"Conrad, Joseph - Within The Tides" - читать интересную книгу автора (Conrad Joseph)

Within the Tides




Contents:

The Planter of Malata
The Partner
The Inn of the Two Witches
Because of the Dollars




THE PLANTER OF MALATA




CHAPTER I



In the private editorial office of the principal newspaper in a
great colonial city two men were talking. They were both young.
The stouter of the two, fair, and with more of an urban look about
him, was the editor and part-owner of the important newspaper.

The other's name was Renouard. That he was exercised in his mind
about something was evident on his fine bronzed face. He was a
lean, lounging, active man. The journalist continued the
conversation.

"And so you were dining yesterday at old Dunster's."

He used the word old not in the endearing sense in which it is
sometimes applied to intimates, but as a matter of sober fact. The
Dunster in question was old. He had been an eminent colonial
statesman, but had now retired from active politics after a tour in
Europe and a lengthy stay in England, during which he had had a
very good press indeed. The colony was proud of him.

"Yes. I dined there," said Renouard. "Young Dunster asked me just
as I was going out of his office. It seemed to be like a sudden
thought. And yet I can't help suspecting some purpose behind it.
He was very pressing. He swore that his uncle would be very
pleased to see me. Said his uncle had mentioned lately that the
granting to me of the Malata concession was the last act of his
official life."