Chapter Twenty-One

Al was stunned, this beautiful girl, a sister to Barto and Todo? This seemed impossible. He got up and began to pace back and forth in front of the girl. Barto was a killer, mean and vicious. Surely this sweet young girl sitting here on the log could be no kin to him.

Suddenly he remembered; just a few nights ago this sweet young thing had tried to kill him! She had come charging into that room with a long sharp knife in her hand. Then he remembered something the Judge had told him. The scar-faced killer had been accused of murdering a brother of Barto’s. That was the reason that he had taken the job.

Evidently these people believed in the old saying; “an eye for an eye.” Probably in the eyes of Todo it was his duty to avenge his brother. Then he remembered the death bird, that horrible scream. Pio had said someone that has heard the bird scream will die before morning. Al wondered if the screaming of the bird enticed people to kill. Their predictions always seemed to come true. They made them come true!

Next Al remembered that first night in Talpinecci. All the unwed mothers had come to town seeking husbands. Pio had told him; here they do not wait until they are married to have children. Also they do not expect to get a husband that is not already married. Mighty strange people, he decided.

Al stopped pacing and looked down at the girl. There was another question that had just entered his mind. “You say that Barto and Todo were your brothers?”

The girl nodded.

“Blood brothers? Did you have the same father and mother?”

The girl shook her head, “No. Mr. Monory is my stepfather. His first wife died many years ago. He and my mother were married only a few years ago.”

Al couldn’t help but breath a sigh of relief. A lot of things began to make a little bit of sense. “Do you have any more brothers or sisters?” he asked.

The girl shook her head. “There were no girls in the family. Now there are no boys, they are all dead., all but Father Monory”

Al had one more question. “The other night at Talpinecci, why did you try to kill me?”

The girl looked down at her right hand and the missing finger. It would always remind her of that night. She looked up at Al. “I am very sorry, I did a terrible thing. Mr. Monory believed all those lies. He sent Todo and me.” Suddenly she burst into tears.

Al set down beside her. “ I am sorry too Adilia. I wouldn’t have hurt you for all the world.” He helped the girl to her feet.

“Thank for answering all my questions. You are free to go now. Whenever you are ready my men will take your boat to the river.”

The girl set back down on the tree. Her eyes were bright with tears. “There is no need to take my boat to the river, I will stay here.”

“But you can’t stay here, Adilia!”

“I might as well stay. There is nowhere else for me to go.”

“Get in you boat and go home. Your step-father Mr. Monory will be worried about you.”

“If I go home alone he will kill me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, he will welcome you home.”

The girl shook her head. “You don’t know him Mr. Mackey. If I were to go home and tell him his only remaining son has been killed… Oh no Mr. Mackey, I am not going there!”

“But you can’t stay here, you will starve to death…El Tigre will get you!”

“Then let him get me, at least it will be a quick way out!”

Al did not know which way to turn. He couldn’t just go off and leave the girl here. She would be dead by morning. He stepped close to her and put his arm around her shoulders. He spoke softly. “I am not going to leave you here. You must have friends around here somewhere. We will take you there. Maybe a village close somewhere around here where you can stay?”

The girl shook her head. “I will stay here.”

“But you can’t stay here! I will do anything you say except I will not leave you here!”

“Anything?”

“Yes anything!”

“Promise?”

“With all my heart!”

There was a trace of a smile on her face as she got to her feet. She linked her arm in Al’s and smiled up at him. “Then it is all settled, I am going with you.”

“Oh Lord! I have really done it now!” Al muttered. “Where do I go from here?” he turned to the girl. “The Judge at Quilali has ordered me to bring back a wanted killer. He is probably waiting over on that trail. He knows we are coming and he will kill a gain. And from what I hear he doesn’t care who it is. It is a dangerous trip.”

“Yes I know. I also know that the man you are looking for is not there. Todo and I have been over there the last two days waiting for him to pass. Evidently he has already gone down the river. So for a while we should be in no great danger.”

Well at least they were on the same side. They had a common enemy. Al reached down and pinched himself. Was he dreaming? Standing here with the most beautiful girl in the world wanting to go down the river with him? What the hell was he waiting for? Had he lost his marbles?

On the other hand he had better be a little bit cautious. This was a crazy world down here. These people had many strange customs. What would she expect of him if he did take her along? What would people think? A beautiful young woman traveling with three men! Of course he could claim her for a sister. Or Nocho could pass her off as a daughter.

The girl seemed to read his mind. The big brown eyes looked up at him. “Don’t worry, everything will be all right. I shall go as your wife!”

Al was stunned. Was he hearing correctly? The girl leaned her head on his shoulder; her voice was low. “Aren’t you going to kiss me?”

Al was fast turning native. He drew her close. Why not?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Al didn’t know what to expect when he broke the news to Pio and Nocho that the girl was coming along. To his amazement they were not a bit surprised. In fact they seemed delighted that she was going with them. Nocho’s boat would hold one more. No need to take two boats. They would leave the girls here and pick it up on the way back. They dragged her boat back into the jungle and hid it the best they could. They transferred her meager belongings to Nocho’s boat and they were ready to go.

Evidently the scar-faced killer had kept going, and had not waited at the falls as they suspected he would. Evidently he lived somewhere below here. They must find him and bring him back dead or alive. Al hoped it would be alive. There had been enough killing already.

He decided to take another look at the map they had brought along. He spread it out on the bottom of the boat. Nacho put an ‘X’ on the spot where he thought they were. The map of Nicaragua was in the color of brown. The Rio Coco seemed to be the north border.

North of the river was the country of Honduras. It was yellow. It looked to Al that everything from here to north of the river belonged to Honduras. Maybe he should just take off, pull out and keep going?

He pointed down at the map. “It looks to me like the river is the border between Nicaragua and Honduras. Am I correct?”

Pio picked up the map and studied it for a moment. “Yes and no,” he said. “I will explain.” With his finger he pointed at the map. “If you look closely you will notice that for many miles above the river the color yellow is much lighter. Also see that fine print? It says disputed territory.”

Al nodded, “I could see the lighter color. I thought the color had faded. What does; disputed territory mean?”

“Just that,” said Pio. “For hundreds of years these two countries have been quarreling over who is the rightful owner. As a result neither country has ever developed this big section of land. There are no roads or landing fields. It is probably one of the most primitive pieces of land in the world today. Back in the sixties both countries agreed to let the world court decide who was the rightful owner. The court decided in favor of Honduras. Pio grinned, “ I guess that is why that part of the map is faded yellow.”

“Then everything north of the river belongs to Honduras?”

Pio shook his head. “The president of Nicaragua decided not to abide by the decision. He threatened to declare war on Honduras if they attempted to take over the land. Nicaragua has a much more powerful army then Honduras.” Pio shrugged his shoulders.

Al folded up the map and put it in his pocket. He had better forget what he was thinking about a minute ago. Time was wasting. They had better get going.

He and Pio paddled the boat across the river; Nocho sat in the rear, his fishing gear in hand. They would have fish for dinner. Al had made a good choice when he hired this old man. Not only did he make an excellent guide but also knew how to live off the fat of the land.

And there was Pio also, another damn good man! If he ever got out of this mess he would see what he could do about taking them to Prescott, Arizona in the United States,.

Al grinned. He now considered himself a citizen of the United States of America since the Nigger Woman had straightened him out on the subject of who’s who. He would never forget that.

