Hetookupthedish，tuckedupthebottleunderhisarmpit，andwentoff。
\"Myhammock！\"shoutedAlmayerafterhim。
\"Ada！Icomesoon，\"answeredAlifromthedoorwayinanoffendedtone，lookingbackoverhisshoulder……Howcouldheclearthetableandhangthehammockatthesametime。Ya-wa！Thosewhitemenwereallalike。Wantedeverythingdoneatonce。Likechildren……
Theindistinctmurmurofhiscriticismwentaway，fadedanddiedouttogetherwiththesoftfootfallofhisbarefeetinthedarkpassage。
ForsometimeAlmayerdidnotmove。Histhoughtswerebusyatworkshapingamomentousresolution，andintheperfectsilenceofthehousehebelievedthathecouldhearthenoiseoftheoperationasiftheworkhadbeendonewithahammer。Hecertainlyfeltathumpingofstrokes，faint，profound，andstartling，somewherelowdowninhisbreast；andhewasawareofasoundofdullknocking，abruptandrapid，inhisears。Nowandthenheheldhisbreath，unconsciously，toolong，andhadtorelievehimselfbyadeepexpirationthatwhistleddullythroughhispursedlips。Thelampstandingonthefarsideofthetablethrewasectionofalightedcircleonthefloor，wherehisout-stretchedlegsstuckoutfromunderthetablewithfeetrigidandturneduplikethefeetofacorpse；andhissetfacewithfixedeyeswouldhavebeenalsolikethefaceofthedead，butforitsvacantyetconsciousaspect；thehard，thestupid，thestonyaspectofonenotdead，butonlyburiedunderthedust，ashes，andcorruptionofpersonalthoughts，ofbasefears，ofselfishdesires。
\"Iwilldoit！\"
Nottillheheardhisownvoicedidheknowthathehadspoken。
Itstartledhim。Hestoodup。Theknucklesofhishand，somewhatbehindhim，wererestingontheedgeofthetableasheremainedstillwithonefootadvanced，hislipsalittleopen，andthought:ItwouldnotdotofoolaboutwithLingard。ButI
mustriskit。It’stheonlywayIcansee。Imusttellher。
Shehassomelittlesense。Iwishtheywereathousandmilesoffalready。Ahundredthousandmiles。Ido。Andifitfails。AndsheblabsoutthentoLingard？Sheseemedafool。No；probablytheywillgetaway。Andiftheydid，wouldLingardbelieveme？
Yes。Ineverliedtohim。Hewouldbelieve。Idon’tknow……
Perhapshewon’t……\"Imustdoit。Must！\"hearguedaloudtohimself。
Foralongtimehestoodstill，lookingbeforehimwithanintensegaze，agazeraptandimmobile，thatseemedtowatchtheminutequiveringofadelicatebalance，comingtoarest。
Totheleftofhim，inthewhitewashedwallofthehousethatformedthebackoftheverandah，therewasacloseddoor。BlackletterswerepaintedonitproclaimingthefactthatbehindthatdoortherewastheofficeofLingard&Co。TheinteriorhadbeenfurnishedbyLingardwhenhehadbuiltthehouseforhisadopteddaughterandherhusband，andithadbeenfurnishedwithrecklessprodigality。Therewasanofficedesk，arevolvingchair，bookshelves，asafe:alltohumourtheweaknessofAlmayer，whothoughtallthoseparaphernalianecessarytosuccessfultrading。
Lingardhadlaughed，buthadtakenimmensetroubletogetthethings。Itpleasedhimtomakehisprotege，hisadoptedson-in-law，happy。IthadbeenthesensationofSambirsomefiveyearsago。Whilethethingswerebeinglanded，thewholesettlementliterallylivedontheriverbankinfrontoftheRajahLaut’shouse，tolook，towonder，toadmire……Whatabigmeza，withmanyboxesfittedalloveritandunderit！Whatdidthewhitemandowithsuchatable？Andlook，look，O
Brothers！Thereisagreensquarebox，withagoldplateonit，aboxsoheavythatthosetwentymencannotdragitupthebank。
Letusgo，brothers，andhelppullattheropes，andperchancewemayseewhat’sinside。Treasure，nodoubt。Goldisheavyandhardtohold，OBrothers！LetusgoandearnarecompensefromthefierceRajahoftheSeawhoshoutsoverthere，witharedface。See！Thereisamancarryingapileofbooksfromtheboat！Whatanumberofbooks。Whatweretheyfor？……Andanoldinvalidedjurumudi，whohadtravelledovermanyseasandhadheardholymenspeakinfar-offcountries，explainedtoasmallknotofunsophisticatedcitizensofSambirthatthosebookswerebooksofmagic——ofmagicthatguidesthewhitemen’sshipsovertheseas，thatgivesthemtheirwickedwisdomandtheirstrength；
ofmagicthatmakesthemgreat，powerful，andirresistiblewhiletheylive，and——praisebetoAllah！——thevictimsofSatan，theslavesofJehannumwhentheydie。
Andwhenhesawtheroomfurnished，Almayerhadfeltproud。Inhisexultationofanempty-headedquill-driver，hethoughthimself，bythevirtueofthatfurniture，attheheadofaseriousbusiness。HehadsoldhimselftoLingardforthesethings——marriedtheMalaygirlofhisadoptionfortherewardofthesethingsandofthegreatwealththatmustnecessarilyfollowuponconscientiousbook-keeping。HefoundoutverysoonthattradeinSambirmeantsomethingentirelydifferent。HecouldnotguidePatalolo，controltheirrepressibleoldSahamin，orrestraintheyouthfulvagariesofthefierceBahassoenwithpen，ink，andpaper。Hefoundnosuccessfulmagicintheblankpagesofhisledgers；andgraduallyhelosthisoldpointofviewinthesanerappreciationofhissituation。Theroomknownastheofficebecameneglectedthenlikeatempleofanexplodedsuperstition。Atfirst，whenhiswiferevertedtoheroriginalsavagery，Almayer，nowandagain，hadsoughtrefugefromherthere；butaftertheirchildbegantospeak，toknowhim，hebecamebraver，forhefoundcourageandconsolationinhisunreasoningandfierceaffectionforhisdaughter——intheimpenetrablemantleofselfishnesshewrappedroundboththeirlives:roundhimself，andthatyounglifethatwasalsohis。
WhenLingardorderedhimtoreceiveJoannaintohishouse，hehadatrucklebedputintotheoffice——theonlyroomhecouldspare。
Thebigofficedeskwaspushedononeside，andJoannacamewithherlittleshabbytrunkandwithherchildandtookpossessioninherdreamy，slack，half-asleepway；tookpossessionofthedust，dirt，andsqualor，wheresheappearednaturallyathome，whereshedraggedamelancholyanddullexistence；anexistencemadeupofsadremorseandfrightenedhope，amongstthehopelessdisorder——thesenselessandvaindecayofalltheseemblemsofcivilizedcommerce。Bitsofwhitestuff；ragsyellow，pink，blue:ragslimp，brilliantandsoiled，trailedonthefloor，layonthedeskamongstthesombrecoversofbookssoiled，grimy，butstiff-backed，invirtue，perhaps，oftheirEuropeanorigin。Thebiggestsetofbookshelveswaspartlyhiddenbyapetticoat，thewaistbandofwhichwascaughtuponthebackofaslenderbookpulledalittleoutoftherowsoastomakeanimprovisedclothespeg。Thefoldingcanvasbedsteadstoodnearlyinthemiddleoftheroom，stoodanyhow，paralleltonowall，asifithadbeen，intheprocessoftransportationtosomeremoteplace，droppedcasuallytherebytiredbearers。Andonthetumbledblanketsthatlayinadisorderedheaponitsedge，Joannasatalmostalldaywithherstockinglessfeetupononeofthebedpillowsthatweresomehowalwayskickingaboutthefloor。Shesatthere，vaguelytormentedattimesbythethoughtofherabsenthusband，butmostofthetimethinkingtearfullyofnothingatall，lookingwithswimmingeyesatherlittleson——atthebig-headed，pasty-faced，andsicklyLouisWillems——whorolledaglassinkstand，solidwithdriedink，aboutthefloor，andtotteredafteritwiththeportentousgravityofdemeanourandabsoluteabsorptionbythebusinessinhandthatcharacterizethepursuitsofearlychildhood。Throughthehalf-openshutterarayofsunlight，araymercilessandcrude，cameintotheroom，beatintheearlymorninguponthesafeinthefar-offcorner，then，travellingagainstthesun，cutatmiddaythebigdeskintwowithitssolidandclean-edgedbrilliance；withitshotbrillianceinwhichaswarmofflieshoveredindancingflightoversomedirtyplateforgottenthereamongstyellowpapersformanyaday。Andtowardstheeveningthecynicalrayseemedtoclingtotheraggedpetticoat，lingeredonitwithwickedenjoymentofthatmiseryithadexposedallday；lingeredonthecornerofthedustybookshelf，inaredglowintenseandmocking，tillitwassuddenlysnatchedbythesettingsunoutofthewayofthecomingnight。Andthenightenteredtheroom。Thenightabrupt，impenetrableandall-fillingwithitsfloodofdarkness；
