Edward S Aarons - [Sam Durell 16 - Assignment- Kar (1)
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Transcript of Edward S Aarons - [Sam Durell 16 - Assignment- Kar (1)
chapteroneDURELLawoketothesoundofthebirdsandanawarenessoftheswiftshadowofwingsacrosshisface.Heidentifiedthemewingandcawingandscreechingasgullsandcrowsandkites,evenbeforeheopenedhiseyes.Thewingsbelongedtoabuzzard.HethrewanarmacrosshisfacetocutouttheblindingglareofthesunasitroseovertheSind,andthenrolledcarefullyonhisrightside;thebuzzardliftedswiftlyonthehotthermalcurrentsrisingfromthejunctureofthebeachandthethunderingsea.HewatcheditsoaruptotheruinsoftheoldArabwatchtoweronthesandstonecliffabove.Itperchedthere,andwaited.
Hisleftarmached.Thenoiseofthesurfandthesmokyspumefromthenearbybreakerstouchedhim.Thesunwasalreadyhot,ashotasanydawnontheshoresoftheGulfofOmaninAugust.Hesquintedagainstitsstingingrays,awareofastiffnessinhisface,abruiseonhistemple,afeelingthatsomeonehadstoodoverhimwithasledgehammerandsuccessivelypoundedeachandeveryportionofhisanatomy.
Hedidnotknowhowlonghehadbeenout.Hehadcomealongwaylastnight,flyingeastonthePamAmjet,outofIstanbul.Everythinghadbeenroutine.ThemilitaryjeepmethimattheKarachiairportintherelativecoolnessoffouro’clockinthemorning.HehadexpectedtogodirectlytotheEmbassyandtalktoDanielDonegan,butthePakistanidriver,slimanddark-hairedandhawk-faced,verytriminhiskhakiuniform,hadtakenhimsomewhereelse,supposedlyforanimmediateinterviewwithColonelK’Ayub.
Durellsatup.Hewonderedwhyhewasstillalive.Inhisbusiness,amoment’scarelessnesscouldusuallybeequatedwithdisaster.Herememberedthedriver’sname.MahmudAli.AscommonasJohnSmith,inthispartoftheworld.Heblinkedattheglaringsunandturnedhisheadwithcaretoexaminethebeach.
Therewasnothingtobeseenexcepttheblazeofwhitesandandthelonglinesofcomberssmashingbelligerentlyatthecoast,ineitherdirection,asfarastheeyecouldsee.Tothesouth,wherehewouldhavetogo,ifpossible,theshorecurvedslightlyeastwardandwaslost,atadistanceofsomemiles,beyondthebulkofaclaycliffscarp.Ontheseaitself,thehorizonwasmarredbyathinplumeofsmokefromatankerfunnel.Closerathand,butasfarasthemoon,wasthebellieddirtysailofanArabdhowcatchingthemorningwind.
Hebegantosweat.Iftheobjectofthejeepridehadbeentokillhim,andtheimmediateeffortwasfrustrated—althoughhehadnoclearmemoryofwhathadhappenedupthereattheArabwatchtower—thenitsultimatepurposemightstillbeachieved,unlesshecouldgetawayfromherefast.Thesunwasamagnet,suckingliquidfromeverypore,draininghimofvitality.
“Mahmud!”hecalled.
Hiscrystartledthebuzzardonthewatchtowerandittookoffreluctantly,onenormousflappingwingsthatmadeaseriesofsharpreportsinthehot,smokyatmospherebeforeitvanishedovertheedgeofthecliff.Durellstoodupandlookedforthedriverofthemilitaryjeep.
“Mahmud!”hecalledagain.
Hesawthejeepatthefootofthewatchtower,aboutfiftyyardsfromwherehehadawakened.Durelltookoffhiscoat,slungitoverhisshoulder,andploddedacrossthesandtowardit.Thenhepausedandturnedaroundandwentbackacrossthebeachtowherehehadbeenfirst,andlookedforhisgun.
Hecouldnotfindit.
HehadbeenwearingadarkbluesuitandwhitecottonshirtandadarkblueknittednecktiewhenheboardedthePamAmplaneinIstanbul,withorderstoseeDoneganinKarachiandmakeimmediatecontactwithMissSarahStandish.Thesuitcoathadaspecialpockettailoredinitforthesnubby-barreled.38revolverhepreferredtothetrickitemsissuedbythelabboysatNo.20AnnapolisStreetinWashington,huboftheKSectionnetworkoftheCIAthatspreadoutallovertheworld.
Helookedfortheguninthesand,smoothingthegrainswiththesolesofhisshoes.Itwasnotthere.Hedroppedtohisknees,worriednow,evenalittleafraid,becauseMahmudAlihadhadaU.S.Colt’s.45inawebbeltandamachine-pistolinthejeep,andthelastthingherememberedwasthatMahmudAlihadtoldhimhewasgoingtokillhim.
Thegunwasgone.
Hestraightened,regrettinghavingcalledtheother’sname.Thebeachwaslonely,empty.Thesurfcrashedandthundered,theseagullsmewed,thekitessoaredpatientlyoverhead.Thebuzzard,however,wasgone.
Thejeeplayonitsback,fatwheelsuppermost,likeabeetleturnedoverandhelplesswithitslegsintheair.Thefrontendwasbadlycrumpledwhereithadstruckafteritsfallfromtheroadontopofthecliff,wherethefirsterodedwallsoftheancientwatchtowerliftedintotheyellowsky.Durellwalkedcarefullytothejeep.Theexertionmadesweatpouroutofhim,andheloosenedhisnecktieandthenfeltforhiswalletwhichcontainedfivethousanddollarsfromHenryKallinger,theKSectionmaninIstanbul,forwhichhehadsignedanexpensechit,andhisIDcards.Hewasnottravelingunderacoveridentitythistime.
Hestillhadhiswallet.Hewishedhestillhadthegun.
Thenhefoundthemachine-pistol,aWorldWarIISchmeiserofGermanmanufacture,stickinghalfoutfromunderthebodyofthetanjeep.Thesunhadtoucheditanditwasscaldinghot,buthepickeditupandfeltbetterwithitinhishand.
Therewasstillnosignofthemanwhohadbroughthimoutheretokillhim.
Itwasnotanauspiciousbeginning,hethought.HehadbeentoldinIstanbulthathisfirstcontactforthistripintothenorthtoPakhustiprovincewouldbeSarahStandish.Donegan,inKarachi,wouldbriefhimfurther.Hehadnotexpectedtreacherysosoon.
Hiswatchwasstillrunningandhesawitwasonlysixo’clockinthemorning,andalreadyonthebeachthetemperaturewaswellover100degreesanditwouldgetsteadilyhotter.Hehadnotbeenknockedoutforverylongbythefalloverthecliff.Anhour,atthemost.Enoughforthesuntoriseandthebuzzardtofindhim.
Hestrippedoffhisclothes,awareofthebittersolitudeofthewastelandaroundhim.Thetankerontheseahadgoneoverthehorizon.TheArabdhowhadinchedfartheraway,southward.Hewalkedacrossthehotsandandwentintothelukewarmsurfandbathedclottedbloodawayfromalongscratchacrosshisribsandanothergashonhisleftleg,obtainedwhenhewentoverthewindshieldofthejeepandfellfreedownthecliff.Thecomberspushedandhauledathim,andhedidnotstayinthewaterlong.Bythetimehewalkedbacktothethinlineofshadowunderthewatchtower,thewetnesshaddriedoffhistannedskin.
Durellwasatallman,welloversixfeet,withblackhairtingedgrayatthetemples.Hewassolidlybuilt,withaheavymusculature,buthemovedandwalkedwithalightandeasymanner,ingoodco-ordination,likeamaninajunglewaryofsnakesandpitfalls.Heoftenthoughtofhisworldandhisbusinessasajungle.Hehadstronghands,withdelicateandagilefingers,equallyadeptatmanipulatingcardsorinuseasdevastatingandlethalweapons.
HewonderedifhehadkilledMahmudAliwiththatsurprisekarateblow.Hehopednot.Hehadsomequestionstoask.
Durellscannedthebeachwithsomber,darkblueeyesthatseemedanangry,killingblackinthesunlight.Hehadawayofholdinghisheadasifhewerelisteningforsomethingmorethanthecryingofthebirdsandthethunderofthesurf.InDurell’sbusiness,whichwasthecoldwarofdefense,silentlyfoughtineveryalleyofeverycityintheworld,youneverenteredaroomcarelessly,younevertonedacornerwithoutconsideringwhatmightliebehindit,younevertookfriendorfoeforgranted.Hehadknownmanygoodmenwhosemomentsofcarelessnessprovedarendezvouswitheternity.Hisownsafetyfactor,hereflected,hadlongrunout.Buthewasagambler,trainedincalculatedrisksbyhisoldgrandfatherJonathan,downinBayouPecheRoucheintheLouisianadeltacountry.TheoldCajunhadbeenthelastoftheriverboatbreed,shrewdinthewaysofmenandcards.HehadtaughtDurellwell,asaboy,andthemantodayrememberedthelessons.
Buthehadbeenalmostfatallycarelessanhourago.Eventhoughtherehadbeennocauseforsuspicion,itwashisjobtobesuspicious.
Andatthismoment,thesilenceitselfwassuspicious.Thekitesandthebuzzardhadgoneawayfromthewatchtower.
ThetowerloomedinsilhouetteagainsttheochreskyandthescorchingsunoftheSind.Itsrounded,ancientbasewascrumbling.Thestructurewaslong-abandoned,onceaguideforthedhows,thoseArabboatswhosedesignhadnotchangedinathousandyears,whosetradeingold,spicesandslavestooktheirbrownsailstoeverycorneroftheglitteringArabianandIndianSeas.Aseriesofstepscutintothestonetowercircledtothebatteredpinnacle.Nothingmovedupthere.Thesearingsunwasbehindthetower,turningitblackagainstthewhiteglare,defyingdetail.
Durellmovedawayfromthewreckedjeep.TheSchmeiserpistolinhisgripwasalmosttoohottohandle,fromhavinglaininthesun.Thesurfthunderedheavilybehindhim.
Theshotcameabruptly,ahardflatsoundagainstthebrazensky.Thereportwasfamiliar.Itcamefromhisowngun.
ThebulletkickedupalittlespurtofsandfiveyardsfromDurell’sleftfoot.Abadshot.
ButMahmudAli,orthemanwhohadtakenAli’splaceinColonelK’Ayub’sjeep,wasstillaliveupthere.
Durellrantotheshadowsatthebaseoftheclaycliff,theairlikeironinhislungs,andthenhalted.Therewasnosecondshot.Aseagullskimmedlowoverthesurfbehindhim.Thedhowwasoutofsight.Thetowerloomedoverhead.
Hebegantoclimbthecliffwithcare,keepingtothedarkestshadow.Hislegstrembled,andthegashonhisleftthighbegantobleedagain,andhisleftarmachedwhenthebonewasbruisedbyhisfall.Hewashalfwayupwhenasmallstonecameclickingandtumblingdowntheslopeofsandandshale.Nothingfollowed.Hewaitedforseverallongbreaths,sweating,andthenclimbeduptothefootofthecircularstepscutintothebaseoftheoldstonetower.
“Mahmud!”hecalled.
Hisvoiceechoed,wasswallowedupbythesun.
HeconsideredthestonestairwaycutintotheroundtowerPartofthetimethatheascended,hewouldbeexposedtoviewfromthetop.Partofthetimehewouldbesafe.
Youcan’thaveeverything,hethought.
Hehitthestepsatahard,fastrun,takingthemtwothenthreeatatime.Hismomentumswunghimperilouslyoutwardtotheedge.Heglimpsedthebrazensea,thewastelandofinnerdesertcalledtheSind,thebeachfarbelowfromthisheight.Therewerenoroomsinthetower,onlyaplatformshelteredbehindthemedieval,crenelatedblockofthetopmostwall.Halfwayuphestopped,flatagainstthehotstones.Theysearedthroughhisshirt,burnedintohisshoulders.Hepushedawayagain,madethelasttwodizzyingcircuitsofthecircularstairwayinafinalrush.
OnthelastfewstepshesawdriedstreaksofbloodwhereMahmudAlihaddraggedhimselfontotheplatform.Itwastoolatetostop.HehadtheSchmeiserreadywhenhesteppedthroughtheopeninginthetopwallandjumpeddownontotheplatform.
Heneednothavebeensowary.
Thedriversprawledonhisface,Durell’sgunonthestonefloorafewinchesfromhishand,hisheadthrustpartlythroughoneofthefireopeningsinthewatchtowerwall.Therewasalotofdriedbloodonthesandyfloor.
Durelldrewadeepbreathandwalkedovertothemanandturnedhimover.MahmudAli’seyeswereopen.Theywerealivewithhatred.
Durelllookeddownathimandfeltinhissweat-soakedshirtpocketforacrumpledpackofCamels.Thehelplessmanglaredupathim.DurelllittwocigarettesandhandedonetoAli,whotookitwithnochangeofexpressiononhisgrayface.
“Obviously,”Durellsaid,“youmissed.”
“Iwastooweaktoaimproperly,”AlisaidinEnglish.
“Areyoubadlyhurt?”
“Iamdying.”
“Ithinknot,”Durellsaid.“Perhapsnotyet.”
“Youwillkillmenow?”
“Notyet,”Durellrepeated.“Firstyouwilltalktome.”
Themantookthecigarettefromhisgraylipsandmadeaspittingsound,thenbegantovomitoverhimself,tryingtoturnhisbodytoeasethespasms,butunabletomove.Durelldidnottouchhim.HesawthatMahmudAli’sleftarmwasbroken,andtherewasasplinterofbrokenribstickingoutoftheman’smilitarykhakishirt.HepickeduphisgunfromthesandyfloorandpocketeditandkeptagripontheSchmeiserhehadtakenfromthejeep.Theairbegantosmellsour.Afteramomentortwo,theman’ssicknesspassed.