Now Al had added another member to his crew, the girl. Who was this half wild beauty? Her mother had married this man Monory only a few years ago, or so she said. Certainly she did not resemble any natives around here. Where had she come from? He would find out. If she was going along as his wife, a wife shouldn’t keep secret from her husband! However the saying came from the States and he didn’t know of it would hold true here.

Now they were across the river. Nocho had caught several big fish. The girl had skinned and cleaned them. They were ready for the pan.

The rocky trail up over the hill was narrow and steep. It took most of an hour of pulling and tugging to get to the top. Al had to admire the girl. She was certainly doing her part. She had tied a ribbon around her long black hair, which hung below her waist. The ribbon kept her hair from falling down and also served as a decoration.

Then they were on top. Below them was a beautiful waterfall. The water going over the rocks and dropping down far below them turned the big eddy into a white foamy mass. The roar of the falls was so great that they had to shout to be heard. The descent was much easier. Half an hour later they arrived at the bottom.

Nocho suggested they rest for a while, as the fish would spoil of they were not cooked. He would take care of this matter. They would eat while floating down the river. Al found a big flat rock that was in the shade; he sat down on it with the girl beside him.

His mind had been on the scar-faced killer he had almost forgot about the man that was the cause of him being here. He took the picture out of his wallet and handed it to the girl.

“Look at this very carefully,” he told her. “I came down to this country to find this man. Yeas ago he and my father were great friends. This picture was taken years ago so he would be much older now.”

The girl took the picture from his hand and studied it for a moment. Slowly she shook her head, “ I do not know this man” She handed the picture back to him.

“His name is John Kirkland. Do you know anyone by that name?”

“I do not, I am sorry.”

He wondered if she knew anything about the scar-faced killer?

“What do you know about the other fellow I am looking for?”

“Only that he is a wanted man. I do not know his name or where he lives. I have only seen him once. That was the day the two soldiers captured him. They were taking him to Quilali. I was riding my pony to town and passed them on the trail.

Al wondered what the girl had heard about himself and the man?

“Do you know why I am after him?” he asked.

The girl nodded, “Yes. You and your man Pio turned him loose. You also gave him boots and a gun, at least that is what I have been told. The Judge has sentenced you to bring him back…”

She had the story, but had everything wrong. He would correct the error.

“ You got the story straight except for two things; we did not turn him loose, nor did we give him a gun and boots. We heard a noise in the night and got up to see what it was. The window was open and the guy was gone. While we were looking at the open window he stole my gun and boots. And so help me God that is the truth!”

The girl nodded, “I believe you. It doesn’t make sense that you would free a man, give him a gun, and then go looking for him. Did you know this man”?

Al shook his head, “I don’t know anyone down here. My mother was a Nicaraguan. I came down here to see if I could locate some of her relatives and also John Kirkland, my father’s friend. Mother died when I was just a kid. My father died about a month ago. I have no brothers and sisters. I must have some relatives down here somewhere.”

The girl smiled, “You have a wife?”

Al grinned, “And a very pretty one. But did you ever stop to think I might have a wife up in the states?”

The girl nodded, “Yes I have been wondering about that. If you have a wife there then I must be content to be your wife while you are here. Do you have a wife?”

Al remembered that evening in Talpinecci, the unwed mothers coming to town seeking a husband. Pio had said they do not expect to get a husband that doesn’t already have a wife.

Al moved close to the girl and put his arm around her slender waist. He would not lie to her. “No Adilia I do not have a wife. But tell me this. How do we go about getting married here?”

The girl smiled, “I will be your wife, some day we will find a priest and he will give us his blessing.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Once more they were drifting down the river. The sky became overcast. Dark clouds were forming. “It’s going to rain,” said Nocho. “We are in the middle of the dry season now and it doesn’t rain so often. But when it does it can really come down.”

“How much farther to your cabin?” Al asked.

“Not too far. We will be there before sun down.”

They kept the boat as near the center of the river as possible. The killer could be lurking back in the shadows waiting for them to pass by. The shots could come any second. It was nerve wracking to say the least!

Al wondered about the Judge. Was he following along behind? A couple of times Pio had been certain that a man was fallowing them. There had been two men in a boat. Was one of them the Judge? If the rascal was coming to them hoping to see some action he would not be disappointed. There certainly had been plenty of it.

Al felt like swearing. He tried to think of some choice cuss words in Spanish. He couldn’t think of any that fit the occasion. He hadn’t spoken a word of English in days. Maybe if he blew off a little steam he would feel better? He would give it try. He would give the Judge hell.

“You dirty rotten son of a bitch!” he shouted. “You stinking bastard!” he cupped his hands around his mouth. “Did you hear me Judge? Do you hear me?”

The girl had been lying in the bottom of the boat, apparently asleep. She rose up quickly and stared at Al. Her eyes were big and wide. Then, slowly, a faint smile spread over her face.

“Shame on you. Don’t you know it is not polite to swear in front of a lady?”

Al was amazed. She had spoken to him in English!

“Do you think the Judge heard you?” She asked.

Al’s face was red. “I hope he did. A boat has been following behind us. Pio thinks one of them is carrying the Judge.”

“If he were miles ahead of us, he certainly would have heard you. Do you often swear like that?”

“I was just blowing off a little steam. I didn’t know you understood English. You surprised the hell out of me.”

“I also speak German and some Mosquito Indian.”

“Where in the world did you learn to speak English and German? It certainly wasn’t out here in the jungle.”

“Do you think I was born and raised out here in the jungle?”

“Lord no, Adilia. Where were you born?”

The girl moved close to Al, and a slender arm stole around his neck. Her voice was low.

“It is a long story. Sometime, when we are all alone, I will tell you. Maybe tonight.” Her eyes were dancing. “You will want to be alone with me tonight, will you not?”

Al nodded. “Tonight we will be alone…together.”

The sky was getting darker, the air was humid, and there was no wind.

They came around a bend in the river. Nocho was pointing at some cabins, on the north bank. They had bamboo walls and a roof made of grass.

“The first cabin is mine,” said Nocho. “All the rest of them are empty. Years ago there was much gold here. Now it is about all gone. The people have all moved away, so take your pick.”

They pulled the boat high upon the bank and unloaded their provisions. Pio took his bedroll into the number two cabin. Al and the girl went to number three.

There was a bunk, about four feet wide, made of bamboo. Al put the bedrolls on this and looked around. It wasn’t much but it would sure beat sleeping in the rain. There was an open window. A shutter made of wood lay on the dirt floor. Al picked it up and put it in place. He opened his suitcase and took out a pair of leather shoelaces. With one of these he tied the shutter in place. When they were ready to go to bed he would tie the door shut with the other one. A man could break in easy enough, but he would make enough noise to awaken them. All he needed was a warning. The girl made up the bed. The food and cooking utensils were at Nocho’s cabin. They would eat there.

Nocho’s cabin was fixed up quite fancy. On one side of it was a lean-to, which had no walls. Several poles held up the grass roof. There was a big log in the ground. This was used to sit on. There was a big mud oven. ‘It looked like an igloo in Alaska,’ Al thought. Also there was a grill. Nocho had a fire going already, and the coffee pot was on.

Adilia helped Nocho with the cooking. They put on a pot of beans and added what was left of the wild pig. Also they put on a kettle of rice. Adilia took some flour and corn meal and made tortillas. They would cook them over the fire when the beans and rice were tender.