thenightcoolandmerciful；theblindnightthatsawnothing，butcouldhearthefretfulwhimperingofthechild，thecreakofthebedstead，Joanna’sdeepsighsassheturnedover，sleepless，intheconfusedconvictionofherwickedness，thinkingofthatmanmasterful，fair-headed，andstrong——amanhardperhaps，butherhusband；hercleverandhandsomehusbandtowhomshehadactedsocruellyontheadviceofbadpeople，ifherownpeople；
andofherpoor，dear，deceivedmother。
ToAlmayer，Joanna’spresencewasaconstantworry，aworryunobtrusiveyetintolerable；aconstant，butmostlymute，warningofpossibledanger。InviewoftheabsurdsoftnessofLingard’sheart，everyoneinwhomLingardmanifestedtheslightestinterestwastoAlmayeranaturalenemy。Hewasquitealivetothatfeeling，andintheintimacyofthesecretintercoursewithhisinnerselfhadoftencongratulatedhimselfuponhisownwide-awakecomprehensionofhisposition。Inthatway，andimpelledbythatmotive，Almayerhadhatedmanyandvariouspersonsatvarioustimes。ButheneverhadhatedandfearedanybodysomuchashedidhateandfearWillems。EvenafterWillems’treachery，whichseemedtoremovehimbeyondthepaleofallhumansympathy，AlmayermistrustedthesituationandgroanedinspiriteverytimehecaughtsightofJoanna。
Hesawherveryseldominthedaytime。Butintheshortandopal-tintedtwilights，orintheazureduskofstarryevenings，heoftensaw，beforeheslept，theslenderandtallfiguretrailingtoandfrotheraggedtailofitswhitegownoverthedriedmudoftheriversideinfrontofthehouse。Onceortwicewhenhesatlateontheverandah，withhisfeetuponthedealtableonalevelwiththelamp，readingthesevenmonths’oldcopyoftheNorthChinaHerald，broughtbyLingard，heheardthestairscreak，and，lookingroundthepaper，hesawherfrailandmeagreformrisestepbystepandtoilacrosstheverandah，carryingwithdifficultythebig，fatchild，whosehead，lyingonthemother’sbonyshoulder，seemedofthesamesizeasJoanna’sown。Severaltimesshehadassailedhimwithtearfulclamourormadentreaties:askingaboutherhusband，wantingtoknowwherehewas，whenhewouldbeback；andendingeverysuchoutburstwithdespairingandincoherentself-reproachesthatwereabsolutelyincomprehensibletoAlmayer。Ononeortwooccasionsshehadoverwhelmedherhostwithvituperativeabuse，makinghimresponsibleforherhusband’sabsence。Thosescenes，begunwithoutanywarning，endedabruptlyinasobbingflightandabangofthedoor；stirredthehousewithasudden，afierce，andanevanescentdisturbance；likethoseinexplicablewhirlwindsthatrise，run，andvanishwithoutapparentcauseuponthesun-scorcheddeadlevelofaridandlamentableplains。
Butto-nightthehousewasquiet，deadlyquiet，whileAlmayerstoodstill，watchingthatdelicatebalancewherehewasweighingallhischances:Joanna’sintelligence，Lingard’scredulity，Willems’recklessaudacity，desiretoescape，readinesstoseizeanunexpectedopportunity。Heweighed，anxiousandattentive，hisfearsandhisdesiresagainstthetremendousriskofaquarrelwithLingard……Yes。Lingardwouldbeangry。
Lingardmightsuspecthimofsomeconnivanceinhisprisoner’sescape——butsurelyhewouldnotquarrelwithhim——Almayer——aboutthosepeopleoncetheyweregone——gonetothedevilintheirownway。AndthenhehadholdofLingardthroughthelittlegirl。
Good。Whatanannoyance！Aprisoner！Asifonecouldkeephiminthere。Hewasboundtogetawaysometimeorother。Ofcourse。Asituationlikethatcan’tlast。vAnybodycouldseethat。Lingard’seccentricitypassedallbounds。Youmaykillaman，butyoumustn’ttorturehim。Itwasalmostcriminal。Itcausedworry，trouble，andunpleasantness……AlmayerforamomentfeltveryangrywithLingard。Hemadehimresponsiblefortheanguishhesufferedfrom，fortheanguishofdoubtandfear；
forcompellinghim——thepracticalandinnocentAlmayer——tosuchpainfuleffortsofmindinordertofindoutsomeissueforabsurdsituationscreatedbytheunreasonablesentimentalityofLingard’sunpracticalimpulses。
\"Nowifthefellowweredeaditwouldbeallright，\"saidAlmayertotheverandah。
Hestirredalittle，andscratchinghisnosethoughtfully，revelledinashortflightoffancy，showinghimhisownimagecrouchinginabigboat，thatfloatedarrested——sayfiftyyardsoff——abreastofWillems’landing-place。Inthebottomoftheboattherewasagun。Aloadedgun。Oneoftheboatmenwouldshout，andWillemswouldanswer——fromthebushes。cTherascalwouldbesuspicious。Ofcourse。ThenthemanwouldwaveapieceofpaperurgingWillemstocometothelanding-placeandreceiveanimportantmessage。\"FromtheRajahLaut\"themanwouldyellastheboatedgedin-shore，andthatwouldfetchWillemsout。
Wouldn’tit？Rather！AndAlmayersawhimselfjumpingupattherightmoment，takingaim，pullingthetrigger——andWillemstumblingover，hisheadinthewater——theswine！
Heseemedtohearthereportoftheshot。Itmadehimthrillfromheadtofootwherehestood……Howsimple！……
Unfortunate……Lingard……Hesighed，shookhishead。
Pity。Couldn’tbedone。Andcouldn’tleavehimthereeither！
SupposetheArabsweretogetholdofhimagain——forinstancetoleadanexpeditionuptheriver！Goodnessonlyknowswhatharmwouldcomeofit……
Thebalancewasatrestnowandincliningtothesideofimmediateaction。Almayerwalkedtothedoor，walkedupveryclosetoit，knockedloudly，andturnedhisheadaway，lookingfrightenedforamomentatwhathehaddone。Afterwaitingforawhileheputhisearagainstthepanelandlistened。Nothing。
Hecomposedhisfeaturesintoanagreeableexpressionwhilehestoodlisteningandthinkingtohimself:Ihearher。Crying。
Eh？IbelieveshehaslostthelittlewitsshehadandiscryingnightanddaysinceIbegantoprepareherforthenewsofherhusband’sdeath——asLingardtoldme。Iwonderwhatshethinks。
It’sjustlikefathertomakemeinventallthesestoriesfornothingatall。Outofkindness。Kindness！Damn！……Sheisn’tdeaf，surely。
Heknockedagain，thensaidinafriendlytone，grinningbenevolentlyatthecloseddoor——
\"It’sme，Mrs。Willems。Iwanttospeaktoyou。Ihave……
have……importantnews……\"
\"Whatisit？\"
\"News，\"repeatedAlmayer，distinctly。\"Newsaboutyourhusband。
Yourhusband！……Damnhim！\"headded，underhisbreath。
Heheardastumblingrushinside。Thingswereoverturned。
Joanna’sagitatedvoicecried——
\"News！What？What？Iamcomingout。\"
\"No，\"shoutedAlmayer。\"Putonsomeclothes，Mrs。Willems，andletmein。It’s……veryconfidential。Youhaveacandle，haven’tyou？\"
Shewasknockingherselfaboutblindlyamongstthefurnitureinthatroom。Thecandlestickwasupset。Matcheswerestruckineffectually。Thematchboxfell。Heheardherdroponherkneesandgropeoverthefloorwhileshekeptonmoaninginmaddeneddistraction。
\"Oh，myGod！News！Yes……yes……Ah！where……where……candle。Oh，myGod！……Ican’tfind……Don’tgoaway，fortheloveofHeaven……\"
\"Idon’twanttogoaway，\"saidAlmayer，impatiently，throughthekeyhole；\"butlooksharp。It’sconi……it’spressing。\"
Hestampedhisfootlightly，waitingwithhishandonthedoor-handle。Hethoughtanxiously:Thewoman’saperfectidiot。
WhyshouldIgoaway？Shewillbeoffherhead。Shewillnevercatchmymeaning。She’stoostupid。
Shewasmovingnowinsidetheroomhurriedlyandinsilence。Hewaited。Therewasamomentofperfectstillnessinthere，andthenshespokeinanexhaustedvoice，inwordsthatwereshapedoutofanexpiringsigh——outofasighlightandprofound，likewordsbreathedoutbyawomanbeforegoingoffintoadeadfaint——
\"Comein。\"
