Scene 47

The Guyana Highlands

We had positioned ourselves around the dock on the river and were waiting for the transport boat to arrive. We didn’t know the procedures normally followed, but reasoned that the boat was normally met by someone from the camp. We had examined the guards’ uniforms and found one that would fit Coemgen, so he put on the uniform, took one of the guard’s rifles and waited for the boat. The rest of us stayed in hiding.

After waiting for several hours, Pivat came running through the trees. We had placed him on watch up the river and told him what to look for.

“Mayja!” he said urgently. “Big kanoo kum!”

I nodded and directed him to hide behind me. He slipped into the undergrowth and disappeared.

“Showtime,” I called out to Coemgen.

I could see Coemgen work to relax himself and appear natural. I hated that I had to put him out there after his captivity, but he was the only one who would fit a uniform, and at least he spoke Spanish.

As we waited, I could see the boat approaching up the river. It was a large craft, just small enough to turn around in the channel. I estimated it would hold about thirty people total. On the deck were six armed men. I guessed that there would be at least two more aboard, the pilot and whoever was in charge. As it approached the dock, an armed man on the deck waved to Coemgen.

Coemgen waved back and walked towards the dock to meet the ship.

Another man on the boat threw a rope to Coemgen, who caught it and secured the boat to the dock. The armed men stood aside as another man, obviously the leader, stepped to the side of the boat.

“Where is Secuaz?” he demanded in Spanish.

“The Lieutenant is sick,” Coemgen answered. “I am to take you to the compound.”

“Very well,” the man answered with disgust. Lead on.”

Coemgen turned to lead the men down the trail to the compound. We waited until they were out of sight and then made our move.

I looked above and saw Ms. Crane slowly working her way out on a tree limb which hung over the bridge of the boat. When she reached her position, she signaled she was ready.

I looked to the other side of the dock. Greg and Frank were there and ready.

I looked back to Ms. Crane and signaled. She dropped down from the branch onto the boat. When the pilot heard her hit the deck he turned to confront her, but it was too late. Ms. Crane’s pistol was placed under his chin and he stopped moving.

Other than the pilot, only two guards had been left, but they were watching the area around the dock closely.

I stepped out of the undergrowth in front of the guards, my arms spread to show I was unarmed. The two guards spun to face me, pointing their rifles at me.

“You two are lousy guards,” I said to them. “You let me walk right up to your boat.”

The guards rushed towards me to take me captive, but stopped short as they approached. That may have had something to do with the large shaggy dog that stepped out from behind me and growled. Then there was also the young hunter with an arrow pointed straight at them.

The guards stepped back and raised their rifles to shoot, but stopped when Frank and Greg pressed the barrels of their own guns into the guards’ backs.

The guards stopped, let my men take the rifles, and put their hands up.

“Wise choice,” I said.