Al and Pio had also been busy. They had gone down by the river and gathered several arms full of driftwood. They would need dry wood for in the morning if it rained during the night as Nocho predicted,

Dinner was now on the grill. All there was to do now was to keep the fire going. It would be at least another hour before everything was ready. It had been days since Al had taken a bath. He thought he must smell something awful. Tonight, unofficially of course, the girl would be his wife. The least he could do was clean up a bit. Al walked over and took Adilia by the arm. “I am going to the river and take a swim, want to go along?”

Adilia smiled, “I was about to suggest the same thing. What about dinner? Someone must watch it.”

“Nocho will do that and Pio will stand guard.” He handed the rifle to Pio. “Keep a sharp eye on things. We are going to take a swim in the river.”

Al had a pair of trunks in his suitcase. He wondered what the girl would wear. He remembered the women at Talpinecci; they hadn’t bothered to wear anything. They took a bath and at the same time did their washing.

They walked over to the cabin and went inside. Al found his trunks. He sat down on the edge of the bed and slipped off his trousers and shorts. In a matter of a few seconds he pulled on the trunks and he was ready to go. The girl on the other hand was taking her time. She opened her carrying case and pulled out what looked to Al like two wide ribbons. Both were brilliant red.

She slipped off her blouse and laid it on the bed. She picked up one of the ribbons and wrapped it twice around her chest, then tied the ends together in front in the form of a big bow. She took off her slacks and panties then picked up the other ribbon. She wound it around herself a couple of times in the proper places and ended up by tying a big bow in the back. She looked up at Al and smiled.

“You like my swimming suit?”

Al nodded, “On you it looks great.” He felt like adding, “You look better without it.” However he changed his mind thinking he had better keep his mouth shut.

They kept their shoes on until they reached the river. Then they took them off and dove into the water. For an hour they played like a couple of otters. Diving, sliding down the bank, digging holes in the sand. This was the first time since Al had been here that he had actually had any fun.

Adilia was an excellent swimmer and was also having the time of her life. She was with the man of her choice and she intended to keep him.

Al was fast falling in love. This little princess that had come to him out of nowhere, had captured his heart. For the first time in days he forgot about the scar-faced killer. Then, from up on the bank came the voice of Nocho, “Come and get it.”

The swim had certainly given them an appetite. Food had never tasted so good. Darkness was coming on. They would make a good target sitting out here by the fire. ‘It has been a perfect day,’ Al thought. Well maybe not quite as yet, but it soon would be! He took the girl by the hand and headed for the cabin.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Dawn was breaking; daylight came pouring through the air vents of the cabin. Al Mackey slowly opened his eyes. Had he been dreaming? It must have been a dream. Life had never been so wonderful. But he had not been dreaming! She was still here lying close to beside him.

Life had not been so kind to him here until he had fallen in love with this lovely creature, this little dark eyed princess. He hadn’t come down here looking for a wife but he had found one and he was glad. Sarah Blatz had been after him to find a girl, get married and raise a family. Good old Sarah, she sure had been a mother to him.

Sarah was a good cook. He had often heard her quote that old saying; “the best way to man’s heart was through his stomach.” A slow grin came to Al’s face. He wondered what damn fool had created that phrase. Surely it couldn’t have been a man! If it were, he must have been under sexed or had a hell of an appetite! Maybe he was old, real old! Maybe the person wasn’t a man at all. It was probably a woman!

Al recalled many times when they had extra help at the ranch. Sarah would fix a gorgeous dinner. Then she would stand back and watch the men eat. These men worked hard and they had big appetites. They also knew if they did not praise her cooking the quality would go way down. They learned their lesson well.

At every meal Sarah would enjoy the flattering remarks. Such as, ‘delicious,’ ‘fantastic,’ ‘I have never tasted anything so good!’ Yes, Sarah believed the best way to a man’s heart was through his stomach.

It was getting much lighter outside. Al glanced at the beautiful girl lying beside him. She knew a different way. He leaned over and kissed the soft red lips. The dark eyes opened slowly. A little white arm stole around his neck pulling her warm body close to him. “I love you,” Al whispered.

The girl moved still closer. “And I love you darling, and I didn’t know life could be so wonderful!”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Al was awakened by what sounded like pistol shots. He slid off the bed and grabbed the rifle. He motioned for the girl to lay flat on the bed. He slipped on his trousers and shoes before he untied the leather strings that held the door shut. He opened it a crack and peeked out. Pio was standing by the grill putting wood on the fire. “Did you hear someone shooting?” Al Asked.

Pio nodded, “ I am sure it was Nocho. He says there are many wild turkeys up the canyon. He went to see if he could kill one.”

Al breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the girl. “False alarm,” he grinned. “Lets get dressed and go see if we can find something to eat.”

Pio had a pot of coffee on the fire. There was about a dozen bananas lying on the table. These were the green ones that Pio had wrapped in the cloth a few days ago. Now they were yellow and ready to eat.

The girl dished up some cooked rice and added sliced banana, sprinkled on a little brown sugar then added some canned milk. Breakfast was ready.

Nocho came in wearing his toothless smile; there was a big turkey on his back.

When breakfast was over, Al suggested that they get ready to go on down the river. Somewhere below was the killer. They must go after him. Nocho shook his head. “It is better that we do not go today. Notice the dark clouds. Today it will rain for sure. We would not be safe on the river in a storm.”

The clouds were dark. Al had hired this fellow to guide them down the river. So far, he had done and excellent job. At least they were alive. He would not question his judgment now. Besides, another night in the little cabin with Adilia sounded mighty fine.

“You are right,” Al told him. “We will stay here today.” He smiled at the girl. “And maybe tomorrow.”

The big mud oven proved of great interest to Al. He had seen a lot of them at a distance, but this on was the first he had been close to. He looked it over carefully.

It was about four feet high, and about the same distance across. It was round, and the top was rounded off like a huge light bulb. In the center of the top was a hole about an inch in diameter. This was the chimney, a place for the smoke to escape and give it a draft. In one side at the bottom, was a square hole, about one square foot. This was the entrance to the oven.

Today, they would roast the big turkey and bake bread.

Al morning, Pio had been gathering wood. There was a big pile by the log. He began cramming it into the oven.

Nocho began cleaning the turkey; Adilia would make the bread.

Al watched, fascinated. This was certainly a new world for him. He never dreamed that such methods existed. In fact, he had never heard of an oven like this.

He still couldn’t understand how the big thing worked.

The wood was crammed inside. Pio set it on fire. Smoke began to spiral out of the hole in the top.

There was a steel plate that would cover the opening to the oven. Pio adjusted this, giving the fire the right amount of draft. He left the oven on and sat down on a log. For now, his part of the chores was finished.

Al went over and sat down beside him. He pointed with his thumb.

“Pio, I don’t want to appear stupid. But, how in hell are you going to cook anything in there when it’s full of burning wood?”

“Do you not have ovens like this in the United States?”

“We sure don’t. And this is the only one I have ever seen in action. Would you mind explaining how the damn thing works? I guess I could wait and see, but my curiosity is killing me.”

Pio grinned, and started to explain.

“In about an hour, the thick walls of the oven will become red hot inside. We will take a small rake and drag out what is left of the wood and coals. These go into the grill. On the grill, we will heat water and make coffee. Nothing is wasted. Then, we will put the bread and the turkey in the oven. The door will be closed tight, so no cold air can enter. There will be a few sticks of wood left inside. They will make enough smoke to give everything a fine flavor.” Pio licked his lips and grinned. “You will see.”