“Doesithurtyoutobreath?”Durellaskedquietly.
“Ithurtstolive.”
“Yourchestiscrushed?”
“Ifellonastonefromthejeep.”
“Whydidyoubringmehere?”
“Tokillyou.”
“Why?”
“Tostopyou.”
“Why?”
“Itwasordered.”
“Bywhom?”
Themanglaredathimandtriedtositupandfainted.Durellwaited.Hefeltthefirsttouchofthirst,andknewthatinthissunlighthecouldbedehydratedanddeadbeforeevening.Fromthetopofthetowerhehadafineviewofthecoast.Karachiwastothesouth,buthecouldnotseeitovertheblazingdesertdunes.TheSindhadbeenawastelandforthousandsofyears,adeathtrapforancientinvadinganddefendingarmiesthatclashedontheflanksofthesub-continentofIndia.SouthwardwastheIndusRiverbutthewaters,pendingirrigationprojectsthatneverseemedtobecompleted,hadnotreachedhereandperhapsneve:would.Hawk’sbay,theformerEnglishbeachsuburbofKarachi,wasatleasttenorfifteenmilesdownthecoasttojudgefromthedistancehehadinnocentlyriddeninthejeepwiththeunconsciousman.Herememberedtheyhadfollowedaroadandhadseenthelightsofhouses,afterleavingthepredawnquietofKarachi’smodernizedboulevards,andthentherehadbeenonlythisdesert,
asimpleandprimitivetrackthatfollowedthesandstoneandclayscarpabovethebeach.
Nobodywasinsight,whereverhelooked.
Hewouldhavetowalkback.
Ifhecould.
HesquatteddownbesideAliastheman’seyelidsflutteredAliwhispered,“Youhavewater?”
“No.”
“Good.Sowewillbothdie.”
“WhatharmdidIdotoyou,Mahmud?”
“Youarehere.Youplantogonorth.Itisenough.”“WhatdoyouknowofwhyIamhere?Icameasafriend.”
“No.Asanenemy.”MahmudAlishookhisheadrollingthebackofhisskullwithagrislysoundonthehardstonefloor.Ashadowofwingssilentlycrossedthetopofthetower.Thebuzzardhadreturned.“Iknownothingmore.Iwastokillyou.Iobeyorders.”
“Whoseorders?”
Themanwassilent.
“Donegan’s?ColonelK’Ayub?”
Alimadeaspitting,negativesoundofhatred.
“Youarenotoneofthecolonel’smountainpatrol?”
“Icomefromthemountains.Thisplaceisahell,cursebyAllah.Idespiseit.ButIwassenthereandIdidwhatwastoldtodo.”
DurellswitchedsuddenlytoPakhustidialect.“YoucomefromMirandhabad,don’tyou?”
“Itismyhome,yes—”Themancursed.“Youspeakmytongue.Youtrickedme.Butwewillbothdie.Myjobisdone.”
“Ithinknot,”Durellsaid.“We’regoingtowalkback.“Icannotwalk.”
“Youwillwalkwithme,”Durellsaid.
chaptertwoINISTANBUL,theCIAmanatthedropwasHenryKallinger,aleanandstoop-shoulderedmanwiththefaceandeyesofanaccountant.KallingerhadtakentoabushyTurkishmilitarymoustache,andhiseyeswereheavy-lidded,droopingandapparentlysleepy,sothatyousawonlyakindofdarknessunderthebushybrows,withnothingbutasenseoftiredness,ofpatientexhaustioninhisface,likethatofanoverworkeddraftanimal.
InthesmallroomoverlookingtheBosphorus,whereyoucouldseethelittleferriesplyingbackandforthbetweenEuropeandAsia,abovethewarehouseshedsredolentwiththescentofTurkishtobacco—Kallinger’scoverwasthatofanexporteroftobaccotoallpartsoftheworld,andhehadlivedinIstanbulfortwenty-twoyears—Durellhadlistenedtotheman’sslow,evenapologies.
“I’msorry,Cajun.Iknowyou’reduebackintheStates.Butweneedyou.Thisonehaswhatourhappybureaucratscalltoppriority.Andwhathasn’t?Everythingisclassified,everythinggrowsoutofacrisis,likemushroomsinabedofhorsemanure.Theydon’tstoperupting.”
“YouaskedmeifIrememberanyPakhustidialectandUrdu,”Durellsaid.“IsthatwhereI’mgoing?”
“Howmanylanguagesdoyoureallyspeak,Sam?”“Eleven,”Durellsaid.“Andasmanymoredialects.Youknowallthesethings.Youhavemydossier.Everybodyhasit.”
“Yes.ButI’llbetoursisn’tascompleteastheoneatNo.2DzherzinskySquare,inMoscow.”
“Let’shopethereareafewpagesmissingintheMVDfiles,”Durellsaidquietly.“WhyPakhustiprovince?It’supinthehighHimalayas,withoutmuchfrontiertoseparateitfromPakistan,Afghanistanand—last,butnotleast—SinkiangProvinceofChina.”
Kallingersighed.“Exactly.Precisely.Whereelse?”
“There’salwaystroubleinthatarea.ThePakistangovernmentusuallyhandlesit.”
“There’salsonickelupthere,”Kallingersaid.
“Nickel?”
“Apparentlyquitealot.Enoughtomakeupforwhatwe’velostinCuba.Averystrategicmetal,Sam.Itgoesintoallkindofenginesandmachinery,allkindsofrocketcomponents.Littlebylittle,ifwecontinuetolosetheworld’sresources,welosetheColdWar.StrategicMaterielspeopleareinaflap.It’spartoftheover-allstrategicconcepts,toborrowanotheroneofthePentagon’sdamnedphrases.Moremushrooms,tome.”
“I’mnotageologist,”Durellsaid.
“Canyouclimbmountains?”
“I’vedoneit.”
“That’sallweneedyoufor.Thenickelorewasfoundandlostagain.Theoriginalgeologist’ssurveywasstolen,lostordestroyed—orsoldtotheChinese,whoknowaboutit—Godknowshow.They’llbepushingpatrolsoverthehillsfromSinkiangtograbitbymilitaryforce,iftheygettherefirst.StandishNickel,Incorporated,withtheblessingsofourStateDepartment,hasalreadyconcludedacontractwiththePakistangovernmenttoexploitthenickelore—ifitcanbefoundagain.Andit’sgottobefound,Cajun.You’vegottofindit.”
“Pakistandoesn’texercisemuchcontroloverthePak-hustis,”Durellsaid.“AndthePathansareintheway,besidestheChinesejustoverthehill,asyousuggest.”
“You’llhaveamilitaryescortallthewaywiththeexpedition.”
“Whatexpedition?”
“ToS-5,naturally.That’swherethenickelissupposedtobe.S-5happenstobeamountainthat’salsocalledAlexander’sCrown.Everhearofit?”
“No,”Durellsaid.
“Readthis,then,”Kallingersaid.
HepushedtwonewspaperclippingsacrossthesmalltabletoDurell.DurellreadtheminthelightthatcamsthroughthewindowfromovertheBosphorus.
ThefirstwasfromAlAhram,anEnglish-languagePakistannewspaperofreasonablygoodrepute:
—Rawalpindi,June7.Ithasbeenreportedthatthreesurvivorsoftheill-fatedAustrianmountain-climbingexpeditiontoexploreandscaleAlexander’sCrown,thefrontierpeaklabeledasS-5inPakhustiState,areontheirwaybacktothiscity.Threemalemembersofthegroupareknowntobedead,eitherthroughaccidentordifficultieswithlocaldissidenttribesmen.Thesurvivors,twomenandawoman,areexpectedinRawalpindiinamatterofdays.
ThesecondclippingwasfromtheNewYorkTimes,datedtwoweekslater:
—Karachi,June22—TwosurvivorsofthevonBuhlenexpeditiontothemountainousStateofPakhustiarrivedheretodayandmadeimmediatepreparationsforanewassaultonS-5.Interviewedheretoday,AlessavonBuhlenmerelystatedthattherehadbeennosuccessinherattempttoverifythefabledstoryofXenos’marchtorecoverthecrownofAlexandertheGreat.
HansSteicher,thewellknownAlpineguidewholedtheexpedition,aswellastwoothermissionsofBritishandItalianorigininthepastyears,hadnocommentonthedisastrousfailureoftheromanticattempt.
Theadventurers’assaultonS-5wasbasedonanobscurelegendlongknowntomilitaryhistoriansofAlexandertheGreat’sAsianconquests.ProfessorDamonD.JohnstoneofColumbiaUniversity,aspecialistinHellenicantiquitiesofAlexander’stime,deniedanypossibletruthtothetaleofXenos’marchwithathousandmentoretrieveacrownyieldedtotheMacedonianconquerorbyakingoftheIndusovertwothousandyearsago.FragmentsofBuddhistwritingsandfablesthatsurvivetheMogulconquestsinlatercenturiescontainobscureallusionstothemassacreofthethousandfootsoldiersof
Alexander’sarmy,butthesearegenerallydiscountedaslocalfolklore,ProfessorJohnstonesaid.
Thetwosurvivors,whowillbejoinedbyselectedothers,remaininKarachiforanewexpeditiontobeimmediatelyreorganizedforasecondattemptatS-5,accordingtoDr.AlessavonBuhlen.
KallingeryawnedandbrushedhisshaggyTurkishmoustacheasDurellreturnedthetwoclippings.“ThefirstofthesecamebycourierfromRawalpindiyesterday.TheNewYorkTimesitemwasinabatchofstufffromWashingtonthismorning.Iputitalltogetherforyou,Sam.”
“Inoticethere’snothingintheseclippingsaboutnickel,”Durellcommented.
“Naturally.Whatreallyhappenedwasthatthisclimbingexpeditionafterallegedancienttreasureranintohardluckalltheway.Badweather,defectingporters,alienatedtribesmen—evensomeChinesemilitarypatrolsstickingtheirnosesovertheSinkiangborder.Thefrontieratthatpointisrathervague,youknow.Evenso,theyallcamedownoffS-5alive,accordingthePakistanmilitaryreport.TherewastroublewiththePakhustisundertheirEmiratMirandhabadforsometime—theEmirhasbeenpushingforautonomy,backedbythePathans,Afghanistan,andtheChinese.Buttheclimberswerealldefinitelyalive—whentheycamedownoffS-5—fivemenandthegirl,AlessavonBuhlen.Herdoctorateisinancienthistory,bytheway.Itwasafterwardthatthingsbegantohappen.Disappearances.Andmurder.OnlyHansSteicherandAlessa—whohappenstobebuiltontheorderoftheValkyries,bytheway,nomatterwhatheruniversitydegrees—pityIdon’thaveasnapshotforyou,Sam—andBergmann,ageologist,madeitbacktoRawalpindi.”
“ThenBergmanndisappeared,”Durellsaid.“TheTimessaystherewereonlytwosurvivors—AlessaandHansSteicher.”
Kallingernodded.OutontheBosphorus,atughooted.Itwasgrowingduskyinthetobaccoagent’soffice.LightsgleamedlikeiridescentjewelsontheEuropeansideofthestraits.
“ThePakistansecuritypolicereporttwoattackssince,oneonAlessa,anotheronHans.AknifethrownatAlessa,andamuggingjobonSteicher.Nopermanentdamage.Obviously,someonewantstosilenceeverybodywhohuntedabominablesnowmen,nickelandjewelsonS-5,eh?”
“Youthinkit’sbecauseofthenickelore?”Durellasked.
“Bergmannmadeareport,andamap,andbothdisappearedwithhim.You’llhavetofindout.We’rereasonablysuretheallegedtreasurewasn’tfound,andevenifitwere,wearen’tinterested.ButBergmannwasexcitedaboutthenickelstrike,andtalkedaboutitbeforehevanished.Washingtonwantstoknowwhatwasreallyfoundupthere.Somebodyistryingtostopthesepeoplefromgoingback—maybetheEmiratMirandhabad,maybetheChinese,maybeyourfriendsatNo.2DzherzinskySquare.ThesecondexpeditionfittingoutnowhastheimmediateblessingsofAmericanandPakistaninterests.Andthere’smore.”
KallingertookanenvelopefromhisdeskandhandedittoDurell.Itcontainedfivethousanddollars.
Durellsmiled.“You’vecountedit?”
“Everypenny.I’mabusinessman.Itshouldcoverexpenses.”
“Who’scoveringthecostofthenewexpedition?TheytakealittlemoretofinancethanarideontheStatenIslandferry.”
“SarahStandish.TheStandish.She’sgoingalong.You’regoing,too,asSarah’sbodyguard.We’dhatetohaveanythinghappentoher.”Kallinger’sdark,sunkeneyesmightormightnothavebeenamused.“Therichest,nickel-platedmemberofParkAvenuesociety.Theworld’sbest-knownbusinesswoman.HeadofStandishNickel,unromantic,hornrimmedglasses,andthedespairofeverycouturierinParis,RomeandHouston.She’sinlove,Sam.”
Hewaited.
Kallingerseemeddisappointed.“She’sinlovewithAlessavonBuhlen’sbrother,Rudi.Ihaveathumbnaildossieronhimforyou.He’sinKarachinow,withMissStandish.HansSteicherisin’Pindi.RudiandSarahmaybeenjoyingapre-maritalhoneymoon.Iwouldn’tknow.Maybemoralschangewhenyougetuptoeighthundredmillions,giveortakeafewscore.AlthoughImustsay,SarahStandishhasneverhadabreathofscandaltouchher,givingherthebenefitofthedoubt.Anyway,she’sfinancingthenewexpeditionandgoingalong.DoyouwanttoreadRudivonBuhlen’sdossier?”
“Tellme,”Durellsuggested.
“Youlookannoyed,Cajun.”
