$inson+ I left hi& !t $ e!%f!st in the hotel to ,o&e to ,o( t- $e,!(se I've !n i#e!+ + + + Ah3 >oo# &o nin'- C!"t!in Ro$inson+ + + + 4 ien# of &ine- C!"t!in Ro$inson+< 'An e&!,i!te# "!t i! ,h in ! s(it of )hite # ill- ! sol!h to"i )ith ! ' een1line# i& on ! he!# t e&$lin' )ith !'e- 2oine# (s !fte , ossin' the st eet in ! t ottin' sh(ffle- !n# stoo# " o""e# )ith $oth h!n#s on the h!n#le of !n (&$ ell!+ A )hite $e! # )ith !&$e st e!%s h(n' l(&"il* #o)n to his )!ist+ He $lin%e# his , e!se# e*eli#s !t &e in ! $e)il#e e# )!*+ <Ho) #o *o( #o5 ho) #o *o( #o5< he "i"e# !&i!$l*- !n# totte e#+ <A little #e!f-< s!i# Cheste !si#e+ <Di# *o( # !' hi& ove si. tho(s!n# &iles to 'et ! ,he!" ste!&e 5< I !s%e#+ <I )o(l# h!ve t!%en hi& t)i,e o(n# the )o l# !s soon !s loo% !t hi&-< s!i# Cheste )ith i&&ense ene '*+ <The ste!&e )ill $e the &!%in' of (s- &* l!#+ Is it &* f!(lt th!t eve * s%i""e !n# shi"o)ne in the )hole of $lesse# A(st !l!si! t( ns o(t ! $l!&e# fool5 On,e I t!l%e# fo th ee ho( s to ! &!n in A(,%l!n#+ 'Sen# ! shi"-' I s!i#- 'sen# ! shi"+ I'll 'ive *o( h!lf of the fi st ,! 'o fo *o( self- f ee ' !tis fo nothin'112(st to &!%e ! 'oo# st! t+' S!*s he- 'I )o(l#n't #o it if the e )!s no othe "l!,e on e! th to sen# ! shi" to+' Pe fe,t !ss- of ,o( se+ Ro,%s- ,( ents- no !n,ho !'eshee ,liff to l!* to- no ins( !n,e ,o&"!n* )o(l# t!%e the is%#i#n't see ho) he ,o(l# 'et lo!#e# (n#e th ee *e! s+ Ass3 I ne! l* )ent on &* %nees to hi&+ 'B(t loo% !t the thin' !s it is-' s!*s I+ 'D!&n o,%s !n# h( i,!nes+ Loo% !t it !s it is+ The e's '(!no the e F(eensl!n# s('! 1"l!nte s )o(l# fi'ht fo 11fi'ht fo on the 9(!*-

I tell *o(+' + + + Wh!t ,!n *o( #o )ith ! fool5 + + + 'Th!t's one of *o( little 2o%es- Cheste -' he s!*s+ + + + Jo%e3 I ,o(l# h!ve )e"t+ As% C!"t!in Ro$inson he e+ + + + An# the e )!s !nothe shi"o)nin' fello)11! f!t ,h!" in ! )hite )!ist,o!t in Wellin'ton- )ho see&e# to thin% I )!s (" to so&e s)in#le o othe + 'I #on't %no) )h!t so t of fool *o(' e loo%in' fo -' he s!*s- '$(t I !& $(s* 2(st no)+ >oo# &o nin'+' I lon'e# to t!%e hi& in &* t)o h!n#s !n# s&!sh hi& th o('h the )in#o) of his o)n offi,e+ B(t I #i#n't+ I )!s !s &il# !s ! ,( !te+ 'Thin% of it-' s!*s I+ 'BDoB thin% it ove + I'll ,!ll to1&o o)+' He ' (nte# so&ethin' !$o(t $ein' 'o(t !ll #!*+' On the st!i s I felt e!#* to $e!t &* he!# !'!inst the )!ll f o& ve.!tion+ C!"t!in Ro$inson he e ,!n tell *o(+ It )!s !)f(l to thin% of !ll th!t lovel* st(ff l*in' )!ste (n#e the s(n11st(ff th!t )o(l# sen# the s('! 1,!ne shootin' s%*1hi'h+ The &!%in' of F(eensl!n#3 The &!%in' of F(eensl!n#3 An# in B is$!ne- )he e I )ent to h!ve ! l!st t *- the* '!ve &e the n!&e of ! l(n!ti,+ I#iots3 The onl* sensi$le &!n I ,!&e !, oss )!s the ,!$&!n )ho # ove &e !$o(t+ A $ o%en1#o)n s)ell he )!s- I f!n,*+ He*3 C!"t!in Ro$inson5 Yo( e&e&$e I tol# *o( !$o(t &* ,!$$* in B is$!ne11#on't *o(5 The ,h!" h!# ! )on#e f(l e*e fo thin's+ He s!) it !ll in ! 2iff*+ It )!s ! e!l "le!s( e to t!l% )ith hi&+ One evenin' !fte ! #evil of ! #!* !&on'st shi"o)ne s I felt so $!# th!t- s!*s I- 'I &(st 'et # (n%+ Co&e !lon'0 I &(st 'et # (n%- o I'll 'o &!#+' 'I !& *o( &!n-' he s!*s0 ''o !he!#+' I #on't %no) )h!t I )o(l# h!ve #one )itho(t hi&+ He*3 C!"t!in Ro$inson+< 'He "o%e# the i$s of his "! tne + <He3 he3 he3< l!('he# the An,ient- loo%e# !i&lessl* #o)n the st eet- then "ee e# !t &e #o($tf(ll* )ith s!#- #i& "("ils+ + + + <He3 he3 he3< + + + He le!ne# he!vie on the (&$ ell!- !n# # o""e# his '!/e on the ' o(n#+ I nee#n't tell *o( I h!# t ie# to 'et !)!* seve !l ti&es- $(t Cheste h!# foile# eve * !tte&"t $* si&"l* ,!t,hin' hol# of &* ,o!t+ <One &in(te+ I've ! notion+< <Wh!t's *o( infe n!l notion5< I e."lo#e# !t l!st+ <If *o( thin% I !& 'oin' in )ith *o( + + +< <No- no- &* $o*+ Too l!te- if *o( )!nte# eve so &(,h+ We've 'ot ! ste!&e +< <Yo('ve 'ot the 'host of ! ste!&e -< I s!i#+ <>oo# eno('h fo ! st! t11 the e's no s("e io nonsense !$o(t (s+ Is the e- C!"t!in Ro$inson5< <No3 no3 no3< , o!%e# the ol# &!n )itho(t liftin' his e*es- !n# the senile t e&$le of his he!# $e,!&e !l&ost fie ,e )ith #ete &in!tion+ <I (n#e st!n# *o( %no) th!t *o(n' ,h!"-< s!i# Cheste - )ith ! no# !t the st eet f o& )hi,h Ji& h!# #is!""e! e# lon' !'o+ <He's $een h!vin' ' ($ )ith *o( in the M!l!$! l!st ni'ht11so I )!s tol#+< 'I s!i# th!t )!s t (e- !n# !fte e&! %in' th!t he too li%e# to live )ell !n# in st*le- onl* th!t- fo the " esent- he h!# to $e s!vin' of eve * "enn*11<none too &!n* fo the $(siness3 Isn't th!t so- C!"t!in Ro$inson5<11he s9(! e# his sho(l#e s !n# st o%e# his #(&"* &o(st!,he- )hile the noto io(s Ro$inson- ,o('hin' !t his si#e,l(n' &o e th!n eve to the h!n#le of the (&$ ell!- !n# see&e# e!#* to s($si#e "!ssivel* into ! he!" of ol# $ones+ <Yo( see- the ol# ,h!" h!s !ll the &one*-< )his"e e# Cheste ,onfi#enti!ll*+ <I've $een ,le!ne# o(t t *in' to en'inee the # !tte# thin'+ B(t )!it ! $it- )!it ! $it+ The 'oo# ti&e is ,o&in'+< + + + He see&e# s(##enl* !stonishe# !t the si'ns of i&"!tien,e I '!ve+ <Oh-

, !%ee3< he , ie#0 <I !& tellin' *o( of the $i''est thin' th!t eve )!s- !n# *o( + + +< <I h!ve !n !""oint&ent-< I "le!#e# &il#l*+ <Wh!t of th!t5< he !s%e# )ith 'en(ine s( " ise0 <let it )!it+< <Th!t's e.!,tl* )h!t I !& #oin' no)-< I e&! %e#0 <h!#n't *o( $ette tell &e )h!t it is *o( )!nt5< <B(* t)ent* hotels li%e th!t-< he ' o)le# to hi&self0 <!n# eve * 2o%e $o! #in' in the& too11 t)ent* ti&es ove +< He lifte# his he!# s&! tl* <I )!nt th!t *o(n' ,h!"+< <I #on't (n#e st!n#-< I s!i#+ <He's no 'oo#- is he5< s!i# Cheste , is"l*+ <I %no) nothin' !$o(t it-< I " oteste#+ <Wh*- *o( tol# &e *o( self he )!s t!%in' it to he! t-< ! '(e# Cheste + <Wellin &* o"inion ! ,h!" )ho + + + An*ho)- he ,!n't $e &(,h 'oo#0 $(t then *o( see I !& on the loo%1o(t fo so&e$o#*- !n# I've 2(st 'ot ! thin' th!t )ill s(it hi&+ I'll 'ive hi& ! 2o$ on &* isl!n#+< He no##e# si'nifi,!ntl*+ <I'& 'oin' to #(&" fo t* ,oolies the e11if I've to ste!l 'e&+ So&e$o#* &(st )o % the st(ff+ Oh3 I &e!n to !,t s9(! e: )oo#en she#- ,o ('!te#1i on oof11I %no) ! &!n in Ho$! t )ho )ill t!%e &* $ill !t si. &onths fo the &!te i!ls+ I #o+ Hono( $ i'ht+ Then the e's the )!te 1s(""l*+ I'll h!ve to fl* o(n# !n# 'et so&e$o#* to t (st &e fo h!lf1!1#o/en se,on#1h!n# i on t!n%s+ C!t,h !in1)!te - he*5 Let hi& t!%e ,h! 'e+ M!%e hi& s(" e&e $oss ove the ,oolies+ >oo# i#e!- isn't it5 Wh!t #o *o( s!*5< <The e ! e )hole *e! s )hen not ! # o" of !in f!lls on W!l"ole-< I s!i#- too !&!/e# to l!('h+ He $it his li" !n# see&e# $othe e#+ <Oh- )ell- I )ill fi. (" so&ethin' fo the&11o l!n# ! s(""l*+ H!n' it !ll3 Th!t's not the 9(estion+< 'I s!i# nothin'+ I h!# ! !"i# vision of Ji& "e ,he# on ! sh!#o)less o,%- (" to his %nees in '(!no- )ith the s, e!&s of se!1$i #s in his e! s- the in,!n#es,ent $!ll of the s(n !$ove his he!#0 the e&"t* s%* !n# the e&"t* o,e!n !ll !19(ive - si&&e in' to'ethe in the he!t !s f! !s the e*e ,o(l# e!,h+ <I )o(l#n't !#vise &* )o st ene&* + + +< I $e'!n+ <Wh!t's the &!tte )ith *o(5< , ie# Cheste 0 <I &e!n to 'ive hi& ! 'oo# s, e)11th!t is- !s soon !s the thin' is set 'oin'- of ,o( se+ It's !s e!s* !s f!llin' off ! lo'+ Si&"l* nothin' to #o0 t)o si.1shoote s in his $elt + + + S( el* he )o(l#n't $e !f !i# of !n*thin' fo t* ,oolies ,o(l# #o11)ith t)o si.1shoote s !n# he the onl* ! &e# &!n too3 It's &(,h $ette th!n it loo%s+ I )!nt *o( to hel" &e to t!l% hi& ove +< <No3< I sho(te#+ Ol# Ro$inson lifte# his $le! e# e*es #is&!ll* fo ! &o&ent- Cheste loo%e# !t &e )ith infinite ,onte&"t+ <So *o( )o(l#n't !#vise hi&5< he (tte e# slo)l*+ <Ce t!inl* not-< I !ns)e e#- !s in#i'n!nt !s tho('h he h!# e9(este# &e to hel" &( #e so&e$o#*0 <&o eove - I !& s( e he )o(l#n't+ He is $!#l* ,(t ("- $(t he isn't &!# !s f! !s I %no)+< <He is no e! thl* 'oo# fo !n*thin'-< Cheste &(se# !lo(#+ <He )o(l# 2(st h!ve #one fo &e+ If *o( onl* ,o(l# see ! thin' !s it is*o( )o(l# see it's the ve * thin' fo hi&+ An# $esi#es + + + Wh*3 it's the &ost s"len#i#- s( e ,h!n,e + + +< He 'ot !n' * s(##enl*+ <I &(st h!ve ! &!n+ The e3 + + +< He st!&"e# his foot !n# s&ile# (n"le!s!ntl*+ <An*ho)- I ,o(l# '(! !ntee the isl!n# )o(l#n't sin% (n#e hi&11!n# I $elieve he is ! $it "! ti,(l! on th!t "oint+< <>oo# &o nin'-< I s!i# ,( tl*+ He loo%e# !t &e !s tho('h I h!# $een !n in,o&" ehensi$le fool+ + + + <M(st $e &ovin'- C!"t!in Ro$inson-< he *elle# s(##enl* into the ol# &!n's e! + <These P! see Johnnies ! e )!itin' fo (s to ,lin,h the $! '!in+< He too%

his "! tne (n#e the ! & )ith ! fi & ' i"- s)(n' hi& o(n#- !n#(ne."e,te#l*- lee e# !t &e ove his sho(l#e + <I )!s t *in' to #o hi& ! %in#ness-< he !sse te#- )ith !n !i !n# tone th!t &!#e &* $loo# $oil+ <Th!n% *o( fo nothin'11in his n!&e-< I e2oine#+ <Oh3 *o( ! e #evilish s&! t-< he snee e#0 <$(t *o( ! e li%e the est of the&+ Too &(,h in the ,lo(#s+ See )h!t *o( )ill #o )ith hi&+< <I #on't %no) th!t I )!nt to #o !n*thin' )ith hi&+< <Don't *o(5< he s"l(tte e#0 his ' e* &o(st!,he $ istle# )ith !n'e - !n# $* his si#e the noto io(s Ro$inson- " o""e# on the (&$ ell!- stoo# )ith his $!,% to &e- !s "!tient !n# still !s ! )o n1o(t ,!$1ho se+ <I h!ven't fo(n# ! '(!no isl!n#-< I s!i#+ <It's &* $elief *o( )o(l#n't %no) one if *o( )e e le# i'ht (" to it $* the h!n#-< he i"oste# 9(i,%l*0 <!n# in this )o l# *o('ve 'ot to see ! thin' fi st- $efo e *o( ,!n &!%e (se of it+ >ot to see it th o('h !n# th o('h !t th!tneithe &o e no less+< <An# 'et othe s to see it- too-< I insin(!te#)ith ! 'l!n,e !t the $o)e# $!,% $* his si#e+ Cheste sno te# !t &e+ <His e*es ! e i'ht eno('h11#on't *o( )o *+ He !in't ! "(""*+< <Oh- #e! - no3< I s!i#+ <Co&e !lon'- C!"t!in Ro$inson-< he sho(te#- )ith ! so t of $(ll*in' #efe en,e (n#e the i& of the ol# &!n's h!t0 the Hol* Te o '!ve ! s($&issive little 2(&"+ The 'host of ! ste!&e )!s )!itin' fo the&- 4o t(ne on th!t f!i isle3 The* &!#e ! ,( io(s "!i of A 'on!(ts+ Cheste st o#e on leis( el*- )ell set ("- "o tl*- !n# of ,on9(e in' &ien0 the othe - lon'- )!ste## oo"in'- !n# hoo%e# to his ! &- sh(ffle# his )ithe e# sh!n%s )ith #es"e !te h!ste+'

CHAPTER 6D 'I #i# not st! t in se! ,h of Ji& !t on,e- onl* $e,!(se I h!# e!ll* !n !""oint&ent )hi,h I ,o(l# not ne'le,t+ Then- !s ill1l(,% )o(l# h!ve it- in &* !'ent's offi,e I )!s f!stene# ("on $* ! fello) f esh f o& M!#!'!s,! )ith ! little s,he&e fo ! )on#e f(l "ie,e of $(siness+ It h!# so&ethin' to #o )ith ,!ttle !n# ,! t i#'es !n# ! P in,e R!von!lo so&ethin'0 $(t the "ivot of the )hole !ff!i )!s the st("i#it* of so&e !#&i !l11A#&i !l Pie e- I thin%+ Eve *thin' t( ne# on th!t!n# the ,h!" ,o(l#n't fin# )o #s st on' eno('h to e." ess his ,onfi#en,e+ He h!# 'lo$(l! e*es st! tin' o(t of his he!# )ith ! fish* 'litte - $(&"s on his fo ehe!#- !n# )o e his lon' h!i $ (she# $!,% )itho(t ! "! tin'+ He h!# ! f!vo( ite "h !se )hi,h he %e"t on e"e!tin' t i(&"h!ntl*- <The &ini&(& of is% )ith the &!.i&(& of " ofit is &* &otto+ Wh!t5< He &!#e &* he!# !,hes"oile# &* tiffin- $(t 'ot his o)n o(t of &e !ll i'ht0 !n# !s soon !s I h!# sh!%en hi& off- I &!#e st !i'ht fo the )!te 1si#e+ I ,!('ht si'ht of Ji& le!nin' ove the "! !"et of the 9(!*+ Th ee n!tive $o!t&en 9(! ellin' ove five !nn!s )e e &!%in' !n !)f(l o) !t his el$o)+ He #i#n't he! &e ,o&e ("- $(t s"(n o(n# !s if the sli'ht ,ont!,t of &* fin'e h!# ele!se# ! ,!t,h+ <I )!s loo%in'-< he st!&&e e#+ I #on't e&e&$e )h!t I s!i#- not &(,h !n*ho)$(t he &!#e no #iffi,(lt* in follo)in' &e to the hotel+ 'He follo)e# &e !s &!n!'e!$le !s ! little ,hil#- )ith !n o$e#ient

!i - )ith no so t of &!nifest!tion- !the !s tho('h he h!# $een )!itin' fo &e the e to ,o&e !lon' !n# ,! * hi& off+ I nee# not h!ve $een so s( " ise# !s I )!s !t his t !,t!$ilit*+ On !ll the o(n# e! th- )hi,h to so&e see&s so $i' !n# th!t othe s !ffe,t to ,onsi#e !s !the s&!lle th!n ! &(st! #1see#- he h!# no "l!,e )he e he ,o(l#11)h!t sh!ll I s!*511)he e he ,o(l# )ith# !)+ Th!t's it3 With# !)11$e !lone )ith his loneliness+ He )!l%e# $* &* si#e ve * ,!l&- 'l!n,in' he e !n# the e- !n# on,e t( ne# his he!# to loo% !fte ! Si#i$o* fi e&!n in ! ,(t!)!* ,o!t !n# *ello)ish t o(se s- )hose $l!,% f!,e h!# sil%* 'le!&s li%e ! l(&" of !nth !,ite ,o!l+ I #o($t- ho)eve - )hethe he s!) !n*thin'- o even e&!ine# !ll the ti&e !)! e of &* ,o&"!nionshi"- $e,!(se if I h!# not e#'e# hi& to the left he e- o "(lle# hi& to the i'ht the e- I $elieve he )o(l# h!ve 'one st !i'ht $efo e hi& in !n* #i e,tion till sto""e# $* ! )!ll o so&e othe o$st!,le+ I stee e# hi& into &* $e# oo&!n# s!t #o)n !t on,e to ) ite lette s+ This )!s the onl* "l!,e in the )o l# ?(nless- "e h!"s- the W!l"ole Reef11$(t th!t )!s not so h!n#*@ )he e he ,o(l# h!ve it o(t )ith hi&self )itho(t $ein' $othe e# $* the est of the (nive se+ The #!&ne# thin'11!s he h!# e." esse# it11 h!# not &!#e hi& invisi$le- $(t I $eh!ve# e.!,tl* !s tho('h he )e e+ No soone in &* ,h!i I $ent ove &* ) itin'1#es% li%e ! &e#iev!l s, i$e!n#- $(t fo the &ove&ent of the h!n# hol#in' the "en- e&!ine# !n.io(sl* 9(iet+ I ,!n't s!* I )!s f i'htene#0 $(t I ,e t!inl* %e"t !s still !s if the e h!# $een so&ethin' #!n'e o(s in the oo&th!t !t the fi st hint of ! &ove&ent on &* "! t )o(l# $e " ovo%e# to "o(n,e ("on &e+ The e )!s not &(,h in the oo&11*o( %no) ho) these $e# oo&s ! e11! so t of fo( 1"oste $e#ste!# (n#e ! &os9(ito1nett)o o th ee ,h!i s- the t!$le I )!s ) itin' !t- ! $! e floo + A 'l!ss #oo o"ene# on !n ("st!i s ve !n#!h- !n# he stoo# )ith his f!,e to it- h!vin' ! h! # ti&e )ith !ll "ossi$le " iv!,*+ D(s% fell0 I lit ! ,!n#le )ith the ' e!test e,ono&* of &ove&ent !n# !s &(,h " (#en,e !s tho('h it )e e !n ille'!l " o,ee#in'+ The e is no #o($t th!t he h!# ! ve * h! # ti&e of it- !n# so h!# I- even to the "ointI &(st o)n- of )ishin' hi& to the #evil- o on W!l"ole Reef !t le!st+ It o,,( e# to &e on,e o t)i,e th!t- !fte !ll- Cheste )!s- "e h!"sthe &!n to #e!l effe,tivel* )ith s(,h ! #is!ste + Th!t st !n'e i#e!list h!# fo(n# ! " !,ti,!l (se fo it !t on,e11(ne in'l*- !s it )e e+ It )!s eno('h to &!%e one s(s"e,t th!t- &!*$e- he e!ll* ,o(l# see the t (e !s"e,t of thin's th!t !""e! e# &*ste io(s o (tte l* ho"eless to less i&!'in!tive "e sons+ I ) ote !n# ) ote0 I li9(i#!te# !ll the ! e! s of &* ,o es"on#en,e- !n# then )ent on ) itin' to "eo"le )ho h!# no e!son )h!teve to e."e,t f o& &e ! 'ossi"* lette !$o(t nothin' !t !ll+ At ti&es I stole ! si#elon' 'l!n,e+ He )!s oote# to the s"ot- $(t ,onv(lsive sh(##e s !n #o)n his $!,%0 his sho(l#e s )o(l# he!ve s(##enl*+ He )!s fi'htin'- he )!s fi'htin'11&ostl* fo his $ e!th- !s it see&e#+ The &!ssive sh!#o)s- ,!st !ll one )!* f o& the st !i'ht fl!&e of the ,!n#le- see&e# "ossesse# of 'loo&* ,ons,io(sness0 the i&&o$ilit* of the f( nit( e h!# to &* f( tive e*e !n !i of !ttention+ I )!s $e,o&in' f!n,if(l in the &i#st of &* in#(st io(s s, i$$lin'0 !n# tho('h- )hen the s, !t,hin' of &* "en sto""e# fo ! &o&ent- the e )!s ,o&"lete silen,e !n# stillness in the oo&- I s(ffe e# f o& th!t " ofo(n# #ist( $!n,e !n# ,onf(sion of tho('ht

)hi,h is ,!(se# $* ! violent !n# &en!,in' (" o! 11of ! he!v* '!le !t se!- fo inst!n,e+ So&e of *o( &!* %no) )h!t I &e!n: th!t &in'le# !n.iet*- #ist ess- !n# i it!tion )ith ! so t of , !ven feelin' , ee"in' in11not "le!s!nt to !,%no)le#'e- $(t )hi,h 'ives ! 9(ite s"e,i!l &e it to one's en#( !n,e+ I #on't ,l!i& !n* &e it fo st!n#in' the st ess of Ji&'s e&otions0 I ,o(l# t!%e ef('e in the lette s0 I ,o(l# h!ve ) itten to st !n'e s if ne,ess! *+ S(##enl*- !s I )!s t!%in' (" ! f esh sheet of note"!"e - I he! # ! lo) so(n#- the fi st so(n# th!t- sin,e )e h!# $een sh(t (" to'ethe - h!# ,o&e to &* e! s in the #i& stillness of the oo&+ I e&!ine# )ith &* he!# #o)n- )ith &* h!n# ! este#+ Those )ho h!ve %e"t vi'il $* ! si,%1$e# h!ve he! # s(,h f!int so(n#s in the stillness of the ni'ht )!t,hes- so(n#s ) (n' f o& ! !,%e# $o#*- f o& ! )e! * so(l+ He "(she# the 'l!ss #oo )ith s(,h fo ,e th!t !ll the "!nes !n': he ste""e# o(t- !n# I hel# &* $ e!th- st !inin' &* e! s )itho(t %no)in' )h!t else I e."e,te# to he! + He )!s e!ll* t!%in' too &(,h to he! t !n e&"t* fo &!lit* )hi,h to Cheste 's i'o o(s , iti,is& see&e# (n)o th* the noti,e of ! &!n )ho ,o(l# see thin's !s the* )e e+ An e&"t* fo &!lit*0 ! "ie,e of "! ,h&ent+ Well- )ell+ As to !n in!,,essi$le '(!no #e"osit- th!t )!s !nothe sto * !lto'ethe + One ,o(l# intelli'i$l* $ e!% one's he! t ove th!t+ A fee$le $( st of &!n* voi,es &in'le# )ith the tin%le of silve !n# 'l!ss flo!te# (" f o& the #inin'1 oo& $elo)0 th o('h the o"en #oo the o(te e#'e of the li'ht f o& &* ,!n#le fell on his $!,% f!intl*0 $e*on# !ll )!s $l!,%0 he stoo# on the $ in% of ! v!st o$s,( it*- li%e ! lonel* fi'( e $* the sho e of ! so&$ e !n# ho"eless o,e!n+ The e )!s the W!l"ole Reef in it11to $e s( e11! s"e,% in the #! % voi#- ! st !) fo the # o)nin' &!n+ M* ,o&"!ssion fo hi& too% the sh!"e of the tho('ht th!t I )o(l#n't h!ve li%e# his "eo"le to see hi& !t th!t &o&ent+ I fo(n# it t *in' &*self+ His $!,% )!s no lon'e sh!%en $* his '!s"s0 he stoo# st !i'ht !s !n ! o)- f!intl* visi$le !n# still0 !n# the &e!nin' of this stillness s!n% to the $otto& of &* so(l li%e le!# into the )!te - !n# &!#e it so he!v* th!t fo ! se,on# I )ishe# he! til* th!t the onl* ,o( se left o"en fo &e )!s to "!* fo his f(ne !l+ Even the l!) h!# #one )ith hi&+ To $( * hi& )o(l# h!ve $een s(,h !n e!s* %in#ness3 It )o(l# h!ve $een so &(,h in !,,o #!n,e )ith the )is#o& of life- )hi,h ,onsists in "(ttin' o(t of si'ht !ll the e&in#e s of o( foll*- of o( )e!%ness- of o( &o t!lit*0 !ll th!t &!%es !'!inst o( effi,ien,*11the &e&o * of o( f!il( es- the hints of o( (n#*in' fe! s- the $o#ies of o( #e!# f ien#s+ Pe h!"s he #i# t!%e it too &(,h to he! t+ An# if so then11 Cheste 's offe + + + + At this "oint I too% (" ! f esh sheet !n# $e'!n to ) ite esol(tel*+ The e )!s nothin' $(t &*self $et)een hi& !n# the #! % o,e!n+ I h!# ! sense of es"onsi$ilit*+ If I s"o%e- )o(l# th!t &otionless !n# s(ffe in' *o(th le!" into the o$s,( it*11,l(t,h !t the st !)5 I fo(n# o(t ho) #iffi,(lt it &!* $e so&eti&es to &!%e ! so(n#+ The e is ! )ei # "o)e in ! s"o%en )o #+ An# )h* the #evil not5 I )!s !s%in' &*self "e sistentl* )hile I # ove on )ith &* ) itin'+ All !t on,e- on the $l!n% "!'e- (n#e the ve * "oint of the "en- the t)o fi'( es of Cheste !n# his !nti9(e "! tne - ve * #istin,t !n# ,o&"lete- )o(l# #o#'e into vie) )ith st i#e !n# 'est( es!s if e" o#(,e# in the fiel# of so&e o"ti,!l to*+ I )o(l# )!t,h the& fo ! )hile+ No3 The* )e e too "h!nt!s&!l !n# e.t !v!'!nt to ente into !n* one's f!te+ An# ! )o # ,! ies f! 11ve * f! 11#e!ls

#est (,tion th o('h ti&e !s the $(llets 'o fl*in' th o('h s"!,e+ I s!i# nothin'0 !n# he- o(t the e )ith his $!,% to the li'ht- !s if $o(n# !n# '!''e# $* !ll the invisi$le foes of &!n- &!#e no sti !n# &!#e no so(n#+'

CHAPTER 6G 'The ti&e )!s ,o&in' )hen I sho(l# see hi& love#- t (ste#!#&i e#- )ith ! le'en# of st en'th !n# " o)ess fo &in' o(n# his n!&e !s tho('h he h!# $een the st(ff of ! he o+ It's t (e11I !ss( e *o(0 !s t (e !s I'& sittin' he e t!l%in' !$o(t hi& in v!in+ He- on his si#e- h!# th!t f!,(lt* of $ehol#in' !t ! hint the f!,e of his #esi e !n# the sh!"e of his # e!&- )itho(t )hi,h the e! th )o(l# %no) no love !n# no !#vent( e + He ,!"t( e# &(,h hono( !n# !n A ,!#i!n h!""iness ?I )on't s!* !n*thin' !$o(t inno,en,e@ in the $(sh- !n# it )!s !s 'oo# to hi& !s the hono( !n# the A ,!#i!n h!""iness of the st eets to !nothe &!n+ 4eli,it*- feli,it*11ho) sh!ll I s!* it511is 9(!ffe# o(t of ! 'ol#en ,(" in eve * l!tit(#e: the fl!vo( is )ith *o(11)ith *o( !lone- !n# *o( ,!n &!%e it !s into.i,!tin' !s *o( "le!se+ He )!s of the so t th!t )o(l# # in% #ee"- !s *o( &!* '(ess f o& )h!t )ent $efo e+ I fo(n# hi&- if not e.!,tl* into.i,!te#- then !t le!st fl(she# )ith the eli.i !t his li"s+ He h!# not o$t!ine# it !t on,e+ The e h!# $een- !s *o( %no)! "e io# of " o$!tion !&on'st infe n!l shi"1,h!n#le s- #( in' )hi,h he h!# s(ffe e# !n# I h!# )o ie# !$o(t11!$o(t11&* t (st11*o( &!* ,!ll it+ I #on't %no) th!t I !& ,o&"letel* e!ss( e# no)- !fte $ehol#in' hi& in !ll his $ illi!n,e+ Th!t )!s &* l!st vie) of hi&11in ! st on' li'ht- #o&in!tin'- !n# *et in ,o&"lete !,,o # )ith his s( o(n#in's11)ith the life of the fo ests !n# )ith the life of &en+ I o)n th!t I )!s i&" esse#- $(t I &(st !#&it to &*self th!t !fte !ll this is not the l!stin' i&" ession+ He )!s " ote,te# $* his isol!tion!lone of his o)n s("e io %in#- in ,lose to(,h )ith N!t( e- th!t %ee"s f!ith on s(,h e!s* te &s )ith he love s+ B(t I ,!nnot fi. $efo e &* e*e the i&!'e of his s!fet*+ I sh!ll !l)!*s e&e&$e hi& !s seen th o('h the o"en #oo of &* oo&- t!%in'- "e h!"s- too &(,h to he! t the &e e ,onse9(en,es of his f!il( e+ I !& "le!se#- of ,o( se- th!t so&e 'oo#11!n# even so&e s"len#o( 11,!&e o(t of &* en#e!vo( s0 $(t !t ti&es it see&s to &e it )o(l# h!ve $een $ette fo &* "e!,e of &in# if I h!# not stoo# $et)een hi& !n# Cheste 's ,onfo(n#e#l* 'ene o(s offe + I )on#e )h!t his e.($e !nt i&!'in!tion )o(l# h!ve &!#e of W!l"ole islet11th!t &ost ho"elessl* fo s!%en , (&$ of # * l!n# on the f!,e of the )!te s+ It is not li%el* I )o(l# eve h!ve he! #- fo I &(st tell *o( th!t Cheste - !fte ,!llin' !t so&e A(st !li!n "o t to "!t,h (" his $ i'1 i''e# se!1!n!,h onis&- ste!&e# o(t into the P!,ifi, )ith ! , e) of t)ent*1t)o h!n#s !ll tol#- !n# the onl* ne)s h!vin' ! "ossi$le $e! in' ("on the &*ste * of his f!te )!s the ne)s of ! h( i,!ne )hi,h is s(""ose# to h!ve s)e"t in its ,o( se ove the W!l"ole sho!ls- ! &onth o so !fte )! #s+ Not ! vesti'e of the A 'on!(ts eve t( ne# ("0 not ! so(n# ,!&e o(t of the )!ste+ 4inis3 The P!,ifi, is the &ost #is, eet of live- hot1te&"e e# o,e!ns: the ,hill* Ant! ,ti, ,!n %ee" ! se, et too- $(t &o e in the &!nne of ! ' !ve+

'An# the e is ! sense of $lesse# fin!lit* in s(,h #is, etion- )hi,h is )h!t )e !ll &o e o less sin,e el* ! e e!#* to !#&it11fo )h!t else is it th!t &!%es the i#e! of #e!th s(""o t!$le5 En#3 4inis3 the "otent )o # th!t e.o ,ises f o& the ho(se of life the h!(ntin' sh!#o) of f!te+ This is )h!t11not)ithst!n#in' the testi&on* of &* e*es !n# his o)n e! nest !ss( !n,es11I &iss )hen I loo% $!,% ("on Ji&'s s(,,ess+ While the e's life the e is ho"e- t (l*0 $(t the e is fe! too+ I #on't &e!n to s!* th!t I e' et &* !,tion- no )ill I " eten# th!t I ,!n't slee" o' ni'hts in ,onse9(en,e0 still- the i#e! o$t (#es itself th!t he &!#e so &(,h of his #is' !,e )hile it is the '(ilt !lone th!t &!tte s+ He )!s not11if I &!* s!* so11,le! to &e+ He )!s not ,le! + An# the e is ! s(s"i,ion he )!s not ,le! to hi&self eithe + The e )e e his fine sensi$ilities- his fine feelin's- his fine lon'in's11! so t of s($li&!te#- i#e!lise# selfishness+ He )!s11if *o( !llo) &e to s!* so11ve * fine0 ve * fine11!n# ve * (nfo t(n!te+ A little ,o! se n!t( e )o(l# not h!ve $o ne the st !in0 it )o(l# h!ve h!# to ,o&e to te &s )ith itself11)ith ! si'h- )ith ! ' (nto even )ith ! '(ff!)0 ! still ,o! se one )o(l# h!ve e&!ine# inv(lne !$l* i'no !nt !n# ,o&"letel* (ninte estin'+ 'B(t he )!s too inte estin' o too (nfo t(n!te to $e th o)n to the #o's- o even to Cheste + I felt this )hile I s!t )ith &* f!,e ove the "!"e !n# he fo('ht !n# '!s"e#- st (''lin' fo his $ e!th in th!t te i$l* ste!lth* )!*- in &* oo&0 I felt it )hen he (she# o(t on the ve !n#!h !s if to flin' hi&self ove 11!n# #i#n't0 I felt it &o e !n# &o e !ll the ti&e he e&!ine# o(tsi#e- f!intl* li'hte# on the $!,%' o(n# of ni'ht- !s if st!n#in' on the sho e of ! so&$ e !n# ho"eless se!+ 'An !$ ("t he!v* (&$le &!#e &e lift &* he!#+ The noise see&e# to oll !)!*- !n# s(##enl* ! se! ,hin' !n# violent 'l! e fell on the $lin# f!,e of the ni'ht+ The s(st!ine# !n# #!//lin' fli,%e s see&e# to l!st fo !n (n,ons,ion!$le ti&e+ The ' o)l of the th(n#e in, e!se# ste!#il* )hile I loo%e# !t hi&- #istin,t !n# $l!,%- "l!nte# soli#l* ("on the sho es of ! se! of li'ht+ At the &o&ent of ' e!test $ illi!n,e the #! %ness le!"e# $!,% )ith ! ,(l&in!tin' , !sh- !n# he v!nishe# $efo e &* #!//le# e*es !s (tte l* !s tho('h he h!# $een $lo)n to !to&s+ A $l(ste in' si'h "!sse#0 f( io(s h!n#s see&e# to te! !t the sh ($s- sh!%e the to"s of the t ees $elo)- sl!& #oo s$ e!% )in#o)1"!nes- !ll !lon' the f ont of the $(il#in'+ He ste""e# in- ,losin' the #oo $ehin# hi&- !n# fo(n# &e $en#in' ove the t!$le: &* s(##en !n.iet* !s to )h!t he )o(l# s!* )!s ve * ' e!t!n# !%in to ! f i'ht+ <M!* I h!ve ! ,i'! ette5< he !s%e#+ I '!ve ! "(sh to the $o. )itho(t !isin' &* he!#+ <I )!nt11)!nt11to$!,,o-< he &(tte e#+ I $e,!&e e.t e&el* $(o*!nt+ <J(st ! &o&ent+< I ' (nte# "le!s!ntl*+ He too% ! fe) ste"s he e !n# the e+ <Th!t's ove -< I he! # hi& s!*+ A sin'le #ist!nt ,l!" of th(n#e ,!&e f o& the se! li%e ! '(n of #ist ess+ <The &onsoon $ e!%s (" e! l* this *e! -< he e&! %e# ,onve s!tion!ll*- so&e)he e $ehin# &e+ This en,o( !'e# &e to t( n o(n#- )hi,h I #i# !s soon !s I h!# finishe# !## essin' the l!st envelo"e+ He )!s s&o%in' ' ee#il* in the &i##le of the oo&- !n# tho('h he he! # the sti I &!#e- he e&!ine# )ith his $!,% to &e fo ! ti&e+

' <Co&e11I ,! ie# it off " ett* )ell-< he s!i#- )heelin' s(##enl*+ <So&ethin''s "!i# off11not &(,h+ I )on#e )h!t's to ,o&e+< His f!,e #i# not sho) !n* e&otion- onl* it !""e! e# ! little #! %ene# !n# s)ollen- !s tho('h he h!# $een hol#in' his $ e!th+ He s&ile# el(,t!ntl* !s it )e e- !n# )ent on )hile I '!/e# (" !t hi& &(tel*+ + + + <Th!n% *o(- tho('h11*o( oo&112oll* ,onvenient11fo ! ,h!"11$!#l* hi""e#+< + + + The !in "!tte e# !n# s)ishe# in the '! #en0 ! )!te 1"i"e ?it &(st h!ve h!# ! hole in it@ "e fo &e# 2(st o(tsi#e the )in#o) ! "! o#* of $l($$e in' )oe )ith f(nn* so$s !n# '( 'lin' l!&ent!tions- inte ("te# $* 2e %* s"!s&s of silen,e+ + + + <A $it of shelte -< he &(&$le# !n# ,e!se#+ 'A fl!sh of f!#e# li'htnin' #! te# in th o('h the $l!,% f !&e)o % of the )in#o)s !n# e$$e# o(t )itho(t !n* noise+ I )!s thin%in' ho) I h!# $est !"" o!,h hi& ?I #i# not )!nt to $e fl(n' off !'!in@ )hen he '!ve ! little l!('h+ <No $ette th!n ! v!'!$on# no)< + + + the en# of the ,i'! ette s&o(l#e e# $et)een his fin'e s + + + <)itho(t ! sin'le11sin'le-< he " ono(n,e# slo)l*0 <!n# *et + + +< He "!(se#0 the !in fell )ith e#o($le# violen,e+ <So&e #!* one's $o(n# to ,o&e ("on so&e so t of ,h!n,e to 'et it !ll $!,% !'!in+ M(st3< he )his"e e# #istin,tl*- 'l! in' !t &* $oots+ 'I #i# not even %no) )h!t it )!s he )ishe# so &(,h to e'!in)h!t it )!s he h!# so te i$l* &isse#+ It &i'ht h!ve $een so &(,h th!t it )!s i&"ossi$le to s!*+ A "ie,e of !ss's s%in- !,,o #in' to Cheste + + + + He loo%e# (" !t &e in9(isitivel*+ <Pe h!"s+ If life's lon' eno('h-< I &(tte e# th o('h &* teeth )ith (n e!son!$le !ni&osit*+ <Don't e,%on too &(,h on it+< ' <Jove3 I feel !s if nothin' ,o(l# eve to(,h &e-< he s!i# in ! tone of so&$ e ,onvi,tion+ <If this $(siness ,o(l#n't %no,% &e ove - then the e's no fe! of the e $ein' not eno('h ti&e to11,li&$ o(t- !n# + + +< He loo%e# (")! #s+ 'It st (,% &e th!t it is f o& s(,h !s he th!t the ' e!t ! &* of )!ifs !n# st !*s is e, (ite#- the ! &* th!t &! ,hes #o)n- #o)n into !ll the '(tte s of the e! th+ As soon !s he left &* oo&- th!t <$it of shelte -< he )o(l# t!%e his "l!,e in the !n%s- !n# $e'in the 2o( ne* to)! #s the $otto&less "it+ I !t le!st h!# no ill(sions0 $(t it )!s I- too- )ho ! &o&ent !'o h!# $een so s( e of the "o)e of )o #s- !n# no) )!s !f !i# to s"e!%- in the s!&e )!* one #! es not &ove fo fe! of losin' ! sli""e * hol#+ It is )hen )e t * to ' !""le )ith !nothe &!n's inti&!te nee# th!t )e "e ,eive ho) in,o&" ehensi$le)!ve in'- !n# &ist* ! e the $ein's th!t sh! e )ith (s the si'ht of the st! s !n# the )! &th of the s(n+ It is !s if loneliness )e e ! h! # !n# !$sol(te ,on#ition of e.isten,e0 the envelo"e of flesh !n# $loo# on )hi,h o( e*es ! e fi.e# &elts $efo e the o(tst et,he# h!n#- !n# the e e&!ins onl* the ,!" i,io(s- (n,onsol!$le!n# el(sive s"i it th!t no e*e ,!n follo)- no h!n# ,!n ' !s"+ It )!s the fe! of losin' hi& th!t %e"t &e silent- fo it )!s $o ne ("on &e s(##enl* !n# )ith (n!,,o(nt!$le fo ,e th!t sho(l# I let hi& sli" !)!* into the #! %ness I )o(l# neve fo 'ive &*self+

' <Well+ Th!n%s11on,e &o e+ Yo('ve $een11e 11(n,o&&onl*11 e!ll* the e's no )o # to + + + Un,o&&onl*3 I #on't %no) )h*- I !& s( e+ I !& !f !i# I #on't feel !s ' !tef(l !s I )o(l# if the )hole thin' h!#n't $een so $ (t!ll* s" (n' on &e+ Be,!(se !t $otto& + + + *o(- *o( self + + +< He st(tte e#+ ' <Possi$l*-< I st (,% in+ He f o)ne#+ ' <All the s!&e- one is es"onsi$le+< He )!t,he# &e li%e ! h!)%+

' <An# th!t's t (e- too-< I s!i#+ ' <Well+ I've 'one )ith it to the en#- !n# I #on't inten# to let !n* &!n ,!st it in &* teeth )itho(t11)itho(t11 esentin' it+< He ,len,he# his fist+ ' <The e's *o( self-< I s!i# )ith ! s&ile11&i thless eno('h- >o# %no)s11$(t he loo%e# !t &e &en!,in'l*+ <Th!t's &* $(siness-< he s!i#+ An !i of in#o&it!$le esol(tion ,!&e !n# )ent ("on his f!,e li%e ! v!in !n# "!ssin' sh!#o)+ Ne.t &o&ent he loo%e# ! #e! 'oo# $o* in t o($le- !s $efo e+ He fl(n' !)!* the ,i'! ette+ <>oo#1$*e-< he s!i#- )ith the s(##en h!ste of ! &!n )ho h!# lin'e e# too lon' in vie) of ! " essin' $it of )o % )!itin' fo hi&0 !n# then fo ! se,on# o so he &!#e not the sli'htest &ove&ent+ The #o)n"o( fell )ith the he!v* (ninte ("te# (sh of ! s)ee"in' floo#- )ith ! so(n# of (n,he,%e# ove )hel&in' f( * th!t ,!lle# to one's &in# the i&!'es of ,oll!"sin' $ i#'es- of (" oote# t ees- of (n#e &ine# &o(nt!ins+ No &!n ,o(l# $ e!st the ,oloss!l !n# he!#lon' st e!& th!t see&e# to $ e!% !n# s)i l !'!inst the #i& stillness in )hi,h )e )e e " e,! io(sl* shelte e# !s if on !n isl!n#+ The "e fo !te# "i"e '( 'le#- ,ho%e#- s"!t- !n# s"l!she# in o#io(s i#i,(le of ! s)i&&e fi'htin' fo his life+ <It is !inin'-< I e&onst !te#- <!n# I + + +< <R!in o shine-< he $e'!n $ (s9(el*- ,he,%e# hi&self- !n# )!l%e# to the )in#o)+ <Pe fe,t #el('e-< he &(tte e# !fte ! )hile: he le!ne# his fo ehe!# on the 'l!ss+ <It's #! %- too+< ' <Yes- it is ve * #! %-< I s!i#+ 'He "ivote# on his heels- , osse# the oo&- !n# h!# !,t(!ll* o"ene# the #oo le!#in' into the ,o i#o $efo e I le!"e# (" f o& &* ,h!i + <W!it-< I , ie#- <I )!nt *o( to + + +< <I ,!n't #ine )ith *o( !'!in to1ni'ht-< he fl(n' !t &e- )ith one le' o(t of the oo& !l e!#*+ <I h!ven't the sli'htest intention to !s% *o(-< I sho(te#+ At this he # e) $!,% his foot- $(t e&!ine# &ist (stf(ll* in the ve * #oo )!*+ I lost no ti&e in ent e!tin' hi& e! nestl* not to $e !$s( #0 to ,o&e in !n# sh(t the #oo +'

CHAPTER 68 'He ,!&e in !t l!st0 $(t I $elieve it )!s &ostl* the !in th!t #i# it0 it )!s f!llin' 2(st then )ith ! #ev!st!tin' violen,e )hi,h 9(iete#

#o)n ' !#(!ll* )hile )e t!l%e#+ His &!nne )!s ve * so$e !n# set0 his $e! in' )!s th!t of ! n!t( !ll* t!,it( n &!n "ossesse# $* !n i#e!+ M* t!l% )!s of the &!te i!l !s"e,t of his "osition0 it h!# the sole !i& of s!vin' hi& f o& the #e' !#!tion- (in- !n# #es"!i th!t o(t the e ,lose so s)iftl* ("on ! f ien#less- ho&eless &!n0 I "le!#e# )ith hi& to !,,e"t &* hel"0 I ! '(e# e!son!$l*: !n# eve * ti&e I loo%e# (" !t th!t !$so $e# s&ooth f!,e- so ' !ve !n# *o(thf(lI h!# ! #ist( $in' sense of $ein' no hel" $(t !the !n o$st!,le to so&e &*ste io(s- ine."li,!$le- i&"!l"!$le st ivin' of his )o(n#e# s"i it+ ' <I s(""ose *o( inten# to e!t !n# # in% !n# to slee" (n#e shelte in the (s(!l )!*-< I e&e&$e s!*in' )ith i it!tion+ <Yo( s!* *o( )on't to(,h the &one* th!t is #(e to *o(+< + + + He ,!&e !s ne! !s his so t ,!n to &!%in' ! 'est( e of ho o + ?The e )e e th ee )ee%s !n# five #!*s' "!* o)in' hi& !s &!te of the P!tn!+@ <Well- th!t's too little to &!tte !n*ho)0 $(t )h!t )ill *o( #o to1&o o)5 Whe e )ill *o( t( n5 Yo( &(st live + + +< <Th!t isn't the thin'-< )!s the ,o&&ent th!t es,!"e# hi& (n#e his $ e!th+ I i'no e# it- !n# )ent on ,o&$!tin' )h!t I !ss(&e# to $e the s, ("les of !n e.!''e !te# #eli,!,*+ <On eve * ,on,eiv!$le ' o(n#-< I ,on,l(#e#- <*o( &(st let &e hel" *o(+< <Yo( ,!n't-< he s!i# ve * si&"l* !n# 'entl*- !n# hol#in' f!st to so&e #ee" i#e! )hi,h I ,o(l# #ete,t shi&&e in' li%e ! "ool of )!te in the #! %- $(t )hi,h I #es"!i e# of eve !"" o!,hin' ne! eno('h to f!tho&+ I s( ve*e# his )ell1" o"o tione# $(l%+ <At !n* !te-< I s!i#- <I !& !$le to hel" )h!t I ,!n see of *o(+ I #on't " eten# to #o &o e+< He shoo% his he!# s,e"ti,!ll* )itho(t loo%in' !t &e+ I 'ot ve * )! &+ <B(t I ,!n-< I insiste#+ <I ,!n #o even &o e+ I B!&B #oin' &o e+ I !& t (stin' *o( + + +< <The &one* + + +< he $e'!n+ <U"on &* )o # *o( #ese ve $ein' tol# to 'o to the #evil-< I , ie#- fo ,in' the note of in#i'n!tion+ He )!s st! tle#- s&ile#- !n# I " esse# &* !tt!,% ho&e+ <It isn't ! 9(estion of &one* !t !ll+ Yo( ! e too s("e fi,i!l-< I s!i# ?!n# !t the s!&e ti&e I )!s thin%in' to &*self: Well- he e 'oes3 An# "e h!"s he is- !fte !ll@+ <Loo% !t the lette I )!nt *o( to t!%e+ I !& ) itin' to ! &!n of )ho& I've neve !s%e# ! f!vo( !n# I !& ) itin' !$o(t *o( in te &s th!t one onl* vent( es to (se )hen s"e!%in' of !n inti&!te f ien#+ I &!%e &*self (n ese ve#l* es"onsi$le fo *o(+ Th!t's )h!t I !& #oin'+ An# e!ll* if *o( )ill onl* efle,t ! little )h!t th!t &e!ns + + +< 'He lifte# his he!#+ The !in h!# "!sse# !)!*0 onl* the )!te 1"i"e )ent on she##in' te! s )ith !n !$s( # # i"- # i" o(tsi#e the )in#o)+ It )!s ve * 9(iet in the oo&- )hose sh!#o)s h(##le# to'ethe in ,o ne s- !)!* f o& the still fl!&e of the ,!n#le fl! in' (" i'ht in the sh!"e of ! #!''e 0 his f!,e !fte ! )hile see&e# s(ff(se# $* ! efle,tion of ! soft li'ht !s if the #!)n h!# $ o%en !l e!#*+ ' <Jove3< he '!s"e# o(t+ <It is no$le of *o(3< 'H!# he s(##enl* "(t o(t his ton'(e !t &e in #e ision- I ,o(l# not h!ve felt &o e h(&ili!te#+ I tho('ht to &*self11Se ve &e i'ht fo ! sne!%in' h(&$('+ + + + His e*es shone st !i'ht into &* f!,e-

$(t I "e ,eive# it )!s not ! &o,%in' $ i'htness+ All !t on,e he s" !n' into 2e %* !'it!tion- li%e one of those fl!t )oo#en fi'( es th!t ! e )o %e# $* ! st in'+ His ! &s )ent ("- then ,!&e #o)n )ith ! sl!"+ He $e,!&e !nothe &!n !lto'ethe + <An# I h!# neve seen-< he sho(te#0 then s(##enl* $it his li" !n# f o)ne#+ <Wh!t ! $!ll* !ss I've $een-< he s!i# ve * slo) in !n !)e# tone+ + + + <Yo( ! e ! $ i,%3 < he , ie# ne.t in ! &(ffle# voi,e+ He sn!t,he# &* h!n# !s tho('h he h!# 2(st then seen it fo the fi st ti&e- !n# # o""e# it !t on,e+ <Wh*3 this is )h!t I11*o(11I + + +< he st!&&e e#- !n# then )ith ! et( n of his ol# stoli#- I &!* s!* &(lish- &!nne he $e'!n he!vil*- <I )o(l# $e ! $ (te no) if I + + +< !n# then his voi,e see&e# to $ e!%+ <Th!t's !ll i'ht-< I s!i#+ I )!s !l&ost !l! &e# $* this #is"l!* of feelin'- th o('h )hi,h "ie ,e# ! st !n'e el!tion+ I h!# "(lle# the st in' !,,i#ent!ll*- !s it )e e0 I #i# not f(ll* (n#e st!n# the )o %in' of the to*+ <I &(st 'o no)-< he s!i#+ <Jove3 Yo( Bh!veB hel"e# &e+ C!n't sit still+ The ve * thin' + + +< He loo%e# !t &e )ith "(//le# !#&i !tion+ <The ve * thin' + + +< 'Of ,o( se it )!s the thin'+ It )!s ten to one th!t I h!# s!ve# hi& f o& st! v!tion11of th!t "e,(li! so t th!t is !l&ost inv! i!$l* !sso,i!te# )ith # in%+ This )!s !ll+ I h!# not ! sin'le ill(sion on th!t s,o e- $(t loo%in' !t hi&- I !llo)e# &*self to )on#e !t the n!t( e of the one he h!#- )ithin the l!st th ee &in(tes- so evi#entl* t!%en into his $oso&+ I h!# fo ,e# into his h!n# the &e!ns to ,! * on #e,entl* the se io(s $(siness of life- to 'et foo#- # in%- !n# shelte of the ,(sto&! * %in# )hile his )o(n#e# s"i it- li%e ! $i # )ith ! $ o%en )in'- &i'ht ho" !n# fl(tte into so&e hole to #ie 9(ietl* of in!nition the e+ This is )h!t I h!# th (st ("on hi&: ! #efinitel* s&!ll thin'0 !n#11$ehol#311$* the &!nne of its e,e"tion it loo&e# in the #i& li'ht of the ,!n#le li%e ! $i'- in#istin,t- "e h!"s ! #!n'e o(s sh!#o)+ <Yo( #on't &in# &e not s!*in' !n*thin' !"" o" i!te-< he $( st o(t+ <The e isn't !n*thin' one ,o(l# s!*+ L!st ni'ht !l e!#* *o( h!# #one &e no en# of 'oo#+ Listenin' to &e11*o( %no)+ I 'ive *o( &* )o # I've tho('ht &o e th!n on,e the to" of &* he!# )o(l# fl* off+ + +< He #! te#11"ositivel* #! te#11he e !n# the e- !&&e# his h!n#s into his "o,%ets- 2e %e# the& o(t !'!in- fl(n' his ,!" on his he!#+ I h!# no i#e! it )!s in hi& to $e so !i il* $ is%+ I tho('ht of ! # * le!f i&" isone# in !n e##* of )in#- )hile ! &*ste io(s !"" ehension- ! lo!# of in#efinite #o($t- )ei'he# &e #o)n in &* ,h!i + He stoo# sto,%1still- !s if st (,% &otionless $* ! #is,ove *+ <Yo( h!ve 'iven &e ,onfi#en,e-< he #e,l! e#- so$e l*+ <Oh3 fo >o#'s s!%e- &* #e! fello)11#on't3< I ent e!te#- !s tho('h he h!# h( t &e+ <All i'ht+ I'll sh(t (" no) !n# hen,efo th+ C!n't " event &e thin%in' tho('h+ + + + Neve &in#3 + + + I'll sho) *et + + +< He )ent to the #oo in ! h( *"!(se# )ith his he!# #o)n- !n# ,!&e $!,%- ste""in' #eli$e !tel*+ <I !l)!*s tho('ht th!t if ! fello) ,o(l# $e'in )ith ! ,le!n sl!te + + + An# no) *o( + + + in ! &e!s( e + + + *es + + + ,le!n sl!te+< I )!ve# &* h!n#- !n# he &! ,he# o(t )itho(t loo%in' $!,%0 the so(n# of his footf!lls #ie# o(t ' !#(!ll* $ehin# the ,lose# #oo 11the (nhesit!tin' t e!# of ! &!n )!l%in' in $ o!# #!*li'ht+ 'B(t !s to &e- left !lone )ith the solit! * ,!n#le- I e&!ine# st !n'el* (nenli'htene#+ I )!s no lon'e *o(n' eno('h to $ehol#

!t eve * t( n the &!'nifi,en,e th!t $esets o( insi'nifi,!nt footste"s in 'oo# !n# in evil+ I s&ile# to thin% th!t- !fte !ll- it )!s *et heof (s t)o- )ho h!# the li'ht+ An# I felt s!#+ A ,le!n sl!te- #i# he s!*5 As if the initi!l )o # of e!,h o( #estin* )e e not ' !ven in i&"e ish!$le ,h! !,te s ("on the f!,e of ! o,%+'

CHAPTER 6I 'Si. &onths !fte )! #s &* f ien# ?he )!s ! ,*ni,!l- &o e th!n &i##le1!'e# $!,helo - )ith ! e"(t!tion fo e,,ent i,it*- !n# o)ne# ! i,e1&ill@ ) ote to &e- !n# 2(#'in'- f o& the )! &th of &* e,o&&en#!tion- th!t I )o(l# li%e to he! - enl! 'e# ! little ("on Ji&'s "e fe,tions+ These )e e !""! entl* of ! 9(iet !n# effe,tive so t+ <Not h!vin' $een !$le so f! to fin# &o e in &* he! t th!n ! esi'ne# tole !tion fo !n* in#ivi#(!l of &* %in#- I h!ve live# till no) !lone in ! ho(se th!t even in this ste!&in' ,li&!te ,o(l# $e ,onsi#e e# !s too $i' fo one &!n+ I h!ve h!# hi& to live )ith &e fo so&e ti&e "!st+ It see&s I h!ven't &!#e ! &ist!%e+< It see&e# to &e on e!#in' this lette th!t &* f ien# h!# fo(n# in his he! t &o e th!n tole !n,e fo Ji&11th!t the e )e e the $e'innin's of !,tive li%in'+ Of ,o( se he st!te# his ' o(n#s in ! ,h! !,te isti, )!*+ 4o one thin'- Ji& %e"t his f eshness in the ,li&!te+ H!# he $een ! 'i l11&* f ien# ) ote11one ,o(l# h!ve s!i# he )!s $loo&in'11 $loo&in' &o#estl*11li%e ! violet- not li%e so&e of these $l!t!nt t o"i,!l flo)e s+ He h!# $een in the ho(se fo si. )ee%s- !n# h!# not !s *et !tte&"te# to sl!" hi& on the $!,%- o !## ess hi& !s <ol# $o*-< o t * to &!%e hi& feel ! s("e !nn(!te# fossil+ He h!# nothin' of the e.!s"e !tin' *o(n' &!n's ,h!tte + He )!s 'oo#1te&"e e#- h!# not &(,h to s!* fo hi&self- )!s not ,leve $* !n* &e!ns- th!n% 'oo#ness11) ote &* f ien#+ It !""e! e#- ho)eve th!t Ji& )!s ,leve eno('h to $e 9(ietl* !"" e,i!tive of his )it)hile- on the othe h!n#- he !&(se# hi& $* his n!iveness+ <The #e) is *et on hi&- !n# sin,e I h!# the $ i'ht i#e! of 'ivin' hi& ! oo& in the ho(se !n# h!vin' hi& !t &e!ls I feel less )ithe e# &*self+ The othe #!* he too% it into his he!# to , oss the oo& )ith no othe "( "ose $(t to o"en ! #oo fo &e0 !n# I felt &o e in to(,h )ith &!n%in# th!n I h!# $een fo *e! s+ Ri#i,(lo(s- isn't it5 Of ,o( se I '(ess the e is so&ethin'11so&e !)f(l little s, !"e11 )hi,h *o( %no) !ll !$o(t11$(t if I !& s( e th!t it is te i$l* heino(s- I f!n,* one ,o(l# &!n!'e to fo 'ive it+ 4o &* "! t- I #e,l! e I !& (n!$le to i&!'ine hi& '(ilt* of !n*thin' &(,h )o se th!n o$$in' !n o ,h! #+ Is it &(,h )o se5 Pe h!"s *o( o('ht to h!ve tol# &e0 $(t it is s(,h ! lon' ti&e sin,e )e $oth t( ne# s!ints th!t *o( &!* h!ve fo 'otten )e- too- h!# sinne# in o( ti&e5 It &!* $e th!t so&e #!* I sh!ll h!ve to !s% *o(- !n# then I sh!ll e."e,t to $e tol#+ I #on't ,! e to 9(estion hi& &*self till I h!ve so&e i#e! )h!t it is+ Mo eove - it's too soon !s *et+ Let hi& o"en the #oo ! fe) ti&es &o e fo &e+ + + +< Th(s &* f ien#+ I )!s t e$l* "le!se#11 !t Ji&'s sh!"in' so )ell- !t the tone of the lette - !t &* o)n ,leve ness+ Evi#entl* I h!# %no)n )h!t I )!s #oin'+ I h!# e!# ,h! !,te s ! i'ht- !n# so on+ An# )h!t if so&ethin' (ne."e,te# !n# )on#e f(l

)e e to ,o&e of it5 Th!t evenin'- e"osin' in ! #e,%1,h!i (n#e the sh!#e of &* o)n "oo" !)nin' ?it )!s in Hon'1;on' h! $o( @I l!i# on Ji&'s $eh!lf the fi st stone of ! ,!stle in S"!in+ 'I &!#e ! t i" to the no th)! #- !n# )hen I et( ne# I fo(n# !nothe lette f o& &* f ien# )!itin' fo &e+ It )!s the fi st envelo"e I to e o"en+ <The e ! e no s"oons &issin'- !s f! !s I %no)-< !n the fi st line0 <I h!ven't $een inte este# eno('h to in9(i e+ He is 'one- le!vin' on the $ e!%f!st1t!$le ! fo &!l little note of !"olo'*)hi,h is eithe sill* o he! tless+ P o$!$l* $oth11!n# it's !ll one to &e+ Allo) &e to s!*- lest *o( sho(l# h!ve so&e &o e &*ste io(s *o(n' &en in ese ve- th!t I h!ve sh(t (" sho"- #efinitel* !n# fo eve + This is the l!st e,,ent i,it* I sh!ll $e '(ilt* of+ Do not i&!'ine fo ! &o&ent th!t I ,! e ! h!n'0 $(t he is ve * &(,h e' ette# !t tennis1"! ties- !n# fo &* o)n s!%e I've tol# ! "l!(si$le lie !t the ,l($+ + + +< I fl(n' the lette !si#e !n# st! te# loo%in' th o('h the $!t,h on &* t!$le- till I ,!&e ("on Ji&'s h!n#) itin'+ Wo(l# *o( $elieve it5 One ,h!n,e in ! h(n# e#3 B(t it is !l)!*s th!t h(n# e#th ,h!n,e3 Th!t little se,on# en'inee of the P!tn! h!# t( ne# (" in ! &o e o less #estit(te st!te- !n# 'ot ! te&"o ! * 2o$ of loo%in' !fte the &!,hine * of the &ill+ <I ,o(l#n't st!n# the f!&ili! it* of the little $e!st-< Ji& ) ote f o& ! se!"o t seven h(n# e# &iles so(th of the "l!,e )he e he sho(l# h!ve $een in ,love + <I !& no) fo the ti&e )ith E'st o& J Bl!%e- shi"1,h!n#le s- !s thei 11)ell11 (nne - to ,!ll the thin' $* its i'ht n!&e+ 4o efe en,e I '!ve the& *o( n!&e- )hi,h the* %no) of ,o( se- !n# if *o( ,o(l# ) ite ! )o # in &* f!vo( it )o(l# $e ! "e &!nent e&"lo*&ent+< I )!s (tte l* , (she# (n#e the (ins of &* ,!stle- $(t of ,o( se I ) ote !s #esi e#+ Befo e the en# of the *e! &* ne) ,h! te too% &e th!t )!*- !n# I h!# !n o""o t(nit* of seein' hi&+ 'He )!s still )ith E'st o& J Bl!%e- !n# )e &et in )h!t the* ,!lle# <o( "! lo( < o"enin' o(t of the sto e+ He h!# th!t &o&ent ,o&e in f o& $o! #in' ! shi"- !n# ,onf onte# &e he!# #o)n- e!#* fo ! t(ssle+ <Wh!t h!ve *o( 'ot to s!* fo *o( self5< I $e'!n !s soon !s )e h!# sh!%en h!n#s+ <Wh!t I ) ote *o(11nothin' &o e-< he s!i# st($$o nl*+ <Di# the fello) $l!$11o )h!t5< I !s%e#+ He loo%e# (" !t &e )ith ! t o($le# s&ile+ <Oh- no3 He #i#n't+ He &!#e it ! %in# of ,onfi#enti!l $(siness $et)een (s+ He )!s &ost #!&n!$l* &*ste io(s )heneve I ,!&e ove to the &ill0 he )o(l# )in% !t &e in ! es"e,tf(l &!nne 11!s &(,h !s to s!* 'We %no) )h!t )e %no)+' Infe n!ll* f!)nin' !n# f!&ili! 11!n# th!t so t of thin' + + +< He th e) hi&self into ! ,h!i !n# st! e# #o)n his le's+ <One #!* )e h!""ene# to $e !lone !n# the fello) h!# the ,hee% to s!*- 'WellM + J!&es'11I )!s ,!lle# M + J!&es the e !s if I h!# $een the son11 'he e )e ! e to'ethe on,e &o e+ This is $ette th!n the ol# shi"11 !in't it5' + + + W!sn't it !""!llin'- eh5 I loo%e# !t hi&- !n# he "(t on ! %no)in' !i + 'Don't *o( $e (ne!s*- si -' he s!*s+ 'I %no) ! 'entle&!n )hen I see one- !n# I %no) ho) ! 'entle&!n feels+ I ho"e- tho('h- *o( )ill $e %ee"in' &e on this 2o$+ I h!# ! h! # ti&e of it too- !lon' of th!t otten ol# P!tn! !,%et+' Jove3 It )!s !)f(l+ I #on't %no) )h!t I sho(l# h!ve s!i# o #one if I h!# not 2(st then he! # M + Denve ,!llin' &e in the "!ss!'e+ It )!s tiffin1ti&e- !n# )e )!l%e# to'ethe !, oss the *! # !n# th o('h the '! #en to the

$(n'!lo)+ He $e'!n to ,h!ff &e in his %in#l* )!* + + + I $elieve he li%e# &e + + +< 'Ji& )!s silent fo ! )hile+

' <I %no) he li%e# &e+ Th!t's )h!t &!#e it so h! #+ S(,h ! s"len#i# &!n3 + + + Th!t &o nin' he sli""e# his h!n# (n#e &* ! &+ + + + He- too- )!s f!&ili! )ith &e+< He $( st into ! sho t l!('h- !n# # o""e# his ,hin on his $ e!st+ <P!h3 When I e&e&$e e# ho) th!t &e!n little $e!st h!# $een t!l%in' to &e-< he $e'!n s(##enl* in ! vi$ !tin' voi,e- <I ,o(l#n't $e! to thin% of &*self + + + I s(""ose *o( %no) + + +< I no##e#+ + + + <Mo e li%e ! f!the -< he , ie#0 his voi,e s!n%+ <I )o(l# h!ve h!# to tell hi&+ I ,o(l#n't let it 'o on11,o(l# I5< <Well5< I &( &( e#- !fte )!itin' ! )hile+ <I " efe e# to 'o-< he s!i# slo)l*0 <this thin' &(st $e $( ie#+< 'We ,o(l# he! in the sho" Bl!%e ("$ !i#in' E'st o& in !n !$(sivest !ine# voi,e+ The* h!# $een !sso,i!te# fo &!n* *e! s- !n# eve * #!* f o& the &o&ent the #oo s )e e o"ene# to the l!st &in(te $efo e ,losin'- Bl!%e- ! little &!n )ith slee%- 2ett* h!i !n# (nh!""*- $e!#* e*es- ,o(l# $e he! # o)in' his "! tne in,ess!ntl* )ith ! so t of s,!thin' !n# "l!intive f( *+ The so(n# of th!t eve l!stin' s,ol#in' )!s "! t of the "l!,e li%e the othe fi.t( es0 even st !n'e s )o(l# ve * soon ,o&e to #is e'! # it ,o&"letel* (nless it $e "e h!"s to &(tte <N(is!n,e-< o to 'et (" s(##enl* !n# sh(t the #oo of the <"! lo( +< E'st o& hi&self- ! !)1$one#- he!v* S,!n#in!vi!n- )ith ! $(s* &!nne !n# i&&ense $lon#e )his%e s)ent on #i e,tin' his "eo"le- ,he,%in' "! ,els- &!%in' o(t $ills o ) itin' lette s !t ! st!n#1(" #es% in the sho"- !n# ,o&"o te# hi&self in th!t ,l!tte e.!,tl* !s tho('h he h!# $een stone1#e!f+ No) !n# !'!in he )o(l# e&it ! $othe e# "e f(n,to * <Sssh-< )hi,h neithe " o#(,e# no )!s e."e,te# to " o#(,e the sli'htest effe,t+ <The* ! e ve * #e,ent to &e he e-< s!i# Ji&+ <Bl!%e's ! little ,!#$(t E'st o&'s !ll i'ht+< He stoo# (" 9(i,%l*- !n# )!l%in' )ith &e!s( e# ste"s to ! t i"o# teles,o"e st!n#in' in the )in#o) !n# "ointe# !t the o!#ste!#- he !""lie# his e*e to it+ <The e's th!t shi" )hi,h h!s $een $e,!l&e# o(tsi#e !ll the &o nin' h!s 'ot ! $ ee/e no) !n# is ,o&in' in-< he e&! %e# "!tientl*0 <I &(st 'o !n# $o! #+< We shoo% h!n#s in silen,e- !n# he t( ne# to 'o+ <Ji&3< I , ie#+ He loo%e# o(n# )ith his h!n# on the lo,%+ <Yo(11*o( h!ve th o)n !)!* so&ethin' li%e ! fo t(ne+< He ,!&e $!,% to &e !ll the )!* f o& the #oo + <S(,h ! s"len#i# ol# ,h!"-< he s!i#+ <Ho) ,o(l# I5 Ho) ,o(l# I5< His li"s t)it,he#+ <He e it #oes not &!tte +< <Oh3 *o(11*o(11< I $e'!n- !n# h!# to ,!st !$o(t fo ! s(it!$le )o #- $(t $efo e I $e,!&e !)! e th!t the e )!s no n!&e th!t )o(l# 2(st #o- he )!s 'one+ I he! # o(tsi#e E'st o&'s #ee" 'entle voi,e s!*in' ,hee il*- <Th!t's the S! !h W+ > !n'e - Ji&&*+ Yo( &(st &!n!'e to $e fi st !$o! #<0 !n# #i e,tl* Bl!%e st (,% in- s, e!&in' !fte the &!nne of !n o(t !'e# ,o,%!too- <Tell the ,!"t!in )e've 'ot so&e of his &!il he e+ Th!t'll fet,h hi&+ D'*e he! - Miste Wh!t's1*o( 1n!&e5< An# the e )!s Ji& !ns)e in' E'st o& )ith so&ethin' $o*ish in his tone+ <All i'ht+ I'll &!%e ! !,e of it+< He see&e# to t!%e ef('e in the $o!t1s!ilin' "! t of th!t so * $(siness+

'I #i# not see hi& !'!in th!t t i"- $(t on &* ne.t ?I h!# ! si. &onths' ,h! te @ I )ent (" to the sto e+ Ten *! #s !)!* f o& the #oo Bl!%e's s,ol#in' &et &* e! s- !n# )hen I ,!&e in he '!ve &e ! 'l!n,e of (tte ) et,he#ness0 E'st o&- !ll s&iles- !#v!n,e#e.ten#in' ! l! 'e $on* h!n#+ <>l!# to see *o(- ,!"t!in+ + + + Sssh+ + + + Been thin%in' *o( )e e !$o(t #(e $!,% he e+ Wh!t #i# *o( s!*- si 5 + + + Sssh+ + + + Oh3 hi&3 He h!s left (s+ Co&e into the "! lo( +< + + + Afte the sl!& of the #oo Bl!%e's st !ine# voi,e $e,!&e f!int- !s the voi,e of one s,ol#in' #es"e !tel* in ! )il#e ness+ + + + <P(t (s to ! ' e!t in,onvenien,e- too+ Use# (s $!#l*11I &(st s!* + + +< <Whe e's he 'one to5 Do *o( %no)5< I !s%e#+ <No+ It's no (se !s%in' eithe -< s!i# E'st o&- st!n#in' $e)his%e e# !n# o$li'in' $efo e &e )ith his ! &s h!n'in' #o)n his si#es ,l(&sil*!n# ! thin silve )!t,h1,h!in loo"e# ve * lo) on ! (,%e#1(" $l(e se 'e )!ist,o!t+ <A &!n li%e th!t #on't 'o !n*)he e in "! ti,(l! +< I )!s too ,on,e ne# !t the ne)s to !s% fo the e."l!n!tion of th!t " ono(n,e&ent- !n# he )ent on+ <He left11let's see11the ve * #!* ! ste!&e )ith et( nin' "il' i&s f o& the Re# Se! "(t in he e )ith t)o $l!#es of he " o"elle 'one+ Th ee )ee%s !'o no)+< <W!sn't the e so&ethin' s!i# !$o(t the P!tn! ,!se5< I !s%e#- fe! in' the )o st+ He '!ve ! st! t- !n# loo%e# !t &e !s if I h!# $een ! so ,e e + <Wh*- *es3 Ho) #o *o( %no)5 So&e of the& )e e t!l%in' !$o(t it he e+ The e )!s ! ,!"t!in o t)o- the &!n!'e of E!nlo's en'inee in' sho" !t the h! $o( - t)o o th ee othe s- !n# &*self+ Ji& )!s in he e too- h!vin' ! s!n#)i,h !n# ! 'l!ss of $ee 0 )hen )e ! e $(s*11*o( see- ,!"t!in11the e's no ti&e fo ! " o"e tiffin+ He )!s st!n#in' $* this t!$le e!tin' s!n#)i,hes- !n# the est of (s )e e o(n# the teles,o"e )!t,hin' th!t ste!&e ,o&e in0 !n# $*1!n#1$* E!nlo's &!n!'e $e'!n to t!l% !$o(t the ,hief of the P!tn!0 he h!# #one so&e e"!i s fo hi& on,e- !n# f o& th!t he )ent on to tell (s )h!t !n ol# (in she )!s- !n# the &one* th!t h!# $een &!#e o(t of he + He ,!&e to &ention he l!st vo*!'e- !n# then )e !ll st (,% in+ So&e s!i# one thin' !n# so&e !nothe 11not'&(,h11)h!t *o( o !n* othe &!n &i'ht s!*0 !n# the e )!s so&e l!('hin'+ C!"t!in O'B ien of the S! !h W+ > !n'e - ! l! 'e- nois* ol# &!n )ith ! sti,%11he )!s sittin' listenin' to (s in this ! &1,h!i he e11 he let # ive s(##enl* )ith his sti,% !t the floo - !n# o! s o(t'S%(n%s3' + + + M!#e (s !ll 2(&"+ E!nlo's &!n!'e )in%s !t (s !n# !s%s- 'Wh!t's the &!tte - C!"t!in O'B ien5' 'M!tte 3 &!tte 3' the ol# &!n $e'!n to sho(t0 ')h!t ! e *o( In2(ns l!('hin' !t5 It's no l!('hin' &!tte + It's ! #is' !,e to h(&!n n!t( '11th!t's )h!t it is+ I )o(l# #es"ise $ein' seen in the s!&e oo& )ith one of those &en+ Yes- si 3' He see&e# to ,!t,h &* e*e li%e- !n# I h!# to s"e!% o(t of ,ivilit*+ 'S%(n%s3' s!*s I- 'of ,o( se- C!"t!in O'B ien- !n# I )o(l#n't ,! e to h!ve the& he e &*self- so *o(' e 9(ite s!fe in this oo&- C!"t!in O'B ien+ H!ve ! little so&ethin' ,ool to # in%+' 'D!&' *o( # in%- E'st o&-' s!*s he- )ith ! t)in%le in his e*e0 ')hen I )!nt ! # in% I )ill sho(t fo it+ I !& 'oin' to 9(it+ It stin%s he e no)+' At this !ll the othe s $( st o(t l!('hin'- !n# o(t the* 'o !fte the ol# &!n+ An# then- si - th!t $l!ste# Ji& he "(ts #o)n the s!n#)i,h he h!# in his h!n# !n# )!l%s o(n# the t!$le to &e0 the e )!s his 'l!ss of $ee "o( e# o(t 9(ite f(ll+ 'I !& off-' he s!*s112(st li%e this+ 'It isn't h!lf1"!st one *et-' s!*s I0 '*o( &i'ht sn!t,h ! s&o%e fi st+' I tho('ht he &e!nt it )!s ti&e fo hi&

to 'o #o)n to his )o %+ When I (n#e stoo# )h!t he )!s (" to- &* ! &s fell11so3 C!n't 'et ! &!n li%e th!t eve * #!*- *o( %no)- si 0 ! e'(l! #evil fo s!ilin' ! $o!t0 e!#* to 'o o(t &iles to se! to &eet shi"s in !n* so t of )e!the + Mo e th!n on,e ! ,!"t!in )o(l# ,o&e in he e f(ll of it- !n# the fi st thin' he )o(l# s!* )o(l# $e- 'Th!t's ! e,%less so t of ! l(n!ti, *o('ve 'ot fo )!te 1,le %- E'st o&+ I )!s feelin' &* )!* in !t #!*li'ht (n#e sho t ,!nv!s )hen the e ,o&es fl*in' o(t of the &ist i'ht (n#e &* fo efoot ! $o!t h!lf (n#e )!te - s" !*s 'oin' ove the &!st1he!#- t)o f i'htene# ni''e s on the $otto& $o! #s- ! *ellin' fien# !t the tille + He*3 he*3 Shi" !ho*3 !ho*3 C!"t!in3 He*3 he*3 E'st o& J Bl!%e's &!n fi st to s"e!% to *o(3 He*3 he*3 E'st o& J Bl!%e3 H!llo3 he*3 )hoo"3 ;i,% the ni''e s11o(t eefs11! s9(!ll on !t the ti&e11shoots !he!# )hoo"in' !n# *ellin' to &e to &!%e s!il !n# he )o(l# 'ive &e ! le!# in11&o e li%e ! #e&on th!n ! &!n+ Neve s!) ! $o!t h!n#le# li%e th!t in !ll &* life+ Co(l#n't h!ve $een # (n%11)!s he5 S(,h ! 9(iet- soft1s"o%en ,h!" too11$l(sh li%e ! 'i l )hen he ,!&e on $o! #+ + + +' I tell *o(- C!"t!in M! lo)- no$o#* h!# ! ,h!n,e !'!inst (s )ith ! st !n'e shi" )hen Ji& )!s o(t+ The othe shi"1,h!n#le s 2(st %e"t thei ol# ,(sto&e s- !n# + + +< 'E'st o& !""e! e# ove ,o&e )ith e&otion+ ' <Wh*- si 11it see&e# !s tho('h he )o(l#n't &in# 'oin' ! h(n# e# &iles o(t to se! in !n ol# shoe to n!$ ! shi" fo the fi &+ If the $(siness h!# $een his o)n !n# !ll to &!%e *et- he ,o(l#n't h!ve #one &o e in th!t )!*+ An# no) + + + !ll !t on,e + + + li%e this3 Thin%s I to &*self: 'Oho3 ! ise in the s, e)11th!t's the t o($le11 is it5' 'All i'ht-' s!*s I- 'no nee# of !ll th!t f(ss )ith &e- Ji&&*+ J(st &ention *o( fi'( e+ An*thin' in e!son+' He loo%s !t &e !s if he )!nte# to s)!llo) so&ethin' th!t st(,% in his th o!t+ 'I ,!n't sto" )ith *o(+' 'Wh!t's th!t $loo&in' 2o%e5' I !s%s+ He sh!%es his he!#- !n# I ,o(l# see in his e*e he )!s !s 'oo# !s 'one !l e!#*- si + So I t( ne# to hi& !n# sl!n'e# hi& till !ll )!s $l(e+ 'Wh!t is it *o(' e (nnin' !)!* f o&5' I !s%s+ 'Who h!s $een 'ettin' !t *o(5 Wh!t s,! e# *o(5 Yo( h!ven't !s &(,h sense !s ! !t0 the* #on't ,le! o(t f o& ! 'oo# shi"+ Whe e #o *o( e."e,t to 'et ! $ette $e th511*o( this !n# *o( th!t+' I &!#e hi& loo% si,%- I ,!n tell *o(+ 'This $(siness !in't 'oin' to sin%-' s!*s I+ He '!ve ! $i' 2(&"+ '>oo#1$*e-' he s!*s- no##in' !t &e li%e ! lo #0 '*o( !in't h!lf ! $!# ,h!"- E'st o&+ I 'ive *o( &* )o # th!t if *o( %ne) &* e!sons *o( )o(l#n't ,! e to %ee" &e+' 'Th!t's the $i''est lie *o( eve tol# in *o( life-' s!*s I0 'I %no) &* o)n &in#+' He &!#e &e so &!# th!t I h!# to l!('h+ 'C!n't *o( e!ll* sto" lon' eno('h to # in% this 'l!ss of $ee he e- *o( f(nn* $e''! - *o(5' I #on't %no) )h!t ,!&e ove hi&0 he #i#n't see& !$le to fin# the #oo 0 so&ethin' ,o&i,!lI ,!n tell *o(- ,!"t!in+ I # !n% the $ee &*self+ 'Well- if *o(' e in s(,h ! h( *- he e's l(,% to *o( in *o( o)n # in%-' s!*s I0 'onl**o( &! % &* )o #s- if *o( %ee" (" this '!&e *o('ll ve * soon fin# th!t the e! th !in't $i' eno('h to hol# *o(11th!t's !ll+' He '!ve &e one $l!,% loo%- !n# o(t he (she# )ith ! f!,e fit to s,! e little ,hil# en+< 'E'st o& sno te# $itte l*- !n# ,o&$e# one !($( n )his%e )ith