“How long will it take to cook the meal?” Al asked.

“Probably a couple of hours.”

“If the oven is red hot, won’t it burn everything?”

Pio shook his head. “At first, the bread and turkey will steam. This will cool the oven somewhat. It will still be hot enough to make everything turn a golden brown. Then it will cool down some more and cook everything until it is well done and very tender.”

“Sounds like a winner.”

“You will see, Señor Al.”

Pio had selected the provisions on this trip, and Al thought he had certainly done a fine job. It didn’t seem like they were getting enough at the time, but the man generally knew what he was doing so he’d trust him this time too.

An hour went by. The sky was black, but as of yet, it had not rained.

On the table was turkey. It was lying on its back on a tin platter. Also, there were four big loaves of bread on tin plates. It was now time to put them in the oven.

Al watched, fascinated. Pio removed the metal cover in front of the oven and set it aside. He picked up a long metal rod with a flat piece of iron across the front. With this utensil, he began raking out he remains of the fire, which went into the grill front. Next, the turkey and the bread were pushed far back into the oven. A few smoldering pieces of wood were also put back.

The steel plate was placed in front of the entrance and the hole in the top was plugged. Dinner was now cooking.

Al produced the map and spread it out on the table. Somewhere below here, lived the scar-faced killer. Nocho had seen him pass by many times.

There were no names of any towns close to their current location on the map. He asked Nocho.

“Are there any villages down the river?”

“Yes, there is one, about one day in a boat.”

“Good. When we are ready, we will go there. Probably someone there will know him.”

Again, Al thought of the man named Kirkland. Come to think of it, he hadn’t asked Nocho about this man. He took the picture out of his pocketbook and handed it to him.

“Take a close look at this picture. This man lives somewhere in this area, and I would sure like to find him. He is quite a bit older now, but looks very much the same. Also,” Al grinned, “This one is a friend.”

Nocho took the picture and studied it carefully.

“His name is John Kirkland, if that will help any.”

Nocho handed back the picture.

“I do not know this man, but I have seen him a number of times.”

“Where, Nocho, where?” Al was getting excited.

“I do not remember where or when. But I think it was down the river. Maybe at some time he has gone by here in a boat. I cannot remember.”

Al remembered the fist time he had met the old man. At first, he didn’t have much confidence in him. How things had changed. If Nocho had said he had seen John Kirkland, he had seen John Kirkland! Maybe he would find him yet!

“If you happen to remember where you saw this fellow, be sure to tell me. It is very important.”

The day was getting hot and muggy. There was no sign of a breeze. There were no boats on the river, and no one on that trails. Evidently, all the natives around here thought it was a good day to stay close to shelter.

Al suggested to Adilia that they go swimming. She was in full accord. Pio and Nocho dug up a pair of shorts and went along. They took turns standing guard with the rifle.

Once more, Al felt like a big kid. Adilia was a wonderful playmate. They raced up and down the sandy beach; they dove into the swirling current, and played in the sand. Time passed quickly. It was past noon and still there was no rain.

They went back to the cabins and put on fresh clothes. It was time to open the big mud oven.

Al stood by and watched. First, the oven door was set aside. Pio reached inside with the rake and pulled out a golden loaf of bread, then three more, and then the turkey. It was time to eat.

Al couldn’t remember when food had tasted better. Even Sarah’s Thanksgiving dinners were not better than this. When he got home, if he got home, he was going to build one of these big mud ovens. He wondered if Adilia knew how.

Suddenly, the overcast sky grew much darker. A huge black cloud was coming from the north. It was approaching rapidly, although there was no wind here.

Nocho walked out from under the lean-to. For a moment, he stared up into the sky. Then, suddenly, he came back on the run.

“It’s coming!” He yelled. “Stay under cover, if you don’t want to get wet.”

Al sat down on the log beside Adilia. “I think Nocho’s rain is finally going to get here,” he remarked.

The girl’s eyes sparkled. “There will be many beautiful lights and lots of noise,” she whispered.

A forked streak of flame went shooting across the sky, followed by a tremendous clap of thunder.

Al looked around. ‘This is a flimsy place to take shelter in a tropical storm,’ he thought.

The lightning blazed and at the same time, a violent crash shook the earth.

Adilia jumped to her feet and ran out to where Pio and Nocho were standing, with faces upturned.

Another blue-white flame shot across the horizon, above the mass of jungle, followed by a violent crash.

Long ago, the birds and animals had gone to their shelters. For a few seconds, there wasn’t a sound.

Al took a deep breath of the soft air. The humidity strengthened the scent of the undergrowth. He took a few steps and joined the trio outside. If they were going to stay out here, so was he!

There was deep rumbling in the background and lots of brilliant flashes. Then, the thunder that had been creeping up sprang its ambush. There was a quick flash of light. A big tree a hundred yards down the river split down the middle and came tumbling down, crushing the foliage beneath it. Black smoke came curling up, and the smell of sulfur and brimstone was in the air.

Then, another colossal explosion!

A loud cheer startled Al…another explosion…another cheer. He couldn’t believe his ears. With every clap of thunder, the three people stood there cheering, yelling for more, only to be drowned out by another and another.

This was only a prelude of what was to come. Suddenly, tiny droplets of water blurred the dancing lights. Then, the avalanche came crashing down! Al grabbed Adilia and ran for the cabin. Big drops were coming now, and coming fast. The advancing sheet of water was at their heels!

The big drops of hail were hitting the ground so hard, that it looked like they were bouncing high in the air.

They were in the cabin, and just in time. The rain was pouring down.

Adilia went to open the window and looked out. Her face was flushed from the excitement. She turned to Al.

“Beautiful, wasn’t it?”

Al nodded. “I have seen many thunderstorms in Arizona, but never anything like this.” He was glad that the downpour had stopped the fireworks. He walked over and put his arm around her shoulders. It had been a show that he would never forget. Even the best producers in Hollywood couldn’t put on one like this.

The people here had no movies, radio or television. They depended upon the wonder of nature for entertainment. Al thought that if there had been an earthquake and a big volcano belching smoke and fire today, this show would have really been a big success.

They stood there for a few minutes listening to the drumming of the rain. The fireworks seemed to be over, at least for the present. But now, something new was added: the wind

A big gust hit the cabin. For a moment, Al thought the cabin would be carried away. Water was running across the floor and the ground trembled.

So far, there were no leaks in the roof. Driving rain was coming through the window. Al picked up the shutter and put it in place. The room was as dark as night, and it was only two o’clock in the afternoon. He took the shutter and laid it on the floor. It would be one hell of a long night if he left it in.

The bed was on the opposite side of the room. At least it was dry. He took the girl by the arm and together they walked over and sat down.

The old man had certainly been correct when he said it was going to rain. What if they had been caught out on the river in this storm? Al shuddered with the thought.

Anyhow, the scar-faced killer wouldn’t be out prowling around in this. That was one thing to be thankful for during the storm.

He kicked off his shoes and lay down on the bed. Adilia did likewise, and lay down beside him, her head on his shoulder.

‘Everything as just as it should be,’ thought Al, when this wonderful girl was beside him. When he was finished here, he would take her home with him. When he was finished here.

He hoped that would be soon. Damn the Judge!

The girl was running her fingers through his hair. “Are you alright, darling?” She asked.

“Just fine. I was just thinking. When we are finished here, we will go to my home in Arizona. We will be married there, and have a big wedding. How does that sound to you?”

