"It goes, it goes, it goes," they all sang in unison,
triumphantly. But the ringing voice of the contractor pierced the
deep wave of their voices, and cut it even as a knife cuts bread.
"My boys! Go ahead, all at once, all at once."
Foma was seized with a strange emotion; passionately he now
longed to mingle with this excited roaring of the labourers,
which was as broad and as powerful as the river--to blend with
this irritating, creaking, squeaking, clanging of iron and
turbulent splashing of waves. Perspiration came out on his face
from the intensity of his desire, and suddenly pale from
agitation, he tore himself away from the mast, and rushed toward
the windlasses with big strides.
"All at once! At once!" he cried in a fierce voice. When he
reached the lever of the windlass, he dashed his chest against it
with all his might, and not feeling the pain, he began to go
around the windlass, roaring, and firmly stamping his feet
against the deck. Something powerful and burning rushed into his
breast, replacing the efforts which he spent while turning the
windlass-lever! Inexpressible joy raged within him and forced
itself outside in an agitated cry.
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