“Idon’tlookforwardtobeingabodyguardandanursemaid.”
“It’sallintheday’swork,Sam.”
“Notmykindofwork,”Durellsaid.
“Thinkofallthatmoney!”Kallingerprotested.
“Youthinkofit,Harry.Itmaybebiginyourbusinessman’smind,butnottome.”
“She’sindanger.Lookwhathappenedtotheoriginalexpedition.Wecan’ttakechances;wecan’tletanythinghappentoher.”
“Ifshe’sworried,letherhireanarmy.Shecanaffordit.”Durellpaused.“Shecandowhatevershelikes.”
“Butsheisn’tworried,Cajun,that’sthetrouble.OurStateDepartmentpeoplehadahellofatimewithher.Sheinsistsshe’sonlyinterestedinthehistoricalandarcheologicalaspectsofwhat’sonS-5.Nickelinitselfdoesn’tinteresther.That’sfortheemployees,shesays.Asfordanger,shefeelsthatRudiiscompanyandprotectionenoughforher.”
Durell’smouthtightened.“TellmeaboutRudi.”Kallingerlaugheddourly.“RudilooksmoreEnglishthanAustrian—wearshishairlong,Englishstyle,overhisears.Prettygoodmountain-climber,too—intheAlps.FullnameisRudolfWolfgangFreihausenvonBuhlen.Age31,bomVienna,fatheraBritishlegationcolonel,nowdeceased,motherabaronessoftheHapsburgnobility,livingonpensionsandnostalgicdreamsofEmperorFranzJosef’stime.RudiwaseducatedattheHausfuldenGymnasium,thentheSorbonne,andtookagraduatedegreeatOxford.Helivesextravagantly.Nopolitical
identifications,butanunclewasconnectedwiththeRoteKapelle—the“RedOrchestra”affairin1942,aGermanCommunistespionagenetworkrunbyoldandprominentGermanfamilies.Ittookguts,underHitler.TheRoteKapellepeoplewereuncoveredbytheAbwehrandmostofthemwereexecuted,chargedwithhightreason,alongwithagrandsonofAdmiralvonTirpitz.TheywerehungfrommeathooksborrowedfromaBerlinabattoir.Hitlerenjoyedtheview.Anyway,somuchfortheuncle.Rudiprofessesnopolitics.InterestedCajun?”
“Goon.”
“RudidrivesaFerarri,racesatCannes,climbstheAlps.MarriedanEnglishheiress,ElizabethDunning-Broome,in’55,divorcedinMexicoCityin’59.Nofinancialsettlement.Gamblesalot,playsinRivierasociety,arrestedtwiceonvicecharges,bothtimesdismissed,andisreputedtohavesleptwithahellofalotofwomen.HemetourNickelQueeninSwitzerlandlastwinterataskiingparty.SarahStandishfinallyfell.She’sinlove,asIsaid.”
“Idoubtthat,”Durellsaid.“I’vemether.”
Kallingernodded.“Iknowyouhave.That’swhythelongarmofKSectionpluckedyououtofyourcozyvilladownthecoastandinterruptedyourvacation—andyourlove-lifewiththatItalianbrunette,ofwhichIknowofficiallynothing,mindyou—andisorderingyoutoKarachitolookafterSarah.”
Durellsaidoneword,briefly.
“Igatherfromthat,”Kallingersaid,“thatyoudon’tlikethejobwithSarah.Haveyoucountedthatfivethousanddollars,Sam?”
“Idon’thaveto,ifyoudid.”
“Thensignthisreceipt.”
Durellsigned.“WhataboutAlessavonBuhlen—theValkyriewithadoctorate?”
Kallingerlookedembarrassed.“IblewallmyconceitinquotingRudi’sdossier,Sam.Wedon’thaveasmuch.Beautifulandbrainy.HerPh.DinhistorycamefromtheSorbonne—Greekhistory,naturally.Theysaythetumble-downfamilyschloss—theiroldcastleoutsideofVienna—isamuseumofantiquepieces.Anathletictype,too—sheskisandclimbsmountains.Noromanticattachmentsweknowof.Doesallthisgiveyouideas,Cajun?”
“Some,”Durellsaid.
“Havefun,then.”
Onhiswaytotheairportlater,DurellreflectedonwhatheknewofSarahStandish.HehadmetherattwoWashingtoncocktailpartiesandoncehadbeeninvited,withDeirdrePadgett,totheStandishsummerestateatSouthampton,onLongIsland.DeirdrewenttofinishingschoolwithSarah,andtheywerereasonablygoodfriends—orasfriendlyasyoucanbewitheighthundredmilliondollars.
Durell’simpressionsofSouthamptonwerenotthebest.Maybeitwastheauraofallthatmoneywhich,whoevertheindividualowningit,lendsanairthatsetsyouapartfromnormalcy.Vastwealthhasitscorollaryinisolation—splendid,perhaps,butinevitablydisturbing.Itlentanarroganceandindifferencetothenormalproblemsandethicsofordinarymen.
SarahStandishwasnotpopularinthegossipcolumns;shedidnotbelongtothecelebrityset,likeotherfashionableheiresses.Shewasquiet,repressed,notbeautiful,giventotweedysuitsandpainfullysimplehairstyles.Herescortswerealwaysdiscreetandanonymous.UntilherengagementtoRudivonBuhleninSwitzerlandlastyear,nohintofromancehadevertouchedherausterepersonality.Untilthen,theprivatelifeoftheNickelQueenwasanenigma,jealouslyguardedagainstsensationalism.
DuringtheSouthamptonweekend,Durellhadseenverylittleofhishostess.Butwhathesaw,heremembered.
Sherarelysmiled.Shehadaratherwidemouth,onlyfaintlytouchedwithlipstick,abroadandintelligentforehead,wideandsolemngrayeyes,paleandsmoky.Hermannerwasearnest,whetherplayingtennisorsittingattheheadofherdinnertable.Atallgirl,sheaffectedonlythesimplestofjewelry;herquietvoicegavetheimpressionthatshewasthinkingofthingsotherthanherimmediatewords.ShetookapersonalinterestinthecomplexcorporatestructuresofStandishNickel.Partofherweekendhadbeentakenupbylengthyconferenceswithexecutivetypeswhocameuptotheramblingestate,closetedthemselveswithherinheroffice,anddroveawayagainwithoutminglingwiththeotherguests.
DurellrememberedDeirdrePadgett’scommentaboutSarah’sengagement.
“I’mworriedaboutit,”Deirdresaid.“FromwhatIknowaboutRudi,he’sthetypewhocanbreakSarah’sheart.”
“Youcan’tdoanythingaboutit,”Durelltoldher.“AgirllikeSarahStandishisgoingtodowhatevershepleases.”
“Iknow.Andthat’sthetrouble.She’sreallyshy,intenselylonely,andquitestarvedforaffection,Ithink.”
“Underthatgrimexterior?”
“Imaybewrong.I’vereallylosttouchwithher,afteralltheseyears.Butshe’sreachingforlove,andshemaybehurt.NotalltheStandishmoneycanhelpherinthat.”Durellhadhadothermattersonhismindthen.HeneverexpectedtocrossSarah’spathagain.Andnowhewasassignedtoplaybodyguardtoherarbitraryandneuroticpersonality.
Hedidnotlookforwardtoit.
HeleftIstanbulanhourafterhisconversationwithHenryKallinger,catchingthePanAmericanOrientjetthatsethimdowninKarachijustbeforedawn.
chapterthreePATIENCEwassomethingyoulearned,absorbed,andhadpoundedintoyoubyitsexerciseandthegrimexamplesofthosewhohadfailedtopracticeit.Patiencecouldmeanlongdaysofsolitudeinadismal,ill-smellingroom,watchingadoorwayacrossthestreet—-orsimplydoingnothing,untiltheothersidemadeamove,goadedbyyourinactivity.Oritcouldmeanfacingfrustrationwithnewresolveandnewtactics.Orenduringthemonotonyofaroutinethatinvolvedthehurry-up-and-waittempoofwar.
Patienceinthiscase,Durellthought,consistedofsteadily,grimly,unendinglyputtingyourleftfootaheadinthesoft,yieldingsand,throwingyourweightforwardonhipandknee,andusingthemomentumthusgainedtogetyourrightfootupthereforjustonemorestepahead.Andthenanother.Andanother.Againandagain.
Patiencemeanttokeepwalking.Tostayalive.
Therecameatimewhenhehadtostop.Andthis,too,wasapartofhispatience.
Thesunandtheheatwereincredible.Ploddingbetweenthebrazensandandtheshiningsea,heseemedtobemotionless,makingnoprogress,likeabuginthebottomofadeep,slipperybowlwherealltheunbelievableradianceofthesky,desertandoceanpouredinandconcentratedinonevastflametodestroyhim.
Thebuzzardsandthekitescircledsteadilyoverheadnow,darkandsilentshadowsinthebrillianceofthemorningsky.
TheancientArabwatchtowerwasoutofsightbehindhim.Ahead,therewasnothingdifferent.HesawanotherdhowfaroutontheGulf.Therewasnowind.Hewasgratefulforthis,becausethewindwouldhavecutathimlikeahot,meltingknife.Inland,tohisleft,therewasnothingbutsand,rockandscorpions,aseriesofnaturalterracesdevoidofanyscrapofgreen,risingtoashimmeringandunnaturalhorizon.
“FortheloveofAllah!”MahmudAligasped.
Themanfelltohiskneesintheshadowofabronze-coloredboulder.
“Leavemehere,”hewhispered.“Orkillmenow.”Durellstoodonhisfeet.“Getupandwalkwithme.”
“Icannot.”
“Youmust!”
“Iwanttodie.”
“Soyoushall,”Durellsaid.“Veryslowly,andwithmuchmorepainthanyounowsuffer.”
Theman’sfacewasskeletal.Hecoughedalittlesputum,andtherewassomebloodinit.Hisbroken
armdangleduselesslyathissideasheswayedonhisknees.Durelllookeddownathimwithoutexpression.Hismouthwasasdryasthesand;hisbodyachedandflamed.Hehadtompartofhiswhiteshirtasabandagetostopthesuperficialbleedingofhisleftleg,andsofarhehadbeenabletogoon,determinedtolive.HeheldtheSchmeiserlowered,inhishandathisrightside.
Theassassinhadtoldhimlittle,untilnow.Whenhehadstoppedthejeepinthedawnatthebaseofthewatchtower,twohoursago,hehadbeenfollowingsimpleorderstokillDurell.Durellhadactedfirst,butinthestruggle,MahmudAlifellfromthejeep,thecarwentovertheclifftothebeachbelow,andDurellfellfreewithit.MahmudAlihadmanagedtocrawltothetopofthetowertolookforhim.HehadnotbeenabletofindstrengthtofireathimuntilatlasthesqueezedoffthesingleshotthathadwarnedDurell.Nowtheywerebothabandoned,dying,lost.Durellwouldnotadmitthis.
“AmItheonlyonewhowassignedfordeath?”heasked.
“No,”Mahmudwhispered.
“Whoaretheothers?”
“Therichone.TherichAmericanlady.”
“SarahStandish?”
“Thatishername.”
“Andwhoelse?”
“Alltheotherswhowouldclimbthemountain.”
“Why?”
“Iamasimpleman.Asoldier.Ineveraskwhy.Itisnotforme,suchaquestion.Toaskitistoaskfortheswordatmythroat.”
“Supposeyouweretoask,anyway?”Durellinsisted.“Whowouldyouasksuchaquestion?”
Themansaidnothing.
“Youaredying,”Durelltoldhim.“WillyouspeakofmurdertoAllah?”
“IfHeasks,”Mahmudwhispered.
“Getup.YouwillspeakofittotheofficialsinKarachi.”
“Icannotgetup.”
Durellpaused.Hedidnotknowhowmuchfartherhehadtowalkthroughthisinfernotofindsomeonewhomighthelp.Perhapsallday.Orforever.Hedidnotknowifanyoneevenknewhewasmissing.Kallinger,inIstanbul,hadtoldhimtoworkwithColonelK’Ayub,aPakistansecurityofficerwhowouldcommandtheescortpatrolwiththeexpedition.WasK’Ayubevenawarethathehadlandedin
KarachiearlythismorningandhadbeenswallowedupinthesandsoftheSind?DidK’Ayubevenmisshisjeep,hismilitarydriverwhowassupposedtomeetDurellattheairport?
Theremight—ormightnot—beasearchforhim.
Helpmight—ormightnot—come.
Itwasamatteroftime,abalancebetweenthirstandheatandexhaustion.
Hewonderedabouttheothers—AlessavonBuhlen,Rudi,SarahStandish.Perhapshewastoolateforeverything.Perhapstheyhadallbeenkilledbynow,byotherhiredassassins,andhiseffortwasinvain.
HelookeddownatMahmudAli.
“Getup,”hesaid,oncemore.
AndhesawthatAliwasdead.
Hecoulddonothingforthedeadman.Hecouldnotsparethestrengthtoburyhimorpilestonesonhimagainstthecirclingbuzzards.Heturnedawayandwentonwalking,movingsouthalongtheshore,andhedidnotlookbackwhenthesilentwingsofthebirdscameswoopingdownbehindhimonthecurrentsoverthesurfandslantedintotheboulderwherethedeadmangrinnedatthebrightsky.
Hewalkedforanhour,restedtenminutes,walkedonagain.Thelanddidnotchange.Theseawasthesame.Theskymelted,pouringdownheatonhim.Hewashungryandthirsty,buthedidnotlethimselfthinkaboutit.
Towardnoonhesawamanonacamelthatploddedalongthebeach.Themanwasbundledinwhiterags,withadirtyturbanaroundhishead,andthecamellookedoldandshaggy,withbigpatchesofhairgonefromhishide.