“Wonderful darling, wonderful!”

“Then I will buy you a new car.”

“A car, just for me?”

“And a lot of beautiful new clothes.”

The girl drew herself close and whispered in his ear.

“And I will bear you many beautiful children.”

For a moment, Al lay there thinking about what a beautiful world it could be, with this girl beside him every night. If that cock-eyed Judge hadn’t passed that ridiculous sentence on him, he would take Adilia out of here tomorrow.

Adilia seemed to read his thoughts. “Everything is going to be alright, darling. I will pray for you.”

He would need all the help he could get. A few prayers might not hurt a bit.

Just who was this girl lying here beside him? She had told him, ‘Sometime, when we are alone and have time, I will tell you about myself.’ ‘Right now should be as good as any,’ he thought.

He kissed her on the cheek. “Darling, you told me you would tell me all about yourself. Don’t you think now would be a good time? I am really curious.”

“There isn’t really much to tell. What would you like to know?”

“I know that you are not a native of this area. Where did you come from? Who were your parents? Just anything that comes to your mind. Take your time, we have lots of it.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

The girl spoke slowly, as though trying to remember every minor detail.

“My true name is Adilia Maria Mendez. I am nineteen years old. I was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. My father was Spanish, and my mother was German.

Up until the time we left there, my parents were quite wealthy. They had a coffee plantation about an hours drive from the city. We did not live at the plantation, only the help stayed there.

We had a nice home in the city. The house had six rooms and was made of wood. In front, there was a green lawn and a wooden fence painted white. The houses in San Jose are much like the ones in the United States. Anyhow, that is what I have been told.

I was an only child. My mother almost died giving birth to me. They operated. She could have no more.

I was sent to private school. I learned to speak German; there were lots of Germans there. I was taught to dance and how to play the piano. I took singing lessons as money was no problem.

But things changed. About thirty kilometers form the city was a big volcano. For many years, it had been peacefully smoking away and doing very little damage. Then, one day it erupted.

A great column of black smoke and fire shot high into the air. Rivers of molten lava poured down its sides. The devil himself must have been underneath there.

For days it kept up like that. The sky became brown; the sun looked like an orange ball, and gray ash was falling like snow.

People weren’t too alarmed in the beginning. Surely soon, it would calm down.

The eruptions did slow down, but the old volcano kept smoking away. About an inch of ashes was falling on the city every day.

Everyone was shoveling volcanic ash. The city became dark; the lights were on day and night; the water supply was contaminated and the sewers were plugged.

People began to panic. They believed the country was doomed. Thousands of them pulled out, taking only their personal belongings. There was much looting, and a big crime wave. No one was safe on the streets.

Somehow, Father managed to get back and forth to the plantation every few days. Each time he returned, there was a doubtful look on his face. When questioned about it, he would just shake his head.

Then, on day, it was months later, we pulled out of there and headed for Nicaragua.

Evidently our plantation was directly in the path of the falling ash. Father said the coffee trees were almost completely covered.

Our pretty house and all the furniture, we left. There was no need of trying to sell anything. Father said that when, or if, the volcano quit smoking, we would return and see if we could salvage anything.”

The girl stopped talking for a moment. “Am I boring you to death with all this?”

“Lord, no. Don’t stop now!” Al couldn’t think of a more appropriate time to tell about a belching volcano. The wind and the rain outside furnished the sound effects.

“Father rented a house in Managua and got some kind of a job working for the government. We had a housekeeper. She was a black woman from Bluefield’s. It was from her that I learned to speak English.

I was just eight years old when we left Costa Rica.

Three years later, a big earthquake shook Managua to pieces. My father was killed. Everyone was ordered to leave. Go somewhere, anywhere! The city was on fire and there was no water.

Somehow, Mother and myself managed to get out of there. A truck picked us up and took us to Talpinecci.”

The girl quit talking for a moment. She moved closer to Al. “I think you can put the rest of the story together. Is there anything else you would like to know?”

Al shook his head. “I guess not, at least not right now. You sure answered a lot of my questions. No wonder you don’t look like the people that live here. I think most of them are at least part Indian.”

“You are right there. Also, you probably know that there are no Indians in Costa Rica.”

“What did you say?”

“There are no Indians in Costa Rica.”

“I though that is what you said. Alright, I’ll bite, why are there no Indians in Costa Rica?”

“Weren’t you taught that in school?”

“I am afraid not. Maybe I have just forgotten.”

“Alright, I will tell you. When Cortez invaded Costa Rica, he and his army killed most of the Indians. Those that managed to survive fled to what is now Nicaragua and Panama.”

“And none of them came back?”

“No Indians have returned to that country.”

“Well, I’ll be darned. That is sure news to me. I suppose Costa Rica is a lot like Nicaragua?”

The girl shook her head. “They are different in many ways. For instance, there is very little jungle in Costa Rica.”

“That is amazing. This country is about all jungle. Why the difference?”

“I am not sure, but I think it is because Costa Rica is all high mountains. There are many pine forests. There is always a breeze blowing. It is much cooler there.”

“What is the altitude at San Jose, do you know?”

The girl shook her head. “I do know remember but I know it is very high. I remember lots of times when we were coming off the mountain, we could see many clouds below us.”

“I remember reading about that volcano. Did it finally quit smoking?”

“I am not sure. But I think so.”

As was about to question her about the earthquake in Managua, then changed his mind. He had put her through enough already. All of this talking had not brought back a lot of fond memories. That was for sure.

Outside the storm continued. Wind howled around the cabin, water was running everywhere.

The girl remained cool as a cucumber. ‘No wonder,’ Al thought, ‘After what she had been through, a little thing like a tropical storm shouldn’t bother her.’

His gaze stole down to her little white hand. His mind drifted back to that night in Talpinecci. His only target that dark night was a flash of light on the blade coming down. Thank God he had hit it. If he had missed that knife… she would not be here tonight.

He hope he could do as well when he went against the scar-faced killer!

Chapter Twenty-Seven

For two days and nights, the rain came crashing down, it’s violence unchanging.

The far-sighted Nocho had a good supply of dry wood on hand, and there was plenty of good food already cooked.

Nocho’s cabin was where they spent most of their time. Al had a deck of playing cards in his suitcase. He dug it out, and a box full of poker chips as well.

Not one of the three of them had ever played this famous game, but they were more than willing to learn. At first, Al did all the dealing. He did not play. He moved from one player to the other, coaching them, suggesting how to bet. In no time at all, they caught on and were really enjoying the game.

In a short time, Al joined them, and had to play his best to break even. Of course, no money changed hands, only the poker chips.

Another item in Al’s suitcase was a small ten hole single reed Honer Marine Band mouth organ. His father had bought him one for Christmas when he was just a kid. He had learned how to play it. As the years passed by, he had kept in practice, keeping up with the times.

He dug out the mouth organ and began to play. He had a good audience and there was loud applause. He played until his mouth was sore.

Adilia sand a few songs in Spanish, including Maria Elena. Al accompanied her on the mouth organ. The girl was not only beautiful, but also had a very nice voice.

On the morning of the third day, it stopped raining. The sun came up, and the jungle began to steam. The water in the river had risen several feet. It was now a dirty red color, and full of floating trash. Many logs and broken branches turned slowly in the muddy water.

“Do you think the rain is over?” Al asked Nocho.

The old man grinned his toothless grin. “Have you had enough rain for now, Señor?”