%nott* fin'e s+ <H!ven't $een !$le to 'et ! &!n th!t )!s !n* 'oo# sin,e+ It's nothin' $(t )o *- )o *- )o * in $(siness+ An# )he e &i'ht *o( h!ve ,o&e !, oss hi&- ,!"t!in- if it's f!i to !s%5< ' <He )!s the &!te of the P!tn! th!t vo*!'e-< I s!i#- feelin' th!t I o)e# so&e e."l!n!tion+ 4o ! ti&e E'st o& e&!ine# ve * still)ith his fin'e s "l(n'e# in the h!i !t the si#e of his f!,e- !n# then e."lo#e#+ <An# )ho the #evil ,! es !$o(t th!t5< <I #! es!* no one-< I $e'!n + + + <An# )h!t the #evil is he11!n*ho)11fo to 'o on li%e this5< He st(ffe# s(##enl* his left )his%e into his &o(th !n# stoo# !&!/e#+ <Jee3< he e.,l!i&e#- <I tol# hi& the e! th )o(l#n't $e $i' eno('h to hol# his ,!"e +< '

CHAPTER 67 'I h!ve tol# *o( these t)o e"iso#es !t len'th to sho) his &!nne of #e!lin' )ith hi&self (n#e the ne) ,on#itions of his life+ The e )e e &!n* othe s of the so t- &o e th!n I ,o(l# ,o(nt on the fin'e s of &* t)o h!n#s+ The* )e e !ll e9(!ll* tin'e# $* ! hi'h1&in#e# !$s( #it* of intention )hi,h &!#e thei f(tilit* " ofo(n# !n# to(,hin'+ To flin' !)!* *o( #!il* $ e!# so !s to 'et *o( h!n#s f ee fo ! ' !""le )ith ! 'host &!* $e !n !,t of " os!i, he ois&+ Men h!# #one it $efo e ?tho('h )e )ho h!ve live# %no) f(ll )ell th!t it is not the h!(nte# so(l $(t the h(n' * $o#* th!t &!%es !n o(t,!st@- !n# &en )ho h!# e!ten !n# &e!nt to e!t eve * #!* h!# !""l!(#e# the , e#it!$le foll*+ He )!s in#ee# (nfo t(n!te- fo !ll his e,%lessness ,o(l# not ,! * hi& o(t f o& (n#e the sh!#o)+ The e )!s !l)!*s ! #o($t of his ,o( !'e+ The t (th see&s to $e th!t it is i&"ossi$le to l!* the 'host of ! f!,t+ Yo( ,!n f!,e it o shi % it11!n# I h!ve ,o&e !, oss ! &!n o t)o )ho ,o(l# )in% !t thei f!&ili! sh!#es+ O$vio(sl* Ji& )!s not of the )in%in' so t0 $(t )h!t I ,o(l# neve &!%e (" &* &in# !$o(t )!s )hethe his line of ,on#(,t !&o(nte# to shi %in' his 'host o to f!,in' hi& o(t+ 'I st !ine# &* &ent!l e*esi'ht onl* to #is,ove th!t- !s )ith the ,o&"le.ion of !ll o( !,tions- the sh!#e of #iffe en,e )!s so #eli,!te th!t it )!s i&"ossi$le to s!*+ It &i'ht h!ve $een fli'ht !n# it &i'ht h!ve $een ! &o#e of ,o&$!t+ To the ,o&&on &in# he $e,!&e %no)n !s ! ollin' stone- $e,!(se this )!s the f(nniest "! t: he #i# !fte ! ti&e $e,o&e "e fe,tl* %no)n- !n# even noto io(s- )ithin the ,i ,le of his )!n#e in's ?)hi,h h!# ! #i!&ete of- s!*- th ee tho(s!n# &iles@- in the s!&e )!* !s !n e,,ent i, ,h! !,te is %no)n to ! )hole ,o(nt *si#e+ 4o inst!n,e- in B!n%o%- )he e he fo(n# e&"lo*&ent )ith Y(,%e B othe s- ,h! te e s !n# te!% &e ,h!ntsit )!s !l&ost "!theti, to see hi& 'o !$o(t in s(nshine h(''in' his se, et- )hi,h )!s %no)n to the ve * ("1,o(nt * lo's on the ive + S,ho&$e '- the %ee"e of the hotel )he e he $o! #e#- ! hi s(te Als!ti!n of &!nl* $e! in' !n# !n i e" essi$le et!ile of !ll the s,!n#!lo(s 'ossi" of the "l!,e- )o(l#- )ith $oth el$o)s on the t!$le- i&"! t !n !#o ne# ve sion of the sto * to !n* '(est )ho ,! e# to i&$i$e %no)le#'e !lon' )ith the &o e ,ostl* li9(o s+ <An#-

&in# *o(- the ni,est fello) *o( ,o(l# &eet-< )o(l# $e his 'ene o(s ,on,l(sion0 <9(ite s("e io +< It s!*s ! lot fo the ,!s(!l , o)# th!t f e9(ente# S,ho&$e ''s est!$lish&ent th!t Ji& &!n!'e# to h!n' o(t in B!n%o% fo ! )hole si. &onths+ I e&! %e# th!t "eo"le"e fe,t st !n'e s- too% to hi& !s one t!%es to ! ni,e ,hil#+ His &!nne )!s ese ve#- $(t it )!s !s tho('h his "e son!l !""e! !n,ehis h!i - his e*es- his s&ile- &!#e f ien#s fo hi& )he eve he )ent+ An#- of ,o( se- he )!s no fool+ I he! # Sie'&(n# Y(,%e ?n!tive of S)it/e l!n#@- ! 'entle , e!t( e !v!'e# $* ! , (el #*s"e"si!- !n# so f i'htf(ll* l!&e th!t his he!# s)(n' th o('h ! 9(! te of ! ,i ,le !t eve * ste" he too%- #e,l! e !"" e,i!tivel* th!t fo one so *o(n' he )!s <of ' e!t '!$!si#*-< !s tho('h it h!# $een ! &e e 9(estion of ,($i, ,ontents+ <Wh* not sen# hi& (" ,o(nt *5< I s(''este# !n.io(sl*+ ?Y(,%e B othe s h!# ,on,essions !n# te!% fo ests in the inte io +@ <If he h!s ,!"!,it*- !s *o( s!*- he )ill soon 'et hol# of the )o %+ An# "h*si,!ll* he is ve * fit+ His he!lth is !l)!*s e.,ellent+< <A,h3 It's ! ' e!t tin' in #is 'o(n# * to $e v ee v o& tis"e"1shi!-< si'he# "oo Y(,%e envio(sl*- ,!stin' ! ste!lth* 'l!n,e !t the "it of his (ine# sto&!,h+ I left hi& # (&&in' "ensivel* on his #es% !n# &(tte in'- <Es ist ein' I#ee+ Es ist ein' I#ee+< Unfo t(n!tel*th!t ve * evenin' !n (n"le!s!nt !ff!i too% "l!,e in the hotel+ 'I #on't %no) th!t I $l!&e Ji& ve * &(,h- $(t it )!s ! t (l* e' ett!$le in,i#ent+ It $elon'e# to the l!&ent!$le s"e,ies of $! 1 oo& s,(ffles- !n# the othe "! t* to it )!s ! , oss1e*e# D!ne of so ts )hose visitin'1,! # e,ite#- (n#e his &is$e'otten n!&e: fi st lie(ten!nt in the Ro*!l Si!&ese N!v*+ The fello)- of ,o( se- )!s (tte l* ho"eless !t $illi! #s- $(t #i# not li%e to $e $e!ten- I s(""ose+ He h!# h!# eno('h to # in% to t( n n!st* !fte the si.th '!&e- !n# &!%e so&e s,o nf(l e&! % !t Ji&'s e."ense+ Most of the "eo"le the e #i#n't he! )h!t )!s s!i#- !n# those )ho h!# he! # see&e# to h!ve h!# !ll " e,ise e,olle,tion s,! e# o(t of the& $* the !""!llin' n!t( e of the ,onse9(en,es th!t i&&e#i!tel* ens(e#+ It )!s ve * l(,%* fo the D!ne th!t he ,o(l# s)i&- $e,!(se the oo& o"ene# on ! ve !n#!h !n# the Men!& flo)e# $elo) ve * )i#e !n# $l!,%+ A $o!t1lo!# of Chin!&en- $o(n#- !s li%el* !s not- on so&e thievin' e."e#ition- fishe# o(t the offi,e of the ;in' of Si!&- !n# Ji& t( ne# (" !t !$o(t &i#ni'ht on $o! # &* shi" )itho(t ! h!t+ <Eve *$o#* in the oo& see&e# to %no)-< he s!i#- '!s"in' *et f o& the ,ontest- !s it )e e+ He )!s !the so *- on 'ene !l " in,i"lesfo )h!t h!# h!""ene#- tho('h in this ,!se the e h!# $een- he s!i#<no o"tion+< B(t )h!t #is&!*e# hi& )!s to fin# the n!t( e of his $( #en !s )ell %no)n to eve *$o#* !s tho('h he h!# 'one !$o(t !ll th!t ti&e ,! *in' it on his sho(l#e s+ N!t( !ll* !fte this he ,o(l#n't e&!in in the "l!,e+ He )!s (nive s!ll* ,on#e&ne# fo the $ (t!l violen,e- so (n$e,o&in' ! &!n in his #eli,!te "osition0 so&e &!int!ine# he h!# $een #is' !,ef(ll* # (n% !t the ti&e0 othe s , iti,ise# his )!nt of t!,t+ Even S,ho&$e ' )!s ve * &(,h !nno*e#+ <He is ! ve * ni,e *o(n' &!n-< he s!i# ! '(&ent!tivel* to &e- <$(t the lie(ten!nt is ! fi st1 !te fello) too+ He #ines eve * ni'ht !t &* t!$le #'hote- *o( %no)+ An# the e's ! $illi! #1,(e $ o%en+ I ,!n't !llo) th!t+ 4i st thin' this &o nin' I )ent ove )ith &* !"olo'ies to the lie(ten!nt- !n# I thin% I've &!#e it !ll i'ht fo &*self0 $(t onl* thin%- ,!"t!in- if eve *$o#* st! te# s(,h '!&es3

Wh*- the &!n &i'ht h!ve $een # o)ne#3 An# he e I ,!n't (n o(t into the ne.t st eet !n# $(* ! ne) ,(e+ I've 'ot to ) ite to E( o"e fo the&+ No- no3 A te&"e li%e th!t )on't #o3< + + + He )!s e.t e&el* so e on the s($2e,t+ 'This )!s the )o st in,i#ent of !ll in his11his et e!t+ No$o#* ,o(l# #e"lo e it &o e th!n &*self0 fo if- !s so&e$o#* s!i# he! in' hi& &entione#- <Oh *es3 I %no)+ He h!s %no,%e# !$o(t ! 'oo# #e!l o(t he e-< *et he h!# so&eho) !voi#e# $ein' $!tte e# !n# ,hi""e# in the " o,ess+ This l!st !ff!i - ho)eve - &!#e &e se io(sl* (ne!s*- $e,!(se if his e.9(isite sensi$ilities )e e to 'o the len'th of involvin' hi& in "ot1ho(se shin#ies- he )o(l# lose his n!&e of !n inoffensive- if !'' !v!tin'- fool- !n# !,9(i e th!t of ! ,o&&on lo!fe + 4o !ll &* ,onfi#en,e in hi& I ,o(l# not hel" efle,tin' th!t in s(,h ,!ses f o& the n!&e to the thin' itself is $(t ! ste"+ I s(""ose *o( )ill (n#e st!n# th!t $* th!t ti&e I ,o(l# not thin% of )!shin' &* h!n#s of hi&+ I too% hi& !)!* f o& B!n%o% in &* shi"- !n# )e h!# ! lon'ish "!ss!'e+ It )!s "itif(l to see ho) he sh !n% )ithin hi&self+ A se!&!n- even if ! &e e "!ssen'e - t!%es !n inte est in ! shi"- !n# loo%s !t the se!1life ! o(n# hi& )ith the , iti,!l en2o*&ent of ! "!inte - fo inst!n,e- loo%in' !t !nothe &!n's )o %+ In eve * sense of the e." ession he is <on #e,%<0 $(t &* Ji&- fo the &ost "! t- s%(l%e# #o)n $elo) !s tho('h he h!# $een ! sto)!)!*+ He infe,te# &e so th!t I !voi#e# s"e!%in' on " ofession!l &!tte ss(,h !s )o(l# s(''est the&selves n!t( !ll* to t)o s!ilo s #( in' ! "!ss!'e+ 4o )hole #!*s )e #i# not e.,h!n'e ! )o #0 I felt e.t e&el* (n)illin' to 'ive o #e s to &* offi,e s in his " esen,e+ Often- )hen !lone )ith hi& on #e,% o in the ,!$in- )e #i#n't %no) )h!t to #o )ith o( e*es+ 'I "l!,e# hi& )ith De Jon'h- !s *o( %no)- 'l!# eno('h to #is"ose of hi& in !n* )!*- *et "e s(!#e# th!t his "osition )!s no) ' o)in' intole !$le+ He h!# lost so&e of th!t el!sti,it* )hi,h h!# en!$le# hi& to e$o(n# $!,% into his (n,o&" o&isin' "osition !fte eve * ove th o)+ One #!*- ,o&in' !sho e- I s!) hi& st!n#in' on the 9(!*0 the )!te of the o!#ste!# !n# the se! in the offin' &!#e one s&ooth !s,en#in' "l!ne- !n# the o(te &ost shi"s !t !n,ho see&e# to i#e &otionless in the s%*+ He )!s )!itin' fo his $o!t- )hi,h )!s $ein' lo!#e# !t o( feet )ith "!,%!'es of s&!ll sto es fo so&e vessel e!#* to le!ve+ Afte e.,h!n'in' ' eetin's- )e e&!ine# silent11si#e $* si#e+ <Jove3< he s!i# s(##enl*- <this is %illin' )o %+< 'He s&ile# !t &e0 I &(st s!* he 'ene !ll* ,o(l# &!n!'e ! s&ile+ I &!#e no e"l*+ I %ne) ve * )ell he )!s not !ll(#in' to his #(ties0 he h!# !n e!s* ti&e of it )ith De Jon'h+ Neve theless- !s soon !s he h!# s"o%en I $e,!&e ,o&"letel* ,onvin,e# th!t the )o % )!s %illin'+ I #i# not even loo% !t hi&+ <Wo(l# *o( li%e-< s!i# I- <to le!ve this "! t of the )o l# !lto'ethe 0 t * C!lifo ni! o the West Co!st5 I'll see )h!t I ,!n #o + + +< He inte ("te# &e ! little s,o nf(ll*+ <Wh!t #iffe en,e )o(l# it &!%e5< + + + I felt !t on,e ,onvin,e# th!t he )!s i'ht+ It )o(l# &!%e no #iffe en,e0 it )!s not elief he )!nte#0 I see&e# to "e ,eive #i&l* th!t )h!t he )!nte#)h!t he )!s- !s it )e e- )!itin' fo - )!s so&ethin' not e!s* to #efine11so&ethin' in the n!t( e of !n o""o t(nit*+ I h!# 'iven hi&

&!n* o""o t(nities- $(t the* h!# $een &e el* o""o t(nities to e! n his $ e!#+ Yet )h!t &o e ,o(l# !n* &!n #o5 The "osition st (,% &e !s ho"eless- !n# "oo B ie l*'s s!*in' e,( e# to &e- <Let hi& , ee" t)ent* feet (n#e ' o(n# !n# st!* the e+< Bette th!t- I tho('ht- th!n this )!itin' !$ove ' o(n# fo the i&"ossi$le+ Yet one ,o(l# not $e s( e even of th!t+ The e !n# then- $efo e his $o!t )!s th ee o! s' len'ths !)!* f o& the 9(!*- I h!# &!#e (" &* &in# to 'o !n# ,ons(lt Stein in the evenin'+ 'This Stein )!s ! )e!lth* !n# es"e,te# &e ,h!nt+ His <ho(se< ?$e,!(se it )!s ! ho(se- Stein J Co+- !n# the e )!s so&e so t of "! tne )ho- !s Stein s!i#- <loo%e# !fte the Mol(,,!s<@ h!# ! l! 'e inte 1isl!n# $(siness- )ith ! lot of t !#in' "osts est!$lishe# in the &ost o(t1of1the1)!* "l!,es fo ,olle,tin' the " o#(,e+ His )e!lth !n# his es"e,t!$ilit* )e e not e.!,tl* the e!sons )h* I )!s !n.io(s to see% his !#vi,e+ I #esi e# to ,onfi#e &* #iffi,(lt* to hi& $e,!(se he )!s one of the &ost t (st)o th* &en I h!# eve %no)n+ The 'entle li'ht of ! si&"le- (n)e! ie#- !s it )e e- !n# intelli'ent 'oo#1n!t( e ill(&ine# his lon' h!i less f!,e+ It h!# #ee" #o)n)! # fol#s!n# )!s "!le !s of ! &!n )ho h!# !l)!*s le# ! se#ent! * life11)hi,h )!s in#ee# ve * f! f o& $ein' the ,!se+ His h!i )!s thin- !n# $ (she# $!,% f o& ! &!ssive !n# loft* fo ehe!#+ One f!n,ie# th!t !t t)ent* he &(st h!ve loo%e# ve * &(,h li%e )h!t he )!s no) !t th ees,o e+ It )!s ! st(#ent's f!,e0 onl* the e*e$ o)s ne! l* !ll )hite- thi,% !n# $(sh*- to'ethe )ith the esol(te se! ,hin' 'l!n,e th!t ,!&e f o& (n#e the&- )e e not in !,,o # )ith his- I &!* s!*le! ne# !""e! !n,e+ He )!s t!ll !n# loose12ointe#0 his sli'ht stoo"to'ethe )ith !n inno,ent s&ile- &!#e hi& !""e! $enevolentl* e!#* to len# *o( his e! 0 his lon' ! &s )ith "!le $i' h!n#s h!# ! e #eli$e !te 'est( es of ! "ointin' o(t- #e&onst !tin' %in#+ I s"e!% of hi& !t len'th- $e,!(se (n#e this e.te io - !n# in ,on2(n,tion )ith !n (" i'ht !n# in#(l'ent n!t( e- this &!n "ossesse# !n int e"i#it* of s"i it !n# ! "h*si,!l ,o( !'e th!t ,o(l# h!ve $een ,!lle# e,%less h!# it not $een li%e ! n!t( !l f(n,tion of the $o#*11 s!* 'oo# #i'estion- fo inst!n,e11,o&"letel* (n,ons,io(s of itself+ It is so&eti&es s!i# of ! &!n th!t he ,! ies his life in his h!n#+ S(,h ! s!*in' )o(l# h!ve $een in!#e9(!te if !""lie# to hi&0 #( in' the e! l* "! t of his e.isten,e in the E!st he h!# $een "l!*in' $!ll )ith it+ All this )!s in the "!st- $(t I %ne) the sto * of his life !n# the o i'in of his fo t(ne+ He )!s !lso ! n!t( !list of so&e #istin,tiono "e h!"s I sho(l# s!* ! le! ne# ,olle,to + Ento&olo'* )!s his s"e,i!l st(#*+ His ,olle,tion of B(" esti#!e !n# Lon'i,o ns11$eetles !ll11ho i$le &ini!t( e &onste s- loo%in' &!levolent in #e!th !n# i&&o$ilit*- !n# his ,!$inet of $(tte flies- $e!(tif(l !n# hove in' (n#e the 'l!ss of ,!ses on lifeless )in's- h!# s" e!# his f!&e f! ove the e! th+ The n!&e of this &e ,h!nt- !#vent( e so&eti&e !#vise of ! M!l!* s(lt!n ?to )ho& he neve !ll(#e# othe )ise th!n !s <&* "oo Moh!&&e# Bonso<@- h!#- on !,,o(nt of ! fe) $(shels of #e!# inse,ts- $e,o&e %no)n to le! ne# "e sons in E( o"e- )ho ,o(l# h!ve h!# no ,on,e"tion- !n# ,e t!inl* )o(l# not h!ve ,! e# to %no) !n*thin'- of his life o ,h! !,te + I- )ho %ne)- ,onsi#e e# hi& !n e&inentl* s(it!$le "e son to e,eive &* ,onfi#en,es !$o(t Ji&'s #iffi,(lties !s )ell !s &* o)n+'

CHAPTER =H 'L!te in the evenin' I ente e# his st(#*- !fte t !ve sin' !n i&"osin' $(t e&"t* #inin'1 oo& ve * #i&l* lit+ The ho(se )!s silent+ I )!s " e,e#e# $* !n el#e l* ' i& J!v!nese se v!nt in ! so t of live * of )hite 2!,%et !n# *ello) s! on'- )ho- !fte th o)in' the #oo o"en- e.,l!i&e# lo)- <O &!ste 3< !n# ste""in' !si#ev!nishe# in ! &*ste io(s )!* !s tho('h he h!# $een ! 'host onl* &o&ent! il* e&$o#ie# fo th!t "! ti,(l! se vi,e+ Stein t( ne# o(n# )ith the ,h!i - !n# in the s!&e &ove&ent his s"e,t!,les see&e# to 'et "(she# (" on his fo ehe!#+ He )el,o&e# &e in his 9(iet !n# h(&o o(s voi,e+ Onl* one ,o ne of the v!st oo&- the ,o ne in )hi,h stoo# his ) itin'1#es%- )!s st on'l* li'hte# $* ! sh!#e# e!#in'1l!&"- !n# the est of the s"!,io(s !"! t&ent &elte# into sh!"eless 'loo& li%e ! ,!ve n+ N! o) shelves fille# )ith #! % $o.es of (nifo & sh!"e !n# ,olo( !n o(n# the )!lls- not f o& floo to ,eilin'- $(t in ! so&$ e $elt !$o(t fo( feet $ o!#+ C!t!,o&$s of $eetles+ Woo#en t!$lets )e e h(n' !$ove !t i e'(l! inte v!ls+ The li'ht e!,he# one of the&- !n# the )o # Coleo"te ! ) itten in 'ol# lette s 'litte e# &*ste io(sl* ("on ! v!st #i&ness+ The 'l!ss ,!ses ,ont!inin' the ,olle,tion of $(tte flies )e e !n'e# in th ee lon' o)s ("on slen#e 1le''e# little t!$les+ One of these ,!ses h!# $een e&ove# f o& its "l!,e !n# stoo# on the #es%- )hi,h )!s $est e)n )ith o$lon' sli"s of "!"e $l!,%ene# )ith &in(te h!n#) itin'+ ' <So *o( see &e11so-< he s!i#+ His h!n# hove e# ove the ,!se )he e ! $(tte fl* in solit! * ' !n#e( s" e!# o(t #! % $ on/e )in'sseven in,hes o &o e !, oss- )ith e.9(isite )hite veinin's !n# ! 'o 'eo(s $o #e of *ello) s"ots+ <Onl* one s"e,i&en li%e this the* h!ve in B*o( B Lon#on- !n# then11no &o e+ To &* s&!ll n!tive to)n this &* ,olle,tion I sh!ll $e9(e!th+ So&ethin' of &e+ The $est+< 'He $ent fo )! # in the ,h!i !n# '!/e# intentl*- his ,hin ove the f ont of the ,!se+ I stoo# !t his $!,%+ <M! vello(s-< he )his"e e#!n# see&e# to fo 'et &* " esen,e+ His histo * )!s ,( io(s+ He h!# $een $o n in B!v! i!- !n# )hen ! *o(th of t)ent*1t)o h!# t!%en !n !,tive "! t in the evol(tion! * &ove&ent of 6ICI+ He!vil* ,o&" o&ise#- he &!n!'e# to &!%e his es,!"e- !n# !t fi st fo(n# ! ef('e )ith ! "oo e"($li,!n )!t,h&!%e in T ieste+ 4 o& the e he &!#e his )!* to T i"oli )ith ! sto,% of ,he!" )!t,hes to h!)% !$o(t-11not ! ve * ' e!t o"enin' t (l*- $(t it t( ne# o(t l(,%* eno('h- $e,!(se it )!s the e he ,!&e ("on ! D(t,h t !velle 11! !the f!&o(s &!n- I $elieve- $(t I #on't e&e&$e his n!&e+ It )!s th!t n!t( !list )ho- en'!'in' hi& !s ! so t of !ssist!nt- too% hi& to the E!st+ The* t !velle# in the A ,hi"el!'o to'ethe !n# se"! !tel*- ,olle,tin' inse,ts !n# $i #s- fo fo( *e! s o &o e+ Then the n!t( !list )ent ho&e- !n# Stein- h!vin' no ho&e to 'o to- e&!ine# )ith !n ol# t !#e he h!# ,o&e !, oss in his 2o( ne*s in the inte io of Cele$es11if Cele$es &!* $e s!i# to h!ve !n inte io + This ol# S,ots&!n- the onl* )hite &!n !llo)e# to esi#e in the

,o(nt * !t the ti&e- )!s ! " ivile'e# f ien# of the ,hief (le of W!2o St!tes- )ho )!s ! )o&!n+ I often he! # Stein el!te ho) th!t ,h!"- )ho )!s sli'htl* "! !l*se# on one si#e- h!# int o#(,e# hi& to the n!tive ,o( t ! sho t ti&e $efo e !nothe st o%e ,! ie# hi& off+ He )!s ! he!v* &!n )ith ! "!t i! ,h!l )hite $e! #- !n# of i&"osin' st!t( e+ He ,!&e into the ,o(n,il1h!ll )he e !ll the !2!hs"!n'e !ns- !n# he!#&en )e e !sse&$le#- )ith the 9(een- ! f!t ) in%le# )o&!n ?ve * f ee in he s"ee,h- Stein s!i#@- e,linin' on ! hi'h ,o(,h (n#e ! ,!no"*+ He # !''e# his le'- th(&"in' )ith his sti,%- !n# ' !s"e# Stein's ! &- le!#in' hi& i'ht (" to the ,o(,h+ <Loo%- 9(een- !n# *o( !2!hs- this is &* son-< he " o,l!i&e# in ! stento i!n voi,e+ <I h!ve t !#e# )ith *o( f!the s- !n# )hen I #ie he sh!ll t !#e )ith *o( !n# *o( sons+< 'B* &e!ns of this si&"le fo &!lit* Stein inhe ite# the S,ots&!n's " ivile'e# "osition !n# !ll his sto,%1in1t !#e- to'ethe )ith ! fo tifie# ho(se on the $!n%s of the onl* n!vi'!$le ive in the ,o(nt *+ Sho tl* !fte )! #s the ol# 9(een- )ho )!s so f ee in he s"ee,h#ie#- !n# the ,o(nt * $e,!&e #ist( $e# $* v! io(s " eten#e s to the th one+ Stein 2oine# the "! t* of ! *o(n'e son- the one of )ho& thi t* *e! s l!te he neve s"o%e othe )ise $(t !s <&* "oo Moh!&&e# Bonso+< The* $oth $e,!&e the he oes of inn(&e !$le e."loits0 the* h!# )on#e f(l !#vent( es- !n# on,e stoo# ! sie'e in the S,ots&!n's ho(se fo ! &onth- )ith onl* ! s,o e of follo)e s !'!inst ! )hole ! &*+ I $elieve the n!tives t!l% of th!t )! to this #!*+ Me!nti&e- it see&s- Stein neve f!ile# to !nne. on his o)n !,,o(nt eve * $(tte fl* o $eetle he ,o(l# l!* h!n#s on+ Afte so&e ei'ht *e! s of )! - ne'oti!tions- f!lse t (,es- s(##en o(t$ e!%se,on,ili!tion- t e!,he *- !n# so on- !n# 2(st !s "e!,e see&e# !t l!st "e &!nentl* est!$lishe#- his <"oo Moh!&&e# Bonso< )!s !ss!ssin!te# !t the '!te of his o)n o*!l esi#en,e )hile #is&o(ntin' in the hi'hest s"i its on his et( n f o& ! s(,,essf(l #ee 1h(nt+ This event en#e e# Stein's "osition e.t e&el* inse,( e- $(t he )o(l# h!ve st!*e# "e h!"s h!# it not $een th!t ! sho t ti&e !fte )! #s he lost Moh!&&e#'s siste ?<&* #e! )ife the " in,ess-< he (se# to s!* sole&nl*@- $* )ho& he h!# h!# ! #!('hte 11&othe !n# ,hil# $oth #*in' )ithin th ee #!*s of e!,h othe f o& so&e infe,tio(s feve + He left the ,o(nt *- )hi,h this , (el loss h!# &!#e (n$e! !$le to hi&+ Th(s en#e# the fi st !n# !#vent( o(s "! t of his e.isten,e+ Wh!t follo)e# )!s so #iffe ent th!t- $(t fo the e!lit* of so o) )hi,h e&!ine# )ith hi&- this st !n'e "! t &(st h!ve ese&$le# ! # e!&+ He h!# ! little &one*0 he st! te# life !f esh- !n# in the ,o( se of *e! s !,9(i e# ! ,onsi#e !$le fo t(ne+ At fi st he h!# t !velle# ! 'oo# #e!l !&on'st the isl!n#s- $(t !'e h!# stolen ("on hi&- !n# of l!te he sel#o& left his s"!,io(s ho(se th ee &iles o(t of to)n)ith !n e.tensive '! #en- !n# s( o(n#e# $* st!$les- offi,es- !n# $!&$oo ,ott!'es fo his se v!nts !n# #e"en#!nts- of )ho& he h!# &!n*+ He # ove in his $(''* eve * &o nin' to to)n- )he e he h!# !n offi,e )ith )hite !n# Chinese ,le %s+ He o)ne# ! s&!ll fleet of s,hoone s !n# n!tive , !ft- !n# #e!lt in isl!n# " o#(,e on ! l! 'e s,!le+ 4o the est he live# solit! *- $(t not &is!nth o"i,- )ith his $oo%s !n# his ,olle,tion- ,l!ssin' !n# ! !n'in' s"e,i&ens- ,o es"on#in' )ith ento&olo'ists in E( o"e- ) itin' (" ! #es, i"tive ,!t!lo'(e of his t e!s( es+ S(,h )!s the histo * of the &!n )ho& I h!# ,o&e to

,ons(lt ("on Ji&'s ,!se )itho(t !n* #efinite ho"e+ Si&"l* to he! )h!t he )o(l# h!ve to s!* )o(l# h!ve $een ! elief+ I )!s ve * !n.io(s- $(t I es"e,te# the intense- !l&ost "!ssion!te- !$so "tion )ith )hi,h he loo%e# !t ! $(tte fl*- !s tho('h on the $ on/e sheen of these f !il )in's- in the )hite t !,in's- in the 'o 'eo(s &! %in's- he ,o(l# see othe thin's- !n i&!'e of so&ethin' !s "e ish!$le !n# #ef*in' #est (,tion !s these #eli,!te !n# lifeless tiss(es #is"l!*in' ! s"len#o( (n&! e# $* #e!th+ ' <M! vello(s3< he e"e!te#- loo%in' (" !t &e+ <Loo%3 The $e!(t*11$(t th!t is nothin'11loo% !t the !,,( !,*- the h! &on*+ An# so f !'ile3 An# so st on'3 An# so e.!,t3 This is N!t( e11the $!l!n,e of ,oloss!l fo ,es+ Eve * st! is so11!n# eve * $l!#e of ' !ss st!n#s so11!n# the &i'ht* ;os&os il "e fe,t e9(ili$ i(& " o#(,es11this+ This )on#e 0 this &!ste "ie,e of N!t( e11the ' e!t ! tist+< ' <Neve he! # !n ento&olo'ist 'o on li%e this-< I o$se ve# ,hee f(ll*+ <M!ste "ie,e3 An# )h!t of &!n5< ' <M!n is !&!/in'- $(t he is not ! &!ste "ie,e-< he s!i#- %ee"in' his e*es fi.e# on the 'l!ss ,!se+ <Pe h!"s the ! tist )!s ! little &!#+ Eh5 Wh!t #o *o( thin%5 So&eti&es it see&s to &e th!t &!n is ,o&e )he e he is not )!nte#- )he e the e is no "l!,e fo hi&0 fo if not- )h* sho(l# he )!nt !ll the "l!,e5 Wh* sho(l# he (n !$o(t he e !n# the e &!%in' ! ' e!t noise !$o(t hi&self- t!l%in' !$o(t the st! s- #ist( $in' the $l!#es of ' !ss5 + + +< ' <C!t,hin' $(tte flies-< I ,hi&e# in+ 'He s&ile#- th e) hi&self $!,% in his ,h!i - !n# st et,he# his le's+ <Sit #o)n-< he s!i#+ <I ,!"t( e# this ! e s"e,i&en &*self one ve * fine &o nin'+ An# I h!# ! ve * $i' e&otion+ Yo( #on't %no) )h!t it is fo ! ,olle,to to ,!"t( e s(,h ! ! e s"e,i&en+ Yo( ,!n't %no)+< 'I s&ile# !t &* e!se in ! o,%in'1,h!i + His e*es see&e# to loo% f! $e*on# the )!ll !t )hi,h the* st! e#0 !n# he n! !te# ho)- one ni'ht- ! &essen'e ! ive# f o& his <"oo Moh!&&e#-< e9(i in' his " esen,e !t the < esi#en/<11!s he ,!lle# it11)hi,h )!s #ist!nt so&e nine o ten &iles $* ! $ i#le1"!th ove ! ,(ltiv!te# "l!in- )ith "!t,hes of fo est he e !n# the e+ E! l* in the &o nin' he st! te# f o& his fo tifie# ho(se- !fte e&$ !,in' his little E&&!- !n# le!vin' the <" in,ess-< his )ife- in ,o&&!n#+ He #es, i$e# ho) she ,!&e )ith hi& !s f! !s the '!te- )!l%in' )ith one h!n# on the ne,% of his ho se0 she h!# on ! )hite 2!,%et- 'ol# "ins in he h!i - !n# ! $ o)n le!the $elt ove he left sho(l#e )ith ! evolve in it+ <She t!l%e# !s )o&en )ill t!l%-< he s!i#- <tellin' &e to $e ,! ef(l- !n# to t * to 'et $!,% $efo e #! %- !n# )h!t ! ' e!t )i%e#ness it )!s fo &e to 'o !lone+ We )e e !t )! - !n# the ,o(nt * )!s not s!fe0 &* &en )e e "(ttin' (" $(llet1" oof sh(tte s to the ho(se !n# lo!#in' thei ifles- !n# she $e''e# &e to h!ve no fe! fo he + She ,o(l# #efen# the ho(se !'!inst !n*$o#* till I et( ne#+ An# I l!('he# )ith "le!s( e ! little+ I li%e# to see he so $ !ve !n# *o(n'

!n# st on'+ I too )!s *o(n' then+ At the '!te she ,!('ht hol# of &* h!n# !n# '!ve it one s9(ee/e !n# fell $!,%+ I &!#e &* ho se st!n# still o(tsi#e till I he! # the $! s of the '!te "(t (" $ehin# &e+ The e )!s ! ' e!t ene&* of &ine- ! ' e!t no$le11!n# ! ' e!t !s,!l too11 o!&in' )ith ! $!n# in the nei'h$o( hoo#+ I ,!nte e# fo fo( o five &iles0 the e h!# $een !in in the ni'ht- $(t the &(sts h!# 'one ("- ("11!n# the f!,e of the e! th )!s ,le!n0 it l!* s&ilin' to &e- so f esh !n# inno,ent11li%e ! little ,hil#+ S(##enl* so&e$o#* fi es ! volle*11t)ent* shots !t le!st it see&e# to &e+ I he! $(llets sin' in &* e! - !n# &* h!t 2(&"s to the $!,% of &* he!#+ It )!s ! little int i'(e- *o( (n#e st!n#+ The* 'ot &* "oo Moh!&&e# to sen# fo &e !n# then l!i# th!t !&$(sh+ I see it !ll in ! &in(te- !n# I thin%11This )!nts ! little &!n!'e&ent+ M* "on* sno t- 2(&"!n# st!n#- !n# I f!ll slo)l* fo )! # )ith &* he!# on his &!ne+ He $e'ins to )!l%- !n# )ith one e*e I ,o(l# see ove his ne,% ! f!int ,lo(# of s&o%e h!n'in' in f ont of ! ,l(&" of $!&$oos to &* left+ I thin%11Ah!3 &* f ien#s- )h* *o( not )!it lon' eno('h $efo e *o( shoot5 This is not *et 'el(n'en+ Oh no3 I 'et hol# of &* evolve )ith &* i'ht h!n#119(iet119(iet+ Afte !ll- the e )e e onl* seven of these !s,!ls+ The* 'et (" f o& the ' !ss !n# st! t (nnin' )ith thei s! on's t(,%e# ("- )!vin' s"e! s !$ove thei he!#s- !n# *ellin' to e!,h othe to loo% o(t !n# ,!t,h the ho se- $e,!(se I )!s #e!#+ I let the& ,o&e !s ,lose !s the #oo he e- !n# then $!n'$!n'- $!n'11t!%e !i& e!,h ti&e too+ One &o e shot I fi e !t ! &!n's $!,%- $(t I &iss+ Too f! !l e!#*+ An# then I sit !lone on &* ho se )ith the ,le!n e! th s&ilin' !t &e- !n# the e ! e the $o#ies of th ee &en l*in' on the ' o(n#+ One )!s ,( le# (" li%e ! #o'- !nothe on his $!,% h!# !n ! & ove his e*es !s if to %ee" off the s(n- !n# the thi # &!n he # !)s (" his le' ve * slo)l* !n# &!%es it )ith one %i,% st !i'ht !'!in+ I )!t,h hi& ve * ,! ef(ll* f o& &* ho se- $(t the e is no &o e11$lei$t '!n/ (hi'11%ee" still- so+ An# !s I loo%e# !t his f!,e fo so&e si'n of life I o$se ve# so&ethin' li%e ! f!int sh!#o) "!ss ove his fo ehe!#+ It )!s the sh!#o) of this $(tte fl*+ Loo% !t the fo & of the )in'+ This s"e,ies fl* hi'h )ith ! st on' fli'ht+ I !ise# &* e*es !n# I s!) hi& fl(tte in' !)!*+ I thin%11C!n it $e "ossi$le5 An# then I lost hi&+ I #is&o(nte# !n# )ent on ve * slo)- le!#in' &* ho se !n# hol#in' &* evolve )ith one h!n# !n# &* e*es #! tin' (" !n# #o)n !n# i'ht !n# left- eve *)he e3 At l!st I s!) hi& sittin' on ! s&!ll he!" of #i t ten feet !)!*+ At on,e &* he! t $e'!n to $e!t 9(i,%+ I let 'o &* ho se- %ee" &* evolve in one h!n#- !n# )ith the othe sn!t,h &* soft felt h!t off &* he!#+ One ste"+ Ste!#*+ Anothe ste"+ 4lo"3 I 'ot hi&3 When I 'ot (" I shoo% li%e ! le!f )ith e.,ite&ent- !n# )hen I o"ene# these $e!(tif(l )in's !n# &!#e s( e )h!t ! ! e !n# so e.t !o #in! * "e fe,t s"e,i&en I h!#- &* he!# )ent o(n# !n# &* le's $e,!&e so )e!% )ith e&otion th!t I h!# to sit on the ' o(n#+ I h!# ' e!tl* #esi e# to "ossess &*self of ! s"e,i&en of th!t s"e,ies )hen ,olle,tin' fo the " ofesso + I too% lon' 2o( ne*s !n# (n#e )ent ' e!t " iv!tions0 I h!# # e!&e# of hi& in &* slee"- !n# he e s(##enl* I h!# hi& in &* fin'e s11fo &*self3 In the )o #s of the "oet< ?he " ono(n,e# it <$oet<@11 < 'So h!lt' i,h's en#li,h #enn in &einen H!n#enUn# nenn' es in 'e)isse& Sinne &ein+' <

He '!ve to the l!st )o # the e&"h!sis of ! s(##enl* lo)e e# voi,e!n# )ith# e) his e*es slo)l* f o& &* f!,e+ He $e'!n to ,h! 'e ! lon'1ste&&e# "i"e $(sil* !n# in silen,e- then- "!(sin' )ith his th(&$ on the o ifi,e of the $o)l- loo%e# !'!in !t &e si'nifi,!ntl*+ ' <Yes- &* 'oo# f ien#+ On th!t #!* I h!# nothin' to #esi e0 I h!# ' e!tl* !nno*e# &* " in,i"!l ene&*0 I )!s *o(n'- st on'0 I h!# f ien#shi"0 I h!# the love< ?he s!i# <lof<@ <of )o&!n- ! ,hil# I h!#- to &!%e &* he! t ve * f(ll11!n# even )h!t I h!# on,e # e!&e# in &* slee" h!# ,o&e into &* h!n# too3< 'He st (,% ! &!t,h- )hi,h fl! e# violentl*+ His tho('htf(l "l!,i# f!,e t)it,he# on,e+ ' <4 ien#- )ife- ,hil#-< he s!i# slo)l*- '!/in' !t the s&!ll fl!&e11 <"hoo3< The &!t,h )!s $lo)n o(t+ He si'he# !n# t( ne# !'!in to the 'l!ss ,!se+ The f !il !n# $e!(tif(l )in's 9(ive e# f!intl*- !s if his $ e!th h!# fo !n inst!nt ,!lle# $!,% to life th!t 'o 'eo(s o$2e,t of his # e!&s+ ' <The )o %-< he $e'!n s(##enl*- "ointin' to the s,!tte e# sli"s!n# in his (s(!l 'entle !n# ,hee * tone- <is &!%in' ' e!t " o' ess+ I h!ve $een this ! e s"e,i&en #es, i$in'+ + + + N!3 An# )h!t is *o( 'oo# ne)s5< ' <To tell *o( the t (th- Stein-< I s!i# )ith !n effo t th!t s( " ise# &e- <I ,!&e he e to #es, i$e ! s"e,i&en+ + + +< ' <B(tte fl*5< he !s%e#- )ith !n (n$elievin' !n# h(&o o(s e!'e ness+ ' <Nothin' so "e fe,t-< I !ns)e e#- feelin' s(##enl* #is"i ite# )ith !ll so ts of #o($ts+ <A &!n3< ' <A,h so3< he &( &( e#- !n# his s&ilin' ,o(nten!n,e- t( ne# to &e- $e,!&e ' !ve+ Then !fte loo%in' !t &e fo ! )hile he s!i# slo)l*- <Well11I !& ! &!n too+< 'He e *o( h!ve hi& !s he )!s0 he %ne) ho) to $e so 'ene o(sl* en,o( !'in' !s to &!%e ! s, ("(lo(s &!n hesit!te on the $ in% of ,onfi#en,e0 $(t if I #i# hesit!te it )!s not fo lon'+ 'He he! # &e o(t- sittin' )ith , osse# le's+ So&eti&es his he!# )o(l# #is!""e! ,o&"letel* in ! ' e!t e ("tion of s&o%e- !n# ! s*&"!theti, ' o)l )o(l# ,o&e o(t f o& the ,lo(#+ When I finishe# he (n, osse# his le's- l!i# #o)n his "i"e- le!ne# fo )! # to)! #s &e e! nestl* )ith his el$o)s on the ! &s of his ,h!i - the ti"s of his fin'e s to'ethe + ' <I (n#e st!n# ve * )ell+ He is o&!nti,+<

'He h!# #i!'nose# the ,!se fo &e- !n# !t fi st I )!s 9(ite st! tle# to fin# ho) si&"le it )!s0 !n# in#ee# o( ,onfe en,e ese&$le# so &(,h ! &e#i,!l ,ons(lt!tion11Stein- of le! ne# !s"e,t- sittin' in !n ! &1,h!i $efo e his #es%0 I- !n.io(s- in !nothe - f!,in' hi&-

$(t ! little to one si#e11th!t it see&e# n!t( !l to !s%11 ' <Wh!t's 'oo# fo it5<

'He lifte# (" ! lon' fo efin'e + ' <The e is onl* one e&e#*3 One thin' !lone ,!n (s f o& $ein' o( selves ,( e3< The fin'e ,!&e #o)n on the #es% )ith ! s&! t !"+ The ,!se )hi,h he h!# &!#e to loo% so si&"le $efo e $e,!&e if "ossi$le still si&"le 11!n# !lto'ethe ho"eless+ The e )!s ! "!(se+ <Yes-< s!i# I- <st i,tl* s"e!%in'- the 9(estion is not ho) to 'et ,( e#- $(t ho) to live+< 'He !"" ove# )ith his he!#- ! little s!#l* !s it see&e#+ <J!3 2!3 In 'ene !l- !#!"tin' the )o #s of *o( ' e!t "oet: Th!t is the 9(estion+ + + +< He )ent on no##in' s*&"!theti,!ll*+ + + + <Ho) to $e3 A,h3 Ho) to $e+< 'He stoo# (" )ith the ti"s of his fin'e s estin' on the #es%+

' <We )!nt in so &!n* #iffe ent )!*s to $e-< he $e'!n !'!in+ <This &!'nifi,ent $(tte fl* fin#s ! little he!" of #i t !n# sits still on it0 $(t &!n he )ill neve on his he!" of &(# %ee" still+ He )!nt to $e so- !n# !'!in he )!nt to $e so+ + + +< He &ove# his h!n# ("then #o)n+ + + + <He )!nts to $e ! s!int- !n# he )!nts to $e ! #evil11!n# eve * ti&e he sh(ts his e*es he sees hi&self !s ! ve * fine fello)11so fine !s he ,!n neve $e+ + + + In ! # e!&+ + + +< 'He lo)e e# the 'l!ss li#- the !(to&!ti, lo,% ,li,%e# sh! "l*- !n# t!%in' (" the ,!se in $oth h!n#s he $o e it eli'io(sl* !)!* to its "l!,e- "!ssin' o(t of the $ i'ht ,i ,le of the l!&" into the in' of f!inte li'ht11into sh!"eless #(s% !t l!st+ It h!# !n o## effe,t11!s if these fe) ste"s h!# ,! ie# hi& o(t of this ,on, ete !n# "e "le.e# )o l#+ His t!ll fo &- !s tho('h o$$e# of its s($st!n,e- hove e# noiselessl* ove invisi$le thin's )ith stoo"in' !n# in#efinite &ove&ents0 his voi,e- he! # in th!t e&oteness )he e he ,o(l# $e 'li&"se# &*ste io(sl* $(s* )ith i&&!te i!l ,! es- )!s no lon'e in,isive- see&e# to oll vol(&ino(s !n# ' !ve11&ello)e# $* #ist!n,e+ ' <An# $e,!(se *o( not !l)!*s ,!n %ee" *o( e*es sh(t the e ,o&es the e!l t o($le11the he! t "!in11the )o l# "!in+ I tell *o(&* f ien#- it is not 'oo# fo *o( to fin# *o( ,!nnot &!%e *o( # e!& ,o&e t (e- fo the e!son th!t *o( not st on' eno('h ! e- o not ,leve eno('h+ +J!3 + + + An# !ll the ti&e *o( ! e s(,h ! fine fello) too3 Wie5 W!s5 >ott i& Hi&&el3 Ho) ,!n th!t $e5 H!3 h!3 h!3< 'The sh!#o) " o)lin' !&on'st the ' !ves of $(tte flies l!('he# $oiste o(sl*+ ' <Yes3 Ee * f(nn* this te i$le thin' is+ A &!n th!t is $o n f!lls into ! # e!& li%e ! &!n )ho f!lls into the se!+ If he t ies to ,li&$ o(t into the !i !s ine."e ien,e# "eo"le en#e!vo( to #o- he # o)ns11ni,ht )!h 5 + + + No3 I tell *o(3 The )!* is to the #est (,tive

ele&ent s($&it *o( self- !n# )ith the e.e tions of *o( h!n#s !n# feet in the )!te &!%e the #ee"- #ee" se! %ee" *o( ("+ So if *o( !s% &e11ho) to $e5< 'His voi,e le!"e# (" e.t !o #in! il* st on'- !s tho('h !)!* the e in the #(s% he h!# $een ins"i e# $* so&e )his"e of %no)le#'e+ <I )ill tell *o(3 4o th!t too the e is onl* one )!*+< 'With ! h!st* s)ish1s)ish of his sli""e s he loo&e# (" in the in' of f!int li'ht- !n# s(##enl* !""e! e# in the $ i'ht ,i ,le of the l!&"+ His e.ten#e# h!n# !i&e# !t &* $ e!st li%e ! "istol0 his #ee"set e*es see&e# to "ie ,e th o('h &e- $(t his t)it,hin' li"s (tte e# no )o #- !n# the !(ste e e.!lt!tion of ! ,e tit(#e seen in the #(s% v!nishe# f o& his f!,e+ The h!n# th!t h!# $een "ointin' !t &* $ e!st fell- !n# $*1!n#1$*- ,o&in' ! ste" ne! e - he l!i# it 'entl* on &* sho(l#e + The e )e e thin's- he s!i# &o( nf(ll*- th!t "e h!"s ,o(l# neve $e tol#- onl* he h!# live# so &(,h !lone th!t so&eti&es he fo 'ot11he fo 'ot+ The li'ht h!# #est o*e# the !ss( !n,e )hi,h h!# ins"i e# hi& in the #ist!nt sh!#o)s+ He s!t #o)n !n#- )ith $oth el$o)s on the #es%- ($$e# his fo ehe!#+ <An# *et it is t (e11it is t (e+ In the #est (,tive ele&ent i&&e se+< + + + He s"o%e in ! s($#(e# tone)itho(t loo%in' !t &e- one h!n# on e!,h si#e of his f!,e+ <Th!t )!s the )!*+ To follo) the # e!&- !n# !'!in to follo) the # e!&11!n# so11e)i'11(s9(e !# fine&+ + + +< The )his"e of his ,onvi,tion see&e# to o"en $efo e &e ! v!st !n# (n,e t!in e."!nse- !s of ! , e"(s,(l! ho i/on on ! "l!in !t #!)n11o )!s it- "e ,h!n,e- !t the ,o&in' of the ni'ht5 One h!# not the ,o( !'e to #e,i#e0 $(t it )!s ! ,h! &in' !n# #e,e"tive li'ht- th o)in' the i&"!l"!$le "oes* of its #i&ness ove "itf!lls11ove ' !ves+ His life h!# $e'(n in s!, ifi,e- in enth(si!s& fo 'ene o(s i#e!s0 he h!# t !velle# ve * f! - on v! io(s )!*s- on st !n'e "!ths- !n# )h!teve he follo)e# it h!# $een )itho(t f!lte in'- !n# the efo e )itho(t sh!&e !n# )itho(t e' et+ In so f! he )!s i'ht+ Th!t )!s the )!*- no #o($t+ Yet fo !ll th!t- the ' e!t "l!in on )hi,h &en )!n#e !&on'st ' !ves !n# "itf!lls e&!ine# ve * #esol!te (n#e the i&"!l"!$le "oes* of its , e"(s,(l! li'htove sh!#o)e# in the ,ent e- ,i ,le# )ith ! $ i'ht e#'e !s if s( o(n#e# $* !n !$*ss f(ll of fl!&es+ When !t l!st I $ o%e the silen,e it )!s to e." ess the o"inion th!t no one ,o(l# $e &o e o&!nti, th!n hi&self+ 'He shoo% his he!# slo)l*- !n# !fte )! #s loo%e# !t &e )ith ! "!tient !n# in9(i in' 'l!n,e+ It )!s ! sh!&e- he s!i#+ The e )e )e e sittin' !n# t!l%in' li%e t)o $o*s- inste!# of "(ttin' o( he!#s to'ethe to fin# so&ethin' " !,ti,!l11! " !,ti,!l e&e#*11fo the evil11fo the ' e!t evil11he e"e!te#- )ith ! h(&o o(s !n# in#(l'ent s&ile+ 4o !ll th!t- o( t!l% #i# not ' o) &o e " !,ti,!l+ We !voi#e# " ono(n,in' Ji&'s n!&e !s tho('h )e h!# t ie# to %ee" flesh !n# $loo# o(t of o( #is,(ssion- o he )e e nothin' $(t !n e in' s"i it! s(ffe in' !n# n!&eless sh!#e+ <N!3< s!i# Stein- isin'+ <To1ni'ht *o( slee" he e- !n# in the &o nin' )e sh!ll #o so&ethin' " !,ti,!l11 " !,ti,!l+ + + +< He lit ! t)o1$ !n,he# ,!n#lesti,% !n# le# the )!*+ We "!sse# th o('h e&"t* #! % oo&s- es,o te# $* 'le!&s f o& the li'hts Stein ,! ie#+ The* 'li#e# !lon' the )!.e# floo s- s)ee"in' he e !n# the e ove the "olishe# s( f!,e of ! t!$le- le!"e# ("on

! f !'&ent! * ,( ve of ! "ie,e of f( nit( e- o fl!she# "e "en#i,(l! l* in !n# o(t of #ist!nt &i o s- )hile the fo &s of t)o &en !n# the fli,%e of t)o fl!&es ,o(l# $e seen fo ! &o&ent ste!lin' silentl* !, oss the #e"ths of ! , *st!lline voi#+ He )!l%e# slo)l* ! "!,e in !#v!n,e )ith stoo"in' ,o( tes*0 the e )!s ! " ofo(n#- !s it )e e ! listenin'- 9(iet(#e on his f!,e0 the lon' fl!.en lo,%s &i.e# )ith )hite th e!#s )e e s,!tte e# thinl* ("on his sli'htl* $o)e# ne,%+ ' <He is o&!nti,11 o&!nti,-< he e"e!te#+ <An# th!t is ve * $!#11ve * $!#+ + + + Ee * 'oo#- too-< he !##e#+ <B(t Bis heB5< I 9(e ie#+ ' <>e)iss-< he s!i#- !n# stoo# still hol#in' (" the ,!n#el!$ (&$(t )itho(t loo%in' !t &e+ <Evi#ent3 Wh!t is it th!t $* in)! # "!in &!%es hi& %no) hi&self5 Wh!t is it th!t fo *o( !n# &e &!%es hi&11e.ist5< 'At th!t &o&ent it )!s #iffi,(lt to $elieve in Ji&'s e.isten,e11 st! tin' f o& ! ,o(nt * "! son!'e- $l( e# $* , o)#s of &en !s $* ,lo(#s of #(st- silen,e# $* the ,l!shin' ,l!i&s of life !n# #e!th in ! &!te i!l )o l#11$(t his i&"e ish!$le e!lit* ,!&e to &e )ith ! ,onvin,in'- )ith !n i esisti$le fo ,e3 I s!) it vivi#l*- !s tho('h in o( " o' ess th o('h the loft* silent oo&s !&on'st fleetin' 'le!&s of li'ht !n# the s(##en evel!tions of h(&!n fi'( es ste!lin' )ith fli,%e in' fl!&es )ithin (nf!tho&!$le !n# "ell(,i# #e"ths- )e h!# !"" o!,he# ne! e to !$sol(te T (th- )hi,h- li%e Be!(t* itselfflo!ts el(sive- o$s,( e- h!lf s($&e 'e#- in the silent still )!te s of &*ste *+ <Pe h!"s he is-< I !#&itte# )ith ! sli'ht l!('h- )hose (ne."e,te#l* lo(# eve $e !tion &!#e &e lo)e &* voi,e #i e,tl*0 <$(t I !& s( e *o( ! e+< With his he!# # o""in' on his $ e!st !n# the li'ht hel# hi'h he $e'!n to )!l% !'!in+ <Well11I e.ist- too-< he s!i#+ 'He " e,e#e# &e+ M* e*es follo)e# his &ove&ents- $(t )h!t I #i# see )!s not the he!# of the fi &- the )el,o&e '(est !t !fte noon e,e"tions- the ,o es"on#ent of le! ne# so,ieties- the ente t!ine of st !* n!t( !lists0 I s!) onl* the e!lit* of his #estin*- )hi,h he h!# %no)n ho) to follo) )ith (nf!lte in' footste"s- th!t life $e'(n in h(&$le s( o(n#in's- i,h in 'ene o(s enth(si!s&s- in f ien#shi"- love- )! 11in !ll the e.!lte# ele&ents of o&!n,e+ At the #oo of &* oo& he f!,e# &e+ <Yes-< I s!i#- !s tho('h ,! *in' on ! #is,(ssion- <!n# !&on'st othe thin's *o( # e!&e# foolishl* of ! ,e t!in $(tte fl*0 $(t )hen one fine &o nin' *o( # e!& ,!&e in *o( )!* *o( #i# not let the s"len#i# o""o t(nit* es,!"e+ Di# *o(5 Whe e!s he + + +< Stein lifte# his h!n#+ <An# #o *o( %no) ho) &!n* o""o t(nities I let es,!"e0 ho) &!n* # e!&s I h!# lost th!t h!# ,o&e in &* )!*5< He shoo% his he!# e' etf(ll*+ <It see&s to &e th!t so&e )o(l# h!ve $een ve * fine11if I h!# &!#e the& ,o&e t (e+ Do *o( %no) ho) &!n*5 Pe h!"s I &*self #on't %no)+< <Whethe his )e e fine o not-< I s!i#- <he %no)s of one )hi,h he ,e t!inl* #i# not ,!t,h+< <Eve *$o#* %no)s of one o t)o li%e th!t-< s!i# Stein0 <!n# th!t is the t o($le11the ' e!t t o($le+ + + +< 'He shoo% h!n#s on the th eshol#- "ee e# into &* oo& (n#e

his !ise# ! &+ <Slee" )ell+ An# to1&o " !,ti,!l11" !,ti,!l+ + + +<

o) )e &(st #o so&ethin'

'Tho('h his o)n oo& )!s $e*on# &ine I s!) hi& et( n the )!* he ,!&e+ He )!s 'oin' $!,% to his $(tte flies+'

CHAPTER =6 'I #on't s(""ose !n* of *o( h!ve eve he! # of P!t(s!n5' M! lo) es(&e#- !fte ! silen,e o,,("ie# in the ,! ef(l li'htin' of ! ,i'! + 'It #oes not &!tte 0 the e's &!n* ! he!venl* $o#* in the lot , o)#in' ("on (s of ! ni'ht th!t &!n%in# h!# neve he! # of- it $ein' o(tsi#e the s"he e of its !,tivities !n# of no e! thl* i&"o t!n,e to !n*$o#* $(t to the !st ono&e s )ho ! e "!i# to t!l% le! ne#l* !$o(t its ,o&"osition- )ei'ht- "!th11the i e'(l! ities of its ,on#(,t- the !$e !tions of its li'ht11! so t of s,ientifi, s,!n#!l1&on'e in'+ Th(s )ith P!t(s!n+ It )!s efe e# to %no)in'l* in the inne 'ove n&ent ,i ,les in B!t!vi!- es"e,i!ll* !s to its i e'(l! ities !n# !$e !tions!n# it )!s %no)n $* n!&e to so&e fe)- ve * fe)- in the &e ,!ntile )o l#+ No$o#*- ho)eve - h!# $een the e- !n# I s(s"e,t no one #esi e# to 'o the e in "e son- 2(st !s !n !st ono&e - I sho(l# f!n,*)o(l# st on'l* o$2e,t to $ein' t !ns"o te# into ! #ist!nt he!venl* $o#*- )he e- "! te# f o& his e! thl* e&ol(&ents- he )o(l# $e $e)il#e e# $* the vie) of !n (nf!&ili! he!vens+ Ho)eve - neithe he!venl* $o#ies no !st ono&e s h!ve !n*thin' to #o )ith P!t(s!n+ It )!s Ji& )ho )ent the e+ I onl* &e!nt *o( to (n#e st!n# th!t h!# Stein ! !n'e# to sen# hi& into ! st! of the fifth &!'nit(#e the ,h!n'e ,o(l# not h!ve $een ' e!te + He left his e! thl* f!ilin's $ehin# hi& !n# )h!t so t of e"(t!tion he h!#- !n# the e )!s ! tot!ll* ne) set of ,on#itions fo his i&!'in!tive f!,(lt* to )o % ("on+ Enti el* ne)- enti el* e&! %!$le+ An# he 'ot hol# of the& in ! e&! %!$le )!*+ 'Stein )!s the &!n )ho %ne) &o e !$o(t P!t(s!n th!n !n*$o#* else+ Mo e th!n )!s %no)n in the 'ove n&ent ,i ,les I s(s"e,t+ I h!ve no #o($t he h!# $een the e- eithe in his $(tte fl*1h(ntin' #!*s o l!te on- )hen he t ie# in his in,o i'i$le )!* to se!son )ith ! "in,h of o&!n,e the f!ttenin' #ishes of his ,o&&e ,i!l %it,hen+ The e )e e ve * fe) "l!,es in the A ,hi"el!'o he h!# not seen in the o i'in!l #(s% of thei $ein'- $efo e li'ht ?!n# even ele,t i, li'ht@ h!# $een ,! ie# into the& fo the s!%e of $ette &o !lit* !n#11 !n#11)ell11the ' e!te " ofit- too+ It )!s !t $ e!%f!st of the &o nin' follo)in' o( t!l% !$o(t Ji& th!t he &entione# the "l!,e- !fte I h!# 9(ote# "oo B ie l*'s e&! %: <Let hi& , ee" t)ent* feet (n#e ' o(n# !n# st!* the e+< He loo%e# (" !t &e )ith inte este# !ttention- !s tho('h I h!# $een ! ! e inse,t+ <This ,o(l# $e #onetoo-< he e&! %e#- si""in' his ,offee+ <B( * hi& in so&e so t-< I e."l!ine#+ <One #oesn't li%e to #o it of ,o( se- $(t it )o(l# $e the $est thin'- seein' )h!t he is+< <Yes0 he is *o(n'-< Stein &(se#+ <The *o(n'est h(&!n $ein' no) in e.isten,e-< I !ffi &e#+ <S,hon+ The e's P!t(s!n-< he )ent on in the s!&e tone+ + + + <An# the )o&!n

is #e!# no)-< he !##e# in,o&" ehensi$l*+ 'Of ,o( se I #on't %no) th!t sto *0 I ,!n onl* '(ess th!t on,e $efo e P!t(s!n h!# $een (se# !s ! ' !ve fo so&e sin- t !ns' essiono &isfo t(ne+ It is i&"ossi$le to s(s"e,t Stein+ The onl* )o&!n th!t h!# eve e.iste# fo hi& )!s the M!l!* 'i l he ,!lle# <M* )ife the " in,ess-< o - &o e ! el*- in &o&ents of e."!nsion- <the &othe of &* E&&!+< Who )!s the )o&!n he h!# &entione# in ,onne,tion )ith P!t(s!n I ,!n't s!*0 $(t f o& his !ll(sions I (n#e st!n# she h!# $een !n e#(,!te# !n# ve * 'oo#1loo%in' D(t,h1M!l!* 'i l- )ith ! t !'i, o "e h!"s onl* ! "itif(l histo *- )hose &ost "!inf(l "! t no #o($t )!s he &! i!'e )ith ! M!l!,,! Po t('(ese )ho h!# $een ,le % in so&e ,o&&e ,i!l ho(se in the D(t,h ,olonies+ I '!the e# f o& Stein th!t this &!n )!s !n (ns!tisf!,to * "e son in &o e )!*s th!n one- !ll $ein' &o e o less in#efinite !n# offensive+ It )!s solel* fo his )ife's s!%e th!t Stein h!# !""ointe# hi& &!n!'e of Stein J Co+'s t !#in' "ost in P!t(s!n0 $(t ,o&&e ,i!ll* the ! !n'e&ent )!s not ! s(,,ess!t !n* !te fo the fi &- !n# no) the )o&!n h!# #ie#- Stein )!s #is"ose# to t * !nothe !'ent the e+ The Po t('(ese- )hose n!&e )!s Co neli(s- ,onsi#e e# hi&self ! ve * #ese vin' $(t ill1(se# "e sonentitle# $* his !$ilities to ! $ette "osition+ This &!n Ji& )o(l# h!ve to elieve+ <B(t I #on't thin% he )ill 'o !)!* f o& the "l!,e-< e&! %e# Stein+ <Th!t h!s nothin' to #o )ith &e+ It )!s onl* fo the s!%e of the )o&!n th!t I + + + B(t !s I thin% the e is ! #!('hte leftI sh!ll let hi&- if he li%es to st!*- %ee" the ol# ho(se+< 'P!t(s!n is ! e&ote #ist i,t of ! n!tive1 (le# st!te- !n# the ,hief settle&ent $e! s the s!&e n!&e+ At ! "oint on the ive !$o(t fo t* &iles f o& the se!- )he e the fi st ho(ses ,o&e into vie)- the e ,!n $e seen isin' !$ove the level of the fo ests the s(&&its of t)o stee" hills ve * ,lose to'ethe - !n# se"! !te# $* )h!t loo%s li%e ! #ee" fiss( e- the ,le!v!'e of so&e &i'ht* st o%e+ As ! &!tte of f!,t- the v!lle* $et)een is nothin' $(t ! n! o) !vine0 the !""e! !n,e f o& the settle&ent is of one i e'(l! l* ,oni,!l hill s"lit in t)o- !n# )ith the t)o h!lves le!nin' sli'htl* !"! t+ On the thi # #!* !fte the f(llthe &oon- !s seen f o& the o"en s"!,e in f ont of Ji&'s ho(se ?he h!# ! ve * fine ho(se in the n!tive st*le )hen I visite# hi&@- ose e.!,tl* $ehin# these hills- its #iff(se# li'ht !t fi st th o)in' the t)o &!sses into intensel* $l!,% elief- !n# then the ne! l* "e fe,t #is,'lo)in' (##il*- !""e! e#- 'li#in' (")! #s $et)een the si#es of the ,h!s&- till it flo!te# !)!* !$ove the s(&&its- !s if es,!"in' f o& ! *!)nin' ' !ve in 'entle t i(&"h+ <Won#e f(l effe,t-< s!i# Ji& $* &* si#e+ <Wo th seein'+ Is it not5< 'An# this 9(estion )!s "(t )ith ! note of "e son!l " i#e th!t &!#e &e s&ile- !s tho('h he h!# h!# ! h!n# in e'(l!tin' th!t (ni9(e s"e,t!,le+ He h!# e'(l!te# so &!n* thin's in P!t(s!n11thin's th!t )o(l# h!ve !""e! e# !s &(,h $e*on# his ,ont ol !s the &otions of the &oon !n# the st! s+ 'It )!s in,on,eiv!$le+ Th!t )!s the #istin,tive 9(!lit* of the "! t into )hi,h Stein !n# I h!# t(&$le# hi& (n)ittin'l*- )ith no othe notion th!n to 'et hi& o(t of the )!*0 o(t of his o)n )!*- $e it (n#e stoo#+ Th!t )!s o( &!in "( "ose- tho('h- I o)n- I &i'ht

h!ve h!# !nothe &otive )hi,h h!# infl(en,e# &e ! little+ I )!s !$o(t to 'o ho&e fo ! ti&e0 !n# it &!* $e I #esi e#- &o e th!n I )!s !)! e of &*self- to #is"ose of hi&11to #is"ose of hi&- *o( (n#e st!n#11$efo e I left+ I )!s 'oin' ho&e- !n# he h!# ,o&e to &e f o& the e- )ith his &ise !$le t o($le !n# his sh!#o)* ,l!i&li%e ! &!n "!ntin' (n#e ! $( #en in ! &ist+ I ,!nnot s!* I h!# eve seen hi& #istin,tl*11not even to this #!*- !fte I h!# &* l!st vie) of hi&0 $(t it see&e# to &e th!t the less I (n#e stoo# the &o e I )!s $o(n# to hi& in the n!&e of th!t #o($t )hi,h is the inse"! !$le "! t of o( %no)le#'e+ I #i# not %no) so &(,h &o e !$o(t &*self+ An# then- I e"e!t- I )!s 'oin' ho&e11to th!t ho&e #ist!nt eno('h fo !ll its he! thstones to $e li%e one he! thstone- $* )hi,h the h(&$lest of (s h!s the i'ht to sit+ We )!n#e in o( tho(s!n#s ove the f!,e of the e! th- the ill(st io(s !n# the o$s,( e- e! nin' $e*on# the se!s o( f!&e- o( &one*- o onl* ! , (st of $ e!#0 $(t it see&s to &e th!t fo e!,h of (s 'oin' ho&e &(st $e li%e 'oin' to en#e !n !,,o(nt+ We et( n to f!,e o( s("e io s- o( %in# e#o( f ien#s11those )ho& )e o$e*- !n# those )ho& )e love0 $(t even the* )ho h!ve neithe - the &ost f ee- lonel*- i es"onsi$le !n# $e eft of ties-11even those fo )ho& ho&e hol#s no #e! f!,e- no f!&ili! voi,e-11even the* h!ve to &eet the s"i it th!t #)ells )ithin the l!n#- (n#e its s%*- in its !i - in its v!lle*s- !n# on its ises- in its fiel#s- in its )!te s !n# its t ees11! &(te f ien#- 2(#'e- !n# ins"i e + S!* )h!t *o( li%e- to 'et its 2o*- to $ e!the its "e!,e- to f!,e its t (th- one &(st et( n )ith ! ,le! ,ons,ien,e+ All this &!* see& to *o( shee senti&ent!lis&0 !n# in#ee# ve * fe) of (s h!ve the )ill o the ,!"!,it* to loo% ,ons,io(sl* (n#e the s( f!,e of f!&ili! e&otions+ The e ! e the 'i ls )e love- the &en )e loo% (" to- the ten#e ness- the f ien#shi"s- the o""o t(nities- the "le!s( es3 B(t the f!,t e&!ins th!t *o( &(st to(,h *o( e)! # )ith ,le!n h!n#s- lest it t( n to #e!# le!ves- to tho ns- in *o( ' !s"+ I thin% it is the lonel*- )itho(t ! fi esi#e o !n !ffe,tion the* &!* ,!ll thei o)n- those )ho et( n not to ! #)ellin' $(t to the l!n# itself- to &eet its #ise&$o#ie#- ete n!l- !n# (n,h!n'e!$le s"i it11it is those )ho (n#e st!n# $est its seve it*- its s!vin' "o)e - the ' !,e of its se,(l! i'ht to o( fi#elit*- to o( o$e#ien,e+ Yes3 fe) of (s (n#e st!n#- $(t )e !ll feel it tho('h- !n# I s!* B!llB )itho(t e.,e"tion$e,!(se those )ho #o not feel #o not ,o(nt+ E!,h $l!#e of ' !ss h!s its s"ot on e! th )hen,e it # !)s its life- its st en'th0 !n# so is &!n oote# to the l!n# f o& )hi,h he # !)s his f!ith to'ethe )ith his life+ I #on't %no) ho) &(,h Ji& (n#e stoo#0 $(t I %no) he felt- he felt ,onf(se#l* $(t "o)e f(ll*- the #e&!n# of so&e s(,h t (th o so&e s(,h ill(sion11I #on't ,! e ho) *o( ,!ll it- the e is so little #iffe en,e- !n# the #iffe en,e &e!ns so little+ The thin' is th!t in vi t(e of his feelin' he &!tte e#+ He )o(l# neve 'o ho&e no)+ Not he+ Neve + H!# he $een ,!"!$le of "i,t( es9(e &!nifest!tions he )o(l# h!ve sh(##e e# !t the tho('ht !n# &!#e *o( sh(##e too+ B(t he )!s not of th!t so t- tho('h he )!s e." essive eno('h in his )!*+ Befo e the i#e! of 'oin' ho&e he )o(l# ' o) #es"e !tel* stiff !n# i&&ov!$le- )ith lo)e e# ,hin !n# "o(te# li"s- !n# )ith those ,!n#i# $l(e e*es of his 'lo)e in' #! %l* (n#e ! f o)n- !s if $efo e so&ethin' (n$e! !$le- !s if $efo e so&ethin' evoltin'+ The e )!s i&!'in!tion in th!t h! # s%(ll of his- ove )hi,h the thi,% ,l(ste in' h!i fitte# li%e ! ,!"+ As to &e- I h!ve no i&!'in!tion ?I )o(l# $e &o e ,e t!in

!$o(t hi& to#!*- if I h!#@- !n# I #o not &e!n to i&"l* th!t I fi'( e# to &*self the s"i it of the l!n# (" isin' !$ove the )hite ,liffs of Dove - to !s% &e )h!t I11 et( nin' )ith no $ones $ o%en- so to s"e!%11h!# #one )ith &* ve * *o(n' $ othe + I ,o(l# not &!%e s(,h ! &ist!%e+ I %ne) ve * )ell he )!s of those !$o(t )ho& the e is no in9(i *0 I h!# seen $ette &en 'o o(t- #is!""e! - v!nish (tte l*)itho(t " ovo%in' ! so(n# of ,( iosit* o so o)+ The s"i it of the l!n#- !s $e,o&es the (le of ' e!t ente " ises- is ,! eless of inn(&e !$le lives+ Woe to the st !''le s3 We e.ist onl* in so f! !s )e h!n' to'ethe + He h!# st !''le# in ! )!*0 he h!# not h(n' on0 $(t he )!s !)! e of it )ith !n intensit* th!t &!#e hi& to(,hin'- 2(st !s ! &!n's &o e intense life &!%es his #e!th &o e to(,hin' th!n the #e!th of ! t ee+ I h!""ene# to $e h!n#*- !n# I h!""ene# to $e to(,he#+ Th!t's !ll the e is to it+ I )!s ,on,e ne# !s to the )!* he )o(l# 'o o(t+ It )o(l# h!ve h( t &e if- fo inst!n,e- he h!# t!%en to # in%+ The e! th is so s&!ll th!t I )!s !f !i# of- so&e #!*- $ein' )!*l!i# $* ! $le! 1e*e#- s)ollen1f!,e#- $es&i ,he# lo!fe - )ith no soles to his ,!nv!s shoes- !n# )ith ! fl(tte of !'s !$o(t the el$o)s- )ho- on the st en'th of ol# !,9(!int!n,e- )o(l# !s% fo ! lo!n of five #oll! s+ Yo( %no) the !)f(l 2!(nt* $e! in' of these s,! e, o)s ,o&in' to *o( f o& ! #e,ent "!st- the !s"in' ,! eless voi,e- the h!lf1!ve te# i&"(#ent 'l!n,es11those &eetin's &o e t *in' to ! &!n )ho $elieves in the soli#! it* of o( lives th!n the si'ht of !n i&"enitent #e!th1$e# to ! " iest+ Th!t- to tell *o( the t (th- )!s the onl* #!n'e I ,o(l# see fo hi& !n# fo &e0 $(t I !lso &ist (ste# &* )!nt of i&!'in!tion+ It &i'ht even ,o&e to so&ethin' )o se- in so&e )!* it )!s $e*on# &* "o)e s of f!n,* to fo esee+ He )o(l#n't let &e fo 'et ho) i&!'in!tive he )!s- !n# *o( i&!'in!tive "eo"le s)in' f! the in !n* #i e,tion- !s if 'iven ! lon'e s,o"e of ,!$le in the (ne!s* !n,ho !'e of life+ The* #o+ The* t!%e to # in% too+ It &!* $e I )!s $elittlin' hi& $* s(,h ! fe! + Ho) ,o(l# I tell5 Even Stein ,o(l# s!* no &o e th!n th!t he )!s o&!nti,+ I onl* %ne) he )!s one of (s+ An# )h!t $(siness h!# he to $e o&!nti,5 I !& tellin' *o( so &(,h !$o(t &* o)n instin,tive feelin's !n# $e&(se# efle,tions $e,!(se the e e&!ins so little to $e tol# of hi&+ He e.iste# fo &e- !n# !fte !ll it is onl* th o('h &e th!t he e.ists fo *o(+ I've le# hi& o(t $* the h!n#0 I h!ve "! !#e# hi& $efo e *o(+ We e &* ,o&&on"l!,e fe! s (n2(st5 I )on't s!*11not even no)+ Yo( &!* $e !$le to tell $ette - sin,e the " ove $ h!s it th!t the onloo%e s see &ost of the '!&e+ At !n* !te- the* )e e s("e fl(o(s+ He #i# not 'o o(t- not !t !ll0 on the ,ont ! *- he ,!&e on )on#e f(ll*,!&e on st !i'ht !s ! #ie !n# in e.,ellent fo &- )hi,h sho)e# th!t he ,o(l# st!* !s )ell !s s"( t+ I o('ht to $e #eli'hte#- fo it is ! vi,to * in )hi,h I h!# t!%en &* "! t0 $(t I !& not so "le!se# !s I )o(l# h!ve e."e,te# to $e+ I !s% &*self )hethe his (sh h!# e!ll* ,! ie# hi& o(t of th!t &ist in )hi,h he loo&e# inte estin' if not ve * $i'- )ith flo!tin' o(tlines11! st !''le *e! nin' in,onsol!$l* fo his h(&$le "l!,e in the !n%s+ An# $esi#es- the l!st )o # is not s!i#-11" o$!$l* sh!ll neve $e s!i#+ A e not o( lives too sho t fo th!t f(ll (tte !n,e )hi,h th o('h !ll o( st!&&e in's is of ,o( se o( onl* !n# !$i#in' intention5 I h!ve 'iven (" e."e,tin' those l!st )o #s- )hose in'- if the* ,o(l# onl* $e " ono(n,e#)o(l# sh!%e $oth he!ven !n# e! th+ The e is neve ti&e to s!* o(

l!st )o #11the l!st )o # of o( love- of o( #esi e- f!ith- e&o ses($&issions- evolt+ The he!ven !n# the e! th &(st not $e sh!%enI s(""ose11!t le!st- not $* (s )ho %no) so &!n* t (ths !$o(t eithe + M* l!st )o #s !$o(t Ji& sh!ll $e fe)+ I !ffi & he h!# !,hieve# ' e!tness0 $(t the thin' )o(l# $e #)! fe# in the tellin'o !the in the he! in'+ 4 !n%l*- it is not &* )o #s th!t I &ist (st $(t *o( &in#s+ I ,o(l# $e elo9(ent )e e I not !f !i# *o( fello)s h!# st! ve# *o( i&!'in!tions to fee# *o( $o#ies+ I #o not &e!n to $e offensive0 it is es"e,t!$le to h!ve no ill(sions11!n# s!fe11!n# " ofit!$le11!n# #(ll+ Yet *o(- too- in *o( ti&e &(st h!ve %no)n the intensit* of life- th!t li'ht of 'l!&o( , e!te# in the sho,% of t ifles- !s !&!/in' !s the 'lo) of s"! %s st (,% f o& ! ,ol# stone11!n# !s sho t1live#- !l!s3'

CHAPTER == 'The ,on9(est of love- hono( - &en's ,onfi#en,e11the " i#e of it- the "o)e of it- ! e fit &!te i!ls fo ! he oi, t!le0 onl* o( &in#s ! e st (,% $* the e.te n!ls of s(,h ! s(,,ess- !n# to Ji&'s s(,,esses the e )e e no e.te n!ls+ Thi t* &iles of fo est sh(t it off f o& the si'ht of !n in#iffe ent )o l#- !n# the noise of the )hite s( f !lon' the ,o!st ove "o)e e# the voi,e of f!&e+ The st e!& of ,ivilis!tion!s if #ivi#e# on ! he!#l!n# ! h(n# e# &iles no th of P!t(s!n- $ !n,hes e!st !n# so(th1e!st- le!vin' its "l!ins !n# v!lle*s- its ol# t ees !n# its ol# &!n%in#- ne'le,te# !n# isol!te#- s(,h !s !n insi'nifi,!nt !n# , (&$lin' islet $et)een the t)o $ !n,hes of ! &i'ht*- #evo( in' st e!&+ Yo( fin# the n!&e of the ,o(nt * " ett* often in ,olle,tions of ol# vo*!'es+ The seventeenth1,ent( * t !#e s )ent the e fo "e""e - $e,!(se the "!ssion fo "e""e see&e# to $( n li%e ! fl!&e of love in the $ e!st of D(t,h !n# En'lish !#vent( e s !$o(t the ti&e of J!&es the 4i st+ Whe e )o(l#n't the* 'o fo "e""e 3 4o ! $!' of "e""e the* )o(l# ,(t e!,h othe 's th o!ts )itho(t hesit!tion- !n# )o(l# fo s)e! thei so(ls- of )hi,h the* )e e so ,! ef(l othe )ise: the $i/! e o$stin!,* of th!t #esi e &!#e the& #ef* #e!th in ! tho(s!n# sh!"es11the (n%no)n se!s- the lo!thso&e !n# st !n'e #ise!ses0 )o(n#s- ,!"tivit*- h(n'e - "estilen,e- !n# #es"!i + It &!#e the& ' e!t3 B* he!vens3 it &!#e the& he oi,0 !n# it &!#e the& "!theti, too in thei , !vin' fo t !#e )ith the infle.i$le #e!th lev*in' its toll on *o(n' !n# ol#+ It see&s i&"ossi$le to $elieve th!t &e e ' ee# ,o(l# hol# &en to s(,h ! ste!#f!stness of "( "ose- to s(,h ! $lin# "e sisten,e in en#e!vo( !n# s!, ifi,e+ An# in#ee# those )ho !#vent( e# thei "e sons !n# lives is%e# !ll the* h!# fo ! slen#e e)! #+ The* left thei $ones to lie $le!,hin' on #ist!nt sho es- so th!t )e!lth &i'ht flo) to the livin' !t ho&e+ To (s- thei less t ie# s(,,esso s- the* !""e! &!'nifie#- not !s !'ents of t !#e $(t !s inst (&ents of ! e,o #e# #estin*- "(shin' o(t into the (n%no)n in o$e#ien,e to !n in)! # voi,e- to !n i&"(lse $e!tin' in the $loo#- to ! # e!& of the f(t( e+ The* )e e )on#e f(l0 !n# it &(st $e o)ne# the* )e e e!#* fo the )on#e f(l+ The* e,o #e# it ,o&"l!,entl* in thei s(ffe in's- in the !s"e,t of the se!s- in the

