Читать книгу The Dark River онлайн

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"In the middle of the afternoon. It's a glorious walk; I don't know when I've enjoyed myself more. And mountain streams every mile or so. I stopped to bathe in half of them. All the way I didn't meet a soul."

McLeod smiled. "I know how that would please you. I believe you'd like Tahiti better if it were a complete solitude."

"No I shouldn't, but I do like to find solitude at hand when I want it. I've decided to stay on here for a while."

"How long a while?"

"I don't know, but Tautira's just what I hoped it would be. This is Tahiti, Mac--what's left of it."

"It's just a village, like a good many others we passed through. A dull little place, if you ask me. I prefer Papeete."

"But you don't want to go back!"

"I believe I will, Alan. You don't mind, do you? As a matter of fact, it gave me a sort of melancholy feeling, that visit to Vaihiva, and it seems to be staying with me, even here."

"I can understand that, but it'll pass. I want your company."

"You'll have to come with me, then."

"Back to Papeete? Damned if I will! You won't see me there again till steamer day, but you needn't tell Tyson. See here, Mac: if you're bound to go, send out the rest of my things, will you?"