Al grinned back. “It is more than enough. Will that be all of this tropical storm?”

Nocho nodded. “The rain is over. There will be no more for the present.”

“Will it be safe to go down the river tomorrow?”

Again he nodded. “In the morning, the river will be safe. Today, we will hunt for food.”

“Can you get another turkey, Nocho?”

“Probably, or maybe an iguana. Do you like iguana?”

Al frowned. “Darned if I know, that’s some kind of a lizard, isn’t it?”

Nocho nodded. “Iguana is very good. Today is a good day for hunting. The birds and animals have been in their shelters the last few days. Now they will all be hungry. They will come out looking for food… maybe we can get a turkey and an iguana.”

There was no traffic on the trail or the river. They had nothing to fear from the scar-faced killer today. Going hunting sounded like a good idea.

Tomorrow they would go hunting again; but not for birds or animals. Al had a feeling that they were close on the killer’s heels. He would be glad when this ordeal was over with.

They made plans for the day. Adilia would do the washing. Pio would also stay close the camp and gather wood for the big mud oven. Al and Nocho would go hunting.

Al had the rifle and a hunting knife. Nocho had the pistol, his machete and leather strings, which he stuffed in his pocket.

Al kissed Adilia and told Pio, “Keep your eyes open and stay close to camp. We will be back by noon.”

Nocho led the way. They headed north up the canyon. According to the map, they should be in Honduras. But, as Pio had said, it was sort of a no-man’s-land, still claimed by Nicaragua.

They kept going for about half an hour. Every little turn in the trail, they would stop and listen. Al didn’t know what they were listening for, but he soon found out.

Nocho stopped suddenly, holding his finger up in front of his lips. “Shush, quiet,” he whispered.

In the distance, Al could hear the faint sound of a gobbling turkey.

There was a small clearing just ahead of them. On one side of it was a big rock sticking up out of the ground. They went behind the boulder and both sat down.

Nocho gave Al a big grin, then cupped his hands in front of his mouth and cut loose with a series of gobbles of his own.

To Al’s surprise, an answer came floating back!

Nocho didn’t hesitate. He cut loosed with a fierce sounding gobble. It must have been taken as a challenge. The answer came back fast and sharp.

Nocho pointed across the clearing. He whispered, “He will come across there. Will you take him?”

Al grinned. “You get him here, Nocho. I’ll take him.”

Nocho gobbled once more. This time the answer was much closer. He waited for a moment, and then tried again.

“One more time,” said Nocho, “And he will be in the clearing.” Al slipped to safety. He was ready.

Nocho gobbled once more, the answer was not fifty feet from them. He nodded to Al, and at the same time, they both stood up.

There he stood, in the center of the clearing. Al wished he had a camera instead of a gun. He was a beauty. He stood there in fighting stance, his feathers fanned, his wings opened wide and his head thrust out in front.

“Get him,” whispered Nocho, “before he takes off.”

For several seconds, Al stood there admiring the magnificent bird. He would at least give him a chance! He leaned the gun against the rock, cupped his hands around his mouth and made a gobble sound!

Apparently, this was too much for the bird. With a running start, he went sailing into the air.

The little rifle was in Al’s hands. He took his time. If one shot didn’t bring him down, he was home free. He aimed at the head and pulled the trigger. The bird came tumbling down!

Nocho was amazed. He had never seen anything like this. He walked out and picked up the bird by its long legs. The top of the head, which had been hanging down, was blown away.

Al figured the turkey must have weighed at least thirty pounds. No need trying to get more, this would be all they could handle.

Nocho swung the bird over his shoulder, and they started back down the trail.

They had been gone only a little over an hour when they returned to camp. Smoke was curling out of the top of the big mud oven. Pio was sitting on the log beside it.

Nocho laid the turkey down in front of Pio and pointed at the head. “I thought he was going to let the bird fly away. He waited until the bird was in the air and then he blew its head off. Do you believe that?”

Pio nodded. “I have seen him shoot.” He pointed at the oven. “Notice the smoke coming out? I had the oven full of wood, but did not set it on fire until I heard his rifle.”

Nocho started cleaning the bird. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Where is Adilia?” Asked Al.

Pio pointed with his thumb. “In your cabin. She just finished making bread for the oven.”

Al sat down on the log and watched the smoke coming out of the chimney. They would have a good supply of food on hand when they left tomorrow. According to Nocho, after one day in the boat they would come to a small village.

Would the killer be there, waiting for them? Al hoped he would. Then it would be complete. If Al could get an even break with the guy, he would have a good chance. Very few people could match his talent with either pistol or rifle.

On the other hand, you didn’t need to be an expert to hit a man at close range. The killer had one big advantage. He would not hesitate. He would start shooting.

Today, when Al stood up behind that rock and saw the big turkey standing there, he had hesitated. He had given him a chance to escape. Why? Would he do the same thing if he got the drop on the killer?

If he did Al would probably end up a dead man; not to mention his friends and sweetheart. He was glad he had gone hunting with Nocho. He had discovered a weakness in himself. He remember an old saying; ‘He who hesitates is lost.’ This would sure hold true when he came face to face with the scar-faced killer.

He had read many stories of the old west. He had often wondered if famous gunmen, like Billy the Kid, were expert marksman. Could Billy the Kid, if he had he been there today, shot the head off that turkey? He doubted it. There was no record of Billy the Kid ever winning a friendly shooting contest. There was many more of them also: the Daltons, the Clantons and others.

There was not a doubt in Al’s mind he could out-shoot any one of them, if they were shooting at a target. But killing a live human being was something else.

Men like these were killers. They lived to kill. Killing was their business. Taking a man’s life was easier for them than Al shooting a turkey!

He must steel himself for whatever laid ahead. Regardless of whatever it was, he must do his best to protect himself and his loved ones. Time would surely tell.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Dawn was breaking when the group pushed the boat into the water. Once more, they were floating down the river. The little grass-covered shacks would never be forgotten.

Al had spent a restless night. He could not keep his mind off the scar-faced killer. He had rolled and tossed, as sleep seemed impossible.

Adilia tried to comfort him. She had said, “Why don’t we stay here Al? Nobody will bother us. We will clear a small piece of ground. We will plant corn, beans and rice. There is fish in the river and game in the jungle, and some gold in the gravel bar.” She had drawn herself close to him. “And I will raise you some children. We can be very happy.”

He had kissed her gently. “How many children, darling?”

“Oh, maybe ten, or twelve.”

“Ten or twelve!”

“At least that many, maybe more” she teased.

“That will be plenty, darling.”

And now they were drifting down the river. Al couldn’t see himself spending the rest of his life here on a gravel bar, even if he had this wonderful girl with him. She was all the more reason he should get the hell out of here. She deserved a good life, and he was going to see that she got it.

Nocho and Pio were in the front of the boat with the paddles. They managed to keep it pretty much in the middle of the river, out of rifle range from the back, as much as possible.

Al and Adilia had made themselves comfortable by lying in the bottom, their heads resting on their bedrolls.

Al kept thinking of last night. Ten or twelve kids, she had said. Ten or twelve at least! Well just suppose there were ten, ten kids! Wouldn’t that be something? He kept his eyes closed and tried to imagine what they would look like. Would there be five boys and five girls? No, probably not. It usually didn’t turn out that way. Anyhow, there would be ten kids.

