Those regular strokes as of a muffled hammer that rang in his ears must stop soon.

Still beating unceasing and cruel.

No man can bear this; and is this the last, or will the next one be the last ?--How much longer?
O God! how much longer?
His hand weighed heavier unconsciously on the girl's shoulder, and she spoke the last words of her story crouching at his feet with tears of pain and shame and anger.

Was her revenge to fail her?
This white man was like a senseless stone.

Too late! Too late! "And you saw her go ?" Almayer's voice sounded harshly above her head.
"Did I not tell you ?" she sobbed, trying to wriggle gently out from under his grip.