Durellcalledouttothemanandwasastonishedattheharsh,drysoundofhisvoice.Themanstoppedthecamelandlookedathimandswungaboutonthesaddle,andfromtheothersideofhisbodyheproducedanoldrifleandpointeditathim.
Themanlookedlikehiscamel,oldanduglyandmorose,withspeculationinhiseyesasDurellwalkedasstraightashecouldacrossthesandtowardhim.DurellspokeinUrdu.
“Youhavewater?”heasked.
“Formyself,”themansaid.
“ImustgettoHawk’sBay.Youaregoingthere?”
“IfAllahwills.”
“Iwillpayyoutotakemeonyourcamelandbringmethere.”
“Youhavemuchmoney?”
“Ihaveenough.”
Theman’sriflewasofPathanmake,handmanufacturedlikeajewelinthefarnorthernhills,polishedandgleaming,theonlycleanandefficientthingabouthim.“Youarealone?”
“Ihaveafriend,”Durellsaid.
“Iseenofriend.”
“Heishere,inmyhand,”Durellsaid,andshowedthemantheSchmeisermachine-pistol.
Itwasamistake,perhaps,buthecouldnotkeepstaringintothemuzzleoftheotherman’srifleforever.TheArablookedatthemachine-pistolforamomentandthenshruggedandshiftedhisskinnyweightonthecamelsaddleandthen,withnootherwarning,urgedthecamelintoanungainly,gallopingrunawayfromhim.Durellcouldhavebroughthimdownwithasingleshot,buthedidnottry.Hecouldn’thavecaughtthecamel,anyway.Hewatchedthetwoofthem,oldmanandoldcamel,untiltheyweregonefromsightdownthebeach,andthenhewalkedonagain.
Hestoppedtobathetwiceinthewarmsurfduringthenexttwohours.Thesecondtime,ashestaggeredoutofthecomberstoretrievehisclothes,heheardthegrindingofanengineandsawayellowLandRoverwithafringed-surreytopandoversizedbeachtirescomeacrossthesearingsand,directlytowardhim.HepickeduptheSchmeiserfirstandthensawthatthedriverwasanEnglishman,withaEuropeangirlinawhitelinendressbesidehim,nexttothedriver’sseat.Durelldressedquickly,beforethesaltwaterdriedonhim.Thegirllookedaway.TheEnglishmanjumpeddownfromthegaudyLandRoverandwalkedtowardhim.
“Isay,itisn’treallytruewhattheysayaboutus—noondaysunandmaddogsandallthat—”
“CanyoutakemetoHawk’sBay?”Durellasked.
“Ofcourse.It’sonlyfivemilesdowntheway.”
Fivemilesorfiveeternities,Durellthought.Hesmiledhisthanks.“I’dbeverygrateful.”
“Wewerelookingformysailboat,”theEnglishmansaid.Hiseyeswerebloodshot.“Sixteenfeet,home-built,paintedred,Marconirig.NewnylonsailsfromtheStates.Shebrokeawayfromhermooringinthewindtwonightsago.Wewentsouthyesterday,andwerestartingupheretoday.Perhapsitwasstolen.It’stiresometohavetonaileverythingdown.”TheEnglishmanwastryinghardnottobecurious,butitseemedtoDurellthatyoucouldcarryanationaltraittoofar.Hewonderedifthegirlwashiswife.“Yourcarbreakdown,oldman?”
“Inaway,”Durellsaid.“DoyouknowColonelK’Ayub?”“Naturally.Charmingfellow.Throwswonderfulcocktailparties.Lizadoreshim.”Nowheseemedgarrulous,foranEnglishman.“Whatareyoudoingwiththegun?Poppingatbuzzards?”
“Yes,”Durellsaid.“CouldyoutakemetoColonelK’Ayub?”
“Well,mysailboat,oldman,costmeaprettypenny.Lovelylittlething—”
“Thereisn’tanyboatbackthereonthebeach.”
“Isee.Well.You’vegotabadburn,mydearchap.Thissuncanbetreacherous—”
“I’minahurry,”Durellsaid.“I’dbegrateful.”
“AllAmericansareinahurry.”TheEnglishmansighed.“Hopin,please.”
Thepale,thingirldidnotsayawordonthedrivesouthtoHawk’sBay.Butthegay,stripedcanvastopontheLandRovermadeacheerfulflappingsand,andcastasmalltriangleofshadeoverDurell.
Therewerepalepinkstuccohouses,bluevillaswithredtiledroofs,afewdatepalmsincarefullywateredlawnsandgardensthathadturnedbrowninthesaltairandthesun.TheEnglishmanturnedoffthebeachontoabumpyasphaltroadandpaidatollofonerupeeattheentranceboothtotheEuropeanbeachcolony,thenfollowedalaneusedbyArabpeddlers,camels,atroupeofacrobatsincolorfulragsperformingforsomesolemnEnglishchildren.AmaninablueturbanthrustababymonkeyattheEnglishman’swifeandoffereditforsale,cheap.Thepale-facedgirlsaidnothing,asifthemonkeyandthemandidnotexist.
Theroadbetweenthemodesthouseswaslinedwithtamariskandwind-carvedbabultrees.White-neckedcrowscrowdedthebranchesandsatinlong,silentechelonsuponthesaggingtelephonewires.Servantsinbaggywhitetrouserscalledshalwarsappearedhereandthereinthebackyards.Ontheflat,slopingbeach,blindedbytheglareofthesun,afewmorechildrenplayed.FishingboatsoutofKarachifloatedonthebrilliantsea.Thesurflookedheavyandsullen.Fartherout,afewfreightersploddedfromthemouthoftheIndusforthebroaderreachesoftheArabianSea.“Hereweare,”theEnglishmansaid.
Hecalledcheerfullytothesmart,khaki-cladyoungPakistansoldieronguardatthevilla’sirongate.“Ali,isColonelK’Ayubabout?”
“Yes,sir.”
“EverysecondMoslemhereiscalledAli,”theEnglishmansaid,asifthesoldiercouldnotunderstandhim.“TheseShiitesconsiderAli,theson-in-lawoftheProphetandthefourthCaliphtosucceedMohammed,astheirmostimportantImam,orleader.”
DurellgotoutoftheLandRover.“Thanksforthelift.”“Anytime,”theEnglishmansaid.“Goodluck,oldman.”Durelllookedatthepalewife,butshewasstillsilentandunsmiling.Hewentinthroughthegate,noddingasthesoldiersaluted,andwalkedupthestepsintothehouse.
Durellhadtocalluponanotherkindofpatiencetosustainhim.EighthourshadgonebysincehisplanehadtoucheddownattheKarachiairport.Hehadbeenexpectedimmediatelyatthisbig,cool,expensivehouse,andhadnotshownup,norhadthejeepwhichwassentforhimreturned,withorwithoutthedriver.Yettherewasanatmosphereofeasycomplacencethatmadehimbitedownonhisangerandignorehisownexhaustion.
Theroomswerebig,cool,air-conditioned.Hefelthisenergyreturning.AnotheruniformedsoldiertoldhimtowaitinaEuropeanstyledlivingroomthatseemedtobepartlyanoffice,andwhenDurellaskedforwater,aservantinwhitemuslinpromptlyappearedwithathermosjugandabowloffruit.Hedranksparinglywhilehewaited,atesomefigs,enjoyedthecooldryairblowingoutoftheair-conditionergrill.
Hewaitedfiveminutes,hearingvoicesdimlyfromsomewhereelseinthebighouse.Noonehadaskedhisidentityorquestionedthegunhecarried.Hewaitedanotherfiveminutesandthenwalkeddownawhitetiledcorridorandoutthroughasunny,Moorishdoorwaywithivoryscreeningintoacool,shadedgardensurroundedbyahighcinder-blockwallpaintedapalegray.
Amanlookedupathimfromthetablethere.
“Ah,Mr.Durell.Iamsorry,Iwasfinishingareport,youmusttrulyforgiveme—”
“ColonelK’Ayub?”
“Yes.Wehavebeenwaitingforyou.Irecognizeyoufromyourdescription.Whatdetainedyou?”
“Myplanelandedeighthoursago,”Durellsaid.
“Itdid?Wethoughtperhapsyouhadmissedit.”
“Youdidn’tthinktocheckthepassengerlist?Orwonderwhathappenedtothedriveryousentforme?”
“WesupposedhewenttovisithisfamilyonDrighRoad,whenyoudidn’tshowup.Heoftendoes.Hehasmypermission.Pleasebeseated,Mr.Durell.”
Durellremainedonhisfeet.HedidnotlikewhathesawofLathriK’Ayub.Hehadasoftfaceandasoftbodyandthepaleyelloweyesofalynx.ItwasDurell’sbusinesstobesuspicious,andhehadreasontobe;andherecalledthatHenryKallinger,inIstanbul,hadnotcommittedhimselfonthecolonel’sreliability.K’Ayubhadbeeneatingmangoesfromabrassplate,andhedabbeddelicatelyatabeadofthejuicethatclungtohisupperlip.Therewasatelephoneonthedelicatelycarvedtablewherehesat.
LathriK’AyubwaspartofapowerfulpoliticalfamilyinPakistan,saidtobeambitiousfornationalexpansion.LathrihadbeeneducatedatUCLAinCalifornia,hadbeenanattacheforaUNmilitarymissionintheCongo,andwaspartofagroupthatbloodilyresistedallcompromisewiththePathan’sstruggleforindependence.Buthismilitaryrankhadbeenearnedthehardway—hehadbeenincommandofborderpatrolexpeditionsinthehighHimalayastwice,andwassaidtobehard,toughandruthless.
Perhapshissoftfaceandsoftbodyweredeceiving.
Hesaidnow,delicately,“Youhavehadadifficulttime,Mr.Durell?Youhavebeenoutinthesun?”
“Itookawalk,”Durellsaid.Hesatdownandbrieflyrecountedwhathadhappened.Nothingchangedintheotherman’slynxeyes.HalfwaythroughDurell’sbriefspeech,
LathriK’AyubheldupahandandusedthetelephoneandspokeinrapidUrdu,orderingasearchforthe
jeepdriver’sbody.Durellfinishedquietly.“IamquiteanxiousaboutMissStandish’ssafety.Doyouknowwheresheis?”“Ofcourse.Iamsosorryaboutallthis.Idonotknowhowtoapologize.”
“WillyoutakemetoMissStandish,please?”
“Itisnotnecessary,Mr.Durell.Sheismyguest,hereinthishouse.”
HesentahoveringservantinsidetofindSarah.Durellfeltdeflated.Hehadfoughthiswayherealongthebeachwithasenseofdesperateurgency,afeelingofimpendingdisasterthathismissionwasdefeatedevenbeforehehadbegun.ThequietandpeaceofLathriK’Ayub’shousewasdisarming.
“AndthevonBuhlens?”heasked.“RudiandAlessa?”“Quitesafe.Ispoketothemlessthananhourago.TheyplantogoaheadtoRawalpinditomakesurethenewexpedition’ssuppliesandportersareproperlyorganizedforthedayofdeparture,dayaftertomorrow.”
“Andthereisonemoreman—theguide,HansSteicher.Noattemptwasmadeonanyoftheirlives?Nothreatsreceived,nodanger?”
“None,Mr.Durell.”
“Ifinditdifficulttobelieve.”
LathriK’Ayubseemedamused.Orsomethinglikeamusementglitteredinhistawnyeyes.“Wehavemadeabadbeginning,youandI.Yetwemustworktogetherinthefuture,forsomeweeks,oramonthortwo,inguardingthisexpedition.MygovernmentisasinterestedinrelocatingthisallegednickeloredepositonS-5asyours—orMissStandish’spersonalfinancialempire.Yetwemustbepatient.Wemusttrusteachother,youandI.”
Durellsaidnothing.
“Ohperhapsyou,too,believeinthelegendormythaboutafabulouslyvaluablecrownthatwasstolenfromAlexandertheGreatandlostonthatmountain?”
“Doyoubelieveinit?”Durellcountered.
“Mycountryisalandofmanystrangenesses.Aplaceoftheunexpected.Anythingispossible.OurhistoryreachesfarbeyondthePortuguese,beyondtheMogulswhoconqueredinthe16thcentury,beyondeventheAryanswhosweptdownfromthenorthwestin2000B.C.todestroythemanyoldercivilizationshereinthisvalleyoftheIndus.
Thereareruinseverywhere,constantlyexaminedbyexperts.Oldbooks,liketheRig-Veda,turnupcluesintheirlinesofpoetrythatsuggestoldinvasions,thetidesofconqueringpeoples,hymnsthatrecallassaultsonthecitiesoftheIndus.Timeiswithoutlimithere,Mr.Durell.Timeisfullandheavyandripewithold,oldstories.Manisnothing.HisruinsanddecayareunderthesandsoftheSindwhereveryouchoosetodig.”
“Youareanhistorian?”Durellasked.
“LetussaythatIamawareofmypersonalinsignificance,inthetapestriesofhistory.Iknowthat
nothingisimpossible.”
“Doesthecrownexist?”
“MissStandishbelievesso.”
“Doyou?”
Lathrismiled.“Mymission,likeyours,isverypractical.ImustverifythepresenceofnickeloreonS-5.”
ThePakistanistoodup.HewasastallasDurell,whostoodoversixfeet,butheavierwithflesh,andslowerandsofterinmovement.HesmiledbeyondDurell’sfigure.
“Ah.MissStandish.Pleasedojoinus.”
Durellturnedandlookedattheyoungwomanwhocameoutofthehouseandwalkedtowardthemthroughtheshadedgarden.