He might have to build a few more rooms. Later, all of them would get married. Each of them would raise a family. In no time at all, they could have at least five each. Their children and grandchildren would all come home on Sunday, The kids would play cowboys and Indians. They would go whooping and hollering around the big house. Let’s see, ten times five is fifty. “Fifty grandchildren!” he shouted.

Adilia sat up, startled. “What did you say?”

Al’s face was dark red. In his mind he had painted a vivid picture. He had let his imagination run away.

“He said fifty grandchildren,” said Nocho.

“Are you planning on raising fifty grandchildren?” asked Pio.

He had better get himself a couple more women if he plans on having so many children and grandchildren.” I knew a guy that had forty kids, he had five women.”

“Forget the fifty grandchildren,” Al growled. “I didn’t say we were going to have fifty kids!”

Adilia smiled sweetly. “We can try, Al darling.”

Al gave her a wolfish grin. “Damn right we can try, every night and every morning. Now everybody shut up and forget about it.” Evidently Al had made his point, the subject was dropped for the rest of the day.

The river was getting very wide, and the current was barely moving. To make better progress, they took turns at the paddles.

“It looks like it’s turning into a lake,” Al remarked.

Nocho nodded. “Yes. Further down, below the lake, the canyon gets very narrow, and there are some very fast rapids in the river.”

Coming into view on the North bank was a village. It consisted of probably forty or fifty bamboo huts with grass roofs. One building was much larger than the rest. It was set off to one side.

Nocho pointed with his finger. “We will go to the trading post.”

They paddled over to the sandy beach and got out. They pulled the boat high on the bank and walked up toward the large building.

If felt good to get up and walk around. They had been in the boat a long time. Al exchanged guns with Nocho. The pistol was better at short range, and the man could be waiting just inside that door.

Al took the lead and stepped inside. ‘When Nocho had called the building the trading post, he had sure given it the right name,’ Al thought. The building was about forty square feet. Tables and benches were scattered around in disarray. On them was piled about everything imaginable. There were fruit and vegetables, bananas, pineapple, coconuts, tomatoes, and many other goods.

One large table was covered with clothing for men. There were hats, shirts, shoes, socks, and many more items. There was yardage goods on another, all cotton and in brilliant colors.

Jaguar skins were tacked on the wall. Cowhides were piled in the corner; some were tanned and some were not. A couple of old broken .22 rifles were leaning against the wall. Everything was for sale or trade.

Off to the right was a bar about twenty feet long, and several small table and chairs were scattered around. This was the dining room.

One quick glance told Al that the scar-faced killer was not here. Several people were in the room. They were mostly women doing their shopping. There were two men at the bar, drinking Pepsi-Cola.

Al stared in amazement. He wondered if it was possible to buy a cold beer. He took Adilia by the arm. They walked over to one of the tables and sat down. Pio and Nocho pulled up a couple of chairs and sat down beside them.

A trader came walking over and stood in front of them. He was short and fat, and had a big black mustache. He gave them a toothy smile.

“Welcome to Little Lake. What can I get you?”

“We are all very thirsty. What do you have to drink that is good and cold?”

“We have Pepsi-Cola, beer and rum, and ice-water…” Al could hardly believe his ears. “Where in the world do you get ice here?”

The trader pointed to the back of the bar. “Señor, if you will look over there, you will see a refrigerator. It came all the way from the United States. It works by burning kerosene. How it does it I do not know, but it is very good. No?”

Al nodded. He couldn’t help but notice that the man had said it was from the United States, not America. The Nigger Woman was a good teacher. He would never forget.

“I’m going to have a cold beer to start. How about the rest of you?”

Pio and Nocho nodded. Adilia ordered Pepsi-Cola. The trader brought the drinks and set them on the table.

“Anything else?” He asked.

“Do you have a couple of cabins we can rent for the night?”

The trader nodded. “Yes, we will get them ready for you.” He walked over to the door, put two fingers in his mouth, and produced a shrill whistle. He walked back inside. “My boy will be here in a moment to help you with your luggage.”

The men took a deep drag from the cold bottles of Victoria. Al thought that surely this was the best beer in the world.

On the far side of the room was the women’s section. Adilia excused herself and went to a long table covered with clothing.

The trader’s boy came inside. He was a cute kid about ten years of age. He would be their helper. Al bought him a bottle of Pepsi, and told him to sit down and enjoy himself. They were in no hurry. Al thought the trader looked dry. He didn’t have to twist his arm to get him to join them in a bottle of beer. He wasn’t the sort of fellow to take a bunch of grass off his own roof!

Al produced the picture Pio had drawn on the board. He handed it to the trader.

“I am looking for this fellow,” Al told him. “Have you seen him lately?” He decided he had better not tell him why he was looking for him, after all, the guy could be a friend of his.

The trader took the picture and studied it for a moment. “A friend of yours?” he asked.

“Could be.”

“There was a fellow that just left here this morning that looked a lot like him. He was here for three days. He came down the river the day it started to rain.”

“Which way did he go?’

“Down the river. Some of my boys helped him carry his boat and bed down the trail. Can’t take a boat over the rapids,” he explained. “It had to be carried about a mile below here.”

“Did you get his name?”

“No, he did not tell me his name nor where he was going, and I am not sure it is the same fellow.”

“How about the big scar above his eye. Did he have a scar there?”

“That’s what puzzles me. This guy always wore a hat pulled down low on his forehead. If there was a scar, I couldn’t see it.”

“What kind of hat was he wearing?”

“A big white one, like that over there.” He pointed to the table with the hats on it.

Al walked over and picked one off the table. “Like this one?”

Al ordered another round, including drinks for the trader and the boy. He handed the picture to Pio.

“Can you put this hat on the guy?” he asked.

Pio grinned. “I will sure try.”

Al walked over to where Adilia was standing. He slipped an arm around her waist. “Find anything you like?”

The girl smiled. “Oh there are so many pretty things. Maybe when we get up to the United States, I can really dress up for you.”

Al looked at the girl beside him. The faded blouse, the worn slacks, the scuffed shoes. Adilia was still the most beautiful girl. Plus Adilia had pride. Naturally, she would like a new dress! What girl wouldn’t! His face began to burn. How stupid could he get! He drew out his wallet and handed her a hundred-cord note.

“Take this sweetheart, and buy yourself something pretty. It isn’t much, but be sure and spend it all. When we do get to the United Stated, I will see that you are dressed like a queen.”

Tears glistened in the girl’s eyes. “I can wait, Al darling. I know the judge took most of your money.

“Take it. I have plenty left. The man we are looking for has been here, but he has gone down the river. Tonight, we have nothing to fear. Tonight, we shall celebrate. Hey, that gives me an idea. Tonight we shall have our wedding celebration! How about that?

“Wonderful darling, wonderful!”

Al walked back to their table. Pio was putting the finishing touches on the picture. He handed it to Al. He gave it a quick look and passed it to the trader.

“It sure looks like him, but I cannot be sure?”

“Did he rent a cabin?”

“Yes, number three. Tonight you will have number two and three.”

“ That’s great,” Al told him. “And I think it is time we moved our belongings up to the cabins.”

The boy jumped up. “I will help you, I will show you the way.”

When they were outside, Al asked the boy; “Where is the number three cabin?”

The boy pointed with his finger. “We only have three that we rent. See them there? The first is number one, the others are numbers two and three.”

Al took off toward the cabins. He had something in mind. The rain had softened the ground. Ordinary footprints would not leave their prints on the trail. But a pair of hob nailed boots certainly would.