Hepushedthedoor。Ali，comingthroughthepassagewithanarmfulofpillowsandblanketspressedtohisbreasthighupunderhischin，caughtsightofhismasterbeforethedoorclosedbehindhim。Hewassoastonishedthathedroppedhisbundleandstoodstaringatthedoorforalongtime。Heheardthevoiceofhismastertalking。TalkingtothatSiraniwoman！Whowasshe？
Hehadneverthoughtaboutthatreally。Hespeculatedforawhilehazilyuponthingsingeneral。ShewasaSiraniwoman——andugly。Hemadeadisdainfulgrimace，pickedupthebedding，andwentabouthiswork，slingingthehammockbetweentwouprightsoftheverandah……Thosethingsdidnotconcernhim。Shewasugly，andbroughtherebytheRajahLaut，andhismasterspoketoherinthenight。Verywell。He，Ali，hadhisworktodo。
Slingthehammock——goroundandseethatthewatchmenwereawake——takealookatthemooringsoftheboats，atthepadlockofthebigstorehouse——thengotosleep。Tosleep！Heshiveredpleasantly。Heleanedwithbotharmsoverhismaster’shammockandfellintoalightdoze。
Ascream，unexpected，piercing——ascreambeginningatonceinthehighestpitchofawoman’svoiceandthencutshort，soshortthatitsuggestedtheswiftworkofdeath——causedAlitojumpononesideawayfromthehammock，andthesilencethatsucceededseemedtohimasstartlingastheawfulshriek。Hewasthunderstruckwithsurprise。Almayercameoutoftheoffice，leavingthedoorajar，passedclosetohisservantwithouttakinganynotice，andmadestraightforthewater-chattyhungonanailinadraughtyplace。Hetookitdownandcameback，missingthepetrifiedAlibyaninch。Hemovedwithlongstrides，yet，notwithstandinghishaste，stoppedshortbeforethedoor，and，throwinghisheadback，pouredathinstreamofwaterdownhisthroat。Whilehecameandwent，whilehestoppedtodrink，whilehedidallthis，therecamesteadilyfromthedarkroomthesoundoffeebleandpersistentcrying，thecryingofasleepyandfrightenedchild。Afterhehaddrunk，Almayerwentin，closingthedoorcarefully。
Alididnotbudge。ThatSiraniwomanshrieked！Hefeltanimmensecuriosityveryunusualtohisstoliddisposition。Hecouldnottakehiseyesoffthedoor。Wasshedeadinthere？
Howinterestingandfunny！Hestoodwithopenmouthtillheheardagaintherattleofthedoor-handle。Mastercomingout。
Hepivotedonhisheelswithgreatrapidityandmadebelievetobeabsorbedinthecontemplationofthenightoutside。HeheardAlmayermovingaboutbehindhisback。Chairsweredisplaced。
Hismastersatdown。
\"Ali，\"saidAlmayer。
Hisfacewasgloomyandthoughtful。Helookedathisheadman，whohadapproachedthetable，thenhepulledouthiswatch。Itwasgoing。WheneverLingardwasinSambirAlmayer’swatchwasgoing。Hewouldsetitbythecabinclock，tellinghimselfeverytimethathemustreallykeepthatwatchgoingforthefuture。
Andeverytime，whenLingardwentaway，hewouldletitrundownandwouldmeasurehiswearinessbysunrisesandsunsetsinanapatheticindifferencetomerehours；tohoursonly；tohoursthathadnoimportanceinSambirlife，inthetiredstagnationofemptydays；whennothingmatteredtohimbutthequalityofguttahandthesizeofrattans；wheretherewerenosmallhopestobewatchedfor；wheretohimtherewasnothinginteresting，nothingsupportable，nothingdesirabletoexpect；nothingbitterbuttheslownessofthepassingdays；nothingsweetbutthehope，thedistantandglorioushope——thehopewearying，achingandprecious，ofgettingaway。
Helookedatthewatch。Half-pasteight。Aliwaitedstolidly。
\"Gotothesettlement，\"saidAlmayer，\"andtellMahmatBanjertocomeandspeaktometo-night。\"
Aliwentoffmuttering。Hedidnotlikehiserrand。BanjerandhistwobrotherswereBajowvagabondswhohadappearedlatelyinSambirandhadbeenallowedtotakepossessionofatumbledownabandonedhut，onthreeposts，belongingtoLingard&Co。，andstandingjustoutsidetheirfence。Alidisapprovedofthefavourshowntothosestrangers。AnykindofdwellingwasvaluableinSambiratthattime，andifmasterdidnotwantthatoldrottenhousehemighthavegivenittohim，Ali，whowashisservant，insteadofbestowingituponthosebadmen。Everybodyknewtheywerebad。ItwaswellknownthattheyhadstolenaboatfromHinopari，whowasveryagedandfeebleandhadnosons；andthatafterwards，bythetruculentrecklessnessoftheirdemeanour，theyhadfrightenedthepooroldmanintoholdinghistongueaboutit。Yeteverybodyknewofit。ItwasoneofthetoleratedscandalsofSambir，disapprovedandaccepted，amanifestationofthatbaseacquiescenceinsuccess，ofthatinexpressedandcowardlytolerationofstrength，thatexists，infamousandirremediable，atthebottomofallhearts，inallsocieties；
whenevermencongregate；inbiggerandmorevirtuousplacesthanSambir，andinSambiralso，where，asinotherplaces，onemancouldstealaboatwithimpunitywhileanotherwouldhavenorighttolookatapaddle。
Almayer，leaningbackinhischair，meditated。Themorehethought，themorehefeltconvincedthatBanjerandhisbrotherswereexactlythemenhewanted。Thosefellowswereseagipsies，andcoulddisappearwithoutattractingnotice；andiftheyreturned，nobody——andLingardleastofall——woulddreamofseekinginformationfromthem。Moreover，theyhadnopersonalinterestofanykindinSambiraffairs——hadtakennosides——wouldknownothinganyway。
Hecalledinastrongvoice:\"Mrs。Willems！\"
Shecameoutquickly，almoststartlinghim，somuchdidsheappearasthoughshehadsurgedupthroughthefloor，ontheothersideofthetable。Thelampwasbetweenthem，andAlmayermoveditaside，lookingupatherfromhischair。Shewascrying。Shewascryinggently，silently，inaceaselesswellingupoftearsthatdidnotfallindrops，butseemedtooverflowinaclearsheetfromunderhereyelids——seemedtoflowatoncealloverherface，hercheeks，andoverherchinthatglistenedwithmoistureinthelight。Herbreastandhershoulderswereshakenrepeatedlybyaconvulsiveandnoiselesscatchinginherbreath，andaftereveryspasmodicsobhersorrowfullittlehead，tiedupinaredkerchief，trembledonherlongneck，roundwhichherbonyhandgatheredandclaspedthedisarrangeddress。
\"Composeyourself，Mrs。Willems，\"saidAlmayer。
Sheemittedaninarticulatesoundthatseemedtobeafaint，averyfaroff，ahardlyaudiblecryofmortaldistress。Thenthetearswentonflowinginprofoundstillness。
\"YoumustunderstandthatIhavetoldyouallthisbecauseIamyourfriend——realfriend，\"saidAlmayer，afterlookingatherforsometimewithvisibledissatisfaction。\"You，hiswife，oughttoknowthedangerheisin。CaptainLingardisaterribleman，youknow。\"
Sheblubberedout，sniffingandsobbingtogether。
\"Doyou……you……speak……the……thetruthnow？\"
\"Uponmywordofhonour。Ontheheadofmychild，\"protestedAlmayer。\"IhadtodeceiveyoutillnowbecauseofCaptainLingard。ButIcouldn’tbearit。ThinkonlywhatariskIrunintellingyou——ifeverLingardwastoknow！WhyshouldIdoit？
Purefriendship。DearPeterwasmycolleagueinMacassarforyears，youknow。\"
\"WhatshallIdo……whatshallIdo！\"sheexclaimed，faintly，lookingaroundoneverysideasifshecouldnotmakeuphermindwhichwaytorushoff。
\"Youmusthelphimtoclearout，nowLingardisaway。HeoffendedLingard，andthat’snojoke。Lingardsaidhewouldkillhim。Hewilldoit，too，\"saidAlmayer，earnestly。
Shewrungherhands。\"Oh！thewickedman。Thewicked，wickedman！\"shemoaned，swayingherbodyfromsidetoside。
\"Yes。Yes！Heisterrible，\"assentedAlmayer。\"Youmustnotloseanytime。Isay！Doyouunderstandme，Mrs。Willems？
Thinkofyourhusband。Ofyourpoorhusband。Howhappyhewillbe。Youwillbringhimhislife——actuallyhislife。Thinkofhim。\"
Sheceasedherswayingmovement，andnow，withherheadsunkbetweenhershoulders，shehuggedherselfwithbothherarms；andshestaredatAlmayerwithwildeyes，whileherteethchattered，rattlingviolentlyanduninterruptedly，withaveryloudsound，inthedeeppeaceofthehouse。
\"Oh！MotherofGod！\"shewailed。\"Iamamiserablewoman。Willheforgiveme？Thepoor，innocentman。Willheforgiveme？Oh，Mr。Almayer，heissosevere。Oh！helpme……Idarenot……Youdon’tknowwhatI’vedonetohim……Idaren’t！……