ShewasnotSarahStandish.
chapterfourSHEworethesametypeofhorn-rimmedglasses;buthereyeswerepaleblue,notgray.Andherglancedidnotholdthecoolobjectivityandhaughtyremotenessthatherememberedfrompastmeetings.Shelookedfrightened.Shewasalittleshorter,perhapsabitmorefullbreasted,withawayofwalkingthatnotevenSarah’stailoredsuitcouldhide.Herhairwasthesame,perhapshastilytintedtomatchtheratherpalesleekbrownofSarah’s,worninthesameseverefashionbyhavingitpulledtightlybackfromaroundedbrowintoaprim,heavyknotatthenapeofherneck.Hethought,irrelevantly,thatsuchahairdowouldsurelybehotinKarachi’sclimate.Theimpersonationwasgoodenoughtopassacasualinspection,aglanceinacar,aglimpsefromacrossthestreet,oridentificationfromslipshodverbaldescription.Butnothingcouldgivethisgirl,posingasSarahStandish,theinnatequalityofhavingbeenbornintoalmostuncountablewealth,topower,totherarefiedatmosphereoflifelongsocialpositionandcommand.
Shedidherbesttohideherfear,butitwasthere,intheslightmoisteningofherfulllipswiththetipofhertongue,inthefractionalpausebeforeshenoddedtoLathriandcametowardDurellwithherhandoutstretched.
“Mr.Durell.Hownicetoseeyouagain.”
Hervoiceasnotthesame,either.Itwasricher,withmorebodyandtimbre;butthatcouldbebecauseshewasafraid.
NothingchangedinDurell’sface.
“It’snicethatyourememberme,”hesaid.
“Whyshouldn’tI?I’mknownforrememberingnamesandfaces—likeapolitician,theysay.PerhapsIam,inasense.Whoknows?”ShesmiledbrieflyatK’Ayub,thenreturnedtoDurell.Thesunlightglintedonheraustereglasses.“Wehavebeenexpectingyouforsomehours.”
“Iwasdelayed.I'msureyouknowhowdifficultitis.”“Youlookasif—”
“—Ihadrunintotrouble?”
“Yes.I’msorry.”
“Sorryforthetrouble?OrhowIlook?”
Shefrownedslightly.“Idon’tunderstand—”
“NeitherdoI,”hesaid.“Butperhapsitdoesn’tmatter,IjustwonderedifyouwereawareofthesmalldifficultyIhadreachingyou.”
“No.No,I—”
Hervoicetrailedoffinpuzzlement.Hewasawareofaslowapprehensiongrowingoutofhissurpriseat
findingthisimpostor.Obviously,K’AyubbelievedhertobetherealSarahStandish.ButwherewasSarah?Hewonderedwhathadhappenedtoher,andthenhewonderedwhythismasqueradewasarranged,andhewonderedwhohadarrangeditandcoachedthisgirltolookasmuchliketherealSarahStandishasshedid.
Shewasanamateur,hethought,hopingtofindhismemoryfaulty.Therewasdangerinthis,astherealwayswasinDurell’sbusiness,andtherewasnoroominitforamateurs.Theysimplydidnotsurvivelong.Andalthoughthisgirlknewenoughtobeafraid,shewasdoingherbesttoconcealitandcarryoutheractasbestshecould.
ButhehadtofindoutabouttherealSarah.Hecouldbeindangerherehimself,inK’Ayub’shouse.Morethanhehadsupposed.
“MayIspeaktoyoualone,MissStandish?”
“Well,I—”ShelookedatK’Ayub.
“It’simportant,”Durellsaid.
ThePakistanibowed,spreadpalehands.“Naturally.ImustmakearrangementsforourtransporttoKarachiassoonaspossible.Ifyouwillforgiveme?”
Withanotherbow,anothersmile,thecat-eyedmanwasgone.
Thegirldrewasmallbreathbetweenherteethandwalkedtothetablethatheldthetelephoneandhelpedherselftoacigarettefromanivorybox.Durellreachedbeyondherforanenameled,jeweledlighterandheldtheflameforher.Sheblewoutthesmokenervouslyandcockedherheadasthecryofapeddlercamedimlyoverthegardenwall.
“Sarahdidn’tsmoke,”hesaidquietly.
“Ibegyourpardon?”
“SarahStandishdidn’tsmoke.Sarahhasgrayeyes,notblue.She’satleasttwoinchestaller,andherhairisn’ttinted.Herglassesarefake,withnoprescriptionlenses,wornbecauseshefeelstheydefendher,somehow.Perhapsshethink’stheygivehermoreofanairofbusinesscompetence.”Durell’svoicewasflatandharshinthehot,stillairofthegarden.Thegirlhadshrunkasteportwoawayfromhim.“Idon'tknow.Ionlyknowthatyou’renotSarahStandish.Whereisshe?”
“I—”
“Andwhoareyou?”
“Oh,please—”
“Isshesafe?”
“Oh,yes!”
“Alive?”
“Ofcourse,I—”
“Where?”
“InKarachi.WiththevonBuhlens.”
“Thenwhyareyouhere,asSarahStandish?”
“Wearrivedjustyesterday.Wethoughtitbest—”
Hervoicetrailedoffagain.Hedidnotwanttogiveherachancetorecover.Itmighthavebeenusefulandinterestingtohavewaitedalittle,tolearnhergamewithoutsmashingdownherdefenses,toseewhatherultimateobjectivemightbe.Buthecouldnotwait.HisjobwastoprotectSarahStandish.Hehadtoknowthetruthatonce.
Helookedathiswatch.Itwaspastoneo’clock.HehadlandedinKarachininehoursago,andthankstotheattemptedtomurderhim—forwhichhehadanumberofunansweredquestions—hehadcontactednooneexceptK’Ayub,asyet.
Thegirlhadnotrepliedtohislastquery.Sheturnedaway,bitingherlipinagesturethatwasmostuncharacteristicofSarah.Aprofessionalactresscouldhavedonemuchbetter.AprofessionalinDurell’sbusinesswouldhavehadnosuchdifficulty.
Amateurswerealwaysgettingthemselveskilled....
“DidyouallknowwhatplaneIwaslandingin?”heasked.
“Yes,”shewhispered.“Allofusknew.I’msorry,but—pleasekeepyourvoicedown.Isupposethiswholethingissilly,butColonelK’Ayubisn’tsupposedtoknowyet.Afterall,ifthewholegroupisinsomekindofdanger—”
“Wheredoyoufitintoit?”
“I’mJaneKing,”shesaid.
“And?”
Shesmiledwanly.“I’msecretarytoMissStandish.Ialwayshavebeen—thatis,forthelasttwoyears.Itfeelslikealwaystome.”
“Andwhoaskedyoutoactoutthismasquerade?”
“Mr.Donegan,attheAmericanInstituteBuilding.Hesaidwewereallthreatened,somehow,consideringwhathadhappenedtothemembersofthefirstexpeditiontoS-5,andthatfanaticswereeverywhere.HesaidthatMissStandishwasasittingduckforakidnapattemptandthatshehadtobeprotectedatallcosts.”
“Soyouvolunteeredtobeadecoy?”Durellasked.
“Yes.Yes,Idid.”
“Knowingthedanger?”
“I—I’mbeingwellpaid,”shesaid.
“Doesn’tyoursalaryasMissStandish’ssecretarypayyouenough?DoyoudeliberatelyhavetostickyourneckouttosomeonewhomightwanttokidnaporevenkillMissStandish?”
“I’mnotafraid,”shesaidthinly.“Itwasonlyfortodayandtomorrow,anyway—justuntilweallleavetopickupourequipmentinRawalpindi.”
“Itdoesn’ttakelongtodie,sometimes,”Durellsaid.Hedidnotknowwhattomakeofthisgirl.Hewassureshewasnottellinghimeverything.Shelookedflusteredanddismayed,becauseherattempttofoolhimwithSarah’sidentityhadfailedsoquicklyandmiserably.Buttherewasmoretoherdiscomfortthanthat.Helookedathersteadilyforamoment.Shemethisgaze,crushedouthercigarette,andrecoveredenoughpoisetosmilewryly.
Hesaidquietly,“Donegansuggestedthemasqueradeforyou?”
“Yes.Afterall,he’sanintelligenceofficer—”
“Whoelse?Imean,whoelsehereknowswhoyoureallyare?”
“Well,Rudiknows—Imean,Mr.vonBuhlen.”
“Howwelldoyouknowhim,Jane?”
“WemetinSwitzerlandlastwinter.”
“WhenhebecameengagedtoMissStandish,youremployer?”
JaneKingflushed.“Yes.”
“IhearthatRudivonBuhlenischarmingtowomen.”
“Yes.”
“Didhecharmyou?”
Herchincameupdefiantly.“You’reinsulting,doyouknowthat?”“Imeantobe,”Durellsaid.“It’sonewaytoprovokeanswers.Anyway,Rudiknowsyou’reposingasMissStandish,todrawanyfirethatmightbeaimedather.”
“Ifyouwanttoputitthatway.Rudifirstsuggestedit.AndMr.Doneganthoughtitwasagoodidea.ButIguessIjustwasn’tuptoitwithanyonewhoreallyknowsMissSarah.”
“Whoelseknowsofthisextrajobofyours?MissStandish?Mr.Donegan?Nooneelse?”
“Noone.”
Shesatdownsuddenlyandbegantoshiver,althoughtheheatinthewalledgardenwasoppressivenow.Sheclaspedherhandsandpressedtheminherlapbetweenherthighsandleanedforward,asifshewereinpain.Durellwatchedher.Shedeniedfear,hethought;butshewaspossessedbyit.Hisangerwasgone—atleast,itwasnolongerdirectedagainstJaneKing.Hebelievedasmuchasshehadtoldhim.HewouldtakecareoftherestofitwithDonegan,inKarachi.
“Jane?”
Sheshookherbowedhead.Hecouldseethepartinherhair,theseverearrangementofthethickbrownstrands.“I’msosorry,”shewhispered.
“There’snothingtocryabout,”hesaid.
“Isn’tthere?”
“Unlessthere’smore,thatyouhaven’ttoldme.”
“It’snothingthatconcernsyou.”
“Everythingabouteveryoneinvolvedinthisconcernsme,”hesaid.
“No.It’sjustthatI’mafool,that’sall.”
“Afoolaboutwhat?Youdidyourbest.”
Sheliftedherheadwithaneffort,andhesawthetearsinherblueeyesbehindthefake,heavily-rimmedglasses.ShehadaMidwesternaccent,too,hedecided,thatwasfarremovedfromthepolishedfinishing-schoollanguageofSarahStandish.Whenshestoodupandwalkedawayfromhim,downthegardenpath,hesawthatshehadtheheadandfaceofaprimschoolteacherandthebodyofanexoticcourtesan.Andshewasprobablyunawareofeitherphenomenon.
Therewastimeforashower,afreshbandageonhisleg,andfoodandcoffee,beforeColonelK’AyubindicatedhewasreadytogointothecityofKarachi.Thethermometerinsidethefrontdoorofthevillaregistered110degrees.ItwouldbehotterinKarachi.
Theyrodeinascoutcar,precededbyajeep-loadofnattysoldiersandfollowedbytwomotorcycles.K’Ayubwasnotbashfulabouthispoliticalandmilitaryauthority.Hechattedeasilyaboutinternationalproblems,hisbig,softbodyrelaxedonthebackseat.JaneKing,stillacknowledgedbythePakistanistrongmanasSarahStandish,satbetweenhimandDurell.
“AllisarrangedforourdeparturetoRawalpinditomorrow,”K’Ayubsaid.“Theequipmentisready,theportersarehired,ourquartersasweproceedtoBaseCampOneandthehigheraltitudeswillbewaitingforus.Youareacquaintedwithmountainclimbing,Mr.Durell?”
“I’vedonesome.I’mnotanexpert.”
“Justso.ButS-5isreallynotmuchofachallengetoaclimber.Ratheruninteresting,infact,exceptfortheNorthPeak.Iunderstandthefirstguide,HansSteicher,isveryprofessional.I’vebeenintheareaseveraltimes—awild,desolateandbeautifulland.Weshouldbeatourgoalwithintheweek,ifallgoeswell.”
“Doyouexpectitnotto?”
K’Ayub’spaleyelloweyeswerewithoutexpression.“ThereistheEmiratMirandhabadtodealwith.Andanotherelement,asyetunclear,thatobviouslywishestokeepusout.Weshalllearnaboutitall,ingoodtime.”
KarachibroiledundertheoppressiveAugustsun.Theroadintoittraversedalandthatwasflatandsearedtothehorizon.Totheright,DurellglimpsedthemovingwhitelinesofthesurffromtheArabianSea.TheIndusvalleywasalandofscorpionsandvipersandeternallymoaninghotwinds.ThescorchedplainwhereAlexandertheGreatledhisarmyfromtheIndusin325B.C.lookedemptyofwaterandlife,exceptforthepoisonousinsectsandherbs.Inland,theblazingsandhillsrolledasfarashecouldsee.
Karachiheldnocharmorinterest.Itlookedparched,avastsprawlofflatroofswithafewdomesandminaretsupthrustthroughbrowntrees.Theasphaltstreetsoozed,thedieseltramcarsclangedirritably,andrubber-wheeleddrayspiledwithcottonandpulledbyphilosophicaldonkeysorcamelsreluctantlygotoutofthewayofK’Ayub’sconvoy.Here,too,thewhite-collaredcrowsthatscavengedthecityperchedoneverysaggingpowerline.
Therewasnoiseandheatandconfusion.OnVictoriaRoad,Durellsawtheramshackleslumsandmarkets,theimprovisedminaretsandmosqueswherethemullahs,theMosleminterpretersandteachersoftheKoran,heldforthinstridentvoices.Itwasaquarteroccupiedbyemigrantsandrefugeescrowdingintothecitybecauseoftheseasonaldrought.SomeofthetransientsworkedthedocksalongthemuddychannelsoftheIndus,othersfoundoccupationintheslumstreets.Traffictangledinsanelyintheheat.Therewerebullockwagonsandbicyclerickshawsandtwowheeleddonkeycarts,three-wheeledmotorcycletaxis,andordinaryrickshawsdrawnbyskinny,brown,barefootedmenindirtyshortsorswathedinthesheet-likelungyiswrappedaroundtheirbodies.Hereandthereacoveredtongacartwentby,drawnbyaskeletalhorse.
