"I'm not keeping our people in servitude," Raul declared.
"Will you free them?" Fernando cried, lips wide. "They'll kill you!"
"We've had them killed. Perhaps it's their turn."
"You talk like a madman!"
"Hasn't it been insane to think we can destroy and destroy and go on destroying?"
"We must eat," said Fernando foolishly. He wanted to see clearly: the damn' scum floated about at any time, blocking, filtering; he rubbed his eyes.
"I'm going about the job of changing things as slowly as possible. The lagoon project is coming along. I've had the dam repaired in Sector 17. Petaca is being improved. Our people have a right to a better way...." He thought he could not go on defending himself, repressing his feelings. "You say we must eat. God knows we've never gone hungry, we Medinas!"
"Listen," Fernando said. "I've disposed of my mining shares in Pachuca Incorporated. The money is banked in my name now."
Raul had counted on the dividends for further improvements. He had counted on them as a financial buffer as well. His lips went white.
"Did you hear me?"