Ican’t！……Godhelpme！\"
Thelastwordscameinadespairingcry。Hadshebeenflayedaliveshecouldnothavesenttoheavenamoreterrible，amoreheartrendingandanguishedplaint。
\"Sh！Sh！\"hissedAlmayer，jumpingup。\"Youwillwakeupeverybodywithyourshouting。\"
Shekeptonsobbingthenwithoutanynoise，andAlmayerstaredatherinboundlessastonishment。Theideathat，maybe，hehaddonewrongbyconfidinginher，upsethimsomuchthatforamomenthecouldnotfindaconnectedthoughtinhishead。
Atlasthesaid:\"Isweartoyouthatyourhusbandisinsuchapositionthathewouldwelcomethedevil……listenwelltome……thedevilhimselfifthedevilcametohiminacanoe。
UnlessIammuchmistaken，’’headded，underhisbreath。Thenagain，loudly:\"Ifyouhaveanylittledifferencetomakeupwithhim，Iassureyou——Isweartoyou——thisisyourtime！\"
Theardentlypersuasivetoneofhiswords——hethought——wouldhavecarriedirresistibleconvictiontoagravenimage。HenoticedwithsatisfactionthatJoannaseemedtohavegotsomeinklingofhismeaning。Hecontinued，speakingslowly——
\"Lookhere，Mrs。Willems。Ican’tdoanything。Daren’t。ButI
willtellyouwhatIwilldo。TherewillcomehereinabouttenminutesaBugisman——youknowthelanguage；youarefromMacassar。Hehasalargecanoe；hecantakeyouthere。TothenewRajah’sclearing，tellhim。Theyarethreebrothers，readyforanythingifyoupaythem……youhavesomemoney。Haven’tyou？\"
Shestood——perhapslistening——butgivingnosignofintelligence，andstaredatthefloorinsuddenimmobility，asifthehorrorofthesituation，theoverwhelmingsenseofherownwickednessandofherhusband’sgreatdanger，hadstunnedherbrain，herheart，herwill——hadlefthernofacultybutthatofbreathingandofkeepingonherfeet。Almayersworetohimselfwithmuchmentalprofanitythathehadneverseenamoreuseless，amorestupidbeing。
\"D’yehearme？\"hesaid，raisinghisvoice。\"Dotrytounderstand。Haveyouanymoney？Money。Dollars。Guilders。
Money！What’sthematterwithyou？\"
Withoutraisinghereyesshesaid，inavoicethatsoundedweakandundecidedasifshehadbeenmakingadesperateeffortofmemory——
\"Thehousehasbeensold。Mr。Hudigwasangry。\"
Almayergrippedtheedgeofthetablewithallhisstrength。Heresistedmanfullyanalmostuncontrollableimpulsetoflyatherandboxherears。
\"Itwassoldformoney，Isuppose，\"hesaidwithstudiedandincisivecalmness。\"Haveyougotit？Whohasgotit？\"
Shelookedupathim，raisingherswolleneyelidswithagreateffort，inasorrowfulexpressionofherdroopingmouth，ofherwholebesmudgedandtear-stainedface。Shewhisperedresignedly——
\"Leonardhadsome。Hewantedtogetmarried。AnduncleAntonio；
hesatatthedoorandwouldnotgoaway。AndAghostina——sheissopoor……andsomany，manychildren——littlechildren。AndLuiztheengineer。Heneversaidawordagainstmyhusband。
AlsoourcousinMaria。Shecameandshouted，andmyheadwassobad，andmyheartwasworse。ThencousinSalvatorandoldDanieldaSouza，who……\"
Almayerhadlistenedtoherspeechlesswithrage。Hethought:I
mustgivemoneynowtothatidiot。Must！MustgetheroutofthewaynowbeforeLingardisback。Hemadetwoattemptstospeakbeforehemanagedtoburstout——
\"Idon’twanttoknowtheirblastednames！Tellme，didallthoseinfernalpeopleleaveyouanything？Toyou！That’swhatI
wanttoknow！\"
\"Ihavetwohundredandfifteendollars，\"saidJoanna，inafrightenedtone。
Almayerbreathedfreely。Hespokewithgreatfriendliness——
\"Thatwilldo。Itisn’tmuch，butitwilldo。NowwhenthemancomesIwillbeoutoftheway。Youspeaktohim。Givehimsomemoney；onlyalittle，mind！Andpromisemore。Thenwhenyougetthereyouwillbeguidedbyyourhusband，ofcourse。Anddon’tforgettotellhimthatCaptainLingardisatthemouthoftheriver——thenorthernentrance。Youwillremember。Won’tyou？
Thenorthernbranch。Lingardis——death。\"
Joannashivered。Almayerwentonrapidly——
\"Iwouldhavegivenyoumoneyifyouhadwantedit。’Ponmyword！TellyourhusbandI’vesentyoutohim。Andtellhimnottoloseanytime。Andalsosaytohimfrommethatweshallmeet——someday。ThatIcouldnotdiehappyunlessImethimoncemore。Onlyonce。Ilovehim，youknow。Iproveit。Tremendousrisktome——thisbusinessis！\"
Joannasnatchedhishandandbeforeheknewwhatshewouldbeat，pressedittoherlips。
\"Mrs。Willems！Don’t。Whatareyou……\"criedtheabashedAlmayer，tearinghishandaway。
\"Oh，youaregood！\"shecried，withsuddenexaltation，\"Youarenoble……Ishallprayeveryday……toallthesaints……
Ishall……\"
\"Nevermind……nevermind！\"stammeredoutAlmayer，confusedly，withoutknowingverywellwhathewassaying。\"OnlylookoutforLingard……Iamhappytobeable……inyoursadsituation……believeme……\"
Theystoodwiththetablebetweenthem，Joannalookingdown，andherface，inthehalf-lightabovethelamp，appearedlikeasoiledcarvingofoldivory——acarving，withaccentuatedanxioushollows，ofold，veryoldivory。Almayerlookedather，mistrustful，hopeful。Hewassayingtohimself:Howfrailsheis！Icouldupsetherbyblowingather。Sheseemstohavegotsomeideaofwhatmustbedone，butwillshehavethestrengthtocarryitthrough？Imusttrusttolucknow！
SomewherefarinthebackcourtyardAli’svoicerangsuddenlyinangryremonstrance——
\"Whydidyoushutthegate，Ofatherofallmischief？Youawatchman！Youareonlyawildman。DidInottellyouIwascomingback？You……\"
\"Iamoff，Mrs。Willems，\"exclaimedAlmayer。\"Thatmanishere——withmyservant。Becalm。Tryto……\"
Heheardthefootstepsofthetwomeninthepassage，andwithoutfinishinghissentenceranrapidlydownthestepstowardstheriverside。
CHAPTERTWO
Forthenexthalf-hourAlmayer，whowantedtogiveJoannaplentyoftime，stumbledamongstthelumberindistantpartsofhisenclosure，sneakedalongthefences；orheldhisbreath，flattenedagainstgrasswallsbehindvariousouthouses:allthistoescapeAli’sinconvenientlyzealoussearchforhismaster。Heheardhimtalkwiththeheadwatchman——sometimesquiteclosetohiminthedarkness——thenmovingoff，comingback，wondering，and，asthetimepassed，growinguneasy。
\"Hedidnotfallintotheriver？——say，thoublindwatcher！\"Aliwasgrowlinginabullyingtone，totheotherman。\"HetoldmetofetchMahmat，andwhenIcamebackswiftlyIfoundhimnotinthehouse。ThereisthatSiraniwomanthere，sothatMahmatcannotstealanything，butitisinmymind，thenightwillbehalfgonebeforeIrest。\"
Heshouted——
\"Master！Omaster！Omast……\"
\"Whatareyoumakingthatnoisefor？\"saidAlmayer，withseverity，steppingoutclosetothem。
ThetwoMalaysleapedawayfromeachotherintheirsurprise。
\"Youmaygo。Idon’twantyouanymoretonight，Ali，\"wentonAlmayer。\"IsMahmatthere？\"
\"Unlesstheill-behavedsavagegottiredofwaiting。Thosemenknownotpoliteness。Theyshouldnotbespokentobywhitemen，\"
saidAli，resentfully。
Almayerwenttowardsthehouse，leavinghisservantstowonderwherehehadsprungfromsounexpectedly。Thewatchmanhintedobscurelyatpowersofinvisibilitypossessedbythemaster，whooftenatnight……Aliinterruptedhimwithgreatscorn。Noteverywhitemanhasthepower。Now，theRajahLautcouldmakehimselfinvisible。Also，hecouldbeintwoplacesatonce，aseverybodyknew；excepthe——theuselesswatchman——whoknewnomoreaboutwhitementhanawildpig！Ya-wa！
AndAlistrolledtowardshishut，yawningloudly。
AsAlmayerascendedthestepsheheardthenoiseofadoorflungto，andwhenheenteredtheverandahhesawonlyMahmatthere，closetothedoorwayofthepassage。Mahmatseemedtobecaughtintheveryactofslinkingaway，andAlmayernoticedthatwithsatisfaction。Seeingthewhiteman，theMalaygaveuphisattemptandleanedagainstthewall。Hewasashort，thick，broad-shoulderedmanwithverydarkskinandawide，stained，bright-redmouththatuncovered，whenhespoke，acloserowofblackandglisteningteeth。Hiseyeswerebig，prominent，dreamyandrestless。Hesaidsulkily，lookingallovertheplacefromunderhiseyebrows——