,(sto&s of st !n'e n!tions- in the 'lo * of s"len#i#

(le s+

'In P!t(s!n the* h!# fo(n# lots of "e""e - !n# h!# $een i&" esse# $* the &!'nifi,en,e !n# the )is#o& of the S(lt!n0 $(t so&eho)- !fte ! ,ent( * of ,he9(e e# inte ,o( se- the ,o(nt * see&s to # o" ' !#(!ll* o(t of the t !#e+ Pe h!"s the "e""e h!# 'iven o(t+ Be it !s it &!*- no$o#* ,! es fo it no)0 the 'lo * h!s #e"! te#- the S(lt!n is !n i&$e,ile *o(th )ith t)o th(&$s on his left h!n# !n# !n (n,e t!in !n# $e''! l* even(e e.to te# f o& ! &ise !$le "o"(l!tion !n# stolen f o& hi& $* his &!n* (n,les+ 'This of ,o( se I h!ve f o& Stein+ He '!ve &e thei n!&es !n# ! sho t s%et,h of the life !n# ,h! !,te of e!,h+ He )!s !s f(ll of info &!tion !$o(t n!tive st!tes !s !n offi,i!l e"o t- $(t infinitel* &o e !&(sin'+ He Bh!#B to %no)+ He t !#e# in so &!n*- !n# in so&e #ist i,ts11!s in P!t(s!n- fo inst!n,e11his fi & )!s the onl* one to h!ve !n !'en,* $* s"e,i!l "e &it f o& the D(t,h !(tho ities+ The >ove n&ent t (ste# his #is, etion- !n# it )!s (n#e stoo# th!t he too% !ll the is%s+ The &en he e&"lo*e# (n#e stoo# th!t too- $(t he &!#e it )o th thei )hile !""! entl*+ He )!s "e fe,tl* f !n% )ith &e ove the $ e!%f!st1t!$le in the &o nin'+ As f! !s he )!s !)! e ?the l!st ne)s )!s thi teen &onths ol#- he st!te# " e,isel*@(tte inse,( it* fo life !n# " o"e t* )!s the no &!l ,on#ition+ The e )e e in P!t(s!n !nt!'onisti, fo ,es- !n# one of the& )!s R!2!h All!n'- the )o st of the S(lt!n's (n,les- the 'ove no of the ive - )ho #i# the e.to tin' !n# the ste!lin'- !n# ' o(n# #o)n to the "oint of e.tin,tion the ,o(nt *1$o n M!l!*s- )ho- (tte l* #efen,eless- h!# not even the eso( ,e of e&i' !tin'11<4o in#ee#-< !s Stein e&! %e#- <)he e ,o(l# the* 'o- !n# ho) ,o(l# the* 'et !)!*5< No #o($t the* #i# not even #esi e to 'et !)!*+ The )o l# ?)hi,h is ,i ,(&s, i$e# $* loft* i&"!ss!$le &o(nt!ins@ h!s $een 'iven into the h!n# of the hi'h1$o n- !n# BthisB R!2!h the* %ne): he )!s of thei o)n o*!l ho(se+ I h!# the "le!s( e of &eetin' the 'entle&!n l!te on+ He )!s ! #i t*- little- (se#1(" ol# &!n )ith evil e*es !n# ! )e!% &o(th- )ho s)!llo)e# !n o"i(& "ill eve * t)o ho( s- !n# in #efi!n,e of ,o&&on #e,en,* )o e his h!i (n,ove e# !n# f!llin' in )il# st in'* lo,%s !$o(t his )i/ene# ' i&* f!,e+ When 'ivin' !(#ien,e he )o(l# ,l!&$e ("on ! so t of n! o) st!'e e e,te# in ! h!ll li%e ! (ino(s $! n )ith ! otten $!&$oo floo - th o('h the , !,%s of )hi,h *o( ,o(l# see- t)elve o fifteen feet $elo)- the he!"s of ef(se !n# '! $!'e of !ll %in#s l*in' (n#e the ho(se+ Th!t is )he e !n# ho) he e,eive# (s )hen!,,o&"!nie# $* Ji&- I "!i# hi& ! visit of ,e e&on*+ The e )e e !$o(t fo t* "eo"le in the oo&- !n# "e h!"s th ee ti&es !s &!n* in the ' e!t ,o( t*! # $elo)+ The e )!s ,onst!nt &ove&ent- ,o&in' !n# 'oin'- "(shin' !n# &( &( in'- !t o( $!,%s+ A fe) *o(ths in '!* sil%s 'l! e# f o& the #ist!n,e0 the &!2o it*- sl!ves !n# h(&$le #e"en#!nts- )e e h!lf n!%e#- in !''e# s! on's- #i t* )ith !shes !n# &(#1st!ins+ I h!# neve seen Ji& loo% so ' !ve- so self1"ossesse#in !n i&"enet !$le- i&" essive )!*+ In the &i#st of these #! %1f!,e# &en- his st!l)! t fi'( e in )hite !""! el- the 'le!&in' ,l(ste s of his f!i h!i - see&e# to ,!t,h !ll the s(nshine th!t t i,%le# th o('h the , !,%s in the ,lose# sh(tte s of th!t #i& h!ll- )ith its )!lls of &!ts !n# ! oof of th!t,h+ He !""e! e# li%e ! , e!t( e

not onl* of !nothe %in# $(t of !nothe essen,e+ H!# the* not seen hi& ,o&e (" in ! ,!noe the* &i'ht h!ve tho('ht he h!# #es,en#e# ("on the& f o& the ,lo(#s+ He #i#- ho)eve - ,o&e in ! , !/* #('1o(tsittin' ?ve * still !n# )ith his %nees to'ethe - fo fe! of ove t( nin' the thin'@11sittin' on ! tin $o.11)hi,h I h!# lent hi&11n( sin' on his l!" ! evolve of the N!v* "!tte n11" esente# $* &e on "! tin'11)hi,hth o('h !n inte "osition of P ovi#en,e- o th o('h so&e ) on'1he!#e# notion- th!t )!s 2(st li%e hi&- o else f o& shee instin,tive s!'!,it*he h!# #e,i#e# to ,! * (nlo!#e#+ Th!t's ho) he !s,en#e# the P!t(s!n ive + Nothin' ,o(l# h!ve $een &o e " os!i, !n# &o e (ns!fe- &o e e.t !v!'!ntl* ,!s(!l- &o e lonel*+ St !n'e- this f!t!lit* th!t )o(l# ,!st the ,o&"le.ion of ! fli'ht ("on !ll his !,ts- of i&"(lsive (n efle,tin' #ese tion of ! 2(&" into the (n%no)n+ 'It is " e,isel* the ,!s(!lness of it th!t st i%es &e &ost+ Neithe Stein no I h!# ! ,le! ,on,e"tion of )h!t &i'ht $e on the othe si#e )hen )e- &et!"ho i,!ll* s"e!%in'- too% hi& (" !n# hove hi& ove the )!ll )ith s,!nt ,e e&on*+ At the &o&ent I &e el* )ishe# to !,hieve his #is!""e! !n,e0 Stein ,h! !,te isti,!ll* eno('h h!# ! senti&ent!l &otive+ He h!# ! notion of "!*in' off ?in %in#- I s(""ose@ the ol# #e$t he h!# neve fo 'otten+ In#ee# he h!# $een !ll his life es"e,i!ll* f ien#l* to !n*$o#* f o& the B itish Isles+ His l!te $enef!,to - it is t (e- )!s ! S,ot11even to the len'th of $ein' ,!lle# Ale.!n#e M,Neil11!n# Ji& ,!&e f o& ! lon' )!* so(th of the T)ee#0 $(t !t the #ist!n,e of si. o seven tho(s!n# &iles > e!t B it!in- tho('h neve #i&inishe#- loo%s fo esho tene# eno('h even to its o)n ,hil# en to o$ s(,h #et!ils of thei i&"o t!n,e+ Stein )!s e.,(s!$le- !n# his hinte# intentions )e e so 'ene o(s th!t I $e''e# hi& &ost e! nestl* to %ee" the& se, et fo ! ti&e+ I felt th!t no ,onsi#e !tion of "e son!l !#v!nt!'e sho(l# $e !llo)e# to infl(en,e Ji&0 th!t not even the is% of s(,h infl(en,e sho(l# $e (n+ We h!# to #e!l )ith !nothe so t of e!lit*+ He )!nte# ! ef('e!n# ! ef('e !t the ,ost of #!n'e sho(l# $e offe e# hi&11nothin' &o e+ 'U"on eve * othe "oint I )!s "e fe,tl* f !n% )ith hi&- !n# I even ?!s I $elieve# !t the ti&e@ e.!''e !te# the #!n'e of the (n#e t!%in'+ As ! &!tte of f!,t I #i# not #o it 2(sti,e0 his fi st #!* in P!t(s!n )!s ne! l* his l!st11)o(l# h!ve $een his l!st if he h!# not $een so e,%less o so h! # on hi&self !n# h!# ,on#es,en#e# to lo!# th!t evolve + I e&e&$e - !s I (nfol#e# o( " e,io(s s,he&e fo his et e!t- ho) his st($$o n $(t )e! * esi'n!tion )!s ' !#(!ll* e"l!,e# $* s( " ise- inte est- )on#e - !n# $* $o*ish e!'e ness+ This )!s ! ,h!n,e he h!# $een # e!&in' of+ He ,o(l#n't thin% ho) he &e ite# th!t I + + + He )o(l# $e shot if he ,o(l# see to )h!t he o)e# + + +An# it )!s Stein- Stein the &e ,h!nt)ho + + +$(t of ,o( se it )!s &e he h!# to + + + I ,(t hi& sho t+ He )!s not ! ti,(l!te- !n# his ' !tit(#e ,!(se# &e ine."li,!$le "!in+ I tol# hi& th!t if he o)e# this ,h!n,e to !n* one es"e,i!ll*- it )!s to !n ol# S,ot of )ho& he h!# neve he! #- )ho h!# #ie# &!n* *e! s !'o- of )ho& little )!s e&e&$e e# $esi#es ! o! in' voi,e !n# ! o('h so t of honest*+ The e )!s e!ll* no one to e,eive his th!n%s+ Stein )!s "!ssin' on to ! *o(n' &!n the hel" he h!# e,eive# in his o)n *o(n' #!*s- !n# I h!# #one no &o e th!n to &ention his

n!&e+ U"on this he ,olo( e#- !n#- t)istin' ! $it of "!"e in his fin'e s- he e&! %e# $!shf(ll* th!t I h!# !l)!*s t (ste# hi&+ 'I !#&itte# th!t s(,h )!s the ,!se- !n# !##e# !fte ! "!(se th!t I )ishe# he h!# $een !$le to follo) &* e.!&"le+ <Yo( thin% I #on't5< he !s%e# (ne!sil*- !n# e&! %e# in ! &(tte th!t one h!# to 'et so&e so t of sho) fi st0 then $ i'htenin' ("- !n# in ! lo(# voi,e he " oteste# he )o(l# 'ive &e no o,,!sion to e' et &* ,onfi#en,e)hi,h11)hi,h + + + ' <Do not &is!"" ehen#-< I inte ("te#+ <It is not in *o( "o)e to &!%e &e e' et !n*thin'+< The e )o(l# $e no e' ets0 $(t if the e )e e- it )o(l# $e !lto'ethe &* o)n !ff!i : on the othe h!n#I )ishe# hi& to (n#e st!n# ,le! l* th!t this ! !n'e&ent- this11 this11e."e i&ent- )!s his o)n #oin'0 he )!s es"onsi$le fo it !n# no one else+ <Wh*5 Wh*-< he st!&&e e#- <this is the ve * thin' th!t I + + +< I $e''e# hi& not to $e #ense- !n# he loo%e# &o e "(//le# th!n eve + He )!s in ! f!i )!* to &!%e life intole !$le to hi&self + + + <Do *o( thin% so5< he !s%e#- #ist( $e#0 $(t in ! &o&ent !##e# ,onfi#entl*- <I )!s 'oin' on tho('h+ W!s I not5< It )!s i&"ossi$le to $e !n' * )ith hi&: I ,o(l# not hel" ! s&ile!n# tol# hi& th!t in the ol# #!*s "eo"le )ho )ent on li%e this )e e on the )!* of $e,o&in' he &its in ! )il#e ness+ <He &its $e h!n'e#3< he ,o&&ente# )ith en'!'in' i&"(lsiveness+ Of ,o( se he #i#n't &in# ! )il#e ness+ + + + <I )!s 'l!# of it-< I s!i#+ Th!t )!s )he e he )o(l# $e 'oin' to+ He )o(l# fin# it livel* eno('h- I vent( e# to " o&ise+ <Yes- *es-< he s!i#- %eenl*+ He h!# sho)n ! #esi e- I ,ontin(e# infle.i$l*- to 'o o(t !n# sh(t the #oo !fte hi&+ + + + <Di# I5< he inte ("te# in ! st !n'e !,,ess of 'loo& th!t see&e# to envelo" hi& f o& he!# to foot li%e the sh!#o) of ! "!ssin' ,lo(#+ He )!s )on#e f(ll* e." essive !fte !ll+ Won#e f(ll*3 <Di# I5< he e"e!te# $itte l*+ <Yo( ,!n't s!* I &!#e &(,h noise !$o(t it+ An# I ,!n %ee" it ("- too11onl*- ,onfo(n# it3 *o( sho) &e ! #oo +< + + + <Ee * )ell+ P!ss on-< I st (,% in+ I ,o(l# &!%e hi& ! sole&n " o&ise th!t it )o(l# $e sh(t $ehin# hi& )ith ! ven'e!n,e+ His f!te- )h!teve it )!s- )o(l# $e i'no e#- $e,!(se the ,o(nt *- fo !ll its otten st!te- )!s not 2(#'e# i"e fo inte fe en,e+ On,e he 'ot in- it )o(l# $e fo the o(tsi#e )o l# !s tho('h he h!# neve e.iste#+ He )o(l# h!ve nothin' $(t the soles of his t)o feet to st!n# ("on- !n# he )o(l# h!ve fi st to fin# his ' o(n# !t th!t+ <Neve e.iste#11th!t's it- $* Jove-< he &( &( e# to hi&self+ His e*es- f!stene# ("on &* li"ss"! %le#+ If he h!# tho o('hl* (n#e stoo# the ,on#itions- I ,on,l(#e#he h!# $ette 2(&" into the fi st 'h! * he ,o(l# see !n# # ive on to Stein's ho(se fo his fin!l inst (,tions+ He fl(n' o(t of the oo& $efo e I h!# f!i l* finishe# s"e!%in'+'

CHAPTER =A 'He #i# not et( n till ne.t &o nin'+ He h!# $een %e"t to #inne !n# fo the ni'ht+ The e neve h!# $een s(,h ! )on#e f(l &!n !s M + Stein+ He h!# in his "o,%et ! lette fo Co neli(s ?<the Johnnie

)ho's 'oin' to 'et the s!,%-< he e."l!ine#- )ith ! &o&ent! * # o" in his el!tion@- !n# he e.hi$ite# )ith 'lee ! silve in'- s(,h !s n!tives (se- )o n #o)n ve * thin !n# sho)in' f!int t !,es of ,h!sin'+ 'This )!s his int o#(,tion to !n ol# ,h!" ,!lle# Do !&in11one of the " in,i"!l &en o(t the e11! $i' "ot11)ho h!# $een M + Stein's f ien# in th!t ,o(nt * )he e he h!# !ll these !#vent( es+ M + Stein ,!lle# hi& <)! 1,o& !#e+< W! 1,o& !#e )!s 'oo#+ W!sn't it5 An# #i#n't M + Stein s"e!% En'lish )on#e f(ll* )ell5 S!i# he h!# le! ne# it in Cele$es11of !ll "l!,es3 Th!t )!s !)f(ll* f(nn*+ W!s it not5 He #i# s"e!% )ith !n !,,ent11! t)!n'11#i# I noti,e5 Th!t ,h!" Do !&in h!# 'iven hi& the in'+ The* h!# e.,h!n'e# " esents )hen the* "! te# fo the l!st ti&e+ So t of " o&isin' ete n!l f ien#shi"+ He ,!lle# it fine11#i# I not5 The* h!# to &!%e ! #!sh fo #e! life o(t of the ,o(nt * )hen th!t Moh!&&e#11Moh!&&e#11Wh!t's1his1n!&e h!# $een %ille#+ I %ne) the sto *- of ,o( se+ See&e# ! $e!stl* sh!&e- #i#n't it5 + + + 'He !n on li%e this- fo 'ettin' his "l!te- )ith ! %nife !n# fo % in h!n# ?he h!# fo(n# &e !t tiffin@- sli'htl* fl(she#- !n# )ith his e*es #! %ene# &!n* sh!#es- )hi,h )!s )ith hi& ! si'n of e.,ite&ent+ The in' )!s ! so t of , e#enti!l11?<It's li%e so&ethin' *o( e!# of in $oo%s-< he th e) in !"" e,i!tivel*@11!n# Do !&in )o(l# #o his $est fo hi&+ M + Stein h!# $een the &e!ns of s!vin' th!t ,h!"'s life on so&e o,,!sion0 "( el* $* !,,i#ent- M + Stein h!# s!i#- $(t he11Ji&11h!# his o)n o"inion !$o(t th!t+ M + Stein )!s 2(st the &!n to loo% o(t fo s(,h !,,i#ents+ No &!tte + A,,i#ent o "( "ose- this )o(l# se ve his t( n i&&ensel*+ Ho"e# to 'oo#ness the 2oll* ol# $e''! h!# not 'one off the hoo%s &e!nti&e+ M + Stein ,o(l# not tell+ The e h!# $een no ne)s fo &o e th!n ! *e! 0 the* )e e %i,%in' (" no en# of !n !ll1fi e# o) !&on'st the&selves- !n# the ive )!s ,lose#+ Joll* !)%)! #- this0 $(t- no fe! 0 he )o(l# &!n!'e to fin# ! , !,% to 'et in+ 'He i&" esse#- !l&ost f i'htene#- &e )ith his el!te# !ttle+ He )!s vol($le li%e ! *o(n'ste on the eve of ! lon' holi#!* )ith ! " os"e,t of #eli'htf(l s, !"es- !n# s(,h !n !ttit(#e of &in# in ! ' o)n &!n !n# in this ,onne,tion h!# in it so&ethin' "heno&en!l! little &!#- #!n'e o(s- (ns!fe+ I )!s on the "oint of ent e!tin' hi& to t!%e thin's se io(sl* )hen he # o""e# his %nife !n# fo % ?he h!# $e'(n e!tin'- o !the s)!llo)in' foo#- !s it )e e(n,ons,io(sl*@- !n# $e'!n ! se! ,h !ll o(n# his "l!te+ The in'3 The in'3 Whe e the #evil + + + Ah3 He e it )!s + + + He ,lose# his $i' h!n# on it- !n# t ie# !ll his "o,%ets one !fte !nothe + Jove3 )o(l#n't #o to lose the thin'+ He &e#it!te# ' !vel* ove his fist+ H!# it5 Wo(l# h!n' the $!ll* !ff!i o(n# his ne,%3 An# he " o,ee#e# to #o this i&&e#i!tel*- " o#(,in' ! st in' ?)hi,h loo%e# li%e ! $it of ! ,otton shoe1l!,e@ fo the "( "ose+ The e3 Th!t )o(l# #o the t i,%3 It )o(l# $e the #e(,e if + + + He see&e# to ,!t,h si'ht of &* f!,e fo the fi st ti&e- !n# it ste!#ie# hi& ! little+ I " o$!$l* #i#n't e!lise- he s!i# )ith ! n!ive ' !vit*- ho) &(,h i&"o t!n,e he !tt!,he# to th!t to%en+ It &e!nt ! f ien#0 !n# it is ! 'oo# thin' to h!ve ! f ien#+ He %ne) so&ethin' !$o(t th!t+ He no##e# !t &e e." essivel*-

$(t $efo e &* #is,l!i&in' 'est( e he le!ne# his he!# on his h!n# !n# fo ! )hile s!t silent- "l!*in' tho('htf(ll* )ith the $ e!#1, (&$s on the ,loth + + + <Sl!& the #oo 11th!t )!s 2oll* )ell "(t-< he , ie#!n# 2(&"in' ("- $e'!n to "!,e the oo&- e&in#in' &e $* the set of the sho(l#e s- the t( n of his he!#- the he!#lon' !n# (neven st i#e- of th!t ni'ht )hen he h!# "!,e# th(s- ,onfessin'- e."l!inin'11)h!t *o( )ill11$(t- in the l!st inst!n,e- livin'11livin' $efo e &e- (n#e his o)n little ,lo(#- )ith !ll his (n,ons,io(s s($tlet* )hi,h ,o(l# # !) ,onsol!tion f o& the ve * so( ,e of so o)+ It )!s the s!&e &oo#- the s!&e !n# #iffe ent- li%e ! fi,%le ,o&"!nion th!t to1#!* '(i#in' *o( on the t (e "!th- )ith the s!&e e*es- the s!&e ste"- the s!&e i&"(lseto1&o o) )ill le!# *o( ho"elessl* !st !*+ His t e!# )!s !ss( e#his st !*in'- #! %ene# e*es see&e# to se! ,h the oo& fo so&ethin'+ One of his footf!lls so&eho) so(n#e# lo(#e th!n the othe 11the f!(lt of his $oots " o$!$l*11!n# '!ve ! ,( io(s i&" ession of !n invisi$le h!lt in his '!it+ One of his h!n#s )!s !&&e# #ee" into his t o(se s' "o,%et- the othe )!ve# s(##enl* !$ove his he!#+ <Sl!& the #oo 3< he sho(te#+ <I've $een )!itin' fo th!t+ I'll sho) *et + + + I'll + + + I'& e!#* fo !n* ,onfo(n#e# thin' + + + I've $een # e!&in' of it + + + Jove3 >et o(t of this+ Jove3 This is l(,% !t l!st + + + Yo( )!it+ I'll + + +< 'He tosse# his he!# fe! lessl*- !n# I ,onfess th!t fo the fi st !n# l!st ti&e in o( !,9(!int!n,e I "e ,eive# &*self (ne."e,te#l* to $e tho o('hl* si,% of hi&+ Wh* these v!"o( in's5 He )!s st(&"in' !$o(t the oo& flo( ishin' his ! & !$s( #l*- !n# no) !n# then feelin' on his $ e!st fo the in' (n#e his ,lothes+ Whe e )!s the sense of s(,h e.!lt!tion in ! &!n !""ointe# to $e ! t !#in'1,le %!n# in ! "l!,e )he e the e )!s no t !#e11!t th!t5 Wh* h( l #efi!n,e !t the (nive se5 This )!s not ! " o"e f !&e of &in# to !"" o!,h !n* (n#e t!%in'0 !n i&" o"e f !&e of &in# not onl* fo hi&- I s!i#- $(t fo !n* &!n+ He stoo# still ove &e+ Di# I thin% so5 he !s%e#- $* no &e!ns s($#(e#- !n# )ith ! s&ile in )hi,h I see&e# to #ete,t s(##enl* so&ethin' insolent+ B(t then I !& t)ent* *e! s his senio + Yo(th is insolent0 it is its i'ht11its ne,essit*0 it h!s 'ot to !sse t itself- !n# !ll !sse tion in this )o l# of #o($ts is ! #efi!n,eis !n insolen,e+ He )ent off into ! f! ,o ne - !n# ,o&in' $!,%- hefi'( !tivel* s"e!%in'- t( ne# to en# &e+ I s"o%e li%e th!t $e,!(se I11even I- )ho h!# $een no en# %in# to hi&11even I e&e&$e e#11 e&e&$e e#11!'!inst hi&11)h!t11)h!t h!# h!""ene#+ An# )h!t !$o(t othe s11the11the11)o l#5 Whe e's the )on#e he )!nte# to 'et o(t- &e!nt to 'et o(t- &e!nt to st!* o(t11$* he!vens3 An# I t!l%e# !$o(t " o"e f !&es of &in#3 ' <It is not I o )ho e&e&$e +< the )o l# )ho e&e&$e -< I sho(te#+ <It is *o(11*o(-

'He #i# not flin,h- !n# )ent on )ith he!t- <4o 'et eve *thin'eve *$o#*- eve *$o#*+< + + + His voi,e fell+ + + <B(t *o(-< he !##e#+ ' <Yes11&e too11if it )o(l# hel"-< I s!i#- !lso in ! lo) tone+

Afte this )e e&!ine# silent !n# l!n'(i# fo ! ti&e !s if e.h!(ste#+ Then he $e'!n !'!in- ,o&"ose#l*- !n# tol# &e th!t M + Stein h!# inst (,te# hi& to )!it fo ! &onth o so- to see )hethe it )!s "ossi$le fo hi& to e&!in- $efo e he $e'!n $(il#in' ! ne) ho(se fo hi&self- so !s to !voi# <v!in e."ense+< He #i# &!%e (se of f(nn* e." essions11Stein #i#+ <E!in e."ense< )!s 'oo#+ + + + Re&!in5 Wh*3 of ,o( se+ He )o(l# h!n' on+ Let hi& onl* 'et in11th!t's !ll0 he )o(l# !ns)e fo it he )o(l# e&!in+ Neve 'et o(t+ It )!s e!s* eno('h to e&!in+ ' <Don't $e foolh! #*-< I s!i#- en#e e# (ne!s* $* his th e!tenin' tone+ <If *o( onl* live lon' eno('h *o( )ill )!nt to ,o&e $!,%+< ' <Co&e $!,% to )h!t5< he !s%e# !$sentl*- )ith his e*es fi.e# ("on the f!,e of ! ,lo,% on the )!ll+ 'I )!s silent fo ! )hile+ <Is it to $e neve - then5< I s!i#+ <Neve -< he e"e!te# # e!&il* )itho(t loo%in' !t &e- !n# then fle) into s(##en !,tivit*+ <Jove3 T)o o',lo,%- !n# I s!il !t fo( 3< 'It )!s t (e+ A $ i'!ntine of Stein's )!s le!vin' fo the )est)! # th!t !fte noon- !n# he h!# $een inst (,te# to t!%e his "!ss!'e in he - onl* no o #e s to #el!* the s!ilin' h!# $een 'iven+ I s(""ose Stein fo 'ot+ He &!#e ! (sh to 'et his thin's )hile I )ent !$o! # &* shi"- )he e he " o&ise# to ,!ll on his )!* to the o(te o!#ste!#+ He t( ne# (" !,,o #in'l* in ! ' e!t h( * !n# )ith ! s&!ll le!the v!lise in his h!n#+ This )o(l#n't #o- !n# I offe e# hi& !n ol# tin t (n% of &ine s(""ose# to $e )!te 1ti'ht- o !t le!st #!&"1ti'ht+ He effe,te# the t !nsfe $* the si&"le " o,ess of shootin' o(t the ,ontents of his v!lise !s *o( )o(l# e&"t* ! s!,% of )he!t+ I s!) th ee $oo%s in the t(&$le0 t)o s&!ll- in #! % ,ove s- !n# ! thi,% ' een1!n#1'ol# vol(&e11! h!lf1, o)n ,o&"lete Sh!%es"e! e+ <Yo( e!# this5< I !s%e#+ <Yes+ Best thin' to ,hee (" ! fello)-< he s!i# h!stil*+ I )!s st (,% $* this !"" e,i!tion- $(t the e )!s no ti&e fo Sh!%es"e! i!n t!l%+ A he!v* evolve !n# t)o s&!ll $o.es of ,! t i#'es )e e l*in' on the ,(##*1t!$le+ <P !* t!%e this-< I s!i#+ <It &!* hel" *o( to e&!in+< No soone )e e these )o #s o(t of &* &o(th th!n I "e ,eive# )h!t ' i& &e!nin' the* ,o(l# $e! + <M!* hel" *o( to 'et in-< I ,o e,te# &*self e&o sef(ll*+ He ho)eve )!s not t o($le# $* o$s,( e &e!nin's0 he th!n%e# &e eff(sivel* !n# $olte# o(t- ,!llin' >oo#1$*e ove his sho(l#e + I he! # his voi,e th o('h the shi"'s si#e ( 'in' his $o!t&en to 'ive )!*- !n# loo%in' o(t of the ste n1"o t I s!) the $o!t o(n#in' (n#e the ,o(nte + He s!t in he le!nin' fo )! #- e.,itin' his &en )ith voi,e !n# 'est( es0 !n# !s he h!# %e"t the evolve in his h!n# !n# see&e# to $e " esentin' it !t thei he!#s- I sh!ll neve fo 'et the s,! e# f!,es of the fo( J!v!nese- !n# the f !nti, s)in' of thei st o%e )hi,h sn!t,he# th!t vision f o& (n#e &* e*es+ Then t( nin' !)!*- the fi st thin' I s!) )e e the t)o $o.es of ,! t i#'es on the ,(##*1t!$le+ He h!# fo 'otten to t!%e the&+ 'I o #e e# &* 'i' &!nne# !t on,e0 $(t Ji&'s o)e s- (n#e the i&" ession th!t thei lives h(n' on ! th e!# )hile the* h!# th!t &!#&!n in the $o!t- &!#e s(,h e.,ellent ti&e th!t $efo e I h!#

t !ve se# h!lf the #ist!n,e $et)een the t)o vessels I ,!('ht si'ht of hi& ,l!&$e in' ove the !il- !n# of his $o. $ein' "!sse# ("+ All the $ i'!ntine's ,!nv!s )!s loose- he &!ins!il )!s set- !n# the )in#l!ss )!s 2(st $e'innin' to ,lin% !s I ste""e# ("on he #e,%: he &!ste - ! #!""e little h!lf1,!ste of fo t* o so- in ! $l(e fl!nnel s(it- )ith livel* e*es- his o(n# f!,e the ,olo( of le&on1"eel- !n# )ith ! thin little $l!,% &o(st!,he # oo"in' on e!,h si#e of his thi,%#! % li"s- ,!&e fo )! # s&i %in'+ He t( ne# o(t- not)ithst!n#in' his self1s!tisfie# !n# ,hee * e.te io - to $e of ! ,! e)o n te&"e !&ent+ In !ns)e to ! e&! % of &ine ?)hile Ji& h!# 'one $elo) fo ! &o&ent@ he s!i#- <Oh *es+ P!t(s!n+< He )!s 'oin' to ,! * the 'entle&!n to the &o(th of the ive - $(t )o(l# <neve !s,en#+< His flo)in' En'lish see&e# to $e #e ive# f o& ! #i,tion! * ,o&"ile# $* ! l(n!ti,+ H!# M + Stein #esi e# hi& to <!s,en#-< he )o(l# h!ve < eve enti!ll*<11?I thin% he )!nte# to s!* es"e,tf(ll*11$(t #evil onl* %no)s@11< eve enti!ll* &!#e o$2e,ts fo the s!fet* of " o"e ties+< If #is e'! #e#- he )o(l# h!ve " esente# < esi'n!tion to 9(it+< T)elve &onths !'o he h!# &!#e his l!st vo*!'e the e- !n# tho('h M + Co neli(s <" o"iti!te# &!n* offe to ies< to M + R!2!h All!n' !n# the <" in,i"!l "o"(l!tions-< on ,on#itions )hi,h &!#e the t !#e <! sn! e !n# !shes in the &o(th-< *et his shi" h!# $een fi e# ("on f o& the )oo#s $* <i es"onsive "! ties< !ll the )!* #o)n the ive 0 )hi,h ,!(sin' his , e) <f o& e."os( e to li&$ to e&!in silent in hi#in's-< the $ i'!ntine )!s ne! l* st !n#e# on ! s!n#$!n% !t the $! - )he e she <)o(l# h!ve $een "e ish!$le $e*on# the !,t of &!n+< The !n' * #is'(st !t the e,olle,tion- the " i#e of his fl(en,*- to )hi,h he t( ne# !n !ttentive e! - st (''le# fo the "ossession of his $ o!# si&"le f!,e+ He s,o)le# !n# $e!&e# !t &e- !n# )!t,he# )ith s!tisf!,tion the (n#eni!$le effe,t of his "h !seolo'*+ D! % f o)ns !n s)iftl* ove the "l!,i# se!- !n# the $ i'!ntine- )ith he fo e1to"s!il to the &!st !n# he &!in1$oo& !&i#shi"s- see&e# $e)il#e e# !&on'st the ,!t's1"!)s+ He tol# &e f( the - 'n!shin' his teeth- th!t the R!2!h )!s ! <l!('h!$le h*!en!< ?,!n't i&!'ine ho) he 'ot hol# of h*!en!s@0 )hile so&e$o#* else )!s &!n* ti&es f!lse th!n the <)e!"ons of ! , o,o#ile+< ;ee"in' one e*e on the &ove&ents of his , e) fo )! #- he let loose his vol($ilit*11,o&"! in' the "l!,e to ! <,!'e of $e!sts &!#e !veno(s $* lon' i&"eniten,e+< I f!n,* he &e!nt i&"(nit*+ He h!# no intentionhe , ie#- to <e.hi$it hi&self to $e &!#e !tt!,he# "( "osef(ll* to o$$e *+< The lon'1# !)n )!ils- 'ivin' the ti&e fo the "(ll of the &en ,!ttin' the !n,ho - ,!&e to !n en#- !n# he lo)e e# his voi,e+ <Plent* too &(,h eno('h of P!t(s!n-< he ,on,l(#e#- )ith ene '*+ 'I he! # !fte )! #s he h!# $een so in#is, eet !s to 'et hi&self tie# (" $* the ne,% )ith ! !tt!n h!lte to ! "ost "l!nte# in the &i##le of ! &(#1hole $efo e the R!2!h's ho(se+ He s"ent the $est "! t of ! #!* !n# ! )hole ni'ht in th!t (n)holeso&e sit(!tion- $(t the e is eve * e!son to $elieve the thin' h!# $een &e!nt !s ! so t of 2o%e+ He $ oo#e# fo ! )hile ove th!t ho i# &e&o *- I s(""ose!n# then !## esse# in ! 9(! elso&e tone the &!n ,o&in' !ft to the hel&+ When he t( ne# to &e !'!in it )!s to s"e!% 2(#i,i!ll*)itho(t "!ssion+ He )o(l# t!%e the 'entle&!n to the &o(th of the ive !t B!t( ; in' ?P!t(s!n to)n <$ein' sit(!te# inte n!ll*-< he e&! %e#- <thi t* &iles<@+ B(t in his e*es- he ,ontin(e#11! tone of $o e#- )e! * ,onvi,tion e"l!,in' his " evio(s vol($le #elive *11

the 'entle&!n )!s !l e!#* <in the si&ilit(#e of ! ,o "se+< <Wh!t5 Wh!t #o *o( s!*5< I !s%e#+ He !ss(&e# ! st! tlin'l* fe o,io(s #e&e!no( - !n# i&it!te# to "e fe,tion the !,t of st!$$in' f o& $ehin#+ <Al e!#* li%e the $o#* of one #e"o te#-< he e."l!ine#)ith the ins(ffe !$l* ,on,eite# !i of his %in# !fte )h!t the* i&!'ine ! #is"l!* of ,leve ness+ Behin# hi& I "e ,eive# Ji& s&ilin' silentl* !t &e- !n# )ith ! !ise# h!n# ,he,%in' the e.,l!&!tion on &* li"s+ 'Then- )hile the h!lf1,!ste- $( stin' )ith i&"o t!n,e- sho(te# his o #e s- )hile the *! #s s)(n' , e!%in' !n# the he!v* $oo& ,!&e s( 'in' ove - Ji& !n# I- !lone !s it )e e- to lee)! # of the &!ins!il- ,l!s"e# e!,h othe 's h!n#s !n# e.,h!n'e# the l!st h( ie# )o #s+ M* he! t )!s f ee# f o& th!t #(ll esent&ent )hi,h h!# e.iste# si#e $* si#e )ith inte est in his f!te+ The !$s( # ,h!tte of the h!lf1,!ste h!# 'iven &o e e!lit* to the &ise !$le #!n'e s of his "!th th!n Stein's ,! ef(l st!te&ents+ On th!t o,,!sion the so t of fo &!lit* th!t h!# $een !l)!*s " esent in o( inte ,o( se v!nishe# f o& o( s"ee,h0 I $elieve I ,!lle# hi& <#e! $o*-< !n# he t!,%e# on the )o #s <ol# &!n< to so&e h!lf1(tte e# e." ession of ' !tit(#e!s tho('h his is% set off !'!inst &* *e! s h!# &!#e (s &o e e9(!l in !'e !n# in feelin'+ The e )!s ! &o&ent of e!l !n# " ofo(n# inti&!,*- (ne."e,te# !n# sho t1live# li%e ! 'li&"se of so&e eve l!stin'of so&e s!vin' t (th+ He e.e te# hi&self to soothe &e !s tho('h he h!# $een the &o e &!t( e of the t)o+ <All i'ht- !ll i'ht-< he s!i#!"i#l*- !n# )ith feelin'+ <I " o&ise to t!%e ,! e of &*self+ Yes0 I )on't t!%e !n* is%s+ Not ! sin'le $lesse# is%+ Of ,o( se not+ I &e!n to h!n' o(t+ Don't *o( )o *+ Jove3 I feel !s if nothin' ,o(l# to(,h &e+ Wh*3 this is l(,% f o& the )o # >o+ I )o(l#n't s"oil s(,h ! &!'nifi,ent ,h!n,e3< + + + A &!'nifi,ent ,h!n,e3 Well- it B)!sB &!'nifi,ent- $(t ,h!n,es ! e )h!t &en &!%e the&- !n# ho) )!s I to %no)5 As he h!# s!i#- even I11even I e&e&$e e#11his11his &isfo t(ne !'!inst hi&+ It )!s t (e+ An# the $est thin' fo hi& )!s to 'o+ 'M* 'i' h!# # o""e# in the )!%e of the $ i'!ntine- !n# I s!) hi& !ft #et!,he# ("on the li'ht of the )este in' s(n- !isin' his ,!" hi'h !$ove his he!#+ I he! # !n in#istin,t sho(t- <Yo(11sh!ll11 he! 11of11&e+< Of &e- o f o& &e- I #on't %no) )hi,h+ I thin% it &(st h!ve $een of &e+ M* e*es )e e too #!//le# $* the 'litte of the se! $elo) his feet to see hi& ,le! l*0 I !& f!te# neve to see hi& ,le! l*0 $(t I ,!n !ss( e *o( no &!n ,o(l# h!ve !""e! e# less <in the si&ilit(#e of ! ,o "se-< !s th!t h!lf1,!ste , o!%e h!# "(t it+ I ,o(l# see the little ) et,h's f!,e- the sh!"e !n# ,olo( of ! i"e "(&"%in- "o%e# o(t so&e)he e (n#e Ji&'s el$o)+ He- too- !ise# his ! & !s if fo ! #o)n)! # th (st+ A$sit o&en3'

CHAPTER =C 'The ,o!st of P!t(s!n ?I s!) it ne! l* t)o *e! s !fte )! #s@ is st !i'ht !n# so&$ e- !n# f!,es ! &ist* o,e!n+ Re# t !ils ! e seen li%e ,!t! !,ts of (st st e!&in' (n#e the #! %1' een foli!'e of

$(shes !n# , ee"e s ,lothin' the lo) ,liffs+ S)!&"* "l!ins o"en o(t !t the &o(th of ive s- )ith ! vie) of 2!''e# $l(e "e!%s $e*on# the v!st fo ests+ In the offin' ! ,h!in of isl!n#s- #! %- , (&$lin' sh!"es- st!n# o(t in the eve l!stin' s(nlit h!/e li%e the e&n!nts of ! )!ll $ e!,he# $* the se!+ 'The e is ! vill!'e of fishe 1fol% !t the &o(th of the B!t( ; in' $ !n,h of the est(! *+ The ive - )hi,h h!# $een ,lose# so lon'- )!s o"en then- !n# Stein's little s,hoone - in )hi,h I h!# &* "!ss!'e)o %e# he )!* (" in th ee ti#es )itho(t $ein' e."ose# to ! f(sill!#e f o& <i es"onsive "! ties+< S(,h ! st!te of !ff!i s $elon'e# !l e!#* to !n,ient histo *- if I ,o(l# $elieve the el#e l* he!#&!n of the fishin' vill!'e- )ho ,!&e on $o! # to !,t !s ! so t of "ilot+ He t!l%e# to &e ?the se,on# )hite &!n he h!# eve seen@ )ith ,onfi#en,e- !n# &ost of his t!l% )!s !$o(t the fi st )hite &!n he h!# eve seen+ He ,!lle# hi& T(!n Ji&- !n# the tone of his efe en,es )!s &!#e e&! %!$le $* ! st !n'e &i.t( e of f!&ili! it* !n# !)e+ The*- in the vill!'e- )e e (n#e th!t lo #'s s"e,i!l " ote,tion)hi,h sho)e# th!t Ji& $o e no ' (#'e+ If he h!# )! ne# &e th!t I )o(l# he! of hi& it )!s "e fe,tl* t (e+ I )!s he! in' of hi&+ The e )!s !l e!#* ! sto * th!t the ti#e h!# t( ne# t)o ho( s $efo e its ti&e to hel" hi& on his 2o( ne* (" the ive + The t!l%!tive ol# &!n hi&self h!# stee e# the ,!noe !n# h!# &! velle# !t the "heno&enon+ Mo eove - !ll the 'lo * )!s in his f!&il*+ His son !n# his son1in1l!) h!# "!##le#0 $(t the* )e e onl* *o(ths )itho(t e."e ien,e- )ho #i# not noti,e the s"ee# of the ,!noe till he "ointe# o(t to the& the !&!/in' f!,t+ 'Ji&'s ,o&in' to th!t fishin' vill!'e )!s ! $lessin'0 $(t to the&!s to &!n* of (s- the $lessin' ,!&e he !l#e# $* te o s+ So &!n* 'ene !tions h!# $een ele!se# sin,e the l!st )hite &!n h!# visite# the ive th!t the ve * t !#ition h!# $een lost+ The !""e! !n,e of the $ein' th!t #es,en#e# ("on the& !n# #e&!n#e# infle.i$l* to $e t!%en (" to P!t(s!n )!s #is,o&"osin'0 his insisten,e )!s !l! &in'0 his 'ene osit* &o e th!n s(s"i,io(s+ It )!s !n (nhe! #1of e9(est+ The e )!s no " e,e#ent+ Wh!t )o(l# the R!2!h s!* to this5 Wh!t )o(l# he #o to the&5 The $est "! t of the ni'ht )!s s"ent in ,ons(lt!tion0 $(t the i&&e#i!te is% f o& the !n'e of th!t st !n'e &!n see&e# so ' e!t th!t !t l!st ! , !n%* #('1o(t )!s 'ot e!#*+ The )o&en sh ie%e# )ith ' ief !s it "(t off+ A fe! less ol# h!' ,( se# the st !n'e + 'He s!t in it- !s I've tol# *o(- on his tin $o.- n( sin' the (nlo!#e# evolve on his l!"+ He s!t )ith " e,!(tion11th!n )hi,h the e is nothin' &o e f!ti'(in'11!n# th(s ente e# the l!n# he )!s #estine# to fill )ith the f!&e of his vi t(es- f o& the $l(e "e!%s inl!n# to the )hite i$$on of s( f on the ,o!st+ At the fi st $en# he lost si'ht of the se! )ith its l!$o( in' )!ves fo eve isin'- sin%in'- !n# v!nishin' to ise !'!in11the ve * i&!'e of st (''lin' &!n%in#11!n# f!,e# the i&&ov!$le fo ests oote# #ee" in the soil- so! in' to)! #s the s(nshine- eve l!stin' in the sh!#o)* &i'ht of thei t !#ition- li%e life itself+ An# his o""o t(nit* s!t veile# $* his si#e li%e !n E!ste n $ i#e )!itin' to $e (n,ove e# $* the h!n# of the &!ste + He too )!s the hei of ! sh!#o)* !n# &i'ht* t !#ition3 He

tol# &e- ho)eve - th!t he h!# neve in his life felt so #e" esse# !n# ti e# !s in th!t ,!noe+ All the &ove&ent he #! e# to !llo) hi&self )!s to e!,h- !s it )e e $* ste!lth- !fte the shell of h!lf ! ,o,o!1n(t flo!tin' $et)een his shoes- !n# $!le so&e of the )!te o(t )ith ! ,! ef(ll* est !ine# !,tion+ He #is,ove e# ho) h! # the li# of ! $lo,%1tin ,!se )!s to sit ("on+ He h!# he oi, he!lth0 $(t seve !l ti&es #( in' th!t 2o( ne* he e."e ien,e# fits of 'i##iness- !n# $et)een )hiles he s"e,(l!te# h!/il* !s to the si/e of the $liste the s(n )!s !isin' on his $!,%+ 4o !&(se&ent he t ie# $* loo%in' !he!# to #e,i#e )hethe the &(##* o$2e,t he s!) l*in' on the )!te 's e#'e )!s ! lo' of )oo# o !n !lli'!to + Onl* ve * soon he h!# to 'ive th!t ("+ No f(n in it+ Al)!*s !lli'!to + One of the& flo""e# into the ive !n# !ll $(t ,!"si/e# the ,!noe+ B(t this e.,ite&ent )!s ove #i e,tl*+ Then in ! lon' e&"t* e!,h he )!s ve * ' !tef(l to ! t oo" of &on%e*s )ho ,!&e i'ht #o)n on the $!n% !n# &!#e !n ins(ltin' h(ll!$!loo on his "!ss!'e+ S(,h )!s the )!* in )hi,h he )!s !"" o!,hin' ' e!tness !s 'en(ine !s !n* &!n eve !,hieve#+ P in,i"!ll*- he lon'e# fo s(nset0 !n# &e!nti&e his th ee "!##le s )e e " e"! in' to "(t into e.e,(tion thei "l!n of #elive in' hi& (" to the R!2!h+ ' <I s(""ose I &(st h!ve $een st("i# )ith f!ti'(e- o "e h!"s I #i# #o/e off fo ! ti&e-< he s!i#+ The fi st thin' he %ne) )!s his ,!noe ,o&in' to the $!n%+ He $e,!&e inst!nt!neo(sl* !)! e of the fo est h!vin' $een left $ehin#- of the fi st ho(ses $ein' visi$le hi'he ("- of ! sto,%!#e on his left- !n# of his $o!t&en le!"in' o(t to'ethe ("on ! lo) "oint of l!n# !n# t!%in' to thei heels+ Instin,tivel* he le!"e# o(t !fte the&+ At fi st he tho('ht hi&self #ese te# fo so&e in,on,eiv!$le e!son- $(t he he! # e.,ite# sho(ts- ! '!te s)(n' o"en- !n# ! lot of "eo"le "o( e# o(t- &!%in' to)! #s hi&+ At the s!&e ti&e ! $o!t f(ll of ! &e# &en !""e! e# on the ive !n# ,!&e !lon'si#e his e&"t* ,!noe- th(s sh(ttin' off his et e!t+ ' <I )!s too st! tle# to $e 9(ite ,ool11#on't *o( %no)5 !n# if th!t evolve h!# $een lo!#e# I )o(l# h!ve shot so&e$o#*11"e h!"s t)o- th ee $o#ies- !n# th!t )o(l# h!ve $een the en# of &e+ B(t it )!sn't+ + + +< <Wh* not5< I !s%e#+ <Well- I ,o(l#n't fi'ht the )hole "o"(l!tion- !n# I )!sn't ,o&in' to the& !s if I )e e !f !i# of &* life-< he s!i#- )ith 2(st ! f!int hint of his st($$o n s(l%iness in the 'l!n,e he '!ve &e+ I ef !ine# f o& "ointin' o(t to hi& th!t the* ,o(l# not h!ve %no)n the ,h!&$e s )e e !,t(!ll* e&"t*+ He h!# to s!tisf* hi&self in his o)n )!*+ + + + <An*ho) it )!sn't-< he e"e!te# 'oo#1h(&o( e#l*- <!n# so I 2(st stoo# still !n# !s%e# the& )h!t )!s the &!tte + Th!t see&e# to st i%e the& #(&$+ I s!) so&e of these thieves 'oin' off )ith &* $o.+ Th!t lon'1le''e# ol# s,o(n# el ;!ssi& ?I'll sho) hi& to *o( to1&o o)@ !n o(t f(ssin' to &e !$o(t the R!2!h )!ntin' to see &e+ I s!i#- 'All i'ht+' I too )!nte# to see the R!2!h!n# I si&"l* )!l%e# in th o('h the '!te !n#11!n#11he e I !&+< He l!('he#- !n# then )ith (ne."e,te# e&"h!sis- <An# #o *o( %no) )h!t's the $est in it5< he !s%e#+ <I'll tell *o(+ It's the %no)le#'e th!t h!# I $een )i"e# o(t it is this "l!,e th!t )o(l# h!ve $een the lose +< 'He s"o%e th(s to &e $efo e his ho(se on th!t evenin' I've &entione#11

!fte )e h!# )!t,he# the &oon flo!t !)!* !$ove the ,h!s& $et)een the hills li%e !n !s,en#in' s"i it o(t of ! ' !ve0 its sheen #es,en#e#,ol# !n# "!le- li%e the 'host of #e!# s(nli'ht+ The e is so&ethin' h!(ntin' in the li'ht of the &oon0 it h!s !ll the #is"!ssion!teness of ! #ise&$o#ie# so(l- !n# so&ethin' of its in,on,eiv!$le &*ste *+ It is to o( s(nshine- )hi,h11s!* )h!t *o( li%e11is !ll )e h!ve to live $*)h!t the e,ho is to the so(n#: &isle!#in' !n# ,onf(sin' )hethe the note $e &o,%in' o s!#+ It o$s !ll fo &s of &!tte 11)hi,h- !fte !llis o( #o&!in11of thei s($st!n,e- !n# 'ives ! siniste e!lit* to sh!#o)s !lone+ An# the sh!#o)s )e e ve * e!l ! o(n# (s- $(t Ji& $* &* si#e loo%e# ve * st!l)! t- !s tho('h nothin'11not even the o,,(lt "o)e of &oonli'ht11,o(l# o$ hi& of his e!lit* in &* e*es+ Pe h!"s- in#ee#nothin' ,o(l# to(,h hi& sin,e he h!# s( vive# the !ss!(lt of the #! % "o)e s+ All )!s silent- !ll )!s still0 even on the ive the &oon$e!&s sle"t !s on ! "ool+ It )!s the &o&ent of hi'h )!te - ! &o&ent of i&&o$ilit* th!t !,,ent(!te# the (tte isol!tion of this lost ,o ne of the e! th+ The ho(ses , o)#in' !lon' the )i#e shinin' s)ee" )itho(t i""le o 'litte - ste""in' into the )!te in ! line of 2ostlin'v!'(e- ' e*- silve * fo &s &in'le# )ith $l!,% &!sses of sh!#o)- )e e li%e ! s"e,t !l he # of sh!"eless , e!t( es " essin' fo )! # to # in% in ! s"e,t !l !n# lifeless st e!&+ He e !n# the e ! e# 'le!& t)in%le# )ithin the $!&$oo )!lls- )! &- li%e ! livin' s"! %- si'nifi,!nt of h(&!n !ffe,tions- of shelte - of e"ose+ 'He ,onfesse# to &e th!t he often )!t,he# these tin* )! & 'le!&s 'o o(t one $* one- th!t he love# to see "eo"le 'o to slee" (n#e his e*es- ,onfi#ent in the se,( it* of to1&o o)+ <Pe!,ef(l he e- eh5< he !s%e#+ He )!s not elo9(ent- $(t the e )!s ! #ee" &e!nin' in the )o #s th!t follo)e#+ <Loo% !t these ho(ses0 the e's not one )he e I !& not t (ste#+ Jove3 I tol# *o( I )o(l# h!n' on+ As% !n* &!n- )o&!n- o ,hil# + + +< He "!(se#+ <Well- I !& !ll i'ht !n*ho)+< 'I o$se ve# 9(i,%l* th!t he h!# fo(n# th!t o(t in the en#+ I h!# $een s( e of it- I !##e#+ He shoo% his he!#+ <We e *o(5< He " esse# &* ! & li'htl* !$ove the el$o)+ <Well- then11*o( )e e i'ht+< 'The e )!s el!tion !n# " i#e- the e )!s !)e !l&ost- in th!t lo) e.,l!&!tion+ <Jove3< he , ie#- <onl* thin% )h!t it is to &e+< A'!in he " esse# &* ! &+ <An# *o( !s%e# &e )hethe I tho('ht of le!vin'+ >oo# >o#3 I3 )!nt to le!ve3 Es"e,i!ll* no) !fte )h!t *o( tol# &e of M + Stein's + + + Le!ve3 Wh*3 Th!t's )h!t I )!s !f !i# of+ It )o(l# h!ve $een11it )o(l# h!ve $een h! #e th!n #*in'+ No11on &* )o #+ Don't l!('h+ I &(st feel11eve * #!*- eve * ti&e I o"en &* e*es11th!t I !& t (ste#11th!t no$o#* h!s ! i'ht11#on't *o( %no)5 Le!ve3 4o )he e5 Wh!t fo 5 To 'et )h!t5< 'I h!# tol# hi& ?in#ee# it )!s the &!in o$2e,t of &* visit@ th!t it )!s Stein's intention to " esent hi& !t on,e )ith the ho(se !n# the sto,% of t !#in' 'oo#s- on ,e t!in e!s* ,on#itions )hi,h )o(l# &!%e the t !ns!,tion "e fe,tl* e'(l! !n# v!li#+ He $e'!n to sno t !n# "l(n'e !t fi st+ <Confo(n# *o( #eli,!,*3< I sho(te#+ <It isn't Stein !t !ll+ It's 'ivin' *o( )h!t *o( h!# &!#e fo *o( self+ An# in

!n* ,!se %ee" *o( e&! %s fo M,Neil11)hen *o( &eet hi& in the othe )o l#+ I ho"e it )on't h!""en soon+ + + +< He h!# to 'ive in to &* ! '(&ents- $e,!(se !ll his ,on9(ests- the t (st- the f!&ethe f ien#shi"s- the love11!ll these thin's th!t &!#e hi& &!ste h!# &!#e hi& ! ,!"tive- too+ He loo%e# )ith !n o)ne 's e*e !t the "e!,e of the evenin'- !t the ive - !t the ho(ses- !t the eve l!stin' life of the fo ests- !t the life of the ol# &!n%in#- !t the se, ets of the l!n#- !t the " i#e of his o)n he! t0 $(t it )!s the* th!t "ossesse# hi& !n# &!#e hi& thei o)n to the inne &ost tho('ht- to the sli'htest sti of $loo#- to his l!st $ e!th+ 'It )!s so&ethin' to $e " o(# of+ I- too- )!s " o(#11fo hi&- if not so ,e t!in of the f!$(lo(s v!l(e of the $! '!in+ It )!s )on#e f(l+ It )!s not so &(,h of his fe! lessness th!t I tho('ht+ It is st !n'e ho) little !,,o(nt I too% of it: !s if it h!# $een so&ethin' too ,onvention!l to $e !t the oot of the &!tte + No+ I )!s &o e st (,% $* the othe 'ifts he h!# #is"l!*e#+ He h!# " ove# his ' !s" of the (nf!&ili! sit(!tion- his intelle,t(!l !le tness in th!t fiel# of tho('ht+ The e )!s his e!#iness- too3 A&!/in'+ An# !ll this h!# ,o&e to hi& in ! &!nne li%e %een s,ent to ! )ell1$ e# ho(n#+ He )!s not elo9(ent- $(t the e )!s ! #i'nit* in this ,onstit(tion!l eti,en,e- the e )!s ! hi'h se io(sness in his st!&&e in's+ He h!# still his ol# t i,% of st($$o n $l(shin'+ No) !n# then- tho('h- ! )o #- ! senten,e- )o(l# es,!"e hi& th!t sho)e# ho) #ee"l*- ho) sole&nl*- he felt !$o(t th!t )o % )hi,h h!# 'iven hi& the ,e tit(#e of eh!$ilit!tion+ Th!t is )h* he see&e# to love the l!n# !n# the "eo"le )ith ! so t of fie ,e e'ois&- )ith ! ,onte&"t(o(s ten#e ness+'

CHAPTER =D ' <This is )he e I )!s " isone fo th ee #!*s-< he &( &( e# to &e ?it )!s on the o,,!sion of o( visit to the R!2!h@- )hile )e )e e &!%in' o( )!* slo)l* th o('h ! %in# of !)est (,% iot of #e"en#!nts !, oss T(n%( All!n''s ,o( t*! #+ <4ilth* "l!,e- isn't it5 An# I ,o(l#n't 'et !n*thin' to e!t eithe - (nless I &!#e ! o) !$o(t it- !n# then it )!s onl* ! s&!ll "l!te of i,e !n# ! f ie# fish not &(,h $i''e th!n ! sti,%le$!,%11,onfo(n# the&3 Jove3 I've $een h(n' * " o)lin' insi#e this stin%in' en,los( e )ith so&e of these v!'!$on#s shovin' thei &('s i'ht (n#e &* nose+ I h!# 'iven (" th!t f!&o(s evolve of *o( s !t the fi st #e&!n#+ >l!# to 'et i# of the $!ll* thin'+ Loo% li%e ! fool )!l%in' !$o(t )ith !n e&"t* shootin'1i on in &* h!n#+< At th!t &o&ent )e ,!&e into the " esen,e- !n# he $e,!&e (nflin,hin'l* ' !ve !n# ,o&"li&ent! * )ith his l!te ,!"to + Oh3 &!'nifi,ent3 I )!nt to l!('h )hen I thin% of it+ B(t I )!s i&" esse#- too+ The ol# #is e"(t!$le T(n%( All!n' ,o(l# not hel" sho)in' his fe! ?he )!s no he o- fo !ll the t!les of his hot *o(th he )!s fon# of tellin'@0 !n# !t the s!&e ti&e the e )!s ! )istf(l ,onfi#en,e in his &!nne to)! #s his l!te " isone + Note3 Even )he e he )o(l# $e &ost h!te# he )!s still t (ste#+ Ji&11!s f! !s I ,o(l# follo) the ,onve s!tion11)!s i&" ovin' the o,,!sion $* the #elive * of ! le,t( e+ So&e "oo vill!'e s h!# $een

)!*l!i# !n# o$$e# )hile on thei )!* to Do !&in's ho(se )ith ! fe) "ie,es of '(& o $ees)!. )hi,h the* )ishe# to e.,h!n'e fo i,e+ <It )!s Do !&in )ho )!s ! thief-< $( st o(t the R!2!h+ A sh!%in' f( * see&e# to ente th!t ol# f !il $o#*+ He ) ithe# )ei #l* on his &!t- 'esti,(l!tin' )ith his h!n#s !n# feet- tossin' the t!n'le# st in's of his &o"11!n i&"otent in,! n!tion of !'e+ The e )e e st! in' e*es !n# # o""in' 2!)s !ll ! o(n# (s+ Ji& $e'!n to s"e!%+ Resol(tel*- ,ooll*- !n# fo so&e ti&e he enl! 'e# ("on the te.t th!t no &!n sho(l# $e " evente# f o& 'ettin' his foo# !n# his ,hil# en's foo# honestl*+ The othe s!t li%e ! t!ilo !t his $o! #- one "!l& on e!,h %nee- his he!# lo)- !n# fi.in' Ji& th o('h the ' e* h!i th!t fell ove his ve * e*es+ When Ji& h!# #one the e )!s ! ' e!t stillness+ No$o#* see&e# to $ e!the even0 no one &!#e ! so(n# till the ol# R!2!h si'he# f!intl*- !n# loo%in' ("- )ith ! toss of his he!#s!i# 9(i,%l*- <Yo( he! - &* "eo"le3 No &o e of these little '!&es+< This #e, ee )!s e,eive# in " ofo(n# silen,e+ A !the he!v* &!n- evi#entl* in ! "osition of ,onfi#en,e- )ith intelli'ent e*es- ! $on*- $ o!#- ve * #! % f!,e- !n# ! ,hee il* of offi,io(s &!nne ?I le! ne# l!te on he )!s the e.e,(tione @- " esente# to (s t)o ,("s of ,offee on ! $ !ss t !*- )hi,h he too% f o& the h!n#s of !n infe io !tten#!nt+ <Yo( nee#n't # in%-< &(tte e# Ji& ve * !"i#l*+ I #i#n't "e ,eive the &e!nin' !t fi st- !n# onl* loo%e# !t hi&+ He too% ! 'oo# si" !n# s!t ,o&"ose#l*- hol#in' the s!(,e in his left h!n#+ In ! &o&ent I felt e.,essivel* !nno*e#+ <Wh* the #evil-< I )his"e e#- s&ilin' !t hi& !&i!$l*- <#o *o( e."ose &e to s(,h ! st("i# is%5< I # !n%- of ,o( se- the e )!s nothin' fo it- )hile he '!ve no si'n- !n# !l&ost i&&e#i!tel* !fte )! #s )e too% o( le!ve+ While )e )e e 'oin' #o)n the ,o( t*! # to o( $o!t- es,o te# $* the intelli'ent !n# ,hee * e.e,(tione - Ji& s!i# he )!s ve * so *+ It )!s the $! est ,h!n,e- of ,o( se+ Pe son!ll* he tho('ht nothin' of "oison+ The e&otest ,h!n,e+ He )!s11he !ss( e# &e11,onsi#e e# to $e infinitel* &o e (sef(l th!n #!n'e o(s- !n# so + + + <B(t the R!2!h is !f !i# of *o( !$o&in!$l*+ An*$o#* ,!n see th!t-< I ! '(e# )ith- I o)n- ! ,e t!in "eevishness- !n# !ll the ti&e )!t,hin' !n.io(sl* fo the fi st t)ist of so&e so t of 'h!stl* ,oli,+ I )!s !)f(ll* #is'(ste#+ <If I !& to #o !n* 'oo# he e !n# " ese ve &* "osition-< he s!i#- t!%in' his se!t $* &* si#e in the $o!t- <I &(st st!n# the is%: I t!%e it on,e eve * &onth- !t le!st+ M!n* "eo"le t (st &e to #o th!t11fo the&+ Af !i# of &e3 Th!t's 2(st it+ Most li%el* he is !f !i# of &e $e,!(se I !& not !f !i# of his ,offee+< Then sho)in' &e ! "l!,e on the no th f ont of the sto,%!#e )he e the "ointe# to"s of seve !l st!%es )e e $ o%en- <This is )he e I le!"e# ove on &* thi # #!* in P!t(s!n+ The* h!ven't "(t ne) st!%es the e *et+ >oo# le!"- eh5< A &o&ent l!te )e "!sse# the &o(th of ! &(##* , ee%+ <This is &* se,on# le!"+ I h!# ! $it of ! (n !n# too% this one fl*in'- $(t fell sho t+ Tho('ht I )o(l# le!ve &* s%in the e+ Lost &* shoes st (''lin'+ An# !ll the ti&e I )!s thin%in' to &*self ho) $e!stl* it )o(l# $e to 'et ! 2!$ )ith ! $!ll* lon' s"e! )hile sti,%in' in the &(# li%e this+ I e&e&$e ho) si,% I felt ) i''lin' in th!t sli&e+ I &e!n e!ll* si,%11!s if I h!# $itten so&ethin' otten+< 'Th!t's ho) it )!s11!n# the o""o t(nit* !n $* his si#e- le!"e# ove the '!"- flo(n#e e# in the &(# + + + still veile#+ The (ne."e,te#ness

of his ,o&in' )!s the onl* thin'- *o( (n#e st!n#- th!t s!ve# hi& f o& $ein' !t on,e #is"!t,he# )ith % isses !n# fl(n' into the ive + The* h!# hi&- $(t it )!s li%e 'ettin' hol# of !n !""! ition! ) !ith- ! "o tent+ Wh!t #i# it &e!n5 Wh!t to #o )ith it5 W!s it too l!te to ,on,ili!te hi&5 H!#n't he $ette $e %ille# )itho(t &o e #el!*5 B(t )h!t )o(l# h!""en then5 W et,he# ol# All!n' )ent ne! l* &!# )ith !"" ehension !n# th o('h the #iffi,(lt* of &!%in' (" his &in#+ Seve !l ti&es the ,o(n,il )!s $ o%en ("- !n# the !#vise s &!#e ! $ e!% helte 1s%elte fo the #oo !n# o(t on to the ve !n#!h+ One11it is s!i#11even 2(&"e# #o)n to the ' o(n#11fifteen feet- I sho(l# 2(#'e11!n# $ o%e his le'+ The o*!l 'ove no of P!t(s!n h!# $i/! e &!nne is&s- !n# one of the& )!s to int o#(,e $o!stf(l h!"so#ies into eve * ! #(o(s #is,(ssion- )hen- 'ettin' ' !#(!ll* e.,ite#- he )o(l# en# $* fl*in' off his "e ,h )ith ! % iss in his h!n#+ B(t- $! in' s(,h inte ("tions- the #eli$e !tions ("on Ji&'s f!te )ent on ni'ht !n# #!*+ 'Me!n)hile he )!n#e e# !$o(t the ,o( t*! #- sh(nne# $* so&e'l! e# !t $* othe s- $(t )!t,he# $* !ll- !n# " !,ti,!ll* !t the &e ,* of the fi st ,!s(!l !'!&(ffin )ith ! ,ho""e - in the e+ He too% "ossession of ! s&!ll t(&$le1#o)n she# to slee" in0 the effl(vi! of filth !n# otten &!tte in,o&&o#e# hi& ' e!tl*: it see&s he h!# not lost his !""etite tho('h- $e,!(se11he tol# &e11he h!# $een h(n' * !ll the $lesse# ti&e+ No) !n# !'!in <so&e f(ss* !ss< #e"(te# f o& the ,o(n,il1 oo& )o(l# ,o&e o(t (nnin' to hi&!n# in hone*e# tones )o(l# !#&iniste !&!/in' inte o'!to ies: <We e the D(t,h ,o&in' to t!%e the ,o(nt *5 Wo(l# the )hite &!n li%e to 'o $!,% #o)n the ive 5 Wh!t )!s the o$2e,t of ,o&in' to s(,h ! &ise !$le ,o(nt *5 The R!2!h )!nte# to %no) )hethe the )hite &!n ,o(l# e"!i ! )!t,h5< The* #i# !,t(!ll* $ in' o(t to hi& ! ni,%el ,lo,% of Ne) En'l!n# &!%e- !n# o(t of shee (n$e! !$le $o e#o& he $(sie# hi&self in t *in' to 'et the !l! (& to )o %+ It )!s !""! entl* )hen th(s o,,("ie# in his she# th!t the t (e "e ,e"tion of his e.t e&e "e il #!)ne# ("on hi&+ He # o""e# the thin'11he s!*s11<li%e ! hot "ot!to-< !n# )!l%e# o(t h!stil*)itho(t the sli'htest i#e! of )h!t he )o(l#- o in#ee# ,o(l#- #o+ He onl* %ne) th!t the "osition )!s intole !$le+ He st olle# !i&lessl* $e*on# ! so t of !&sh!,%le little ' !n! * on "osts- !n# his e*es fell on the $ o%en st!%es of the "!lis!#e0 !n# then11he s!*s11!t on,e)itho(t !n* &ent!l " o,ess !s it )e e- )itho(t !n* sti of e&otionhe set !$o(t his es,!"e !s if e.e,(tin' ! "l!n &!t( e# fo ! &onth+ He )!l%e# off ,! elessl* to 'ive hi&self ! 'oo# (n- !n# )hen he f!,e# !$o(t the e )!s so&e #i'nit! *- )ith t)o s"e! &en in !tten#!n,e- ,lose !t his el$o) e!#* )ith ! 9(estion+ He st! te# off <f o& (n#e his ve * nose-< )ent ove <li%e ! $i #-< !n# l!n#e# on the othe si#e )ith ! f!ll th!t 2! e# !ll his $ones !n# see&e# to s"lit his he!#+ He "i,%e# hi&self (" inst!ntl*+ He neve tho('ht of !n*thin' !t the ti&e0 !ll he ,o(l# e&e&$e 11he s!i#11)!s ! ' e!t *ell0 the fi st ho(ses of P!t(s!n )e e $efo e hi& fo( h(n# e# *! #s !)!*0 he s!) the , ee%- !n# !s it )e e &e,h!ni,!ll* "(t on &o e "!,e+ The e! th see&e# f!i l* to fl* $!,%)! #s (n#e his feet+ He too% off f o& the l!st # * s"ot- felt hi&self fl*in' th o('h the !i felt hi&self- )itho(t !n* sho,%- "l!nte# (" i'ht in !n e.t e&el* soft !n# sti,%* &(#$!n%+ It )!s onl* )hen he t ie# to &ove his

le's !n# fo(n# he ,o(l#n't th!t- in his o)n )o #s- <he ,!&e to hi&self+< He $e'!n to thin% of the <$!ll* lon' s"e! s+< As ! &!tte of f!,t- ,onsi#e in' th!t the "eo"le insi#e the sto,%!#e h!# to (n to the '!te- then 'et #o)n to the l!n#in'1"l!,e- 'et into $o!ts- !n# "(ll o(n# ! "oint of l!n#- he h!# &o e !#v!n,e th!n he i&!'ine#+ Besi#es- it $ein' lo) )!te - the , ee% )!s )itho(t )!te 11*o( ,o(l#n't ,!ll it # *11!n# " !,ti,!ll* he )!s s!fe fo ! ti&e f o& eve *thin' $(t ! ve * lon' shot "e h!"s+ The hi'he fi & ' o(n# )!s !$o(t si. feet in f ont of hi&+ <I tho('ht I )o(l# h!ve to #ie the e !ll the s!&e-< he s!i#+ He e!,he# !n# ' !$$e# #es"e !tel* )ith his h!n#s- !n# onl* s(,,ee#e# in '!the in' ! ho i$le ,ol# shin* he!" of sli&e !'!inst his $ e!st11(" to his ve * ,hin+ It see&e# to hi& he )!s $( *in' hi&self !live- !n# then he st (,% o(t &!#l*s,!tte in' the &(# )ith his fists+ It fell on his he!#- on his f!,eove his e*es- into his &o(th+ He tol# &e th!t he e&e&$e e# s(##enl* the ,o( t*! #- !s *o( e&e&$e ! "l!,e )he e *o( h!# $een ve * h!""* *e! s !'o+ He lon'e#11so he s!i#11to $e $!,% the e !'!in- &en#in' the ,lo,%+ Men#in' the ,lo,%11th!t )!s the i#e!+ He &!#e effo ts- t e&en#o(s so$$in'- '!s"in' effo ts- effo ts th!t see&e# to $( st his e*e$!lls in thei so,%ets !n# &!%e hi& $lin#- !n# ,(l&in!tin' into one &i'ht* s(" e&e effo t in the #! %ness to , !,% the e! th !s(n#e - to th o) it off his li&$s11!n# he felt hi&self , ee"in' fee$l* (" the $!n%+ He l!* f(ll len'th on the fi & ' o(n# !n# s!) the li'ht- the s%*+ Then !s ! so t of h!""* tho('ht the notion ,!&e to hi& th!t he )o(l# 'o to slee"+ He )ill h!ve it th!t he B#i#B !,t(!ll* 'o to slee"0 th!t he sle"t11"e h!"s fo ! &in(te- "e h!"s fo t)ent* se,on#s- o onl* fo one se,on#- $(t he e,olle,ts #istin,tl* the violent ,onv(lsive st! t of !)!%enin'+ He e&!ine# l*in' still fo ! )hile- !n# then he ! ose &(##* f o& he!# to foot !n# stoo# the e- thin%in' he )!s !lone of his %in# fo h(n# e#s of &iles- !lone- )ith no hel"- no s*&"!th*- no "it* to e."e,t f o& !n* one- li%e ! h(nte# !ni&!l+ The fi st ho(ses )e e not &o e th!n t)ent* *! #s f o& hi&0 !n# it )!s the #es"e !te s, e!&in' of ! f i'htene# )o&!n t *in' to ,! * off ! ,hil# th!t st! te# hi& !'!in+ He "elte# st !i'ht on in his so,%s- $e"l!ste e# )ith filth o(t of !ll se&$l!n,e to ! h(&!n $ein'+ He t !ve se# &o e th!n h!lf the len'th of the settle&ent+ The ni&$le )o&en fle# i'ht !n# left- the slo)e &en 2(st # o""e# )h!teve the* h!# in thei h!n#s- !n# e&!ine# "et ifie# )ith # o""in' 2!)s+ He )!s ! fl*in' te o + He s!*s he noti,e# the little ,hil# en t *in' to (n fo life- f!llin' on thei little sto&!,hs !n# %i,%in'+ He s)e ve# $et)een t)o ho(ses (" ! slo"e- ,l!&$e e# in #es"e !tion ove ! $! i,!#e of felle# t ees ?the e )!sn't ! )ee% )itho(t so&e fi'ht in P!t(s!n !t th!t ti&e@- $( st th o('h ! fen,e into ! &!i/e1"!t,h)he e ! s,! e# $o* fl(n' ! sti,% !t hi&- $l(n#e e# ("on ! "!th!n# !n !ll !t on,e into the ! &s of seve !l st! tle# &en+ He 2(st h!# $ e!th eno('h to '!s" o(t- <Do !&in3 Do !&in3< He e&e&$e s $ein' h!lf1,! ie#- h!lf1 (she# to the to" of the slo"e- !n# in ! v!st en,los( e )ith "!l&s !n# f (it t ees $ein' (n (" to ! l! 'e &!n sittin' &!ssivel* in ! ,h!i in the &i#st of the ' e!test "ossi$le ,o&&otion !n# e.,ite&ent+ He f(&$le# in &(# !n# ,lothes to " o#(,e the in'- !n#- fin#in' hi&self s(##enl* on his $!,%- )on#e e# )ho h!# %no,%e# hi& #o)n+ The* h!# si&"l* let hi& 'o11#on't *o( %no)511$(t he ,o(l#n't st!n#+ At the foot of the slo"e !n#o& shots

)e e fi e#- !n# !$ove the oofs of the settle&ent the e ose ! #(ll o! of !&!/e&ent+ B(t he )!s s!fe+ Do !&in's "eo"le )e e $! i,!#in' the '!te !n# "o( in' )!te #o)n his th o!t0 Do !&in's ol# )ife- f(ll of $(siness !n# ,o&&ise !tion- )!s iss(in' sh ill o #e s to he 'i ls+ <The ol# )o&!n-< he s!i# softl*- <&!#e ! to1#o ove &e !s if I h!# $een he o)n son+ The* "(t &e into !n i&&ense $e#11he st!te $e#11!n# she !n in !n# o(t )i"in' he e*es to 'ive &e "!ts on the $!,%+ I &(st h!ve $een ! "itif(l o$2e,t+ I 2(st l!* the e li%e ! lo' fo I #on't %no) ho) lon'+< 'He see&e# to h!ve ! ' e!t li%in' fo Do !&in's ol# )ife+ She on he si#e h!# t!%en ! &othe l* f!n,* to hi&+ She h!# ! o(n#- n(t1$ o)nsoft f!,e- !ll fine ) in%les- l! 'e- $ i'ht e# li"s ?she ,he)e# $etel !ssi#(o(sl*@- !n# s, e)e# ("- )in%in'- $enevolent e*es+ She )!s ,onst!ntl* in &ove&ent- s,ol#in' $(sil* !n# o #e in' (n,e!sin'l* ! t oo" of *o(n' )o&en )ith ,le! $ o)n f!,es !n# $i' ' !ve e*eshe #!('hte s- he se v!nts- he sl!ve1'i ls+ Yo( %no) ho) it is in these ho(sehol#s: it's 'ene !ll* i&"ossi$le to tell the #iffe en,e+ She )!s ve * s"! e- !n# even he !&"le o(te '! &ent- f!stene# in f ont )ith 2e)elle# ,l!s"s- h!# so&eho) ! s%i&"* effe,t+ He #! % $! e feet )e e th (st into *ello) st !) sli""e s of Chinese &!%e+ I h!ve seen he &*self flittin' !$o(t )ith he e.t e&el* thi,%lon'- ' e* h!i f!llin' !$o(t he sho(l#e s+ She (tte e# ho&el* sh e)# s!*in's- )!s of no$le $i th- !n# )!s e,,ent i, !n# ! $it ! *+ In the !fte noon she )o(l# sit in ! ve * oo&* ! &1,h!i - o""osite he h(s$!n#- '!/in' ste!#il* th o('h ! )i#e o"enin' in the )!ll )hi,h '!ve !n e.tensive vie) of the settle&ent !n# the ive + 'She inv! i!$l* t(,%e# (" he feet (n#e he - $(t ol# Do !&in s!t s9(! el*- s!t i&"osin'l* !s ! &o(nt!in sits on ! "l!in+ He )!s onl* of the n!%ho#! o &e ,h!nt ,l!ss- $(t the es"e,t sho)n to hi& !n# the #i'nit* of his $e! in' )e e ve * st i%in'+ He )!s the ,hief of the se,on# "o)e in P!t(s!n+ The i&&i' !nts f o& Cele$es ?!$o(t si.t* f!&ilies th!t- )ith #e"en#!nts !n# so on- ,o(l# &(ste so&e t)o h(n# e# &en <)e! in' the % iss<@ h!# ele,te# hi& *e! s !'o fo thei he!#+ The &en of th!t !,e ! e intelli'ent- ente " isin'even'ef(l- $(t )ith ! &o e f !n% ,o( !'e th!n the othe M!l!*s!n# estless (n#e o"" ession+ The* fo &e# the "! t* o""ose# to the R!2!h+ Of ,o( se the 9(! els )e e fo t !#e+ This )!s the " i&! * ,!(se of f!,tion fi'hts- of the s(##en o(t$ e!%s th!t )o(l# fill this o th!t "! t of the settle&ent )ith s&o%e- fl!&e- the noise of shots !n# sh ie%s+ Eill!'es )e e $( nt- &en )e e # !''e# into the R!2!h's sto,%!#e to $e %ille# o to t( e# fo the , i&e of t !#in' )ith !n*$o#* else $(t hi&self+ Onl* ! #!* o t)o $efo e Ji&'s ! iv!l seve !l he!#s of ho(sehol#s in the ve * fishin' vill!'e th!t )!s !fte )! #s t!%en (n#e his es"e,i!l " ote,tion h!# $een # iven ove the ,liffs $* ! "! t* of the R!2!h's s"e! &en- on s(s"i,ion of h!vin' $een ,olle,tin' e#i$le $i #s' nests fo ! Cele$es t !#e + R!2!h All!n' " eten#e# to $e the onl* t !#e in his ,o(nt *- !n# the "en!lt* fo the $ e!,h of the &ono"ol* )!s #e!th0 $(t his i#e! of t !#in' )!s in#istin'(ish!$le f o& the ,o&&onest fo &s of o$$e *+ His , (elt* !n# !"!,it* h!# no othe $o(n#s th!n his ,o)! #i,e- !n# he )!s !f !i# of the o '!nise# "o)e of the Cele$es &en- onl*11till Ji& ,!&e11he )!s not !f !i# eno('h to %ee" 9(iet+ He st (,% !t the&

th o('h his s($2e,ts- !n# tho('ht hi&self "!theti,!ll* in the i'ht+ The sit(!tion )!s ,o&"li,!te# $* ! )!n#e in' st !n'e - !n A !$ h!lf1$ ee#- )ho- I $elieve- on "( el* eli'io(s ' o(n#s- h!# in,ite# the t i$es in the inte io ?the $(sh1fol%- !s Ji& hi&self ,!lle# the&@ to ise- !n# h!# est!$lishe# hi&self in ! fo tifie# ,!&" on the s(&&it of one of the t)in hills+ He h(n' ove the to)n of P!t(s!n li%e ! h!)% ove ! "o(lt *1*! #- $(t he #ev!st!te# the o"en ,o(nt *+ Whole vill!'es#ese te#- otte# on thei $l!,%ene# "osts ove the $!n%s of ,le! st e!&s- # o""in' "ie,e&e!l into the )!te the ' !ss of thei )!llsthe le!ves of thei oofs- )ith ! ,( io(s effe,t of n!t( !l #e,!* !s if the* h!# $een ! fo & of ve'et!tion st i,%en $* ! $li'ht !t its ve * oot+ The t)o "! ties in P!t(s!n )e e not s( e )hi,h one this "! tis!n &ost #esi e# to "l(n#e + The R!2!h int i'(e# )ith hi& fee$l*+ So&e of the B('is settle s- )e! * )ith en#less inse,( it*- )e e h!lf in,line# to ,!ll hi& in+ The *o(n'e s"i its !&on'st the&- ,h!ffin'!#vise# to <'et She if Ali )ith his )il# &en !n# # ive the R!2!h All!n' o(t of the ,o(nt *+< Do !&in est !ine# the& )ith #iffi,(lt*+ He )!s ' o)in' ol#- !n#- tho('h his infl(en,e h!# not #i&inishe#- the sit(!tion )!s 'ettin' $e*on# hi&+ This )!s the st!te of !ff!i s )hen Ji&- $oltin' f o& the R!2!h's sto,%!#e- !""e! e# $efo e the ,hief of the B('is- " o#(,e# the in'- !n# )!s e,eive#- in ! &!nne of s"e!%in'- into the he! t of the ,o&&(nit*+'