As he approached the canons he examined the ground closely. Were those tiny marks from boots? It was hard to tell. Then off to the side in the soft ground was the print of many hobnails. His boot! There was no doubt about it now; the killer had just left here this morning!

It looked to Al like he was coming to the end of the trail. It wasn’t far to the Caribbean Sea. The man had to be in there somewhere.

In the meantime, they would be safe here tonight. He glanced at his watch. It would be dark in an hour. He pulled out his pocketbook. He still had three hundred cord. Probably there would be no place to spend money below here. Might just as well have that party. It might be the last one, so why not make it a good one.? In the meantime he would help with the chores and tell Pio and Nocho about the footprints in the mud.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Al shaved and put on a clean shirt. Pio and Nocho washed and combed their hair, and the three of them headed for the trading post.

The room was deserted, except for the trader and one beautiful young lady.

Her long black hair was wound around the top of her head, held tight with what appeared to be diamond studded combs. The long earrings dangled to her shoulders. She wore a low-cut red dress trimmed in white lace. On her feet was a dainty pair of slippers.

Al stared in amazement. There stood the most beautiful girl in the world! Adilia!

Somehow, she looked taller, and the gentle curves of her lovely body appeared more feminine. The touch of makeup on her face seemed to make her bloom like a rose.

Al stepped up and took her in his arms. “Where in the world? How in the dickens did you get all this? Who fixed your hair?”

“Not so fast,” laughed the girl. “I bought it from the traders wife. She fixed my hair. She is very nice. Do you like this?”

“Beautiful, beautiful! Now we shall have a party. We will celebrate our wedding, that’s it! We will have a wedding party.”

“Oh, Al, that sounds so wonderful. I told the trader’s wife we were just married, and tonight we might have a little celebration. She said that would be very nice. She would like to have a word with you.”

“Did she say what she wanted to talk to me about?’

“She didn’t say. But I told her I would tell her when you came inside.”

“Where can I find her?”

Adilia pointed at a door across the room. “Just go knock on that door, she will answer.”

Al kissed her and headed for the door. The woman must have been expecting him as she opened the door on the first knock. She was a plump little woman with a merry smile. Al figured she was probably in her forties.

“Come on in. I have been expecting you.”

Al stepped through the opening. “Why did you want to see me?”

The woman motioned to a chair. “Sit down for a moment and I will tell you.”

Al sat down and looked up at her. “What can I do for you?”

The woman smiled. “She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and she is very nice. She told me that you were married only a few days ago. Tell me, are you really married?”

Al blushed. “We would be married if we could find a preacher.”

“The girl tells me that tonight you will have a wedding party. Is that correct?”

Al was beginning to feel uncomfortable. “It sounded like a good idea. I guess we could call it off.”

“By no means,” said the plump little woman. “It is a wonderful idea. However, there is something you must have.” Her eyes twinkled. “Some people are narrow-minded, you know.”

“What is it I must have?”

“A ring, Señor. A ring!”

“And where do I get a ring?”

The woman held out her fist and opened it. Lying in her palm was a small gold band. “Take it Señor, please, take it.”

Al picked up the ring. It was a beauty; hand carved yellow gold. There was no doubt in his mind it would fit Adilia. Al drew out his wallet and opened it.

“Nonononooo.” The woman shook her head. “The ring is a present from my husband and myself. Now everything will be fine. You will have your party.”

“But I must pay you.”

The woman shook her head. “You will need your money. Shall I have the boy spread the word that there will be a wedding party?”

“You bet! And thanks a million.”

Al left the woman and returned to Adilia. This did not seem to be the proper place to present the ring. He took her by the arm.

“Want to go for a short walk?” He asked.

The girl nodded. “That would be nice.”

“And give my friends a drink,” he told the trader. “We will be back in a few minutes.”

They walked down the lakeshore. The sun was slowly sinking behind the jungle. There was a rough bench at the water’s edge, and they sat down on it.

Al slipped an arm around the girl and drew her close. “I love you,” he whispered.

Her little arms were around his neck, pulling her close. “And I love you darling.”

Al kissed her gently, and then moved back. He took the ring from his pocket and held it out between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand. He took her left hand in his and slipped the ring onto the first joint.

Adilia’s eyes were big and round. On her face was a look of wonder.

“Now say this with me,” Al said softly. “With this ring…”

“With this ring…”

“We two do wed.”

“We two do wed.”

Al drew her close. “You may kiss the groom.”

“And you may kiss the bride!”

Chapter Thirty

There was activity at the trading post when they returned. The trader and his wife were busy getting ready for the wedding party. Pio and Nocho were helping. Several display tables were moved back, making more room in front, close to the bar. From out of the pile of junk the trader brought an old phonograph and a stack of records. They would have a dance.

“It plays real good and loud,” said the trader. “The spring is broken and one must keep turning the crank to keep it going. We can take turns doing that.”

Al thought it was time for a drink and get the party going!

“You said you had some rum, what kind is it?” He addressed the trader.

“The best kind.” He produced a bottle and handed it to Al. “Flor De Cana,” he said, “flower of the cane. You never get bugs in your belly, or have a hangover when you drink Flor De Cana.” He handed Al a glass. “Pour yourself a drink.
Try it.”

Al poured about a quarter of an inch in the glass. It smelled good. He tossed it down and stood there for a moment looking down the bottle.

“Very good, is it not?” Asked the trader.

Al licked his lips. “Very good I would say. Put this on my bill and give us all a good drink.

“I will make a Nica Iebra.” Said the trader. “It is a very fine drink.”

It was starting to get dark. The trader’s wife lit several coal oil lamps and placed them where they would do the most good.

“What time will the guests arrive?” Al asked.

“As soon as they hear the music, they will come.”

Al turned to the trader’s boy who was standing close by eating a banana. “Do you know how to operate that darn thing?”

“Yes sire, I know how.”

The kid turned his attention back to the banana. Al thought and got the idea. He took out his pocketbook and pulled out a five Cordoba note. He handed it to the kid. Evidently this is what the kid had been wanting. He threw away the banana peel and headed for the phonograph.

As the trader predicted, the guests began to arrive. It was quite a formal affair. The trader’s wife was a perfect hostess. She introduced the newlyweds to everyone as they came inside.

The trader was busy pouring drinks out of Al’s bottle; soon it was empty. The trader waved the empty bottle at Al. He nodded his head. The trader reached for a full one. A half hour and two quarts later everyone was dancing. There was hardly standing room as the place was packed.

Of course Al and Adilia were the center of attraction. Al danced with most of the women. The men stood in line waiting their turn to dance with Adilia. These people certainly knew how to celebrate, Al thought. Occasions like this was their main source of entertainment. He didn’t know what to expect next. But as usual the traders’ wife was on the ball and took charge.

The next thing on the program was food. The men were all told to be seated. The women would serve.

Al noticed that most everyone had brought something to the dance with them. Now he could see it was food for the occasion. A special seat was made for the guests of honor. Plates piled high with food were served to everyone.

Al and Adilia were hungry. They had lunched on the roast turkey several times earlier today, but it had been hours since they had eaten. Everything tasted good; even iguana pie.

When the meal was over the women cleaned up the tables. Al thought the party was over but he was mistaken. Many wrapped packages were set on the table in front of them. The trader’s wife smiled at them. “Open them, they are all yours.”

With the opening of each package, the pile of baby clothes in front of them grew higher and higher. Al wondered if Pio and Nocho told everyone they intended to raise fifty kids!