\"WhiteTuan，youaregreatandstrong——andIapoorman。Tellmewhatisyourwill，andletmegointhenameofGod。Itislate。\"
Almayerexaminedthemanthoughtfully。Howcouldhefindoutwhether……Hehadit！Latelyhehademployedthatmanandhistwobrothersasextraboatmentocarrystores，provisions，andnewaxestoacampofrattancutterssomedistanceuptheriver。Athreedays’expedition。Hewouldtesthimnowinthatway。Hesaidnegligently——
\"Iwantyoutostartatonceforthecamp，withsuratfortheKavitan。Onedollaraday。\"
Themanappearedplungedindullhesitation，butAlmayer，whoknewhisMalays，feltprettysurefromhisaspectthatnothingwouldinducethefellowtogo。Heurged——
\"Itisimportant——andifyouareswiftIshallgivetwodollarsforthelastday。\"
\"No，Tuan。Wedonotgo，\"saidtheman，inahoarsewhisper。
\"Why？\"
\"Westartonanotherjourney。\"
\"Where？\"
\"Toaplaceweknowof，\"saidMahmat，alittlelouder，inastubbornmanner，andlookingatthefloor。
Almayerexperiencedafeelingofimmensejoy。Hesaid，withaffectedannoyance——
\"Youmenliveinmyhouseanditisasifitwereyourown。I
maywantmyhousesoon。\"
Mahmatlookedup。
\"Wearemenoftheseaandcarenotforaroofwhenwehaveacanoethatwillholdthree，andapaddleapiece。Theseaisourhouse。Peacebewithyou，Tuan。\"
Heturnedandwentawayrapidly，andAlmayerheardhimdirectlyafterwardsinthecourtyardcallingtothewatchmantoopenthegate。Mahmatpassedthroughthegateinsilence，butbeforethebarhadbeenputupbehindhimhehadmadeuphismindthatifthewhitemaneverwantedtoejecthimfromhishut，hewouldburnitandalsoasmanyofthewhiteman’sotherbuildingsashecouldsafelygetat。Andhebegantocallhisbrothersbeforehewasinsidethedilapidateddwelling。
\"All’swell！\"mutteredAlmayertohimself，takingsomelooseJavatobaccofromadrawerinthetable。\"NowifanythingcomesoutI
amclear。Iaskedthemantogouptheriver。Iurgedhim。Hewillsaysohimself。Good。\"
Hebegantochargethechinabowlofhispipe，apipewithalongcherrystemandacurvedmouthpiece，pressingthetobaccodownwithhisthumbandthinking:No。Isha’n’tseeheragain。
Don’twantto。Iwillgiveheragoodstart，thengoinchase——andsendanexpressboatafterfather。Yes！that’sit。
Heapproachedthedooroftheofficeandsaid，holdinghispipeawayfromhislips——
\"Goodlucktoyou，Mrs。Willems。Don’tloseanytime。Youmaygetalongbythebushes；thefencethereisoutofrepair。Don’tlosetime。Don’tforgetthatitisamatterof……lifeanddeath。Anddon’tforgetthatIknownothing。Itrustyou。\"
Heheardinsideanoiseasofachest-lidfallingdown。Shemadeafewsteps。Thenasigh，profoundandlong，andsomefaintwordswhichhedidnotcatch。Hemovedawayfromthedoorontiptoe，kickedoffhisslippersinacorneroftheverandah，thenenteredthepassagepuffingathispipe；enteredcautiouslyinagentlecreakingofplanksandturnedintoacurtainedentrancetotheleft。Therewasabigroom。Onthefloorasmallbinnaclelamp——thathadfounditswaytothehouseyearsagofromthelumber-roomoftheFlash——diddutyforanight-light。Itglimmeredverysmallanddullinthegreatdarkness。Almayerwalkedtoit，andpickingituprevivedtheflamebypullingthewickwithhisfingers，whichheshookdirectlyafterwithagrimaceofpain。Sleepingshapes，covered——headandall——withwhitesheets，layaboutonthematsonthefloor。Inthemiddleoftheroomasmallcot，underasquarewhitemosquitonet，stood——theonlypieceoffurniturebetweenthefourwalls——lookinglikeanaltaroftransparentmarbleinagloomytemple。Awoman，half-lyingonthefloorwithherheaddroppedonherarms，whichwerecrossedonthefootofthecot，wokeupasAlmayerstrodeoverheroutstretchedlegs。Shesatupwithoutaword，leaningforward，and，claspingherknees，stareddownwithsadeyes，fullofsleep。
Almayer，thesmokylightinonehand，hispipeintheother，stoodbeforethecurtainedcotlookingathisdaughter——athislittleNina——atthatpartofhimself，atthatsmallandunconsciousparticleofhumanitythatseemedtohimtocontainallhissoul。Anditwasasifhehadbeenbathedinabrightandwarmwaveoftenderness，inatendernessgreaterthantheworld，morepreciousthanlife；theonlythingreal，living，sweet，tangible，beautifulandsafeamongsttheelusive，thedistortedandmenacingshadowsofexistence。Onhisface，litupindistinctlybytheshortyellowflameofthelamp，camealookofraptattentionwhilehelookedintoherfuture。Andhecouldseethingsthere！Thingscharmingandsplendidpassingbeforehiminamagicunrollingofresplendentpictures；picturesofeventsbrilliant，happy，inexpressiblyglorious，thatwouldmakeupherlife。Hewoulddoit！Hewoulddoit。Hewould！Hewould——forthatchild！Andashestoodinthestillnight，lostinhisenchantingandgorgeousdreams，whiletheascending，thinthreadoftobaccosmokespreadintoafaintbluishcloudabovehishead，heappearedstrangelyimpressiveandecstatic:likeadevoutandmysticworshipper，adoring，transportedandmute；
burningincensebeforeashrine，adiaphanousshrineofachild-idolwithclosedeyes；beforeapureandvaporousshrineofasmallgod——fragile，powerless，unconsciousandsleeping。
WhenAli，rousedbyloudandrepeatedshoutingofhisname，stumbledoutsidethedoorofhishut，hesawanarrowstreakoftremblinggoldabovetheforestsandapaleskywithfadedstarsoverhead:signsofthecomingday。Hismasterstoodbeforethedoorwavingapieceofpaperinhishandandshoutingexcitedly——\"Quick，Ali！Quick！\"Whenhesawhisservantherushedforward，andpressingthepaperonhimobjurgatedhim，intoneswhichinducedAlitothinkthatsomethingawfulhadhappened，tohurryupandgetthewhale-boatreadytogoimmediately——atonce，atonce——afterCaptainLingard。Aliremonstrated，agitatedalso，havingcaughttheinfectionofdistractedhaste。
\"Ifmustgoquick，bettercanoe。Whale-boatnocancatch，sameassmallcanoe。\"
\"No，no！Whale-boat！whale-boat！Youdolt！youwretch！\"howledAlmayer，withalltheappearanceofhavinggonemad。\"Callthemen！Getalongwithit。Fly！\"
AndAlirushedaboutthecourtyardkickingthedoorsofhutsopentoputhisheadinandyellfrightfullyinside；andashedashedfromhoveltohovel，menshiveringandsleepywerecomingout，lookingafterhimstupidly，whiletheyscratchedtheirribswithbewilderedapathy。Itwashardworktoputtheminmotion。Theywantedtimetostretchthemselvesandtoshiveralittle。Somewantedfood。Onesaidhewassick。Nobodyknewwheretherudderwas。Alidartedhereandthere，ordering，abusing，pushingone，thenanother，andstoppinginhisexertionsattimestowringhishandshastilyandgroan，becausethewhale-boatwasmuchslowerthantheworstcanoeandhismasterwouldnotlistentohisprotestations。
Almayersawtheboatgooffatlast，pulledanyhowbymenthatwerecold，hungry，andsulky；andheremainedonthejettywatchingitdownthereach。Itwasbroaddaythen，andtheskywasperfectlycloudless。Almayerwentuptothehouseforamoment。HishouseholdwasallastirandwonderingatthestrangedisappearanceoftheSiraniwoman，whohadtakenherchildandhadleftherluggage。Almayerspoketonoone，gothisrevolver，andwentdowntotheriveragain。Hejumpedintoasmallcanoeandpaddledhimselftowardstheschooner。Heworkedveryleisurely，butassoonashewasnearlyalongsidehebegantohailthesilentcraftwiththetoneandappearanceofamaninatremendoushurry。
\"Schoonerahoy！schoonerahoy！\"heshouted。
Arowofblankfacespoppedupabovethebulwark。Afterawhileamanwithawoollyheadofhairsaid——
\"Sir！\"
\"Themate！themate！Callhim，steward！\"saidAlmayer，excitedly，makingafranticgrabataropethrowndowntohimbysomebody。
Inlessthanaminutethemateputhisheadover。Heasked，surprised——
\"WhatcanIdoforyou，Mr。Almayer？\"