CHAPTER =G 'Do !&in )!s one of the &ost e&! %!$le &en of his !,e I h!# eve seen+ His $(l% fo ! M!l!* )!s i&&ense- $(t he #i# not loo% &e el* f!t0 he loo%e# i&"osin'- &on(&ent!l+ This &otionless $o#*- ,l!# in i,h st(ffs- ,olo( e# sil%s- 'ol# e&$ oi#e ies0 this h('e he!#- enfol#e# in ! e#1!n#1'ol# he!#%e ,hief0 the fl!t- $i'o(n# f!,e- ) in%le#- f( o)e#- )ith t)o se&i,i ,(l! he!v* fol#s st! tin' on e!,h si#e of )i#e- fie ,e nost ils- !n# en,losin' ! thi,%1li""e# &o(th0 the th o!t li%e ! $(ll0 the v!st ,o ('!te# $ o) ove h!n'in' the st! in' " o(# e*es11&!#e ! )hole th!t- on,e seen- ,!n neve $e fo 'otten+ His i&"!ssive e"ose ?he sel#o& sti e# ! li&$ )hen on,e he s!t #o)n@ )!s li%e ! #is"l!* of #i'nit*+ He )!s neve %no)n to !ise his voi,e+ It )!s ! ho! se !n# "o)e f(l &( &( sli'htl* veile# !s if he! # f o& ! #ist!n,e+ When he )!l%e#- t)o sho t- st( #* *o(n' fello)s- n!%e# to the )!ist- in )hite s! on's !n# )ith $l!,% s%(ll1,!"s on the $!,%s of thei he!#s- s(st!ine# his el$o)s0 the* )o(l# e!se hi& #o)n !n# st!n# $ehin# his ,h!i till he )!nte# to ise- )hen he )o(l# t( n his he!# slo)l*- !s if )ith #iffi,(lt*- to the i'ht !n# to the left- !n# then the* )o(l# ,!t,h hi& (n#e his ! &"its !n# hel" hi& ("+ 4o !ll th!t- the e )!s nothin' of ! , i""le !$o(t hi&: on the ,ont ! *- !ll his "on#e o(s &ove&ents )e e li%e &!nifest!tions of ! &i'ht* #eli$e !te fo ,e+ It )!s 'ene !ll* $elieve# he ,ons(lte# his )ife !s to "($li, !ff!i s0 $(t no$o#*- !s f! !s I %no)- h!# eve he! # the& e.,h!n'e ! sin'le )o #+ When the* s!t in st!te $* the )i#e o"enin' it )!s in silen,e+ The* ,o(l# see $elo) the& in the #e,linin' li'ht the v!st e."!nse of the fo est ,o(nt *- ! #! % slee"in' se! of so&$ e ' een (n#(l!tin'

!s f! !s the violet !n# "( "le !n'e of &o(nt!ins0 the shinin' sin(osit* of the ive li%e !n i&&ense lette S of $e!ten silve 0 the $ o)n i$$on of ho(ses follo)in' the s)ee" of $oth $!n%sove to""e# $* the t)in hills (" isin' !$ove the ne! e t ee1to"s+ The* )e e )on#e f(ll* ,ont !ste#: she- li'ht- #eli,!te- s"! e9(i,%- ! little )it,h1li%e- )ith ! to(,h of &othe l* f(ssiness in he e"ose0 he- f!,in' he - i&&ense !n# he!v*- li%e ! fi'( e of ! &!n o('hl* f!shione# of stone- )ith so&ethin' &!'n!ni&o(s !n# (thless in his i&&o$ilit*+ The son of these ol# "eo"le )!s ! &ost #istin'(ishe# *o(th+ 'The* h!# hi& l!te in life+ Pe h!"s he )!s not e!ll* so *o(n' !s he loo%e#+ 4o( 1 o five1!n#1t)ent* is not so *o(n' )hen ! &!n is !l e!#* f!the of ! f!&il* !t ei'hteen+ When he ente e# the l! 'e oo&- line# !n# ,! "ete# )ith fine &!ts- !n# )ith ! hi'h ,eilin' of )hite sheetin'- )he e the ,o("le s!t in st!te s( o(n#e# $* ! &ost #efe enti!l etin(e- he )o(l# &!%e his )!* st !i'ht to Do !&in- to %iss his h!n#11)hi,h the othe !$!n#one# to hi&- &!2esti,!ll*11!n# then )o(l# ste" !, oss to st!n# $* his &othe 's ,h!i + I s(""ose I &!* s!* the* i#olise# hi&- $(t I neve ,!('ht the& 'ivin' hi& !n ove t 'l!n,e+ Those- it is t (e- )e e "($li, f(n,tions+ The oo& )!s 'ene !ll* th on'e#+ The sole&n fo &!lit* of ' eetin's !n# le!ve1t!%in'sthe " ofo(n# es"e,t e." esse# in 'est( es- on the f!,es- in the lo) )his"e s- is si&"l* in#es, i$!$le+ <It's )ell )o th seein'-< Ji& h!# !ss( e# &e )hile )e )e e , ossin' the ive - on o( )!* $!,%+ <The* ! e li%e "eo"le in ! $oo%- ! en't the*5< he s!i# t i(&"h!ntl*+ <An# D!in W! is11thei son11is the $est f ien# ?$! in' *o(@ I eve h!#+ Wh!t M + Stein )o(l# ,!ll ! 'oo# ')! 1,o& !#e+' I )!s in l(,%+ Jove3 I )!s in l(,% )hen I t(&$le# !&on'st the& !t &* l!st '!s"+< He &e#it!te# )ith $o)e# he!#- then o(sin' hi&self he !##e#11' <Of ,o( se I #i#n't 'o to slee" ove it- $(t + + +< He "!(se# !'!in+ <It see&e# to ,o&e to &e-< he &( &( e#+ <All !t on,e I s!) )h!t I h!# to #o + + +< 'The e )!s no #o($t th!t it h!# ,o&e to hi&0 !n# it h!# ,o&e th o('h )! - too- !s is n!t( !l- sin,e this "o)e th!t ,!&e to hi& )!s the "o)e to &!%e "e!,e+ It is in this sense !lone th!t &i'ht so often is i'ht+ Yo( &(st not thin% he h!# seen his )!* !t on,e+ When he ! ive# the B('is ,o&&(nit* )!s in ! &ost , iti,!l "osition+ <The* )e e !ll !f !i#-< he s!i# to &e11<e!,h &!n !f !i# fo hi&self0 )hile I ,o(l# see !s "l!in !s "ossi$le th!t the* &(st #o so&ethin' !t on,e- if the* #i# not )!nt to 'o (n#e one !fte !nothe - )h!t $et)een the R!2!h !n# th!t v!'!$on# She if+< B(t to see th!t )!s nothin'+ When he 'ot his i#e! he h!# to # ive it into el(,t!nt &in#s- th o('h the $(l)! %s of fe! - of selfishness+ He # ove it in !t l!st+ An# th!t )!s nothin'+ He h!# to #evise the &e!ns+ He #evise# the&11!n !(#!,io(s "l!n0 !n# his t!s% )!s onl* h!lf #one+ He h!# to ins"i e )ith his o)n ,onfi#en,e ! lot of "eo"le )ho h!# hi##en !n# !$s( # e!sons to h!n' $!,%0 he h!# to ,on,ili!te i&$e,ile 2e!lo(sies- !n# ! '(e !)!* !ll so ts of senseless &ist (sts+ Witho(t the )ei'ht of Do !&in's !(tho it*!n# his son's fie * enth(si!s&- he )o(l# h!ve f!ile#+ D!in W! is- the #istin'(ishe# *o(th- )!s the fi st to $elieve in hi&0 thei s )!s one of those st !n'e- " ofo(n#- ! e f ien#shi"s $et)een $ o)n !n# )hitein )hi,h the ve * #iffe en,e of !,e see&s to # !) t)o h(&!n $ein's ,lose $* so&e &*sti, ele&ent of s*&"!th*+ Of D!in W! is-

his o)n "eo"le s!i# )ith " i#e th!t he %ne) ho) to fi'ht li%e ! )hite &!n+ This )!s t (e0 he h!# th!t so t of ,o( !'e11the ,o( !'e in the o"en- I &!* s!*11$(t he h!# !lso ! E( o"e!n &in#+ Yo( &eet the& so&eti&es li%e th!t- !n# ! e s( " ise# to #is,ove (ne."e,te#l* ! f!&ili! t( n of tho('ht- !n (no$s,( e# vision- ! ten!,it* of "( "ose- ! to(,h of !lt (is&+ Of s&!ll st!t( e- $(t !#&i !$l* )ell " o"o tione#- D!in W! is h!# ! " o(# ,! i!'e- ! "olishe#e!s* $e! in'- ! te&"e !&ent li%e ! ,le! fl!&e+ His #(s%* f!,e- )ith $i' $l!,% e*es- )!s in !,tion e." essive- !n# in e"ose tho('htf(l+ He )!s of ! silent #is"osition0 ! fi & 'l!n,e- !n i oni, s&ile- ! ,o( teo(s #eli$e !tion of &!nne see&e# to hint !t ' e!t ese ves of intelli'en,e !n# "o)e + S(,h $ein's o"en to the Weste n e*e- so often ,on,e ne# )ith &e e s( f!,es- the hi##en "ossi$ilities of !,es !n# l!n#s ove )hi,h h!n's the &*ste * of (n e,o #e# !'es+ He not onl* t (ste# Ji&- he (n#e stoo# hi&- I fi &l* $elieve+ I s"e!% of hi& $e,!(se he h!# ,!"tiv!te# &e+ His11if I &!* s!* so11his ,!(sti, "l!,i#it*- !n#- !t the s!&e ti&e- his intelli'ent s*&"!th* )ith Ji&'s !s"i !tions- !""e!le# to &e+ I see&e# to $ehol# the ve * o i'in of f ien#shi"+ If Ji& too% the le!#- the othe h!# ,!"tiv!te# his le!#e + In f!,t- Ji& the le!#e )!s ! ,!"tive in eve * sense+ The l!n#- the "eo"le- the f ien#shi"- the love- )e e li%e the 2e!lo(s '(! #i!ns of his $o#*+ Eve * #!* !##e# ! lin% to the fette s of th!t st !n'e f ee#o&+ I felt ,onvin,e# of it- !s f o& #!* to #!* I le! ne# &o e of the sto *+ 'The sto *3 H!ven't I he! # the sto *5 I've he! # it on the &! ,hin ,!&" ?he &!#e &e s,o( the ,o(nt * !fte invisi$le '!&e@0 I've listene# to ! 'oo# "! t of it on one of the t)in s(&&its- !fte ,li&$in' the l!st h(n# e# feet o so on &* h!n#s !n# %nees+ O( es,o t ?)e h!# vol(ntee follo)e s f o& vill!'e to vill!'e@ h!# ,!&"e# &e!nti&e on ! $it of level ' o(n# h!lf1)!* (" the slo"e!n# in the still $ e!thless evenin' the s&ell of )oo#1s&o%e e!,he# o( nost ils f o& $elo) )ith the "enet !tin' #eli,!,* of so&e ,hoi,e s,ent+ Eoi,es !lso !s,en#e#- )on#e f(l in thei #istin,t !n# i&&!te i!l ,le! ness+ Ji& s!t on the t (n% of ! felle# t ee- !n# "(llin' o(t his "i"e $e'!n to s&o%e+ A ne) ' o)th of ' !ss !n# $(shes )!s s" in'in' ("0 the e )e e t !,es of !n e! th)o % (n#e ! &!ss of tho n* t)i's+ <It !ll st! te# f o& he e-< he s!i#- !fte ! lon' !n# &e#it!tive silen,e+ On the othe hill- t)o h(n# e# *! #s !, oss ! so&$ e " e,i"i,e- I s!) ! line of hi'h $l!,%ene# st!%es- sho)in' he e !n# the e (ino(sl*11the e&n!nts of She if Ali's i&" e'n!$le ,!&"+ 'B(t it h!# $een t!%en- tho('h+ Th!t h!# $een his i#e!+ He h!# &o(nte# Do !&in's ol# o #n!n,e on the to" of th!t hill0 t)o (st* i on 81"o(n#e s- ! lot of s&!ll $ !ss ,!nnon11,( en,* ,!nnon+ B(t if the $ !ss '(ns e" esent )e!lth- the* ,!n !lso- )hen , !&&e# e,%lessl* to the &(//le- sen# ! soli# shot to so&e little #ist!n,e+ The thin' )!s to 'et the& (" the e+ He sho)e# &e )he e he h!# f!stene# the ,!$les- e."l!ine# ho) he h!# i&" ovise# ! (#e ,!"st!n o(t of ! hollo)e# lo' t( nin' ("on ! "ointe# st!%e- in#i,!te# )ith the $o)l of his "i"e the o(tline of the e! th)o %+ The l!st h(n# e# feet of the !s,ent h!# $een the &ost #iffi,(lt+ He h!# &!#e hi&self es"onsi$le fo s(,,ess on his o)n he!#+ He h!# in#(,e#

the )! "! t* to )o % h! # !ll ni'ht+ Bi' fi es li'hte# !t inte v!ls $l!/e# !ll #o)n the slo"e- <$(t (" he e-< he e."l!ine#- <the hoistin' '!n' h!# to fl* ! o(n# in the #! %+< 4 o& the to" he s!) &en &ovin' on the hillsi#e li%e !nts !t )o %+ He hi&self on th!t ni'ht h!# %e"t on (shin' #o)n !n# ,li&$in' (" li%e ! s9(i el- #i e,tin'en,o( !'in'- )!t,hin' !ll !lon' the line+ Ol# Do !&in h!# hi&self ,! ie# (" the hill in his ! &1,h!i + The* "(t hi& #o)n on the level "l!,e ("on the slo"e- !n# he s!t the e in the li'ht of one of the $i' fi es11<!&!/in' ol# ,h!"11 e!l ol# ,hieft!in-< s!i# Ji&- <)ith his little fie ,e e*es11! "!i of i&&ense flintlo,% "istols on his %nees+ M!'nifi,ent thin's- e$on*- silve 1&o(nte#- )ith $e!(tif(l lo,%s !n# ! ,!li$ e li%e !n ol# $l(n#e $(ss+ A " esent f o& Stein- it see&s11in e.,h!n'e fo th!t in'- *o( %no)+ Use# to $elon' to 'oo# ol# M,Neil+ >o# onl* %no)s ho) BheB ,!&e $* the&+ The e he s!t- &ovin' neithe h!n# no foot- ! fl!&e of # * $ (sh)oo# $ehin# hi&- !n# lots of "eo"le (shin' !$o(t- sho(tin' !n# "(llin' o(n# hi&11the &ost sole&n- i&"osin' ol# ,h!" *o( ,!n i&!'ine+ He )o(l#n't h!ve h!# &(,h ,h!n,e if She if Ali h!# let his infe n!l , e) loose !t (s !n# st!&"e#e# &* lot+ Eh5 An*ho)- he h!# ,o&e (" the e to #ie if !n*thin' )ent ) on'+ No &ist!%e3 Jove3 It th ille# &e to see hi& the e11li%e ! o,%+ B(t the She if &(st h!ve tho('ht (s &!#- !n# neve t o($le# to ,o&e !n# see ho) )e 'ot on+ No$o#* $elieve# it ,o(l# $e #one+ Wh*3 I thin% the ve * ,h!"s )ho "(lle# !n# shove# !n# s)e!te# ove it #i# not $elieve it ,o(l# $e #one3 U"on &* )o # I #on't thin% the* #i#+ + + +< 'He stoo# e e,t- the s&o(l#e in' $ ie 1)oo# in his ,l(t,h- )ith ! s&ile on his li"s !n# ! s"! %le in his $o*ish e*es+ I s!t on the st(&" of ! t ee !t his feet- !n# $elo) (s st et,he# the l!n#- the ' e!t e."!nse of the fo ests- so&$ e (n#e the s(nshine- ollin' li%e ! se!- )ith 'lints of )in#in' ive s- the ' e* s"ots of vill!'es- !n# he e !n# the e ! ,le! in'- li%e !n islet of li'ht !&on'st the #! % )!ves of ,ontin(o(s t ee1to"s+ A $ oo#in' 'loo& l!* ove this v!st !n# &onotono(s l!n#s,!"e0 the li'ht fell on it !s if into !n !$*ss+ The l!n# #evo( e# the s(nshine0 onl* f! off- !lon' the ,o!st- the e&"t* o,e!n- s&ooth !n# "olishe# )ithin the f!int h!/e- see&e# to ise (" to the s%* in ! )!ll of steel+ 'An# the e I )!s )ith hi&- hi'h in the s(nshine on the to" of th!t histo i, hill of his+ He #o&in!te# the fo est- the se,(l! 'loo&the ol# &!n%in#+ He )!s li%e ! fi'( e set (" on ! "e#est!l- to e" esent in his "e sistent *o(th the "o)e - !n# "e h!"s the vi t(esof !,es th!t neve ' o) ol#- th!t h!ve e&e 'e# f o& the 'loo&+ I #on't %no) )h* he sho(l# !l)!*s h!ve !""e! e# to &e s*&$oli,+ Pe h!"s this is the e!l ,!(se of &* inte est in his f!te+ I #on't %no) )hethe it )!s e.!,tl* f!i to hi& to e&e&$e the in,i#ent )hi,h h!# 'iven ! ne) #i e,tion to his life- $(t !t th!t ve * &o&ent I e&e&$e e# ve * #istin,tl*+ It )!s li%e ! sh!#o) in the li'ht+'

CHAPTER =8

'Al e!#* the le'en# h!# 'ifte# hi& )ith s("e n!t( !l "o)e s+ Yes- it )!s s!i#- the e h!# $een &!n* o"es ,(nnin'l* #is"ose#!n# ! st !n'e ,ont iv!n,e th!t t( ne# $* the effo ts of &!n* &en!n# e!,h '(n )ent (" te! in' slo)l* th o('h the $(shes- li%e ! )il# "i' ootin' its )!* in the (n#e ' o)th- $(t + + + !n# the )isest shoo% thei he!#s+ The e )!s so&ethin' o,,(lt in !ll this- no #o($t0 fo )h!t is the st en'th of o"es !n# of &en's ! &s5 The e is ! e$ellio(s so(l in thin's )hi,h &(st $e ove ,o&e $* "o)e f(l ,h! &s !n# in,!nt!tions+ Th(s ol# S( !11! ve * es"e,t!$le ho(sehol#e of P!t(s!n11)ith )ho& I h!# ! 9(iet ,h!t one evenin'+ Ho)eve - S( ! )!s ! " ofession!l so ,e e !lso- )ho !tten#e# !ll the i,e so)in's !n# e!"in's fo &iles ! o(n# fo the "( "ose of s($#(in' the st($$o n so(ls of thin's+ This o,,("!tion he see&e# to thin% ! &ost ! #(o(s one!n# "e h!"s the so(ls of thin's ! e &o e st($$o n th!n the so(ls of &en+ As to the si&"le fol% of o(tl*in' vill!'es- the* $elieve# !n# s!i# ?!s the &ost n!t( !l thin' in the )o l#@ th!t Ji& h!# ,! ie# the '(ns (" the hill on his $!,%11t)o !t ! ti&e+ 'This )o(l# &!%e Ji& st!&" his foot in ve.!tion !n# e.,l!i& )ith !n e.!s"e !te# little l!('h- <Wh!t ,!n *o( #o )ith s(,h sill* $e''! s5 The* )ill sit (" h!lf the ni'ht t!l%in' $!ll* ot- !n# the ' e!te the lie the &o e the* see& to li%e it+< Yo( ,o(l# t !,e the s($tle infl(en,e of his s( o(n#in's in this i it!tion+ It )!s "! t of his ,!"tivit*+ The e! nestness of his #eni!ls )!s !&(sin'- !n# !t l!st I s!i#- <M* #e! fello)- *o( #on't s(""ose BIB $elieve this+< He loo%e# !t &e 9(ite st! tle#+ <Well- no3 I s(""ose not-< he s!i#- !n# $( st into ! Ho&e i, "e!l of l!('hte + <Well- !n*ho) the '(ns )e e the e- !n# )ent off !ll to'ethe !t s(n ise+ Jove3 Yo( sho(l# h!ve seen the s"linte s fl*-< he , ie#+ B* his si#e D!in W! is- listenin' )ith ! 9(iet s&ile- # o""e# his e*eli#s !n# sh(ffle# his feet ! little+ It !""e! s th!t the s(,,ess in &o(ntin' the '(ns h!# 'iven Ji&'s "eo"le s(,h ! feelin' of ,onfi#en,e th!t he vent( e# to le!ve the $!tte * (n#e ,h! 'e of t)o el#e l* B('is )ho h!# seen so&e fi'htin' in thei #!*- !n# )ent to 2oin D!in W! is !n# the sto &in' "! t* )ho )e e ,on,e!le# in the !vine+ In the s&!ll ho( s the* $e'!n , ee"in' ("- !n# )hen t)o1thi #s of the )!* ("- l!* in the )et ' !ss )!itin' fo the !""e! !n,e of the s(n- )hi,h )!s the !' ee# si'n!l+ He tol# &e )ith )h!t i&"!tient !n'(ishin' e&otion he )!t,he# the s)ift ,o&in' of the #!)n0 ho)- he!te# )ith the )o % !n# the ,li&$in'- he felt the ,ol# #e) ,hillin' his ve * $ones0 ho) !f !i# he )!s he )o(l# $e'in to shive !n# sh!%e li%e ! le!f $efo e the ti&e ,!&e fo the !#v!n,e+ <It )!s the slo)est h!lf1ho( in &* life-< he #e,l! e#+ > !#(!ll* the silent sto,%!#e ,!&e o(t on the s%* !$ove hi&+ Men s,!tte e# !ll #o)n the slo"e )e e , o(,hin' !&on'st the #! % stones !n# # i""in' $(shes+ D!in W! is )!s l*in' fl!ttene# $* his si#e+ <We loo%e# !t e!,h othe -< Ji& s!i#- estin' ! 'entle h!n# on his f ien#'s sho(l#e + <He s&ile# !t &e !s ,hee * !s *o( "le!se- !n# I #! e# not sti &* li"s fo fe! I )o(l# $ e!% o(t into ! shive in' fit+ 'Pon &* )o #- it's t (e3 I h!# $een st e!&in' )ith "e s"i !tion )hen )e too% ,ove 11so *o( &!* i&!'ine + + +< He #e,l! e#- !n# I $elieve hi&- th!t he h!# no fe! s !s to the es(lt+ He )!s onl* !n.io(s !s to his !$ilit* to e" ess these shive s+ He #i#n't $othe !$o(t the es(lt+ He )!s $o(n# to 'et to the to" of th!t hill !n# st!* the e- )h!teve &i'ht h!""en+ The e ,o(l# $e no

'oin' $!,% fo hi&+ Those "eo"le h!# t (ste# hi& i&"li,itl*+ Hi& !lone3 His $! e )o #+ + + + 'I e&e&$e ho)- !t this "oint- he "!(se# )ith his e*es fi.e# ("on &e+ <As f! !s he %ne)- the* neve h!# !n o,,!sion to e' et it *et-< he s!i#+ <Neve + He ho"e# to >o# the* neve )o(l#+ Me!nti&e11 )o se l(,%311the* h!# 'ot into the h!$it of t!%in' his )o # fo !n*thin' !n# eve *thin'+ I ,o(l# h!ve no i#e!3 Wh*- onl* the othe #!* !n ol# fool he h!# neve seen in his life ,!&e f o& so&e vill!'e &iles !)!* to fin# o(t if he sho(l# #ivo ,e his )ife+ 4!,t+ Sole&n )o #+ Th!t's the so t of thin'+ + + He )o(l#n't h!ve $elieve# it+ Wo(l# I5 S9(!tte# on the ve !n#!h ,he)in' $etel1n(tsi'hin' !n# s"ittin' !ll ove the "l!,e fo &o e th!n !n ho( - !n# !s 'l(& !s !n (n#e t!%e $efo e he ,!&e o(t )ith th!t #!she# ,on(n# (&+ Th!t's the %in# of thin' th!t isn't so f(nn* !s it loo%s+ Wh!t )!s ! fello) to s!*511>oo# )ife511Yes+ >oo# )ife11ol# tho('h+ St! te# ! ,onfo(n#e# lon' sto * !$o(t so&e $ !ss "ots+ Been livin' to'ethe fo fifteen *e! s11t)ent* *e! s11,o(l# not tell+ A lon'- lon' ti&e+ >oo# )ife+ Be!t he ! little11not &(,h112(st ! little- )hen she )!s *o(n'+ H!# to11fo the s!%e of his hono( + S(##enl* in he ol# !'e she 'oes !n# len#s th ee $ !ss "ots to he siste 's son's )ife- !n# $e'ins to !$(se hi& eve * #!* in ! lo(# voi,e+ His ene&ies 2ee e# !t hi&0 his f!,e )!s (tte l* $l!,%ene#+ Pots tot!ll* lost+ A)f(ll* ,(t (" !$o(t it+ I&"ossi$le to f!tho& ! sto * li%e th!t0 tol# hi& to 'o ho&e- !n# " o&ise# to ,o&e !lon' &*self !n# settle it !ll+ It's !ll ve * )ell to ' in- $(t it )!s the #!she#est n(is!n,e3 A #!*'s 2o( ne* th o('h the fo est- !nothe #!* lost in ,o!.in' ! lot of sill* vill!'e s to 'et !t the i'hts of the !ff!i + The e )!s the &!%in' of ! s!n'(in! * shin#* in the thin'+ Eve * $!ll* i#iot too% si#es )ith one f!&il* o the othe - !n# one h!lf of the vill!'e )!s e!#* to 'o fo the othe h!lf )ith !n*thin' th!t ,!&e h!n#*+ Hono( $ i'ht3 No 2o%e3 + + + Inste!# of !tten#in' to thei $!ll* , o"s+ >ot hi& the infe n!l "ots $!,% of ,o( se11!n# "!,ifie# !ll h!n#s+ No t o($le to settle it+ Of ,o( se not+ Co(l# settle the #e!#liest 9(! el in the ,o(nt * $* , oo%in' his little fin'e + The t o($le )!s to 'et !t the t (th of !n*thin'+ W!s not s( e to this #!* )hethe he h!# $een f!i to !ll "! ties+ It )o ie# hi&+ An# the t!l%3 Jove3 The e #i#n't see& to $e !n* he!# o t!il to it+ R!the sto & ! t)ent*1foot1hi'h ol# sto,%!#e !n* #!*+ M(,h3 Chil#'s "l!* to th!t othe 2o$+ Wo(l#n't t!%e so lon' eithe + Well*es0 ! f(nn* set o(t- ("on the )hole11the fool loo%e# ol# eno('h to $e his ' !n#f!the + B(t f o& !nothe "oint of vie) it )!s no 2o%e+ His )o # #e,i#e# eve *thin'11eve sin,e the s&!shin' of She if Ali+ An !)f(l es"onsi$ilit*-< he e"e!te#+ <No- e!ll*11 2o%in' !"! t- h!# it $een th ee lives inste!# of th ee otten $ !ss "ots it )o(l# h!ve $een the s!&e+ + + +< 'Th(s he ill(st !te# the &o !l effe,t of his vi,to * in )! + It )!s in t (th i&&ense+ It h!# le# hi& f o& st ife to "e!,e- !n# th o('h #e!th into the inne &ost life of the "eo"le0 $(t the 'loo& of the l!n# s" e!# o(t (n#e the s(nshine " ese ve# its !""e! !n,e of ins, (t!$le- of se,(l! e"ose+ The so(n# of his f esh *o(n' voi,e11 it's e.t !o #in! * ho) ve * fe) si'ns of )e! he sho)e#11flo!te# li'htl*- !n# "!sse# !)!* ove the (n,h!n'e# f!,e of the fo ests li%e

the so(n# of the $i' '(ns on th!t ,ol# #e)* &o nin' )hen he h!# no othe ,on,e n on e! th $(t the " o"e ,ont ol of the ,hills in his $o#*+ With the fi st sl!nt of s(n1 !*s !lon' these i&&ov!$le t ee1to"s the s(&&it of one hill ) e!the# itself- )ith he!v* e"o ts- in )hite ,lo(#s of s&o%e- !n# the othe $( st into !n !&!/in' noise of *ells- )! 1, ies- sho(ts of !n'e - of s( " ise- of #is&!*+ Ji& !n# D!in W! is )e e the fi st to l!* thei h!n#s on the st!%es+ The "o"(l! sto * h!s it th!t Ji& )ith ! to(,h of one fin'e h!# th o)n #o)n the '!te+ He )!s- of ,o( se- !n.io(s to #is,l!i& this !,hieve&ent+ The )hole sto,%!#e11he )o(l# insist on e."l!inin' to *o(11)!s ! "oo !ff!i ?She if Ali t (ste# &!inl* to the in!,,essi$le "osition@0 !n#!n*)!*- the thin' h!# $een !l e!#* %no,%e# to "ie,es !n# onl* h(n' to'ethe $* ! &i !,le+ He "(t his sho(l#e to it li%e ! little fool !n# )ent in he!# ove heels+ Jove3 If it h!#n't $een fo D!in W! is! "o,%1&! %e# t!ttooe# v!'!$on# )o(l# h!ve "inne# hi& )ith his s"e! to ! $!(l% of ti&$e li%e one of Stein's $eetles+ The thi # &!n init see&s- h!# $een T!&$' It!&- Ji&'s o)n se v!nt+ This )!s ! M!l!* f o& the no th- ! st !n'e )ho h!# )!n#e e# into P!t(s!n- !n# h!# $een fo ,i$l* #et!ine# $* R!2!h All!n' !s "!##le of one of the st!te $o!ts+ He h!# &!#e ! $olt of it !t the fi st o""o t(nit*- !n# fin#in' ! " e,! io(s ef('e ?$(t ve * little to e!t@ !&on'st the B('is settle sh!# !tt!,he# hi&self to Ji&'s "e son+ His ,o&"le.ion )!s ve * #! %his f!,e fl!t- his e*es " o&inent !n# in2e,te# )ith $ile+ The e )!s so&ethin' e.,essive- !l&ost f!n!ti,!l- in his #evotion to his <)hite lo #+< He )!s inse"! !$le f o& Ji& li%e ! &o ose sh!#o)+ On st!te o,,!sions he )o(l# t e!# on his &!ste 's heels- one h!n# on the h!ft of his % iss- %ee"in' the ,o&&on "eo"le !t ! #ist!n,e $* his t (,(lent $ oo#in' 'l!n,es+ Ji& h!# &!#e hi& the he!#&!n of his est!$lish&ent- !n# !ll P!t(s!n es"e,te# !n# ,o( te# hi& !s ! "e son of &(,h infl(en,e+ At the t!%in' of the sto,%!#e he h!# #istin'(ishe# hi&self ' e!tl* $* the &etho#i,!l fe o,it* of his fi'htin'+ The sto &in' "! t* h!# ,o&e on so 9(i,%11Ji& s!i#11th!t not)ithst!n#in' the "!ni, of the '! ison- the e )!s ! <hot five &in(tes h!n#1to1h!n# insi#e th!t sto,%!#e- till so&e $!ll* !ss set fi e to the shelte s of $o('hs !n# # * ' !ss- !n# )e !ll h!# to ,le! o(t fo #e! life+< 'The o(t- it see&s- h!# $een ,o&"lete+ Do !&in- )!itin' i&&ov!$l* in his ,h!i on the hillsi#e- )ith the s&o%e of the '(ns s" e!#in' slo)l* !$ove his $i' he!#- e,eive# the ne)s )ith ! #ee" ' (nt+ When info &e# th!t his son )!s s!fe !n# le!#in' the "( s(it- he)itho(t !nothe so(n#- &!#e ! &i'ht* effo t to ise0 his !tten#!nts h( ie# to his hel"- !n#- hel# (" eve entl*- he sh(ffle# )ith ' e!t #i'nit* into ! $it of sh!#e- )he e he l!i# hi&self #o)n to slee"- ,ove e# enti el* )ith ! "ie,e of )hite sheetin'+ In P!t(s!n the e.,ite&ent )!s intense+ Ji& tol# &e th!t f o& the hillt( nin' his $!,% on the sto,%!#e )ith its e&$e s- $l!,% !shes- !n# h!lf1,ons(&e# ,o "ses- he ,o(l# see ti&e !fte ti&e the o"en s"!,es $et)een the ho(ses on $oth si#es of the st e!& fill s(##enl* )ith ! seethin' (sh of "eo"le !n# 'et e&"t* in ! &o&ent+ His e! s ,!('ht fee$l* f o& $elo) the t e&en#o(s #in of 'on's !n# # (&s0 the )il# sho(ts of the , o)# e!,he# hi& in $( sts of f!int o! in'+ A lot of st e!&e s &!#e ! fl(tte !s of little )hite- e#- *ello) $i #s !&on'st the $ o)n i#'es of oofs+ <Yo( &(st h!ve en2o*e# it-< I &( &( e#feelin' the sti of s*&"!theti, e&otion+

' <It )!s + + + it )!s i&&ense3 I&&ense3< he , ie# !lo(#- flin'in' his ! &s o"en+ The s(##en &ove&ent st! tle# &e !s tho('h I h!# seen hi& $! e the se, ets of his $ e!st to the s(nshine- to the $ oo#in' fo ests- to the steel* se!+ Belo) (s the to)n e"ose# in e!s* ,( ves ("on the $!n%s of ! st e!& )hose ,( ent see&e# to slee"+ <I&&ense3< he e"e!te# fo ! thi # ti&e- s"e!%in' in ! )his"e fo hi&self !lone+ 'I&&ense3 No #o($t it )!s i&&ense0 the se!l of s(,,ess ("on his )o #s- the ,on9(e e# ' o(n# fo the soles of his feet- the $lin# t (st of &en- the $elief in hi&self sn!t,he# f o& the fi e- the solit(#e of his !,hieve&ent+ All this- !s I've )! ne# *o(- 'ets #)! fe# in the tellin'+ I ,!n't )ith &e e )o #s ,onve* to *o( the i&" ession of his tot!l !n# (tte isol!tion+ I %no)- of ,o( se- he )!s in eve * sense !lone of his %in# the e- $(t the (ns(s"e,te# 9(!lities of his n!t( e h!# $ o('ht hi& in s(,h ,lose to(,h )ith his s( o(n#in's th!t this isol!tion see&e# onl* the effe,t of his "o)e + His loneliness !##e# to his st!t( e+ The e )!s nothin' )ithin si'ht to ,o&"! e hi& )ith- !s tho('h he h!# $een one of those e.,e"tion!l &en )ho ,!n $e onl* &e!s( e# $* the ' e!tness of thei f!&e0 !n# his f!&ee&e&$e - )!s the ' e!test thin' ! o(n# fo &!n* ! #!*'s 2o( ne*+ Yo( )o(l# h!ve to "!##le- "ole- o t !,% ! lon' )e! * )!* th o('h the 2(n'le $efo e *o( "!sse# $e*on# the e!,h of its voi,e+ Its voi,e )!s not the t (&"etin' of the #is e"(t!$le 'o##ess )e !ll %no)11not $l!t!nt11not $ !/en+ It too% its tone f o& the stillness !n# 'loo& of the l!n# )itho(t ! "!st- )he e his )o # )!s the one t (th of eve * "!ssin' #!*+ It sh! e# so&ethin' of the n!t( e of th!t silen,e th o('h )hi,h it !,,o&"!nie# *o( into (ne."lo e# #e"thshe! # ,ontin(o(sl* $* *o( si#e- "enet !tin'- f! 1 e!,hin'11tin'e# )ith )on#e !n# &*ste * on the li"s of )his"e in' &en+'

CHAPTER =I 'The #efe!te# She if Ali fle# the ,o(nt * )itho(t &!%in' !nothe st!n#- !n# )hen the &ise !$le h(nte# vill!'e s $e'!n to , !)l o(t of the 2(n'le $!,% to thei ottin' ho(ses- it )!s Ji& )ho- in ,ons(lt!tion )ith D!in W! is- !""ointe# the he!#&en+ Th(s he $e,!&e the vi t(!l (le of the l!n#+ As to ol# T(n%( All!n'- his fe! s !t fi st h!# %no)n no $o(n#s+ It is s!i# th!t !t the intelli'en,e of the s(,,essf(l sto &in' of the hill he fl(n' hi&self- f!,e #o)n- on the $!&$oo floo of his !(#ien,e1h!ll- !n# l!* &otionless fo ! )hole ni'ht !n# ! )hole #!*- (tte in' stifle# so(n#s of s(,h !n !""!llin' n!t( e th!t no &!n #! e# !"" o!,h his " ost !te fo & ne! e th!n ! s"e! 's len'th+ Al e!#* he ,o(l# see hi&self # iven i'no&inio(sl* o(t of P!t(s!n- )!n#e in' !$!n#one#- st i""e#- )itho(t o"i(&)itho(t his )o&en- )itho(t follo)e s- ! f!i '!&e fo the fi st ,o&e to %ill+ Afte She if Ali his t( n )o(l# ,o&e- !n# )ho ,o(l# esist !n !tt!,% le# $* s(,h ! #evil5 An# in#ee# he o)e# his life !n# s(,h !(tho it* !s he still "ossesse# !t the ti&e of &* visit to Ji&'s i#e! of )h!t )!s f!i !lone+ The B('is h!# $een e.t e&el* !n.io(s

to "!* off ol# s,o es- !n# the i&"!ssive ol# Do !&in ,he ishe# the ho"e of *et seein' his son (le of P!t(s!n+ D( in' one of o( inte vie)s he #eli$e !tel* !llo)e# &e to 'et ! 'li&"se of this se, et !&$ition+ Nothin' ,o(l# $e fine in its )!* th!n the #i'nifie# )! iness of his !"" o!,hes+ He hi&self11he $e'!n $* #e,l! in'11h!# (se# his st en'th in his *o(n' #!*s- $(t no) he h!# ' o)n ol# !n# ti e#+ + + + With his i&"osin' $(l% !n# h!('ht* little e*es #! tin' s!'!,io(s- in9(isitive 'l!n,es- he e&in#e# one i esisti$l* of ! ,(nnin' ol# ele"h!nt0 the slo) ise !n# f!ll of his v!st $ e!st )ent on "o)e f(l !n# e'(l! - li%e the he!ve of ! ,!l& se!+ He too- !s he " oteste#- h!# !n (n$o(n#e# ,onfi#en,e in T(!n Ji&'s )is#o&+ If he ,o(l# onl* o$t!in ! " o&ise3 One )o # )o(l# $e eno('h3 + + + His $ e!thin' silen,es- the lo) (&$lin's of his voi,e- e,!lle# the l!st effo ts of ! s"ent th(n#e sto &+ 'I t ie# to "(t the s($2e,t !si#e+ It )!s #iffi,(lt- fo the e ,o(l# $e no 9(estion th!t Ji& h!# the "o)e 0 in his ne) s"he e the e #i# not see& to $e !n*thin' th!t )!s not his to hol# o to 'ive+ B(t th!t- I e"e!t- )!s nothin' in ,o&"! ison )ith the notion- )hi,h o,,( e# to &e- )hile I listene# )ith ! sho) of !ttention- th!t he see&e# to h!ve ,o&e ve * ne! !t l!st to &!ste in' his f!te+ Do !&in )!s !n.io(s !$o(t the f(t( e of the ,o(nt *- !n# I )!s st (,% $* the t( n he '!ve to the ! '(&ent+ The l!n# e&!ins )he e >o# h!# "(t it0 $(t )hite &en11he s!i#11the* ,o&e to (s !n# in ! little )hile the* 'o+ The* 'o !)!*+ Those the* le!ve $ehin# #o not %no) )hen to loo% fo thei et( n+ The* 'o to thei o)n l!n#- to thei "eo"le- !n# so this )hite &!n too )o(l#+ + + + I #on't %no) )h!t in#(,e# &e to ,o&&it &*self !t this "oint $* ! vi'o o(s <Nono+< The )hole e.tent of this in#is, etion $e,!&e !""! ent )hen Do !&in- t( nin' f(ll ("on &e his f!,e- )hose e." ession- fi.e# in (''e# #ee" fol#s- e&!ine# (n!lte !$le- li%e ! h('e $ o)n &!s%s!i# th!t this )!s 'oo# ne)s in#ee#- efle,tivel*0 !n# then )!nte# to %no) )h*+ 'His little- &othe l* )it,h of ! )ife s!t on &* othe h!n#- )ith he he!# ,ove e# !n# he feet t(,%e# ("- '!/in' th o('h the ' e!t sh(tte 1hole+ I ,o(l# onl* see ! st !*in' lo,% of ' e* h!i - ! hi'h ,hee%1$one- the sli'ht &!sti,!tin' &otion of the sh! " ,hin+ Witho(t e&ovin' he e*es f o& the v!st " os"e,t of fo ests st et,hin' !s f! !s the hills- she !s%e# &e in ! "it*in' voi,e )h* )!s it th!t he so *o(n' h!# )!n#e e# f o& his ho&e- ,o&in' so f! - th o('h so &!n* #!n'e s5 H!# he no ho(sehol# the e- no %ins&en in his o)n ,o(nt *5 H!# he no ol# &othe - )ho )o(l# !l)!*s e&e&$e his f!,e5 + + + 'I )!s ,o&"letel* (n" e"! e# fo this+ I ,o(l# onl* &(tte !n# sh!%e &* he!# v!'(el*+ Afte )! #s I !& "e fe,tl* !)! e I ,(t ! ve * "oo fi'( e t *in' to e.t i,!te &*self o(t of this #iffi,(lt*+ 4 o& th!t &o&ent- ho)eve - the ol# n!%ho#! $e,!&e t!,it( n+ He )!s not ve * "le!se#- I fe! - !n# evi#entl* I h!# 'iven hi& foo# fo tho('ht+ St !n'el* eno('h- on the evenin' of th!t ve * #!* ?)hi,h )!s &* l!st in P!t(s!n@ I )!s on,e &o e ,onf onte# )ith the s!&e 9(estion- )ith the (n!ns)e !$le )h* of Ji&'s f!te+ An# this $ in's &e to the sto * of his love+

'I s(""ose *o( thin% it is ! sto * th!t *o( ,!n i&!'ine fo *o( selves+ We h!ve he! # so &!n* s(,h sto ies- !n# the &!2o it* of (s #on't $elieve the& to $e sto ies of love !t !ll+ 4o the &ost "! t )e loo% ("on the& !s sto ies of o""o t(nities: e"iso#es of "!ssion !t $est- o "e h!"s onl* of *o(th !n# te&"t!tion- #oo&e# to fo 'etf(lness in the en#- even if the* "!ss th o('h the e!lit* of ten#e ness !n# e' et+ This vie) &ostl* is i'ht- !n# "e h!"s in this ,!se too+ + + + Yet I #on't %no)+ To tell this sto * is $* no &e!ns so e!s* !s it sho(l# $e11)e e the o #in! * st!n#"oint !#e9(!te+ A""! entl* it is ! sto * ve * &(,h li%e the othe s: fo &e- ho)eve - the e is visi$le in its $!,%' o(n# the &el!n,hol* fi'( e of ! )o&!n- the sh!#o) of ! , (el )is#o& $( ie# in ! lonel* ' !ve- loo%in' on )istf(ll*- hel"lessl*- )ith se!le# li"s+ The ' !ve itself- !s I ,!&e ("on it #( in' !n e! l* &o nin' st oll- )!s ! !the sh!"eless $ o)n &o(n#- )ith !n inl!i# ne!t $o #e of )hite l(&"s of ,o !l !t the $!se- !n# en,lose# )ithin ! ,i ,(l! fen,e &!#e of s"lit s!"lin's)ith the $! % left on+ A '! l!n# of le!ves !n# flo)e s )!s )oven !$o(t the he!#s of the slen#e "osts11!n# the flo)e s )e e f esh+ 'Th(s- )hethe the sh!#o) is of &* i&!'in!tion o not- I ,!n !t !ll events "oint o(t the si'nifi,!nt f!,t of !n (nfo 'otten ' !ve+ When I tell *o( $esi#es th!t Ji& )ith his o)n h!n#s h!# )o %e# !t the (sti, fen,e- *o( )ill "e ,eive #i e,tl* the #iffe en,e- the in#ivi#(!l si#e of the sto *+ The e is in his es"o(s!l of &e&o * !n# !ffe,tion $elon'in' to !nothe h(&!n $ein' so&ethin' ,h! !,te isti, of his se io(sness+ He h!# ! ,ons,ien,e- !n# it )!s ! o&!nti, ,ons,ien,e+ Th o('h he )hole life the )ife of the (ns"e!%!$le Co neli(s h!# no othe ,o&"!nion- ,onfi#!nt- !n# f ien# $(t he #!('hte + Ho) the "oo )o&!n h!# ,o&e to &! * the !)f(l little M!l!,,! Po t('(ese11!fte the se"! !tion f o& the f!the of he 'i l11!n# ho) th!t se"! !tion h!# $een $ o('ht !$o(t- )hethe $* #e!th- )hi,h ,!n $e so&eti&es &e ,if(l- o $* the &e ,iless " ess( e of ,onventions- is ! &*ste * to &e+ 4 o& the little )hi,h Stein ?)ho %ne) so &!n* sto ies@ h!# let # o" in &* he! in'- I !& ,onvin,e# th!t she )!s no o #in! * )o&!n+ He o)n f!the h!# $een ! )hite0 ! hi'h offi,i!l0 one of the $ illi!ntl* en#o)e# &en )ho ! e not #(ll eno('h to n( se ! s(,,ess- !n# )hose ,! ee s so often en# (n#e ! ,lo(#+ I s(""ose she too &(st h!ve l!,%e# the s!vin' #(llness11!n# he ,! ee en#e# in P!t(s!n+ O( ,o&&on f!te + + + fo )he e is the &!n11I &e!n ! e!l sentient &!n11)ho #oes not e&e&$e v!'(el* h!vin' $een #ese te# in the f(llness of "ossession $* so&e one o so&ethin' &o e " e,io(s th!n life5 + + + o( ,o&&on f!te f!stens ("on the )o&en )ith ! "e,(li! , (elt*+ It #oes not "(nish li%e ! &!ste - $(t infli,ts lin'e in' to &ent- !s if to ' !tif* ! se, et- (n!""e!s!$le s"ite+ One )o(l# thin% th!t- !""ointe# to (le on e! th- it see%s to even'e itself ("on the $ein's th!t ,o&e ne! est to isin' !$ove the t !&&els of e! thl* ,!(tion0 fo it is onl* )o&en )ho &!n!'e to "(t !t ti&es into thei love !n ele&ent 2(st "!l"!$le eno('h to 'ive one ! f i'ht11!n e.t !1te est i!l to(,h+ I !s% &*self )ith )on#e 11ho) the )o l# ,!n loo% to the&11)hethe it h!s the sh!"e !n# s($st!n,e B)eB %no)- the !i B)eB $ e!the3 So&eti&es I f!n,* it &(st $e ! e'ion of (n e!son!$le s($li&ities seethin' )ith the e.,ite&ent of

thei !#vent( o(s so(ls- li'hte# $* the 'lo * of !ll "ossi$le is%s !n# en(n,i!tions+ Ho)eve - I s(s"e,t the e ! e ve * fe) )o&en in the )o l#- tho('h of ,o( se I !& !)! e of the &(ltit(#es of &!n%in# !n# of the e9(!lit* of se.es11in "oint of n(&$e s- th!t is+ B(t I !& s( e th!t the &othe )!s !s &(,h of ! )o&!n !s the #!('hte see&e# to $e+ I ,!nnot hel" "i,t( in' to &*self these t)o- !t fi st the *o(n' )o&!n !n# the ,hil#- then the ol# )o&!n !n# the *o(n' 'i l- the !)f(l s!&eness !n# the s)ift "!ss!'e of ti&e- the $! ie of fo est- the solit(#e !n# the t( &oil o(n# these t)o lonel* lives- !n# eve * )o # s"o%en $et)een the& "enet !te# )ith s!# &e!nin'+ The e &(st h!ve $een ,onfi#en,es- not so &(,h of f!,t- I s(""ose- !s of inne &ost feelin's11 e' ets11fe! s11)! nin's- no #o($t: )! nin's th!t the *o(n'e #i# not f(ll* (n#e st!n# till the el#e )!s #e!#11!n# Ji& ,!&e !lon'+ Then I !& s( e she (n#e stoo# &(,h11not eve *thin'11the fe! &ostl*- it see&s+ Ji& ,!lle# he $* ! )o # th!t &e!ns " e,io(s- in the sense of ! " e,io(s 'e&112e)el+ P ett*- isn't it5 B(t he )!s ,!"!$le of !n*thin'+ He )!s e9(!l to his fo t(ne- !s he11!fte !ll11&(st h!ve $een e9(!l to his &isfo t(ne+ Je)el he ,!lle# he 0 !n# he )o(l# s!* this !s he &i'ht h!ve s!i# <J!ne-< #on't *o( %no)11)ith ! &! it!l- ho&eli%e- "e!,ef(l effe,t+ I he! # the n!&e fo the fi st ti&e ten &in(tes !fte I h!# l!n#e# in his ,o( t*! #- )hen- !fte ne! l* sh!%in' &* ! & off- he #! te# (" the ste"s !n# $e'!n to &!%e ! 2o*o(s- $o*ish #ist( $!n,e !t the #oo (n#e the he!v* e!ves+ <Je)el3 O Je)el3 F(i,%3 He e's ! f ien# ,o&e-< + + +!n# s(##enl* "ee in' !t &e in the #i& ve !n#!hhe &(&$le# e! nestl*- <Yo( %no)11this11no ,onfo(n#e# nonsense !$o(t it11,!n't tell *o( ho) &(,h I o)e to he 11!n# so11*o( (n#e st!n#11I11 e.!,tl* !s if + + +< His h( ie#- !n.io(s )his"e s )e e ,(t sho t $* the flittin' of ! )hite fo & )ithin the ho(se- ! f!int e.,l!&!tion!n# ! ,hil#1li%e $(t ene 'eti, little f!,e )ith #eli,!te fe!t( es !n# ! " ofo(n#- !ttentive 'l!n,e "ee"e# o(t of the inne 'loo&- li%e ! $i # o(t of the e,ess of ! nest+ I )!s st (,% $* the n!&e- of ,o( se0 $(t it )!s not till l!te on th!t I ,onne,te# it )ith !n !stonishin' (&o( th!t h!# &et &e on &* 2o( ne*- !t ! little "l!,e on the ,o!st !$o(t =AH &iles so(th of P!t(s!n Rive + Stein's s,hoone - in )hi,h I h!# &* "!ss!'e- "(t in the e- to ,olle,t so&e " o#(,e- !n#- 'oin' !sho e- I fo(n# to &* ' e!t s( " ise th!t the ) et,he# lo,!lit* ,o(l# $o!st of ! thi #1,l!ss #e"(t*1!ssist!nt esi#ent- ! $i'- f!t- ' e!s*- $lin%in' fello) of &i.e# #es,ent- )ith t( ne#1o(t- shin* li"s+ I fo(n# hi& l*in' e.ten#e# on his $!,% in ! ,!ne ,h!i - o#io(sl* (n$(ttone#- )ith ! l! 'e ' een le!f of so&e so t on the to" of his ste!&in' he!#- !n# !nothe in his h!n# )hi,h he (se# l!/il* !s ! f!n + + + >oin' to P!t(s!n5 Oh *es+ Stein's T !#in' Co&"!n*+ He %ne)+ H!# ! "e &ission5 No $(siness of his+ It )!s not so $!# the e no)- he e&! %e# ne'li'entl*- !n#- he )ent on # !)lin'- <The e's so&e so t of )hite v!'!$on# h!s 'ot in the e- I he! + + + + Eh5 Wh!t *o( s!*5 4 ien# of *o( s5 So3 + + + Then it )!s t (e the e )!s one of these ve #!&&te11 Wh!t )!s he (" to5 4o(n# his )!* in- the !s,!l+ Eh5 I h!# not $een s( e+ P!t(s!n11the* ,(t th o!ts the e11no $(siness of o( s+< He inte ("te# hi&self to ' o!n+ <Phoo3 Al&i'ht*3 The he!t3 The he!t3 Well- then- the e &i'ht $e so&ethin' in the sto * too- !fte !ll!n# + + +< He sh(t one of his $e!stl* 'l!ss* e*es ?the e*eli# )ent on 9(ive in'@ )hile he lee e# !t &e !t o,io(sl* )ith the othe + <Loo% he e-< s!*s he &*ste io(sl*- <if11#o *o( (n#e st!n#511if he h!s e!ll* 'ot hol# of so&ethin' f!i l* 'oo#11none of *o( $its of ' een

'l!ss11(n#e st!n#511I !& ! >ove n&ent offi,i!l11*o( tell the !s,!l + + + Eh5 Wh!t5 4 ien# of *o( s5< + + + He ,ontin(e# )!llo)in' ,!l&l* in the ,h!i + + + <Yo( s!i# so0 th!t's 2(st it0 !n# I !& "le!se# to 'ive *o( the hint+ I s(""ose *o( too )o(l# li%e to 'et so&ethin' o(t of it5 Don't inte ("t+ Yo( 2(st tell hi& I've he! # the t!le- $(t to &* >ove n&ent I h!ve &!#e no e"o t+ Not *et+ See5 Wh* &!%e ! e"o t5 Eh5 Tell hi& to ,o&e to &e if the* let hi& 'et !live o(t of the ,o(nt *+ He h!# $ette loo% o(t fo hi&self+ Eh5 I " o&ise to !s% no 9(estions+ On the 9(iet11*o( (n#e st!n#5 Yo( too11*o( sh!ll 'et so&ethin' f o& &e+ S&!ll ,o&&ission fo the t o($le+ Don't inte ("t+ I !& ! >ove n&ent offi,i!l- !n# &!%e no e"o t+ Th!t's $(siness+ Un#e st!n#5 I %no) so&e 'oo# "eo"le th!t )ill $(* !n*thin' )o th h!vin'- !n# ,!n 'ive hi& &o e &one* th!n the s,o(n# el eve s!) in his life+ I %no) his so t+< He fi.e# &e ste!#f!stl* )ith $oth his e*es o"en- )hile I stoo# ove hi& (tte l* !&!/e#- !n# !s%in' &*self )hethe he )!s &!# o # (n%+ He "e s"i e#- "(ffe#- &o!nin' fee$l*- !n# s, !t,hin' hi&self )ith s(,h ho i$le ,o&"os( e th!t I ,o(l# not $e! the si'ht lon' eno('h to fin# o(t+ Ne.t #!*- t!l%in' ,!s(!ll* )ith the "eo"le of the little n!tive ,o( t of the "l!,e- I #is,ove e# th!t ! sto * )!s t !vellin' slo)l* #o)n the ,o!st !$o(t ! &*ste io(s )hite &!n in P!t(s!n )ho h!# 'ot hol# of !n e.t !o #in! * 'e&11n!&el*- !n e&e !l# of !n eno &o(s si/e- !n# !lto'ethe " i,eless+ The e&e !l# see&s to !""e!l &o e to the E!ste n i&!'in!tion th!n !n* othe " e,io(s stone+ The )hite &!n h!# o$t!ine# it- I )!s tol#- "! tl* $* the e.e ,ise of his )on#e f(l st en'th !n# "! tl* $* ,(nnin'f o& the (le of ! #ist!nt ,o(nt *- )hen,e he h!# fle# inst!ntl*! ivin' in P!t(s!n in (t&ost #ist ess- $(t f i'htenin' the "eo"le $* his e.t e&e fe o,it*- )hi,h nothin' see&e# !$le to s($#(e+ Most of &* info &!nts )e e of the o"inion th!t the stone )!s " o$!$l* (nl(,%*-11li%e the f!&o(s stone of the S(lt!n of S(,,!#!n!)hi,h in the ol# ti&es h!# $ o('ht )! s !n# (ntol# ,!l!&ities ("on th!t ,o(nt *+ Pe h!"s it )!s the s!&e stone11one ,o(l#n't s!*+ In#ee# the sto * of ! f!$(lo(sl* l! 'e e&e !l# is !s ol# !s the ! iv!l of the fi st )hite &en in the A ,hi"el!'o0 !n# the $elief in it is so "e sistent th!t less th!n fo t* *e! s !'o the e h!# $een !n offi,i!l D(t,h in9(i * into the t (th of it+ S(,h ! 2e)el11it )!s e."l!ine# to &e $* the ol# fello) f o& )ho& I he! # &ost of this !&!/in' Ji&1&*th11! so t of s, i$e to the ) et,he# little R!2!h of the "l!,e011 s(,h ! 2e)el- he s!i#- ,o,%in' his "oo "( $lin# e*es (" !t &e ?he )!s sittin' on the ,!$in floo o(t of es"e,t@- is $est " ese ve# $* $ein' ,on,e!le# !$o(t the "e son of ! )o&!n+ Yet it is not eve * )o&!n th!t )o(l# #o+ She &(st $e *o(n'11he si'he# #ee"l*11!n# insensi$le to the se#(,tions of love+ He shoo% his he!# s,e"ti,!ll*+ B(t s(,h ! )o&!n see&e# to $e !,t(!ll* in e.isten,e+ He h!# $een tol# of ! t!ll 'i l- )ho& the )hite &!n t e!te# )ith ' e!t es"e,t !n# ,! e- !n# )ho neve )ent fo th f o& the ho(se (n!tten#e#+ Peo"le s!i# the )hite &!n ,o(l# $e seen )ith he !l&ost !n* #!*0 the* )!l%e# si#e $* si#e- o"enl*- he hol#in' he ! & (n#e his11 " esse# to his si#e11th(s11in ! &ost e.t !o #in! * )!*+ This &i'ht $e ! lie- he ,on,e#e#- fo it )!s in#ee# ! st !n'e thin' fo !n* one to #o: on the othe h!n#- the e ,o(l# $e no #o($t she )o e the )hite &!n's 2e)el ,on,e!le# ("on he $oso&+'

CHAPTER =7 'This )!s the theo * of Ji&'s &! it!l evenin' )!l%s+ I &!#e ! thi # on &o e th!n one o,,!sion- (n"le!s!ntl* !)! e eve * ti&e of Co neli(s- )ho n( se# the !'' ieve# sense of his le'!l "!te nit*slin%in' in the nei'h$o( hoo# )ith th!t "e,(li! t)ist of his &o(th !s if he )e e "e "et(!ll* on the "oint of 'n!shin' his teeth+ B(t #o *o( noti,e ho)- th ee h(n# e# &iles $e*on# the en# of tele' !"h ,!$les !n# &!il1$o!t lines- the h!''! # (tilit! i!n lies of o( ,ivilis!tion )ithe !n# #ie- to $e e"l!,e# $* "( e e.e ,ises of i&!'in!tion- th!t h!ve the f(tilit*- often the ,h! &- !n# so&eti&es the #ee" hi##en t (thf(lness- of )o %s of ! t5 Ro&!n,e h!# sin'le# Ji& fo its o)n11!n# th!t )!s the t (e "! t of the sto *- )hi,h othe )ise )!s !ll ) on'+ He #i# not hi#e his 2e)el+ In f!,t- he )!s e.t e&el* " o(# of it+ 'It ,o&es to &e no) th!t I h!#- on the )hole- seen ve * little of he + Wh!t I e&e&$e $est is the even- olive "!llo of he ,o&"le.ion- !n# the intense $l(e1$l!,% 'le!&s of he h!i - flo)in' !$(n#!ntl* f o& (n#e ! s&!ll , i&son ,!" she )o e f! $!,% on he sh!"el* he!#+ He &ove&ents )e e f ee- !ss( e#- !n# she $l(she# ! #(s%* e#+ While Ji& !n# I )e e t!l%in'- she )o(l# ,o&e !n# 'o )ith !"i# 'l!n,es !t (s- le!vin' on he "!ss!'e !n i&" ession of ' !,e !n# ,h! & !n# ! #istin,t s(''estion of )!t,hf(lness+ He &!nne " esente# ! ,( io(s ,o&$in!tion of sh*ness !n# !(#!,it*+ Eve * " ett* s&ile )!s s(,,ee#e# s)iftl* $* ! loo% of silente" esse# !n.iet*- !s if "(t to fli'ht $* the e,olle,tion of so&e !$i#in' #!n'e + At ti&es she )o(l# sit #o)n )ith (s !n#- )ith he soft ,hee% #i&"le# $* the %n(,%les of he little h!n#- she )o(l# listen to o( t!l%0 he $i' ,le! e*es )o(l# e&!in f!stene# on o( li"s- !s tho('h e!,h " ono(n,e# )o # h!# ! visi$le sh!"e+ He &othe h!# t!('ht he to e!# !n# ) ite0 she h!# le! ne# ! 'oo# $it of En'lish f o& Ji&- !n# she s"o%e it &ost !&(sin'l*- )ith his o)n ,li""in'- $o*ish inton!tion+ He ten#e ness hove e# ove hi& li%e ! fl(tte of )in's+ She live# so ,o&"letel* in his ,onte&"l!tion th!t she h!# !,9(i e# so&ethin' of his o(t)! # !s"e,t- so&ethin' th!t e,!lle# hi& in he &ove&ents- in the )!* she st et,he# he ! &- t( ne# he he!#- #i e,te# he 'l!n,es+ He vi'il!nt !ffe,tion h!# !n intensit* th!t &!#e it !l&ost "e ,e"ti$le to the senses0 it see&e# !,t(!ll* to e.ist in the !&$ient &!tte of s"!,e- to envelo" hi& li%e ! "e,(li! f !' !n,e- to #)ell in the s(nshine li%e ! t e&(lo(s- s($#(e#- !n# i&"!ssione# note+ I s(""ose *o( thin% th!t I too !& o&!nti,- $(t it is ! &ist!%e+ I !& el!tin' to *o( the so$e i&" essions of ! $it of *o(th- of ! st !n'e (ne!s* o&!n,e th!t h!# ,o&e in &* )!*+ I o$se ve# )ith inte est the )o % of his11)ell11'oo# fo t(ne+ He )!s 2e!lo(sl* love#- $(t )h* she sho(l# $e 2e!lo(s- !n# of )h!t- I ,o(l# not tell+ The l!n#- the "eo"le- the fo ests )e e he !,,o&"li,es- '(! #in' hi& )ith vi'il!nt !,,o #- )ith !n !i of se,l(sion- of &*ste *- of invin,i$le "ossession+ The e )!s no !""e!l- !s it )e e0 he )!s i&" isone# )ithin the ve * f ee#o& of his "o)e - !n# she- tho('h e!#* to &!%e ! footstool of he he!# fo his feet- '(! #e# he ,on9(est infle.i$l*11!s tho('h he )e e

h! # to %ee"+ The ve * T!&$' It!&- &! ,hin' on o( 2o( ne*s ("on the heels of his )hite lo #- )ith his he!# th o)n $!,%- t (,(lent !n# $e1)e!"one# li%e ! 2!niss! *- )ith % iss- ,ho""e - !n# l!n,e ?$esi#es ,! *in' Ji&'s '(n@0 even T!&$' It!& !llo)e# hi&self to "(t on the !i s of (n,o&" o&isin' '(! #i!nshi"- li%e ! s( l* #evote# 2!ile e!#* to l!* #o)n his life fo his ,!"tive+ On the evenin's )hen )e s!t (" l!te- his silent- in#istin,t fo & )o(l# "!ss !n# e"!ss (n#e the ve !n#!h- )ith noiseless footste"s- o liftin' &* he!# I )o(l# (ne."e,te#l* &!%e hi& o(t st!n#in' i'i#l* e e,t in the sh!#o)+ As ! 'ene !l (le he )o(l# v!nish !fte ! ti&e)itho(t ! so(n#0 $(t )hen )e ose he )o(l# s" in' (" ,lose to (s !s if f o& the ' o(n#- e!#* fo !n* o #e s Ji& &i'ht )ish to 'ive+ The 'i l too- I $elieve- neve )ent to slee" till )e h!# se"! !te# fo the ni'ht+ Mo e th!n on,e I s!) he !n# Ji& th o('h the )in#o) of &* oo& ,o&e o(t to'ethe 9(ietl* !n# le!n on the o('h $!l(st !#e 11t)o )hite fo &s ve * ,lose- his ! & !$o(t he )!ist- he he!# on his sho(l#e + Thei soft &( &( s e!,he# &e- "enet !tin'- ten#e - )ith ! ,!l& s!# note in the stillness of the ni'ht- li%e ! self1,o&&(nion of one $ein' ,! ie# on in t)o tones+ L!te on- tossin' on &* $e# (n#e the &os9(ito1net- I )!s s( e to he! sli'ht , e!%in's- f!int $ e!thin'! th o!t ,le! e# ,!(tio(sl*11!n# I )o(l# %no) th!t T!&$' It!& )!s still on the " o)l+ Tho('h he h!# ?$* the f!vo( of the )hite lo #@ ! ho(se in the ,o&"o(n#- h!# <t!%en )ife-< !n# h!# l!tel* $een $lesse# )ith ! ,hil#- I $elieve th!t- #( in' &* st!* !t !ll events- he sle"t on the ve !n#!h eve * ni'ht+ It )!s ve * #iffi,(lt to &!%e this f!ithf(l !n# ' i& et!ine t!l%+ Even Ji& hi&self )!s !ns)e e# in 2e %* sho t senten,es- (n#e " otest !s it )e e+ T!l%in'- he see&e# to i&"l*- )!s no $(siness of his+ The lon'est s"ee,h I he! # hi& vol(ntee )!s one &o nin' )hen- s(##enl* e.ten#in' his h!n# to)! #s the ,o( t*! #he "ointe# !t Co neli(s !n# s!i#- <He e ,o&es the N!/! ene+< I #on't thin% he )!s !## essin' &e- tho('h I stoo# !t his si#e0 his o$2e,t see&e# !the to !)!%en the in#i'n!nt !ttention of the (nive se+ So&e &(tte e# !ll(sions- )hi,h follo)e#- to #o's !n# the s&ell of o!st1&e!t- st (,% &e !s sin'(l! l* feli,ito(s+ The ,o( t*! #- ! l! 'e s9(! e s"!,e- )!s one to i# $l!/e of s(nshine- !n#- $!the# in intense li'ht- Co neli(s )!s , ee"in' !, oss in f(ll vie) )ith !n ine." essi$le effe,t of ste!lthiness- of #! % !n# se, et slin%in'+ He e&in#e# one of eve *thin' th!t is (ns!vo( *+ His slo) l!$o io(s )!l% ese&$le# the , ee"in' of ! e"(lsive $eetle- the le's !lone &ovin' )ith ho i# in#(st * )hile the $o#* 'li#e# evenl*+ I s(""ose he &!#e st !i'ht eno('h fo the "l!,e )he e he )!nte# to 'et to- $(t his " o' ess )ith one sho(l#e ,! ie# fo )! # see&e# o$li9(e+ He )!s often seen ,i ,lin' slo)l* !&on'st the she#s- !s if follo)in' ! s,ent0 "!ssin' $efo e the ve !n#!h )ith (")! # ste!lth* 'l!n,es0 #is!""e! in' )itho(t h!ste o(n# the ,o ne of so&e h(t+ Th!t he see&e# f ee of the "l!,e #e&onst !te# Ji&'s !$s( # ,! elessness o else his infinite #is#!in- fo Co neli(s h!# "l!*e# ! ve * #($io(s "! t ?to s!* the le!st of it@ in ! ,e t!in e"iso#e )hi,h &i'ht h!ve en#e# f!t!ll* fo Ji&+ As ! &!tte of f!,t- it h!# e#o(n#e# to his 'lo *+ B(t eve *thin' e#o(n#e# to his 'lo *0 !n# it )!s the i on* of his 'oo# fo t(ne th!t he- )ho h!# $een too ,! ef(l of it on,e- see&e# to $e! ! ,h! &e# life+ 'Yo( &(st %no) he h!# left Do !&in's "l!,e ve * soon !fte his ! iv!l11&(,h too soon- in f!,t- fo his s!fet*- !n# of ,o( se ! lon'

ti&e $efo e the )! + In this he )!s !,t(!te# $* ! sense of #(t*0 he h!# to loo% !fte Stein's $(siness- he s!i#+ H!#n't he5 To th!t en#)ith !n (tte #is e'! # of his "e son!l s!fet*- he , osse# the ive !n# too% (" his 9(! te s )ith Co neli(s+ Ho) the l!tte h!# &!n!'e# to e.ist th o('h the t o($le# ti&es I ,!n't s!*+ As Stein's !'ent- !fte !ll- he &(st h!ve h!# Do !&in's " ote,tion in ! &e!s( e0 !n# in one )!* o !nothe he h!# &!n!'e# to ) i''le th o('h !ll the #e!#l* ,o&"li,!tions- )hile I h!ve no #o($t th!t his ,on#(,t- )h!teve line he )!s fo ,e# to t!%e- )!s &! %e# $* th!t !$2e,tness )hi,h )!s li%e the st!&" of the &!n+ Th!t )!s his ,h! !,te isti,0 he )!s f(n#!&ent!ll* !n# o(t)! #l* !$2e,t- !s othe &en ! e &! %e#l* of ! 'ene o(s#istin'(ishe#- o vene !$le !""e! !n,e+ It )!s the ele&ent of his n!t( e )hi,h "e &e!te# !ll his !,ts !n# "!ssions !n# e&otions0 he !'e# !$2e,tl*- s&ile# !$2e,tl*- )!s !$2e,tl* s!#0 his ,ivilities !n# his in#i'n!tions )e e !li%e !$2e,t+ I !& s( e his love )o(l# h!ve $een the &ost !$2e,t of senti&ents11$(t ,!n one i&!'ine ! lo!thso&e inse,t in love5 An# his lo!thso&eness- too- )!s !$2e,t- so th!t ! si&"l* #is'(stin' "e son )o(l# h!ve !""e! e# no$le $* his si#e+ He h!s his "l!,e neithe in the $!,%' o(n# no in the fo e' o(n# of the sto *0 he is si&"l* seen s%(l%in' on its o(ts%i ts- eni'&!ti,!l !n# (n,le!nt!intin' the f !' !n,e of its *o(th !n# of its n!iveness+ 'His "osition in !n* ,!se ,o(l# not h!ve $een othe th!n e.t e&el* &ise !$le- *et it &!* ve * )ell $e th!t he fo(n# so&e !#v!nt!'es in it+ Ji& tol# &e he h!# $een e,eive# !t fi st )ith !n !$2e,t #is"l!* of the &ost !&i,!$le senti&ents+ <The fello) !""! entl* ,o(l#n't ,ont!in hi&self fo 2o*-< s!i# Ji& )ith #is'(st+ <He fle) !t &e eve * &o nin' to sh!%e $oth &* h!n#s11,onfo(n# hi&311$(t I ,o(l# neve tell )hethe the e )o(l# $e !n* $ e!%f!st+ If I 'ot th ee &e!ls in t)o #!*s I ,onsi#e e# &*self 2oll* l(,%*- !n# he &!#e &e si'n ! ,hit fo ten #oll! s eve * )ee%+ S!i# he )!s s( e M + Stein #i# not &e!n hi& to %ee" &e fo nothin'+ Well11he %e"t &e on nothin' !s ne! !s "ossi$le+ P(t it #o)n to the (nsettle# st!te of the ,o(nt *- !n# &!#e !s if to te! his h!i o(t- $e''in' &* "! #on t)ent* ti&es ! #!*- so th!t I h!# !t l!st to ent e!t hi& not to )o *+ It &!#e &e si,%+ H!lf the oof of his ho(se h!# f!llen in- !n# the )hole "l!,e h!# ! &!n'* loo%- )ith )is"s of # * ' !ss sti,%in' o(t !n# the ,o ne s of $ o%en &!ts fl!""in' on eve * )!ll+ He #i# his $est to &!%e o(t th!t M + Stein o)e# hi& &one* on the l!st th ee *e! s' t !#in'- $(t his $oo%s )e e !ll to n- !n# so&e )e e &issin'+ He t ie# to hint it )!s his l!te )ife's f!(lt+ Dis'(stin' s,o(n# el3 At l!st I h!# to fo $i# hi& to &ention his l!te )ife !t !ll+ It &!#e Je)el , *+ I ,o(l#n't #is,ove )h!t $e,!&e of !ll the t !#e1'oo#s0 the e )!s nothin' in the sto e $(t !ts- h!vin' ! hi'h ol# ti&e !&on'st ! litte of $ o)n "!"e !n# ol# s!,%in'+ I )!s !ss( e# on eve * h!n# th!t he h!# ! lot of &one* $( ie# so&e)he e- $(t of ,o( se ,o(l# 'et nothin' o(t of hi&+ It )!s the &ost &ise !$le e.isten,e I le# the e in th!t ) et,he# ho(se+ I t ie# to #o &* #(t* $* Stein- $(t I h!# !lso othe &!tte s to thin% of+ When I es,!"e# to Do !&in ol# T(n%( All!n' 'ot f i'htene# !n# et( ne# !ll &* thin's+ It )!s #one in ! o(n#!$o(t )!*- !n# )ith no en# of &*ste *- th o('h ! Chin!&!n )ho %ee"s ! s&!ll sho" he e0 $(t !s soon !s I left the B('is 9(! te !n# )ent to live )ith Co neli(s it $e'!n to $e s!i# o"enl* th!t the R!2!h h!# &!#e (" his &in# to

h!ve &e %ille# $efo e lon'+ Ple!s!nt- )!sn't it5 An# I ,o(l#n't see )h!t the e )!s to " event hi& if he e!ll* Bh!#B &!#e (" his &in#+ The )o st of it )!s- I ,o(l#n't hel" feelin' I )!sn't #oin' !n* 'oo# eithe fo Stein o fo &*self+ Oh3 it )!s $e!stl*11the )hole si. )ee%s of it+< '

CHAPTER AH 'He tol# &e f( the th!t he #i#n't %no) )h!t &!#e hi& h!n' on11$(t of ,o( se )e &!* '(ess+ He s*&"!thise# #ee"l* )ith the #efen,eless 'i l- !t the &e ,* of th!t <&e!n- ,o)! #l* s,o(n# el+< It !""e! s Co neli(s le# he !n !)f(l life- sto""in' onl* sho t of !,t(!l ill1(s!'e- fo )hi,h he h!# not the "l(,%- I s(""ose+ He insiste# ("on he ,!llin' hi& f!the 11<!n# )ith es"e,t- too11)ith es"e,t-< he )o(l# s, e!&- sh!%in' ! little *ello) fist in he f!,e+ <I !& ! es"e,t!$le &!n- !n# )h!t ! e *o(5 Tell &e11)h!t ! e *o(5 Yo( thin% I !& 'oin' to $ in' (" so&e$o#* else's ,hil# !n# not $e t e!te# )ith es"e,t5 Yo( o('ht to $e 'l!# I let *o(+ Co&e11 s!* Yes- f!the + + + + No5 + + + Yo( )!it ! $it+< The e("on he )o(l# $e'in to !$(se the #e!# )o&!n- till the 'i l )o(l# (n off )ith he h!n#s to he he!#+ He "( s(e# he - #!shin' in !n# o(t !n# o(n# the ho(se !n# !&on'st the she#s- )o(l# # ive he into so&e ,o ne )he e she )o(l# f!ll on he %nees sto""in' he e! s- !n# then he )o(l# st!n# !t ! #ist!n,e !n# #e,l!i& filth* #en(n,i!tions !t he $!,% fo h!lf !n ho( !t ! st et,h+ <Yo( &othe )!s ! #evil- ! #e,eitf(l #evil11!n# *o( too ! e ! #evil-< he )o(l# sh ie% in ! fin!l o(t$( st- "i,% (" ! $it of # * e! th o ! h!n#f(l of &(# ?the e )!s "lent* of &(# ! o(n# the ho(se@- !n# flin' it into he h!i + So&eti&es- tho('h- she )o(l# hol# o(t f(ll of s,o n- ,onf ontin' hi& in silen,e- he f!,e so&$ e !n# ,ont !,te#- !n# onl* no) !n# then (tte in' ! )o # o t)o th!t )o(l# &!%e the othe 2(&" !n# ) ithe )ith the stin'+ Ji& tol# &e these s,enes )e e te i$le+ It )!s in#ee# ! st !n'e thin' to ,o&e ("on in ! )il#e ness+ The en#lessness of s(,h ! s($tl* , (el sit(!tion )!s !""!llin'11if *o( thin% of it+ The es"e,t!$le Co neli(s ?In,hi 'Nel*(s the M!l!*s ,!lle# hi&)ith ! ' i&!,e th!t &e!nt &!n* thin's@ )!s ! &(,h1#is!""ointe# &!n+ I #on't %no) )h!t he h!# e."e,te# )o(l# $e #one fo hi& in ,onsi#e !tion of his &! i!'e0 $(t evi#entl* the li$e t* to ste!l- !n# e&$e//le- !n# !"" o" i!te to hi&self fo &!n* *e! s !n# in !n* )!* th!t s(ite# hi& $est- the 'oo#s of Stein's T !#in' Co&"!n* ?Stein %e"t the s(""l* (" (nf!lte in'l* !s lon' !s he ,o(l# 'et his s%i""e s to t!%e it the e@ #i# not see& to hi& ! f!i e9(iv!lent fo the s!, ifi,e of his hono( !$le n!&e+ Ji& )o(l# h!ve en2o*e# e.,ee#in'l* th !shin' Co neli(s )ithin !n in,h of his life0 on the othe h!n#- the s,enes )e e of so "!inf(l ! ,h! !,te - so !$o&in!$leth!t his i&"(lse )o(l# $e to 'et o(t of e! shot- in o #e to s"! e the 'i l's feelin's+ The* left he !'it!te#- s"ee,hless- ,l(t,hin' he $oso& no) !n# then )ith ! ston*- #es"e !te f!,e- !n# then Ji& )o(l# lo(n'e (" !n# s!* (nh!""il*- <No)11,o&e11 e!ll*11)h!t's the (se11*o( &(st t * to e!t ! $it-< o 'ive so&e s(,h &! % of s*&"!th*+ Co neli(s )o(l# %ee" on slin%in' th o('h the #oo )!*s-