TheypassedtheresettlementprojectonDrighRoad,cutinandoutofthenondescriptinterurbancommuterbuses,cameintoanareaofnewstuccohouses,spaciousyardsandbrownlawns.Watertanksprobedthecopperyskyfromeveryroof,sinceKarachiprovidednomunicipalwaterpressure,andair-conditionerswheezedandpumpedineverybalconywindow.
LathriK’Ayubwaspatientwiththetraffic,soft-facedandsleepy-eyed.“YouwishtoconsultwithMr.Doneganatonce?”heaskedDurell,astheyreachedthemorespaciouspartofthecity.
“Ithinkitwouldbewise.”
“AndMissStandish?”HisyelloweyesslidtoJane’sknees.
Durellsaid,“Shewillaccompanyme,fromnowon.”“Asyouwish.Ihavesomebusinesstoattendto.Aplaneisreadyfortomorrow’sflighttoRawalpindi,wherewemeetHansSteicher.ThevonBuhlensareatavillarentedbyMissStandish.Ishallleavethescoutcarforyourconvenience,ifyouwillforgivemyabandoningyou.”“Aretheothersbeingguardedagainstanyattemptsatinjuryorsabotage?”
“Indeed,yes.AlthoughIamnotfullyconvincedastothefateoftheoriginalexpeditionmembers.Iftheymetwithfoulplay,however,theplotwillbecrushed.”
TherewassomethingaboutthecolonelthatremindedDurellofotherstrongmeninnewcountries—tough,ruthless,ambitious.
“We’llsee,”Durellsaid.
Donegan’ssuiteofofficeswasinarecentlyconstructedbuildingthatwasfullyair-conditioned,whentheapparatusworked.Itfeltcool,evenclammy,aftertheblastingheatinthestreets.DurelltookJaneKing’sarmandledherreluctantlydownthecorridor.
“MustIgowithyou?”thegirlmurmured.
“Whynot?I’msupposedtobeyourbodyguard.”
“Butshouldn’tyougodirectlytoseeMissSarah?”“She’ssafe.IhavetoassumeIcantrustK’Ayub.”Shelookedawayandmurmured,“I’vediscoveredyoucan’ttrustanybodyinthisworld.”
“Whysodiscouraged.Becauseyou’regoingtolosetheextrapayMissStandishpromisedyoutoposeasa.stand-inandtarget?”
“Maybe”shesaidbitterly.
“Yououghttoconsideryourselfwelloutofit.”
Shelookeduneasy.“Areyouangrywithher,too,fordoingthis?”
“Idon’tliketheideaofanybodyusingmoneytosetsomeoneelsetodieforthem.”
“I’mstillalive,”JaneKingpointedout.
“Ithinkyou’vejustbeenlucky,”Durellsaid.
DanielDonegan’sbusinessaspart-timeKSectionmanfortheCIAinKarachiwascoveredbytheofficessetuphereasabranchofaneconomicdevelopmentmissionsponsoredbytheU.S.government.Andwhereveryougointheworld,Durellthought,Washington’sbureaucracymanagedtotakeseedandadaptitselfandyetlookthesame.Therewerethecivilservicetypistswithdisillusionedfacesintheouteroffices,theexpensiveelectronicofficeequipmentandstandardgreenandgrayfilingcabinetsandcarefullyapportioneddesksofvarioussizes,accordingtostatusprotocolandthehierarchyofcivilservicerank.
DurellleftJaneKinginanouterroom,seatedinaleatherchairnexttoatablecoveredbymonth-oldcopiesofTime,LifeandthePost.Thegirlwasdocilenow,acceptinghisorderswithoutquestion.Shesatmeekly,handsfolded,andnodded.
“You’renottoleavehereunderanycircumstancesuntilI’mfinishedwithDonegan,understand?”hetoldher.
“Yes,Mr.Durell.”Shehesitated.“ButIhaven’tdoneanythingwrong.ItwasMr.Donegan’sideathatIposeasMissSarah.”
“Iunderstandthat.Assoonaswe’rethroughhere,we’llfindsometintandgetyourhairbacktonormalandyoucanwearyourownclothesandgetridofthoseglasses.
Iwon’tfeeleasyaboutyouuntilyoucan’tbemistakenbysomefanaticasyourboss.”
“Yes.”
HelefthersittingquietlyinthewindowlessroomandwentintoseeDonegan,angerridinghisfootsteps,thinkingofJane’sprimfaceandlush,provocativebody.
DanielDoneganshookhandswithaquick,limpgestureandgaveDurell’scredentialsonlyacursoryglance.Hewasasmallman,hisshouldersnarrowinawhitecottonsuit.Althoughitwascomfortableintheair-conditionedoffice,hewassweating,andtherewerebeadsofmoistureonhisbrown,freckledscalp.HelistenedtoDurell’sreportonwhathadhappenedsincehelandedinKarachi,noddedonceortwice,andblinkedbloodshotbrowneyesrapidly,offeringapologiesforthewholematter.
Heseemed,toDurell,tobeamanlivinginaswampoffear.
“I’msorry,trulysorry,”Donegansaid,blinkingagain.“I’mnotequippedtocopewiththissortofthing.It’sreallynotmyline.”
“Whynot?”Durellasked.“It’sasimplematter.”
“MissSarahStandishcannotinanywaybeconsideredasimplematter.Toberesponsibleforhersafetyinthiscity—indeed,anywhereinthiscountry—istoonerve-wracking.Youdon’tknowwhatshe’slike.Shewantseverythingherway.Andshe’ssuchanimportantpersonalitybackhome,Ishudderatthethoughtofanythinghappeningtoher.”
“Butyou’renotsoworriedaboutanythinghappeningtoJaneKing,isthatit?”
“MissKingdoesnotrepresentStandishNickelandeighthundredmilliondollars,”Donegansaidthickly.
“Doesallthatmoneybotheryou?”
“MissStandishisaninfluentialwomanbackhome—”
“Andhermoneyhasthrownyouoffbalance,isthatit?”“Seehere,Iresent—”
“Listentome,”Durellsaidharshly.Hisangerwasthickinhim,hisdarkblueeyeslookedblackandhardandcruel.“Youcan’tequatemoneywiththevalueofanyone’slife.”
Doneganprotestedfeebly.“YourjobistoprotectMissStandish,toseethatshecomesthroughthisutterlyquixoticventurewithoutharm.She’sinthecompanyofaratherpeculiarlotofforeigners,Imustsay.AndImerelythoughtitwouldbehelpfultoarrangeasimplesubterfugetothrowanypotentialfanaticsoffthetrack.We’renotwantedupthereinPakhusti,youknow.”Donegan’sbaldheadglistenedwithsweat.“YouknowwhathappenedtothemembersofthefirstS-5group.ThePakhustishavepeopleeverywhere.Theyresentanyonecomingintotheirprovince.TheEmiratMirandhabadhassworntobeindependent.He’lldoanythingtokeepyoufromreachingS-5.”
“Iunderstandallthat,”Durellsaid.“It’sstillnoreasontoputaninnocentgirlinjeopardy.”
“She’sallright,isn’tshe?”Donegandemanded.
“Abusinesslikethisistoofullofdangertohaveanyplaceforamateurs,”Durellrapped.
“Ididn’treallythink—”
Donegan’seyeswerehaunted.“I’msorry,Durell.Iguessit’sallthatmoneybelongingtothatstony-eyedwoman.It’sputmeinapanic.IfanythinghappenedtoSarahStandishhere,mycareerisfinished.Yearsofworkgoneoutthewindow.Iwanttogohome,Durell.I’vegotawifeandkidsbackinChicago,amortgagetogetridof,educationbillstopay.Idon’twanttomakeanymistakesthislastyearofmydutyouthere.”
Durellknewyoucannotreasonwithfear.HefeltatwingeofpityforDanielDonegan,butanevengreaterapprehensionforwhatthemanhadtriedtodo.Thesmellofbigmoneycreateddifferentreactionsindifferentmen.InDonegan,itmadeforpoorjudgmentandcowardice.
“WhendidyouspeaktotherealMissStandishlast?”Durellasked.
“She’sallright.She’satthisvillaIgotforherandtheAustrians—thevonBuhlens.Iphonedthemlessthantenminutesago.”
“AndyouspoketoMissStandish,personally?”
“Yes.Itellyou,she’sallright.”
“Let’shopeso,”Durellsaid.
HeleftDonegan’sofficeafewmomentslaterandpausedinthesmallanteroomoutside.
JaneKing’sleatherchairwasempty.
Thegirlhadgone.
chapterfiveSHEwalkedquicklythroughthecrowded,noisystreets,awayfromMr.Donegan’smodernoffice,butnottooquicklytoattractattention.Theheatoutsidestruckherlikeabrazenfist,makingherflinch.Shefeltasifallherthoughtshadgluedtogetherintoanamalgamofdespair,compoundedbythehotsun,thesmells,thefearanddesperationthatgnawedatherbelly.Foratimeshethoughtshewasgoingtobesickagainandthrowuponthestreet.Butthatwouldnotdo.Apolicemanmightstopandbesolicitous,andshecouldnotattractsympathyorpausetosaywhoshewasorwhereshewasgoing.
Shecouldn’thaveanswered,anyway.Shedidnotknowherdestination.
EverythinghadgonesowrongsincelastwinterinSwitzerland,Janethought.Fromawonderful,miraculoussuccessinNewYork,gettingherjobassecretaryandcompanionand—yes,friend,too—toSarahStandish,thingswentsteadilydownhillfromadizzyheightofsatisfaction.
Bicyclebellsjangledinthestreet,abeggarcrawledacrossthesidewalktowardher,handsoutstretchedlikeclaws.Sheavoidedhim,walkedaroundadomedmosque,crossedasmallparkwheremeninwhitemuslinandwomeninveilssatinlethargyundertheshadeofpeepultrees.Everynowandthensheturnedherheadandlookedbehindher.Noonewasfollowing.Voicesliftedontheoven-heatedair,speakingUrdu,Pathan,EnglishandPortuguese.AllatonceshelongedforthefamiliarflattonesofherMidwesternhomeinGardenFalls,Indiana.
Ashort,fatmanwithaterriblyscarredface,wearingawhitesilksuitandatopee,stoppedinherwayonthepaththroughthepark.
“MayIhelpyou,madam?Doyouwishataxi?’’
“No—no,thankyou.”
“Youarelost,please?”
“No,I’mnot.”
Shewalkedaroundhim,thinking,ButIamlost,terribly
lost,andIcannevergohomeagain,becauseIdon’tknowwhatwillhappentome.
Shepaidnoattentiontowhereshewasgoing.Theheatdazedher,thenausearodeinherstomach.Somethinghadtobesettled.Shecouldn’tstanditanylonger.Rudiwouldhavetodecide.
IthadbeenwonderfultowritehometoMommaandPoppa,inthatquietwhiteclapboardhouseonElmStreet,andtellthemaboutherjobandSarahStandishandalltheamazingthingsshesawanddid;howshelivedinthelapofluxuryandtraveledeverywherewithoneoftherichestwomeninAmerica.Togetajoblikethatwasastrokeoffortune;butnowallherluckhadturnedbad.
Shesawapolicemanattheotherendoftheparkandsheturnedandwalkedtheotherway,casually,awareofaheavinessinherlegsandexhaustioninherlungs.Shedodgedoneofthedieseltramway
cars,forcedherselfaroundacoveredtonga.Tricyclecabssoughtherasafare.Shekeptwalking,ignoringthebeggarsonthesidewalk,thecrisplyuniformedPakistanimilitarymen,theoccasionalEuropean.
ShehadescapedDurell,butnothingelse,shethought.
Howironicalthatshe’dhadtoposeasSarahhere,fortheoneday!Itwasacircletofthorns,crowningallherfollythathadbegunsolongagoinSwitzerland.
ShehadbeenthefirsttomeetRudivonBuhlen,becauseSarahalwaysmadeherselfinaccessibletoinformalapproaches.RudiewasthefirstmanJanehadmadeloveto.
Janepausedinherwalking.ShehadcrossedNapierRoadandwasintheJunaMarket,anativebazaar.HerethewomenwerelessemancipatedthanthoseonVictoriaRoadandworedopattas,longheadclothsthatfelltotheshoulders,andevenburkas,theheavyveilsthathavetwoholesinthefacetoseethrough.Shepaused,turned,bumpedintoatallmanwearinganimmaculatewhitesherwani,afrockcoatbuttonedattheupstandingcollar.HisJinnahcapandwhitehairmadehimlooklikeaspecterinthenoiseandheat.
“Ifyouarelookingforabargain,madame—”
“No,no.”Shetastedpanic.“IwastryingtogetbacktotheMetropoleHotel.”
“Perhapsataxi,then.”
“I’llwalk,thankyou.”
Hebowedandleft.Turning,shewentquicklybackthewayshehadcome.OnVictoriaRoadagain,amongtheshopsandgreaterpercentageofEuropeans,shefelteasier.TherewasaChineserestaurant,andthenMonkton’sCafeGrand,lookingsomehowFrench.Againshedodgedtraffictofindatableandchairunderthestripedawning.Itwassafehere,shethought,crowdedenoughtohidein.Butshehadanothermomentofpanic,thinkinghowshemightbemistakenforSarahStandish,andshehastilytookofftheuselessglasses.Butnobodypaidanyattentiontoher,beyondtheusualspeculativeglancesthatmenalwaysgaveherfigure,untilherprimfacemadethemturnaway.Therewasnoreasontobeafraid.Durellwasover-cautious.Afterall,nooneevenknewSarahStandishwasinKarachi;theyhadarrivedonlyyesterday;andSarahhadn’tlefthervillaonce.Soshewassafeenough,Janetoldherself.Nobodywantedtokillher,evenbymistake.
