An Outcast of the Islands by Joseph Conrad
page 35 of 363 (09%)
page 35 of 363 (09%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
"Why, Captain Lingard," he burst out, "the fellow licked my boots." "Yes, yes, yes," said Lingard, testily, "we know that, and you did your best to cram your boot down his throat. No man likes that, my boy." "I was always giving money to all that hungry lot," went on Willems, passionately. "Always my hand in my pocket. They never had to ask twice." "Just so. Your generosity frightened them. They asked themselves where all that came from, and concluded that it was safer to throw you overboard. After all, Hudig is a much greater man than you, my friend, and they have a claim on him also." "What do you mean, Captain Lingard?" "What do I mean?" repeated Lingard, slowly. "Why, you are not going to make me believe you did not know your wife was Hudig's daughter. Come now!" Willems stopped suddenly and swayed about. "Ah! I understand," he gasped. "I never heard . . . Lately I thought there was . . . But no, I never guessed." "Oh, you simpleton!" said Lingard, pityingly. "'Pon my word," he muttered to himself, "I don't believe the fellow knew. Well! well! Steady now. Pull yourself together. What's wrong there. She is a good wife to you." |
|