!, oss the ve !n#!h !n# $!,% !'!in- !s &(te !s ! fish- !n# )ith &!levolent- &ist (stf(l- (n#e h!n# 'l!n,es+ <I ,!n sto" his '!&e-< Ji& s!i# to he on,e+ <J(st s!* the )o #+< An# #o *o( %no) )h!t she !ns)e e#5 She s!i#11Ji& tol# &e i&" essivel*11th!t if she h!# not $een s( e he )!s intensel* ) et,he# hi&self- she )o(l# h!ve fo(n# the ,o( !'e to %ill hi& )ith he o)n h!n#s+ <J(st f!n,* th!t3 The "oo #evil of ! 'i l- !l&ost ! ,hil#- $ein' # iven to t!l% li%e th!t-< he e.,l!i&e# in ho o + It see&e# i&"ossi$le to s!ve he not onl* f o& th!t &e!n !s,!l $(t even f o& he self3 It )!sn't th!t he "itie# he so &(,h- he !ffi &e#0 it )!s &o e th!n "it*0 it )!s !s if he h!# so&ethin' on his ,ons,ien,e- )hile th!t life )ent on+ To le!ve the ho(se )o(l# h!ve !""e! e# ! $!se #ese tion+ He h!# (n#e stoo# !t l!st th!t the e )!s nothin' to e."e,t f o& ! lon'e st!*- neithe !,,o(nts no &one*- no t (th of !n* so t- $(t he st!*e# on- e.!s"e !tin' Co neli(s to the ve 'e- I )on't s!* of ins!nit*- $(t !l&ost of ,o( !'e+ Me!nti&e he felt !ll so ts of #!n'e s '!the in' o$s,( el* !$o(t hi&+ Do !&in h!# sent ove t)i,e ! t (st* se v!nt to tell hi& se io(sl* th!t he ,o(l# #o nothin' fo his s!fet* (nless he )o(l# e, oss the ive !'!in !n# live !&on'st the B('is !s !t fi st+ Peo"le of eve * ,on#ition (se# to ,!ll- often in the #e!# of ni'ht- in o #e to #is,lose to hi& "lots fo his !ss!ssin!tion+ He )!s to $e "oisone#+ He )!s to $e st!$$e# in the $!th1ho(se+ A !n'e&ents )e e $ein' &!#e to h!ve hi& shot f o& ! $o!t on the ive + E!,h of these info &!nts " ofesse# hi&self to $e his ve * 'oo# f ien#+ It )!s eno('h11he tol# &e11to s"oil ! fello)'s est fo eve + So&ethin' of the %in# )!s e.t e&el* "ossi$le11n!*- " o$!$le11$(t the l*in' )! nin's '!ve hi& onl* the sense of #e!#l* s,he&in' 'oin' on !ll ! o(n# hi&- on !ll si#es- in the #! %+ Nothin' &o e ,!l,(l!te# to sh!%e the $est of ne ve+ 4in!ll*- one ni'ht- Co neli(s hi&self- )ith ! ' e!t !""! !t(s of !l! & !n# se, e,*- (nfol#e# in sole&n )hee#lin' tones ! little "l!n )he ein fo one h(n# e# #oll! s11o even fo ei'ht*0 let's s!* ei'ht*11he- Co neli(s- )o(l# " o,( e ! t (st)o th* &!n to s&(''le Ji& o(t of the ive - !ll s!fe+ The e )!s nothin' else fo it no)11if Ji& ,! e# ! "in fo his life+ Wh!t's ei'ht* #oll! s5 A t ifle+ An insi'nifi,!nt s(&+ While he- Co neli(s- )ho h!# to e&!in $ehin#- )!s !$sol(tel* ,o( tin' #e!th $* this " oof of #evotion to M + Stein's *o(n' f ien#+ The si'ht of his !$2e,t ' i&!,in' )!s11Ji& tol# &e11ve * h! # to $e! : he ,l(t,he# !t his h!i - $e!t his $ e!sto,%e# hi&self to !n# f o )ith his h!n#s " esse# to his sto&!,h- !n# !,t(!ll* " eten#e# to she# te! s+ <Yo( $loo# $e on *o( o)n he!#-< he s9(e!%e# !t l!st- !n# (she# o(t+ It is ! ,( io(s 9(estion ho) f! Co neli(s )!s sin,e e in th!t "e fo &!n,e+ Ji& ,onfesse# to &e th!t he #i# not slee" ! )in% !fte the fello) h!# 'one+ He l!* on his $!,% on ! thin &!t s" e!# ove the $!&$oo floo in'- t *in' i#l* to &!%e o(t the $! e !fte s- !n# listenin' to the (stlin's in the to n th!t,h+ A st! s(##enl* t)in%le# th o('h ! hole in the oof+ His $ !in )!s in ! )hi l0 $(t- neve theless- it )!s on th!t ve * ni'ht th!t he &!t( e# his "l!n fo ove ,o&in' She if Ali+ It h!# $een the tho('ht of !ll the &o&ents he ,o(l# s"! e f o& the ho"eless investi'!tion into Stein's !ff!i s- $(t the notion11he s!*s11,!&e to hi& then !ll !t on,e+ He ,o(l# see- !s it )e e- the '(ns &o(nte# on the to" of the hill+ He 'ot ve * hot !n# e.,ite# l*in' the e0 slee" )!s o(t of the 9(estion &o e th!n eve + He 2(&"e# ("- !n# )ent o(t $! efoote# on the ve !n#!h+ W!l%in' silentl*- he ,!&e ("on the 'i l- &otionless

!'!inst the )!ll- !s if on the )!t,h+ In his then st!te of &in# it #i# not s( " ise hi& to see he ("- no *et to he! he !s% in !n !n.io(s )his"e )he e Co neli(s ,o(l# $e+ He si&"l* s!i# he #i# not %no)+ She &o!ne# ! little- !n# "ee e# into the ,!&"on'+ Eve *thin' )!s ve * 9(iet+ He )!s "ossesse# $* his ne) i#e!- !n# so f(ll of it th!t he ,o(l# not hel" tellin' the 'i l !ll !$o(t it !t on,e+ She listene#- ,l!""e# he h!n#s li'htl*- )his"e e# softl* he !#&i !tion$(t )!s evi#entl* on the !le t !ll the ti&e+ It see&s he h!# $een (se# to &!%e ! ,onfi#!nt of he !ll !lon'11!n# th!t she on he "! t ,o(l# !n# #i# 'ive hi& ! lot of (sef(l hints !s to P!t(s!n !ff!i s the e is no #o($t+ He !ss( e# &e &o e th!n on,e th!t he h!# neve fo(n# hi&self the )o se fo he !#vi,e+ At !n* !te- he )!s " o,ee#in' to e."l!in his "l!n f(ll* to he the e !n# then- )hen she " esse# his ! & on,e- !n# v!nishe# f o& his si#e+ Then Co neli(s !""e! e# f o& so&e)he e- !n#- "e ,eivin' Ji&- #(,%e# si#e)!*s- !s tho('h he h!# $een shot !t- !n# !fte )! #s stoo# ve * still in the #(s%+ At l!st he ,!&e fo )! # " (#entl*- li%e ! s(s"i,io(s ,!t+ <The e )e e so&e fishe &en the e11)ith fish-< he s!i# in ! sh!%* voi,e+ <To sell fish11*o( (n#e st!n#+< + + + It &(st h!ve $een then t)o o',lo,% in the &o nin'11! li%el* ti&e fo !n*$o#* to h!)% fish !$o(t3 'Ji&- ho)eve - let the st!te&ent "!ss- !n# #i# not 'ive it ! sin'le tho('ht+ Othe &!tte s o,,("ie# his &in#- !n# $esi#es he h!# neithe seen no he! # !n*thin'+ He ,ontente# hi&self $* s!*in'<Oh3< !$sentl*- 'ot ! # in% of )!te o(t of ! "it,he st!n#in' the e!n# le!vin' Co neli(s ! " e* to so&e ine."li,!$le e&otion11th!t &!#e hi& e&$ !,e )ith $oth ! &s the )o &1e!ten !il of the ve !n#!h !s if his le's h!# f!ile#11)ent in !'!in !n# l!* #o)n on his &!t to thin%+ B*1!n#1$* he he! # ste!lth* footste"s+ The* sto""e#+ A voi,e )his"e e# t e&(lo(sl* th o('h the )!ll- <A e *o( !slee"5< <No3 Wh!t is it5< he !ns)e e# $ is%l*- !n# the e )!s !n !$ ("t &ove&ent o(tsi#e- !n# then !ll )!s still- !s if the )his"e e h!# $een st! tle#+ E.t e&el* !nno*e# !t this- Ji& ,!&e o(t i&"et(o(sl*!n# Co neli(s )ith ! f!int sh ie% fle# !lon' the ve !n#!h !s f! !s the ste"s- )he e he h(n' on to the $ o%en $!niste + Ee * "(//le#Ji& ,!lle# o(t to hi& f o& the #ist!n,e to %no) )h!t the #evil he &e!nt+ <H!ve *o( 'iven *o( ,onsi#e !tion to )h!t I s"o%e to *o( !$o(t5< !s%e# Co neli(s- " ono(n,in' the )o #s )ith #iffi,(lt*- li%e ! &!n in the ,ol# fit of ! feve + <No3< sho(te# Ji& in ! "!ssion+ <I h!ve not- !n# I #on't inten# to+ I !& 'oin' to live he e- in P!t(s!n+< <Yo( sh!ll #1#1#ie h1h1he e-< !ns)e e# Co neli(s- still sh!%in' violentl*- !n# in ! so t of e."i in' voi,e+ The )hole "e fo &!n,e )!s so !$s( # !n# " ovo%in' th!t Ji& #i#n't %no) )hethe he o('ht to $e !&(se# o !n' *+ <Not till I h!ve seen *o( t(,%e# !)!*- *o( $et-< he ,!lle# o(t- e.!s"e !te# *et e!#* to l!('h+ H!lf se io(sl* ?$ein' e.,ite# )ith his o)n tho('hts- *o( %no)@ he )ent on sho(tin'- <Nothin' ,!n to(,h &e3 Yo( ,!n #o *o( #!&ne#est+< So&eho) the sh!#o)* Co neli(s f! off the e see&e# to $e the h!tef(l e&$o#i&ent of !ll the !nno*!n,es !n# #iffi,(lties he h!# fo(n# in his "!th+ He let hi&self 'o11his ne ves h!# $een ove 1) o('ht fo #!*s11!n# ,!lle# hi& &!n* " ett* n!&es-11s)in#le - li! - so * !s,!l: in f!,t- ,! ie# on in !n e.t !o #in! * )!*+ He !#&its he "!sse# !ll $o(n#s- th!t he )!s 9(ite $esi#e hi&self11#efie# !ll P!t(s!n to s,! e hi& !)!*11#e,l! e# he

)o(l# &!%e the& !ll #!n,e to his o)n t(ne *et- !n# so on- in ! &en!,in'- $o!stin' st !in+ Pe fe,tl* $o&$!sti, !n# i#i,(lo(s- he s!i#+ His e! s $( ne# !t the $! e e,olle,tion+ M(st h!ve $een off his ,h(&" in so&e )!*+ + + + The 'i l- )ho )!s sittin' )ith (sno##e# he little he!# !t &e 9(i,%l*- f o)ne# f!intl*- !n# s!i#- <I he! # hi&-< )ith ,hil#1li%e sole&nit*+ He l!('he# !n# $l(she#+ Wh!t sto""e# hi& !t l!st- he s!i#- )!s the silen,e- the ,o&"lete #e!thli%e silen,e- of the in#istin,t fi'( e f! ove the e- th!t see&e# to h!n' ,oll!"se#- #o($le# ove the !il in ! )ei # i&&o$ilit*+ He ,!&e to his senses- !n# ,e!sin' s(##enl*- )on#e e# ' e!tl* !t hi&self+ He )!t,he# fo ! )hile+ Not ! sti - not ! so(n#+ <E.!,tl* !s if the ,h!" h!# #ie# )hile I h!# $een &!%in' !ll th!t noise-< he s!i#+ He )!s so !sh!&e# of hi&self th!t he )ent in#oo s in ! h( * )itho(t !nothe )o #- !n# fl(n' hi&self #o)n !'!in+ The o) see&e# to h!ve #one hi& 'oo# tho('h- $e,!(se he )ent to slee" fo the est of the ni'ht li%e ! $!$*+ H!#n't sle"t li%e th!t fo )ee%s+ <B(t BIB #i#n't slee"-< st (,% in the 'i l- one el$o) on the t!$le !n# n( sin' he ,hee%+ <I )!t,he#+< He $i' e*es fl!she#- ollin' ! little- !n# then she fi.e# the& on &* f!,e intentl*+'

CHAPTER A6 'Yo( &!* i&!'ine )ith )h!t inte est I listene#+ All these #et!ils )e e "e ,eive# to h!ve so&e si'nifi,!n,e t)ent*1fo( ho( s l!te + In the &o nin' Co neli(s &!#e no !ll(sion to the events of the ni'ht+ <I s(""ose *o( )ill ,o&e $!,% to &* "oo ho(se-< he &(tte e#s( lil*- slin%in' (" 2(st !s Ji& )!s ente in' the ,!noe to 'o ove to Do !&in's ,!&"on'+ Ji& onl* no##e#- )itho(t loo%in' !t hi&+ <Yo( fin# it 'oo# f(n- no #o($t-< &(tte e# the othe in ! so( tone+ Ji& s"ent the #!* )ith the ol# n!%ho#!- " e!,hin' the ne,essit* of vi'o o(s !,tion to the " in,i"!l &en of the B('is ,o&&(nit*- )ho h!# $een s(&&one# fo ! $i' t!l%+ He e&e&$e e# )ith "le!s( e ho) ve * elo9(ent !n# "e s(!sive he h!# $een+ <I &!n!'e# to "(t so&e $!,%$one into the& th!t ti&e- !n# no &ist!%e-< he s!i#+ She if Ali's l!st !i# h!# s)e"t the o(ts%i ts of the settle&ent- !n# so&e )o&en $elon'in' to the to)n h!# $een ,! ie# off to the sto,%!#e+ She if Ali's e&iss! ies h!# $een seen in the &! %et1"l!,e the #!* $efo e- st (ttin' !$o(t h!('htil* in )hite ,lo!%s- !n# $o!stin' of the R!2!h's f ien#shi" fo thei &!ste + One of the& stoo# fo )! # in the sh!#e of ! t ee- !n#- le!nin' on the lon' $! el of ! ifle- e.ho te# the "eo"le to " !*e !n# e"ent!n,e!#visin' the& to %ill !ll the st !n'e s in thei &i#st- so&e of )ho&he s!i#- )e e infi#els !n# othe s even )o se11,hil# en of S!t!n in the '(ise of Mosle&s+ It )!s e"o te# th!t seve !l of the R!2!h's "eo"le !&on'st the listene s h!# lo(#l* e." esse# thei !"" o$!tion+ The te o !&on'st the ,o&&on "eo"le )!s intense+ Ji&- i&&ensel* "le!se# )ith his #!*'s )o %- , osse# the ive !'!in $efo e s(nset+ 'As he h!# 'ot the B('is i et iev!$l* ,o&&itte# to !,tion !n# h!# &!#e hi&self es"onsi$le fo s(,,ess on his o)n he!#- he )!s so el!te# th!t in the li'htness of his he! t he !$sol(tel* t ie# to $e

,ivil )ith Co neli(s+ B(t Co neli(s $e,!&e )il#l* 2ovi!l in es"onse- !n# it )!s !l&ost &o e th!n he ,o(l# st!n#- he s!*s- to he! his little s9(e!%s of f!lse l!('hte - to see hi& ) i''le !n# $lin%!n# s(##enl* ,!t,h hol# of his ,hin !n# , o(,h lo) ove the t!$le )ith ! #ist !,te# st! e+ The 'i l #i# not sho) he self- !n# Ji& eti e# e! l*+ When he ose to s!* 'oo#1ni'ht- Co neli(s 2(&"e# ("- %no,%in' his ,h!i ove - !n# #(,%e# o(t of si'ht !s if to "i,% (" so&ethin' he h!# # o""e#+ His 'oo#1ni'ht ,!&e h(s%il* f o& (n#e the t!$le+ Ji& )!s !&!/e# to see hi& e&e 'e )ith ! # o""in' 2!)- !n# st! in'- st("i#l* f i'htene# e*es+ He ,l(t,he# the e#'e of the t!$le+ <Wh!t's the &!tte 5 A e *o( (n)ell5< !s%e# Ji&+ <Yes*es- *es+ A ' e!t ,oli, in &* sto&!,h-< s!*s the othe 0 !n# it is Ji&'s o"inion th!t it )!s "e fe,tl* t (e+ If so- it )!s- in vie) of his ,onte&"l!te# !,tion- !n !$2e,t si'n of ! still i&"e fe,t ,!llo(sness fo )hi,h he &(st $e 'iven !ll #(e , e#it+ 'Be it !s it &!*- Ji&'s sl(&$e s )e e #ist( $e# $* ! # e!& of he!vens li%e $ !ss eso(n#in' )ith ! ' e!t voi,e- )hi,h ,!lle# ("on hi& to A)!%e3 A)!%e3 so lo(# th!t- not)ithst!n#in' his #es"e !te #ete &in!tion to slee" on- he #i# )!%e (" in e!lit*+ The 'l! e of ! e# s"l(tte in' ,onfl!' !tion 'oin' on in &i#1!i fell on his e*es+ Coils of $l!,% thi,% s&o%e ,( ve# o(n# the he!# of so&e !""! itionso&e (ne! thl* $ein'- !ll in )hite- )ith ! seve e- # !)n!n.io(s f!,e+ Afte ! se,on# o so he e,o'nise# the 'i l+ She )!s hol#in' ! #!&&! to ,h !t ! &'s1len'th !loft- !n# in ! "e sistent( 'ent &onotone she )!s e"e!tin'- <>et ("3 >et ("3 >et ("3< 'S(##enl* he le!"e# to his feet0 !t on,e she "(t into his h!n# ! evolve - his o)n evolve - )hi,h h!# $een h!n'in' on ! n!il- $(t lo!#e# this ti&e+ He ' i""e# it in silen,e- $e)il#e e#- $lin%in' in the li'ht+ He )on#e e# )h!t he ,o(l# #o fo he + 'She !s%e# !"i#l* !n# ve * lo)- <C!n *o( f!,e fo( &en )ith this5< He l!('he# )hile n! !tin' this "! t !t the e,olle,tion of his "olite !l!, it*+ It see&s he &!#e ! ' e!t #is"l!* of it+ <Ce t!inl*11 of ,o( se11,e t!inl*11,o&&!n# &e+< He )!s not " o"e l* !)!%e!n# h!# ! notion of $ein' ve * ,ivil in these e.t !o #in! * ,i ,(&st!n,esof sho)in' his (n9(estionin'- #evote# e!#iness+ She left the oo&!n# he follo)e# he 0 in the "!ss!'e the* #ist( $e# !n ol# h!' )ho #i# the ,!s(!l ,oo%in' of the ho(sehol#- tho('h she )!s so #e, e"it !s to $e h! #l* !$le to (n#e st!n# h(&!n s"ee,h+ She 'ot (" !n# ho$$le# $ehin# the&- &(&$lin' toothlessl*+ On the ve !n#!h ! h!&&o,% of s!il1,loth- $elon'in' to Co neli(s- s)!*e# li'htl* to the to(,h of Ji&'s el$o)+ It )!s e&"t*+ 'The P!t(s!n est!$lish&ent- li%e !ll the "osts of Stein's T !#in' Co&"!n*- h!# o i'in!ll* ,onsiste# of fo( $(il#in's+ T)o of the& )e e e" esente# $* t)o he!"s of sti,%s- $ o%en $!&$oos- otten th!t,h- ove )hi,h the fo( ,o ne 1"osts of h! #)oo# le!ne# s!#l* !t #iffe ent !n'les: the " in,i"!l sto e oo&- ho)eve - stoo# *etf!,in' the !'ent's ho(se+ It )!s !n o$lon' h(t- $(ilt of &(# !n# ,l!*0 it h!# !t one en# ! )i#e #oo of sto(t "l!n%in'- )hi,h so f! h!# not ,o&e off the hin'es- !n# in one of the si#e )!lls the e )!s

! s9(! e !"e t( e- ! so t of )in#o)- )ith th ee )oo#en $! s+ Befo e #es,en#in' the fe) ste"s the 'i l t( ne# he f!,e ove he sho(l#e !n# s!i# 9(i,%l*- <Yo( )e e to $e set ("on )hile *o( sle"t+< Ji& tells &e he e."e ien,e# ! sense of #e,e"tion+ It )!s the ol# sto *+ He )!s )e! * of these !tte&"ts ("on his life+ He h!# h!# his fill of these !l! &s+ He )!s si,% of the&+ He !ss( e# &e he )!s !n' * )ith the 'i l fo #e,eivin' hi&+ He h!# follo)e# he (n#e the i&" ession th!t it )!s she )ho )!nte# his hel"- !n# no) he h!# h!lf ! &in# to t( n on his heel !n# 'o $!,% in #is'(st+ <Do *o( %no)-< he ,o&&ente# " ofo(n#l*- <I !the thin% I )!s not 9(ite &*self fo )hole )ee%s on en# !$o(t th!t ti&e+< <Oh *es+ Yo( )e e tho('h-< I ,o(l#n't hel" ,ont !#i,tin'+ 'B(t she &ove# on s)iftl*- !n# he follo)e# he into the ,o( t*! #+ All its fen,es h!# f!llen in ! lon' ti&e !'o0 the nei'h$o( s' $(ff!loes )o(l# "!,e in the &o nin' !, oss the o"en s"!,e- sno tin' " ofo(n#l*- )itho(t h!ste0 the ve * 2(n'le )!s inv!#in' it !l e!#*+ Ji& !n# the 'i l sto""e# in the !n% ' !ss+ The li'ht in )hi,h the* stoo# &!#e ! #ense $l!,%ness !ll o(n#- !n# onl* !$ove thei he!#s the e )!s !n o"(lent 'litte of st! s+ He tol# &e it )!s ! $e!(tif(l ni'ht119(ite ,ool- )ith ! little sti of $ ee/e f o& the ive + It see&s he noti,e# its f ien#l* $e!(t*+ Re&e&$e this is ! love sto * I !& tellin' *o( no)+ A lovel* ni'ht see&e# to $ e!the on the& ! soft ,! ess+ The fl!&e of the to ,h st e!&e# no) !n# then )ith ! fl(tte in' noise li%e ! fl!'- !n# fo ! ti&e this )!s the onl* so(n#+ <The* ! e in the sto e oo& )!itin'-< )his"e e# the 'i l0 <the* ! e )!itin' fo the si'n!l+< <Who's to 'ive it5< he !s%e#+ She shoo% the to ,h)hi,h $l!/e# (" !fte ! sho)e of s"! %s+ <Onl* *o( h!ve $een slee"in' so estlessl*-< she ,ontin(e# in ! &( &( 0 <I )!t,he# *o( slee"- too+< <Yo(3< he e.,l!i&e#- , !nin' his ne,% to loo% !$o(t hi&+ <Yo( thin% I )!t,he# on this ni'ht onl*3< she s!i#)ith ! so t of #es"!i in' in#i'n!tion+ 'He s!*s it )!s !s if he h!# e,eive# ! $lo) on the ,hest+ He '!s"e#+ He tho('ht he h!# $een !n !)f(l $ (te so&eho)- !n# he felt e&o sef(l- to(,he#- h!""*- el!te#+ This- let &e e&in# *o( !'!in- is ! love sto *0 *o( ,!n see it $* the i&$e,ilit*- not ! e"(lsive i&$e,ilit*- the e.!lte# i&$e,ilit* of these " o,ee#in's- this st!tion in to ,hli'ht- !s if the* h!# ,o&e the e on "( "ose to h!ve it o(t fo the e#ifi,!tion of ,on,e!le# &( #e e s+ If She if Ali's e&iss! ies h!# $een "ossesse#11!s Ji& e&! %e#11of ! "enn*)o th of s"(n%this )!s the ti&e to &!%e ! (sh+ His he! t )!s th(&"in'11not )ith fe! 11$(t he see&e# to he! the ' !ss (stle- !n# he ste""e# s&! tl* o(t of the li'ht+ So&ethin' #! %- i&"e fe,tl* seen- flitte# !"i#l* o(t of si'ht+ He ,!lle# o(t in ! st on' voi,e- <Co neli(s3 O Co neli(s3< A " ofo(n# silen,e s(,,ee#e#: his voi,e #i# not see& to h!ve ,! ie# t)ent* feet+ A'!in the 'i l )!s $* his si#e+ <4l*3< she s!i#+ The ol# )o&!n )!s ,o&in' ("0 he $ o%en fi'( e hove e# in , i""le# little 2(&"s on the e#'e of the li'ht0 the* he! # he &(&$lin'- !n# ! li'ht- &o!nin' si'h+ <4l*3< e"e!te# the 'i l e.,ite#l*+ <The* ! e f i'htene# no)11this li'ht11the voi,es+ The* %no) *o( ! e !)!%e no)11the* %no) *o( ! e $i'- st on'- fe! less + + +< <If I !& !ll th!t-< he $e'!n0 $(t she inte ("te# hi&: <Yes11to1ni'ht3 B(t )h!t of to1&o o) ni'ht5 Of the ne.t ni'ht5 Of the ni'ht !fte 11of

!ll the &!n*- &!n* ni'hts5 C!n I $e !l)!*s )!t,hin'5< A so$$in' ,!t,h of he $ e!th !ffe,te# hi& $e*on# the "o)e of )o #s+ 'He tol# &e th!t he h!# neve felt so s&!ll- so "o)e less11!n# !s to ,o( !'e- )h!t )!s the 'oo# of it5 he tho('ht+ He )!s so hel"less th!t even fli'ht see&e# of no (se0 !n# tho('h she %e"t on )his"e in'- <>o to Do !&in- 'o to Do !&in-< )ith feve ish insisten,e- he e!lise# th!t fo hi& the e )!s no ef('e f o& th!t loneliness )hi,h ,ent("le# !ll his #!n'e s e.,e"t11in he + <I tho('ht-< he s!i# to &e- <th!t if I )ent !)!* f o& he it )o(l# $e the en# of eve *thin' so&eho)+< Onl* !s the* ,o(l#n't sto" the e fo eve in the &i##le of th!t ,o( t*! #- he &!#e (" his &in# to 'o !n# loo% into the sto eho(se+ He let he follo) hi& )itho(t thin%in' of !n* " otest- !s if the* h!# $een in#issol($l* (nite#+ <I !& fe! less11!& I5< he &(tte e# th o('h his teeth+ She est !ine# his ! &+ <W!it till *o( he! &* voi,e-< she s!i#- !n#- to ,h in h!n#- !n li'htl* o(n# the ,o ne + He e&!ine# !lone in the #! %ness- his f!,e to the #oo : not ! so(n#- not ! $ e!th ,!&e f o& the othe si#e+ The ol# h!' let o(t ! # e! * ' o!n so&e)he e $ehin# his $!,%+ He he! # ! hi'h1"it,he# !l&ost s, e!&in' ,!ll f o& the 'i l+ <No)3 P(sh3< He "(she# violentl*0 the #oo s)(n' )ith ! , e!% !n# ! ,l!tte - #is,losin' to his intense !stonish&ent the lo) #(n'eon1li%e inte io ill(&in!te# $* ! l( i#- )!ve in' 'l! e+ A t( &oil of s&o%e e##ie# #o)n ("on !n e&"t* )oo#en , !te in the &i##le of the floo - ! litte of !'s !n# st !) t ie# to so! - $(t onl* sti e# fee$l* in the # !('ht+ She h!# th (st the li'ht th o('h the $! s of the )in#o)+ He s!) he $! e o(n# ! & e.ten#e# !n# i'i#- hol#in' (" the to ,h )ith the ste!#iness of !n i on $ !,%et+ A ,oni,!l !''e# he!" of ol# &!ts ,(&$e e# ! #ist!nt ,o ne !l&ost to the ,eilin'!n# th!t )!s !ll+ 'He e."l!ine# to &e th!t he )!s $itte l* #is!""ointe# !t this+ His fo tit(#e h!# $een t ie# $* so &!n* )! nin's- he h!# $een fo )ee%s s( o(n#e# $* so &!n* hints of #!n'e - th!t he )!nte# the elief of so&e e!lit*- of so&ethin' t!n'i$le th!t he ,o(l# &eet+ <It )o(l# h!ve ,le! e# the !i fo ! ,o("le of ho( s !t le!st- if *o( %no) )h!t I &e!n-< he s!i# to &e+ <Jove3 I h!# $een livin' fo #!*s )ith ! stone on &* ,hest+< No) !t l!st he h!# tho('ht he )o(l# 'et hol# of so&ethin'- !n#11nothin'3 Not ! t !,e- not ! si'n of !n*$o#*+ He h!# !ise# his )e!"on !s the #oo fle) o"en- $(t no) his ! & fell+ <4i e3 Defen# *o( self-< the 'i l o(tsi#e , ie# in !n !'onisin' voi,e+ She- $ein' in the #! % !n# )ith he ! & th (st in to the sho(l#e th o('h the s&!ll hole- ,o(l#n't see )h!t )!s 'oin' on!n# she #! e# not )ith# !) the to ,h no) to (n o(n#+ <The e's no$o#* he e3< *elle# Ji& ,onte&"t(o(sl*- $(t his i&"(lse to $( st into ! esentf(l e.!s"e !te# l!('h #ie# )itho(t ! so(n#: he h!# "e ,eive# in the ve * !,t of t( nin' !)!* th!t he )!s e.,h!n'in' 'l!n,es )ith ! "!i of e*es in the he!" of &!ts+ He s!) ! shiftin' 'le!& of )hites+ <Co&e o(t3< he , ie# in ! f( *- ! little #o($tf(l!n# ! #! %1f!,e# he!#- ! he!# )itho(t ! $o#*- sh!"e# itself in the ($$ish- ! st !n'el* #et!,he# he!#- th!t loo%e# !t hi& )ith ! ste!#* s,o)l+ Ne.t &o&ent the )hole &o(n# sti e#- !n# )ith ! lo) ' (nt ! &!n e&e 'e# s)iftl*- !n# $o(n#e# to)! #s Ji&+ Behin# hi& the &!ts !s it )e e 2(&"e# !n# fle)- his i'ht ! & )!s !ise# )ith !

, oo%e# el$o)- !n# the #(ll $l!#e of ! % iss " ot (#e# f o& his fist hel# off- ! little !$ove his he!#+ A ,loth )o(n# ti'ht o(n# his loins see&e# #!//lin'l* )hite on his $ on/e s%in0 his n!%e# $o#* 'listene# !s if )et+ 'Ji& note# !ll this+ He tol# &e he )!s e."e ien,in' ! feelin' of (n(tte !$le elief- of ven'ef(l el!tion+ He hel# his shot- he s!*s#eli$e !tel*+ He hel# it fo the tenth "! t of ! se,on#- fo th ee st i#es of the &!n11!n (n,ons,ion!$le ti&e+ He hel# it fo the "le!s( e of s!*in' to hi&self- Th!t's ! #e!# &!n3 He )!s !$sol(tel* "ositive !n# ,e t!in+ He let hi& ,o&e on $e,!(se it #i# not &!tte + A #e!# &!n- !n*ho)+ He noti,e# the #il!te# nost ils- the )i#e e*esthe intent- e!'e stillness of the f!,e- !n# then he fi e#+ 'The e."losion in th!t ,onfine# s"!,e )!s st(nnin'+ He ste""e# $!,% ! "!,e+ He s!) the &!n 2e % his he!# ("- flin' his ! &s fo )! #- !n# # o" the % iss+ He !s,e t!ine# !fte )! #s th!t he h!# shot hi& th o('h the &o(th- ! little (")! #s- the $(llet ,o&in' o(t hi'h !t the $!,% of the s%(ll+ With the i&"et(s of his (sh the &!n # ove st !i'ht on- his f!,e s(##enl* '!"in' #isfi'( e#- )ith his h!n#s o"en $efo e hi& ' o"in'l*- !s tho('h $lin#e#- !n# l!n#e# )ith te ifi, violen,e on his fo ehe!#- 2(st sho t of Ji&'s $! e toes+ Ji& s!*s he #i#n't lose the s&!llest #et!il of !ll this+ He fo(n# hi&self ,!l&- !""e!se#- )itho(t !n,o( - )itho(t (ne!siness- !s if the #e!th of th!t &!n h!# !tone# fo eve *thin'+ The "l!,e )!s 'ettin' ve * f(ll of soot* s&o%e f o& the to ,h- in )hi,h the (ns)!*in' fl!&e $( ne# $loo#1 e# )itho(t ! fli,%e + He )!l%e# in esol(tel*- st i#in' ove the #e!# $o#*- !n# ,ove e# )ith his evolve !nothe n!%e# fi'( e o(tline# v!'(el* !t the othe en#+ As he )!s !$o(t to "(ll the t i''e - the &!n th e) !)!* )ith fo ,e ! sho t he!v* s"e! - !n# s9(!tte# s($&issivel* on his h!&s- his $!,% to the )!ll !n# his ,l!s"e# h!n#s $et)een his le's+ <Yo( )!nt *o( life5< Ji& s!i#+ The othe &!#e no so(n#+ <Ho) &!n* &o e of *o(5< !s%e# Ji& !'!in+ <T)o &o e- T(!n-< s!i# the &!n ve * softl*- loo%in' )ith $i' f!s,in!te# e*es into the &(//le of the evolve + A,,o #in'l* t)o &o e , !)le# f o& (n#e the &!tshol#in' o(t ostent!tio(sl* thei e&"t* h!n#s+'

CHAPTER A= 'Ji& too% (" !n !#v!nt!'eo(s "osition !n# she"he #e# the& o(t in ! $(n,h th o('h the #oo )!*: !ll th!t ti&e the to ,h h!# e&!ine# ve ti,!l in the ' i" of ! little h!n#- )itho(t so &(,h !s ! t e&$le+ The th ee &en o$e*e# hi&- "e fe,tl* &(te- &ovin' !(to&!ti,!ll*+ He !n'e# the& in ! o)+ <Lin% ! &s3< he o #e e#+ The* #i# so+ <The fi st )ho )ith# !)s his ! & o t( ns his he!# is ! #e!# &!n-< he s!i#+ <M! ,h3< The* ste""e# o(t to'ethe - i'i#l*0 he follo)e#- !n# !t the si#e the 'i l- in ! t !ilin' )hite 'o)n- he $l!,% h!i f!llin' !s lo) !s he )!ist- $o e the li'ht+ E e,t !n# s)!*in'- she see&e# to 'li#e )itho(t to(,hin' the e! th0 the onl* so(n# )!s the sil%* s)ish !n# (stle of the lon' ' !ss+ <Sto"3< , ie#

Ji&+ 'The ive 1$!n% )!s stee"0 ! ' e!t f eshness !s,en#e#- the li'ht fell on the e#'e of s&ooth #! % )!te f othin' )itho(t ! i""le0 i'ht !n# left the sh!"es of the ho(ses !n to'ethe $elo) the sh! " o(tlines of the oofs+ <T!%e &* ' eetin's to She if Ali11till I ,o&e &*self-< s!i# Ji&+ Not one he!# of the th ee $(#'e#+ <J(&"3< he th(n#e e#+ The th ee s"l!shes &!#e one s"l!sh- ! sho)e fle) ("$l!,% he!#s $o$$e# ,onv(lsivel*- !n# #is!""e! e#0 $(t ! ' e!t $lo)in' !n# s"l(tte in' )ent on- ' o)in' f!int- fo the* )e e #ivin' in#(st io(sl* in ' e!t fe! of ! "! tin' shot+ Ji& t( ne# to the 'i l- )ho h!# $een ! silent !n# !ttentive o$se ve + His he! t see&e# s(##enl* to ' o) too $i' fo his $ e!st !n# ,ho%e hi& in the hollo) of his th o!t+ This " o$!$l* &!#e hi& s"ee,hless fo so lon'- !n# !fte et( nin' his '!/e she fl(n' the $( nin' to ,h )ith ! )i#e s)ee" of the ! & into the ive + The (##* fie * 'l! e- t!%in' ! lon' fli'ht th o('h the ni'ht- s!n% )ith ! vi,io(s hiss- !n# the ,!l& soft st! li'ht #es,en#e# ("on the&- (n,he,%e#+ 'He #i# not tell &e )h!t it )!s he s!i# )hen !t l!st he e,ove e# his voi,e+ I #on't s(""ose he ,o(l# $e ve * elo9(ent+ The )o l# )!s still- the ni'ht $ e!the# on the&- one of those ni'hts th!t see& , e!te# fo the shelte in' of ten#e ness- !n# the e ! e &o&ents )hen o( so(ls- !s if f ee# f o& thei #! % envelo"e- 'lo) )ith !n e.9(isite sensi$ilit* th!t &!%es ,e t!in silen,es &o e l(,i# th!n s"ee,hes+ As to the 'i l- he tol# &e- <She $ o%e #o)n ! $it+ E.,ite&ent11#on't *o( %no)+ Re!,tion+ De(,e#l* ti e# she &(st h!ve $een11!n# !ll th!t %in# of thin'+ An#11!n#11h!n' it !ll11she )!s fon# of &e- #on't *o( see+ + + + I too+ + + #i#n't %no)- of ,o( se + + + neve ente e# &* he!# + + +< 'Then he 'ot (" !n# $e'!n to )!l% !$o(t in so&e !'it!tion+ <I11I love he #e! l*+ Mo e th!n I ,!n tell+ Of ,o( se one ,!nnot tell+ Yo( t!%e ! #iffe ent vie) of *o( !,tions )hen *o( ,o&e to (n#e st!n#- )hen *o( ! e B&!#eB to (n#e st!n# eve * #!* th!t *o( e.isten,e is ne,ess! *11*o( see- !$sol(tel* ne,ess! *11to !nothe "e son+ I !& &!#e to feel th!t+ Won#e f(l3 B(t onl* t * to thin% )h!t he life h!s $een+ It is too e.t !v!'!ntl* !)f(l3 Isn't it5 An# &e fin#in' he he e li%e this11!s *o( &!* 'o o(t fo ! st oll !n# ,o&e s(##enl* ("on so&e$o#* # o)nin' in ! lonel* #! % "l!,e+ Jove3 No ti&e to lose+ Well- it is ! t (st too + + + I $elieve I !& e9(!l to it + + +< 'I &(st tell *o( the 'i l h!# left (s to o( selves so&e ti&e $efo e+ He sl!""e# his ,hest+ <Yes3 I feel th!t- $(t I $elieve I !& e9(!l to !ll &* l(,%3< He h!# the 'ift of fin#in' ! s"e,i!l &e!nin' in eve *thin' th!t h!""ene# to hi&+ This )!s the vie) he too% of his love !ff!i 0 it )!s i#*lli,- ! little sole&n- !n# !lso t (e- sin,e his $elief h!# !ll the (nsh!%!$le se io(sness of *o(th+ So&e ti&e !fte - on !nothe o,,!sion- he s!i# to &e- <I've $een onl* t)o *e! s he e!n# no)- ("on &* )o #- I ,!n't ,on,eive $ein' !$le to live !n*)he e else+ The ve * tho('ht of the )o l# o(tsi#e is eno('h to 'ive &e ! f i'ht0 $e,!(se- #on't *o( see-< he ,ontin(e#- )ith #o)n,!st e*es )!t,hin' the !,tion of his $oot $(sie# in s9(!shin' tho o('hl* ! tin* $it of # ie# &(# ?)e )e e st ollin' on the ive 1$!n%@11

<$e,!(se I h!ve not fo 'otten )h* I ,!&e he e+ Not *et3< 'I ef !ine# f o& loo%in' !t hi&- $(t I thin% I he! # ! sho t si'h0 )e too% ! t( n o t)o in silen,e+ <U"on &* so(l !n# ,ons,ien,e-< he $e'!n !'!in- <if s(,h ! thin' ,!n $e fo 'otten- then I thin% I h!ve ! i'ht to #is&iss it f o& &* &in#+ As% !n* &!n he e< + + + his voi,e ,h!n'e#+ <Is it not st !n'e-< he )ent on in ! 'entle- !l&ost *e! nin' tone- <th!t !ll these "eo"le- !ll these "eo"le )ho )o(l# #o !n*thin' fo &e- ,!n neve $e &!#e to (n#e st!n#5 Neve 3 If *o( #is$elieve# &e I ,o(l# not ,!ll the& ("+ It see&s h! #- so&eho)+ I !& st("i#- !& I not5 Wh!t &o e ,!n I )!nt5 If *o( !s% the& )ho is $ !ve11)ho is t (e11)ho is 2(st11)ho is it the* )o(l# t (st )ith thei lives511the* )o(l# s!*- T(!n Ji&+ An# *et the* ,!n neve %no) the e!l- e!l t (th + + +< 'Th!t's )h!t he s!i# to &e on &* l!st #!* )ith hi&+ I #i# not let ! &( &( es,!"e &e: I felt he )!s 'oin' to s!* &o e- !n# ,o&e no ne! e to the oot of the &!tte + The s(n- )hose ,on,ent !te# 'l! e #)! fs the e! th into ! estless &ote of #(st- h!# s(n% $ehin# the fo est- !n# the #iff(se# li'ht f o& !n o"!l s%* see&e# to ,!st ("on ! )o l# )itho(t sh!#o)s !n# )itho(t $ illi!n,e the ill(sion of ! ,!l& !n# "ensive ' e!tness+ I #on't %no) )h*- listenin' to hi&- I sho(l# h!ve note# so #istin,tl* the ' !#(!l #! %enin' of the ive of the !i 0 the i esisti$le slo) )o % of the ni'ht settlin' silentl* on !ll the visi$le fo &s- eff!,in' the o(tlines- $( *in' the sh!"es #ee"e !n# #ee"e - li%e ! ste!#* f!ll of i&"!l"!$le $l!,% #(st+ ' <Jove3< he $e'!n !$ ("tl*- <the e ! e #!*s )hen ! fello) is too !$s( # fo !n*thin'0 onl* I %no) I ,!n tell *o( )h!t I li%e+ I t!l% !$o(t $ein' #one )ith it11)ith the $!ll* thin' !t the $!,% of &* he!# + + + 4o 'ettin' + + + H!n' &e if I %no)3 I ,!n thin% of it 9(ietl*+ Afte !ll- )h!t h!s it " ove#5 Nothin'+ I s(""ose *o( #on't thin% so + + +< 'I &!#e ! " otestin' &( &( + ' <No &!tte -< he s!i#+ <I !& s!tisfie# + + + ne! l*+ I've 'ot to loo% onl* !t the f!,e of the fi st &!n th!t ,o&es !lon'- to e'!in &* ,onfi#en,e+ The* ,!n't $e &!#e to (n#e st!n# )h!t is 'oin' on in &e+ Wh!t of th!t5 Co&e3 I h!ven't #one so $!#l*+< ' <Not so $!#l*-< I s!i#+ ' <B(t !ll the s!&e- *o( )o(l#n't li%e to h!ve &e !$o! # *o( o)n shi" he*5< ' <Confo(n# *o(3< I , ie#+ <Sto" this+< ' <Ah!3 Yo( see-< he s!i#- , o)in'- !s it )e e- ove &e "l!,i#l*+ <Onl*-< he )ent on- <*o( 2(st t * to tell this to !n* of the& he e+ The* )o(l# thin% *o( ! fool- ! li! - o )o se+ An# so I ,!n st!n# it+ I've #one ! thin' o t)o fo the&- $(t this is )h!t the* h!ve #one fo &e+<

' <M* #e! ,h!"-< I , ie#- <*o( sh!ll !l)!*s e&!in fo insol($le &*ste *+< The e("on )e )e e silent+

the& !n

' <M*ste *-< he e"e!te#- $efo e loo%in' ("+ <Well- then let &e !l)!*s e&!in he e+< 'Afte the s(n h!# set- the #! %ness see&e# to # ive ("on (s$o ne in eve * f!int "(ff of the $ ee/e+ In the &i##le of ! he#'e# "!th I s!) the ! este#- '!(nt- )!t,hf(l- !n# !""! entl* one1le''e# silho(ette of T!&$' It!&0 !n# !, oss the #(s%* s"!,e &* e*e #ete,te# so&ethin' )hite &ovin' to !n# f o $ehin# the s(""o ts of the oof+ As soon !s Ji&- )ith T!&$' It!& !t his heels- h!# st! te# ("on his evenin' o(n#s- I )ent (" to the ho(se !lone!n#- (ne."e,te#l*- fo(n# &*self )!*l!i# $* the 'i l- )ho h!# $een ,le! l* )!itin' fo this o""o t(nit*+ 'It is h! # to tell *o( )h!t it )!s " e,isel* she )!nte# to ) est f o& &e+ O$vio(sl* it )o(l# $e so&ethin' ve * si&"le11the si&"lest i&"ossi$ilit* in the )o l#0 !s- fo inst!n,e- the e.!,t #es, i"tion of the fo & of ! ,lo(#+ She )!nte# !n !ss( !n,e- ! st!te&ent- ! " o&ise- !n e."l!n!tion11I #on't %no) ho) to ,!ll it: the thin' h!s no n!&e+ It )!s #! % (n#e the " o2e,tin' oof- !n# !ll I ,o(l# see )e e the flo)in' lines of he 'o)n- the "!le s&!ll ov!l of he f!,e- )ith the )hite fl!sh of he teeth- !n#- t( ne# to)! #s &e- the $i' so&$ e o $its of he e*es- )he e the e see&e# to $e ! f!int sti s(,h !s *o( &!* f!n,* *o( ,!n #ete,t )hen *o( "l(n'e *o( '!/e to the $otto& of !n i&&ensel* #ee" )ell+ Wh!t is it th!t &oves the e5 *o( !s% *o( self+ Is it ! $lin# &onste o onl* ! lost 'le!& f o& the (nive se5 It o,,( e# to &e11#on't l!('h11th!t !ll thin's $ein' #issi&il! - she )!s &o e ins, (t!$le in he ,hil#ish i'no !n,e th!n the S"hin. " o"o(n#in' ,hil#ish i##les to )!*f! e s+ She h!# $een ,! ie# off to P!t(s!n $efo e he e*es )e e o"en+ She h!# ' o)n (" the e0 she h!# seen nothin'- she h!# %no)n nothin'- she h!# no ,on,e"tion of !n*thin'+ I !s% &*self )hethe she )e e s( e th!t !n*thin' else e.iste#+ Wh!t notions she &!* h!ve fo &e# of the o(tsi#e )o l# is to &e in,on,eiv!$le: !ll th!t she %ne) of its inh!$it!nts )e e ! $et !*e# )o&!n !n# ! siniste "!nt!loon+ He love !lso ,!&e to he f o& the e- 'ifte# )ith i esisti$le se#(,tions0 $(t )h!t )o(l# $e,o&e of he if he sho(l# et( n to these in,on,eiv!$le e'ions th!t see&e# !l)!*s to ,l!i& $!,% thei o)n5 He &othe h!# )! ne# he of this )ith te! s- $efo e she #ie# + + + 'She h!# ,!('ht hol# of &* ! & fi &l*- !n# !s soon !s I h!# sto""e# she h!# )ith# !)n he h!n# in h!ste+ She )!s !(#!,io(s !n# sh in%in'+ She fe! e# nothin'- $(t she )!s ,he,%e# $* the " ofo(n# in,e tit(#e !n# the e.t e&e st !n'eness11! $ !ve "e son ' o"in' in the #! %+ I $elon'e# to this Un%no)n th!t &i'ht ,l!i& Ji& fo its o)n !t !n* &o&ent+ I )!s- !s it )e e- in the se, et of its n!t( e !n# of its intentions11the ,onfi#!nt of ! th e!tenin' &*ste *11! &e# )ith its "o)e "e h!"s3 I $elieve she s(""ose# I ,o(l# )ith ! )o # )his% Ji& !)!* o(t of he ve * ! &s0 it is &* so$e ,onvi,tion she )ent th o('h !'onies of !"" ehension #( in' &* lon' t!l%s )ith Ji&0 th o('h ! e!l !n# intole !$le !n'(ish th!t &i'ht h!ve ,on,eiv!$l* # iven he into "lottin' &* &( #e - h!#

the fie ,eness of he so(l $een e9(!l to the t e&en#o(s sit(!tion it h!# , e!te#+ This is &* i&" ession- !n# it is !ll I ,!n 'ive *o(: the )hole thin' #!)ne# ' !#(!ll* ("on &e- !n# !s it 'ot ,le! e !n# ,le! e I )!s ove )hel&e# $* ! slo) in, e#(lo(s !&!/e&ent+ She &!#e &e $elieve he - $(t the e is no )o # th!t on &* li"s ,o(l# en#e the effe,t of the he!#lon' !n# vehe&ent )his"e - of the soft"!ssion!te tones- of the s(##en $ e!thless "!(se !n# the !""e!lin' &ove&ent of the )hite ! &s e.ten#e# s)iftl*+ The* fell0 the 'hostl* fi'( e s)!*e# li%e ! slen#e t ee in the )in#- the "!le ov!l of the f!,e # oo"e#0 it )!s i&"ossi$le to #istin'(ish he fe!t( es- the #! %ness of the e*es )!s (nf!tho&!$le0 t)o )i#e sleeves (" ose in the #! % li%e (nfol#in' )in's- !n# she stoo# silent- hol#in' he he!# in he h!n#s+'

CHAPTER AA 'I )!s i&&ensel* to(,he#: he *o(th- he i'no !n,e- he " ett* $e!(t*- )hi,h h!# the si&"le ,h! & !n# the #eli,!te vi'o( of ! )il#1flo)e - he "!theti, "le!#in'- he hel"lessness- !""e!le# to &e )ith !l&ost the st en'th of he o)n (n e!son!$le !n# n!t( !l fe! + She fe! e# the (n%no)n !s )e !ll #o- !n# he i'no !n,e &!#e the (n%no)n infinitel* v!st+ I stoo# fo it- fo &*self- fo *o( fello)sfo !ll the )o l# th!t neithe ,! e# fo Ji& no nee#e# hi& in the le!st+ I )o(l# h!ve $een e!#* eno('h to !ns)e fo the in#iffe en,e of the tee&in' e! th $(t fo the efle,tion th!t he too $elon'e# to this &*ste io(s (n%no)n of he fe! s- !n# th!t- ho)eve &(,h I stoo# fo - I #i# not st!n# fo hi&+ This &!#e &e hesit!te+ A &( &( of ho"eless "!in (nse!le# &* li"s+ I $e'!n $* " otestin' th!t I !t le!st h!# ,o&e )ith no intention to t!%e Ji& !)!*+ 'Wh* #i# I ,o&e- then5 Afte ! sli'ht &ove&ent she )!s !s still !s ! &! $le st!t(e in the ni'ht+ I t ie# to e."l!in $ iefl*: f ien#shi"$(siness0 if I h!# !n* )ish in the &!tte it )!s !the to see hi& st!*+ + + + <The* !l)!*s le!ve (s-< she &( &( e#+ The $ e!th of s!# )is#o& f o& the ' !ve )hi,h he "iet* ) e!the# )ith flo)e s see&e# to "!ss in ! f!int si'h+ + + + Nothin'- I s!i#- ,o(l# se"! !te Ji& f o& he + 'It is &* fi & ,onvi,tion no)0 it )!s &* ,onvi,tion !t the ti&e0 it )!s the onl* "ossi$le ,on,l(sion f o& the f!,ts of the ,!se+ It )!s not &!#e &o e ,e t!in $* he )his"e in' in ! tone in )hi,h one s"e!%s to oneself- <He s)o e this to &e+< <Di# *o( !s% hi&5< I s!i#+ 'She &!#e ! ste" ne! e + <No+ Neve 3< She h!# !s%e# hi& onl* to 'o !)!*+ It )!s th!t ni'ht on the ive 1$!n%- !fte he h!# %ille# the &!n11!fte she h!# fl(n' the to ,h in the )!te $e,!(se he )!s loo%in' !t he so+ The e )!s too &(,h li'ht- !n# the #!n'e )!s ove then11fo ! little ti&e11fo ! little ti&e+ He s!i# then he )o(l# not !$!n#on he to Co neli(s+ She h!# insiste#+ She )!nte# hi& to le!ve he + He s!i# th!t he ,o(l# not11th!t it )!s i&"ossi$le+ He

t e&$le# )hile he s!i# this+ She h!# felt hi& t e&$le+ + + + One #oes not e9(i e &(,h i&!'in!tion to see the s,ene- !l&ost to he! thei )his"e s+ She )!s !f !i# fo hi& too+ I $elieve th!t then she s!) in hi& onl* ! " e#estine# vi,ti& of #!n'e s )hi,h she (n#e stoo# $ette th!n hi&self+ Tho('h $* nothin' $(t his &e e " esen,e he h!# &!ste e# he he! t- h!# fille# !ll he tho('hts- !n# h!# "ossesse# hi&self of !ll he !ffe,tions- she (n#e esti&!te# his ,h!n,es of s(,,ess+ It is o$vio(s th!t !t !$o(t th!t ti&e eve *$o#* )!s in,line# to (n#e esti&!te his ,h!n,es+ St i,tl* s"e!%in' he #i#n't see& to h!ve !n*+ I %no) this )!s Co neli(s's vie)+ He ,onfesse# th!t &(,h to &e in e.ten(!tion of the sh!#* "! t he h!# "l!*e# in She if Ali's "lot to #o !)!* )ith the infi#el+ Even She if Ali hi&self- !s it see&s ,e t!in no)- h!# nothin' $(t ,onte&"t fo the )hite &!n+ Ji& )!s to $e &( #e e# &!inl* on eli'io(s ' o(n#s- I $elieve+ A si&"le !,t of "iet* ?!n# so f! infinitel* &e ito io(s@- $(t othe )ise )itho(t &(,h i&"o t!n,e+ In the l!st "! t of this o"inion Co neli(s ,on,( e#+ <Hono( !$le si -< he ! '(e# !$2e,tl* on the onl* o,,!sion he &!n!'e# to h!ve &e to hi&self11<hono( !$le si - ho) )!s I to %no)5 Who )!s he5 Wh!t ,o(l# he #o to &!%e "eo"le $elieve hi&5 Wh!t #i# M + Stein &e!n sen#in' ! $o* li%e th!t to t!l% $i' to !n ol# se v!nt5 I )!s e!#* to s!ve hi& fo ei'ht* #oll! s+ Onl* ei'ht* #oll! s+ Wh* #i#n't the fool 'o5 W!s I to 'et st!$$e# &*self fo the s!%e of ! st !n'e 5< He ' ovelle# in s"i it $efo e &e- )ith his $o#* #o($le# (" insin(!tin'l* !n# his h!n#s hove in' !$o(t &* %nees- !s tho('h he )e e e!#* to e&$ !,e &* le's+ <Wh!t's ei'ht* #oll! s5 An insi'nifi,!nt s(& to 'ive to ! #efen,eless ol# &!n (ine# fo life $* ! #e,e!se# she1#evil+< He e he )e"t+ B(t I !nti,i"!te+ I #i#n't th!t ni'ht ,h!n,e ("on Co neli(s till I h!# h!# it o(t )ith the 'i l+ 'She )!s (nselfish )hen she ( 'e# Ji& to le!ve he - !n# even to le!ve the ,o(nt *+ It )!s his #!n'e th!t )!s fo e&ost in he tho('hts11even if she )!nte# to s!ve he self too11"e h!"s (n,ons,io(sl*: $(t then loo% !t the )! nin' she h!#- loo% !t the lesson th!t ,o(l# $e # !)n f o& eve * &o&ent of the e,entl* en#e# life in )hi,h !ll he &e&o ies )e e ,ent e#+ She fell !t his feet11she tol# &e so11the e $* the ive - in the #is, eet li'ht of st! s )hi,h sho)e# nothin' e.,e"t ' e!t &!sses of silent sh!#o)s- in#efinite o"en s"!,es- !n# t e&$lin' f!intl* ("on the $ o!# st e!& &!#e it !""e! !s )i#e !s the se!+ He h!# lifte# he ("+ He lifte# he ("- !n# then she )o(l# st (''le no &o e+ Of ,o( se not+ St on' ! &s- ! ten#e voi,e- ! st!l)! t sho(l#e to est he "oo lonel* little he!# ("on+ The nee#11the infinite nee#11of !ll this fo the !,hin' he! t- fo the $e)il#e e# &in#011the " o&"tin's of *o(th11the ne,essit* of the &o&ent+ Wh!t )o(l# *o( h!ve5 One (n#e st!n#s11(nless one is in,!"!$le of (n#e st!n#in' !n*thin' (n#e the s(n+ An# so she )!s ,ontent to $e lifte# ("11!n# hel#+ <Yo( %no)11Jove3 this is se io(s11no nonsense in it3< !s Ji& h!# )his"e e# h( ie#l* )ith ! t o($le# ,on,e ne# f!,e on the th eshol# of his ho(se+ I #on't %no) so &(,h !$o(t nonsense- $(t the e )!s nothin' li'ht1he! te# in thei o&!n,e: the* ,!&e to'ethe (n#e the sh!#o) of ! life's #is!ste - li%e %ni'ht !n# &!i#en &eetin' to e.,h!n'e vo)s !&on'st h!(nte# (ins+ The st! li'ht )!s 'oo# eno('h fo th!t sto *- ! li'ht so f!int !n# e&ote th!t it ,!nnot esolve sh!#o)s into sh!"es- !n# sho) the othe sho e of ! st e!&+ I #i# loo% ("on the st e!& th!t

ni'ht !n# f o& the ve * "l!,e0 it olle# silent !n# !s $l!,% !s St*.: the ne.t #!* I )ent !)!*- $(t I !& not li%el* to fo 'et )h!t it )!s she )!nte# to $e s!ve# f o& )hen she ent e!te# hi& to le!ve he )hile the e )!s ti&e+ She tol# &e )h!t it )!s- ,!l&e#11she )!s no) too "!ssion!tel* inte este# fo &e e e.,ite&ent11in ! voi,e !s 9(iet in the o$s,( it* !s he )hite h!lf1lost fi'( e+ She tol# &e- <I #i#n't )!nt to #ie )ee"in'+< I tho('ht I h!# not he! # ! i'ht+ ' <Yo( #i# not )!nt to #ie )ee"in'5< I e"e!te# !fte he + <Li%e &* &othe -< she !##e# e!#il*+ The o(tlines of he )hite sh!"e #i# not sti in the le!st+ <M* &othe h!# )e"t $itte l* $efo e she #ie#-< she e."l!ine#+ An in,on,eiv!$le ,!l&ness see&e# to h!ve isen f o& the ' o(n# ! o(n# (s- i&"e ,e"ti$l*- li%e the still ise of ! floo# in the ni'ht- o$lite !tin' the f!&ili! l!n#&! %s of e&otions+ The e ,!&e ("on &e- !s tho('h I h!# felt &*self losin' &* footin' in the &i#st of )!te s- ! s(##en # e!#- the # e!# of the (n%no)n #e"ths+ She )ent on e."l!inin' th!t- #( in' the l!st &o&ents$ein' !lone )ith he &othe - she h!# to le!ve the si#e of the ,o(,h to 'o !n# set he $!,% !'!inst the #oo - in o #e to %ee" Co neli(s o(t+ He #esi e# to 'et in- !n# %e"t on # (&&in' )ith $oth fistsonl* #esistin' no) !n# !'!in to sho(t h(s%il*- <Let &e in3 Let &e in3 Let &e in3< In ! f! ,o ne ("on ! fe) &!ts the &o i$(n# )o&!n- !l e!#* s"ee,hless !n# (n!$le to lift he ! &- olle# he he!# ove - !n# )ith ! fee$le &ove&ent of he h!n# see&e# to ,o&&!n#11<No3 No3< !n# the o$e#ient #!('hte - settin' he sho(l#e s )ith !ll he st en'th !'!inst the #oo - )!s loo%in' on+ <The te! s fell f o& he e*es11!n# then she #ie#-< ,on,l(#e# the 'i l in !n i&"e t( $!$le &onotone- )hi,h &o e th!n !n*thin' else&o e th!n the )hite st!t(es9(e i&&o$ilit* of he "e son- &o e th!n &e e )o #s ,o(l# #o- t o($le# &* &in# " ofo(n#l* )ith the "!ssive- i e&e#i!$le ho o of the s,ene+ It h!# the "o)e to # ive &e o(t of &* ,on,e"tion of e.isten,e- o(t of th!t shelte e!,h of (s &!%es fo hi&self to , ee" (n#e in &o&ents of #!n'e - !s ! to toise )ith# !)s )ithin its shell+ 4o ! &o&ent I h!# ! vie) of ! )o l# th!t see&e# to )e! ! v!st !n# #is&!l !s"e,t of #iso #e - )hile- in t (th- th!n%s to o( (n)e! ie# effo ts- it is !s s(nn* !n ! !n'e&ent of s&!ll ,onvenien,es !s the &in# of &!n ,!n ,on,eive+ B(t still11it )!s onl* ! &o&ent: I )ent $!,% into &* shell #i e,tl*+ One B&(stB11#on't *o( %no)511tho('h I see&e# to h!ve lost !ll &* )o #s in the ,h!os of #! % tho('hts I h!# ,onte&"l!te# fo ! se,on# o t)o $e*on# the "!le+ These ,!&e $!,%- too- ve * soon- fo )o #s !lso $elon' to the shelte in' ,on,e"tion of li'ht !n# o #e )hi,h is o( ef('e+ I h!# the& e!#* !t &* #is"os!l $efo e she )his"e e# softl*- <He s)o e he )o(l# neve le!ve &e- )hen )e stoo# the e !lone3 He s)o e to &e3<+ + + <An# it is "ossi$le th!t *o(11*o(3 #o not $elieve hi&5< I !s%e#sin,e el* e" o!,hf(l- 'en(inel* sho,%e#+ Wh* ,o(l#n't she $elieve5 Whe efo e this , !vin' fo in,e tit(#e- this ,lin'in' to fe! - !s if in,e tit(#e !n# fe! h!# $een the s!fe'(! #s of he love+ It )!s &onst o(s+ She sho(l# h!ve &!#e fo he self ! shelte of ine."('n!$le "e!,e o(t of th!t honest !ffe,tion+ She h!# not the %no)le#'e11not the s%ill "e h!"s+ The ni'ht h!# ,o&e on !"!,e0 it h!# ' o)n "it,h1#! % )he e )e )e e- so th!t )itho(t sti in' she h!# f!#e# li%e the int!n'i$le fo & of ! )istf(l !n# "e ve se s"i it+ An# s(##enl* I he! # he 9(iet )his"e !'!in- <Othe &en h!# s)o n the s!&e thin'+< It )!s

li%e ! &e#it!tive ,o&&ent on so&e tho('hts f(ll of s!#ness- of !)e+ An# she !##e#- still lo)e if "ossi$le- <M* f!the #i#+< She "!(se# the ti&e to # !) !n in!(#i$le $ e!th+ <He f!the too+< + + + These )e e the thin's she %ne)3 At on,e I s!i#- <Ah3 $(t he is not li%e th!t+< This- it see&e#- she #i# not inten# to #is"(te0 $(t !fte ! ti&e the st !n'e still )his"e )!n#e in' # e!&il* in the !i stole into &* e! s+ <Wh* is he #iffe ent5 Is he $ette 5 Is he + + +< <U"on &* )o # of hono( -< I $ o%e in- <I $elieve he is+< We s($#(e# o( tones to ! &*ste io(s "it,h+ A&on'st the h(ts of Ji&'s )o %&en ?the* )e e &ostl* li$e !te# sl!ves f o& the She if's sto,%!#e@ so&e$o#* st! te# ! sh ill- # !)lin' son'+ A, oss the ive ! $i' fi e ?!t Do !&in's- I thin%@ &!#e ! 'lo)in' $!ll- ,o&"letel* isol!te# in the ni'ht+ <Is he &o e t (e5< she &( &( e#+ <Yes-< I s!i#+ <Mo e t (e th!n !n* othe &!n-< she e"e!te# in lin'e in' !,,ents+ <No$o#* he e-< I s!i#- <)o(l# # e!& of #o($tin' his )o #11no$o#* )o(l# #! e11e.,e"t *o(+< 'I thin% she &!#e ! &ove&ent !t this+ <Mo e $ !ve-< she )ent on in ! ,h!n'e# tone+ <4e! )ill neve # ive hi& !)!* f o& *o(-< I s!i# ! little ne vo(sl*+ The son' sto""e# sho t on ! sh ill note!n# )!s s(,,ee#e# $* seve !l voi,es t!l%in' in the #ist!n,e+ Ji&'s voi,e too+ I )!s st (,% $* he silen,e+ <Wh!t h!s he $een tellin' *o(5 He h!s $een tellin' *o( so&ethin'5< I !s%e#+ The e )!s no !ns)e + <Wh!t is it he tol# *o(5< I insiste#+ ' <Do *o( thin% I ,!n tell *o(5 Ho) !& I to %no)5 Ho) !& I to (n#e st!n#5< she , ie# !t l!st+ The e )!s ! sti + I $elieve she )!s ) in'in' he h!n#s+ <The e is so&ethin' he ,!n neve fo 'et+< ' <So &(,h the $ette fo *o(-< I s!i# 'loo&il*+

' <Wh!t is it5 Wh!t is it5< She "(t !n e.t !o #in! * fo ,e of !""e!l into he s(""li,!tin' tone+ <He s!*s he h!# $een !f !i#+ Ho) ,!n I $elieve this5 A& I ! &!# )o&!n to $elieve this5 Yo( !ll e&e&$e so&ethin'3 Yo( !ll 'o $!,% to it+ Wh!t is it5 Yo( tell &e3 Wh!t is this thin'5 Is it !live511is it #e!#5 I h!te it+ It is , (el+ H!s it 'ot ! f!,e !n# ! voi,e11this ,!l!&it*5 Will he see it11)ill he he! it5 In his slee" "e h!"s )hen he ,!nnot see &e11!n# then ! ise !n# 'o+ Ah3 I sh!ll neve fo 'ive hi&+ M* &othe h!# fo 'iven11$(t Ineve 3 Will it $e ! si'n11! ,!ll5< 'It )!s ! )on#e f(l e."e ien,e+ She &ist (ste# his ve * sl(&$e s11!n# she see&e# to thin% I ,o(l# tell he )h*3 Th(s ! "oo &o t!l se#(,e# $* the ,h! & of !n !""! ition &i'ht h!ve t ie# to ) in' f o& !nothe 'host the t e&en#o(s se, et of the ,l!i& the othe )o l# hol#s ove ! #ise&$o#ie# so(l !st !* !&on'st the "!ssions of this e! th+ The ve * ' o(n# on )hi,h I stoo# see&e# to &elt (n#e &* feet+ An# it )!s so si&"le too0 $(t if the s"i its evo%e# $* o( fe! s !n# o( (n est h!ve eve to vo(,h fo e!,h othe 's ,onst!n,* $efo e the fo lo n &!'i,i!ns th!t )e ! e- then I11I !lone of (s #)elle s in the flesh11h!ve sh(##e e# in the ho"eless ,hill of s(,h ! t!s%+ A si'n- ! ,!ll3 Ho) tellin' in its e." ession )!s he i'no !n,e+ A fe) )o #s3 Ho) she ,!&e to %no) the&- ho) she ,!&e to " ono(n,e the&- I ,!n't i&!'ine+ Wo&en fin# thei ins"i !tion in the st ess of &o&ents th!t fo (s ! e &e el*

!)f(l- !$s( #- o f(tile+ To #is,ove th!t she h!# ! voi,e !t !ll )!s eno('h to st i%e !)e into the he! t+ H!# ! s"( ne# stone , ie# o(t in "!in it ,o(l# not h!ve !""e! e# ! ' e!te !n# &o e "itif(l &i !,le+ These fe) so(n#s )!n#e in' in the #! % h!# &!#e thei t)o $eni'hte# lives t !'i, to &* &in#+ It )!s i&"ossi$le to &!%e he (n#e st!n#+ I ,h!fe# silentl* !t &* i&"oten,e+ An# Ji&- too11"oo #evil3 Who )o(l# nee# hi&5 Who )o(l# e&e&$e hi&5 He h!# )h!t he )!nte#+ His ve * e.isten,e " o$!$l* h!# $een fo 'otten $* this ti&e+ The* h!# &!ste e# thei f!tes+ The* )e e t !'i,+ 'He i&&o$ilit* $efo e &e )!s ,le! l* e."e,t!nt- !n# &* "! t )!s to s"e!% fo &* $ othe f o& the e!l& of fo 'etf(l sh!#e+ I )!s #ee"l* &ove# !t &* es"onsi$ilit* !n# !t he #ist ess+ I )o(l# h!ve 'iven !n*thin' fo the "o)e to soothe he f !il so(l- to &entin' itself in its invin,i$le i'no !n,e li%e ! s&!ll $i # $e!tin' !$o(t the , (el )i es of ! ,!'e+ Nothin' e!sie th!n to s!*- H!ve no fe! 3 Nothin' &o e #iffi,(lt+ Ho) #oes one %ill fe! - I )on#e 5 Ho) #o *o( shoot ! s"e,t e th o('h the he! t- sl!sh off its s"e,t !l he!#t!%e it $* its s"e,t !l th o!t5 It is !n ente " ise *o( (sh into )hile *o( # e!&- !n# ! e 'l!# to &!%e *o( es,!"e )ith )et h!i !n# eve * li&$ sh!%in'+ The $(llet is not (n- the $l!#e not fo 'e#- the &!n not $o n0 even the )in'e# )o #s of t (th # o" !t *o( feet li%e l(&"s of le!#+ Yo( e9(i e fo s(,h ! #es"e !te en,o(nte !n en,h!nte# !n# "oisone# sh!ft #i""e# in ! lie too s($tle to $e fo(n# on e! th+ An ente " ise fo ! # e!&- &* &!ste s3 'I $e'!n &* e.o ,is& )ith ! he!v* he! t- )ith ! so t of s(llen !n'e in it too+ Ji&'s voi,e- s(##enl* !ise# )ith ! ste n inton!tion,! ie# !, oss the ,o( t*! #- e" ovin' the ,! elessness of so&e #(&$ sinne $* the ive 1si#e+ Nothin'11I s!i#- s"e!%in' in ! #istin,t &( &( 11the e ,o(l# $e nothin'- in th!t (n%no)n )o l# she f!n,ie# so e!'e to o$ he of he h!""iness- the e )!s nothin'neithe livin' no #e!#- the e )!s no f!,e- no voi,e- no "o)e - th!t ,o(l# te! Ji& f o& he si#e+ I # e) $ e!th !n# she )his"e e# softl*- <He tol# &e so+< <He tol# *o( the t (th-< I s!i#+ <Nothin'-< she si'he# o(t- !n# !$ ("tl* t( ne# ("on &e )ith ! $! el* !(#i$le intensit* of tone: <Wh* #i# *o( ,o&e to (s f o& o(t the e5 He s"e!%s of *o( too often+ Yo( &!%e &e !f !i#+ Do *o(11#o *o( )!nt hi&5< A so t of ste!lth* fie ,eness h!# , e"t into o( h( ie# &(tte s+ <I sh!ll neve ,o&e !'!in-< I s!i# $itte l*+ <An# I #on't )!nt hi&+ No one )!nts hi&+< <No one-< she e"e!te# in ! tone of #o($t+ <No one-< I !ffi &e#- feelin' &*self s)!*e# $* so&e st !n'e e.,ite&ent+ <Yo( thin% hi& st on'- )ise- ,o( !'eo(s- ' e!t11)h* not $elieve hi& to $e t (e too5 I sh!ll 'o to1&o o)11!n# th!t is the en#+ Yo( sh!ll neve $e t o($le# $* ! voi,e f o& the e !'!in+ This )o l# *o( #on't %no) is too $i' to &iss hi&+ Yo( (n#e st!n#5 Too $i'+ Yo('ve 'ot his he! t in *o( h!n#+ Yo( &(st feel th!t+ Yo( &(st %no) th!t+< <Yes- I %no) th!t-< she $ e!the# o(t- h! # !n# still- !s ! st!t(e &i'ht )his"e + 'I felt I h!# I !& not s( e ! #o( - !s if of the &o&ent #one no)+ $efo ("on nothin'+ An# )h!t is it th!t I h!# )ishe# to #o5 At the ti&e I )!s !ni&!te# $* !n ine."li,!$le e so&e ' e!t !n# ne,ess! * t!s%11the infl(en,e &* &ent!l !n# e&otion!l st!te+ The e ! e in

!ll o( lives s(,h &o&ents- s(,h infl(en,es- ,o&in' f o& the o(tsi#e!s it )e e- i esisti$le- in,o&" ehensi$le11!s if $ o('ht !$o(t $* the &*ste io(s ,on2(n,tions of the "l!nets+ She o)ne#- !s I h!# "(t it to he - his he! t+ She h!# th!t !n# eve *thin' else11if she ,o(l# onl* $elieve it+ Wh!t I h!# to tell he )!s th!t in the )hole )o l# the e )!s no one )ho eve )o(l# nee# his he! t- his &in#his h!n#+ It )!s ! ,o&&on f!te- !n# *et it see&e# !n !)f(l thin' to s!* of !n* &!n+ She listene# )itho(t ! )o #- !n# he stillness no) )!s li%e the " otest of !n invin,i$le (n$elief+ Wh!t nee# she ,! e fo the )o l# $e*on# the fo ests5 I !s%e#+ 4 o& !ll the &(ltit(#es th!t "eo"le# the v!stness of th!t (n%no)n the e )o(l# ,o&eI !ss( e# he - !s lon' !s he live#- neithe ! ,!ll no ! si'n fo hi&+ Neve + I )!s ,! ie# !)!*+ Neve 3 Neve 3 I e&e&$e )ith )on#e the so t of #o''e# fie ,eness I #is"l!*e#+ I h!# the ill(sion of h!vin' 'ot the s"e,t e $* the th o!t !t l!st+ In#ee# the )hole e!l thin' h!s left $ehin# the #et!ile# !n# !&!/in' i&" ession of ! # e!&+ Wh* sho(l# she fe! 5 She %ne) hi& to $e st on'- t (e- )ise- $ !ve+ He )!s !ll th!t+ Ce t!inl*+ He )!s &o e+ He )!s ' e!t11invin,i$le11!n# the )o l# #i# not )!nt hi&- it h!# fo 'otten hi&- it )o(l# not even %no) hi&+ 'I sto""e#0 the silen,e ove P!t(s!n )!s " ofo(n#- !n# the fee$le # * so(n# of ! "!##le st i%in' the si#e of ! ,!noe so&e)he e in the &i##le of the ive see&e# to &!%e it infinite+ <Wh*5< she &( &( e#+ I felt th!t so t of !'e one feels #( in' ! h! # t(ssle+ The s"e,t e v!s t *in' to sli" o(t of &* ' !s"+ <Wh*5< she e"e!te# lo(#e 0 <tell &e3< An# !s I e&!ine# ,onfo(n#e#- she st!&"e# )ith he foot li%e ! s"oilt ,hil#+ <Wh*5 S"e!%+< <Yo( )!nt to %no)5< I !s%e# in ! f( *+ <Yes3< she , ie#+ <Be,!(se he is not 'oo# eno('h-< I s!i# $ (t!ll*+ D( in' the &o&ent's "!(se I noti,e# the fi e on the othe sho e $l!/e ("- #il!tin' the ,i ,le of its 'lo) li%e !n !&!/e# st! e- !n# ,ont !,t s(##enl* to ! e# "in1"oint+ I onl* %ne) ho) ,lose to &e she h!# $een )hen I felt the ,l(t,h of he fin'e s on &* fo e! &+ Witho(t !isin' he voi,e- she th e) into it !n infinit* of s,!thin' ,onte&"t- $itte ness- !n# #es"!i + ' <This is the ve * thin' he s!i#+ + + + Yo( lie3< 'The l!st t)o )o #s she , ie# !t &e in the n!tive #i!le,t+ <He! &e o(t3< I ent e!te#0 she ,!('ht he $ e!th t e&(lo(sl*- fl(n' &* ! & !)!*+ <No$o#*- no$o#* is 'oo# eno('h-< I $e'!n )ith the ' e!test e! nestness+ I ,o(l# he! the so$$in' l!$o( of he $ e!th f i'htf(ll* 9(i,%ene#+ I h(n' &* he!#+ Wh!t )!s the (se5 4ootste"s )e e !"" o!,hin'0 I sli""e# !)!* )itho(t !nothe )o #+ + + +'

CHAPTER AC M! lo) s)(n' his le's o(t- 'ot (" 9(i,%l*- !n# st!''e e# ! little!s tho('h he h!# $een set #o)n !fte ! (sh th o('h s"!,e+ He le!ne# his $!,% !'!inst the $!l(st !#e !n# f!,e# ! #iso #e e# ! !* of lon' ,!ne ,h!i s+ The $o#ies " one in the& see&e# st! tle# o(t

of thei he e !n# the e*es # e!&+ A 'Well+'

to "o $* his &ove&ent+ One o t)o s!t (" !s if !l! &e#0 the e ! ,i'! 'lo)e# *et0 M! lo) loo%e# !t the& !ll )ith of ! &!n et( nin' f o& the e.,essive e&oteness of ! th o!t )!s ,le! e#0 ! ,!l& voi,e en,o( !'e# ne'li'entl*-

'Nothin'-' s!i# M! lo) )ith ! sli'ht st! t+ 'He h!# tol# he 11th!t's !ll+ She #i# not $elieve hi&11nothin' &o e+ As to &*self- I #o not %no) )hethe it $e 2(st- " o"e - #e,ent fo &e to e2oi,e o to $e so *+ 4o &* "! t- I ,!nnot s!* )h!t I $elieve#11in#ee# I #on't %no) to this #!*- !n# neve sh!ll " o$!$l*+ B(t )h!t #i# the "oo #evil $elieve hi&self5 T (th sh!ll " ev!il11#on't *o( %no) M!'n! est ve it!s el + + + Yes- )hen it 'ets ! ,h!n,e+ The e is ! l!)no #o($t11!n# li%e)ise ! l!) e'(l!tes *o( l(,% in the th o)in' of #i,e+ It is not J(sti,e the se v!nt of &en- $(t !,,i#ent- h!/! #4o t(ne11the !ll* of "!tient Ti&e11th!t hol#s !n even !n# s, ("(lo(s $!l!n,e+ Both of (s h!# s!i# the ve * s!&e thin'+ Di# )e $oth s"e!% the t (th11o one of (s #i#11o neithe 5 + + +' M! lo) "!(se#- , osse# his ! &s on his $ e!st- !n# in ! ,h!n'e# tone11 'She s!i# )e lie#+ Poo so(l3 Well11let's le!ve it to Ch!n,e- )hose !ll* is Ti&e- th!t ,!nnot $e h( ie#- !n# )hose ene&* is De!thth!t )ill not )!it+ I h!# et e!te#11! little ,o)e#- I &(st o)n+ I h!# t ie# ! f!ll )ith fe! itself !n# 'ot th o)n11of ,o( se+ I h!# onl* s(,,ee#e# in !##in' to he !n'(ish the hint of so&e &*ste io(s ,oll(sion- of !n ine."li,!$le !n# in,o&" ehensi$le ,ons"i !,* to %ee" he fo eve in the #! %+ An# it h!# ,o&e e!sil*- n!t( !ll*(n!voi#!$l*- $* his !,t- $* he o)n !,t3 It )!s !s tho('h I h!# $een sho)n the )o %in' of the i&"l!,!$le #estin* of )hi,h )e ! e the vi,ti&s11!n# the tools+ It )!s !""!llin' to thin% of the 'i l )ho& I h!# left st!n#in' the e &otionless0 Ji&'s footste"s h!# ! f!tef(l so(n# !s he t !&"e# $*- )itho(t seein' &e- in his he!v* l!,e# $oots+ <Wh!t5 No li'hts3< he s!i# in ! lo(#- s( " ise# voi,e+ <Wh!t ! e *o( #oin' in the #! %11*o( t)o5< Ne.t &o&ent he ,!('ht si'ht of he - I s(""ose+ <H!llo- 'i l3< he , ie# ,hee il*+ <H!llo- $o*3< she !ns)e e# !t on,e- )ith !&!/in' "l(,%+ 'This )!s thei (s(!l ' eetin' to e!,h othe - !n# the $it of s)!''e she )o(l# "(t into he !the hi'h $(t s)eet voi,e )!s ve * # oll" ett*- !n# ,hil#li%e+ It #eli'hte# Ji& ' e!tl*+ This )!s the l!st o,,!sion on )hi,h I he! # the& e.,h!n'e this f!&ili! h!il- !n# it st (,% ! ,hill into &* he! t+ The e )!s the hi'h s)eet voi,e- the " ett* effo t- the s)!''e 0 $(t it !ll see&e# to #ie o(t " e&!t( el*!n# the "l!*f(l ,!ll so(n#e# li%e ! &o!n+ It )!s too ,onfo(n#e#l* !)f(l+ <Wh!t h!ve *o( #one )ith M! lo)5< Ji& )!s !s%in'0 !n# then- <>one #o)n11h!s he5 4(nn* I #i#n't &eet hi&+ + + + Yo( the e- M! lo)5< 'I #i#n't ,o(l#n't+ es,!"e th ,le! e# ' !ns)e + I )!sn't 'oin' in11not *et !t While he )!s ,!llin' &e I )!s en'!'e# o('h ! little '!te le!#in' o(t ("on ! o(n#+ No0 I ,o(l#n't f!,e the& *et+ I !n* !te+ I e!ll* in &!%in' &* st et,h of ne)l* )!l%e# h!stil* )ith

lo)e e# he!# !lon' ! t o##en "!th+ The ' o(n# ose 'entl*- the fe) $i' t ees h!# $een felle#- the (n#e ' o)th h!# $een ,(t #o)n !n# the ' !ss fi e#+ He h!# ! &in# to t * ! ,offee1"l!nt!tion the e+ The $i' hill- e! in' its #o($le s(&&it ,o!l1$l!,% in the ,le! *ello) 'lo) of the isin' &oon- see&e# to ,!st its sh!#o) ("on the ' o(n# " e"! e# fo th!t e."e i&ent+ He )!s 'oin' to t * eve so &!n* e."e i&ents0 I h!# !#&i e# his ene '*- his ente " ise- !n# his sh e)#ness+ Nothin' on e! th see&e# less e!l no) th!n his "l!nshis ene '*- !n# his enth(si!s&0 !n# !isin' &* e*es- I s!) "! t of the &oon 'litte in' th o('h the $(shes !t the $otto& of the ,h!s&+ 4o ! &o&ent it loo%e# !s tho('h the s&ooth #is,- f!llin' f o& its "l!,e in the s%* ("on the e! th- h!# olle# to the $otto& of th!t " e,i"i,e: its !s,en#in' &ove&ent )!s li%e ! leis( el* e$o(n#0 it #isen'!'e# itself f o& the t!n'le of t)i's0 the $! e ,onto te# li&$ of so&e t ee- ' o)in' on the slo"e- &!#e ! $l!,% , !,% i'ht !, oss its f!,e+ It th e) its level !*s !f! !s if f o& ! ,!ve n- !n# in this &o( nf(l e,li"se1li%e li'ht the st(&"s of felle# t ees (" ose ve * #! %- the he!v* sh!#o)s fell !t &* feet on !ll si#es- &* o)n &ovin' sh!#o)- !n# !, oss &* "!th the sh!#o) of the solit! * ' !ve "e "et(!ll* '! l!n#e# )ith flo)e s+ In the #! %ene# &oonli'ht the inte l!,e# $losso&s too% on sh!"es fo ei'n to one's &e&o * !n# ,olo( s in#efin!$le to the e*e- !s tho('h the* h!# $een s"e,i!l flo)e s '!the e# $* no &!n- ' o)n not in this )o l#- !n# #estine# fo the (se of the #e!# !lone+ Thei "o)e f(l s,ent h(n' in the )! & !i &!%in' it thi,% !n# he!v* li%e the f(&es of in,ense+ The l(&"s of )hite ,o !l shone o(n# the #! % &o(n# li%e ! ,h!"let of $le!,he# s%(lls- !n# eve *thin' ! o(n# )!s so 9(iet th!t )hen I stoo# still !ll so(n# !n# !ll &ove&ent in the )o l# see&e# to ,o&e to !n en#+ 'It )!s ! ' e!t "e!,e- !s if the e! th h!# $een one ' !ve- !n# fo ! ti&e I stoo# the e thin%in' &ostl* of the livin' )ho- $( ie# in e&ote "l!,es o(t of the %no)le#'e of &!n%in#- still ! e f!te# to sh! e in its t !'i, o ' otes9(e &ise ies+ In its no$le st (''les too11)ho %no)s5 The h(&!n he! t is v!st eno('h to ,ont!in !ll the )o l#+ It is v!li!nt eno('h to $e! the $( #en- $(t )he e is the ,o( !'e th!t )o(l# ,!st it off5 'I s(""ose I &(st h!ve f!llen into ! senti&ent!l &oo#0 I onl* %no) th!t I stoo# the e lon' eno('h fo the sense of (tte solit(#e to 'et hol# of &e so ,o&"letel* th!t !ll I h!# l!tel* seen- !ll I h!# he! #- !n# the ve * h(&!n s"ee,h itself- see&e# to h!ve "!sse# !)!* o(t of e.isten,e- livin' onl* fo ! )hile lon'e in &* &e&o *!s tho('h I h!# $een the l!st of &!n%in#+ It )!s ! st !n'e !n# &el!n,hol* ill(sion- evolve# h!lf1,ons,io(sl* li%e !ll o( ill(sions)hi,h I s(s"e,t onl* to $e visions of e&ote (n!tt!in!$le t (thseen #i&l*+ This )!s- in#ee#- one of the lost- fo 'otten- (n%no)n "l!,es of the e! th0 I h!# loo%e# (n#e its o$s,( e s( f!,e0 !n# I felt th!t )hen to1&o o) I h!# left it fo eve - it )o(l# sli" o(t of e.isten,e- to live onl* in &* &e&o * till I &*self "!sse# into o$livion+ I h!ve th!t feelin' !$o(t &e no)0 "e h!"s it is th!t feelin' )hi,h h!s in,ite# &e to tell *o( the sto *- to t * to h!n# ove to *o(- !s it )e e- its ve * e.isten,e- its e!lit*11the t (th #is,lose# in ! &o&ent of ill(sion+