\"Letmehavethegigatonce，Mr。Swan——atonce。IaskinCaptainLingard’sname。Imusthaveit。Matteroflifeanddeath。\"
ThematewasimpressedbyAlmayer’sagitation\"Youshallhaveit，sir……Manthegigthere！Bearahand，serang！……It’shangingastern，Mr。Almayer，\"hesaid，lookingdownagain。\"Getintoit，sir。Themenarecomingdownbythepainter。\"
BythetimeAlmayerhadclamberedoverintothesternsheets，fourcalasheswereintheboatandtheoarswerebeingpassedoverthetaffrail。Thematewaslookingon。Suddenlyhesaid——
\"Isitdangerouswork？Doyouwantanyhelp？Iwouldcome……\"
\"Yes，yes！\"criedAlmayer。\"Comealong。Don’tloseamoment。
Goandgetyourrevolver。Hurryup！hurryup！\"
Yet，notwithstandinghisfeverishanxietytobeoff，helolledbackveryquietandunconcernedtillthemategotinand，passingoverthethwarts，satdownbyhisside。Thenheseemedtowakeup，andcalledout——
\"Letgo——letgothepainter！\"
\"Letgothepainter——thepainter！\"yelledthebowman，jerkingatit。
Peopleonboardalsoshouted\"Letgo！\"tooneanother，tillitoccurredatlasttosomebodytocastofftherope；andtheboatdriftedrapidlyawayfromtheschoonerinthesuddensilencingofallvoices。
Almayersteered。Thematesatbyhisside，pushingthecartridgesintothechambersofhisrevolver。Whentheweaponwasloadedheasked——
\"Whatisit？Areyouaftersomebody？\"
\"Yes，\"saidAlmayer，curtly，withhiseyesfixedaheadontheriver。\"Wemustcatchadangerousman。\"
\"Ilikeabitofachasemyself，\"declaredthemate，andthen，discouragedbyAlmayer’saspectofseverethoughtfulness，saidnothingmore。
Nearlyanhourpassed。Thecalashesstretchedforwardheadfirstandlaybackwiththeirfacestothesky，alternately，inaregularswingthatsenttheboatflyingthroughthewater；andthetwositters，veryuprightinthesternsheets，swayedrhythmicallyalittleateverystrokeofthelongoarspliedvigorously。
Themateobserved:\"Thetideiswithus。\"
\"Thecurrentalwaysrunsdowninthisriver，\"saidAlmayer。
\"Yes——Iknow，\"retortedtheother；\"butitrunsfasterontheebb。Lookbythelandatthewaywegetovertheground！A
five-knotcurrenthere，Ishouldsay。\"
\"H’m！\"growledAlmayer。Thensuddenly:\"Thereisapassagebetweentwoislandsthatwillsaveusfourmiles。Butatlowwaterthetwoislands，inthedryseason，arelikeonewithonlyamudditchbetweenthem。Still，it’sworthtrying。\"
\"Ticklishjobthat，onafallingtide，\"saidthemate，coolly。
\"Youknowbestwhetherthere’stimetogetthrough。\"
\"Iwilltry，\"saidAlmayer，watchingtheshoreintently。\"Lookoutnow！\"
Hetuggedhardatthestarboardyoke-line。
\"Layinyouroars！\"shoutedthemate。
Theboatsweptroundandshotthroughthenarrowopeningofacreekthatbroadenedoutbeforethecrafthadtimetoloseitsway。
\"Outoars！……Justroomenough，\"mutteredthemate。
Itwasasombrecreekofblackwaterspeckledwiththegoldofscatteredsunlightfallingthroughtheboughsthatmetoverheadinasoaring，restlessarcfullofgentlewhisperspassing，tremulous，aloftamongstthethickleaves。Thecreepersclimbedupthetrunksofserriedtreesthatleanedover，lookinginsecureandunderminedbyfloodswhichhadeatenawaytheearthfromundertheirroots。Andthepungent，acridsmellofrottingleaves，offlowers，ofblossomsandplantsdyinginthatpoisonousandcruelgloom，wheretheypinedforsunshineinvain，seemedtolayheavy，topressupontheshinyandstagnantwaterinitstortuouswindingsamongsttheeverlastingandinvincibleshadows。
Almayerlookedanxious。Hesteeredbadly。Severaltimesthebladesoftheoarsgotfoulofthebushesononesideortheother，checkingthewayofthegig。Duringoneofthoseoccurrences，whiletheyweregettingclear，oneofthecalashessaidsomethingtotheothersinarapidwhisper。Theylookeddownatthewater。Sodidthemate。
\"Hallo！\"heexclaimed。\"Eh，Mr。Almayer！Look！Thewaterisrunningout。Seethere！Wewillbecaught。\"
\"Back！back！Wemustgoback！\"criedAlmayer。
\"Perhapsbettergoon。\"
\"No；back！back！\"
Hepulledatthesteeringline，andranthenoseoftheboatintothebank。Timewaslostagainingettingclear。
\"Giveway，men！giveway！\"urgedthemate，anxiously。
Themenpulledwithsetlipsanddilatednostrils，breathinghard。
\"Toolate，\"saidthemate，suddenly。\"Theoarstouchthebottomalready。Wearedone。\"
Theboatstuck。Themenlaidintheoars，andsat，panting，withcrossedarms。
\"Yes，wearecaught，\"saidAlmayer，composedly。\"Thatisunlucky！\"
Thewaterwasfallingroundtheboat。Thematewatchedthepatchesofmudcomingtothesurface。Theninamomenthelaughed，andpointinghisfingeratthecreek——
\"Look！\"hesaid；\"theblamedriverisrunningawayfromus。
Here’sthelastdropofwaterclearingoutroundthatbend。\"
Almayerliftedhishead。Thewaterwasgone，andhelookedonlyatacurvedtrackofmud——ofmudsoftandblack，hidingfever，rottenness，andevilunderitslevelandglazedsurface。
\"Weareinforittilltheevening，\"hesaid，withcheerfulresignation。\"Ididmybest。Couldn’thelpit。\"
\"Wemustsleepthedayaway，\"saidthemate。\"There’snothingtoeat，\"headded，gloomily。
Almayerstretchedhimselfinthesternsheets。TheMalayscurleddownbetweenthwarts。
\"Well，I’mjiggered！\"saidthemate，startingupafteralongpause。\"Iwasinadevilofahurrytogoandpassthedaystuckinthemud。Here’saholidayforyou！Well！well！\"
Theysleptorsatunmovingandpatient。Asthesunmountedhigherthebreezediedout，andperfectstillnessreignedintheemptycreek。Atroopoflong-nosedmonkeysappeared，andcrowdingontheouterboughs，contemplatedtheboatandthemotionlessmeninitwithgraveandsorrowfulintensity，disturbednowandthenbyirrationaloutbreaksofmadgesticulation。Alittlebirdwithsapphirebreastbalancedaslendertwigacrossaslantingbeamoflight，andflashedinittoandfrolikeagemdroppedfromthesky。Hisminuteroundeyestaredatthestrangeandtranquilcreaturesintheboat。Afterawhilehesentoutathintwitterthatsoundedimpertinentandfunnyinthesolemnsilenceofthegreatwilderness；inthegreatsilencefullofstruggleanddeath。
CHAPTERTHREE
OnLingard’sdeparturesolitudeandsilenceclosedroundWillems；
thecruelsolitudeofoneabandonedbymen；thereproachfulsilencewhichsurroundsanoutcastejectedbyhiskind，thesilenceunbrokenbytheslightestwhisperofhope；animmenseandimpenetrablesilencethatswallowsupwithoutechothemurmurofregretandthecryofrevolt。Thebitterpeaceoftheabandonedclearingsenteredhisheart，inwhichnothingcouldlivenowbutthememoryandhateofhispast。Notremorse。Inthebreastofamanpossessedbythemasterfulconsciousnessofhisindividualitywithitsdesiresanditsrights；bytheimmovableconvictionofhisownimportance，ofanimportancesoindisputableandfinalthatitclothesallhiswishes，endeavours，andmistakeswiththedignityofunavoidablefate，therecouldbenoplaceforsuchafeelingasthatofremorse。
Thedayspassed。Theypassedunnoticed，unseen，intherapidblazeofglaringsunrises，intheshortglowoftendersunsets，inthecrushingoppressionofhighnoonswithoutacloud。Howmanydays？Two——three——ormore？Hedidnotknow。Tohim，sinceLingardhadgone，thetimeseemedtorolloninprofounddarkness。Allwasnightwithinhim。Allwasgonefromhissight。Hewalkedaboutblindlyinthedesertedcourtyards，amongsttheemptyhousesthat，perchedhighontheirposts，lookeddowninimicallyonhim，awhitestranger，amanfromotherlands；seemedtolookhostileandmuteoutofallthememoriesofnativelifethatlingeredbetweentheirdecayingwalls。Hiswanderingfeetstumbledagainsttheblackenedbrandsofextinctfires，kickingupalightblackdustofcoldashesthatflewindriftingcloudsandsettledtoleewardonthefreshgrasssproutingfromthehardground，betweentheshadetrees。Hemovedon，andon；ceaseless，unresting，inwideningcircles，inzigzaggingpathsthatledtonoissue；hestruggledonwearilywithaset，distressedfacebehindwhich，inhistiredbrain，seethedhisthoughts:restless，sombre，tangled，chilling，horribleandvenomous，likeanestfulofsnakes。