Shefeltbetteraftersippinghericedvermouth,althoughtheheatgatheredundertheawningwasstifling.ShethoughtofRudiandwonderedhowanyonesostrongandhandsomecouldbesoevilinside.Herstomachspasmed.Yet,remembering,shefeltafamiliartremor.
Janeknewshewasnotparticularlypretty,althoughherfigurewasallright.Rudisaidherbodywassculpturedforlove.Andithadbeenasourceofwonderthatamanassophisticatedandcultivatedasheshouldhavechosenher,lastwinterintheAlps.SheknewherselftobeanunaffectedMidwesterngirl,eventhoughpolishedbyheremploymentwithMissSarah.ButRudibecameherfirstlover.Andhehadwakenedaninner,passionatenatureshehadneversuspected.Evennow,fearfulandworried,hatinghim,shestillwantedhim.
BecauseofherchildhoodinGardenFalls,Indiana,shewasstillashamedofthelurid,pornographicmemoriesofherselfmakinglovewithRudi.Hewastallandstrong,withabroad,flatbrowandpaleeyes,andhislonghairwasthecolorofoldhaystacksinthefieldsbackhome.Hisconfidence—andarrogance—hadoverwhelmedher.Heknewhiswayeverywhere,kneweveryone.Hewasafirst-classbergsteiger,amountain-climberandguide,athomeonanyglacialridge,exultinginmasteryoverbrutenature.Shewasclumsyatclimbing,buthewaspatientwithherthosefirstdays.She’dhadalotoffreetime,becauseMissSarahwasrestingandseeingnoone.Thereweremanyquieteveningsthen,inlittlechaletsandmountainhuts,whentheymadeloveandeverythingwaswonderful.
UntilheaskedtomeetMissSarah,shethought;andsheinnocentlyagreed.Theneverythingchanged.
Andeverythingended.
ShesawtoolatethatmeetingMissSarahhadbeenRudi’ssinglegoalfromtheverybeginning.
ShesawhimagaininNewYorklastwinter,justonce,meetinghimatthatshabbylittlehotelwhereithadallbeensougly;andyetshehadn’tbeenabletokeepherselffrombegginghimtoloveheragain.Hehadbeenarrogant,impatient.Buthehadgonetobedwithher,forjustthatlasttime.Andshehadbeencareless....
Sotheirchildwouldbebornnotoutoflove,butfromthatlastunionofhateanddespair,Janethought.
Shehadn’tseenRudisince.HewentbacktoEurope—totheCarltonatCannes,theRitzBarinParis,thefamilyschlossnearVienna.Shefollowedhimbytheregular,devotedflowoflettersaddressedtoMissSarah,whichcrossedherdeskasMissSarah’spersonalsecretary.Shehadlongedtodestroythem,ortoreadthem.Butshedidneither,impersonallyturningthemovertoheremployer.
SometimesshehadthoughtoftellingMissSarahthetruthaboutRudi.Buttheopportunemomentneverseemedathand,althoughitalmostarrivedthedayofherfirstvisittothedoctor.
KnowingtheywouldmeethereinKarachi,shehadkeptsilent.Ofcourse,shecouldnotreallygowiththeexpeditionintotheHimalayas.Notthewayshewas.Thedoctorhadutterlyforbiddenit.
SowhatwasleftnowwastoseeRudialoneandtellhimwhathadhappenedandaskforhisadviceandhelp.Therewasnobodyelsetoturnto.CertainlyshecouldnevergobacktoGardenFalls,Indiana.
Hehadavoidedheratthevillalastnight.Butnevermind,Janetoldherself.Hewouldcometohernow,thisafternoon,thisevening.Theywouldmeetalone,andsettleeverything.
TherewasatelephoneinsideMonkton’sCafe.Aftershefinishedtheicedvermouth,shepickedupherpurseandwalkedinandcalledthenumberofthevilla.
SarahStandishgotuptoanswerthetelephone.ItwassurprisingtoDurellhowmuchJaneKinghadpatternedherselfafterheremployer.Theywereapproximatelythesameage,andwatchingSarahwalkacrosstheBokharacarpet,herealizedthatshe,too,hadabodyoffullandunsuspectedbeauty,incontrasttoherremote,coolfeatures.
ThetelephonestoppedringingbeforeSarahcouldreachit.Shemadealittlegestureofimpatience.“Someoneelsetookit,”shesaidtoDurell.“Ontheextension.”
“ArethevonBuhlenshere?”heasked.
“Theyhaveasuiteofroomsupstairs.Rudiandhissisterarecheckingthesupplylists.It’sprobablyacallforthem.”
DurellhadcomeheredirectlyfromDonegan’soffice.ThepolicehadbeenalertedtolookforJane.K’Ayubpromisedeveryco-operation,althoughhissoftvoicehadsharpenedwithirritability.“Icannothelpbutresentthefact,Mr.Durell,thatIwasnottrustedtobetoldabouttheimpersonation.”
Durellhadapologized,saidhe,too,hadn’tknownaboutthesham.Thecolonelwasonlyslightlymollified.Nevertheless,aquiet,desperatehuntwascombingthecityforthegirl.Nomorecouldbedoneatthemoment.
SarahStandishreturnedfromthetelephoneandsatdown,herkneesandlegsprimlystraight.“Iamterriblysorryaboutthis,”shesaid.“Janeisafinegirl,devotedandloyal.I’mquitefondofher.Icanonlyhopenothingseriouswillhappentoher.”
“Ifsomethingdoes,itwillbebecausesheismistakenforyou.”
Sarahnodded.“Iamawareofthat.”
“Yetyoulethertaketheriskofimpersonatingyou.”
“ImerelyfollowedMr.Donegan’sadvice.”
“Yourconsciencedidn’ttroubleyou?”Durellasked.
Hereyeswereobjectivebehindherhorn-rimmedglasses.“Itisnotyourbusinesstobeconcernedaboutmyconscience.Youpresumetoomuch.Yourjobistoinsuremypersonalwelfare.Nomore,noless.Ishouldpointout,however,thatIdidnotrequestyourhelp.Ithinkitisallrathermelodramaticandunnecessary.Iamnotindanger.Buteveryoneinsistedsomeprecautionsshouldbetaken,andMr.DonegansuggestedthatJanedoubleforme,hereinKarachi.”
“Andnowshemaybekilled,”Durellsaid.
“Youseemtobeunnaturallyconcerned.”
“Aren’tyou?”
“I’mworried.Puzzled.Nomore.Janeisacapableyoungwoman.Itrustherjudgment,andIhavefaithinherbehavior.”
“Youmakeyourselfsoundtough,”Durellsaid.“Areyoureallyashardasallthat?”
“Youareimpertinent.”
“Idon’tapologize.Youdon’tfrightenme,asyoudidpoorMr.Donegan.Ihavemyjobtodo,that’sall.You’regoingintodangerouscountry,andallthepeoplewhoprecededyoudidn’tcomeback.Thosemountainsaren’tliketheAlps.They’renotmappedorexplored.ThePakhustisarehostile.Areyoutoughenoughforthat?”
“I’mtough,"Sarahsaidthinly.“I’vehadtolearntobe.”
Theroomwheretheysatwasbigandairy,withwidedoorsopentoagardenofdatepalmsandtamarisk.AnivoryscreenthatdatedbacktotheMoguls,underBaburtheTiger,shonesoftlybehindSarah’stallBombaychair.Aservantmovedquietlyinthegarden,theflickerofhishigh-collaredsherwanicatchingDurell’seye.Therewereuniformedguardsoutthereonwatch.Thishousewasassafeasanyplacecouldbe.Yethefeltuneasy.HewasworriedaboutJane.AndhecouldnotsolvethecontradictionsinSarahStandish.Herfacewassevere,herbodyinherwhitetailoredsilksuitremarkable.Hecouldnotavoidthefirmlinesofherthighsandhips,theswellofherbreastsunderthesimplestripedblouse.Shewasanenigmaticbundleoffrustrationswrappedinagiltpackageofmoneyandpower,theproductofanunnaturallifethatwasreflectedinherwarinessofallmen,whomshehadtoregardaspredators.Therewasachallengeinher.Hewonderedwhatshewouldbelikeifshelethermouthrestnaturallyandsimplyrelaxed.
“Pleasedonotstareatme,”Sarahsaidquietly.
“I’msorry.”
“IknowI’manobjectofcuriositytomostpeople.Ishouldbeaccustomedtoit,butitmakesmealittlenervous.”
Hesaid,“Ididn’taskforthisassignment,MissStandish.
IwaschosenbecauseI’msupposedtobeacquaintedwithyou.”
“ThroughDeirdrePadgett.Irememberyouwell.”
“Thankyou.Iwasn’tsureyoudid.MayIcallyouSarah?”
“Ifyouwish.”
“I’dliketoknowyourrealobjectiveshereinKarachi,”hesaid.“Therealreasonforfinancingandgoingonthisexpedition.”
Shelookedfaintlyuncertain.“IaminlovewithRudivonBuhlen.Iwanttobewithhim.”
“Isthatall?”
“Iamnotquixoticbynature.Icannotaffordtobe.”Shewasfirmandpreciseagain.“Therehasneverbeenany—adventure—inmylifebefore.Idecidedthatthiswouldbegoodforme.”
“Isyourgoalthesearchforthismythicaljeweledcrown?Orisitthenickel?”
“Youarenotveryflattering.”Shesmiledfaintly,forthefirsttime.“Icanhireahundredgeologiststo
findmorenickel.Idon’thavetogoabouttheworldwithahammer,chippingrock.Ontheotherhand,Idon’thonestlygivemuchcredencetothisstoryaboutAlexandertheGreat,oracrownthat’sbeenlostfortwothousandyears.I’mnotmuchinterested.”
“Thenwhyputyourselfindangerlikethis?”heasked.
“BeingwithRudi,”shesaid,“makesthedangerunimportant.”
RudivonBuhlenputdownthetelephoneinhisupstairsroomandnoted,withsomesurprise,thathishandwastremblingslightly.Hestoodhalf-naked,havingjuststeppedfromthemodernAmericanshowerstallinthebathnexttohisbedroom.Atowelwaswrappedaroundhiswaist.ThehotwindblowingthroughthebalconywindowsbroughtwithittheindefinablesmellofthecityandtheIndusRiverwharves—asmellcompoundedofcooking,humanwasteandgarbage,andoilstoragetanks.Hecaughtaglimpseofhimselfinthemirror,sawthelinesofstrainonhishandsome,tannedface.Asusual,headmiredthepowerfulmusculatureofhisbody,thendroppedthetowelandreachedforhisshortsandslacks.
Hisroomhadatiledfloor,aSaroukrug,ahugebedinonecornerwithdamaskhangings.Hishandsstilltrembled.Theshowerhadbeentepid,thewatercomingfromthetankontheroofunderthebroilingsun.Heranfingersthroughhislonghair,turned,andsawAlessawatchinghimfromtheconnectingdoorwaytoherroom.
“WasitJaneonthephone?”sheaskedquietly.
“Yes.”
“Whereisshe?”
“Idon’tknow.Somewhereintown.”
“Areyougoingtomeether?”
“I’llarrangesomething,”hesaid.“Don’tworryaboutit.”
Shewasthreeyearsyoungerthanhe,butsomehowshehaddominatedhimalltheirlives.Hecouldnotmeethersteady,controlledgaze.
HespokeinGerman.“Leavemealone.Don’tinterfere.”
“Itisforyourowngood,Rudi.Areyouintroubleagain?”
“It’snothing!”hesaidangrily.“Goaway.I’mdressing.”
Sheremainedinthedoorwaybetweentheirrooms.Thehousewasquiet.TheyhadbothwatchedDurellenterthehouse,andtheyknewhewaswithSarahStandishdownohthefirstfloor,andRudiknewthatAlessahadbeenimpressedbytheAmerican.Helookedathercuriously,alittleafraid,andmoreirritatedbyheraloofcontrolthanusual.Hertall,magnificentfigurewasstrangelyatoddswithher
intellectualcapacity,herscholarlydoctorateinhistory.Heknewshehadneverbeeninlove,althoughhesuspectedsomeaffairs.Itwouldbeuseful,occasionally,tohavethedetailstothrowbackatherwhenshewaslikethis,hethought.
Herfacewasasoftenedreflectionofhis,lovelyandsmooth.Herblueeyeswerelarger,wider;herbrownotquitesowideandsevereashisown.Theirhairwasthesame,paleandtawny,andsheworehersinasimple,boyishcutthatwaspracticalandyetgavetheshapeofherheadadelicateappeal.Sheworeabluesilkdressthataccentedhereyes,whiteshoes,anantiquecameopinaboveherleftbreast.Hermouthwasfullandsensitive.Shehadalwaysbeensmarterthanhe;hehadplayedawayhisyearsofeducationwhileshehadusedthemtoworkhardandpullsomethingoutofthewreckageoftheirfamilylifeandfortuneafterthefalloftheThirdReich.Shewasapolitical,heknew.Herinterestslayintheoldconquestsandculturesofthepast,theancientforceswhichonceswepttheworldandwhich,tohim,weredeadanduseless.
Theydidnotunderstandeachother;theyneverhad.YethewasfondofherandirritatedbecausehedidnotreallyknowhowAlessafeltabouthim.
Shecameintohisroomandwatchedhimdress,assumingtheintimateprerogativesoftheirfamilyrelationship.Buthewasnervous,innomoodforthelectureheknewwascoming.
“Alessa,I’minahurry.Ifyouhaveanyadvice,giveitquickly.Iprobablywon’ttakeit,anyway.”
Shesaidquietly,“Rudi,youareafool.Youneverstop,doyou?YouwillwinduplikeUncleFranz,yourideal.”“WhatwaswrongwithUncleFranz?”hedemanded.