'Co neli(s $ o%e ("on it+ He $olte# o(t- ve &in1li%e- f o& the lon' ' !ss ' o)in' in ! #e" ession of the ' o(n#+ I $elieve his ho(se )!s ottin' so&e)he e ne! $*- tho('h I've neve seen it- not h!vin' $een f! eno('h in th!t #i e,tion+ He !n to)! #s &e ("on the "!th0 his feet- sho# in #i t* )hite shoes- t)in%le# on the #! % e! th0 he "(lle# hi&self ("- !n# $e'!n to )hine !n# , in'e (n#e ! t!ll stove1"i"e h!t+ His # ie#1(" little ,! ,!ss )!s s)!llo)e# ("tot!ll* lost- in ! s(it of $l!,% $ o!#,loth+ Th!t )!s his ,ost(&e fo holi#!*s !n# ,e e&onies- !n# it e&in#e# &e th!t this )!s the fo( th S(n#!* I h!# s"ent in P!t(s!n+ All the ti&e of &* st!* I h!# $een v!'(el* !)! e of his #esi e to ,onfi#e in &e- if he onl* ,o(l# 'et &e !ll to hi&self+ He h(n' !$o(t )ith !n e!'e , !vin' loo% on his so( *ello) little f!,e0 $(t his ti&i#it* h!# %e"t hi& $!,% !s &(,h !s &* n!t( !l el(,t!n,e to h!ve !n*thin' to #o )ith s(,h !n (ns!vo( * , e!t( e+ He )o(l# h!ve s(,,ee#e#- neve theless- h!# he not $een so e!#* to slin% off !s soon !s *o( loo%e# !t hi&+ He )o(l# slin% off $efo e Ji&'s seve e '!/e- $efo e &* o)n- )hi,h I t ie# to &!%e in#iffe ent- even $efo e T!&$' It!&'s s( l*- s("e io 'l!n,e+ He )!s "e "et(!ll* slin%in' !)!*0 )heneve seen he )!s seen &ovin' off #evio(sl*- his f!,e ove his sho(l#e - )ith eithe ! &ist (stf(l sn! l o ! )oe1$e'one- "iteo(s- &(te !s"e,t0 $(t no !ss(&e# e." ession ,o(l# ,on,e!l this inn!te i e&e#i!$le !$2e,tness of his n!t( e- !n* &o e th!n !n ! !n'e&ent of ,lothin' ,!n ,on,e!l so&e &onst o(s #efo &it* of the $o#*+ 'I #on't %no) )hethe it )!s the #e&o !lis!tion of &* (tte #efe!t in &* en,o(nte )ith ! s"e,t e of fe! less th!n !n ho( !'o$(t I let hi& ,!"t( e &e )itho(t even ! sho) of esist!n,e+ I )!s #oo&e# to $e the e,i"ient of ,onfi#en,es- !n# to $e ,onf onte# )ith (n!ns)e !$le 9(estions+ It )!s t *in'0 $(t the ,onte&"t- the (n e!sone# ,onte&"t- the &!n's !""e! !n,e " ovo%e#- &!#e it e!sie to $e! + He ,o(l#n't "ossi$l* &!tte + Nothin' &!tte e#- sin,e I h!# &!#e (" &* &in# th!t Ji&- fo )ho& !lone I ,! e#- h!# !t l!st &!ste e# his f!te+ He h!# tol# &e he )!s s!tisfie# + + + ne! l*+ This is 'oin' f( the th!n &ost of (s #! e+ I11)ho h!ve the i'ht to thin% &*self 'oo# eno('h11#! e not+ Neithe #oes !n* of *o( he e- I s(""ose5 + + +' M! lo) "!(se#- !s if e."e,tin' !n !ns)e + No$o#* s"o%e+ 'F(ite i'ht-' he $e'!n !'!in+ 'Let no so(l %no)- sin,e the t (th ,!n $e ) (n' o(t of (s onl* $* so&e , (el- little- !)f(l ,!t!st o"he+ B(t he is one of (s- !n# he ,o(l# s!* he )!s s!tisfie# + + + ne! l*+ J(st f!n,* this3 Ne! l* s!tisfie#+ One ,o(l# !l&ost env* hi& his ,!t!st o"he+ Ne! l* s!tisfie#+ Afte this nothin' ,o(l# &!tte + It #i# not &!tte )ho s(s"e,te# hi&- )ho t (ste# hi&- )ho love# hi&- )ho h!te# hi&11es"e,i!ll* !s it )!s Co neli(s )ho h!te# hi&+ 'Yet !fte !ll this )!s ! %in# of e,o'nition+ Yo( sh!ll 2(#'e of ! &!n $* his foes !s )ell !s $* his f ien#s- !n# this ene&* of Ji& )!s s(,h !s no #e,ent &!n )o(l# $e !sh!&e# to o)n- )itho(t- ho)eve &!%in' too &(,h of hi&+ This )!s the vie) Ji& too%- !n# in )hi,h I sh! e#0 $(t Ji& #is e'! #e# hi& on 'ene !l ' o(n#s+ <M* #e! M! lo)-< he s!i#- <I feel th!t if I 'o st !i'ht nothin' ,!n to(,h &e+

In#ee# I #o+ No) *o( h!ve $een lon' eno('h he e to h!ve ! 'oo# loo% o(n#11!n#- f !n%l*- #on't *o( thin% I !& " ett* s!fe5 It !ll #e"en#s ("on &e- !n#- $* Jove3 I h!ve lots of ,onfi#en,e in &*self+ The )o st thin' he ,o(l# #o )o(l# $e to %ill &e- I s(""ose+ I #on't thin% fo ! &o&ent he )o(l#+ He ,o(l#n't- *o( %no)11not if I )e e &*self to h!n# hi& ! lo!#e# ifle fo the "( "ose- !n# then t( n &* $!,% on hi&+ Th!t's the so t of thin' he is+ An# s(""ose he )o(l#11s(""ose he ,o(l#5 Well11)h!t of th!t5 I #i#n't ,o&e he e fl*in' fo &* life11#i# I5 I ,!&e he e to set &* $!,% !'!inst the )!ll- !n# I !& 'oin' to st!* he e + + +< ' <Till *o( ! e B9(iteB s!tisfie#-< I st (,% in+ 'We )e e sittin' !t the ti&e (n#e the oof in the ste n of his $o!t0 t)ent* "!##les fl!she# li%e one- ten on ! si#e- st i%in' the )!te )ith ! sin'le s"l!sh- )hile $ehin# o( $!,%s T!&$' It!& #i""e# silentl* i'ht !n# left- !n# st! e# i'ht #o)n the ive !ttentive to %ee" the lon' ,!noe in the ' e!test st en'th of the ,( ent+ Ji& $o)e# his he!#- !n# o( l!st t!l% see&e# to fli,%e o(t fo 'oo#+ He )!s seein' &e off !s f! !s the &o(th of the ive + The s,hoone h!# left the #!* $efo e- )o %in' #o)n !n# # iftin' on the e$$- )hile I h!# " olon'e# &* st!* ove ni'ht+ An# no) he )!s seein' &e off+ 'Ji& h!# $een ! little !n' * )ith &e fo &entionin' Co neli(s !t !ll+ I h!# not- in t (th- s!i# &(,h+ The &!n )!s too insi'nifi,!nt to $e #!n'e o(s- tho('h he )!s !s f(ll of h!te !s he ,o(l# hol#+ He h!# ,!lle# &e <hono( !$le si < !t eve * se,on# senten,e- !n# h!# )hine# !t &* el$o) !s he follo)e# &e f o& the ' !ve of his <l!te )ife< to the '!te of Ji&'s ,o&"o(n#+ He #e,l! e# hi&self the &ost (nh!""* of &en- ! vi,ti&- , (she# li%e ! )o &0 he ent e!te# &e to loo% !t hi&+ I )o(l#n't t( n &* he!# to #o so0 $(t I ,o(l# see o(t of the ,o ne of &* e*e his o$se9(io(s sh!#o) 'li#in' !fte &ine- )hile the &oon- s(s"en#e# on o( i'ht h!n#- see&e# to 'lo!t se enel* ("on the s"e,t!,le+ He t ie# to e."l!in11!s I've tol# *o(11his sh! e in the events of the &e&o !$le ni'ht+ It )!s ! &!tte of e."e#ien,*+ Ho) ,o(l# he %no) )ho )!s 'oin' to 'et the (""e h!n#5 <I )o(l# h!ve s!ve# hi&- hono( !$le si 3 I )o(l# h!ve s!ve# hi& fo ei'ht* #oll! s-< he " oteste# in #(l,et tones- %ee"in' ! "!,e $ehin# &e+ <He h!s s!ve# hi&self-< I s!i#- <!n# he h!s fo 'iven *o(+< I he! # ! so t of titte in'- !n# t( ne# ("on hi&0 !t on,e he !""e! e# e!#* to t!%e to his heels+ <Wh!t ! e *o( l!('hin' !t5< I !s%e#- st!n#in' still+ <Don't $e #e,eive#- hono( !$le si 3< he sh ie%e#- see&in'l* losin' !ll ,ont ol ove his feelin's+ <BHeB s!ve hi&self3 He %no)s nothin'- hono( !$le si 11nothin' )h!teve + Who is he5 Wh!t #oes he )!nt he e11the $i' thief5 Wh!t #oes he )!nt he e5 He th o)s #(st into eve *$o#*'s e*es0 he th o)s #(st into *o( e*es- hono( !$le si 0 $(t he ,!n't th o) #(st into &* e*es+ He is ! $i' fool- hono( !$le si +< I l!('he# ,onte&"t(o(sl*!n#- t( nin' on &* heel- $e'!n to )!l% on !'!in+ He !n (" to &* el$o) !n# )his"e e# fo ,i$l*- <He's no &o e th!n ! little ,hil# he e11li%e ! little ,hil#11! little ,hil#+< Of ,o( se I #i#n't t!%e the sli'htest noti,e- !n# seein' the ti&e " esse#- $e,!(se )e )e e !"" o!,hin' the $!&$oo fen,e th!t 'litte e# ove the $l!,%ene#

' o(n# of the ,le! in'- he ,!&e to the "oint+ He ,o&&en,e# $* $ein' !$2e,tl* l!,h *&ose+ His ' e!t &isfo t(nes h!# !ffe,te# his he!#+ He ho"e# I )o(l# %in#l* fo 'et )h!t nothin' $(t his t o($les &!#e hi& s!*+ He #i#n't &e!n !n*thin' $* it0 onl* the hono( !$le si #i# not %no) )h!t it )!s to $e (ine#- $ o%en #o)n- t !&"le# ("on+ Afte this int o#(,tion he !"" o!,he# the &!tte ne! his he! t- $(t in s(,h ! !&$lin'- e2!,(l!to *- , !ven f!shion- th!t fo ! lon' ti&e I ,o(l#n't &!%e o(t )h!t he )!s # ivin' !t+ He )!nte# &e to inte ,e#e )ith Ji& in his f!vo( + It see&e#- too- to $e so&e so t of &one* !ff!i + I he! # ti&e !n# !'!in the )o #s- <Mo#e !te " ovision11s(it!$le " esent+< He see&e# to $e ,l!i&in' v!l(e fo so&ethin'- !n# he even )ent the len'th of s!*in' )ith so&e )! &th th!t life )!s not )o th h!vin' if ! &!n )e e to $e o$$e# of eve *thin'+ I #i# not $ e!the ! )o #- of ,o( se- $(t neithe #i# I sto" &* e! s+ The 'ist of the !ff!i - )hi,h $e,!&e ,le! to &e ' !#(!ll*)!s in this- th!t he e'! #e# hi&self !s entitle# to so&e &one* in e.,h!n'e fo the 'i l+ He h!# $ o('ht he ("+ So&e$o#* else's ,hil#+ > e!t t o($le !n# "!ins11ol# &!n no)11s(it!$le " esent+ If the hono( !$le si )o(l# s!* ! )o #+ + + + I stoo# still to loo% !t hi& )ith ,( iosit*- !n# fe! f(l lest I sho(l# thin% hi& e.to tion!teI s(""ose- he h!stil* $ o('ht hi&self to &!%e ! ,on,ession+ In ,onsi#e !tion of ! <s(it!$le " esent< 'iven !t on,e- he )o(l#- he #e,l! e#- $e )illin' to (n#e t!%e the ,h! 'e of the 'i l- <)itho(t !n* othe " ovision11)hen the ti&e ,!&e fo the 'entle&!n to 'o ho&e+< His little *ello) f!,e- !ll , (&"le# !s tho('h it h!# $een s9(ee/e# to'ethe - e." esse# the &ost !n.io(s- e!'e !v! i,e+ His voi,e )hine# ,o!.in'l*- <No &o e t o($le11n!t( !l '(! #i!n11! s(& of &one* + + +< 'I stoo# the e !n# &! velle#+ Th!t %in# of thin'- )ith hi&- )!s evi#entl* ! vo,!tion+ I #is,ove e# s(##enl* in his , in'in' !ttit(#e ! so t of !ss( !n,e- !s tho('h he h!# $een !ll his life #e!lin' in ,e tit(#es+ He &(st h!ve tho('ht I )!s #is"!ssion!tel* ,onsi#e in' his " o"os!l- $e,!(se he $e,!&e !s s)eet !s hone*+ <Eve * 'entle&!n &!#e ! " ovision )hen the ti&e ,!&e to 'o ho&e-< he $e'!n insin(!tin'l*+ I sl!&&e# the little '!te+ <In this ,!se- M + Co neli(s-< I s!i#<the ti&e )ill neve ,o&e+< He too% ! fe) se,on#s to '!the this in+ <Wh!t3< he f!i l* s9(e!le#+ <Wh*-< I ,ontin(e# f o& &* si#e of the '!te-< h!ven't *o( he! # hi& s!* so hi&self5 He )ill neve 'o ho&e+< <Oh3 this is too &(,h-< he sho(te#+ He )o(l# not !## ess &e !s <hono( e# si < !n* &o e+ He )!s ve * still fo ! ti&e- !n# then )itho(t ! t !,e of h(&ilit* $e'!n ve * lo): <Neve 'o11!h3 He11he11he ,o&es he e #evil %no)s f o& )he e11,o&es he e11#evil %no)s )h*11to t !&"le on &e till I #ie11!h11t !&"le< ?he st!&"e# softl* )ith $oth feet@- <t !&"le li%e this11no$o#* %no)s )h*11till I #ie+ + + +< His voi,e $e,!&e 9(ite e.tin,t0 he )!s $othe e# $* ! little ,o('h0 he ,!&e (" ,lose to the fen,e !n# tol# &e- # o""in' into ! ,onfi#enti!l !n# "iteo(s tone- th!t he )o(l# not $e t !&"le# ("on+ <P!tien,e11 "!tien,e-< he &(tte e#- st i%in' his $ e!st+ I h!# #one l!('hin' !t hi&- $(t (ne."e,te#l* he t e!te# &e to ! )il# , !,%e# $( st of it+ <H!3 h!3 h!3 We sh!ll see3 We sh!ll see3 Wh!t3 Ste!l f o& &e3 Ste!l f o& &e eve *thin'3 Eve *thin'3 Eve *thin'3< His he!# # oo"e# on one sho(l#e - his h!n#s )e e h!n'in' $efo e hi& li'htl* ,l!s"e#+ One )o(l# h!ve tho('ht he h!# ,he ishe# the 'i l )ith s( "!ssin' love- th!t

his s"i it h!# $een , (she# !n# his he! t $ o%en $* the &ost , (el of s"oli!tions+ S(##enl* he lifte# his he!# !n# shot o(t !n inf!&o(s )o #+ <Li%e he &othe 11she is li%e he #e,eitf(l &othe + E.!,tl*+ In he f!,e- too+ In he f!,e+ The #evil3< He le!ne# his fo ehe!# !'!inst the fen,e- !n# in th!t "osition (tte e# th e!ts !n# ho i$le $l!s"he&ies in Po t('(ese in ve * )e!% e2!,(l!tions- &in'le# )ith &ise !$le "l!ints !n# ' o!ns- ,o&in' o(t )ith ! he!ve of the sho(l#e s !s tho('h he h!# $een ove t!%en $* ! #e!#l* fit of si,%ness+ It )!s !n ine." essi$l* ' otes9(e !n# vile "e fo &!n,e- !n# I h!stene# !)!*+ He t ie# to sho(t so&ethin' !fte &e+ So&e #is"! !'e&ent of Ji&- I $elieve11not too lo(# tho('h- )e )e e too ne! the ho(se+ All I he! # #istin,tl* )!s- <No &o e th!n ! little ,hil#11! little ,hil#+< '

CHAPTER AD 'B(t ne.t &o nin'- !t the fi st $en# of the ive sh(ttin' off the ho(ses of P!t(s!n- !ll this # o""e# o(t of &* si'ht $o#il*- )ith its ,olo( - its #esi'n- !n# its &e!nin'- li%e ! "i,t( e , e!te# $* f!n,* on ! ,!nv!s- ("on )hi,h- !fte lon' ,onte&"l!tion- *o( t( n *o( $!,% fo the l!st ti&e+ It e&!ins in the &e&o * &otionless- (nf!#e#- )ith its life ! este#- in !n (n,h!n'in' li'ht+ The e ! e the !&$itions- the fe! s- the h!te- the ho"es- !n# the* e&!in in &* &in# 2(st !s I h!# seen the&11intense !n# !s if fo eve s(s"en#e# in thei e." ession+ I h!# t( ne# !)!* f o& the "i,t( e !n# )!s 'oin' $!,% to the )o l# )he e events &ove- &en ,h!n'e- li'ht fli,%e s- life flo)s in ! ,le! st e!&- no &!tte )hethe ove &(# o ove stones+ I )!sn't 'oin' to #ive into it0 I )o(l# h!ve eno('h to #o to %ee" &* he!# !$ove the s( f!,e+ B(t !s to )h!t I )!s le!vin' $ehin#- I ,!nnot i&!'ine !n* !lte !tion+ The i&&ense !n# &!'n!ni&o(s Do !&in !n# his little &othe l* )it,h of ! )ife- '!/in' to'ethe ("on the l!n# !n# n( sin' se, etl* thei # e!&s of "! ent!l !&$ition0 T(n%( All!n'- )i/ene# !n# ' e!tl* "e "le.e#0 D!in W! is- intelli'ent !n# $ !ve- )ith his f!ith in Ji&- )ith his fi & 'l!n,e !n# his i oni, f ien#liness0 the 'i l!$so $e# in he f i'htene#- s(s"i,io(s !#o !tion0 T!&$' It!&- s( l* !n# f!ithf(l0 Co neli(s- le!nin' his fo ehe!# !'!inst the fen,e (n#e the &oonli'ht11I !& ,e t!in of the&+ The* e.ist !s if (n#e !n en,h!nte 's )!n#+ B(t the fi'( e o(n# )hi,h !ll these ! e ' o("e#11th!t one lives- !n# I !& not ,e t!in of hi&+ No &!'i,i!n's )!n# ,!n i&&o$ilise hi& (n#e &* e*es+ He is one of (s+ 'Ji&- !s I've tol# *o(- !,,o&"!nie# &e on the fi st st!'e of &* 2o( ne* $!,% to the )o l# he h!# eno(n,e#- !n# the )!* !t ti&es see&e# to le!# th o('h the ve * he! t of (nto(,he# )il#e ness+ The e&"t* e!,hes s"! %le# (n#e the hi'h s(n0 $et)een the hi'h )!lls of ve'et!tion the he!t # o)se# ("on the )!te - !n# the $o!t- i&"elle# vi'o o(sl*- ,(t he )!* th o('h the !i th!t see&e# to h!ve settle# #ense !n# )! & (n#e the shelte of loft* t ees+ 'The sh!#o) of the i&"en#in' se"! !tion h!# !l e!#* "(t !n i&&ense s"!,e $et)een (s- !n# )hen )e s"o%e it )!s )ith !n effo t!s if to fo ,e o( lo) voi,es !, oss ! v!st !n# in, e!sin' #ist!n,e+ The

$o!t f!i l* fle)0 )e s)elte e# si#e $* si#e in the st!'n!nt s("e he!te# !i 0 the s&ell of &(#- of &(sh- the " i&ev!l s&ell of fe,(n# e! thsee&e# to stin' o( f!,es0 till s(##enl* !t ! $en# it )!s !s if ! ' e!t h!n# f! !)!* h!# lifte# ! he!v* ,( t!in- h!# fl(n' o"en (n i&&ense "o t!l+ The li'ht itself see&e# to sti - the s%* !$ove o( he!#s )i#ene#- ! f! 1off &( &( e!,he# o( e! s- ! f eshness envelo"e# (sfille# o( l(n's- 9(i,%ene# o( tho('hts- o( $loo#- o( e' ets11!n#st !i'ht !he!#- the fo ests s!n% #o)n !'!inst the #! %1$l(e i#'e of the se!+ 'I $ e!the# #ee"l*- I evelle# in the v!stness of the o"ene# ho i/onin the #iffe ent !t&os"he e th!t see&e# to vi$ !te )ith the toil of life)ith the ene '* of !n i&"e,,!$le )o l#+ This s%* !n# this se! )e e o"en to &e+ The 'i l )!s i'ht11the e )!s ! si'n- ! ,!ll in the&11 so&ethin' to )hi,h I es"on#e# )ith eve * fi$ e of &* $ein'+ I let &* e*es o!& th o('h s"!,e- li%e ! &!n ele!se# f o& $on#s )ho st et,hes his , !&"e# li&$s- (ns- le!"s- es"on#s to the ins"i in' el!tion of f ee#o&+ <This is 'lo io(s3< I , ie#- !n# then I loo%e# !t the sinne $* &* si#e+ He s!t )ith his he!# s(n% on his $ e!st !n# s!i# <Yes-< )itho(t !isin' his e*es- !s if !f !i# to see ) it l! 'e on the ,le! s%* of the offin' the e" o!,h of his o&!nti, ,ons,ien,e+ 'I e&e&$e the s&!llest #et!ils of th!t !fte noon+ We l!n#e# on ! $it of )hite $e!,h+ It )!s $!,%e# $* ! lo) ,liff )oo#e# on the $ o)# !"e# in , ee"e s to the ve * foot+ Belo) (s the "l!in of the se!- of ! se ene !n# intense $l(e- st et,he# )ith ! sli'ht (")! # tilt to the th e!#1li%e ho i/on # !)n !t the hei'ht of o( e*es+ > e!t )!ves of 'litte $le) li'htl* !lon' the "itte# #! % s( f!,e- !s s)ift !s fe!the s ,h!se# $* the $ ee/e+ A ,h!in of isl!n#s s!t $ o%en !n# &!ssive f!,in' the )i#e est(! *- #is"l!*e# in ! sheet of "!le 'l!ss* )!te efle,tin' f!ithf(ll* the ,onto( of the sho e+ Hi'h in the ,olo( less s(nshine ! solit! * $i #- !ll $l!,%- hove e#- # o""in' !n# so! in' !$ove the s!&e s"ot )ith ! sli'ht o,%in' &otion of the )in's+ A !''e#- soot* $(n,h of fli&s* &!t hovels )!s "e ,he# ove its o)n inve te# i&!'e ("on ! , oo%e# &(ltit(#e of hi'h "iles the ,olo( of e$on*+ A tin* $l!,% ,!noe "(t off f o& !&on'st the& )ith t)o tin* &en- !ll $l!,%)ho toile# e.,ee#in'l*- st i%in' #o)n !t the "!le )!te : !n# the ,!noe see&e# to sli#e "!inf(ll* on ! &i o + This $(n,h of &ise !$le hovels )!s the fishin' vill!'e th!t $o!ste# of the )hite lo #'s es"e,i!l " ote,tion- !n# the t)o &en , ossin' ove )e e the ol# he!#&!n !n# his son1in1l!)+ The* l!n#e# !n# )!l%e# (" to (s on the )hite s!n#le!n- #! %1$ o)n !s if # ie# in s&o%e- )ith !sh* "!t,hes on the s%in of thei n!%e# sho(l#e s !n# $ e!sts+ Thei he!#s )e e $o(n# in #i t* $(t ,! ef(ll* fol#e# he!#%e ,hiefs- !n# the ol# &!n $e'!n !t on,e to st!te ! ,o&"l!int- vol($le- st et,hin' ! l!n% ! &- s, e)in' (" !t Ji& his ol# $le! e# e*es ,onfi#entl*+ The R!2!h's "eo"le )o(l# not le!ve the& !lone0 the e h!# $een so&e t o($le !$o(t ! lot of t( tles' e''s his "eo"le h!# ,olle,te# on the islets the e11!n# le!nin' !t ! &'s1len'th ("on his "!##le- he "ointe# )ith ! $ o)n s%inn* h!n# ove the se!+ Ji& listene# fo ! ti&e )itho(t loo%in' ("- !n# !t l!st tol# hi& 'entl* to )!it+ He )o(l# he! hi& $*1!n#1$*+ The* )ith# e) o$e#ientl* to so&e little #ist!n,e- !n# s!t on thei heels- )ith thei "!##les l*in' $efo e the& on the s!n#0 the silve * 'le!&s in thei e*es follo)e# o( &ove&ents "!tientl*0 !n# the i&&ensit* of the

o(ts" e!# se!- the stillness of the ,o!st- "!ssin' no th !n# so(th $e*on# the li&its of &* vision- &!#e (" one ,oloss!l P esen,e )!t,hin' (s fo( #)! fs isol!te# on ! st i" of 'listenin' s!n#+ ' <The t o($le is-< e&! %e# Ji& &oo#il*- <th!t fo 'ene !tions these $e''! s of fishe &en in th!t vill!'e the e h!# $een ,onsi#e e# !s the R!2!h's "e son!l sl!ves11!n# the ol# i" ,!n't 'et it into his he!# th!t + + +< 'He "!(se#+ <Th!t *o( h!ve ,h!n'e# !ll th!t-< I s!i#+ ' <Yes I've ,h!n'e# !ll th!t-< he &(tte e# in ! 'loo&* voi,e+ ' <Yo( h!ve h!# *o( o""o t(nit*-< I "( s(e#+

' <H!ve I5< he s!i#+ <Well- *es+ I s(""ose so+ Yes+ I h!ve 'ot $!,% &* ,onfi#en,e in &*self11! 'oo# n!&e11*et so&eti&es I )ish + + + No3 I sh!ll hol# )h!t I've 'ot+ C!n't e."e,t !n*thin' &o e+< He fl(n' his ! & o(t to)! #s the se!+ <Not o(t the e !n*ho)+< He st!&"e# his foot ("on the s!n#+ <This is &* li&it- $e,!(se nothin' less )ill #o+< 'We ,ontin(e# "!,in' the $e!,h+ <Yes- I've ,h!n'e# !ll th!t-< he )ent on- )ith ! si#elon' 'l!n,e !t the t)o "!tient s9(!ttin' fishe &en0 <$(t onl* t * to thin% )h!t it )o(l# $e if I )ent !)!*+ Jove3 ,!n't *o( see it5 Hell loose+ No3 To1&o o) I sh!ll 'o !n# t!%e &* ,h!n,e of # in%in' th!t sill* ol# T(n%( All!n''s ,offee- !n# I sh!ll &!%e no en# of f(ss ove these otten t( tles' e''s+ No+ I ,!n't s!*11eno('h+ Neve + I &(st 'o on- 'o on fo eve hol#in' (" &* en#- to feel s( e th!t nothin' ,!n to(,h &e+ I &(st sti,% to thei $elief in &e to feel s!fe !n# to11to< + + + He ,!st !$o(t fo ! )o #- see&e# to loo% fo it on the se! + + + <to %ee" in to(,h )ith< + + + His voi,e s!n% s(##enl* to ! &( &( + + + <)ith those )ho&- "e h!"s- I sh!ll neve see !n* &o e+ With11)ith11*o(- fo inst!n,e+< 'I )!s " ofo(n#l* h(&$le# $* his )o #s+ <4o >o#'s s!%e-< I s!i#<#on't set &e ("- &* #e! fello)0 2(st loo% to *o( self+< I felt ! ' !tit(#e- !n !ffe,tion- fo th!t st !''le )hose e*es h!# sin'le# &e o(t%ee"in' &* "l!,e in the !n%s of !n insi'nifi,!nt &(ltit(#e+ Ho) little th!t )!s to $o!st of- !fte !ll3 I t( ne# &* $( nin' f!,e !)!*0 (n#e the lo) s(n- 'lo)in'- #! %ene# !n# , i&son- li%e (n e&$e sn!t,he# f o& the fi e- the se! l!* o(ts" e!#- offe in' !ll its i&&ense stillness to the !"" o!,h of the fie * o $+ T)i,e he )!s 'oin' to s"e!%$(t ,he,%e# hi&self0 !t l!st- !s if he h!# fo(n# ! fo &(l!11 ' <I sh!ll $e f!ithf(l-< he s!i# 9(ietl*+ <I sh!ll $e f!ithf(l-< he e"e!te#- )itho(t loo%in' !t &e- $(t fo the fi st ti&e lettin' his e*es )!n#e ("on the )!te s- )hose $l(eness h!# ,h!n'e# to ! 'loo&* "( "le (n#e the fi es of s(nset+ Ah3 he )!s o&!nti,- o&!nti,+ I e,!lle# so&e )o #s of Stein's+ + + + <In the #est (,tive ele&ent i&&e se3 + + + To follo) the # e!&- !n# !'!in to follo) the # e!&11!n# so11!l)!*s11(s9(e !# fine& + + +< He )!s o&!nti,- $(t none the

less t (e+ Who ,o(l# tell )h!t fo &s- )h!t visions- )h!t f!,es- )h!t fo 'iveness he ,o(l# see in the 'lo) of the )est3 + + + A s&!ll $o!tle!vin' the s,hoone - &ove# slo)l*- )ith ! e'(l! $e!t of t)o o! sto)! #s the s!n#$!n% to t!%e &e off+ <An# then the e's Je)el-< he s!i#- o(t of the ' e!t silen,e of e! th- s%*- !n# se!- )hi,h h!# &!ste e# &* ve * tho('hts so th!t his voi,e &!#e &e st! t+ <The e's Je)el+< <Yes-< I &( &( e#+ <I nee# not tell *o( )h!t she is to &e-< he "( s(e#+ <Yo('ve seen+ In ti&e she )ill ,o&e to (n#e st!n# + + +< <I ho"e so-< I inte ("te#+ <She t (sts &e- too-< he &(se#- !n# then ,h!n'e# his tone+ <When sh!ll )e &eet ne.t- I )on#e 5< he s!i#+ ' <Neve 11(nless *o( ,o&e o(t-< I !ns)e e#- !voi#in' his 'l!n,e+ He #i#n't see& to $e s( " ise#0 he %e"t ve * 9(iet fo ! )hile+ ' <>oo#1$*e- then-< he s!i#- !fte )ell+< ! "!(se+ <Pe h!"s it's 2(st !s

'We shoo% h!n#s- !n# I )!l%e# to the $o!t- )hi,h )!ite# )ith he nose on the $e!,h+ The s,hoone - he &!ins!il set !n# 2i$1sheet to )in#)! #- ,( vete# on the "( "le se!0 the e )!s ! os* tin'e on he s!ils+ <Will *o( $e 'oin' ho&e !'!in soon5< !s%e# Ji&- 2(st !s I s)(n' &* le' ove the '(n)!le+ <In ! *e! o so if I live-< I s!i#+ The fo efoot ' !te# on the s!n#- the $o!t flo!te#- the )et o! s fl!she# !n# #i""e# on,e- t)i,e+ Ji&- !t the )!te 's e#'e- !ise# his voi,e+ <Tell the& + + +< he $e'!n+ I si'ne# to the &en to ,e!se o)in'- !n# )!ite# in )on#e + Tell )ho5 The h!lf1s($&e 'e# s(n f!,e# hi&0 I ,o(l# see its e# 'le!& in his e*es th!t loo%e# #(&$l* !t &e+ + + + <No11 nothin'-< he s!i#- !n# )ith ! sli'ht )!ve of his h!n# &otione# the $o!t !)!*+ I #i# not loo% !'!in !t the sho e till I h!# ,l!&$e e# on $o! # the s,hoone + 'B* th!t ti&e the s(n h!# set+ The t)ili'ht l!* ove the e!st- !n# the ,o!st- t( ne# $l!,%- e.ten#e# infinitel* its so&$ e )!ll th!t see&e# the ve * st on'hol# of the ni'ht0 the )este n ho i/on )!s one ' e!t $l!/e of 'ol# !n# , i&son in )hi,h ! $i' #et!,he# ,lo(# flo!te# #! % !n# still- ,!stin' ! sl!t* sh!#o) on the )!te $ene!th- !n# I s!) Ji& on the $e!,h )!t,hin' the s,hoone f!ll off !n# '!the he!#)!*+ 'The t)o h!lf1n!%e# fishe &en h!# ! isen !s soon !s I h!# 'one0 the* )e e no #o($t "o( in' the "l!int of thei t iflin'- &ise !$leo"" esse# lives into the e! s of the )hite lo #- !n# no #o($t he )!s listenin' to it- &!%in' it his o)n- fo )!s it not ! "! t of his l(,%11 the l(,% <f o& the )o # >o<11the l(,% to )hi,h he h!# !ss( e# &e he )!s so ,o&"letel* e9(!l5 The*- too- I sho(l# thin%- )e e in l(,%- !n# I )!s s( e thei "e tin!,it* )o(l# $e e9(!l to it+ Thei #! %1s%inne# $o#ies v!nishe# on the #! % $!,%' o(n# lon' $efo e I h!# lost si'ht of thei " ote,to + He )!s )hite f o& he!# to foot- !n# e&!ine# "e sistentl* visi$le )ith the st on'hol# of the ni'ht !t his $!,%- the se! !t his feet- the o""o t(nit* $* his si#e11still veile#+ Wh!t #o *o( s!*5 W!s it still veile#5 I #on't %no)+ 4o &e th!t )hite fi'( e in the stillness of ,o!st !n# se! see&e# to st!n# !t the he! t of ! v!st eni'&!+ The t)ili'ht )!s e$$in' f!st f o& the s%* !$ove his he!#- the st i" of s!n# h!# s(n% !l e!#* (n#e his feet- he hi&self !""e! e# no $i''e

th!n ! ,hil#11then onl* ! s"e,%- ! tin* )hite s"e,%- th!t see&e# to ,!t,h !ll the li'ht left in ! #! %ene# )o l#+ + + + An#- s(##enl*- I lost hi&+ + + +

CHAPTER AG With these )o #s M! lo) h!# en#e# his n! !tive- !n# his !(#ien,e h!# $ o%en (" fo th)ith- (n#e his !$st !,t- "ensive '!/e+ Men # ifte# off the ve !n#!h in "!i s o !lone )itho(t loss of ti&e- )itho(t offe in' ! e&! %- !s if the l!st i&!'e of th!t in,o&"lete sto *- its in,o&"leteness itself- !n# the ve * tone of the s"e!%e - h!# &!#e #is,(ssion in v!in !n# ,o&&ent i&"ossi$le+ E!,h of the& see&e# to ,! * !)!* his o)n i&" ession- to ,! * it !)!* )ith hi& li%e ! se, et0 $(t the e )!s onl* one &!n of !ll these listene s )ho )!s eve to he! the l!st )o # of the sto *+ It ,!&e to hi& !t ho&e- &o e th!n t)o *e! s l!te - !n# it ,!&e ,ont!ine# in ! thi,% "!,%et !## esse# in M! lo)'s (" i'ht !n# !n'(l! h!n#) itin'+ The " ivile'e# &!n o"ene# the "!,%et- loo%e# in- then- l!*in' it #o)n- )ent to the )in#o)+ His oo&s )e e in the hi'hest fl!t of ! loft* $(il#in'- !n# his 'l!n,e ,o(l# t !vel !f! $e*on# the ,le! "!nes of 'l!ss- !s tho('h he )e e loo%in' o(t of the l!nte n of ! li'htho(se+ The slo"es of the oofs 'listene#- the #! % $ o%en i#'es s(,,ee#e# e!,h othe )itho(t en# li%e so&$ e- (n, este# )!ves- !n# f o& the #e"ths of the to)n (n#e his feet !s,en#e# ! ,onf(se# !n# (n,e!sin' &(tte + The s"i es of ,h( ,hes- n(&e o(s- s,!tte e# h!"h!/! #(" ose li%e $e!,ons on ! &!/e of sho!ls )itho(t ! ,h!nnel0 the # ivin' !in &in'le# )ith the f!llin' #(s% of ! )inte 's evenin'0 !n# the $oo&in' of ! $i' ,lo,% on ! to)e - st i%in' the ho( - olle# "!st in vol(&ino(s- !(ste e $( sts of so(n#- )ith ! sh ill vi$ !tin' , * !t the ,o e+ He # e) the he!v* ,( t!ins+ The li'ht of his sh!#e# e!#in'1l!&" sle"t li%e ! shelte e# "ool- his footf!lls &!#e no so(n# on the ,! "et- his )!n#e in' #!*s )e e ove + No &o e ho i/ons !s $o(n#less !s ho"e- no &o e t)ili'hts )ithin the fo ests !s sole&n !s te&"les- in the hot 9(est fo the Eve 1(n#is,ove e# Co(nt * ove the hill- !, oss the st e!&- $e*on# the )!ve+ The ho( )!s st i%in'3 No &o e3 No &o e311$(t the o"ene# "!,%et (n#e the l!&" $ o('ht $!,% the so(n#s- the visions- the ve * s!vo( of the "!st11! &(ltit(#e of f!#in' f!,es- ! t(&(lt of lo) voi,es- #*in' !)!* ("on the sho es of #ist!nt se!s (n#e ! "!ssion!te !n# (n,onsolin' s(nshine+ He si'he# !n# s!t #o)n to e!#+ At fi st he s!) th ee #istin,t en,los( es+ A 'oo# &!n* "!'es ,losel* $l!,%ene# !n# "inne# to'ethe 0 ! loose s9(! e sheet of ' e*ish "!"e )ith ! fe) )o #s t !,e# in ! h!n#) itin' he h!# neve seen $efo e!n# !n e."l!n!to * lette f o& M! lo)+ 4 o& this l!st fell !nothe lette - *ello)e# $* ti&e !n# f !*e# on the fol#s+ He "i,%e# it (" !n#l!*in' it !si#e- t( ne# to M! lo)'s &ess!'e- !n s)iftl* ove the o"enin' lines- !n#- ,he,%in' hi&self- the e!fte e!# on #eli$e !tel*li%e

one !"" o!,hin' )ith slo) feet !n# !le t e*es the 'li&"se of !n (n#is,ove e# ,o(nt *+ '+ + + I #on't s(""ose *o('ve fo 'otten-' )ent on the lette + 'Yo( !lone h!ve sho)e# !n inte est in hi& th!t s( vive# the tellin' of his sto *- tho('h I e&e&$e )ell *o( )o(l# not !#&it he h!# &!ste e# his f!te+ Yo( " o"hesie# fo hi& the #is!ste of )e! iness !n# of #is'(st )ith !,9(i e# hono( - )ith the self1!""ointe# t!s%- )ith the love s" (n' f o& "it* !n# *o(th+ Yo( h!# s!i# *o( %ne) so )ell <th!t %in# of thin'-< its ill(so * s!tisf!,tion- its (n!voi#!$le #e,e"tion+ Yo( s!i# !lso11I ,!ll to &in#11th!t <'ivin' *o( life (" to the&< ?the& &e!nin' !ll of &!n%in# )ith s%ins $ o)n- *ello)- o $l!,% in ,olo( @ <)!s li%e sellin' *o( so(l to ! $ (te+< Yo( ,onten#e# th!t <th!t %in# of thin'< )!s onl* en#( !$le !n# en#( in' )hen $!se# on ! fi & ,onvi,tion in the t (th of i#e!s !,i!ll* o( o)n- in )hose n!&e ! e est!$lishe# the o #e - the &o !lit* of !n ethi,!l " o' ess+ <We )!nt its st en'th !t o( $!,%s-< *o( h!# s!i#+ <We )!nt ! $elief in its ne,essit* !n# its 2(sti,e- to &!%e ! )o th* !n# ,ons,io(s s!, ifi,e of o( lives+ Witho(t it the s!, ifi,e is onl* fo 'etf(lness- the )!* of offe in' is no $ette th!n the )!* to "e #ition+< In othe )o #s- *o( &!int!ine# th!t )e &(st fi'ht in the !n%s o o( lives #on't ,o(nt+ Possi$l*3 Yo( o('ht to %no)11$e it s!i# )itho(t &!li,e11*o( )ho h!ve (she# into one o t)o "l!,es sin'le1h!n#e# !n# ,!&e o(t ,leve l*- )itho(t sin'ein' *o( )in's+ The "oint- ho)eve - is th!t of !ll &!n%in# Ji& h!# no #e!lin's $(t )ith hi&self- !n# the 9(estion is )hethe !t the l!st he h!# not ,onfesse# to ! f!ith &i'htie th!n the l!)s of o #e !n# " o' ess+ 'I !ffi & nothin'+ Pe h!"s *o( &!* " ono(n,e11!fte *o('ve e!#+ The e is &(,h t (th11!fte !ll11in the ,o&&on e." ession <(n#e ! ,lo(#+< It is i&"ossi$le to see hi& ,le! l*11es"e,i!ll* !s it is th o('h the e*es of othe s th!t )e t!%e o( l!st loo% !t hi&+ I h!ve no hesit!tion in i&"! tin' to *o( !ll I %no) of the l!st e"iso#e th!t- !s he (se# to s!*- h!# <,o&e to hi&+< One )on#e s )hethe this )!s "e h!"s th!t s(" e&e o""o t(nit*- th!t l!st !n# s!tisf*in' test fo )hi,h I h!# !l)!*s s(s"e,te# hi& to $e )!itin'- $efo e he ,o(l# f !&e ! &ess!'e to the i&"e,,!$le )o l#+ Yo( e&e&$e th!t )hen I )!s le!vin' hi& fo the l!st ti&e he h!# !s%e# )hethe I )o(l# $e 'oin' ho&e soon!n# s(##enl* , ie# !fte &e- <Tell the& + + +< I h!# )!ite#11,( io(s I'll o)n- !n# ho"ef(l too11onl* to he! hi& sho(t- <No11nothin'+< Th!t )!s !ll then11!n# the e )ill $e nothin' &o e0 the e )ill $e no &ess!'e- (nless s(,h !s e!,h of (s ,!n inte " et fo hi&self f o& the l!n'(!'e of f!,ts- th!t ! e so often &o e eni'&!ti, th!n the , !ftiest ! !n'e&ent of )o #s+ He &!#e- it is t (e- one &o e !tte&"t to #elive hi&self0 $(t th!t too f!ile#- !s *o( &!* "e ,eive if *o( loo% !t the sheet of ' e*ish fools,!" en,lose# he e+ He h!# t ie# to ) ite0 #o *o( noti,e the ,o&&on"l!,e h!n#5 It is he!#e# <The 4o t- P!t(s!n+< I s(""ose he h!# ,! ie# o(t his intention of &!%in' o(t of his ho(se ! "l!,e of #efen,e+ It )!s !n e.,ellent "l!n: ! #ee" #it,h- !n e! th )!ll to""e# $* ! "!lis!#e- !n# !t the !n'les '(ns &o(nte# on "l!tfo &s to s)ee" e!,h si#e of the s9(! e+ Do !&in h!# !' ee# to f( nish hi& the '(ns0 !n# so e!,h &!n of his "! t* )o(l# %no) the e )!s ! "l!,e of s!fet*- ("on )hi,h eve * f!ithf(l "! tis!n ,o(l# !ll*

in ,!se of so&e s(##en #!n'e + All this sho)e# his 2(#i,io(s fo esi'hthis f!ith in the f(t( e+ Wh!t he ,!lle# <&* o)n "eo"le<11the li$e !te# ,!"tives of the She if11)e e to &!%e ! #istin,t 9(! te of P!t(s!n)ith thei h(ts !n# little "lots of ' o(n# (n#e the )!lls of the st on'hol#+ Within he )o(l# $e !n invin,i$le host in hi&self <The 4o t- P!t(s!n+< No #!te- !s *o( o$se ve+ Wh!t is ! n(&$e !n# ! n!&e to ! #!* of #!*s5 It is !lso i&"ossi$le to s!* )ho& he h!# in his &in# )hen he sei/e# the "en: Stein11&*self11the )o l# !t l! 'e11o )!s this onl* the !i&less st! tle# , * of ! solit! * &!n ,onf onte# $* his f!te5 <An !)f(l thin' h!s h!""ene#-< he ) ote $efo e he fl(n' the "en #o)n fo the fi st ti&e0 loo% !t the in% $lot ese&$lin' the he!# of !n ! o) (n#e these )o #s+ Afte ! )hile he h!# t ie# !'!ins, !)lin' he!vil*- !s if )ith ! h!n# of le!#- !nothe line+ <I &(st no) !t on,e + + +< The "en h!# s"l(tte e#- !n# th!t ti&e he '!ve it ("+ The e's nothin' &o e0 he h!# seen ! $ o!# '(lf th!t neithe e*e no voi,e ,o(l# s"!n+ I ,!n (n#e st!n# this+ He )!s ove )hel&e# $* the ine."li,!$le0 he )!s ove )hel&e# $* his o)n "e son!lit*11the 'ift of th!t #estin* )hi,h he h!# #one his $est to &!ste + 'I sen# *o( !lso !n ol# lette 11! ve * ol# lette + It )!s fo(n# ,! ef(ll* " ese ve# in his ) itin'1,!se+ It is f o& his f!the - !n# $* the #!te *o( ,!n see he &(st h!ve e,eive# it ! fe) #!*s $efo e he 2oine# the P!tn!+ Th(s it &(st $e the l!st lette he eve h!# f o& ho&e+ He h!# t e!s( e# it !ll these *e! s+ The 'oo# ol# "! son f!n,ie# his s!ilo son+ I've loo%e# in !t ! senten,e he e !n# the e+ The e is nothin' in it e.,e"t 2(st !ffe,tion+ He tells his <#e! J!&es< th!t the l!st lon' lette f o& hi& )!s ve * <honest !n# ente t!inin'+< He )o(l# not h!ve hi& <2(#'e &en h! shl* o h!stil*+< The e ! e fo( "!'es of it- e!s* &o !lit* !n# f!&il* ne)s+ To& h!# <t!%en o #e s+< C! ie's h(s$!n# h!# <&one* losses+< The ol# ,h!" 'oes on e9(!$l* t (stin' P ovi#en,e !n# the est!$lishe# o #e of the (nive se- $(t !live to its s&!ll #!n'e s !n# its s&!ll &e ,ies+ One ,!n !l&ost see hi&- ' e*1h!i e# !n# se ene in the inviol!$le shelte of his $oo%1line#- f!#e#- !n# ,o&fo t!$le st(#*- )he e fo fo t* *e! s he h!# ,ons,ientio(sl* 'one ove !n# ove !'!in the o(n# of his little tho('hts !$o(t f!ith !n# vi t(e- !$o(t the ,on#(,t of life !n# the onl* " o"e &!nne of #*in'0 )he e he h!# ) itten so &!n* se &ons- )he e he sits t!l%in' to his $o*- ove the e- on the othe si#e of the e! th+ B(t )h!t of the #ist!n,e5 Ei t(e is one !ll ove the )o l#- !n# the e is onl* one f!ithone ,on,eiv!$le ,on#(,t of life- one &!nne of #*in'+ He ho"es his <#e! J!&es< )ill neve fo 'et th!t <)ho on,e 'ives )!* to te&"t!tionin the ve * inst!nt h!/! #s his tot!l #e" !vit* !n# eve l!stin' (in+ The efo e esolve fi.e#l* neve - th o('h !n* "ossi$le &otivesto #o !n*thin' )hi,h *o( $elieve to $e ) on'+< The e is !lso so&e ne)s of ! f!vo( ite #o'0 !n# ! "on*- <)hi,h !ll *o( $o*s (se# to i#e-< h!# 'one $lin# f o& ol# !'e !n# h!# to $e shot+ The ol# ,h!" invo%es He!ven's $lessin'0 the &othe !n# !ll the 'i ls then !t ho&e sen# thei love+ + + + No- the e is nothin' &(,h in th!t *ello) f !*e# lette fl(tte in' o(t of his ,he ishin' ' !s" !fte so &!n* *e! s+ It )!s neve !ns)e e#- $(t )ho ,!n s!* )h!t ,onve se he &!* h!ve hel# )ith !ll these "l!,i#- ,olo( less fo &s of &en !n# )o&en "eo"lin' th!t 9(iet ,o ne of the )o l# !s f ee of #!n'e o st ife !s ! to&$- !n# $ e!thin' e9(!$l* the !i of (n#ist( $e# e,tit(#e+ It see&s !&!/in' th!t he sho(l# $elon' to it- he to )ho& so &!n* thin's <h!# ,o&e+ <Nothin'

eve ,!&e to the&0 the* )o(l# neve $e t!%en (n!)! es- !n# neve $e ,!lle# ("on to ' !""le )ith f!te+ He e the* !ll ! e- evo%e# $* the &il# 'ossi" of the f!the - !ll these $ othe s !n# siste s- $one of his $one !n# flesh of his flesh- '!/in' )ith ,le! (n,ons,io(s e*es- )hile I see& to see hi&- et( ne# !t l!st- no lon'e ! &e e )hite s"e,% !t the he! t of !n i&&ense &*ste *- $(t of f(ll st!t( e- st!n#in' #is e'! #e# !&on'st thei (nt o($le# sh!"es- )ith ! ste n !n# o&!nti, !s"e,t- $(t !l)!*s &(te- #! %11(n#e ! ,lo(#+ 'The sto * of the l!st events *o( )ill fin# in the fe) "!'es en,lose# he e+ Yo( &(st !#&it th!t it is o&!nti, $e*on# the )il#est # e!&s of his $o*hoo#- !n# *et the e is to &* &in# ! so t of " ofo(n# !n# te if*in' lo'i, in it- !s if it )e e o( i&!'in!tion !lone th!t ,o(l# set loose ("on (s the &i'ht of !n ove )hel&in' #estin*+ The i&" (#en,e of o( tho('hts e,oils ("on o( he!#s0 )ho to*s )ith the s)o # sh!ll "e ish $* the s)o #+ This !sto(n#in' !#vent( eof )hi,h the &ost !sto(n#in' "! t is th!t it is t (e- ,o&es on !s !n (n!voi#!$le ,onse9(en,e+ So&ethin' of the so t h!# to h!""en+ Yo( e"e!t this to *o( self )hile *o( &! vel th!t s(,h ! thin' ,o(l# h!""en in the *e! of ' !,e $efo e l!st+ B(t it h!s h!""ene#11!n# the e is no #is"(tin' its lo'i,+ 'I "(t it #o)n he e fo *o( !s tho('h I h!# $een !n e*e)itness+ M* info &!tion )!s f !'&ent! *- $(t I've fitte# the "ie,es to'ethe !n# the e is eno('h of the& to &!%e !n intelli'i$le "i,t( e+ I )on#e ho) he )o(l# h!ve el!te# it hi&self+ He h!s ,onfi#e# so &(,h in &e th!t !t ti&es it see&s !s tho('h he &(st ,o&e in " esentl* !n# tell the sto * in his o)n )o #s- in his ,! eless *et feelin' voi,e- )ith his offh!n# &!nne - ! little "(//le#- ! little $othe e#- ! little h( t$(t no) !n# then $* ! )o # o ! "h !se 'ivin' one of these 'li&"ses of his ve * o)n self th!t )e e neve !n* 'oo# fo "( "oses of o ient!tion+ It's #iffi,(lt to $elieve he )ill neve ,o&e+ I sh!ll neve he! his voi,e !'!in- no sh!ll I see his s&ooth t!n1!n#1"in% f!,e )ith ! )hite line on the fo ehe!#- !n# the *o(thf(l e*es #! %ene# $* e.,ite&ent to ! " ofo(n#- (nf!tho&!$le $l(e+'

CHAPTER A8 'It !ll $e'ins )ith ! e&! %!$le e."loit of ! &!n ,!lle# B o)n)ho stole )ith ,o&"lete s(,,ess ! S"!nish s,hoone o(t of ! s&!ll $!* ne! K!&$o!n'!+ Till I #is,ove e# the fello) &* info &!tion )!s in,o&"lete- $(t &ost (ne."e,te#l* I #i# ,o&e ("on hi& ! fe) ho( s $efo e he '!ve (" his ! o'!nt 'host+ 4o t(n!tel* he )!s )illin' !n# !$le to t!l% $et)een the ,ho%in' fits of !sth&!- !n# his !,%e# $o#* ) ithe# )ith &!li,io(s e.(lt!tion !t the $! e tho('ht of Ji&+ He e.(lte# th(s !t the i#e! th!t he h!# <"!i# o(t the st(,%1(" $e''! !fte !ll+< He 'lo!te# ove his !,tion+ I h!# to $e! the s(n%en 'l! e of his fie ,e , o)1foote# e*es if I )!nte# to %no)0 !n# so I $o e it- efle,tin' ho) &(,h ,e t!in fo &s of evil ! e !%in to &!#ness- #e ive# f o& intense e'ois&- infl!&e# $* esist!n,ete! in' the so(l to "ie,es- !n# 'ivin' f!,titio(s vi'o( to the $o#*+

The sto * !lso eve!ls (ns(s"e,te# #e"ths of ,(nnin' in the ) et,he# Co neli(s- )hose !$2e,t !n# intense h!te !,ts li%e ! s($tle ins"i !tion- "ointin' o(t !n (ne in' )!* to)! #s even'e+ ' <I ,o(l# see #i e,tl* I set &* e*es on hi& )h!t so t of ! fool he )!s-< '!s"e# the #*in' B o)n+ <He ! &!n3 Hell3 He )!s ! hollo) sh!&+ As if he ,o(l#n't h!ve s!i# st !i'ht o(t- 'H!n#s off &* "l(n#e 3' $l!st hi&3 Th!t )o(l# h!ve $een li%e ! &!n3 Rot his s("e io so(l3 He h!# &e the e11$(t he h!#n't #evil eno('h in hi& to &!%e !n en# of &e+ Not he3 A thin' li%e th!t lettin' &e off !s if I )!sn't )o th ! %i,%3 + + +< B o)n st (''le# #es"e !tel* fo $ e!th+ + + + <4 !(#+ + + + Lettin' &e off+ + + + An# so I #i# &!%e !n en# of hi& !fte !ll+ + + +< He ,ho%e# !'!in+ + + + <I e."e,t this thin''ll %ill &e$(t I sh!ll #ie e!s* no)+ Yo( + + + *o( he e + + + I #on't %no) *o( n!&e11I )o(l# 'ive *o( ! five1"o(n# note if11if I h!# it11fo the ne)s11o &* n!&e's not B o)n+ + + +< He ' inne# ho i$l*+ + + + <>entle&!n B o)n+< 'He s!i# !ll these thin's in " ofo(n# '!s"s- st! in' !t &e )ith his *ello) e*es o(t of ! lon'- !v!'e#- $ o)n f!,e0 he 2e %e# his left ! &0 ! "e""e 1!n#1s!lt &!tte# $e! # h(n' !l&ost into his l!"0 ! #i t* !''e# $l!n%et ,ove e# his le's+ I h!# fo(n# hi& o(t in B!n%o% th o('h th!t $(s*$o#* S,ho&$e '- the hotel1%ee"e - )ho h!#,onfi#enti!ll*- #i e,te# &e )he e to loo%+ It !""e! s th!t ! so t of lo!fin'- f(##le# v!'!$on#11! )hite &!n livin' !&on'st the n!tives )ith ! Si!&ese )o&!n11h!# ,onsi#e e# it ! ' e!t " ivile'e to 'ive ! shelte to the l!st #!*s of the f!&o(s >entle&!n B o)n+ While he )!s t!l%in' to &e in the ) et,he# hovel- !n#- !s it )e e- fi'htin' fo eve * &in(te of his life- the Si!&ese )o&!n- )ith $i' $! e le's !n# ! st("i# ,o! se f!,e- s!t in ! #! % ,o ne ,he)in' $etel stoli#l*+ No) !n# then she )o(l# 'et (" fo the "( "ose of shooin' ! ,hi,%en !)!* f o& the #oo + The )hole h(t shoo% )hen she )!l%e#+ An ('l* *ello) ,hil#- n!%e# !n# "ot1$ellie# li%e ! little he!then 'o#stoo# !t the foot of the ,o(,h- fin'e in &o(th- lost in ! " ofo(n# !n# ,!l& ,onte&"l!tion of the #*in' &!n+ 'He t!l%e# feve ishl*0 $(t in the &i##le of ! )o #- "e h!"s- !n invisi$le h!n# )o(l# t!%e hi& $* the th o!t- !n# he )o(l# loo% !t &e #(&$l* )ith !n e." ession of #o($t !n# !n'(ish+ He see&e# to fe! th!t I )o(l# 'et ti e# of )!itin' !n# 'o !)!*- le!vin' hi& )ith his t!le (ntol#- )ith his e.(lt!tion (ne." esse#+ He #ie# #( in' the ni'ht- I $elieve- $(t $* th!t ti&e I h!# nothin' &o e to le! n+ 'So &(,h !s to B o)n- fo the " esent+

'Ei'ht &onths $efo e this- ,o&in' into S!&! !n'- I )ent !s (s(!l to see Stein+ On the '! #en si#e of the ho(se ! M!l!* on the ve !n#!h ' eete# &e sh*l*- !n# I e&e&$e e# th!t I h!# seen hi& in P!t(s!nin Ji&'s ho(se- !&on'st othe B('is &en )ho (se# to ,o&e in the evenin' to t!l% inte &in!$l* ove thei )! e&inis,en,es !n# to #is,(ss St!te !ff!i s+ Ji& h!# "ointe# hi& o(t to &e on,e !s ! es"e,t!$le "ett* t !#e o)nin' ! s&!ll se!'oin' n!tive , !ft- )ho h!# sho)e# hi&self <one of the $est !t the t!%in' of the sto,%!#e+<

I )!s not ve * s( " ise# to see hi&- sin,e !n* P!t(s!n t !#e vent( in' !s f! !s S!&! !n' )o(l# n!t( !ll* fin# his )!* to Stein's ho(se+ I et( ne# his ' eetin' !n# "!sse# on+ At the #oo of Stein's oo& I ,!&e ("on !nothe M!l!* in )ho& I e,o'nise# T!&$' It!&+ 'I !s%e# hi& !t on,e )h!t he )!s #oin' the e0 it o,,( e# to &e th!t Ji& &i'ht h!ve ,o&e on ! visit+ I o)n I )!s "le!se# !n# e.,ite# !t the tho('ht+ T!&$' It!& loo%e# !s if he #i# not %no) )h!t to s!*+ <Is T(!n Ji& insi#e5< I !s%e# i&"!tientl*+ <No-< he &(&$le#h!n'in' his he!# fo ! &o&ent- !n# then )ith s(##en e! nestness<He )o(l# not fi'ht+ He )o(l# not fi'ht-< he e"e!te# t)i,e+ As he see&e# (n!$le to s!* !n*thin' else- I "(she# hi& !si#e !n# )ent in'Stein- t!ll !n# stoo"in'- stoo# !lone in the &i##le of the oo& $et)een the o)s of $(tte fl* ,!ses+ <A,h3 is it *o(- &* f ien#5< he s!i# s!#l*- "ee in' th o('h his 'l!sses+ A # !$ s!,%1,o!t of !l"!,! h(n'- (n$(ttone#- #o)n to his %nees+ He h!# ! P!n!&! h!t on his he!#- !n# the e )e e #ee" f( o)s on his "!le ,hee%s+ <Wh!t's the &!tte no)5< I !s%e# ne vo(sl*+ <The e's T!&$' It!& the e+ + + +< <Co&e !n# see the 'i l+ Co&e !n# see the 'i l+ She is he e-< he s!i#- )ith ! h!lf1he! te# sho) of !,tivit*+ I t ie# to #et!in hi&- $(t )ith 'entle o$stin!,* he )o(l# t!%e no noti,e of &* e!'e 9(estions+ <She is he e- she is he e-< he e"e!te#- in ' e!t "e t( $!tion+ <The* ,!&e he e t)o #!*s !'o+ An ol# &!n li%e &e- ! st !n'e 11sehen Sie11,!nnot #o &(,h+ + + + Co&e this )!*+ + + + Yo(n' he! ts ! e (nfo 'ivin'+ + + +< I ,o(l# see he )!s in (t&ost #ist ess+ + + + <The st en'th of life in the&- the , (el st en'th of life+ + + +< He &(&$le#le!#in' &e o(n# the ho(se0 I follo)e# hi&- lost in #is&!l !n# !n' * ,on2e,t( es+ At the #oo of the # !)in'1 oo& he $! e# &* )!*+ <He love# he ve * &(,h-< he s!i# inte o'!tivel*- !n# I onl* no##e#- feelin' so $itte l* #is!""ointe# th!t I )o(l# not t (st &*self to s"e!%+ <Ee * f i'htf(l-< he &( &( e#+ <She ,!n't (n#e st!n# &e+ I !& onl* ! st !n'e ol# &!n+ Pe h!"s *o( + + + she %no)s *o(+ T!l% to he + We ,!n't le!ve it li%e this+ Tell he to fo 'ive hi&+ It )!s ve * f i'htf(l+< <No #o($t-< I s!i#- e.!s"e !te# !t $ein' in the #! %0 <$(t h!ve *o( fo 'iven hi&5< He loo%e# !t &e 9(ee l*+ <Yo( sh!ll he! -< he s!i#- !n# o"enin' the #oo - !$sol(tel* "(she# &e in+ 'Yo( %no) Stein's $i' ho(se !n# the t)o i&&ense e,e"tion1 oo&s(ninh!$ite# !n# (ninh!$it!$le- ,le!n- f(ll of solit(#e !n# of shinin' thin's th!t loo% !s if neve $ehel# $* the e*e of &!n5 The* ! e ,ool on the hottest #!*s- !n# *o( ente the& !s *o( )o(l# ! s, ($$e# ,!ve (n#e ' o(n#+ I "!sse# th o('h one- !n# in the othe I s!) the 'i l sittin' !t the en# of ! $i' &!ho'!n* t!$le- on )hi,h she este# he he!#- the f!,e hi##en in he ! &s+ The )!.e# floo efle,te# he #i&l* !s tho('h it h!# $een ! sheet of f o/en )!te + The !tt!n s, eens )e e #o)n- !n# th o('h the st !n'e ' eenish 'loo& &!#e $* the foli!'e of the t ees o(tsi#e ! st on' )in# $le) in '(sts- s)!*in' the lon' # !"e ies of )in#o)s !n# #oo )!*s+ He )hite fi'( e see&e# sh!"e# in sno)0 the "en#ent , *st!ls of ! ' e!t ,h!n#elie ,li,%e# !$ove he he!# li%e 'litte in' i,i,les+ She loo%e# (" !n# )!t,he# &* !"" o!,h+ I )!s ,hille# !s if these v!st !"! t&ents h!# $een the ,ol# !$o#e of #es"!i +

'She e,o'nise# &e !t on,e- !n# !s soon !s I h!# sto""e#- loo%in' #o)n !t he : <He h!s left &e-< she s!i# 9(ietl*0 <*o( !l)!*s le!ve (s11fo *o( o)n en#s+< He f!,e )!s set+ All the he!t of life see&e# )ith# !)n )ithin so&e in!,,essi$le s"ot in he $ e!st+ <It )o(l# h!ve $een e!s* to #ie )ith hi&-< she )ent on- !n# &!#e ! sli'ht )e! * 'est( e !s if 'ivin' (" the in,o&" ehensi$le+ <He )o(l# not3 It )!s li%e ! $lin#ness11!n# *et it )!s I )ho )!s s"e!%in' to hi&0 it )!s I )ho stoo# $efo e his e*es0 it )!s !t &e th!t he loo%e# !ll the ti&e3 Ah3 *o( ! e h! #- t e!,he o(s- )itho(t t (th- )itho(t ,o&"!ssion+ Wh!t &!%es *o( so )i,%e#5 O is it th!t *o( ! e !ll &!#5< 'I too% he h!n#0 it #i# not es"on#- !n# )hen I # o""e# it- it h(n' #o)n to the floo + Th!t in#iffe en,e- &o e !)f(l th!n te! s, ies- !n# e" o!,hes- see&e# to #ef* ti&e !n# ,onsol!tion+ Yo( felt th!t nothin' *o( ,o(l# s!* )o(l# e!,h the se!t of the still !n# $en(&$in' "!in+ 'Stein h!# s!i#- <Yo( sh!ll he! +< I #i# he! + I he! # it !lllistenin' )ith !&!/e&ent- )ith !)e- to the tones of he infle.i$le )e! iness+ She ,o(l# not ' !s" the e!l sense of )h!t she )!s tellin' &e- !n# he esent&ent fille# &e )ith "it* fo he 11fo hi& too+ I stoo# oote# to the s"ot !fte she h!# finishe#+ Le!nin' on he ! &she st! e# )ith h! # e*es- !n# the )in# "!sse# in '(sts- the , *st!ls %e"t on ,li,%in' in the ' eenish 'loo&+ She )ent on )his"e in' to he self: <An# *et he )!s loo%in' !t &e3 He ,o(l# see &* f!,e- he! &* voi,e- he! &* ' ief3 When I (se# to sit !t his feet- )ith &* ,hee% !'!inst his %nee !n# his h!n# on &* he!#- the ,( se of , (elt* !n# &!#ness )!s !l e!#* )ithin hi&- )!itin' fo the #!*+ The #!* ,!&e3 + + + !n# $efo e the s(n h!# set he ,o(l# not see &e !n* &o e11he )!s &!#e $lin# !n# #e!f !n# )itho(t "it*- !s *o( !ll ! e+ He sh!ll h!ve no te! s f o& &e+ Neve - neve + Not one te! + I )ill not3 He )ent !)!* f o& &e !s if I h!# $een )o se th!n #e!th+ He fle# !s if # iven $* so&e !,,( se# thin' he h!# he! # o seen in his slee"+ + + +< 'He ste!#* e*es see&e# to st !in !fte the sh!"e of ! &!n to n o(t of he ! &s $* the st en'th of ! # e!&+ She &!#e no si'n to &* silent $o)+ I )!s 'l!# to es,!"e+ 'I s!) he on,e !'!in- the s!&e !fte noon+ On le!vin' he I h!# 'one in se! ,h of Stein- )ho& I ,o(l# not fin# in#oo s0 !n# I )!n#e e# o(t- "( s(e# $* #ist essf(l tho('hts- into the '! #ensthose f!&o(s '! #ens of Stein- in )hi,h *o( ,!n fin# eve * "l!nt !n# t ee of t o"i,!l lo)l!n#s+ I follo)e# the ,o( se of the ,!n!lise# st e!&- !n# s!t fo ! lon' ti&e on ! sh!#e# $en,h ne! the o n!&ent!l "on#- )he e so&e )!te fo)l )ith ,li""e# )in's )e e #ivin' !n# s"l!shin' noisil*+ The $ !n,hes of ,!s(! in! t ees $ehin# &e s)!*e# li'htl*in,ess!ntl*- e&in#in' &e of the so('hin' of fi t ees !t ho&e+ 'This &o( nf(l !n# estless so(n# )!s ! fit !,,o&"!ni&ent to &* &e#it!tions+ She h!# s!i# he h!# $een # iven !)!* f o& he ! # e!&-11!n# the e )!s no !ns)e one ,o(l# &!%e he 11the e $*

see&e# to $e no fo 'iveness fo s(,h ! t !ns' ession+ An# *et is not &!n%in# itself- "(shin' on its $lin# )!*- # iven $* ! # e!& of its ' e!tness !n# its "o)e ("on the #! % "!ths of e.,essive , (elt* !n# of e.,essive #evotion5 An# )h!t is the "( s(it of t (th- !fte !ll5 'When I ose to 'et $!,% to the ho(se I ,!('ht si'ht of Stein's # !$ ,o!t th o('h ! '!" in the foli!'e- !n# ve * soon !t ! t( n of the "!th I ,!&e ("on hi& )!l%in' )ith the 'i l+ He little h!n# este# on his fo e! &- !n# (n#e the $ o!#- fl!t i& of his P!n!&! h!t he $ent ove he - ' e*1h!i e#- "!te n!l- )ith ,o&"!ssion!te !n# ,hiv!l o(s #efe en,e+ I stoo# !si#e- $(t the* sto""e#- f!,in' &e+ His '!/e )!s $ent on the ' o(n# !t his feet0 the 'i l- e e,t !n# sli'ht on his ! &- st! e# so&$ el* $e*on# &* sho(l#e )ith $l!,%- ,le! &otionless e*es+ <S,h e,%li,h-< he &( &( e#+ <Te i$le3 Te i$le3 Wh!t ,!n one #o5< He see&e# to $e !""e!lin' to &e- $(t he *o(ththe len'th of the #!*s s(s"en#e# ove he he!#- !""e!le# to &e &o e0 !n# s(##enl*- even !s I e!lise# th!t nothin' ,o(l# $e s!i#I fo(n# &*self "le!#in' his ,!(se fo he s!%e+ <Yo( &(st fo 'ive hi&-< I ,on,l(#e#- !n# &* o)n voi,e see&e# to &e &(ffle#- lost in (n i es"onsive #e!f i&&ensit*+ <We !ll )!nt to $e fo 'iven-< I !##e# !fte ! )hile+ ' <Wh!t h!ve I #one5< she !s%e# )ith he ' <Yo( !l)!*s &ist (ste# hi&-< I s!i#+ ' <He )!s li%e the othe s-< she " ono(n,e# slo)l*+ ' <Not li%e the othe s-< I " oteste#- $(t she ,ontin(e# evenl*)itho(t !n* feelin'11 ' <He )!s f!lse+< An# s(##enl* Stein $ o%e in+ <No3 no3 no3 M* "oo ,hil#3 + + +< He "!tte# he h!n# l*in' "!ssivel* on his sleeve+ <No3 no3 Not f!lse3 T (e3 T (e3 T (e3< He t ie# to loo% into he ston* f!,e+ <Yo( #on't (n#e st!n#+ A,h3 Wh* *o( #o not (n#e st!n#5 + + + Te i$le-< he s!i# to &e+ <So&e #!* she Bsh!llB (n#e st!n#+< ' <Will *o( e."l!in5< I !s%e#- loo%in' h! # !t hi&+ The* &ove# on+ 'I )!t,he# the&+ He 'o)n t !ile# on the "!th- he $l!,% h!i fell loose+ She )!l%e# (" i'ht !n# li'ht $* the si#e of the t!ll &!n)hose lon' sh!"eless ,o!t h(n' in "e "en#i,(l! fol#s f o& the stoo"in' sho(l#e s- )hose feet &ove# slo)l*+ The* #is!""e! e# $e*on# th!t s"inne* ?*o( &!* e&e&$e @ )he e si.teen #iffe ent %in#s of $!&$oo ' o) to'ethe - !ll #istin'(ish!$le to the le! ne# e*e+ 4o &* "! t- I )!s f!s,in!te# $* the e.9(isite ' !,e !n# $e!(t* of th!t fl(te# ' ove- , o)ne# )ith "ointe# le!ves !n# fe!the * he!#s- the li'htness- the vi'o( - the ,h! & !s #istin,t !s ! voi,e of th!t (n"e "le.e# l(.( i!tin' life+ I e&e&$e st!*in' to loo% !t it fo ! lon' ti&e- !s one )o(l# lin'e )ithin e!,h of ! ,onsolin' )his"e + The s%* )!s "e! l* ' e*+ It )!s one of those ove ,!st #!*s so ! e in the t o"i,s- in )hi,h &e&o ies , o)# ("on one&e&o ies of othe sho es- of othe f!,es+ li"s onl*+

'I # ove $!,% to to)n the s!&e !fte noon- t!%in' )ith &e T!&$' It!& !n# the othe M!l!*- in )hose se!'oin' , !ft the* h!# es,!"e# in the $e)il#e &ent- fe! - !n# 'loo& of the #is!ste + The sho,% of it see&e# to h!ve ,h!n'e# thei n!t( es+ It h!# t( ne# he "!ssion into stone- !n# it &!#e the s( l* t!,it( n T!&$' It!& !l&ost lo9(!,io(s+ His s( liness- too- )!s s($#(e# into "(//le# h(&ilit*!s tho('h he h!# seen the f!il( e of ! "otent ,h! & in ! s(" e&e &o&ent+ The B('is t !#e - ! sh* hesit!tin' &!n- )!s ve * ,le! in the little he h!# to s!*+ Both )e e evi#entl* ove 1!)e# $* ! sense of #ee" ine." essi$le )on#e - $* the to(,h of !n ins, (t!$le &*ste *+' The e )ith M! lo)'s si'n!t( e the lette " o"e en#e#+ The " ivile'e# e!#e s, e)e# (" his l!&"- !n# solit! * !$ove the $illo)* oofs of the to)n- li%e ! li'htho(se1%ee"e !$ove the se!- he t( ne# to the "!'es of the sto *+

CHAPTER AI 'It !ll $e'ins- !s I've tol# *o(- )ith the &!n ,!lle# B o)n-' !n the o"enin' senten,e of M! lo)'s n! !tive+ 'Yo( )ho h!ve %no,%e# !$o(t the Weste n P!,ifi, &(st h!ve he! # of hi&+ He )!s the sho) (ffi!n on the A(st !li!n ,o!st11not th!t he )!s often to $e seen the e- $(t $e,!(se he )!s !l)!*s t otte# o(t in the sto ies of l!)less life ! visito f o& ho&e is t e!te# to0 !n# the &il#est of these sto ies )hi,h )e e tol# !$o(t hi& f o& C!"e Yo % to E#en B!* )!s &o e th!n eno('h to h!n' ! &!n if tol# in the i'ht "l!,e+ The* neve f!ile# to let *o( %no)- too- th!t he )!s s(""ose# to $e the son of ! $! onet+ Be it !s it &!*- it is ,e t!in he h!# #ese te# f o& ! ho&e shi" in the e! l* 'ol#1#i''in' #!*s- !n# in ! fe) *e! s $e,!&e t!l%e# !$o(t !s the te o of this o th!t ' o(" of isl!n#s in Pol*nesi!+ He )o(l# %i#n!" n!tives- he )o(l# st i" so&e lonel* )hite t !#e to the ve * "*2!&!s he stoo# in- !n# !fte he h!# o$$e# the "oo #evil- he )o(l# !s li%el* !s not invite hi& to fi'ht ! #(el )ith shot1'(ns on the $e!,h11)hi,h )o(l# h!ve $een f!i eno('h !s these thin's 'o- if the othe &!n h!#n't $een $* th!t ti&e !l e!#* h!lf1#e!# )ith f i'ht+ B o)n )!s ! l!tte 1#!* $(,,!nee so * eno('h- li%e his &o e ,ele$ !te# " otot*"es0 $(t )h!t #istin'(ishe# hi& f o& his ,onte&"o ! * $ othe (ffi!ns- li%e B(ll* H!*es o the &ellifl(o(s Pe!se- o th!t "e f(&e#- D(n# e! *1)his%e e#- #!n#ifie# s,o(n# el %no)n !s Di t* Di,%- )!s the ! o'!nt te&"e of his &is#ee#s !n# ! vehe&ent s,o n fo &!n%in# !t l! 'e !n# fo his vi,ti&s in "! ti,(l! + The othe s )e e &e el* v(l'! !n# ' ee#* $ (tes- $(t he see&e# &ove# $* so&e ,o&"le. intention+ He )o(l# o$ ! &!n !s if onl* to #e&onst !te his "oo o"inion of the , e!t( e- !n# he )o(l# $ in' to the shootin' o &!i&in' of so&e 9(iet- (noffen#in' st !n'e ! s!v!'e !n# ven'ef(l e! nestness fit to te if* the &ost e,%less of #es"e !#oes+ In the #!*s of his ' e!test 'lo * he o)ne# !n ! &e# $! 9(e&!nne# $* ! &i.e# , e) of ;!n!%!s !n# (n!)!* )h!le s- !n# $o!ste#- I #on't %no) )ith )h!t t (th- of $ein' fin!n,e# on the 9(iet $* ! &ost es"e,t!$le fi & of ,o" ! &e ,h!nts+ L!te on he !n off11it )!s

e"o te#11)ith the )ife of ! &ission! *- ! ve * *o(n' 'i l f o& Cl!"h!& )!*- )ho h!# &! ie# the &il#- fl!t1foote# fello) in ! &o&ent of enth(si!s&- !n#- s(##enl* t !ns"l!nte# to Mel!nesi!lost he $e! in's so&eho)+ It )!s ! #! % sto *+ She )!s ill !t the ti&e he ,! ie# he off- !n# #ie# on $o! # his shi"+ It is s!i#11!s the &ost )on#e f(l "(t of the t!le11th!t ove he $o#* he '!ve )!* to !n o(t$( st of so&$ e !n# violent ' ief+ His l(,% left hi&too- ve * soon !fte + He lost his shi" on so&e o,%s off M!l!it!!n# #is!""e! e# fo ! ti&e !s tho('h he h!# 'one #o)n )ith he + He is he! # of ne.t !t N(%!1Hiv!- )he e he $o('ht !n ol# 4 en,h s,hoone o(t of >ove n&ent se vi,e+ Wh!t , e#it!$le ente " ise he &i'ht h!ve h!# in vie) )hen he &!#e th!t "( ,h!se I ,!n't s!*$(t it is evi#ent th!t )h!t )ith Hi'h Co&&issione s- ,ons(ls&en1of1)! - !n# inte n!tion!l ,ont ol- the So(th Se!s )e e 'ettin' too hot to hol# 'entle&en of his %i#ne*+ Cle! l* he &(st h!ve shifte# the s,ene of his o"e !tions f! the )est- $e,!(se ! *e! l!te he "l!*s !n in, e#i$l* !(#!,io(s- $(t not ! ve * " ofit!$le "! t- in ! se io1,o&i, $(siness in M!nil! B!*- in )hi,h ! "e,(l!tin' 'ove no !n# !n !$s,on#in' t e!s( e ! e the " in,i"!l fi'( es0 the e!fte he see&s to h!ve h(n' ! o(n# the Phili""ines in his otten s,hoone $!ttlin' )ith (n !#ve se fo t(ne- till !t l!st- (nnin' his !""ointe# ,o( se- he s!ils into Ji&'s histo *- ! $lin# !,,o&"li,e of the D! % Po)e s+ 'His t!le 'oes th!t )hen ! S"!nish "!t ol ,(tte ,!"t( e# hi& he )!s si&"l* t *in' to (n ! fe) '(ns fo the ins( 'ents+ If so- then I ,!n't (n#e st!n# )h!t he )!s #oin' off the so(th ,o!st of Min#!n!o+ M* $elief- ho)eve - is th!t he )!s $l!,%&!ilin' the n!tive vill!'es !lon' the ,o!st+ The " in,i"!l thin' is th!t the ,(tte - th o)in' ! '(! # on $o! #- &!#e hi& s!il in ,o&"!n* to)! #s K!&$o!n'!+ On the )!*fo so&e e!son o othe - $oth vessels h!# to ,!ll !t one of these ne) S"!nish settle&ents11)hi,h neve ,!&e to !n*thin' in the en#11)he e the e )!s not onl* ! ,ivil offi,i!l in ,h! 'e on sho e- $(t ! 'oo# sto(t ,o!stin' s,hoone l*in' !t !n,ho in the little $!*0 !n# this , !ft- in eve * )!* &(,h $ette th!n his o)n- B o)n &!#e (" his &in# to ste!l+ 'He )!s #o)n on his l(,%11!s he tol# &e hi&self+ The )o l# he h!# $(llie# fo t)ent* *e! s )ith fie ,e- !'' essive #is#!in- h!# *iel#e# hi& nothin' in the )!* of &!te i!l !#v!nt!'e e.,e"t ! s&!ll $!' of silve #oll! s- )hi,h )!s ,on,e!le# in his ,!$in so th!t <the #evil hi&self ,o(l#n't s&ell it o(t+< An# th!t )!s !ll11!$sol(tel* !ll+ He )!s ti e# of his life- !n# not !f !i# of #e!th+ B(t this &!n)ho )o(l# st!%e his e.isten,e on ! )hi& )ith ! $itte !n# 2ee in' e,%lessness- stoo# in &o t!l fe! of i&" ison&ent+ He h!# !n (n e!sonin' ,ol#1s)e!t- ne ve1sh!%in'- $loo#1to1)!te 1t( nin' so t of ho o !t the $! e "ossi$ilit* of $ein' lo,%e# ("11the so t of te o ! s("e stitio(s &!n )o(l# feel !t the tho('ht of $ein' e&$ !,e# $* ! s"e,t e+ The efo e the ,ivil offi,i!l )ho ,!&e on $o! # to &!%e ! " eli&in! * investi'!tion into the ,!"t( e- investi'!te# ! #(o(sl* !ll #!* lon'- !n# onl* )ent !sho e !fte #! %- &(ffle# (" in ! ,lo!%- !n# t!%in' ' e!t ,! e not to let B o)n's little !ll ,lin% in its $!'+ Afte )! #s- $ein' ! &!n of his )o #- he ,ont ive# ?the ve * ne.t evenin'- I $elieve@ to sen# off the >ove n&ent ,(tte on so&e