Fromafar，theblearedeyesoftheoldservingwoman，thesombregazeofAissafollowedthegauntandtotteringfigureinitsunceasingprowlalongthefences，betweenthehouses，amongstthewildluxurianceofriversidethickets。Thosethreehumanbeingsabandonedbyallwerelikeshipwreckedpeopleleftonaninsecureandslipperyledgebytheretiringtideofanangrysea——listeningtoitsdistantroar，livinganguishedbetweenthemenaceofitsreturnandthehopelesshorroroftheirsolitude——inthemidstofatempestofpassion，ofregret，ofdisgust，ofdespair。Thebreathofthestormhadcasttwoofthemthere，robbedofeverything——evenofresignation。Thethird，thedecrepitwitnessoftheirstruggleandtheirtorture，acceptedherowndullconceptionoffacts；ofstrengthandyouthgone；ofheruselessoldage；ofherlastservitude；ofbeingthrownawaybyherchief，byhernearest，touseupthelastandworthlessremnantofflickeringlifebetweenthosetwoincomprehensibleandsombreoutcasts:ashrivelled，anunmoved，apassivecompanionoftheirdisaster。
TotheriverWillemsturnedhiseyeslikeacaptivethatlooksfixedlyatthedoorofhiscell。Iftherewasanyhopeintheworlditwouldcomefromtheriver，bytheriver。Forhourstogetherhewouldstandinsunlightwhiletheseabreezesweepingoverthelonelyreachflutteredhisraggedgarments；thekeensaltbreezethatmadehimshivernowandthenunderthefloodofintenseheat。Helookedatthebrownandsparklingsolitudeoftheflowingwater，ofthewaterflowingceaselessandfreeinasoft，coolmurmurofripplesathisfeet。Theworldseemedtoendthere。Theforestsoftheotherbankappearedunattainable，enigmatical，foreverbeyondreachlikethestarsofheaven——andasindifferent。Aboveandbelow，theforestsonhissideoftherivercamedowntothewaterinaserriedmultitudeoftall，immensetreestoweringinagreatspreadoftwistedboughsabovethethickundergrowth；great，solidtrees，lookingsombre，severe，andmalevolentlystolid，likeagiantcrowdofpitilessenemiespressingroundsilentlytowitnesshisslowagony。Hewasalone，small，crushed。Hethoughtofescape——ofsomethingtobedone。What？Araft！Heimaginedhimselfworkingatit，feverishly，desperately；cuttingdowntrees，fasteningthelogstogetherandthendriftingdownwiththecurrent，downtotheseaintothestraits。Therewereshipsthere——ships，help，whitemen。Menlikehimself。Goodmenwhowouldrescuehim，takehimaway，takehimfarawaywheretherewastrade，andhouses，andothermenthatcouldunderstandhimexactly，appreciatehiscapabilities；wheretherewasproperfood，andmoney；wheretherewerebeds，knives，forks，carriages，brassbands，cooldrinks，churcheswithwell-dressedpeopleprayinginthem。Hewouldprayalso。Thesuperiorlandofrefineddelightswherehecouldsitonachair，eathistiffinoffawhitetablecloth，nodtofellows——goodfellows；hewouldbepopular；alwayswas——wherehecouldbevirtuous，correct，dobusiness，drawasalary，smokecigars，buythingsinshops——haveboots……behappy，free，becomerich。OGod！Whatwaswanted？Cutdownafewtrees。
No！Onewoulddo。Theyusedtomakecanoesbyburningoutatreetrunk，hehadheard。Yes！Onewoulddo。Onetreetocutdown……Herushedforward，andsuddenlystoodstillasifrootedintheground。Hehadapocket-knife。
Andhewouldthrowhimselfdownonthegroundbytheriverside。
Hewastired，exhausted；asifthatrafthadbeenmade，thevoyageaccomplished，thefortuneattained。Aglazecameoverhisstaringeyes，overhiseyesthatgazedhopelesslyattherisingriverwherebiglogsanduprootedtreesdriftedintheshineofmid-stream:alongprocessionofblackandraggedspecks。Hecouldswimoutanddriftawayononeofthesetrees。Anythingtoescape！Anything！Anyrisk！Hecouldfastenhimselfupbetweenthedeadbranches。Hewastornbydesire，byfear；hisheartwaswrungbythefalteringofhiscourage。Heturnedover，facedownwards，hisheadonhisarms。Hehadaterriblevisionofshadowlesshorizonswheretheblueskyandtheblueseamet；oracircularandblazingemptinesswhereadeadtreeandadeadmandriftedtogether，endlessly，upanddown，uponthebrilliantundulationsofthestraits。Noshipsthere。Onlydeath。Andtheriverledtoit。
Hesatupwithaprofoundgroan。
Yes，death。Whyshouldhedie？No！Bettersolitude，betterhopelesswaiting，alone。Alone。No！hewasnotalone，hesawdeathlookingathimfromeverywhere；fromthebushes，fromtheclouds——heheardherspeakingtohiminthemurmuroftheriver，fillingthespace，touchinghisheart，hisbrainwithacoldhand。Hecouldseeandthinkofnothingelse。Hesawit——thesuredeath——everywhere。Hesawitsoclosethathewasalwaysonthepointofthrowingouthisarmstokeepitoff。Itpoisonedallhesaw，allhedid；themiserablefoodheate，themuddywaterhedrank；itgaveafrightfulaspecttosunrisesandsunsets，tothebrightnessofhotnoon，tothecoolingshadowsoftheevenings。Hesawthehorribleformamongthebigtrees，inthenetworkofcreepersinthefantasticoutlinesofleaves，ofthegreatindentedleavesthatseemedtobesomanyenormoushandswithbigbroadpalms，withstifffingersoutspreadtolayholdofhim；handsgentlystirring，orhandsarrestedinafrightfulimmobility，withastillnessattentiveandwatchingfortheopportunitytotakehim，toenlacehim，tostranglehim，toholdhimtillhedied；handsthatwouldholdhimdead，thatwouldneverletgo，thatwouldclingtohisbodyforevertillitperished——disappearedintheirfranticandtenaciousgrasp。
Andyettheworldwasfulloflife。Allthethings，allthemenheknew，existed，moved，breathed；andhesawtheminalongperspective，faroff，diminished，distinct，desirable，unattainable，precious……lostforever。Roundhim，ceaselessly，therewentonwithoutasoundthemadturmoiloftropicallife。Afterhehaddiedallthiswouldremain！Hewantedtoclasp，toembracesolidthings；hehadanimmensecravingforsensations；fortouching，pressing，seeing，handling，holdingon，toallthesethings。Allthiswouldremain——remainforyears，forages，forever。Afterhehadmiserablydiedthere，allthiswouldremain，wouldlive，wouldexistinjoyoussunlight，wouldbreatheinthecoolnessofserenenights。Whatfor，then？Hewouldbedead。Hewouldbestretcheduponthewarmmoistureoftheground，feelingnothing，seeingnothing，knowingnothing；hewouldliestiff，passive，rottingslowly；
whileoverhim，underhim，throughhim——unopposed，busy，hurried——theendlessandminutethrongsofinsects，littleshiningmonstersofrepulsiveshapes，withhorns，withclaws，withpincers，wouldswarminstreams，inrushes，ineagerstruggleforhisbody；wouldswarmcountless，persistent，ferociousandgreedy——tilltherewouldremainnothingbutthewhitegleamofbleachingbonesinthelonggrass；inthelonggrassthatwouldshootitsfeatheryheadsbetweenthebareandpolishedribs。Therewouldbethatonlyleftofhim；nobodywouldmisshim；noonewouldrememberhim。
Nonsense！Itcouldnotbe。Therewerewaysoutofthis。
Somebodywouldturnup。Somehumanbeingswouldcome。Hewouldspeak，entreat——useforcetoextorthelpfromthem。Hefeltstrong；hewasverystrong。Hewould……Thediscouragement，theconvictionofthefutilityofhishopeswouldreturninanacutesensationofpaininhisheart。Hewouldbeginagainhisaimlesswanderings。Hetrampedtillhewasreadytodrop，withoutbeingabletocalmbybodilyfatiguethetroubleofhissoul。Therewasnorest，nopeacewithintheclearedgroundsofhisprison。Therewasnoreliefbutintheblackreleaseofsleep，ofsleepwithoutmemoryandwithoutdreams；inthesleepcomingbrutalandheavy，liketheleadthatkills。Toforgetinannihilatingsleep；totumbleheadlong，asifstunned，outofdaylightintothenightofoblivion，wasforhimtheonly，therarerespitefromthisexistencewhichhelackedthecouragetoendure——ortoend。