( 'ent $it of s"e,i!l se vi,e+ As he ,o&&!n#e ,o(l# not s"! e ! " i/e , e)- he ,ontente# hi&self $* t!%in' !)!* $efo e he left !ll the s!ils of B o)n's s,hoone to the ve * l!st !'- !n# too% 'oo# ,! e to to) his t)o $o!ts on to the $e!,h ! ,o("le of &iles off+ 'B(t in B o)n's , e) the e )!s ! Solo&on Isl!n#e - %i#n!""e# in his *o(th !n# #evote# to B o)n- )ho )!s the $est &!n of the )hole '!n'+ Th!t fello) s)!& off to the ,o!ste 11five h(n# e# *! #s o so11)ith the en# of ! )! " &!#e (" of !ll the (nnin' 'e! (n ove fo the "( "ose+ The )!te )!s s&ooth- !n# the $!* #! %<li%e the insi#e of ! ,o)-< !s B o)n #es, i$e# it+ The Solo&on Isl!n#e ,l!&$e e# ove the $(l)! %s )ith the en# of the o"e in his teeth+ The , e) of the ,o!ste 11!ll T!'!ls11)e e !sho e h!vin' ! 2ollifi,!tion in the n!tive vill!'e+ The t)o shi"%ee"e s left on $o! # )o%e (" s(##enl* !n# s!) the #evil+ It h!# 'litte in' e*es !n# le!"e# 9(i,% !s li'htnin' !$o(t the #e,%+ The* fell on thei %nees"! !l*se# )ith fe! - , ossin' the&selves !n# &(&$lin' " !*e s+ With ! lon' %nife he fo(n# in the ,!$oose the Solo&on Isl!n#e )itho(t inte ("tin' thei o isons- st!$$e# fi st one- then the othe 0 )ith the s!&e %nife he set to s!)in' "!tientl* !t the ,oi ,!$le till s(##enl* it "! te# (n#e the $l!#e )ith ! s"l!sh+ Then in the silen,e of the $!* he let o(t ! ,!(tio(s sho(t- !n# B o)n's '!n'- )ho &e!nti&e h!# $een "ee in' !n# st !inin' thei ho"ef(l e! s in the #! %ness- $e'!n to "(ll 'entl* !t thei en# of the )! "+ In less th!n five &in(tes the t)o s,hoone s ,!&e to'ethe )ith ! sli'ht sho,% !n# ! , e!% of s"! s+ 'B o)n's , o)# t !nsfe e# the&selves )itho(t losin' !n inst!ntt!%in' )ith the& thei fi e! &s !n# ! l! 'e s(""l* of !&&(nition+ The* )e e si.teen in !ll: t)o (n!)!* $l(e12!,%ets- ! l!n%* #ese te f o& ! Y!n%ee &!n1of1)! - ! ,o("le of si&"le- $lon# S,!n#in!vi!ns! &(l!tto of so ts- one $l!n# Chin!&!n )ho ,oo%e#11!n# the est of the non#es, i"t s"!)n of the So(th Se!s+ None of the& ,! e#0 B o)n $ent the& to his )ill- !n# B o)n- in#iffe ent to '!llo)s- )!s (nnin' !)!* f o& the s"e,t e of ! S"!nish " ison+ He #i#n't 'ive the& the ti&e to t !ns1shi" eno('h " ovisions0 the )e!the )!s ,!l&- the !i )!s ,h! 'e# )ith #e)- !n# )hen the* ,!st off the o"es !n# set s!il to ! f!int off1sho e # !('ht the e )!s no fl(tte in the #!&" ,!nv!s0 thei ol# s,hoone see&e# to #et!,h itself 'entl* f o& the stolen , !ft !n# sli" !)!* silentl*- to'ethe )ith the $l!,% &!ss of the ,o!st- into the ni'ht+ 'The* 'ot ,le! !)!*+ B o)n el!te# to &e in #et!il thei "!ss!'e #o)n the St !its of M!,!ss! + It is ! h! o)in' !n# #es"e !te sto *+ The* )e e sho t of foo# !n# )!te 0 the* $o! #e# seve !l n!tive , !ft !n# 'ot ! little f o& e!,h+ With ! stolen shi" B o)n #i# not #! e to "(t into !n* "o t- of ,o( se+ He h!# no &one* to $(* !n*thin'- no "!"e s to sho)- !n# no lie "l!(si$le eno('h to 'et hi& o(t !'!in+ An A !$ $! 9(e- (n#e the D(t,h fl!'- s( " ise# one ni'ht !t !n,ho off Po(lo L!(t- *iel#e# ! little #i t* i,e- ! $(n,h of $!n!n!s- !n# ! ,!s% of )!te 0 th ee #!*s of s9(!ll*- &ist* )e!the f o& the no th1e!st shot the s,hoone !, oss the J!v! Se!+ The *ello) &(##* )!ves # en,he# th!t ,olle,tion of h(n' * (ffi!ns+ The* si'hte# &!il1$o!ts &ovin' on thei !""ointe# o(tes0 "!sse#

)ell1fo(n# ho&e shi"s )ith (st* i on si#es !n,ho e# in the sh!llo) se! )!itin' fo ! ,h!n'e of )e!the o the t( n of the ti#e0 !n En'lish '(n$o!t- )hite !n# t i&- )ith t)o sli& &!sts- , osse# thei $o)s one #!* in the #ist!n,e0 !n# on !nothe o,,!sion ! D(t,h ,o vette$l!,% !n# he!vil* s"! e#- loo&e# (" on thei 9(! te - ste!&in' #e!# slo) in the &ist+ The* sli""e# th o('h (nseen o #is e'! #e#! )!n- s!llo)1f!,e# $!n# of (tte o(t,!sts- en !'e# )ith h(n'e !n# h(nte# $* fe! + B o)n's i#e! )!s to &!%e fo M!#!'!s,! )he e he e."e,te#- on ' o(n#s not !lto'ethe ill(so *- to sell the s,hoone in T!&!t!ve- !n# no 9(estions !s%e#- o "e h!"s o$t!in so&e &o e o less fo 'e# "!"e s fo he + Yet $efo e he ,o(l# f!,e the lon' "!ss!'e !, oss the In#i!n O,e!n foo# )!s )!nte#11)!te too+ 'Pe h!"s he h!# he! # of P!t(s!n11o "e h!"s he 2(st onl* h!""ene# to see the n!&e ) itten in s&!ll lette s on the ,h! t11" o$!$l* th!t of ! l! 'ish vill!'e (" ! ive in ! n!tive st!te- "e fe,tl* #efen,elessf! f o& the $e!ten t !,%s of the se! !n# f o& the en#s of s($&! ine ,!$les+ He h!# #one th!t %in# of thin' $efo e11in the )!* of $(siness0 !n# this no) )!s !n !$sol(te ne,essit*- ! 9(estion of life !n# #e!th11o !the of li$e t*+ Of li$e t*3 He )!s s( e to 'et " ovisions11$(llo,%s11 i,e11s)eet1"ot!toes+ The so * '!n' li,%e# thei ,ho"s+ A ,! 'o of " o#(,e fo the s,hoone "e h!"s ,o(l# $e e.to te#11!n#- )ho %no)s511so&e e!l in'in' ,oine# &one*3 So&e of these ,hiefs !n# vill!'e he!#&en ,!n $e &!#e to "! t f eel*+ He tol# &e he )o(l# h!ve o!ste# thei toes !the th!n $e $!(l%e#+ I $elieve hi&+ His &en $elieve# hi& too+ The* #i#n't ,hee !lo(#- $ein' ! #(&$ "!,%- $(t &!#e e!#* )olfishl*+ 'L(,% se ve# hi& !s to )e!the + A fe) #!*s of ,!l& )o(l# h!ve $ o('ht (n&ention!$le ho o s on $o! # th!t s,hoone - $(t )ith the hel" of l!n# !n# se! $ ee/es- in less th!n ! )ee% !fte ,le! in' the S(n#! St !its- he !n,ho e# off the B!t( ; in' &o(th )ithin ! "istol1shot of the fishin' vill!'e+ '4o( teen of the& "!,%e# into the s,hoone 's lon'1$o!t ?)hi,h )!s $i'- h!vin' $een (se# fo ,! 'o1)o %@ !n# st! te# (" the ive )hile t)o e&!ine# in ,h! 'e of the s,hoone )ith foo# eno('h to %ee" st! v!tion off fo ten #!*s+ The ti#e !n# )in# hel"e#- !n# e! l* one !fte noon the $i' )hite $o!t (n#e ! !''e# s!il sho(l#e e# its )!* $efo e the se! $ ee/e into P!t(s!n Re!,h- &!nne# $* fo( teen !sso te# s,! e, o)s 'l! in' h(n' il* !he!#- !n# fin'e in' the $ ee,h1$lo,%s of ,he!" ifles+ B o)n ,!l,(l!te# ("on the te if*in' s( " ise of his !""e! !n,e+ The* s!ile# in )ith the l!st of the floo#0 the R!2!h's sto,%!#e '!ve no si'n0 the fi st ho(ses on $oth si#es of the st e!& see&e# #ese te#+ A fe) ,!noes )e e seen (" the e!,h in f(ll fli'ht+ B o)n )!s !stonishe# !t the si/e of the "l!,e+ A " ofo(n# silen,e ei'ne#+ The )in# # o""e# $et)een the ho(ses0 t)o o! s )e e 'ot o(t !n# the $o!t hel# on ("1st e!&- the i#e! $ein' to effe,t ! lo#'&ent in the ,ent e of the to)n $efo e the inh!$it!nts ,o(l# thin% of esist!n,e+ 'It see&s- ho)eve - th!t the he!#&!n of the fishin' vill!'e !t B!t( ; in' h!# &!n!'e# to sen# off ! ti&el* )! nin'+ When the lon'1$o!t ,!&e !$ e!st of the &os9(e ?)hi,h Do !&in h!# $(ilt:

! st (,t( e )ith '!$les !n# oof fini!ls of ,! ve# ,o !l@ the o"en s"!,e $efo e it )!s f(ll of "eo"le+ A sho(t )ent ("- !n# )!s follo)e# $* ! ,l!sh of 'on's !ll (" the ive + 4 o& ! "oint !$ove t)o little $ !ss G1"o(n#e s )e e #is,h! 'e#- !n# the o(n#1shot ,!&e s%i""in' #o)n the e&"t* e!,h- s"( tin' 'litte in' 2ets of )!te in the s(nshine+ In f ont of the &os9(e ! sho(tin' lot of &en $e'!n fi in' in volle*s th!t )hi""e# !th)! t the ,( ent of the ive 0 !n i e'(l! ollin' f(sill!#e )!s o"ene# on the $o!t f o& $oth $!n%s- !n# B o)n's &en e"lie# )ith ! )il#- !"i# fi e+ The o! s h!# $een 'ot in+ 'The t( n of the ti#e !t hi'h )!te ,o&es on ve * 9(i,%l* in th!t ive - !n# the $o!t in &i#1st e!&- ne! l* hi##en in s&o%e- $e'!n to # ift $!,% ste n fo e&ost+ Alon' $oth sho es the s&o%e thi,%ene# !lso- l*in' $elo) the oofs in ! level st e!% !s *o( &!* see ! lon' ,lo(# ,(ttin' the slo"e of ! &o(nt!in+ A t(&(lt of )! 1, ies- the vi$ !tin' ,l!n' of 'on's- the #ee" sno in' of # (&s- *ells of !'e, !shes of volle*1fi in'- &!#e !n !)f(l #in- in )hi,h B o)n s!t ,onfo(n#e# $(t ste!#* !t the tille - )o %in' hi&self into ! f( * of h!te !n# !'e !'!inst those "eo"le )ho #! e# to #efen# the&selves+ T)o of his &en h!# $een )o(n#e#- !n# he s!) his et e!t ,(t off $elo) the to)n $* so&e $o!ts th!t h!# "(t off f o& T(n%( All!n''s sto,%!#e+ The e )e e si. of the&- f(ll of &en+ While he )!s th(s $eset he "e ,eive# the ent !n,e of the n! o) , ee% ?the s!&e )hi,h Ji& h!# 2(&"e# !t lo) )!te @+ It )!s then $ i& f(ll+ Stee in' the lon'1$o!t in- the* l!n#e#- !n#- to &!%e ! lon' sto * sho t- the* est!$lishe# the&selves on ! little %noll !$o(t 7HH *! #s f o& the sto,%!#e- )hi,h- in f!,t- the* ,o&&!n#e# f o& th!t "osition+ The slo"es of the %noll )e e $! e- $(t the e )e e ! fe) t ees on the s(&&it+ The* )ent to )o % ,(ttin' these #o)n fo ! $ e!st)o %!n# )e e f!i l* int en,he# $efo e #! %0 &e!nti&e the R!2!h's $o!ts e&!ine# in the ive )ith ,( io(s ne(t !lit*+ When the s(n set the 'l(e of &!n* $ (sh)oo# $l!/es li'hte# on the ive 1f ont- !n# $et)een the #o($le line of ho(ses on the l!n# si#e th e) into $l!,% elief the oofs- the ' o("s of slen#e "!l&s- the he!v* ,l(&"s of f (it t ees+ B o)n o #e e# the ' !ss o(n# his "osition to $e fi e#0 ! lo) in' of thin fl!&es (n#e the slo) !s,en#in' s&o%e ) i''le# !"i#l* #o)n the slo"es of the %noll0 he e !n# the e ! # * $(sh ,!('ht )ith ! t!ll- vi,io(s o! + The ,onfl!' !tion &!#e ! ,le! /one of fi e fo the ifles of the s&!ll "! t*- !n# e."i e# s&o(l#e in' on the e#'e of the fo ests !n# !lon' the &(##* $!n% of the , ee%+ A st i" of 2(n'le l(.( i!tin' in ! #!&" hollo) $et)een the %noll !n# the R!2!h's sto,%!#e sto""e# it on th!t si#e )ith ! ' e!t , !,%lin' !n# #eton!tions of $( stin' $!&$oo ste&s+ The s%* )!s so&$ evelvet*- !n# s)! &in' )ith st! s+ The $l!,%ene# ' o(n# s&o%e# 9(ietl* )ith lo) , ee"in' )is"s- till ! little $ ee/e ,!&e on !n# $le) eve *thin' !)!*+ B o)n e."e,te# !n !tt!,% to $e #elive e# !s soon !s the ti#e h!# flo)e# eno('h !'!in to en!$le the )! 1$o!ts )hi,h h!# ,(t off his et e!t to ente the , ee%+ At !n* !te he )!s s( e the e )o(l# $e !n !tte&"t to ,! * off his lon'1$o!t- )hi,h l!* $elo) the hill- ! #! % hi'h l(&" on the fee$le sheen of ! )et &(#1fl!t+ B(t no &ove of !n* so t )!s &!#e $* the $o!ts in the ive + Ove the sto,%!#e !n# the R!2!h's $(il#in's B o)n s!) thei li'hts on the )!te + The* see&e# to $e !n,ho e# !, oss the st e!&+ Othe li'hts !flo!t )e e &ovin' in the e!,h- , ossin' !n# e, ossin' f o& si#e to si#e+ The e

)e e !lso li'hts t)in%lin' &otionless ("on the lon' )!lls of ho(ses (" the e!,h- !s f! !s the $en#- !n# &o e still $e*on#- othe s isol!te# inl!n#+ The loo& of the $i' fi es #is,lose# $(il#in's- oofs$l!,% "iles !s f! !s he ,o(l# see+ It )!s !n i&&ense "l!,e+ The fo( teen #es"e !te inv!#e s l*in' fl!t $ehin# the felle# t ees !ise# thei ,hins to loo% ove !t the sti of th!t to)n th!t see&e# to e.ten# ("1 ive fo &iles !n# s)! & )ith tho(s!n#s of !n' * &en+ The* #i# not s"e!% to e!,h othe + No) !n# then the* )o(l# he! ! lo(# *ello ! sin'le shot !n' o(t- fi e# ve * f! so&e)he e+ B(t o(n# thei "osition eve *thin' )!s still- #! %- silent+ The* see&e# to $e fo 'otten- !s if the e.,ite&ent %ee"in' !)!%e !ll the "o"(l!tion h!# nothin' to #o )ith the&- !s if the* h!# $een #e!# !l e!#*+'

CHAPTER A7 'All the events of th!t ni'ht h!ve ! ' e!t i&"o t!n,e- sin,e the* $ o('ht !$o(t ! sit(!tion )hi,h e&!ine# (n,h!n'e# till Ji&'s et( n+ Ji& h!# $een !)!* in the inte io fo &o e th!n ! )ee%!n# it )!s D!in W! is )ho h!# #i e,te# the fi st e"(lse+ Th!t $ !ve !n# intelli'ent *o(th ?<)ho %ne) ho) to fi'ht !fte the &!nne of )hite &en<@ )ishe# to settle the $(siness off1h!n#- $(t his "eo"le )e e too &(,h fo hi&+ He h!# not Ji&'s !,i!l " esti'e !n# the e"(t!tion of invin,i$le- s("e n!t( !l "o)e + He )!s not the visi$let!n'i$le in,! n!tion of (nf!ilin' t (th !n# of (nf!ilin' vi,to *+ Belove#- t (ste#- !n# !#&i e# !s he )!s- he )!s still one of Bthe&B)hile Ji& )!s one of (s+ Mo eove - the )hite &!n- ! to)e of st en'th in hi&self- )!s inv(lne !$le- )hile D!in W! is ,o(l# $e %ille#+ Those (ne." esse# tho('hts '(i#e# the o"inions of the ,hief &en of the to)n- )ho ele,te# to !sse&$le in Ji&'s fo t fo #eli$e !tion ("on the e&e 'en,*- !s if e."e,tin' to fin# )is#o& !n# ,o( !'e in the #)ellin' of the !$sent )hite &!n+ The shootin' of B o)n's (ffi!ns )!s so f! 'oo#- o l(,%*- th!t the e h!# $een h!lf1!1#o/en ,!s(!lties !&on'st the #efen#e s+ The )o(n#e# )e e l*in' on the ve !n#!h ten#e# $* thei )o&en1fol%+ The )o&en !n# ,hil# en f o& the lo)e "! t of the to)n h!# $een sent into the fo t !t the fi st !l! &+ The e Je)el )!s in ,o&&!n#- ve * effi,ient !n# hi'h1s"i ite#- o$e*e# $* Ji&'s <o)n "eo"le-< )ho- 9(ittin' in ! $o#* thei little settle&ent (n#e the sto,%!#e- h!# 'one in to fo & the '! ison+ The ef('ees , o)#e# o(n# he 0 !n# th o('h the )hole !ff!i - to the ve * #is!st o(s l!st- she sho)e# !n e.t !o #in! * &! ti!l ! #o( + It )!s to he th!t D!in W! is h!# 'one !t on,e !t the fi st intelli'en,e of #!n'e - fo *o( &(st %no) th!t Ji& )!s the onl* one in P!t(s!n )ho "ossesse# ! sto e of '(n"o)#e + Stein- )ith )ho& he h!# %e"t (" inti&!te el!tions $* lette s- h!# o$t!ine# f o& the D(t,h >ove n&ent ! s"e,i!l !(tho is!tion to e."o t five h(n# e# %e's of it to P!t(s!n+ The "o)#e 1&!'!/ine )!s ! s&!ll h(t of o('h lo's ,ove e# enti el* )ith e! th- !n# in Ji&'s !$sen,e the 'i l h!# the %e*+ In the ,o(n,il- hel# !t eleven o',lo,% in the evenin' in Ji&'s #inin'1 oo&- she $!,%e# (" W! is's !#vi,e fo i&&e#i!te !n# vi'o o(s !,tion+ I !& tol# th!t she stoo# (" $* the si#e of Ji&'s e&"t* ,h!i !t the he!# of the lon' t!$le !n# &!#e ! )! li%e i&"!ssione# s"ee,h- )hi,h fo the &o&ent e.to te#

&( &( s of !"" o$!tion f o& the !sse&$le# he!#&en+ Ol# Do !&in)ho h!# not sho)e# hi&self o(tsi#e his o)n '!te fo &o e th!n ! *e! h!# $een $ o('ht !, oss )ith ' e!t #iffi,(lt*+ He )!s- of ,o( sethe ,hief &!n the e+ The te&"e of the ,o(n,il )!s ve * (nfo 'ivin'!n# the ol# &!n's )o # )o(l# h!ve $een #e,isive0 $(t it is &* o"inion th!t- )ell !)! e of his son's fie * ,o( !'e- he #! e# not " ono(n,e the )o #+ Mo e #il!to * ,o(nsels " ev!ile#+ A ,e t!in H!2i S!&!n "ointe# o(t !t ' e!t len'th th!t <these t* !nni,!l !n# fe o,io(s &en h!# #elive e# the&selves to ! ,e t!in #e!th in !n* ,!se+ The* )o(l# st!n# f!st on thei hill !n# st! ve- o the* )o(l# t * to e'!in thei $o!t !n# $e shot f o& !&$(shes !, oss the , ee%- o the* )o(l# $ e!% !n# fl* into the fo est !n# "e ish sin'l* the e+< He ! '(e# th!t $* the (se of " o"e st !t!'e&s these evil1&in#e# st !n'e s ,o(l# $e #est o*e# )itho(t the is% of ! $!ttle- !n# his )o #s h!# ! ' e!t )ei'ht- es"e,i!ll* )ith the P!t(s!n &en " o"e + Wh!t (nsettle# the &in#s of the to)nsfol% )!s the f!il( e of the R!2!h's $o!ts to !,t !t the #e,isive &o&ent+ It )!s the #i"lo&!ti, ;!ssi& )ho e" esente# the R!2!h !t the ,o(n,il+ He s"o%e ve * little- listene# s&ilin'l*- ve * f ien#l* !n# i&"enet !$le+ D( in' the sittin' &essen'e s %e"t ! ivin' eve * fe) &in(tes !l&ost- )ith e"o ts of the inv!#e s' " o,ee#in's+ Wil# !n# e.!''e !te# (&o( s )e e fl*in': the e )!s ! l! 'e shi" !t the &o(th of the ive )ith $i' '(ns !n# &!n* &o e &en11so&e )hite- othe s )ith $l!,% s%ins !n# of $loo#thi st* !""e! !n,e+ The* )e e ,o&in' )ith &!n* &o e $o!ts to e.te &in!te eve * livin' thin'+ A sense of ne! - in,o&" ehensi$le #!n'e !ffe,te# the ,o&&on "eo"le+ At one &o&ent the e )!s ! "!ni, in the ,o( t*! # !&on'st the )o&en0 sh ie%in'0 ! (sh0 ,hil# en , *in'11H!2i S(n!n )ent o(t to 9(iet the&+ Then ! fo t sent * fi e# !t so&ethin' &ovin' on the ive !n# ne! l* %ille# ! vill!'e $ in'in' in his )o&en1fol% in ! ,!noe to'ethe )ith the $est of his #o&esti, (tensils !n# ! #o/en fo)ls+ This ,!(se# &o e ,onf(sion+ Me!nti&e the "!l!ve insi#e Ji&'s ho(se )ent on in the " esen,e of the 'i l+ Do !&in s!t fie ,e1f!,e#he!v*- loo%in' !t the s"e!%e s in t( n- !n# $ e!thin' slo) li%e ! $(ll+ He #i#n't s"e!% till the l!st- !fte ;!ssi& h!# #e,l! e# th!t the R!2!h's $o!ts )o(l# $e ,!lle# in $e,!(se the &en )e e e9(i e# to #efen# his &!ste 's sto,%!#e+ D!in W! is in his f!the 's " esen,e )o(l# offe no o"inion- tho('h the 'i l ent e!te# hi& in Ji&'s n!&e to s"e!% o(t+ She offe e# hi& Ji&'s o)n &en in he !n.iet* to h!ve these int (#e s # iven o(t !t on,e+ He onl* shoo% his he!#- !fte ! 'l!n,e o t)o !t Do !&in+ 4in!ll*- )hen the ,o(n,il $ o%e (" it h!# $een #e,i#e# th!t the ho(ses ne! est the , ee% sho(l# $e st on'l* o,,("ie# to o$t!in the ,o&&!n# of the ene&*'s $o!t+ The $o!t itself )!s not to $e inte fe e# )ith o"enl*- so th!t the o$$e s on the hill sho(l# $e te&"te# to e&$! %- )hen ! )ell1#i e,te# fi e )o(l# %ill &ost of the&- no #o($t+ To ,(t off the es,!"e of those )ho &i'ht s( vive- !n# to " event &o e of the& ,o&in' ("- D!in W! is )!s o #e e# $* Do !&in to t!%e !n ! &e# "! t* of B('is #o)n the ive to ! ,e t!in s"ot ten &iles $elo) P!t(s!n- !n# the e fo & ! ,!&" on the sho e !n# $lo,%!#e the st e!& )ith the ,!noes+ I #on't $elieve fo ! &o&ent th!t Do !&in fe! e# the ! iv!l of f esh fo ,es+ M* o"inion is th!t his ,on#(,t )!s '(i#e# solel* $* his )ish to %ee" his son o(t of h! &'s )!*+ To " event ! (sh $ein' &!#e into the to)n the ,onst (,tion of ! sto,%!#e )!s to $e ,o&&en,e# !t #!*li'ht !t the en# of the st eet on the left $!n%+

The ol# n!%ho#! #e,l! e# his intention to ,o&&!n# the e hi&self+ A #ist i$(tion of "o)#e - $(llets- !n# "e ,(ssion1,!"s )!s &!#e i&&e#i!tel* (n#e the 'i l's s("e vision+ Seve !l &essen'e s )e e to $e #is"!t,he# in #iffe ent #i e,tions !fte Ji&- )hose e.!,t )he e!$o(ts )e e (n%no)n+ These &en st! te# !t #!)n- $(t $efo e th!t ti&e ;!ssi& h!# &!n!'e# to o"en ,o&&(ni,!tions )ith the $esie'e# B o)n+ 'Th!t !,,o&"lishe# #i"lo&!tist !n# ,onfi#!nt of the R!2!h- on le!vin' the fo t to 'o $!,% to his &!ste - too% into his $o!t Co neli(s)ho& he fo(n# slin%in' &(tel* !&on'st the "eo"le in the ,o( t*! #+ ;!ssi& h!# ! little "l!n of his o)n !n# )!nte# hi& fo !n inte " ete + Th(s it ,!&e !$o(t th!t to)! #s &o nin' B o)n- efle,tin' ("on the #es"e !te n!t( e of his "osition- he! # f o& the &! sh* ove ' o)n hollo) !n !&i,!$le- 9(!ve in'- st !ine# voi,e , *in'11in En'lish11fo "e &ission to ,o&e ("- (n#e ! " o&ise of "e son!l s!fet* !n# on ! ve * i&"o t!nt e !n#+ He )!s ove 2o*e#+ If he )!s s"o%en to he )!s no lon'e ! h(nte# )il# $e!st+ These f ien#l* so(n#s too% off !t on,e the !)f(l st ess of vi'il!nt )!t,hf(lness !s of so &!n* $lin# &en not %no)in' )hen,e the #e!th$lo) &i'ht ,o&e+ He " eten#e# ! ' e!t el(,t!n,e+ The voi,e #e,l! e# itself <! )hite &!n11! "oo - (ine#- ol# &!n )ho h!# $een livin' he e fo *e! s+< A &ist- )et !n# ,hill*- l!* on the slo"es of the hill- !n# !fte so&e &o e sho(tin' f o& one to the othe B o)n ,!lle# o(t- <Co&e on- then- $(t !lone- &in#3< As ! &!tte of f!,t11he tol# &e- ) ithin' )ith !'e !t the e,olle,tion of his hel"lessness11it &!#e no #iffe en,e+ The* ,o(l#n't see &o e th!n ! fe) *! #s $efo e the&- !n# no t e!,he * ,o(l# &!%e thei "osition )o se+ B*1!n#1$* Co neli(s- in his )ee%1#!* !tti e of ! !''e# #i t* shi t !n# "!nts- $! efoote#- )ith ! $ o%en1 i&&e# "ith h!t on his he!#- )!s &!#e o(t v!'(el*- si#lin' (" to the #efen,es- hesit!tin'sto""in' to listen in ! "ee in' "ost( e+ <Co&e !lon'3 Yo( ! e s!fe-< *elle# B o)n- )hile his &en st! e#+ All thei ho"es of life $e,!&e s(##enl* ,ente e# in th!t #il!"i#!te#- &e!n ne),o&e - )ho in " ofo(n# silen,e ,l!&$e e# ,l(&sil* ove ! felle# t ee1t (n%- !n# shive in')ith his so( - &ist (stf(l f!,e- loo%e# !$o(t !t the %not of $e! #e#!n.io(s- slee"less #es"e !#oes+ 'H!lf !n ho( 's ,onfi#enti!l t!l% )ith Co neli(s o"ene# B o)n's e*es !s to the ho&e !ff!i s of P!t(s!n+ He )!s on the !le t !t on,e+ The e )e e "ossi$ilities- i&&ense "ossi$ilities0 $(t $efo e he )o(l# t!l% ove Co neli(s's " o"os!ls he #e&!n#e# th!t so&e foo# sho(l# $e sent (" !s ! '(! !ntee of 'oo# f!ith+ Co neli(s )ent off- , ee"in' sl(''ishl* #o)n the hill on the si#e of the R!2!h's "!l!,e- !n# !fte so&e #el!* ! fe) of T(n%( All!n''s &en ,!&e ("- $ in'in' ! s,!nt* s(""l* of i,e- ,hillies- !n# # ie# fish+ This )!s i&&e!s( !$l* $ette th!n nothin'+ L!te on Co neli(s et( ne# !,,o&"!n*in' ;!ssi&- )ho ste""e# o(t )ith !n !i of "e fe,t 'oo#1h(&o( e# t (stf(lness- in s!n#!ls- !n# &(ffle# (" f o& ne,% to !n%les in #! %1$l(e sheetin'+ He shoo% h!n#s )ith B o)n #is, eetl*- !n# the th ee # e) !si#e fo ! ,onfe en,e+ B o)n's &en- e,ove in' thei ,onfi#en,e- )e e sl!""in' e!,h othe on the $!,%- !n# ,!st %no)in' 'l!n,es !t thei ,!"t!in )hile the* $(sie# the&selves )ith " e"! !tions fo ,oo%in'+

';!ssi& #isli%e# Do !&in !n# his B('is ve * &(,h- $(t he h!te# the ne) o #e of thin's still &o e+ It h!# o,,( e# to hi& th!t these )hites- to'ethe )ith the R!2!h's follo)e s- ,o(l# !tt!,% !n# #efe!t the B('is $efo e Ji&'s et( n+ Then- he e!sone#- 'ene !l #efe,tion of the to)nsfol% )!s s( e to follo)- !n# the ei'n of the )hite &!n )ho " ote,te# "oo "eo"le )o(l# $e ove + Afte )! #s the ne) !llies ,o(l# $e #e!lt )ith+ The* )o(l# h!ve no f ien#s+ The fello) )!s "e fe,tl* !$le to "e ,eive the #iffe en,e of ,h! !,te - !n# h!# seen eno('h of )hite &en to %no) th!t these ne),o&e s )e e o(t,!sts&en )itho(t ,o(nt *+ B o)n " ese ve# ! ste n !n# ins, (t!$le #e&e!no( + When he fi st he! # Co neli(s's voi,e #e&!n#in' !#&itt!n,e- it $ o('ht &e el* the ho"e of ! loo"hole fo es,!"e+ In less th!n !n ho( othe tho('hts )e e seethin' in his he!#+ U 'e# $* !n e.t e&e ne,essit*- he h!# ,o&e the e to ste!l foo#- ! fe) tons of ($$e o '(& &!* $e- "e h!"s ! h!n#f(l of #oll! s- !n# h!# fo(n# hi&self en&eshe# $* #e!#l* #!n'e s+ No) in ,onse9(en,e of these ove t( es f o& ;!ssi& he $e'!n to thin% of ste!lin' the )hole ,o(nt *+ So&e ,onfo(n#e# fello) h!# !""! entl* !,,o&"lishe# so&ethin' of the %in#11sin'le1h!n#e# !t th!t+ Co(l#n't h!ve #one it ve * )ell tho('h+ Pe h!"s the* ,o(l# )o % to'ethe 11s9(ee/e eve *thin' # * !n# then 'o o(t 9(ietl*+ In the ,o( se of his ne'oti!tions )ith ;!ssi& he $e,!&e !)! e th!t he )!s s(""ose# to h!ve ! $i' shi" )ith "lent* of &en o(tsi#e+ ;!ssi& $e''e# hi& e! nestl* to h!ve this $i' shi" )ith his &!n* '(ns !n# &en $ o('ht (" the ive )itho(t #el!* fo the R!2!h's se vi,e+ B o)n " ofesse# hi&self )illin'- !n# on this $!sis the ne'oti!tion )!s ,! ie# on )ith &(t(!l #ist (st+ Th ee ti&es in the ,o( se of the &o nin' the ,o( teo(s !n# !,tive ;!ssi& )ent #o)n to ,ons(lt the R!2!h !n# ,!&e (" $(sil* )ith his lon' st i#e+ B o)n- )hile $! '!inin'- h!# ! so t of ' i& en2o*&ent in thin%in' of his ) et,he# s,hoone - )ith nothin' $(t ! he!" of #i t in he hol#th!t stoo# fo !n ! &e# shi"- !n# ! Chin!&!n !n# ! l!&e e.1$e!,h,o&$e of Lev(%! on $o! #- )ho e" esente# !ll his &!n* &en+ In the !fte noon he o$t!ine# f( the #oles of foo#- ! " o&ise of so&e &one*- !n# ! s(""l* of &!ts fo his &en to &!%e shelte s fo the&selves+ The* l!* #o)n !n# sno e#- " ote,te# f o& the $( nin' s(nshine0 $(t B o)n- sittin' f(ll* e."ose# on one of the felle# t ees- fe!ste# his e*es ("on the vie) of the to)n !n# the ive + The e )!s &(,h loot the e+ Co neli(s- )ho h!# &!#e hi&self !t ho&e in the ,!&"- t!l%e# !t his el$o)- "ointin' o(t the lo,!lities- i&"! tin' !#vi,e- 'ivin' his o)n ve sion of Ji&'s ,h! !,te - !n# ,o&&entin' in his o)n f!shion ("on the events of the l!st th ee *e! s+ B o)n- )ho- !""! entl* in#iffe ent !n# '!/in' !)!*- listene# )ith !ttention to eve * )o #,o(l# not &!%e o(t ,le! l* )h!t so t of &!n this Ji& ,o(l# $e+ <Wh!t's his n!&e5 Ji&3 Ji&3 Th!t's not eno('h fo ! &!n's n!&e+< <The* ,!ll hi&-< s!i# Co neli(s s,o nf(ll*- <T(!n Ji& he e+ As *o( &!* s!* Lo # Ji&+< <Wh!t is he5 Whe e #oes he ,o&e f o&5< in9(i e# B o)n+ <Wh!t so t of &!n is he5 Is he !n En'lish&!n5< <Yes- *es- he's !n En'lish&!n+ I !& !n En'lish&!n too+ 4 o& M!l!,,!+ He is ! fool+ All *o( h!ve to #o is to %ill hi& !n# then *o( ! e %in' he e+ Eve *thin' $elon's to hi&-< e."l!ine# Co neli(s+ <It st i%es &e he &!* $e &!#e to sh! e )ith so&e$o#* $efo e ve * lon'-< ,o&&ente# B o)n h!lf !lo(#+ <No- no+ The " o"e )!* is to %ill hi& the fi st ,h!n,e *o( 'et- !n# then *o( ,!n #o )h!t *o( li%e-< Co neli(s )o(l# insist e! nestl*+ <I h!ve live# fo &!n* *e! s

he e- !n# I !& 'ivin' *o( ! f ien#'s !#vi,e+< 'In s(,h ,onve se !n# in 'lo!tin' ove the vie) of P!t(s!n- )hi,h he h!# #ete &ine# in his &in# sho(l# $e,o&e his " e*- B o)n )hile# !)!* &ost of the !fte noon- his &en- &e!nti&e- estin'+ On th!t #!* D!in W! is's fleet of ,!noes stole one $* one (n#e the sho e f! thest f o& the , ee%- !n# )ent #o)n to ,lose the ive !'!inst his et e!t+ Of this B o)n )!s not !)! e- !n# ;!ssi&- )ho ,!&e (" the %noll !n ho( $efo e s(nset- too% 'oo# ,! e not to enli'hten hi&+ He )!nte# the )hite &!n's shi" to ,o&e (" the ive - !n# this ne)s- he fe! e#- )o(l# $e #is,o( !'in'+ He )!s ve * " essin' )ith B o)n to sen# the <o #e -< offe in' !t the s!&e ti&e ! t (st* &essen'e - )ho fo ' e!te se, e,* ?!s he e."l!ine#@ )o(l# &!%e his )!* $* l!n# to the &o(th of the ive !n# #elive the <o #e < on $o! #+ Afte so&e efle,tion B o)n 2(#'e# it e."e#ient to te! ! "!'e o(t of his "o,%et1$oo%- on )hi,h he si&"l* ) ote<We ! e 'ettin' on+ Bi' 2o$+ Det!in the &!n+< The stoli# *o(th sele,te# $* ;!ssi& fo th!t se vi,e "e fo &e# it f!ithf(ll*- !n# )!s e)! #e# $* $ein' s(##enl* ti""e#- he!# fi st- into the s,hoone 's e&"t* hol# $* the e.1$e!,h,o&$e !n# the Chin!&!n- )ho the e("on h!stene# to "(t on the h!t,hes+ Wh!t $e,!&e of hi& !fte )! #s B o)n #i# not s!*+'

CHAPTER CH 'B o)n's o$2e,t )!s to '!in ti&e $* foolin' )ith ;!ssi&'s #i"lo&!,*+ 4o #oin' ! e!l st o%e of $(siness he ,o(l# not hel" thin%in' the )hite &!n )!s the "e son to )o % )ith+ He ,o(l# not i&!'ine s(,h ! ,h!" ?)ho &(st $e ,onfo(n#e#l* ,leve !fte !ll to 'et hol# of the n!tives li%e th!t@ ef(sin' ! hel" th!t )o(l# #o !)!* )ith the ne,essit* fo slo)- ,!(tio(s- is%* ,he!tin'- th!t i&"ose# itself !s the onl* "ossi$le line of ,on#(,t fo ! sin'le1h!n#e# &!n+ HeB o)n- )o(l# offe hi& the "o)e + No &!n ,o(l# hesit!te+ Eve *thin' )!s in ,o&in' to ! ,le! (n#e st!n#in'+ Of ,o( se the* )o(l# sh! e+ The i#e! of the e $ein' ! fo t11!ll e!#* to his h!n#11! e!l fo t- )ith ! tille * ?he %ne) this f o& Co neli(s@- e.,ite# hi&+ Let hi& onl* on,e 'et in !n# + + + He )o(l# i&"ose &o#est ,on#itions+ Not too lo)- tho('h+ The &!n )!s no fool- it see&e#+ The* )o(l# )o % li%e $ othe s till + + + till the ti&e ,!&e fo ! 9(! el !n# ! shot th!t )o(l# settle !ll !,,o(nts+ With ' i& i&"!tien,e of "l(n#e he )ishe# hi&self to $e t!l%in' )ith the &!n no)+ The l!n# !l e!#* see&e# to $e his to te! to "ie,es- s9(ee/e- !n# th o) !)!*+ Me!nti&e ;!ssi& h!# to $e foole# fo the s!%e of foo# fi st11!n# fo ! se,on# st in'+ B(t the " in,i"!l thin' )!s to 'et so&ethin' to e!t f o& #!* to #!*+ Besi#es- he )!s not !ve se to $e'in fi'htin' on th!t R!2!h's !,,o(nt- !n# te!,h ! lesson to those "eo"le )ho h!# e,eive# hi& )ith shots+ The l(st of $!ttle )!s ("on hi&+ 'I !& so * th!t I ,!n't 'ive *o( this "! t of the sto *- )hi,h of ,o( se I h!ve &!inl* f o& B o)n- in B o)n's o)n )o #s+ The e )!s in the $ o%en- violent s"ee,h of th!t &!n- (nveilin' $efo e

&e his tho('hts )ith the ve * h!n# of De!th ("on his th o!t- !n (n#is'(ise# (thlessness of "( "ose- ! st !n'e ven'ef(l !ttit(#e to)! #s his o)n "!st- !n# ! $lin# $elief in the i'hteo(sness of his )ill !'!inst !ll &!n%in#- so&ethin' of th!t feelin' )hi,h ,o(l# in#(,e the le!#e of ! ho #e of )!n#e in' ,(t1th o!ts to ,!ll hi&self " o(#l* the S,o( 'e of >o#+ No #o($t the n!t( !l senseless fe o,it* )hi,h is the $!sis of s(,h ! ,h! !,te )!s e.!s"e !te# $* f!il( eill1l(,%- !n# the e,ent " iv!tions- !s )ell !s $* the #es"e !te "osition in )hi,h he fo(n# hi&self0 $(t )h!t )!s &ost e&! %!$le of !ll )!s this- th!t )hile he "l!nne# t e!,he o(s !lli!n,es- h!# !l e!#* settle# in his o)n &in# the f!te of the )hite &!n- !n# int i'(e# in !n ove $e! in'- offh!n# &!nne )ith ;!ssi&- one ,o(l# "e ,eive th!t )h!t he h!# e!ll* #esi e#- !l&ost in s"ite of hi&self- )!s to "l!* h!vo, )ith th!t 2(n'le to)n )hi,h h!# #efie# hi&- to see it st e)n ove )ith ,o "ses !n# envelo"e# in fl!&es+ Listenin' to his "itiless- "!ntin' voi,e- I ,o(l# i&!'ine ho) he &(st h!ve loo%e# !t it f o& the hillo,%- "eo"lin' it )ith i&!'es of &( #e !n# !"ine+ The "! t ne! est to the , ee% )o e !n !$!n#one# !s"e,t- tho('h !s ! &!tte of f!,t eve * ho(se ,on,e!le# ! fe) ! &e# &en on the !le t+ S(##enl* $e*on# the st et,h of )!ste ' o(n#- inte s"e se# )ith s&!ll "!t,hes of lo) #ense $(sh- e.,!v!tions- he!"s of ($$ish)ith t o##en "!ths $et)een- ! &!n- solit! * !n# loo%in' ve * s&!llst olle# o(t into the #ese te# o"enin' of the st eet $et)een the sh(t1("- #! %- lifeless $(il#in's !t the en#+ Pe h!"s one of the inh!$it!nts- )ho h!# fle# to the othe $!n% of the ive - ,o&in' $!,% fo so&e o$2e,t of #o&esti, (se+ Evi#entl* he s(""ose# hi&self 9(ite s!fe !t th!t #ist!n,e f o& the hill on the othe si#e of the , ee%+ A li'ht sto,%!#e- set (" h!stil*- )!s 2(st o(n# the t( n of the st eet- f(ll of his f ien#s+ He &ove# leis( el*+ B o)n s!) hi&!n# inst!ntl* ,!lle# to his si#e the Y!n%ee #ese te - )ho !,te# !s ! so t of se,on# in ,o&&!n#+ This l!n%*- loose12ointe# fello) ,!&e fo )! #- )oo#en1f!,e#- t !ilin' his ifle l!/il*+ When he (n#e stoo# )h!t )!s )!nte# f o& hi& ! ho&i,i#!l !n# ,on,eite# s&ile (n,ove e# his teeth- &!%in' t)o #ee" fol#s #o)n his s!llo)- le!the * ,hee%s+ He " i#e# hi&self on $ein' ! #e!# shot+ He # o""e# on one %nee- !n# t!%in' !i& f o& ! ste!#* est th o('h the (nlo""e# $ !n,hes of ! felle# t ee- fi e#- !n# !t on,e stoo# (" to loo%+ The &!n- f! !)!*t( ne# his he!# to the e"o t- &!#e !nothe ste" fo )! #- see&e# to hesit!te- !n# !$ ("tl* 'ot #o)n on his h!n#s !n# %nees+ In the silen,e th!t fell ("on the sh! " , !,% of the ifle- the #e!# shot- %ee"in' his e*es fi.e# ("on the 9(! *- '(esse# th!t <this the e ,oon's he!lth )o(l# neve $e ! so( ,e of !n.iet* to his f ien#s !n* &o e+< The &!n's li&$s )e e seen to &ove !"i#l* (n#e his $o#* in !n en#e!vo( to (n on !ll1fo( s+ In th!t e&"t* s"!,e ! ose ! &(ltit(#ino(s sho(t of #is&!* !n# s( " ise+ The &!n s!n% fl!t- f!,e #o)n- !n# &ove# no &o e+ <Th!t sho)e# the& )h!t )e ,o(l# #o-< s!i# B o)n to &e+ <St (,% the fe! of s(##en #e!th into the&+ Th!t )!s )h!t )e )!nte#+ The* )e e t)o h(n# e# to one- !n# this '!ve the& so&ethin' to thin% ove fo the ni'ht+ Not one of the& h!# !n i#e! of s(,h ! lon' shot $efo e+ Th!t $e''! $elon'in' to the R!2!h s,oote# #o)n1hill )ith his e*es h!n'in' o(t of his he!#+< 'As he )!s tellin' &e this he t ie# )ith ! sh!%in' h!n# to )i"e the thin fo!& on his $l(e li"s+ <T)o h(n# e# to one+ T)o h(n# e#

to one + + + st i%e te o - + + + te o - te o - I tell *o(+ + + +< His o)n e*es )e e st! tin' o(t of thei so,%ets+ He fell $!,%- ,l!)in' the !i )ith s%inn* fin'e s- s!t (" !'!in- $o)e# !n# h!i *- 'l! e# !t &e si#e)!*s li%e so&e &!n1$e!st of fol%1lo e- )ith o"en &o(th in his &ise !$le !n# !)f(l !'on* $efo e he 'ot his s"ee,h $!,% !fte th!t fit+ The e ! e si'hts one neve fo 'ets+ '4( the &o e- to # !) the ene&*'s fi e !n# lo,!te s(,h "! ties !s &i'ht h!ve $een hi#in' in the $(shes !lon' the , ee%- B o)n o #e e# the Solo&on Isl!n#e to 'o #o)n to the $o!t !n# $ in' !n o! - !s *o( sen# ! s"!niel !fte ! sti,% into the )!te + This f!ile#!n# the fello) ,!&e $!,% )itho(t ! sin'le shot h!vin' $een fi e# !t hi& f o& !n*)he e+ <The e's no$o#*-< o"ine# so&e of the &en+ It is <onn!t( !l-< e&! %e# the Y!n%ee+ ;!ssi& h!# 'one- $* th!t ti&e- ve * &(,h i&" esse#- "le!se# too- !n# !lso (ne!s*+ P( s(in' his to t(o(s "oli,*- he h!# #is"!t,he# ! &ess!'e to D!in W! is )! nin' hi& to loo% o(t fo the )hite &en's shi"- )hi,h- he h!# h!# info &!tion- )!s !$o(t to ,o&e (" the ive + He &ini&ise# its st en'th !n# e.ho te# hi& to o""ose its "!ss!'e+ This #o($le1#e!lin' !ns)e e# his "( "ose- )hi,h )!s to %ee" the B('is fo ,es #ivi#e# !n# to )e!%en the& $* fi'htin'+ On the othe h!n#- he h!# in the ,o( se of th!t #!* sent )o # to the !sse&$le# B('is ,hiefs in to)n- !ss( in' the& th!t he )!s t *in' to in#(,e the inv!#e s to eti e0 his &ess!'es to the fo t !s%e# e! nestl* fo "o)#e fo the R!2!h's &en+ It )!s ! lon' ti&e sin,e T(n%( All!n' h!# h!# !&&(nition fo the s,o e o so of ol# &(s%ets (stin' in thei ! &1 !,%s in the !(#ien,e1h!ll+ The o"en inte ,o( se $et)een the hill !n# the "!l!,e (nsettle# !ll the &in#s+ It )!s !l e!#* ti&e fo &en to t!%e si#es- it $e'!n to $e s!i#+ The e )o(l# soon $e &(,h $loo#she#!n# the e!fte ' e!t t o($le fo &!n* "eo"le+ The so,i!l f!$ i, of o #e l*- "e!,ef(l life- )hen eve * &!n )!s s( e of to1&o o)- the e#ifi,e !ise# $* Ji&'s h!n#s- see&e# on th!t evenin' e!#* to ,oll!"se into ! (in ee%in' )ith $loo#+ The "oo e fol% )e e !l e!#* t!%in' to the $(sh o fl*in' (" the ive + A 'oo# &!n* of the (""e ,l!ss 2(#'e# it ne,ess! * to 'o !n# "!* thei ,o( t to the R!2!h+ The R!2!h's *o(ths 2ostle# the& (#el*+ Ol# T(n%( All!n'!l&ost o(t of his &in# )ith fe! !n# in#e,ision- eithe %e"t ! s(llen silen,e o !$(se# the& violentl* fo #! in' to ,o&e )ith e&"t* h!n#s: the* #e"! te# ve * &(,h f i'htene#0 onl* ol# Do !&in %e"t his ,o(nt *&en to'ethe !n# "( s(e# his t!,ti,s infle.i$l*+ Enth one# in ! $i' ,h!i $ehin# the i&" ovise# sto,%!#e- he iss(e# his o #e s in ! #ee" veile# (&$le- (n&ove#- li%e ! #e!f &!n- in the fl*in' (&o( s+ 'D(s% fell- hi#in' fi st the $o#* of the #e!# &!n- )hi,h h!# $een left l*in' )ith ! &s o(tst et,he# !s if n!ile# to the ' o(n#- !n# then the evolvin' s"he e of the ni'ht olle# s&oothl* ove P!t(s!n !n# ,!&e to ! est- sho)e in' the 'litte of ,o(ntless )o l#s ("on the e! th+ A'!in- in the e."ose# "! t of the to)n $i' fi es $l!/e# !lon' the onl* st eet- eve!lin' f o& #ist!n,e to #ist!n,e ("on thei 'l! es the f!llin' st !i'ht lines of oofs- the f !'&ents of )!ttle# )!lls 2(&$le# in ,onf(sion- he e !n# the e ! )hole h(t elev!te# in the 'lo) ("on the ve ti,!l $l!,% st i"es of ! ' o(" of hi'h "iles !n# !ll this line of #)ellin's- eve!le# in "!t,hes $* the s)!*in'

fl!&es- see&e# to fli,%e to t(o(sl* !)!* ("1 ive into the 'loo& !t the he! t of the l!n#+ A ' e!t silen,e- in )hi,h the loo&s of s(,,essive fi es "l!*e# )itho(t noise- e.ten#e# into the #! %ness !t the foot of the hill0 $(t the othe $!n% of the ive - !ll #! % s!ve fo ! solit! * $onfi e !t the ive 1f ont $efo e the fo t- sent o(t into the !i !n in, e!sin' t e&o th!t &i'ht h!ve $een the st!&"in' of ! &(ltit(#e of feet- the h(& of &!n* voi,es- o the f!ll of !n i&&ensel* #ist!nt )!te f!ll+ It )!s then- B o)n ,onfesse# to &e)hile- t( nin' his $!,% on his &en- he s!t loo%in' !t it !ll- th!t not)ithst!n#in' his #is#!in- his (thless f!ith in hi&self- ! feelin' ,!&e ove hi& th!t !t l!st he h!# (n his he!# !'!inst ! stone )!ll+ H!# his $o!t $een !flo!t !t the ti&e- he $elieve# he )o(l# h!ve t ie# to ste!l !)!*- t!%in' his ,h!n,es of ! lon' ,h!se #o)n the ive !n# of st! v!tion !t se!+ It is ve * #o($tf(l )hethe he )o(l# h!ve s(,,ee#e# in 'ettin' !)!*+ Ho)eve - he #i#n't t * this+ 4o !nothe &o&ent he h!# ! "!ssin' tho('ht of t *in' to (sh the to)n- $(t he "e ,eive# ve * )ell th!t in the en# he )o(l# fin# hi&self in the li'hte# st eet- )he e the* )o(l# $e shot #o)n li%e #o's f o& the ho(ses+ The* )e e t)o h(n# e# to one11he tho('ht- )hile his &enh(##lin' o(n# t)o he!"s of s&o(l#e in' e&$e s- &(n,he# the l!st of the $!n!n!s !n# o!ste# the fe) *!&s the* o)e# to ;!ssi&'s #i"lo&!,*+ Co neli(s s!t !&on'st the& #o/in' s(l%il*+ 'Then one of the )hites e&e&$e e# th!t so&e to$!,,o h!# $een left in the $o!t- !n#- en,o( !'e# $* the i&"(nit* of the Solo&on Isl!n#e - s!i# he )o(l# 'o to fet,h it+ At this !ll the othe s shoo% off thei #es"on#en,*+ B o)n !""lie# to- s!i#- <>o- !n# $e #11# to *o(-< s,o nf(ll*+ He #i#n't thin% the e )!s !n* #!n'e in 'oin' to the , ee% in the #! %+ The &!n th e) ! le' ove the t ee1t (n% !n# #is!""e! e#+ A &o&ent l!te he )!s he! # ,l!&$e in' into the $o!t !n# then ,l!&$e in' o(t+ <I've 'ot it-< he , ie#+ A fl!sh !n# ! e"o t !t the ve * foot of the hill follo)e#+ <I !& hit-< *elle# the &!n+ <Loo% o(t- loo% o(t11I !& hit-< !n# inst!ntl* !ll the ifles )ent off+ The hill s9(i te# fi e !n# noise into the ni'ht li%e ! little vol,!no- !n# )hen B o)n !n# the Y!n%ee )ith ,( ses !n# ,(ffs sto""e# the "!ni,1st i,%en fi in'- ! " ofo(n#- )e! * ' o!n flo!te# (" f o& the , ee%- s(,,ee#e# $* ! "l!int )hose he! t en#in' s!#ness )!s li%e so&e "oison t( nin' the $loo# ,ol# in the veins+ Then ! st on' voi,e " ono(n,e# seve !l #istin,t in,o&" ehensi$le )o #s so&e)he e $e*on# the , ee%+ <Let no one fi e-< sho(te# B o)n+ <Wh!t #oes it &e!n5< + + + <Do *o( he! on the hill5 Do *o( he! 5 Do *o( he! 5< e"e!te# the voi,e th ee ti&es+ Co neli(s t !nsl!te#!n# then " o&"te# the !ns)e + <S"e!%-< , ie# B o)n- <)e he! +< Then the voi,e- #e,l!i&in' in the sono o(s infl!te# tone of ! he !l#!n# shiftin' ,ontin(!ll* on the e#'e of the v!'(e )!ste1l!n#" o,l!i&e# th!t $et)een the &en of the B('is n!tion livin' in P!t(s!n !n# the )hite &en on the hill !n# those )ith the&- the e )o(l# $e no f!ith- no ,o&"!ssion- no s"ee,h- no "e!,e+ A $(sh (stle#0 ! h!"h!/! # volle* !n' o(t+ <D!&' foolishness-< &(tte e# the Y!n%ee- ve.e#l* ' o(n#in' the $(tt+ Co neli(s t !nsl!te#+ The )o(n#e# &!n $elo) the hill- !fte , *in' o(t t)i,e- <T!%e &e ("3 t!%e &e ("3< )ent on ,o&"l!inin' in &o!ns+ While he h!# %e"t on the $l!,%ene# e! th of the slo"e- !n# !fte )! #s , o(,hin' in the $o!t- he h!# $een s!fe eno('h+ It see&s th!t in his 2o* !t fin#in'

the to$!,,o he fo 'ot hi&self !n# 2(&"e# o(t on he off1si#e- !s it )e e+ The )hite $o!t- l*in' hi'h !n# # *- sho)e# hi& ("0 the , ee% )!s no &o e th!n seven *! #s )i#e in th!t "l!,e- !n# the e h!""ene# to $e ! &!n , o(,hin' in the $(sh on the othe $!n%+ 'He )!s ! B('is of Ton#!no onl* l!tel* ,o&e to P!t(s!n- !n# ! el!tion of the &!n shot in the !fte noon+ Th!t f!&o(s lon' shot h!# in#ee# !""!lle# the $ehol#e s+ The &!n in (tte se,( it* h!# $een st (,% #o)n- in f(ll vie) of his f ien#s- # o""in' )ith ! 2o%e on his li"s- !n# the* see&e# to see in the !,t !n !t o,it* )hi,h h!# sti e# ! $itte !'e+ Th!t el!tion of his- Si1L!"! $* n!&e- )!s then )ith Do !&in in the sto,%!#e onl* ! fe) feet !)!*+ Yo( )ho %no) these ,h!"s &(st !#&it th!t the fello) sho)e# !n (n(s(!l "l(,% $* vol(ntee in' to ,! * the &ess!'e- !lone- in the #! %+ C ee"in' !, oss the o"en ' o(n#- he h!# #evi!te# to the left !n# fo(n# hi&self o""osite the $o!t+ He )!s st! tle# )hen B o)n's &!n sho(te#+ He ,!&e to ! sittin' "osition )ith his '(n to his sho(l#e - !n# )hen the othe 2(&"e# o(t- e."osin' hi&self- he "(lle# the t i''e !n# lo#'e# th ee 2!''e# sl('s "oint1$l!n% into the "oo ) et,h's sto&!,h+ Then- l*in' fl!t on his f!,e- he '!ve hi&self (" fo #e!#- )hile ! thin h!il of le!# ,ho""e# !n# s)ishe# the $(shes ,lose on his i'ht h!n#0 !fte )! #s he #elive e# his s"ee,h sho(tin'- $ent #o($le- #o#'in' !ll the ti&e in ,ove + With the l!st )o # he le!"e# si#e)!*s- l!* ,lose fo ! )hile- !n# !fte )! #s 'ot $!,% to the ho(ses (nh! &e#- h!vin' !,hieve# on th!t ni'ht s(,h ! eno)n !s his ,hil# en )ill not )illin'l* !llo) to #ie+ 'An# on the hill the fo lo n $!n# let the t)o little he!"s of e&$e s 'o o(t (n#e thei $o)e# he!#s+ The* s!t #e2e,te# on the ' o(n# )ith ,o&" esse# li"s !n# #o)n,!st e*es- listenin' to thei ,o& !#e $elo)+ He )!s ! st on' &!n !n# #ie# h! #- )ith &o!ns no) lo(#no) sin%in' to ! st !n'e ,onfi#enti!l note of "!in+ So&eti&es he sh ie%e#- !n# !'!in- !fte ! "e io# of silen,e- he ,o(l# $e he! # &(tte in' #eli io(sl* ! lon' !n# (nintelli'i$le ,o&"l!int+ Neve fo ! &o&ent #i# he ,e!se+ ' <Wh!t's the 'oo#5< B o)n h!# s!i# (n&ove# on,e- seein' the Y!n%ee- )ho h!# $een s)e! in' (n#e his $ e!th- " e"! e to 'o #o)n+ <Th!t's so-< !ssente# the #ese te - el(,t!ntl* #esistin'+ <The e's no en,o( !'e&ent fo )o(n#e# &en he e+ Onl* his noise is ,!l,(l!te# to &!%e !ll the othe s thin% too &(,h of the he e!fte ,!"'n+< <W!te 3< , ie# the )o(n#e# &!n in !n e.t !o #in! il* ,le! vi'o o(s voi,e- !n# then )ent off &o!nin' fee$l*+ <A*- )!te + W!te )ill #o it-< &(tte e# the othe to hi&self- esi'ne#l*+ <Plent* $*1!n#1$*+ The ti#e is flo)in'+< 'At l!st the ti#e flo)e#- silen,in' the "l!int !n# the , ies of "!in!n# the #!)n )!s ne! )hen B o)n- sittin' )ith his ,hin in the "!l& of his h!n# $efo e P!t(s!n- !s one &i'ht st! e !t the (ns,!l!$le si#e of ! &o(nt!in- he! # the $ ief in'in' $! % of ! $ !ss G1"o(n#e f! !)!* in to)n so&e)he e+ <Wh!t's this5< he !s%e# of Co neli(s)ho h(n' !$o(t hi&+ Co neli(s listene#+ A &(ffle# o! in' sho(t olle# #o)n1 ive ove the to)n0 ! $i' # (& $e'!n to th o$- !n# othe s es"on#e#- "(ls!tin' !n# # onin'+ Tin* s,!tte e# li'hts

$e'!n to t)in%le in the #! % h!lf of the to)n- )hile the "! t li'hte# $* the loo& of fi es h(&&e# )ith ! #ee" !n# " olon'e# &( &( + <He h!s ,o&e-< s!i# Co neli(s+ <Wh!t5 Al e!#*5 A e *o( s( e5< B o)n !s%e#+ <Yes3 *es3 S( e+ Listen to the noise+< <Wh!t ! e the* &!%in' th!t o) !$o(t5< "( s(e# B o)n+ <4o 2o*-< sno te# Co neli(s0 <he is ! ve * ' e!t &!n- $(t !ll the s!&e- he %no)s no &o e th!n ! ,hil#- !n# so the* &!%e ! ' e!t noise to "le!se hi&$e,!(se the* %no) no $ette +< <Loo% he e-< s!i# B o)n- <ho) is one to 'et !t hi&5< <He sh!ll ,o&e to t!l% to *o(-< Co neli(s #e,l! e#+ <Wh!t #o *o( &e!n5 Co&e #o)n he e st ollin' !s it )e e5< Co neli(s no##e# vi'o o(sl* in the #! %+ <Yes+ He )ill ,o&e st !i'ht he e !n# t!l% to *o(+ He is 2(st li%e ! fool+ Yo( sh!ll see )h!t ! fool he is+< B o)n )!s in, e#(lo(s+ <Yo( sh!ll see0 *o( sh!ll see-< e"e!te# Co neli(s+ <He is not !f !i#11not !f !i# of !n*thin'+ He )ill ,o&e !n# o #e *o( to le!ve his "eo"le !lone+ Eve *$o#* &(st le!ve his "eo"le !lone+ He is li%e ! little ,hil#+ He )ill ,o&e to *o( st !i'ht+< Al!s3 he %ne) Ji& )ell11th!t <&e!n little s%(n%-< !s B o)n ,!lle# hi& to &e+ <Yes- ,e t!inl*-< he "( s(e# )ith ! #o( - <!n# then- ,!"t!in- *o( tell th!t t!ll &!n )ith ! '(n to shoot hi&+ J(st *o( %ill hi&- !n# *o( )ill f i'hten eve *$o#* so &(,h th!t *o( ,!n #o !n*thin' *o( li%e )ith the& !fte )! #s11'et )h!t *o( li%e11'o !)!* )hen *o( li%e+ H!3 h!3 h!3 4ine + + +< He !l&ost #!n,e# )ith i&"!tien,e !n# e!'e ness0 !n# B o)n- loo%in' ove his sho(l#e !t hi&- ,o(l# see- sho)n (" $* the "itiless #!)n- his &en # en,he# )ith #e)- sittin' !&on'st the ,ol# !shes !n# the litte of the ,!&"- h!''! #- ,o)e#- !n# in !'s+'

CHAPTER C6 'To the ve * l!st &o&ent- till the f(ll #!* ,!&e ("on the& )ith ! s" in'- the fi es on the )est $!n% $l!/e# $ i'ht !n# ,le! 0 !n# then B o)n s!) in ! %not of ,olo( e# fi'( es &otionless $et)een the !#v!n,e# ho(ses ! &!n in E( o"e!n ,lothes- in ! hel&et- !ll )hite+ <Th!t's hi&0 loo%3 loo%3< Co neli(s s!i# e.,ite#l*+ All B o)n's &en h!# s" (n' (" !n# , o)#e# !t his $!,% )ith l(st eless e*es+ The ' o(" of vivi# ,olo( s !n# #! % f!,es )ith the )hite fi'( e in thei &i#st )e e o$se vin' the %noll+ B o)n ,o(l# see n!%e# ! &s $ein' !ise# to sh!#e the e*es !n# othe $ o)n ! &s "ointin'+ Wh!t sho(l# he #o5 He loo%e# ! o(n#- !n# the fo ests th!t f!,e# hi& on !ll si#es )!lle# the ,o,%1"it of !n (ne9(!l ,ontest+ He loo%e# on,e &o e !t his &en+ A ,onte&"t- ! )e! iness- the #esi e of life- the )ish to t * fo one &o e ,h!n,e11fo so&e othe ' !ve11st (''le# in his $ e!st+ 4 o& the o(tline the fi'( e " esente# it see&e# to hi& th!t the )hite &!n the e- $!,%e# (" $* !ll the "o)e of the l!n#- )!s e.!&inin' his "osition th o('h $ino,(l! s+ B o)n 2(&"e# (" on the lo'- th o)in' his ! &s ("- the "!l&s o(t)! #s+ The ,olo( e# ' o(" ,lose# o(n# the )hite &!n- !n# fell $!,% t)i,e $efo e he 'ot ,le! of the&- )!l%in' slo)l* !lone+ B o)n e&!ine# st!n#in' on the lo' till Ji&- !""e! in' !n# #is!""e! in' $et)een the "!t,hes of tho n* s, ($- h!# ne! l* e!,he# the , ee%0 then B o)n 2(&"e# off !n#

)ent #o)n to &eet hi& on his si#e+ 'The* &et- I sho(l# thin%- not ve * f! f o& the "l!,e- "e h!"s on the ve * s"ot- )he e Ji& too% the se,on# #es"e !te le!" of his life11the le!" th!t l!n#e# hi& into the life of P!t(s!n- into the t (stthe love- the ,onfi#en,e of the "eo"le+ The* f!,e# e!,h othe !, oss the , ee%- !n# )ith ste!#* e*es t ie# to (n#e st!n# e!,h othe $efo e the* o"ene# thei li"s+ Thei !nt!'onis& &(st h!ve $een e." esse# in thei 'l!n,es0 I %no) th!t B o)n h!te# Ji& !t fi st si'ht+ Wh!teve ho"es he &i'ht h!ve h!# v!nishe# !t on,e+ This )!s not the &!n he h!# e."e,te# to see+ He h!te# hi& fo this11 !n# in ! ,he,%e# fl!nnel shi t )ith sleeves ,(t off !t the el$o)s' e* $e! #e#- )ith ! s(n%en- s(n1$l!,%ene# f!,e11he ,( se# in his he! t the othe 's *o(th !n# !ss( !n,e- his ,le! e*es !n# his (nt o($le# $e! in'+ Th!t fello) h!# 'ot in ! lon' )!* $efo e hi&3 He #i# not loo% li%e ! &!n )ho )o(l# $e )illin' to 'ive !n*thin' fo !ssist!n,e+ He h!# !ll the !#v!nt!'es on his si#e11"ossessionse,( it*- "o)e 0 he )!s on the si#e of !n ove )hel&in' fo ,e3 He )!s not h(n' * !n# #es"e !te- !n# he #i# not see& in the le!st !f !i#+ An# the e )!s so&ethin' in the ve * ne!tness of Ji&'s ,lothes- f o& the )hite hel&et to the ,!nv!s le''in's !n# the "i"e,l!*e# shoes- )hi,h in B o)n's so&$ e i it!te# e*es see&e# to $elon' to thin's he h!# in the ve * sh!"in' of his life ,on#e&ne# !n# flo(te#+ ' <Who ! e *o(5< !s%e# Ji& !t l!st- s"e!%in' in his (s(!l voi,e+ <M* n!&e's B o)n-< !ns)e e# the othe lo(#l*0 <C!"t!in B o)n+ Wh!t's *o( s5< !n# Ji& !fte ! little "!(se )ent on 9(ietl*- !s If he h!# not he! #: <Wh!t &!#e *o( ,o&e he e5< <Yo( )!nt to %no)-< s!i# B o)n $itte l*+ <It's e!s* to tell+ H(n'e + An# )h!t &!#e *o(5< ' <The fello) st! te# !t this-< s!i# B o)n- el!tin' to &e the o"enin' of this st !n'e ,onve s!tion $et)een those t)o &en- se"! !te# onl* $* the &(##* $e# of ! , ee%- $(t st!n#in' on the o""osite "oles of th!t ,on,e"tion of life )hi,h in,l(#es !ll &!n%in#11<The fello) st! te# !t this !n# 'ot ve * e# in the f!,e+ Too $i' to $e 9(estione#- I s(""ose+ I tol# hi& th!t if he loo%e# ("on &e !s ! #e!# &!n )ith )ho& *o( &!* t!%e li$e ties- he hi&self )!s not ! )hit $ette off e!ll*+ I h!# ! fello) (" the e )ho h!# ! $e!# # !)n on hi& !ll the ti&e- !n# onl* )!ite# fo ! si'n f o& &e+ The e )!s nothin' to $e sho,%e# !t in this+ He h!# ,o&e #o)n of his o)n f ee )ill+ 'Let (s !' ee-' s!i# I- 'th!t )e ! e $oth #e!# &en- !n# let (s t!l% on th!t $!sis- !s e9(!ls+ We ! e !ll e9(!l $efo e #e!th-' I s!i#+ I !#&itte# I )!s the e li%e ! !t in ! t !"- $(t )e h!# $een # iven to it- !n# even ! t !""e# !t ,!n 'ive ! $ite+ He ,!('ht &e (" in ! &o&ent+ 'Not if *o( #on't 'o ne! the t !" till the !t is #e!#+' I tol# hi& th!t so t of '!&e )!s 'oo# eno('h fo these n!tive f ien#s of his- $(t I )o(l# h!ve tho('ht hi& too )hite to se ve even ! !t so+ Yes- I h!# )!nte# to t!l% )ith hi&+ Not to $e' fo &* lifetho('h+ M* fello)s )e e11)ell11)h!t the* )e e11&en li%e hi&self!n*ho)+ All )e )!nte# f o& hi& )!s to ,o&e on in the #evil's n!&e !n# h!ve it o(t+ '>o# #11n it-' s!i# I- )hile he stoo# the e !s still !s ! )oo#en "ost- '*o( #on't )!nt to ,o&e o(t he e eve * #!*

)ith *o( 'l!sses to ,o(nt ho) &!n* of (s ! e left on o( feet+ Co&e+ Eithe $ in' *o( infe n!l , o)# !lon' o let (s 'o o(t !n# st! ve in the o"en se!- $* >o#3 Yo( h!ve $een )hite on,e- fo !ll *o( t!ll t!l% of this $ein' *o( o)n "eo"le !n# *o( $ein' one )ith the&+ A e *o(5 An# )h!t the #evil #o *o( 'et fo it0 )h!t is it *o('ve fo(n# he e th!t is so #11# " e,io(s5 He*5 Yo( #on't )!nt (s to ,o&e #o)n he e "e h!"s11#o *o(5 Yo( ! e t)o h(n# e# to one+ Yo( #on't )!nt (s to ,o&e #o)n into the o"en+ Ah3 I " o&ise *o( )e sh!ll 'ive *o( so&e s"o t $efo e *o('ve #one+ Yo( t!l% !$o(t &e &!%in' ! ,o)! #l* set ("on (noffen#in' "eo"le+ Wh!t's th!t to &e th!t the* ! e (noffen#in'- )hen I !& st! vin' fo ne.t to no offen,e5 B(t I !& not ! ,o)! #+ Don't *o( $e one+ B in' the& !lon' o - $* !ll the fien#s- )e sh!ll *et &!n!'e to sen# h!lf *o( (noffen#in' to)n to he!ven )ith (s in s&o%e3' < 'He )!s te i$le11 el!tin' this to &e11this to t( e# s%eleton of ! &!n # !)n (" to'ethe )ith his f!,e ove his %nees- ("on ! &ise !$le $e# in th!t ) et,he# hovel- !n# liftin' his he!# to loo% !t &e )ith &!li'n!nt t i(&"h+ ' <Th!t's )h!t I tol# hi&11I %ne) )h!t to s!*-< he $e'!n !'!infee$l* !t fi st- $(t )o %in' hi&self (" )ith in, e#i$le s"ee# into ! fie * (tte !n,e of his s,o n+ <We ! en't 'oin' into the fo est to )!n#e li%e ! st in' of livin' s%eletons # o""in' one !fte !nothe fo !nts to 'o to )o % ("on (s $efo e )e ! e f!i l* #e!#+ Oh no3 + + + 'Yo( #on't #ese ve ! $ette f!te-' he s!i#+ 'An# )h!t #o *o( #ese ve-' I sho(te# !t hi&- '*o( th!t I fin# s%(l%in' he e )ith *o( &o(th f(ll of *o( es"onsi$ilit*- of inno,ent lives- of *o( infe n!l #(t*5 Wh!t #o *o( %no) &o e of &e th!n I %no) of *o(5 I ,!&e he e fo foo#+ D'*e he! 511foo# to fill o( $ellies+ An# )h!t #i# B*o(B ,o&e fo 5 Wh!t #i# *o( !s% fo )hen *o( ,!&e he e5 We #on't !s% *o( fo !n*thin' $(t to 'ive (s ! fi'ht o ! ,le! o!# to 'o $!,% )hen,e )e ,!&e+ + + +' 'I )o(l# fi'ht )ith *o( no)-' s!*s he"(llin' !t his little &o(st!,he+ 'An# I )o(l# let *o( shoot &e- !n# )el,o&e-' I s!i#+ 'This is !s 'oo# ! 2(&"in'1off "l!,e fo &e !s !nothe + I !& si,% of &* infe n!l l(,%+ B(t it )o(l# $e too e!s*+ The e ! e &* &en in the s!&e $o!t11!n#- $* >o#- I !& not the so t to 2(&" o(t of t o($le !n# le!ve the& in ! #11# l( ,h-' I s!i#+ He stoo# thin%in' fo ! )hile !n# then )!nte# to %no) )h!t I h!# #one ?'o(t the e' he s!*s- tossin' his he!# #o)n1st e!&@ to $e h!/e# !$o(t so+ 'H!ve )e &et to tell e!,h othe the sto * of o( lives5' I !s%e# hi&+ 'S(""ose *o( $e'in+ No5 Well- I !& s( e I #on't )!nt to he! + ;ee" it to *o( self+ I %no) it is no $ette th!n &ine+ I've live#11!n# so #i# *o(- tho('h *o( t!l% !s if *o( )e e one of those "eo"le th!t sho(l# h!ve )in's so !s to 'o !$o(t )itho(t to(,hin' the #i t* e! th+ Well11it is #i t*+ I h!ven't 'ot !n* )in's+ I !& he e $e,!(se I )!s !f !i# on,e in &* life+ W!nt to %no) )h!t of5 Of ! " ison+ Th!t s,! es &e- !n# *o( &!* %no) it11if it's !n* 'oo# to *o(+ I )on't !s% *o( )h!t s,! e# *o( into this infe n!l hole- )he e *o( see& to h!ve fo(n# " ett* "i,%in's+ Th!t's *o( l(,% !n# this is &ine11the " ivile'e to $e' fo the f!vo( of $ein' shot 9(i,%l*o else %i,%e# o(t to 'o f ee !n# st! ve in &* o)n )!*+' + + +< 'His #e$ilit!te# $o#* shoo% )ith !n e.(lt!tion so vehe&ent- so

!ss( e#- !n# so &!li,io(s th!t it see&e# to h!ve # iven off the #e!th )!itin' fo hi& in th!t h(t+ The ,o "se of his &!# self1love (" ose f o& !'s !n# #estit(tion !s f o& the #! % ho o s of ! to&$+ It is i&"ossi$le to s!* ho) &(,h he lie# to Ji& then- ho) &(,h he lie# to &e no)11!n# to hi&self !l)!*s+ E!nit* "l!*s l( i# t i,%s )ith o( &e&o *- !n# the t (th of eve * "!ssion )!nts so&e " eten,e to &!%e it live+ St!n#in' !t the '!te of the othe )o l# in the '(ise of ! $e''! - he h!# sl!""e# this )o l#'s f!,e- he h!# s"!t on it- he h!# th o)n ("on it !n i&&ensit* of s,o n !n# evolt !t the $otto& of his &is#ee#s+ He h!# ove ,o&e the& !ll11&en- )o&en- s!v!'est !#e s- (ffi!ns- &ission! ies11!n# Ji&11<th!t $eef*1f!,e# $e''! +< I #i# not $e' (#'e hi& this t i(&"h in ! ti,(lo &o tis- this !l&ost "osth(&o(s ill(sion of h!vin' t !&"le# !ll the e! th (n#e his feet+ While he )!s $o!stin' to &e- in his so #i# !n# e"(lsive !'on*- I ,o(l#n't hel" thin%in' of the ,h(,%lin' t!l% el!tin' to the ti&e of his ' e!test s"len#o( )hen- #( in' ! *e! o &o e>entle&!n B o)n's shi" )!s to $e seen- fo &!n* #!*s on en#hove in' off !n islet $ef in'e# )ith ' een ("on !/( e- )ith the #! % #ot of the &ission1ho(se on ! )hite $e!,h0 )hile >entle&!n B o)n!sho e- )!s ,!stin' his s"ells ove ! o&!nti, 'i l fo )ho& Mel!nesi! h!# $een too &(,h- !n# 'ivin' ho"es of ! e&! %!$le ,onve sion to he h(s$!n#+ The "oo &!n- so&e ti&e o othe - h!# $een he! # to e." ess the intention of )innin' <C!"t!in B o)n to ! $ette )!* of life+< + + + <B!' >entle&!n B o)n fo >lo *<11!s ! lee *1e*e# lo!fe e." esse# it on,e11<2(st to let the& see (" !$ove )h!t ! Weste n P!,ifi, t !#in' s%i""e loo%s li%e+< An# this )!s the &!ntoo- )ho h!# (n off )ith ! #*in' )o&!n- !n# h!# she# te! s ove he $o#*+ <C! ie# on li%e ! $i' $!$*-< his then &!te )!s neve ti e# of tellin'- <!n# )he e the f(n ,!&e in &!* I $e %i,%e# to #e!th $* #ise!se# ;!n!%!s if BIB %no)+ Wh*- 'ents3 she )!s too f! 'one )hen he $ o('ht he !$o! # to %no) hi&0 she 2(st l!* the e on he $!,% in his $(n% st! in' !t the $e!& )ith !)f(l shinin' e*es11!n# then she #ie#+ D!&' $!# so t of feve - I '(ess+ + + +< I e&e&$e e# !ll these sto ies )hile- )i"in' his &!tte# l(&" of ! $e! # )ith ! livi# h!n#- he )!s tellin' &e f o& his noiso&e ,o(,h ho) he 'ot o(n#- 'ot in- 'ot ho&e- on th!t ,onfo(n#e#- i&&!,(l!te#on't1*o(1to(,h1&e so t of fello)+ He !#&itte# th!t he ,o(l#n't $e s,! e#- $(t the e )!s ! )!*- <!s $ o!# !s ! t( n"i%e- to 'et in !n# sh!%e his t)o"enn* so(l ! o(n# !n# insi#e o(t !n# ("si#e #o)n11$* >o#3< '