Helived，hestruggledwiththeinarticulatedeliriumofhisthoughtsundertheeyesofthesilentAissa。Shesharedhistormentinthepoignantwonder，intheacutelonging，inthedespairinginabilitytounderstandthecauseofhisangerandofhisrepulsion；thehateofhislooks；themysteryofhissilence；
themenaceofhisrarewords——ofthosewordsinthespeechofwhitepeoplethatwerethrownatherwithrage，withcontempt，withtheevidentdesiretohurther；tohurtherwhohadgivenherself，herlife——allshehadtogive——tothatwhiteman；tohurtherwhohadwantedtoshowhimthewaytotruegreatness，whohadtriedtohelphim，inherwoman’sdreamofeverlasting，enduring，unchangeableaffection。Fromtheshortcontactwiththewhitesinthecrashingcollapseofheroldlife，thereremainedwithhertheimposingideaofirresistiblepowerandofruthlessstrength。Shehadfoundamanoftheirrace——andwithalltheirqualities。Allwhitesarealike。Butthisman’sheartwasfullofangeragainsthisownpeople，fullofangerexistingtherebythesideofhisdesireofher。Andtoherithadbeenanintoxicationofhopeforgreatthingsbornintheproudandtenderconsciousnessofherinfluence。Shehadheardthepassingwhisperofwonderandfearinthepresenceofhishesitation，ofhisresistance，ofhiscompromises；andyetwithawoman’sbeliefinthedurablesteadfastnessofhearts，intheirresistiblecharmofherownpersonality，shehadpushedhimforward，trustingthefuture，blindly，hopefully；suretoattainbyhissidetheardentdesireofherlife，ifshecouldonlypushhimfarbeyondthepossibilityofretreat。Shedidnotknow，andcouldnotconceive，anythingofhis——soexalted——ideals。Shethoughtthemanawarriorandachief，readyforbattle，violence，andtreacherytohisownpeople——forher。Whatmorenatural？Washenotagreat，strongman？Thosetwo，surroundedeachbytheimpenetrablewalloftheiraspirations，werehopelesslyalone，outofsight，outofearshotofeachother；eachthecentreofdissimilaranddistanthorizons；standingeachonadifferentearth，underadifferentsky。Sherememberedhiswords，hiseyes，histremblinglips，hisoutstretchedhands；sherememberedthegreat，theimmeasurablesweetnessofhersurrender，thatbeginningofherpowerwhichwastolastuntildeath。Herememberedthequaysidesandthewarehouses；theexcitementofalifeinawhirlofsilvercoins；thegloriousuncertaintyofamoneyhunt；hisnumeroussuccesses，thelostpossibilitiesofwealthandconsequentglory。She，awoman，wasthevictimofherheart，ofherwoman’sbeliefthatthereisnothingintheworldbutlove——theeverlastingthing。Hewasthevictimofhisstrangeprinciples，ofhiscontinence，ofhisblindbeliefinhimself，ofhissolemnvenerationforthevoiceofhisboundlessignorance。
Inamomentofhisidleness，ofsuspense，ofdiscouragement，shehadcome——thatcreature——andbythetouchofherhandhaddestroyedhisfuture，hisdignityofacleverandcivilizedman；
hadawakenedinhisbreasttheinfamousthingwhichhaddrivenhimtowhathehaddone，andtoendmiserablyinthewildernessandbeforgotten，orelserememberedwithhateorcontempt。Hedarednotlookather，becausenowwheneverhelookedatherhisthoughtseemedtotouchcrime，likeanoutstretchedhand。Shecouldonlylookathim——andatnothingelse。Whatelsewasthere？Shefollowedhimwithatimorousgaze，withagazeforeverexpecting，patient，andentreating。Andinhereyestherewasthewonderanddesolationofananimalthatknowsonlysuffering，oftheincompletesoulthatknowspainbutknowsnothope；thatcanfindnorefugefromthefactsoflifeintheillusoryconvictionofitsdignity，ofanexalteddestinybeyond；
intheheavenlyconsolationofabeliefinthemomentousoriginofitshate。
ForthefirstthreedaysafterLingardwentawayhewouldnotevenspeaktoher。Shepreferredhissilencetothesoundofhatedandincomprehensiblewordshehadbeenlatelyaddressingtoherwithawildviolenceofmanner，passingatonceintocompleteapathy。Andduringthesethreedayshehardlyeverlefttheriver，asifonthatmuddybankhehadfelthimselfnearertohisfreedom。Hewouldstaylate；hewouldstaytillsunset；hewouldlookattheglowofgoldpassingawayamongstsombrecloudsinabrightredflush，likeasplashofwarmblood。Itseemedtohimominousandghastlywithaforebodingofviolentdeaththatbeckonedhimfromeverywhere——evenfromthesky。
Oneeveningheremainedbytheriversidelongaftersunset，regardlessofthenightmistthathadclosedroundhim，hadwrappedhimupandclungtohimlikeawetwinding-sheet。A
slightshiverrecalledhimtohissenses，andhewalkedupthecourtyardtowardshishouse。Aissarosefrombeforethefire，thatglimmeredredthroughitsownsmoke，whichhungthickeningundertheboughsofthebigtree。Sheapproachedhimfromthesideashenearedtheplankwayofthehouse。Hesawherstoptolethimbeginhisascent。Inthedarknessherfigurewasliketheshadowofawomanwithclaspedhandsputoutbeseechingly。Hestopped——couldnothelpglancingather。Inallthesombregracefulnessofthestraightfigure，herlimbs，features——allwasindistinctandvaguebutthegleamofhereyesinthefaintstarlight。Heturnedhisheadawayandmovedon。Hecouldfeelherfootstepsbehindhimonthebendingplanks，buthewalkedupwithoutturninghishead。Heknewwhatshewanted。Shewantedtocomeinthere。Heshudderedatthethoughtofwhatmighthappenintheimpenetrabledarknessofthathouseiftheyweretofindthemselvesalone——evenforamoment。Hestoppedinthedoorway，andheardhersay——
\"Letmecomein。Whythisanger？Whythissilence？……Letmewatch……byyourside……HaveInotwatchedfaithfully？
DidharmevercometoyouwhenyouclosedyoureyeswhileIwasby？……Ihavewaited……Ihavewaitedforyoursmile，foryourwords……Icanwaitnomore……Lookatme……
speaktome。Isthereabadspiritinyou？Abadspiritthathaseatenupyourcourageandyourlove？Letmetouchyou。
Forgetall……All。Forgetthewickedhearts，theangryfaces……andrememberonlythedayIcametoyou……toyou！Omyheart！Omylife！\"
Thepleadingsadnessofherappealfilledthespacewiththetremorofherlowtones，thatcarriedtendernessandtearsintothegreatpeaceofthesleepingworld。Allaroundthemtheforests，theclearings，theriver，coveredbythesilentveilofnight，seemedtowakeupandlistentoherwordsinattentivestillness。Afterthesoundofhervoicehaddiedoutinastifledsightheyappearedtolistenyet；andnothingstirredamongtheshapelessshadowsbuttheinnumerablefirefliesthattwinkledinchangingclusters，inglidingpairs，inwanderingandsolitarypoints——liketheglimmeringdriftofscatteredstar-dust。
Willemsturnedroundslowly，reluctantly，asifcompelledbymainforce。Herfacewashiddeninherhands，andhelookedaboveherbenthead，intothesombrebrillianceofthenight。Itwasoneofthosenightsthatgivetheimpressionofextremevastness，whentheskyseemshigher，whenthepassingpuffsoftepidbreezeseemtobringwiththemfaintwhispersfrombeyondthestars。
Theairwasfullofsweetscent，ofthescentcharming，penetrating。andviolentliketheimpulseoflove。Helookedintothatgreatdarkplaceodorouswiththebreathoflife，withthemysteryofexistence，renewed，fecund，indestructible；andhefeltafraidofhissolitude，ofthesolitudeofhisbody，ofthelonelinessofhissoulinthepresenceofthisunconsciousandardentstruggle，ofthisloftyindifference，ofthismercilessandmysteriouspurpose，perpetuatingstrifeanddeaththroughthemarchofages。Forthesecondtimeinhislifehefelt，inasuddensenseofhissignificance，theneedtosendacryforhelpintothewilderness，andforthesecondtimeherealizedthehopelessnessofitsunconcern。Hecouldshoutforhelponeveryside——andnobodywouldanswer。Hecouldstretchouthishands，hecouldcallforaid，forsupport，forsympathy，forrelief——andnobodywouldcome。Nobody。Therewasnoonethere——butthatwoman。
Hisheartwasmoved，softenedwithpityathisownabandonment。