CHAPTER C= 'I #on't thin% he ,o(l# #o &o e th!n "e h!"s loo% ("on th!t st !i'ht "!th+ He see&e# to h!ve $een "(//le# $* )h!t he s!)- fo he inte ("te# hi&self in his n! !tive &o e th!n on,e to e.,l!i&<He ne! l* sli""e# f o& &e the e+ I ,o(l# not &!%e hi& o(t+ Who )!s he5< An# !fte 'l! in' !t &e )il#l* he )o(l# 'o on- 2($il!tin' !n# snee in'+ To &e the ,onve s!tion of these t)o !, oss the , ee% !""e! s no) !s the #e!#liest %in# of #(el on )hi,h 4!te loo%e# on )ith he ,ol#1e*e# %no)le#'e of the en#+ No- he #i#n't t( n Ji&'s so(l insi#e o(t- $(t I !& &(,h &ist!%en if the s"i it so (tte l* o(t

of his e!,h h!# not $een &!#e to t!ste to the f(ll the $itte ness of th!t ,ontest+ These )e e the e&iss! ies )ith )ho& the )o l# he h!# eno(n,e# )!s "( s(in' hi& in his et e!t11)hite &en f o& <o(t the e< )he e he #i# not thin% hi&self 'oo# eno('h to live+ This )!s !ll th!t ,!&e to hi&11! &en!,e- ! sho,%- ! #!n'e to his )o %+ I s(""ose it is this s!#- h!lf1 esentf(l- h!lf1 esi'ne# feelin'"ie ,in' th o('h the fe) )o #s Ji& s!i# no) !n# then- th!t "(//le# B o)n so &(,h in the e!#in' of his ,h! !,te + So&e ' e!t &en o)e &ost of thei ' e!tness to the !$ilit* of #ete,tin' in those the* #estine fo thei tools the e.!,t 9(!lit* of st en'th th!t &!tte s fo thei )o %0 !n# B o)n- !s tho('h he h!# $een e!ll* ' e!t- h!# ! s!t!ni, 'ift of fin#in' o(t the $est !n# the )e!%est s"ot in his vi,ti&s+ He !#&itte# to &e th!t Ji& )!sn't of the so t th!t ,!n $e 'ot ove $* t (,%lin'- !n# !,,o #in'l* he too% ,! e to sho) hi&self !s ! &!n ,onf ontin' )itho(t #is&!* ill1l(,%- ,ens( e- !n# #is!ste + The s&(''lin' of ! fe) '(ns )!s no ' e!t , i&e- he "ointe# o(t+ As to ,o&in' to P!t(s!n- )ho h!# the i'ht to s!* he h!#n't ,o&e to $e'5 The infe n!l "eo"le he e let loose !t hi& f o& $oth $!n%s )itho(t st!*in' to !s% 9(estions+ He &!#e the "oint $ !/enl*- fo in t (th- D!in W! is's ene 'eti, !,tion h!# " evente# the ' e!test ,!l!&ities0 $e,!(se B o)n tol# &e #istin,tl* th!t- "e ,eivin' the si/e of the "l!,e- he h!# esolve# inst!ntl* in his &in# th!t !s soon !s he h!# '!ine# ! footin' he )o(l# set fi e i'ht !n# left- !n# $e'in $* shootin' #o)n eve *thin' livin' in si'ht- in o #e to ,o) !n# te if* the "o"(l!tion+ The #is" o"o tion of fo ,es )!s so ' e!t th!t this )!s the onl* )!* 'ivin' hi& the sli'htest ,h!n,e of !tt!inin' his en#s11he ! '(e# in ! fit of ,o('hin'+ B(t he #i#n't tell Ji& this+ As to the h! #shi"s !n# st! v!tion the* h!# 'one th o('h- these h!# $een ve * e!l0 it )!s eno('h to loo% !t his $!n#+ He &!#e- !t the so(n# of ! sh ill )histle- !ll his &en !""e! st!n#in' in ! o) on the lo's in f(ll vie)- so th!t Ji& ,o(l# see the&+ 4o the %illin' of the &!n- it h!# $een #one11)ell- it h!#11$(t )!s not this )! $loo#* )! 11in ! ,o ne 5 !n# the fello) h!# $een %ille# ,le!nl*shot th o('h the ,hest- not li%e th!t "oo #evil of his l*in' no) in the , ee%+ The* h!# to listen to hi& #*in' fo si. ho( s- )ith his ent !ils to n )ith sl('s+ At !n* !te this )!s ! life fo ! life+ + + + An# !ll this )!s s!i# )ith the )e! iness- )ith the e,%lessness of ! &!n s"( e# on !n# on $* ill1l(,% till he ,! es not )he e he (ns+ When he !s%e# Ji&- )ith ! so t of $ (s9(e #es"!i in' f !n%ness)hethe he hi&self11st !i'ht no)11#i#n't (n#e st!n# th!t )hen <it ,!&e to s!vin' one's life in the #! %- one #i#n't ,! e )ho else )ent11th ee- thi t*- th ee h(n# e# "eo"le<11it )!s !s if ! #e&on h!# $een )his"e in' !#vi,e in his e! + <I &!#e hi& )in,e-< $o!ste# B o)n to &e+ <He ve * soon left off ,o&in' the i'hteo(s ove &e+ He 2(st stoo# the e )ith nothin' to s!*- !n# loo%in' !s $l!,% !s th(n#e 11not !t &e11on the ' o(n#+< He !s%e# Ji& )hethe he h!# nothin' fish* in his life to e&e&$e th!t he )!s so #!&ne#l* h! # ("on ! &!n t *in' to 'et o(t of ! #e!#l* hole $* the fi st &e!ns th!t ,!&e to h!n#11!n# so on- !n# so on+ An# the e !n th o('h the o('h t!l% ! vein of s($tle efe en,e to thei ,o&&on $loo#!n !ss(&"tion of ,o&&on e."e ien,e0 ! si,%enin' s(''estion of ,o&&on '(ilt- of se, et %no)le#'e th!t )!s li%e ! $on# of thei &in#s !n# of thei he! ts+

'At l!st B o)n th e) hi&self #o)n f(ll len'th !n# )!t,he# Ji& o(t of the ,o ne s of his e*es+ Ji& on his si#e of the , ee% stoo# thin%in' !n# s)it,hin' his le'+ The ho(ses in vie) )e e silent- !s if ! "estilen,e h!# s)e"t the& ,le!n of eve * $ e!th of life0 $(t &!n* invisi$le e*es )e e t( ne#- f o& )ithin- ("on the t)o &en )ith the , ee% $et)een the&- ! st !n#e# )hite $o!t- !n# the $o#* of the thi # &!n h!lf s(n% in the &(#+ On the ive ,!noes )e e &ovin' !'!in- fo P!t(s!n )!s e,ove in' its $elief in the st!$ilit* of e! thl* instit(tions sin,e the et( n of the )hite lo #+ The i'ht $!n%- the "l!tfo &s of the ho(ses- the !fts &oo e# !lon' the sho es- even the oofs of $!thin'1h(ts- )e e ,ove e# )ith "eo"le th!t- f! !)!* o(t of e! shot !n# !l&ost o(t of si'ht- )e e st !inin' thei e*es to)! #s the %noll $e*on# the R!2!h's sto,%!#e+ Within the )i#e i e'(l! in' of fo ests- $ o%en in t)o "l!,es $* the sheen of the ive - the e )!s ! silen,e+ <Will *o( " o&ise to le!ve the ,o!st5< Ji& !s%e#+ B o)n lifte# !n# let f!ll his h!n#- 'ivin' eve *thin' (" !s it )e e11!,,e"tin' the inevit!$le+ <An# s( en#e *o( ! &s5< Ji& )ent on+ B o)n s!t (" !n# 'l! e# !, oss+ <S( en#e o( ! &s3 Not till *o( ,o&e to t!%e the& o(t of o( stiff h!n#s+ Yo( thin% I !& 'one , !/* )ith f(n%5 Oh no3 Th!t !n# the !'s I st!n# in is !ll I h!ve 'ot in the )o l#- $esi#es ! fe) &o e $ ee,hlo!#e s on $o! #0 !n# I e."e,t to sell the lot in M!#!'!s,! - if I eve 'et so f! 11$e''in' &* )!* f o& shi" to shi"+< 'Ji& s!i# nothin' to this+ At l!st- th o)in' !)!* the s)it,h he hel# in his h!n#- he s!i#- !s if s"e!%in' to hi&self- <I #on't %no) )hethe I h!ve the "o)e +< + + + <Yo( #on't %no)3 An# *o( )!nte# &e 2(st no) to 'ive (" &* ! &s3 Th!t's 'oo#- too-< , ie# B o)n0 <S(""ose the* s!* one thin' to *o(- !n# #o the othe thin' to &e+< He ,!l&e# #o)n &! %e#l*+ <I #! e s!* *o( h!ve the "o)e - o )h!t's the &e!nin' of !ll this t!l%5< he ,ontin(e#+ <Wh!t #i# *o( ,o&e #o)n he e fo 5 To "!ss the ti&e of #!*5< ' <Ee * )ell-< s!i# Ji&- liftin' his he!# s(##enl* !fte ! lon' silen,e+ <Yo( sh!ll h!ve ! ,le! o!# o else ! ,le! fi'ht+< He t( ne# on his heel !n# )!l%e# !)!*+ 'B o)n 'ot (" !t on,e- $(t he #i# not 'o (" the hill till he h!# seen Ji& #is!""e! $et)een the fi st ho(ses+ He neve set his e*es on hi& !'!in+ On his )!* $!,% he &et Co neli(s slo(,hin' #o)n )ith his he!# $et)een his sho(l#e s+ He sto""e# $efo e B o)n+ <Wh* #i#n't *o( %ill hi&5< he #e&!n#e# in ! so( - #is,ontente# voi,e+ <Be,!(se I ,o(l# #o $ette th!n th!t-< B o)n s!i# )ith !n !&(se# s&ile+ <Neve 3 neve 3< " oteste# Co neli(s )ith ene '*+ <Co(l#n't+ I h!ve live# he e fo &!n* *e! s+< B o)n loo%e# (" !t hi& ,( io(sl*+ The e )e e &!n* si#es to the life of th!t "l!,e in ! &s !'!inst hi&0 thin's he )o(l# neve fin# o(t+ Co neli(s sl(n% "!st #e2e,te#l* in the #i e,tion of the ive + He )!s no) le!vin' his ne) f ien#s0 he !,,e"te# the #is!""ointin' ,o( se of events )ith ! s(l%* o$stin!,* )hi,h see&e# to # !) &o e to'ethe his little *ello) ol# f!,e0 !n# !s he )ent #o)n he 'l!n,e# !s%!nt he e !n# the eneve 'ivin' (" his fi.e# i#e!+ 'Hen,efo th events &ove f!st )itho(t ! ,he,%- flo)in' f o& the

ve * he! ts of &en li%e ! st e!& f o& ! #! % so( ,e- !n# )e see Ji& !&on'st the&- &ostl* th o('h T!&$' It!&'s e*es+ The 'i l's e*es h!# )!t,he# hi& too- $(t he life is too &(,h ent)ine# )ith his: the e is he "!ssion- he )on#e - he !n'e - !n#- !$ove !ll- he fe! !n# he (nfo 'ivin' love+ Of the f!ithf(l se v!nt- (n,o&" ehen#in' !s the est of the&- it is the fi#elit* !lone th!t ,o&es into "l!*0 ! fi#elit* !n# ! $elief in his lo # so st on' th!t even !&!/e&ent is s($#(e# to ! so t of s!##ene# !,,e"t!n,e of ! &*ste io(s f!il( e+ He h!s e*es onl* fo one fi'( e- !n# th o('h !ll the &!/es of $e)il#e &ent he " ese ves his !i of '(! #i!nshi"- of o$e#ien,e- of ,! e+ 'His &!ste ,!&e $!,% f o& his t!l% )ith the )hite &en- )!l%in' slo)l* to)! #s the sto,%!#e in the st eet+ Eve *$o#* )!s e2oi,e# to see hi& et( n- fo )hile he )!s !)!* eve * &!n h!# $een !f !i# not onl* of hi& $ein' %ille#- $(t !lso of )h!t )o(l# ,o&e !fte + Ji& )ent into one of the ho(ses- )he e ol# Do !&in h!# eti e#!n# e&!ine# !lone fo ! lon' ti&e )ith the he!# of the B('is settle s+ No #o($t he #is,(sse# the ,o( se to follo) )ith hi& then$(t no &!n )!s " esent !t the ,onve s!tion+ Onl* T!&$' It!&%ee"in' !s ,lose to the #oo !s he ,o(l#- he! # his &!ste s!*- <Yes+ I sh!ll let !ll the "eo"le %no) th!t s(,h is &* )ish0 $(t I s"o%e to *o(- O Do !&in- $efo e !ll the othe s- !n# !lone0 fo *o( %no) &* he! t !s )ell !s I %no) *o( s !n# its ' e!test #esi e+ An# *o( %no) )ell !lso th!t I h!ve no tho('ht $(t fo the "eo"le's 'oo#+< Then his &!ste - liftin' the sheetin' in the #oo )!*- )ent o(t- !n# heT!&$' It!&- h!# ! 'li&"se of ol# Do !&in )ithin- sittin' in the ,h!i )ith his h!n#s on his %nees- !n# loo%in' $et)een his feet+ Afte )! #s he follo)e# his &!ste to the fo t- )he e !ll the " in,i"!l B('is !n# P!t(s!n inh!$it!nts h!# $een s(&&one# fo ! t!l%+ T!&$' It!& hi&self ho"e# the e )o(l# $e so&e fi'htin'+ <Wh!t )!s it $(t the t!%in' of !nothe hill5< he e.,l!i&e# e' etf(ll*+ Ho)eve - in the to)n &!n* ho"e# th!t the !"!,io(s st !n'e s )o(l# $e in#(,e#- $* the si'ht of so &!n* $ !ve &en &!%in' e!#* to fi'ht- to 'o !)!*+ It )o(l# $e ! 'oo# thin' if the* )ent !)!*+ Sin,e Ji&'s ! iv!l h!# $een &!#e %no)n $efo e #!*li'ht $* the '(n fi e# f o& the fo t !n# the $e!tin' of the $i' # (& the e- the fe! th!t h!# h(n' ove P!t(s!n h!# $ o%en !n# s($si#e# li%e ! )!ve on ! o,%- le!vin' the seethin' fo!& of e.,ite&ent- ,( iosit*!n# en#less s"e,(l!tion+ H!lf of the "o"(l!tion h!# $een o(ste# o(t of thei ho&es fo "( "oses of #efen,e- !n# )e e livin' in the st eet on the left si#e of the ive - , o)#in' o(n# the fo t- !n# in &o&ent! * e."e,t!tion of seein' thei !$!n#one# #)ellin's on the th e!tene# $!n% $( st into fl!&es+ The 'ene !l !n.iet* )!s to see the &!tte settle# 9(i,%l*+ 4oo#- th o('h Je)el's ,! e- h!# $een se ve# o(t to the ef('ees+ No$o#* %ne) )h!t thei )hite &!n )o(l# #o+ So&e e&! %e# th!t it )!s )o se th!n in She if Ali's )! + Then &!n* "eo"le #i# not ,! e0 no) eve *$o#* h!# so&ethin' to lose+ The &ove&ents of ,!noes "!ssin' to !n# f o $et)een the t)o "! ts of the to)n )e e )!t,he# )ith inte est+ A ,o("le of B('is )! 1$o!ts l!* !n,ho e# in the &i##le of the st e!& to " ote,t the ive - !n# ! th e!# of s&o%e stoo# !t the $o) of e!,h0 the &en in the& )e e ,oo%in' thei &i##!* i,e )hen Ji&- !fte his inte vie)s )ith B o)n !n# Do !&in- , osse# the ive !n# ente e# $* the

)!te 1'!te of his fo t+ The "eo"le insi#e , o)#e# o(n# hi&- so th!t he ,o(l# h! #l* &!%e his )!* to the ho(se+ The* h!# not seen hi& $efo e- $e,!(se on his ! iv!l #( in' the ni'ht he h!# onl* e.,h!n'e# ! fe) )o #s )ith the 'i l- )ho h!# ,o&e #o)n to the l!n#in'1st!'e fo the "( "ose- !n# h!# then 'one on !t on,e to 2oin the ,hiefs !n# the fi'htin' &en on the othe $!n%+ Peo"le sho(te# ' eetin's !fte hi&+ One ol# )o&!n !ise# ! l!('h $* "(shin' he )!* to the f ont &!#l* !n# en2oinin' hi& in ! s,ol#in' voi,e to see to it th!t he t)o sons- )ho )e e )ith Do !&in- #i# not ,o&e to h! & !t the h!n#s of the o$$e s+ Seve !l of the $*st!n#e s t ie# to "(ll he !)!*- $(t she st (''le# !n# , ie#- <Let &e 'o+ Wh!t is this- O M(sli&s5 This l!('hte is (nsee&l*+ A e the* not , (el$loo#thi st* o$$e s $ent on %illin'5< <Let he $e-< s!i# Ji&- !n# !s ! silen,e fell s(##enl*- he s!i# slo)l*- <Eve *$o#* sh!ll $e s!fe+< He ente e# the ho(se $efo e the ' e!t si'h- !n# the lo(# &( &( s of s!tisf!,tion- h!# #ie# o(t+ 'The e's no #o($t his &in# )!s &!#e (" th!t B o)n sho(l# h!ve his )!* ,le! $!,% to the se!+ His f!te- evolte#- )!s fo ,in' his h!n#+ He h!# fo the fi st ti&e to !ffi & his )ill in the f!,e of o(ts"o%en o""osition+ <The e )!s &(,h t!l%- !n# !t fi st &* &!ste )!s silent-< T!&$' It!& s!i#+ <D! %ness ,!&e- !n# then I lit the ,!n#les on the lon' t!$le+ The ,hiefs s!t on e!,h si#e- !n# the l!#* e&!ine# $* &* &!ste 's i'ht h!n#+< 'When he $e'!n to s"e!%- the (n!,,(sto&e# #iffi,(lt* see&e# onl* to fi. his esolve &o e i&&ov!$l*+ The )hite &en )e e no) )!itin' fo his !ns)e on the hill+ Thei ,hief h!# s"o%en to hi& in the l!n'(!'e of his o)n "eo"le- &!%in' ,le! &!n* thin's #iffi,(lt to e."l!in in !n* othe s"ee,h+ The* )e e e in' &en )ho& s(ffe in' h!# &!#e $lin# to i'ht !n# ) on'+ It is t (e th!t lives h!# $een lost !l e!#*- $(t )h* lose &o e5 He #e,l! e# to his he! e s- the !sse&$le# he!#s of the "eo"le- th!t thei )elf! e )!s his )elf! ethei losses his losses- thei &o( nin' his &o( nin'+ He loo%e# o(n# !t the ' !ve listenin' f!,es !n# tol# the& to e&e&$e th!t the* h!# fo('ht !n# )o %e# si#e $* si#e+ The* %ne) his ,o( !'e + + + He e ! &( &( inte ("te# hi& + + + An# th!t he h!# neve #e,eive# the&+ 4o &!n* *e! s the* h!# #)elt to'ethe + He love# the l!n# !n# the "eo"le livin' in it )ith ! ve * ' e!t love+ He )!s e!#* to !ns)e )ith his life fo !n* h! & th!t sho(l# ,o&e to the& if the )hite &en )ith $e! #s )e e !llo)e# to eti e+ The* )e e evil1#oe s- $(t thei #estin* h!# $een evil- too+ H!# he eve !#vise# the& ill5 H!# his )o #s eve $ o('ht s(ffe in' to the "eo"le5 he !s%e#+ He $elieve# th!t it )o(l# $e $est to let these )hites !n# thei follo)e s 'o )ith thei lives+ It )o(l# $e ! s&!ll 'ift+ <I )ho& *o( h!ve t ie# !n# fo(n# !l)!*s t (e !s% *o( to let the& 'o+< He t( ne# to Do !&in+ The ol# n!%ho#! &!#e no &ove&ent+ <Then-< s!i# Ji&- <,!ll in D!in W! is*o( son- &* f ien#- fo in this $(siness I sh!ll not le!#+< '

CHAPTER CA

'T!&$' It!& $ehin# his ,h!i )!s th(n#e st (,%+ The #e,l! !tion " o#(,e# !n i&&ense sens!tion+ <Let the& 'o $e,!(se this is $est in &* %no)le#'e )hi,h h!s neve #e,eive# *o(-< Ji& insiste#+ The e )!s ! silen,e+ In the #! %ness of the ,o( t*! # ,o(l# $e he! # the s($#(e# )his"e in'- sh(fflin' noise of &!n* "eo"le+ Do !&in !ise# his he!v* he!# !n# s!i# th!t the e )!s no &o e e!#in' of he! ts th!n to(,hin' the s%* )ith the h!n#- $(t11he ,onsente#+ The othe s '!ve thei o"inion in t( n+ <It is $est-< <Let the& 'o-< !n# so on+ B(t &ost of the& si&"l* s!i# th!t the* <$elieve# T(!n Ji&+< 'In this si&"le fo & of !ssent to his )ill lies the )hole 'ist of the sit(!tion0 thei , ee#- his t (th0 !n# the testi&on* to th!t f!ithf(lness )hi,h &!#e hi& in his o)n e*es the e9(!l of the i&"e,,!$le &en )ho neve f!ll o(t of the !n%s+ Stein's )o #s- <Ro&!nti,311 Ro&!nti,3< see& to in' ove those #ist!n,es th!t )ill neve 'ive hi& (" no) to ! )o l# in#iffe ent to his f!ilin's !n# his vi t(es!n# to th!t ! #ent !n# ,lin'in' !ffe,tion th!t ef(ses hi& the #ole of te! s in the $e)il#e &ent of ! ' e!t ' ief !n# of ete n!l se"! !tion+ 4 o& the &o&ent the shee t (thf(lness of his l!st th ee *e! s of life ,! ies the #!* !'!inst the i'no !n,e- the fe! - !n# the !n'e of &enhe !""e! s no lon'e to &e !s I s!) hi& l!st11! )hite s"e,% ,!t,hin' !ll the #i& li'ht left ("on ! so&$ e ,o!st !n# the #! %ene# se!11$(t ' e!te !n# &o e "itif(l in the loneliness of his so(l- th!t e&!ins even fo he )ho love# hi& $est ! , (el !n# insol($le &*ste *+ 'It is evi#ent th!t he #i# not &ist (st B o)n0 the e )!s no e!son to #o($t the sto *- )hose t (th see&e# )! !nte# $* the o('h f !n%ness- $* ! so t of vi ile sin,e it* in !,,e"tin' the &o !lit* !n# the ,onse9(en,es of his !,ts+ B(t Ji& #i# not %no) the !l&ost in,on,eiv!$le e'otis& of the &!n )hi,h &!#e hi&- )hen esiste# !n# foile# in his )ill- &!# )ith the in#i'n!nt !n# even'ef(l !'e of ! th)! te# !(to, !t+ B(t if Ji& #i# not &ist (st B o)n- he )!s evi#entl* !n.io(s th!t so&e &is(n#e st!n#in' sho(l# not o,,( en#in' "e h!"s in ,ollision !n# $loo#she#+ It )!s fo this e!son th!t #i e,tl* the M!l!* ,hiefs h!# 'one he !s%e# Je)el to 'et hi& so&ethin' to e!t- !s he )!s 'oin' o(t of the fo t to t!%e ,o&&!n# in the to)n+ On he e&onst !tin' !'!inst this on the s,o e of his f!ti'(e- he s!i# th!t so&ethin' &i'ht h!""en fo )hi,h he )o(l# neve fo 'ive hi&self+ <I !& es"onsi$le fo eve * life in the l!n#-< he s!i#+ He )!s &oo#* !t fi st0 she se ve# hi& )ith he o)n h!n#st!%in' the "l!tes !n# #ishes ?of the #inne 1se vi,e " esente# hi& $* Stein@ f o& T!&$' It!&+ He $ i'htene# (" !fte ! )hile0 tol# he she )o(l# $e !'!in in ,o&&!n# of the fo t fo !nothe ni'ht+ <The e's no slee" fo (s- ol# 'i l-< he s!i#- <)hile o( "eo"le ! e in #!n'e +< L!te on he s!i# 2o%in'l* th!t she )!s the $est &!n of the& !ll+ <If *o( !n# D!in W! is h!# #one )h!t *o( )!nte#- not one of these "oo #evils )o(l# $e !live to1#!*+< <A e the* ve * $!#5< she !s%e#- le!nin' ove his ,h!i + <Men !,t $!#l* so&eti&es )itho(t $ein' &(,h )o se th!n othe s-< he s!i# !fte so&e hesit!tion+ 'T!&$' It!& follo)e# his &!ste to the l!n#in'1st!'e o(tsi#e the fo t+ The ni'ht )!s ,le! $(t )itho(t ! &oon- !n# the &i##le of the ive )!s #! %- )hile the )!te (n#e e!,h $!n% efle,te# the

li'ht of &!n* fi es <!s on ! ni'ht of R!&!#!n-< T!&$' It!& s!i#+ W! 1$o!ts # ifte# silentl* in the #! % l!ne o - !n,ho e#- flo!te# &otionless )ith ! lo(# i""le+ Th!t ni'ht the e )!s &(,h "!##lin' in ! ,!noe !n# )!l%in' !t his &!ste 's heels fo T!&$' It!&: (" !n# #o)n the st eet the* t !&"e#- )he e the fi es )e e $( nin'- inl!n# on the o(ts%i ts of the to)n )he e s&!ll "! ties of &en %e"t '(! # in the fiel#s+ T(!n Ji& '!ve his o #e s !n# )!s o$e*e#+ L!st of !ll the* )ent to the R!2!h's sto,%!#e- )hi,h ! #et!,h&ent of Ji&'s "eo"le &!nne# on th!t ni'ht+ The ol# R!2!h h!# fle# e! l* in the &o nin' )ith &ost of his )o&en to ! s&!ll ho(se he h!# ne! ! 2(n'le vill!'e on ! t i$(t! * st e!&+ ;!ssi&- left $ehin#- h!# !tten#e# the ,o(n,il )ith his !i of #ili'ent !,tivit* to e."l!in !)!* the #i"lo&!,* of the #!* $efo e+ He )!s ,onsi#e !$l* ,ol#1sho(l#e e#$(t &!n!'e# to " ese ve his s&ilin'- 9(iet !le tness- !n# " ofesse# hi&self hi'hl* #eli'hte# )hen Ji& tol# hi& ste nl* th!t he " o"ose# to o,,("* the sto,%!#e on th!t ni'ht )ith his o)n &en+ Afte the ,o(n,il $ o%e (" he )!s he! # o(tsi#e !,,ostin' this !n# th!t #e"(tin' ,hief- !n# s"e!%in' in ! lo(#- ' !tifie# tone of the R!2!h's " o"e t* $ein' " ote,te# in the R!2!h's !$sen,e+ 'A$o(t ten o so Ji&'s &en &! ,he# in+ The sto,%!#e ,o&&!n#e# the &o(th of the , ee%- !n# Ji& &e!nt to e&!in the e till B o)n h!# "!sse# $elo)+ A s&!ll fi e )!s lit on the fl!t- ' !ss* "oint o(tsi#e the )!ll of st!%es- !n# T!&$' It!& "l!,e# ! little fol#in'1stool fo his &!ste + Ji& tol# hi& to t * !n# slee"+ T!&$' It!& 'ot ! &!t !n# l!* #o)n ! little )!* off0 $(t he ,o(l# not slee"- tho('h he %ne) he h!# to 'o on !n i&"o t!nt 2o( ne* $efo e the ni'ht )!s o(t+ His &!ste )!l%e# to !n# f o $efo e the fi e )ith $o)e# he!# !n# )ith his h!n#s $ehin# his $!,%+ His f!,e )!s s!#+ Wheneve his &!ste !"" o!,he# hi& T!&$' It!& " eten#e# to slee"- not )ishin' his &!ste to %no) he h!# $een )!t,he#+ At l!st his &!ste stoo# still- loo%in' #o)n on hi& !s he l!*- !n# s!i# softl*- <It is ti&e+< 'T!&$' It!& ! ose #i e,tl* !n# &!#e his " e"! !tions+ His &ission )!s to 'o #o)n the ive - " e,e#in' B o)n's $o!t $* !n ho( o &o eto tell D!in W! is fin!ll* !n# fo &!ll* th!t the )hites )e e to $e !llo)e# to "!ss o(t (n&oleste#+ Ji& )o(l# not t (st !n*$o#* else )ith th!t se vi,e+ Befo e st! tin'- T!&$' It!&- &o e !s ! &!tte of fo & ?sin,e his "osition !$o(t Ji& &!#e hi& "e fe,tl* %no)n@!s%e# fo ! to%en+ <Be,!(se- T(!n-< he s!i#- <the &ess!'e is i&"o t!nt- !n# these ! e th* ve * )o #s I ,! *+< His &!ste fi st "(t his h!n# into one "o,%et- then into !nothe - !n# fin!ll* too% off his fo efin'e Stein's silve in'- )hi,h he h!$it(!ll* )o e- !n# '!ve it to T!&$' It!&+ When T!&$' It!& left on his &issionB o)n's ,!&" on the %noll )!s #! % $(t fo ! sin'le s&!ll 'lo) shinin' th o('h the $ !n,hes of one of the t ees the )hite &en h!# ,(t #o)n+ 'E! l* in the evenin' B o)n h!# e,eive# f o& Ji& ! fol#e# "ie,e of "!"e on )hi,h )!s ) itten- <Yo( 'et the ,le! o!#+ St! t !s soon !s *o( $o!t flo!ts on the &o nin' ti#e+ Let *o( &en $e ,! ef(l+ The $(shes on $oth si#es of the , ee% !n# the sto,%!#e !t the &o(th ! e f(ll of )ell1! &e# &en+ Yo( )o(l# h!ve no ,h!n,e$(t I #on't $elieve *o( )!nt $loo#she#+< B o)n e!# it- to e the

"!"e into s&!ll "ie,es- !n#- t( nin' to Co neli(s- )ho h!# $ o('ht it- s!i# 2ee in'l*- <>oo#1$*e- &* e.,ellent f ien#+< Co neli(s h!# $een in the fo t- !n# h!# $een sne!%in' ! o(n# Ji&'s ho(se #( in' the !fte noon+ Ji& ,hose hi& to ,! * the note $e,!(se he ,o(l# s"e!% En'lish- )!s %no)n to B o)n- !n# )!s not li%el* to $e shot $* so&e ne vo(s &ist!%e of one of the &en !s ! M!l!*- !"" o!,hin' in the #(s%- "e h!"s &i'ht h!ve $een+ 'Co neli(s #i#n't 'o !)!* !fte #elive in' the "!"e + B o)n )!s sittin' (" ove ! tin* fi e0 !ll the othe s )e e l*in' #o)n+ <I ,o(l# tell *o( so&ethin' *o( )o(l# li%e to %no)-< Co neli(s &(&$le# , ossl*+ B o)n "!i# no !ttention+ <Yo( #i# not %ill hi&-< )ent on the othe - <!n# )h!t #o *o( 'et fo it5 Yo( &i'ht h!ve h!# &one* f o& the R!2!h- $esi#es the loot of !ll the B('is ho(ses- !n# no) *o( 'et nothin'+< <Yo( h!# $ette ,le! o(t f o& he e-< ' o)le# B o)n- )itho(t even loo%in' !t hi&+ B(t Co neli(s let hi&self # o" $* his si#e !n# $e'!n to )his"e ve * f!st- to(,hin' his el$o) f o& ti&e to ti&e+ Wh!t he h!# to s!* &!#e B o)n sit (" !t fi st- )ith ! ,( se+ He h!# si&"l* info &e# hi& of D!in W! is's ! &e# "! t* #o)n the ive + At fi st B o)n s!) hi&self ,o&"letel* sol# !n# $et !*e#- $(t ! &o&ent's efle,tion ,onvin,e# hi& th!t the e ,o(l# $e no t e!,he * inten#e#+ He s!i# nothin'- !n# !fte ! )hile Co neli(s e&! %e#- in ! tone of ,o&"lete in#iffe en,e- th!t the e )!s !nothe )!* o(t of the ive )hi,h he %ne) ve * )ell+ <A 'oo# thin' to %no)- too-< s!i# B o)n- " i,%in' (" his e! s0 !n# Co neli(s $e'!n to t!l% of )h!t )ent on in to)n !n# e"e!te# !ll th!t h!# $een s!i# in ,o(n,il- 'ossi"in' in !n even (n#e tone !t B o)n's e! !s *o( t!l% !&on'st slee"in' &en *o( #o not )ish to )!%e+ <He thin%s he h!s &!#e &e h! &less- #oes he5< &(&$le# B o)n ve * lo)+ + + + <Yes+ He is ! fool+ A little ,hil#+ He ,!&e he e !n# o$$e# &e-< # one# on Co neli(s- <!n# he &!#e !ll the "eo"le $elieve hi&+ B(t if so&ethin' h!""ene# th!t the* #i# not $elieve hi& !n* &o e- )he e )o(l# he $e5 An# the B('is D!in )ho is )!itin' fo *o( #o)n the ive the e- ,!"t!in- is the ve * &!n )ho ,h!se# *o( (" he e )hen *o( fi st ,!&e+< B o)n o$se ve# non,h!l!ntl* th!t it )o(l# $e 2(st !s )ell to !voi# hi&- !n# )ith the s!&e #et!,he#&(sin' !i Co neli(s #e,l! e# hi&self !,9(!inte# )ith ! $!,%)!te $ o!# eno('h to t!%e B o)n's $o!t "!st W! is's ,!&"+ <Yo( )ill h!ve to $e 9(iet-< he s!i# !s !n !fte tho('ht- <fo in one "l!,e )e "!ss ,lose $ehin# his ,!&"+ Ee * ,lose+ The* ! e ,!&"e# !sho e )ith thei $o!ts h!(le# ("+< <Oh- )e %no) ho) to $e !s 9(iet !s &i,e0 neve fe! -< s!i# B o)n+ Co neli(s sti"(l!te# th!t in ,!se he )e e to "ilot B o)n o(t- his ,!noe sho(l# $e to)e#+ <I'll h!ve to 'et $!,% 9(i,%-< he e."l!ine#+ 'It )!s t)o ho( s $efo e the #!)n )hen )o # )!s "!sse# to the sto,%!#e f o& o(tl*in' )!t,he s th!t the )hite o$$e s )e e ,o&in' #o)n to thei $o!t+ In ! ve * sho t ti&e eve * ! &e# &!n f o& one en# of P!t(s!n to the othe )!s on the !le t- *et the $!n%s of the ive e&!ine# so silent th!t $(t fo the fi es $( nin' )ith s(##en $l( e# fl! es the to)n &i'ht h!ve $een !slee" !s if in "e!,e1ti&e+ A he!v* &ist l!* ve * lo) on the )!te - &!%in' ! so t of ill(sive ' e* li'ht th!t sho)e# nothin'+ When B o)n's lon'1$o!t 'li#e# o(t of the , ee% into the ive - Ji& )!s st!n#in' on the lo)

"oint of l!n# $efo e the R!2!h's sto,%!#e11on the ve * s"ot )he e fo the fi st ti&e he "(t his foot on P!t(s!n sho e+ A sh!#o) loo&e# ("- &ovin' in the ' e*ness- solit! *- ve * $(l%*- !n# *et ,onst!ntl* el(#in' the e*e+ A &( &( of lo) t!l%in' ,!&e o(t of it+ B o)n !t the tille he! # Ji& s"e!% ,!l&l*: <A ,le! o!#+ Yo( h!# $ette t (st to the ,( ent )hile the fo' l!sts0 $(t this )ill lift " esentl*+< <Yes- " esentl* )e sh!ll see ,le! -< e"lie# B o)n+ 'The thi t* o fo t* &en st!n#in' )ith &(s%ets !t e!#* o(tsi#e the sto,%!#e hel# thei $ e!th+ The B('is o)ne of the " !(- )ho& I s!) on Stein's ve !n#!h- !n# )ho )!s !&on'st the&- tol# &e th!t the $o!t- sh!vin' the lo) "oint ,lose- see&e# fo ! &o&ent to ' o) $i' !n# h!n' ove it li%e ! &o(nt!in+ <If *o( thin% it )o th *o( )hile to )!it ! #!* o(tsi#e-< ,!lle# o(t Ji&- <I'll t * to sen# *o( #o)n so&ethin'11! $(llo,%- so&e *!&s11)h!t I ,!n+< The sh!#o) )ent on &ovin'+ <Yes+ Do-< s!i# ! voi,e- $l!n% !n# &(ffle# o(t of the fo'+ Not one of the &!n* !ttentive listene s (n#e stoo# )h!t the )o #s &e!nt0 !n# then B o)n !n# his &en in thei $o!t flo!te# !)!*- f!#in' s"e,t !ll* )itho(t the sli'htest so(n#+ 'Th(s B o)n- invisi$le in the &ist- 'oes o(t of P!t(s!n el$o) to el$o) )ith Co neli(s in the ste n1sheets of the lon'1$o!t+ <Pe h!"s *o( sh!ll 'et ! s&!ll $(llo,%-< s!i# Co neli(s+ <Oh *es+ B(llo,%+ Y!&+ Yo('ll 'et it if he s!i# so+ He !l)!*s s"e!%s the t (th+ He stole eve *thin' I h!#+ I s(""ose *o( li%e ! s&!ll $(llo,% $ette th!n the loot of &!n* ho(ses+< <I )o(l# !#vise *o( to hol# *o( ton'(e- o so&e$o#* he e &!* flin' *o( ove $o! # into this #!&ne# fo'-< s!i# B o)n+ The $o!t see&e# to $e st!n#in' still0 nothin' ,o(l# $e seennot even the ive !lon'si#e- onl* the )!te 1#(st fle) !n# t i,%le#,on#ense#- #o)n thei $e! #s !n# f!,es+ It )!s )ei #- B o)n tol# &e+ Eve * in#ivi#(!l &!n of the& felt !s tho('h he )e e !# ift !lone in ! $o!t- h!(nte# $* !n !l&ost i&"e ,e"ti$le s(s"i,ion of si'hin'- &(tte in' 'hosts+ <Th o) &e o(t- )o(l# *o(5 B(t I )o(l# %no) )he e I )!s-< &(&$le# Co neli(s s( lil*+ <I've live# &!n* *e! s he e+< <Not lon' eno('h to see th o('h ! fo' li%e this-< B o)n s!i#- lollin' $!,% )ith his ! & s)in'in' to !n# f o on the (seless tille + <Yes+ Lon' eno('h fo th!t-< sn! le# Co neli(s+ <Th!t's ve * (sef(l-< ,o&&ente# B o)n+ <A& I to $elieve *o( ,o(l# fin# th!t $!,%)!* *o( s"o%e of $lin#fol#- li%e this5< Co neli(s ' (nte#+ <A e *o( too ti e# to o)5< he !s%e# !fte ! silen,e+ <No- $* >o#3< sho(te# B o)n s(##enl*+ <O(t )ith *o( o! s the e+< The e )!s ! ' e!t %no,%in' in the fo'- )hi,h !fte ! )hile settle# into ! e'(l! ' in# of invisi$le s)ee"s !'!inst invisi$le thole1"ins+ Othe )ise nothin' )!s ,h!n'e#- !n# $(t fo the sli'ht s"l!sh of ! #i""e# $l!#e it )!s li%e o)in' ! $!lloon ,! in ! ,lo(#- s!i# B o)n+ The e!fte Co neli(s #i# not o"en his li"s e.,e"t to !s% 9(e (lo(sl* fo so&e$o#* to $!le o(t his ,!noe- )hi,h )!s to)in' $ehin# the lon'1$o!t+ > !#(!ll* the fo' )hitene# !n# $e,!&e l(&ino(s !he!#+ To the left B o)n s!) ! #! %ness !s tho('h he h!# $een loo%in' !t the $!,% of the #e"! tin' ni'ht+ All !t on,e ! $i' $o('h ,ove e# )ith le!ves !""e! e# !$ove his he!#- !n# en#s of t)i's- # i""in' !n# still,( ve# slen#e l* ,lose !lon'si#e+ Co neli(s- )itho(t ! )o #- too% the tille f o& his h!n#+'

CHAPTER CC 'I #on't thin% the* s"o%e to'ethe !'!in+ The $o!t ente e# ! n! o) $*1,h!nnel- )he e it )!s "(she# $* the o! 1$l!#es set into , (&$lin' $!n%s- !n# the e )!s ! 'loo& !s if eno &o(s $l!,% )in's h!# $een o(ts" e!# !$ove the &ist th!t fille# its #e"th to the s(&&its of the t ees+ The $ !n,hes ove he!# sho)e e# $i' # o"s th o('h the 'loo&* fo'+ At ! &(tte f o& Co neli(s- B o)n o #e e# his &en to lo!#+ <I'll 'ive *o( ! ,h!n,e to 'et even )ith the& $efo e )e' e #one- *o( #is&!l , i""les- *o(-< he s!i# to his '!n'+ <Min# *o( #on't th o) it !)!*11*o( ho(n#s+< Lo) ' o)ls !ns)e e# th!t s"ee,h+ Co neli(s sho)e# &(,h f(ss* ,on,e n fo the s!fet* of his ,!noe+ 'Me!nti&e T!&$' It!& h!# e!,he# the en# of his 2o( ne*+ The fo' h!# #el!*e# hi& ! little- $(t he h!# "!##le# ste!#il*- %ee"in' in to(,h )ith the so(th $!n%+ B*1!n#1$* #!*li'ht ,!&e li%e ! 'lo) in ! ' o(n# 'l!ss 'lo$e+ The sho es &!#e on e!,h si#e of the ive ! #! % s&(#'e- in )hi,h one ,o(l# #ete,t hints of ,ol(&n! fo &s !n# sh!#o)s of t)iste# $ !n,hes hi'h ("+ The &ist )!s still thi,% on the )!te - $(t ! 'oo# )!t,h )!s $ein' %e"t- fo !s I!&$' It!& !"" o!,he# the ,!&" the fi'( es of t)o &en e&e 'e# o(t of the )hite v!"o( - !n# voi,es s"o%e to hi& $oiste o(sl*+ He !ns)e e#!n# " esentl* ! ,!noe l!* !lon'si#e- !n# he e.,h!n'e# ne)s )ith the "!##le s+ All )!s )ell+ The t o($le )!s ove + Then the &en in the ,!noe let 'o thei ' i" on the si#e of his #('1o(t !n# in,ontinentl* fell o(t of si'ht+ He "( s(e# his )!* till he he! # voi,es ,o&in' to hi& 9(ietl* ove the )!te - !n# s!)- (n#e the no) liftin'- s)i lin' &ist- the 'lo) of &!n* little fi es $( nin' on ! s!n#* st et,h- $!,%e# $* loft* thin ti&$e !n# $(shes+ The e !'!in ! loo%1o(t )!s %e"t- fo he )!s ,h!llen'e#+ He sho(te# his n!&e !s the t)o l!st s)ee"s of his "!##le !n his ,!noe (" on the st !n#+ It )!s ! $i' ,!&"+ Men , o(,he# in &!n* little %nots (n#e ! s($#(e# &( &( of e! l* &o nin' t!l%+ M!n* thin th e!#s of s&o%e ,( le# slo)l* on the )hite &ist+ Little shelte s- elev!te# !$ove the ' o(n#- h!# $een $(ilt fo the ,hiefs+ M(s%ets )e e st!,%e# in s&!ll "* !&i#s- !n# lon' s"e! s )e e st(,% sin'l* into the s!n# ne! the fi es+ 'T!&$' It!&- !ss(&in' !n !i of i&"o t!n,e- #e&!n#e# to $e le# to D!in W! is+ He fo(n# the f ien# of his )hite lo # l*in' on ! !ise# ,o(,h &!#e of $!&$oo- !n# shelte e# $* ! so t of she# of sti,%s ,ove e# )ith &!ts+ D!in W! is )!s !)!%e- !n# ! $ i'ht fi e )!s $( nin' $efo e his slee"in'1"l!,e- )hi,h ese&$le# ! (#e sh ine+ The onl* son of n!%ho#! Do !&in !ns)e e# his ' eetin' %in#l*+ T!&$' It!& $e'!n $* h!n#in' hi& the in' )hi,h vo(,he# fo the t (th of the &essen'e 's )o #s+ D!in W! is- e,linin' on his el$o)- $!#e hi& s"e!% !n# tell !ll the ne)s+ Be'innin' )ith the ,onse, !te# fo &(l!- <The ne)s is 'oo#-< T!&$' It!& #elive e# Ji&'s o)n )o #s+ The )hite &en- #e"(tin' )ith the ,onsent of !ll the ,hiefs- )e e to $e !llo)e# to "!ss #o)n the ive + In !ns)e to ! 9(estion o t)o T!&$' It!& then e"o te# the " o,ee#in's of the

l!st ,o(n,il+ D!in W! is listene# !ttentivel* to the en#- to*in' )ith the in' )hi,h (lti&!tel* he sli""e# on the fo efin'e of his i'ht h!n#+ Afte he! in' !ll he h!# to s!* he #is&isse# T!&$' It!& to h!ve foo# !n# est+ O #e s fo the et( n in the !fte noon )e e 'iven i&&e#i!tel*+ Afte )! #s D!in W! is l!* #o)n !'!in- o"en1e*e#)hile his "e son!l !tten#!nts )e e " e"! in' his foo# !t the fi e- $* )hi,h T!&$' It!& !lso s!t t!l%in' to the &en )ho lo(n'e# (" to he! the l!test intelli'en,e f o& the to)n+ The s(n )!s e!tin' (" the &ist+ A 'oo# )!t,h )!s %e"t ("on the e!,h of the &!in st e!& )he e the $o!t of the )hites )!s e."e,te# to !""e! eve * &o&ent+ 'It )!s then th!t B o)n too% his even'e ("on the )o l# )hi,h- !fte t)ent* *e! s of ,onte&"t(o(s !n# e,%less $(ll*in'- ef(se# hi& the t i$(te of ! ,o&&on o$$e 's s(,,ess+ It )!s !n !,t of ,ol#1$loo#e# fe o,it*- !n# it ,onsole# hi& on his #e!th$e# li%e ! &e&o * of !n in#o&it!$le #efi!n,e+ Ste!lthil* he l!n#e# his &en on the othe si#e of the isl!n# o""osite to the B('is ,!&"- !n# le# the& !, oss+ Afte ! sho t $(t 9(ite silent s,(ffle- Co neli(s- )ho h!# t ie# to slin% !)!* !t the &o&ent of l!n#in'- esi'ne# hi&self to sho) the )!* )he e the (n#e ' o)th )!s &ost s"! se+ B o)n hel# $oth his s%inn* h!n#s to'ethe $ehin# his $!,% in the ' i" of one v!st fist- !n# no) !n# then i&"elle# hi& fo )! # )ith ! fie ,e "(sh+ Co neli(s e&!ine# !s &(te !s ! fish- !$2e,t $(t f!ithf(l to his "( "ose- )hose !,,o&"lish&ent loo&e# $efo e hi& #i&l*+ At the e#'e of the "!t,h of fo est B o)n's &en s" e!# the&selves o(t in ,ove !n# )!ite#+ The ,!&" )!s "l!in f o& en# to en# $efo e thei e*es- !n# no one loo%e# thei )!*+ No$o#* even # e!&e# th!t the )hite &en ,o(l# h!ve !n* %no)le#'e of the n! o) ,h!nnel !t the $!,% of the isl!n#+ When he 2(#'e# the &o&ent ,o&e- B o)n *elle#- <Let the& h!ve it-< !n# fo( teen shots !n' o(t li%e one+ 'T!&$' It!& tol# &e the s( " ise )!s so ' e!t th!t- e.,e"t fo those )ho fell #e!# o )o(n#e#- not ! so(l of the& &ove# fo 9(ite !n !"" e,i!$le ti&e !fte the fi st #is,h! 'e+ Then ! &!n s, e!&e#!n# !fte th!t s, e!& ! ' e!t *ell of !&!/e&ent !n# fe! )ent (" f o& !ll the th o!ts+ A $lin# "!ni, # ove these &en in ! s( 'in' s)!*in' &o$ to !n# f o !lon' the sho e li%e ! he # of ,!ttle !f !i# of the )!te + So&e fe) 2(&"e# into the ive then- $(t &ost of the& #i# so onl* !fte the l!st #is,h! 'e+ Th ee ti&es B o)n's &en fi e# into the (,%- B o)n- the onl* one in vie)- ,( sin' !n# *ellin'<Ai& lo)3 !i& lo)3< 'T!&$' It!& s!*s th!t- !s fo hi&- he (n#e stoo# !t the fi st volle* )h!t h!# h!""ene#+ Tho('h (nto(,he# he fell #o)n !n# l!* !s if #e!#- $(t )ith his e*es o"en+ At the so(n# of the fi st shots D!in W! is- e,linin' on the ,o(,h- 2(&"e# (" !n# !n o(t ("on the o"en sho e- 2(st in ti&e to e,eive ! $(llet in his fo ehe!# !t the se,on# #is,h! 'e+ T!&$' It!& s!) hi& flin' his ! &s )i#e o"en $efo e he fell+ Then- he s!*s- ! ' e!t fe! ,!&e ("on hi&11not $efo e+ The )hite &en eti e# !s the* h!# ,o&e11(nseen+ 'Th(s B o)n $!l!n,e# his !,,o(nt )ith the evil fo t(ne+ Noti,e th!t even in this !)f(l o(t$ e!% the e is ! s("e io it* !s of ! &!n

)ho ,! ies i'ht11the !$st !,t thin'11)ithin the envelo"e of his ,o&&on #esi es+ It )!s not ! v(l'! !n# t e!,he o(s &!ss!, e0 it )!s ! lesson- ! et i$(tion11! #e&onst !tion of so&e o$s,( e !n# !)f(l !tt i$(te of o( n!t( e )hi,h- I !& !f !i#- is not so ve * f! (n#e the s( f!,e !s )e li%e to thin%+ 'Afte )! #s the )hites #e"! t (nseen $* T!&$' It!&- !n# see& to v!nish f o& $efo e &en's e*es !lto'ethe 0 !n# the s,hoone - toov!nishes !fte the &!nne of stolen 'oo#s+ B(t ! sto * is tol# of ! )hite lon'1$o!t "i,%e# (" ! &onth l!te in the In#i!n O,e!n $* ! ,! 'o ste!&e + T)o "! ,he#- *ello)- 'l!ss*1e*e#- )his"e in' s%eletons in he e,o'nise# the !(tho it* of ! thi #- )ho #e,l! e# th!t his n!&e )!s B o)n+ His s,hoone - he e"o te#- $o(n# so(th )ith ! ,! 'o of J!v! s('! - h!# s" (n' ! $!# le!% !n# s!n% (n#e his feet+ He !n# his ,o&"!nions )e e the s( vivo s of ! , e) of si.+ The t)o #ie# on $o! # the ste!&e )hi,h es,(e# the&+ B o)n live# to $e seen $* &e- !n# I ,!n testif* th!t he h!# "l!*e# his "! t to the l!st+ 'It see&s- ho)eve - th!t in 'oin' !)!* the* h!# ne'le,te# to ,!st off Co neli(s's ,!noe+ Co neli(s hi&self B o)n h!# let 'o !t the $e'innin' of the shootin'- )ith ! %i,% fo ! "! tin' $ene#i,tion+ T!&$' It!&- !fte ! isin' f o& !&on'st the #e!#- s!) the N!/! ene (nnin' (" !n# #o)n the sho e !&on'st the ,o "ses !n# the e."i in' fi es+ He (tte e# little , ies+ S(##enl* he (she# to the )!te !n# &!#e f !nti, effo ts to 'et one of the B('is $o!ts into the )!te + <Afte )! #s- till he h!# seen &e-< el!te# T!&$' It!&- <he stoo# loo%in' !t the he!v* ,!noe !n# s, !t,hin' his he!#+< <Wh!t $e,!&e of hi&5< I !s%e#+ T!&$' It!&- st! in' h! # !t &e- &!#e !n e." essive 'est( e )ith his i'ht ! &+ <T)i,e I st (,%- T(!n-< he s!i#+ <When he $ehel# &e !"" o!,hin' he ,!st hi&self violentl* on the ' o(n# !n# &!#e ! ' e!t o(t, *- %i,%in'+ He s, ee,he# li%e ! f i'htene# hen till he felt the "oint0 then he )!s still- !n# l!* st! in' !t &e )hile his life )ent o(t of his e*es+< 'This #one- T!&$' It!& #i# not t! *+ He (n#e stoo# the i&"o t!n,e of $ein' the fi st )ith the !)f(l ne)s !t the fo t+ The e )e eof ,o( se- &!n* s( vivo s of D!in W! is's "! t*0 $(t in the e.t e&it* of "!ni, so&e h!# s)(& !, oss the ive - othe s h!# $olte# into the $(sh+ The f!,t is th!t the* #i# not %no) e!ll* )ho st (,% th!t $lo)11)hethe &o e )hite o$$e s )e e not ,o&in')hethe the* h!# not !l e!#* 'ot hol# of the )hole l!n#+ The* i&!'ine# the&selves to $e the vi,ti&s of ! v!st t e!,he *- !n# (tte l* #oo&e# to #est (,tion+ It is s!i# th!t so&e s&!ll "! ties #i# not ,o&e in till th ee #!*s !fte )! #s+ Ho)eve - ! fe) t ie# to &!%e thei )!* $!,% to P!t(s!n !t on,e- !n# one of the ,!noes th!t )e e "!t ollin' the ive th!t &o nin' )!s in si'ht of the ,!&" !t the ve * &o&ent of the !tt!,%+ It is t (e th!t !t fi st the &en in he le!"e# ove $o! # !n# s)!& to the o""osite $!n%- $(t !fte )! #s the* et( ne# to thei $o!t !n# st! te# fe! f(ll* ("1st e!&+ Of these T!&$' It!& h!# !n ho( 's !#v!n,e+'

CHAPTER CD 'When T!&$' It!&- "!##lin' &!#l*- ,!&e into the to)n1 e!,hthe )o&en- th on'in' the "l!tfo &s $efo e the ho(ses- )e e loo%in' o(t fo the et( n of D!in W! is's little fleet of $o!ts+ The to)n h!# ! festive !i 0 he e !n# the e &en- still )ith s"e! s o '(ns in thei h!n#s- ,o(l# $e seen &ovin' o st!n#in' on the sho e in ' o("s+ Chin!&en's sho"s h!# $een o"ene# e! l*0 $(t the &! %et1"l!,e )!s e&"t*- !n# ! sent *- still "oste# !t the ,o ne of the fo t&!#e o(t T!&$' It!&- !n# sho(te# to those )ithin+ The '!te )!s )i#e o"en+ T!&$' It!& 2(&"e# !sho e !n# !n in he!#lon'+ The fi st "e son he &et )!s the 'i l ,o&in' #o)n f o& the ho(se+ 'T!&$' It!&- #iso #e e#- "!ntin'- )ith t e&$lin' li"s !n# )il# e*es- stoo# fo ! ti&e $efo e he !s if ! s(##en s"ell h!# $een l!i# on hi&+ Then he $ o%e o(t ve * 9(i,%l*: <The* h!ve %ille# D!in W! is !n# &!n* &o e+< She ,l!""e# he h!n#s- !n# he fi st )o #s )e e- <Sh(t the '!tes+< Most of the fo t&en h!# 'one $!,% to thei ho(ses- $(t T!&$' It!& h( ie# on the fe) )ho e&!ine# fo thei t( n of #(t* )ithin+ The 'i l stoo# in the &i##le of the ,o( t*! # )hile the othe s !n !$o(t+ <Do !&in-< she , ie# #es"!i in'l*- !s T!&$' It!& "!sse# he + Ne.t ti&e he )ent $* he !ns)e e# he tho('ht !"i#l*- <Yes+ B(t )e h!ve !ll the "o)#e in P!t(s!n+< She ,!('ht hi& $* the ! &- !n#- "ointin' !t the ho(se- <C!ll hi& o(t-< she )his"e e#- t e&$lin'+ 'T!&$' It!& !n (" the ste"s+ His &!ste )!s slee"in'+ <It is IT!&$' It!&-< he , ie# !t the #oo - <)ith ti#in's th!t ,!nnot )!it+< He s!) Ji& t( n ove on the "illo) !n# o"en his e*es- !n# he $( st o(t !t on,e+ <This- T(!n- is ! #!* of evil- !n !,,( se# #!*+< His &!ste !ise# hi&self on his el$o) to listen112(st !s D!in W! is h!# #one+ An# then T!&$' It!& $e'!n his t!le- t *in' to el!te the sto * in o #e - ,!llin' D!in W! is P!n'li&!- !n# s!*in': <The P!n'li&! then ,!lle# o(t to the ,hief of his o)n $o!t&en- '>ive T!&$' It!& so&ethin' to e!t' <11)hen his &!ste "(t his feet to the ' o(n# !n# loo%e# !t hi& )ith s(,h ! #is,o&"ose# f!,e th!t the )o #s e&!ine# in his th o!t+ ' <S"e!% o(t-< s!i# Ji&+ <Is he #e!#5< <M!* *o( live lon'-< , ie# T!&$' It!&+ <It )!s ! &ost , (el t e!,he *+ He !n o(t !t the fi st shots !n# fell+< + + + His &!ste )!l%e# to the )in#o) !n# )ith his fist st (,% !t the sh(tte + The oo& )!s &!#e li'ht0 !n# then in ! ste!#* voi,e- $(t s"e!%in' f!st- he $e'!n to 'ive hi& o #e s to !sse&$le ! fleet of $o!ts fo i&&e#i!te "( s(it- 'o to this &!n- to the othe 11sen# &essen'e s0 !n# !s he t!l%e# he s!t #o)n on the $e#- stoo"in' to l!,e his $oots h( ie#l*- !n# s(##enl* loo%e# ("+ <Wh* #o *o( st!n# he e5< he !s%e# ve * e#1f!,e#+ <W!ste no ti&e+< T!&$' It!& #i# not &ove+ <4o 'ive &e- T(!n- $(t + + + $(t-< he $e'!n to st!&&e + <Wh!t5< , ie# his &!ste !lo(#- loo%in' te i$le- le!nin' fo )! # )ith his h!n#s ' i""in' the e#'e of the $e#+ <It is not s!fe fo th* se v!nt to 'o o(t !&on'st the "eo"le-< s!i# T!&$' It!&- !fte hesit!tin' ! &o&ent+

'Then Ji& (n#e stoo#+ He h!# et e!te# f o& one )o l#- fo ! s&!ll &!tte of !n i&"(lsive 2(&"- !n# no) the othe - the )o % of his o)n h!n#s- h!# f!llen in (ins ("on his he!#+ It )!s not s!fe fo his se v!nt to 'o o(t !&on'st his o)n "eo"le3 I $elieve th!t in th!t ve * &o&ent he h!# #e,i#e# to #ef* the #is!ste in the onl* )!* it o,,( e# to hi& s(,h ! #is!ste ,o(l# $e #efie#0 $(t !ll I %no) is th!t- )itho(t ! )o #- he ,!&e o(t of his oo& !n# s!t $efo e the lon' t!$le- !t the he!# of )hi,h he )!s !,,(sto&e# to e'(l!te the !ff!i s of his )o l#- " o,l!i&in' #!il* the t (th th!t s( el* live# in his he! t+ The #! % "o)e s sho(l# not o$ hi& t)i,e of his "e!,e+ He s!t li%e ! stone fi'( e+ T!&$' It!&- #efe enti!lhinte# !t " e"! !tions fo #efen,e+ The 'i l he love# ,!&e in !n# s"o%e to hi&- $(t he &!#e ! si'n )ith his h!n#- !n# she )!s !)e# $* the #(&$ !""e!l fo silen,e in it+ She )ent o(t on the ve !n#!h !n# s!t on the th eshol#- !s if to '(! # hi& )ith he $o#* f o& #!n'e s o(tsi#e+ 'Wh!t tho('hts "!sse# th o('h his he!#11)h!t &e&o ies5 Who ,!n tell5 Eve *thin' )!s 'one- !n# he )ho h!# $een on,e (nf!ithf(l to his t (st h!# lost !'!in !ll &en's ,onfi#en,e+ It )!s then- I $elieve- he t ie# to ) ite11to so&e$o#*11!n# '!ve it ("+ Loneliness )!s ,losin' on hi&+ Peo"le h!# t (ste# hi& )ith thei lives11onl* fo th!t0 !n# *et the* ,o(l# neve - !s he h!# s!i#- neve $e &!#e to (n#e st!n# hi&+ Those )itho(t #i# not he! hi& &!%e ! so(n#+ L!te - to)! #s the evenin'- he ,!&e to the #oo !n# ,!lle# fo T!&$' It!&+ <Well5< he !s%e#+ <The e is &(,h )ee"in'+ M(,h !n'e too-< s!i# T!&$' It!&+ Ji& loo%e# (" !t hi&+ <Yo( %no)-< he &( &( e#+ <Yes- T(!n-< s!i# T!&$' It!&+ <Th* se v!nt #oes %no)- !n# the '!tes ! e ,lose#+ We sh!ll h!ve to fi'ht+< <4i'ht3 Wh!t fo 5< he !s%e#+ <4o o( lives+< <I h!ve no life-< he s!i#+ T!&$' It!& he! # ! , * f o& the 'i l !t the #oo + <Who %no)s5< s!i# T!&$' It!&+ <B* !(#!,it* !n# ,(nnin' )e &!* even es,!"e+ The e is &(,h fe! in &en's he! ts too+< He )ent o(t- thin%in' v!'(el* of $o!ts !n# of o"en se!- le!vin' Ji& !n# the 'i l to'ethe + 'I h!ven't the he! t to set #o)n he e s(,h 'li&"ses !s she h!# 'iven &e of the ho( o &o e she "!sse# in the e ) estlin' )ith hi& fo the "ossession of he h!""iness+ Whethe he h!# !n* ho"e11 )h!t he e."e,te#- )h!t he i&!'ine#11it is i&"ossi$le to s!*+ He )!s infle.i$le- !n# )ith the ' o)in' loneliness of his o$stin!,* his s"i it see&e# to ise !$ove the (ins of his e.isten,e+ She , ie# <4i'ht3< into his e! + She ,o(l# not (n#e st!n#+ The e )!s nothin' to fi'ht fo + He )!s 'oin' to " ove his "o)e in !nothe )!* !n# ,on9(e the f!t!l #estin* itself+ He ,!&e o(t into the ,o( t*! #!n# $ehin# hi&- )ith st e!&in' h!i - )il# of f!,e- $ e!thless- she st!''e e# o(t !n# le!ne# on the si#e of the #oo )!*+ <O"en the '!tes-< he o #e e#+ Afte )! #s- t( nin' to those of his &en )ho )e e insi#e- he '!ve the& le!ve to #e"! t to thei ho&es+ <4o ho) lon'- T(!n5< !s%e# one of the& ti&i#l*+ <4o !ll life-< he s!i#in ! so&$ e tone+ 'A h(sh h!# f!llen ("on the to)n !fte the o(t$( st of )!ilin' !n# l!&ent!tion th!t h!# s)e"t ove the ive - li%e ! '(st of )in# f o& the o"ene# !$o#e of so o)+ B(t (&o( s fle) in )his"e s-

fillin' the he! ts )ith ,onste n!tion !n# ho i$le #o($ts+ The o$$e s )e e ,o&in' $!,%- $ in'in' &!n* othe s )ith the&- in ! ' e!t shi"- !n# the e )o(l# $e no ef('e in the l!n# fo !n* one+ A sense of (tte inse,( it* !s #( in' !n e! th9(!%e "e v!#e# the &in#s of &en- )ho )his"e e# thei s(s"i,ions- loo%in' !t e!,h othe !s if in the " esen,e of so&e !)f(l "o tent+ 'The s(n )!s sin%in' to)! #s the fo ests )hen D!in W! is's $o#* )!s $ o('ht into Do !&in's ,!&"on'+ 4o( &en ,! ie# it in- ,ove e# #e,entl* )ith ! )hite sheet )hi,h the ol# &othe h!# sent o(t #o)n to the '!te to &eet he son on his et( n+ The* l!i# hi& !t Do !&in's feet- !n# the ol# &!n s!t still fo ! lon' ti&e- one h!n# on e!,h %nee- loo%in' #o)n+ The f on#s of "!l&s s)!*e# 'entl*- !n# the foli!'e of f (it t ees sti e# !$ove his he!#+ Eve * sin'le &!n of his "eo"le )!s the e- f(ll* ! &e#- )hen the ol# n!%ho#! !t l!st !ise# his e*es+ He &ove# the& slo)l* ove the , o)#- !s if see%in' fo ! &issin' f!,e+ A'!in his ,hin s!n% on his $ e!st+ The )his"e s of &!n* &en &in'le# )ith the sli'ht (stlin' of the le!ves+ 'The M!l!* )ho h!# $ o('ht T!&$' It!& !n# the 'i l to S!&! !n' )!s the e too+ <Not so !n' * !s &!n*-< he s!i# to &e- $(t st (,% )ith ! ' e!t !)e !n# )on#e !t the <s(##enness of &en's f!te- )hi,h h!n's ove thei he!#s li%e ! ,lo(# ,h! 'e# )ith th(n#e +< He tol# &e th!t )hen D!in W! is's $o#* )!s (n,ove e# !t ! si'n of Do !&in's- he )ho& the* often ,!lle# the )hite lo #'s f ien# )!s #is,lose# l*in' (n,h!n'e# )ith his e*eli#s ! little o"en !s if !$o(t to )!%e+ Do !&in le!ne# fo )! # ! little &o e- li%e one loo%in' fo so&ethin' f!llen on the ' o(n#+ His e*es se! ,he# the $o#* f o& its feet to its he!#- fo the )o(n# &!*$e+ It )!s in the fo ehe!# !n# s&!ll0 !n# the e )!s no )o # s"o%en )hile one of the $*1st!n#e s- stoo"in'- too% off the silve in' f o& the ,ol# stiff h!n#+ In silen,e he hel# it (" $efo e Do !&in+ A &( &( of #is&!* !n# ho o !n th o('h the , o)# !t the si'ht of th!t f!&ili! to%en+ The ol# n!%ho#! st! e# !t it- !n# s(##enl* let o(t one ' e!t fie ,e , *- #ee" f o& the ,hest- ! o! of "!in !n# f( *!s &i'ht* !s the $ello) of ! )o(n#e# $(ll- $ in'in' ' e!t fe! into &en's he! ts- $* the &!'nit(#e of his !n'e !n# his so o) th!t ,o(l# $e "l!inl* #is,e ne# )itho(t )o #s+ The e )!s ! ' e!t stillness !fte )! #s fo ! s"!,e- )hile the $o#* )!s $ein' $o ne !si#e $* fo( &en+ The* l!i# it #o)n (n#e ! t ee- !n# on the inst!nt- )ith one lon' sh ie%- !ll the )o&en of the ho(sehol# $e'!n to )!il to'ethe 0 the* &o( ne# )ith sh ill , ies0 the s(n )!s settin'- !n# in the inte v!ls of s, e!&e# l!&ent!tions the hi'h sin'1son' voi,es of t)o ol# &en intonin' the ;o !n ,h!nte# !lone+ 'A$o(t this ti&e Ji&- le!nin' on ! '(n1,! i!'e- loo%e# !t the ive - !n# t( ne# his $!,% on the ho(se0 !n# the 'i l- in the #oo )!*"!ntin' !s if she h!# (n he self to ! st!n#still- )!s loo%in' !t hi& !, oss the *! #+ T!&$' It!& stoo# not f! f o& his &!ste )!itin' "!tientl* fo )h!t &i'ht h!""en+ All !t on,e Ji&- )ho see&e# to $e lost in 9(iet tho('ht- t( ne# to hi& !n# s!i#- <Ti&e to finish this+< ' <T(!n5< s!i# T!&$' It!&- !#v!n,in' )ith !l!, it*+ He #i# not %no) )h!t his &!ste &e!nt- $(t !s soon !s Ji& &!#e ! &ove&ent

the 'i l st! te# too !n# )!l%e# #o)n into the o"en s"!,e+ It see&s th!t no one else of the "eo"le of the ho(se )!s in si'ht+ She totte e# sli'htl*- !n# !$o(t h!lf1)!* #o)n ,!lle# o(t to Ji&- )ho h!# !""! entl* es(&e# his "e!,ef(l ,onte&"l!tion of the ive + He t( ne# o(n#settin' his $!,% !'!inst the '(n+ <Will *o( fi'ht5< she , ie#+ <The e is nothin' to fi'ht fo -< he s!i#0 <nothin' is lost+< S!*in' this he &!#e ! ste" to)! #s he + <Will *o( fl*5< she , ie# !'!in+ <The e is no es,!"e-< he s!i#- sto""in' sho t- !n# she stoo# still !lso- silent- #evo( in' hi& )ith he e*es+ <An# *o( sh!ll 'o5< she s!i# slo)l*+ He $ent his he!#+ <Ah3< she e.,l!i&e#- "ee in' !t hi& !s it )e e- <*o( ! e &!# o f!lse+ Do *o( e&e&$e the ni'ht I " !*e# *o( to le!ve &e- !n# *o( s!i# th!t *o( ,o(l# not5 Th!t it )!s i&"ossi$le3 I&"ossi$le3 Do *o( e&e&$e *o( s!i# *o( )o(l# neve le!ve &e5 Wh*5 I !s%e# *o( fo no " o&ise+ Yo( " o&ise# (n!s%e#11 e&e&$e +< <Eno('h- "oo 'i l-< he s!i#+ <I sho(l# not $e )o th h!vin'+< 'T!&$' It!& s!i# th!t )hile the* )e e t!l%in' she )o(l# l!('h lo(# !n# senselessl* li%e one (n#e the visit!tion of >o#+ His &!ste "(t his h!n#s to his he!#+ He )!s f(ll* # esse# !s fo eve * #!*$(t )itho(t ! h!t+ She sto""e# l!('hin' s(##enl*+ <4o the l!st ti&e-< she , ie# &en!,in'l*- <)ill *o( #efen# *o( self5< <Nothin' ,!n to(,h &e-< he s!i# in ! l!st fli,%e of s("e $ e'ois&+ T!&$' It!& s!) he le!n fo )! # )he e she stoo#- o"en he ! &s- !n# (n !t hi& s)iftl*+ She fl(n' he self ("on his $ e!st !n# ,l!s"e# hi& o(n# the ne,%+ ' <Ah3 $(t I sh!ll hol# thee th(s-< she , ie#+ + + + <Tho( ! t &ine3< 'She so$$e# on his sho(l#e + The s%* ove P!t(s!n )!s $loo#1 e#i&&ense- st e!&in' li%e !n o"en vein+ An eno &o(s s(n nestle# , i&son !&on'st the t ee1to"s- !n# the fo est $elo) h!# ! $l!,% !n# fo $i##in' f!,e+ 'T!&$' It!& tells he!vens )!s !n' * th!t on th!t ve * ,o!st- tho('h the "l!,e+ &e th!t on th!t evenin' the !s"e,t of the !n# f i'htf(l+ I &!* )ell $elieve it- fo I %no) #!* ! ,*,lone "!sse# )ithin si.t* &iles of the e )!s h! #l* &o e th!n ! l!n'(i# sti of !i in the

'S(##enl* T!&$' It!& s!) Ji& ,!t,h he ! &s- t *in' to (n,l!s" he h!n#s+ She h(n' on the& )ith he he!# f!llen $!,%0 he h!i to(,he# the ' o(n#+ <Co&e he e3< his &!ste ,!lle#- !n# T!&$' It!& hel"e# to e!se he #o)n+ It )!s #iffi,(lt to se"! !te he fin'e s+ Ji&$en#in' ove he - loo%e# e! nestl* ("on he f!,e- !n# !ll !t on,e !n to the l!n#in'1st!'e+ T!&$' It!& follo)e# hi&- $(t t( nin' his he!#- he s!) th!t she h!# st (''le# (" to he feet+ She !n !fte the& ! fe) ste"s- then fell #o)n he!vil* on he %nees+ <T(!n3 T(!n3< ,!lle# T!&$' It!&- <loo% $!,%0< $(t Ji& )!s !l e!#* in ! ,!noest!n#in' (" "!##le in h!n#+ He #i# not loo% $!,%+ T!&$' It!& h!# 2(st ti&e to s, !&$le in !fte hi& )hen the ,!noe flo!te# ,le! + The 'i l )!s then on he %nees- )ith ,l!s"e# h!n#s- !t the )!te 1'!te+ She e&!ine# th(s fo ! ti&e in ! s(""li,!tin' !ttit(#e $efo e she s" !n' ("+ <Yo( ! e f!lse3< she s, e!&e# o(t !fte Ji&+

<4o 'ive &e-< he , ie#+ <Neve 3 Neve 3< she ,!lle# $!,%+ 'T!&$' It!& too% the "!##le f o& Ji&'s h!n#s- it $ein' (nsee&l* th!t he sho(l# sit )hile his lo # "!##le#+ When the* e!,he# the othe sho e his &!ste fo $!#e hi& to ,o&e !n* f! the 0 $(t T!&$' It!& #i# follo) hi& !t ! #ist!n,e- )!l%in' (" the slo"e to Do !&in's ,!&"on'+ 'It )!s $e'innin' to ' o) #! %+ To ,hes t)in%le# he e !n# the e+ Those the* &et see&e# !)est (,%- !n# stoo# !si#e h!stil* to let Ji& "!ss+ The )!ilin' of )o&en ,!&e f o& !$ove+ The ,o( t*! # )!s f(ll of ! &e# B('is )ith thei follo)e s- !n# of P!t(s!n "eo"le+ 'I #o not %no) )h!t this '!the in' e!ll* &e!nt+ We e these " e"! !tions fo )! - o fo ven'e!n,e- o to e"(lse ! th e!tene# inv!sion5 M!n* #!*s el!"se# $efo e the "eo"le h!# ,e!se# to loo% o(t- 9(!%in'- fo the et( n of the )hite &en )ith lon' $e! #s !n# in !'s- )hose e.!,t el!tion to thei o)n )hite &!n the* ,o(l# neve (n#e st!n#+ Even fo those si&"le &in#s "oo Ji& e&!ins (n#e ! ,lo(#+ 'Do !&in- !lone3 i&&ense !n# #esol!te- s!t in his ! &1,h!i )ith the "!i of flintlo,% "istols on his %nees- f!,e# $* ! ! &e# th on'+ When Ji& !""e! e#- !t so&e$o#*'s e.,l!&!tion- !ll the he!#s t( ne# o(n# to'ethe - !n# then the &!ss o"ene# i'ht !n# left!n# he )!l%e# (" ! l!ne of !ve te# 'l!n,es+ Whis"e s follo)e# hi&0 &( &( s: <He h!s )o %e# !ll the evil+< <He h!th ! ,h! &+< + + + He he! # the&11"e h!"s3 'When he ,!&e (" into the li'ht of to ,hes the )!ilin' of the )o&en ,e!se# s(##enl*+ Do !&in #i# not lift his he!#- !n# Ji& stoo# silent $efo e hi& fo ! ti&e+ Then he loo%e# to the left- !n# &ove# in th!t #i e,tion )ith &e!s( e# ste"s+ D!in W! is's &othe , o(,he# !t the he!# of the $o#*- !n# the ' e* #ishevelle# h!i ,on,e!le# he f!,e+ Ji& ,!&e (" slo)l*- loo%e# !t his #e!# f ien#liftin' the sheet- th!n # o""e# it )itho(t ! )o #+ Slo)l* he )!l%e# $!,%+ ' <He ,!&e3 He ,!&e3< )!s (nnin' f o& li" to li"- &!%in' ! &( &( to )hi,h he &ove#+ <He h!th t!%en it ("on his o)n he!#-< ! voi,e s!i# !lo(#+ He he! # this !n# t( ne# to the , o)#+ <Yes+ U"on &* he!#+< A fe) "eo"le e,oile#+ Ji& )!ite# !)hile $efo e Do !&in- !n# then s!i# 'entl*- <I !& ,o&e in so o)+< He )!ite# !'!in+ <I !& ,o&e e!#* !n# (n! &e#-< he e"e!te#+ 'The (n)iel#* ol# &!n- lo)e in' his $i' fo ehe!# li%e !n o. (n#e ! *o%e- &!#e !n effo t to ise- ,l(t,hin' !t the flintlo,% "istols on his %nees+ 4 o& his th o!t ,!&e '( 'lin'- ,ho%in'- inh(&!n so(n#s- !n# his t)o !tten#!nts hel"e# hi& f o& $ehin#+ Peo"le e&! %e# th!t the in' )hi,h he h!# # o""e# on his l!" fell !n# olle# !'!inst the foot of the )hite &!n- !n# th!t "oo Ji& 'l!n,e# #o)n !t the t!lis&!n th!t h!# o"ene# fo hi& the #oo of f!&elove- !n# s(,,ess )ithin the )!ll of fo ests f in'e# )ith )hite fo!&)ithin the ,o!st th!t (n#e the )este n s(n loo%s li%e the ve *

st on'hol# of the ni'ht+ Do !&in- st (''lin' to %ee" his feet- &!#e )ith his t)o s(""o te s ! s)!*in'- totte in' ' o("0 his little e*es st! e# )ith !n e." ession of &!# "!in- of !'e- )ith ! fe o,io(s 'litte - )hi,h the $*st!n#e s noti,e#0 !n# then- )hile Ji& stoo# stiffene# !n# )ith $! e# he!# in the li'ht of to ,hes- loo%in' hi& st !i'ht in the f!,e- he ,l(n' he!vil* )ith his left ! & o(n# the ne,% of ! $o)e# *o(th- !n# liftin' #eli$e !tel* his i'ht- shot his son's f ien# th o('h the ,hest+ 'The , o)#- )hi,h h!# f!llen !"! t $ehin# Ji& !s soon !s Do !&in h!# !ise# his h!n#- (she# t(&(lt(o(sl* fo )! # !fte the shot+ The* s!* th!t the )hite &!n sent i'ht !n# left !t !ll those f!,es ! " o(# !n# (nflin,hin' 'l!n,e+ Then )ith his h!n# ove his li"s he fell fo )! ##e!#+ 'An# th!t's the en#+ He "!sses !)!* (n#e ! ,lo(#- ins, (t!$le !t he! t- fo 'otten- (nfo 'iven- !n# e.,essivel* o&!nti,+ Not in the )il#est #!*s of his $o*ish visions ,o(l# he h!ve seen the !ll( in' sh!"e of s(,h !n e.t !o #in! * s(,,ess3 4o it &!* ve * )ell $e th!t in the sho t &o&ent of his l!st " o(# !n# (nflin,hin' 'l!n,e- he h!# $ehel# the f!,e of th!t o""o t(nit* )hi,h- li%e !n E!ste n $ i#e- h!# ,o&e veile# to his si#e+ 'B(t )e ,!n see hi&- !n o$s,( e ,on9(e o of f!&e- te! in' hi&self o(t of the ! &s of ! 2e!lo(s love !t the si'n- !t the ,!ll of his e.!lte# e'ois&+ He 'oes !)!* f o& ! livin' )o&!n to ,ele$ !te his "itiless )e##in' )ith ! sh!#o)* i#e!l of ,on#(,t+ Is he s!tisfie#11 9(ite- no)- I )on#e 5 We o('ht to %no)+ He is one of (s11!n# h!ve I not stoo# (" on,e- li%e !n evo%e# 'host- to !ns)e fo his ete n!l ,onst!n,*5 W!s I so ve * ) on' !fte !ll5 No) he is no &o e- the e ! e #!*s )hen the e!lit* of his e.isten,e ,o&es to &e )ith !n i&&ense- )ith !n ove )hel&in' fo ,e0 !n# *et ("on &* hono( the e ! e &o&ents- too )hen he "!sses f o& &* e*es li%e ! #ise&$o#ie# s"i it !st !* !&on'st the "!ssions of this e! th- e!#* to s( en#e hi&self f!ithf(ll* to the ,l!i& of his o)n )o l# of sh!#es+ 'Who %no)s5 He is 'one- ins, (t!$le !t he! is le!#in' ! so t of so(n#less- ine t life !'e# ' e!tl* of l!te+ He feels it hi&self<" e"! in' to le!ve !ll this0 " e"! in' to his h!n# s!#l* !t his $(tte flies+' Se"te&$e 6I7711J(l* 67HH+ t- !n# the "oo 'i l in Stein's ho(se+ Stein h!s !n# s!*s often th!t he is le!ve + + +< )hile he )!ves