“HewasexecutedforastupidCommunistconspiracy.Hediedinsuchanuglyway—Idon’twantthistohappentoyou.”
“Don’tworry,itwon’t.”
“Iknowhowyouadmiredhim,Rudi.ButIrememberhim,too.AndI’vereadhowheledsuchaBohemianlifeafterWorldWarI,goingaboutinablacksweaterandflannelslacks,anintellectuallightinBerlininthosedays,speakingagainstNationalSocialism,eagertosettheworldaflamewithradicalideas.Hewasaromantic,andhediedwithameat-hookunderhischin.”
“Bequiet,”hesaiduneasily.“UncleFranzwasagreatman.”
Alessalitacigarette.Shesaidsoftly,“Tellmethetruth,Rudi—areyoustilltheRedOboe?”
Hewhirled,shocked.“What?”
“TheRoteKapelleofUncleFranz—theRedOrchestra—isstillaliveinyou,isitnot?”
“No!”heshouted.“Wheredidyouhearthatname?”“TheRedOboe?Iheardofyoursillygameyearsago,whenyouadoptedthecovernameofanorchestralinstrument.UsingyourtravelsandplayboyactivitiestosendscrapsofinformationtotheSovietEmbassies.Itwasdangerous,butyouwereyoung;Ithoughtyouwouldgetitoutofyoursystemassomethingromanticyouwouldgrowoutofasyoumatured.”
Rudilookeddangerous.“Howlonghaveyouknownaboutallthat—thatnonsense,Alessa?”
“Iknewaboutitfromthebeginning.”
“It’sallover,”hesaid.“Itwasjustaphase.”
“Truly?”
“Asyousay,itwasromantic.IidealizedUncleFranz.Itwasfun,butI’vesettleddown.I’mpracticalnow,likeyou,Alessa.Afterall,lookatmyengagementtoSarah.”“Areyouinlovewithher,Rudi?”
Heshrugged.“Marriageisapracticalmatter.”
“Sheisdevotedtoyou.Sheisafinewoman.Iwouldnotliketoseeyouhurther,andIknowhowyoutreatwomen,Rudi.Isitonlyhermoneythatinterestsyou?”
“Moneyisimportant.Youarededicatedtorecoupingthefamilyfortunewithyourarcheology,eh?Youhopetofindafabulouslyvaluableantiquecrown.”Hegrinnedindulgentlyathissister.“Andwiththeproceedsandyourreputation,youandMothercanrefurbishthehouseandliveinsplendor.”
“Isthereanythingwrongwiththat?”
“Mywayiseasier.”
“BywayofSarah’sbed,Rudi?It’sindecentofyou.”
“Iamnotaverydecentfellow.Youalwaystellmethat.ButIdohavemypracticalside.Youlookforyourmythicalcrown—butIseeksomethingmoretangible.OldBerg-mann’snickelore,eh?”
“ProfessorBergmannwasUncleFranz’devotedfriend,Rudi.Whydoyouspeakofhimwithsuchcontempt?”“Likeyou,heisascholar.Notpractical.Ifwefindtheoreagain,thelocationwillbevaluable.”
“YoucannotbuyrealestateonS-5.”
“IcansellwhatIknow.TheChinesewouldpayplentyforit.”
Shesaidsharply,“Iknewit!Youhavebeenschemingwithfoolishfriends—”
“Theinformationsimplycametome,”hesaideasily.“Itisaconfidence.Youmustnotmentionit.”
“Andyouwilldonothingaboutit!”Alessastoodup.“Idonotwishtobeyourenemyinthis,Rudi.ButIwillnotbeinvolvedinyourgestes.”
“Calmdown,Alessa.Nothinghasbeensettled.”
“Seetoitthatnothingis.Andtobepractical—whatwillyoudoaboutJane?ShecanupsetyourplanswithSarah,can’tshe?”
“I’lltakecareofthat,”Rudisaid.
Hisfacechangedwhenhespoke,andAlessathoughthelookedlikeastranger.Sheturnedaway,unwillingtolethimseeherfear.
chaptersixDURELLwasonthetelephonewithDoneganwhenAlessacamedownstairs.DoneganhadnonewsofJane.Noonehadseenher.Militarypatrolswerescouringthecityforher.ButKarachihadapopulationofovertwomillion.Therewerethewharfareas,thesprawlingnativeslums,thenewbuildingprojects,thehotelsonVictoriaRoad.ShehadbeenreportedwalkingonKutcheryRoad,nearthePalaceHotel;shewasseenhavingteaattheShezan;shehadgonebytaxitotheKarachiGymkhanaClubonKhuroRoad.Alltheleadswerefalse.Thesprawlingcityhadswallowedherup.ThelatestleadwasthatshewaswithsometouristsvisitingQuaid-i-Azam’stombofAliJinnah,founderofPakistan.Therewasnootherword.
DurellhungupandshookhandswithAlessavonBuhlenasSarahintroducedthem.Itwasfiveo’clock.Aservantinawhitefrockcoatwheeledinarubber-tiredcartwithbottlesofliquor,tonic,glasses,freshlemonsandlimes.Hechosebourbon.Alessaaskedforbourbon,too.
“YouareourAmericanescort,”shesmiled.“Ihaveheardmuchaboutyou,fromSarahandMr.Donegan.Theysayyouareadangerousman.”HerEnglishwasonlyfaintlyaccented.“Youhavelivedaveryexcitinglife,theysay,workingforyourStateDepartment.”
“It’sexcitingatthismoment,”Durellsaid,meetinghereyes.
Sheflushedslightly.Fromthemomentshehadwalkedintotheroomalone,straightandtallandlovely,akindofelectricchargewasgeneratedbetweenthem.HerVienneseaccentwaswellmodulated.HehaddiscountedmuchofHenryKallinger’sdescriptionofher,inIstanbul.AndshewasnotaValkyrie,fierceandwarlike.Therewasapolishandgraceaboutherthatimpressedhim,anintellectualcalm,aknowledgeofherselfasastunninganddesirablewoman,butnotaggressiveaboutit,notontheoffensive,anddisdainingtheusualfeminineposturesanddevices.
Hershortgoldenhair,partedononeside,addedtothedelectableshapeofherheadandface.Smallenameledearringsglistenedonthelobesofherears.Shewasproud.Herbodywasfine,hermovementsflowingwiththeeasyco-ordinationofanathlete.
AservantcameinandmurmuredsomethingtoSarahStandish,andSarahexcusedherselfandDurellwasalonewithAlessa.
“Iamsosorry,”Alessasaid.“MybrotherRudiwillbedownsoon.Itwillbeacomforttohaveyouwithusonthisnewexpedition,Mr.Durell.”
“YoumanagedtoreorganizeyourassaultonS-5quickly.”“Onemusttakeadvantageoftheseasonupthere.Onceitsnows,wemaynotfindProfessorBergmann’smarkers—theflagsheusedtolocatetheareafromwhichhetookhisoresamples.”
“Whycouldn’tyoufindtheplaceyourself?”heasked.
“Oh,butIwasnotwithhimwhenhediscoveredtheore.ErnstwentofftoexploretheNorthPeak,takingtwoporterswithhim,dividingourparty.MyinterestwasonlyinfindingthecrownofAlexander.PoorBergmanncamealongsimplytosatisfyhisinterestinmineralsandgeologicalformations—that
sortofthing.”ShesmiledsadlyatDurellandsippedherbourbon.“ThisAmericanwhiskeyissomethingIhavedevelopedasmalltastefor.Isityourfavorite?”“Yes.It’spopularwhereIcomefrom.”
“Louisiana?TheycallyouaCajun?”Shefrownedslightly.“Isthatnotatermmeaningaformofexile—”
“Notexactly.”Hedidnotgointoit.Hefeltathinedgeofexcitement,apartfromhisawarenessofAlessaasanextraordinarywoman.“I’dliketoknowmoreaboutwhathappenedtoBergmann.”
Hereyeswerepained.“Iwasveryfondofhim.Hewasverydeartome,aharmless,middle-agedmandevotedtoresearch.Hewasveryexcitedaboutthenickel.Hesaiditwasquiterich.”
“Butyoudidn’tgotothesitewithhim?”
“Therewasasuddenstorm,quitesevere.Itwasimpossible.”
“Youdidn’twaititout?”
“Wehadtoleavethemountaininahurry.SomeChinesepatrolswerereported.Anyway,Bergmannhadhisoresamplesandhismap.”
“Nobodyseemstoknowwhathappenedtothemap,”Durellsaid.
“OrtoErnstBergmann,”shesaidinquietreproof.“Hewasmoreimportanttomethantherocksandthemap.InRawalpindihewenttotheAmericanInformationOfficeandspoketooneofyourofficersthereandlefttheoresamples,butnotthechart.YourofficialnotifiedyourStateDepartment,Isuppose.IhadalsocabledtoRudiandSarah,atCannesthen,andIsupposeSarahnotifiedherbusinessoffice,whointurnalsocalledWashington’sattentiontothediscoveryofnickelonS-5.”Shesmiled.“Andsoyouareheretoaccompanyusandseethatthistimeweconcludeourmissionsafely.”
Durellwonderedifshewasavoidingthepoint.“Butdidn’tyouseeBergmannafterhelefttheAmericanofficeinRawalpindi?”
“No.Noonesawhimafterthat.He—simplyvanished.”“Whatdoyouthinkhappenedtohim?”
“Idonotknow.Hewasagentle,naiveman,notgiventothinkingintermsofviolence.”
“Doyouthinkhemetwithviolence?”
Shesaiddesperately,“Nothingelsewouldhavekepthimfromreturningtomethatday.Hewasveryloyaltome.”“Youdon’tsupposehemighthavebeenapproachedwithalargesumofmoneyforhismap?SomeonewhowaswaitingforhimwhenhelefttheAmericanInformationOffices?”Shelookedshocked.“Youareasuspiciousman.”
“It’smybusinesstobesuspicious,Alessa.”
“ForErnstBergmanntoselloutandarrangeadisappearancelikethatismostimplausible.Ifyouknewhim—”“Thenwhathappenedtohim?”
“Ithinkhewaskilled—forthemap.”Hervoicewascold.“IthinkthisshouldexplainthehastewithwhichyourgovernmentandthePakistaniofficialshelpedmereorganizetheexpeditiontoS-5.”
Thetelephonerangagain.Sarahcameintotheroomandansweredit,thenturnedtheinstrumentovertoDurell.“It’sforyou.”
ItwasColonelK’Ayub.HespokeinUrdu,whichexpressedasenseofcoolformalitybetterthanEnglish.
“Wehavefoundher,Mr.Durell,”hesaidquietly.
“Alive?”
“Yes.”
“Youhaveherincustody?”
“Undersurveillance,”K’Ayubsaid,switchingbacktoEng-
lish.“ShewastracedinarathererraticwalkingtouraroundtheShepsiMosque,intoEdwardVIIPark,thentheJunoMarket.ShehasbeensittingattheMonktonCafeGrandforanhournow,waitingforsomeone.”
“Whoiswatchingher?”
“Zalmadar.APathansergeant,mypersonalservant.”“Didshemakeanycontacts?”
“Wehavepickedupabeggar,aJainholymanwhoaccostedher,aGoanesegentleman,achi-chinamedDaSilva,andtheownerofasilverbazaar,aMr.Janninin.Theyinsisttheyhadnobusinesswithher.Theysaysheseemeddazedandlost.Wearecontinuingthequestioning.”
“Ifshe’sstillsittinginMonkton’s,thenshehasn’tmetthemanshe’sexpectingsofar.”
“Exactly.ShallIpickyouup?”
“I’llmeetyou,”Durellsaid.“Tellmewhereandwhen.”“Tenminutes.AttheMetropole?”
“Right.”
Durellhungup.SarahStandishwatchedhimwithanxiouseyes.“IsJaneallright?”
“Perhaps,”hesaid.HelookedatAlessa.“WouldyoumindaskingyourbrotherRuditostepdownhereforamoment?”“I’msorry,”Alessasaid.“HeleftthebungalowatthesametimeIcamedownstairstomeetyou.”
Thesunwaslower,hazedbythesteamyhumidity,anditwouldsoonbedark;butthereseemedtobenorelieffromtheheat.ThecrowdhadthickenedatMonkton’s,mostlyEnglishmen,shippingagentsandclaimsandadjustmentpeople,afewAmericansoneconomicmissions,somePortuguesebusinessmen.Jane’snauseacameinwaves,likethethickeningdarkness.Hereyessearchedthecrowdedsidewalk—theEuropeansinsmallminority,thePakistanisinsherwanis,pajamatrousersandJinnahcaps,thePathansandfewHindus,theArabs,richandpoor,aSherpa,themilitaryintrimkhaki.Trafficinmotleyinterurbanbuses,packeduntilthevehiclesbulged,rolledoutwardtothenewurbandevelopmentprojects.Bicycles,rickshaws,afewcamel-drawncartsfoughtforspaceonthebroadavenue.
ThenshesawRudiwalkingfromthedirectionoftheMetropole,tallandhandsomeandNordic,ateaseinthediversecrowd.HeworeawhitelinenItaliansuit,anAmericandrip-dryshirt,adarkthinnecktie.Shehatedhimandlovedhim,
despisingherhandthatliftedeagerlyasifofitsownwill,toattracthisattentionandgreethim.
Hestoodathertable,unsmiling.“Jane.”
“Sitdown,Rudi,”shesaidhumbly.“Pleasedon’tfrownatmelikethat.I’msorry,butIsimplyhadtoseeyou,andyouavoidedmeatthehouse,fromthemomentwecametoKarachiyesterday—”
“Wewillbetogetherforseveralweeks,”hesaidcoldly.
“Mustyoubesomelodramatic?”
“Whydoyouavoidme?”sheinsisted.
“Youmakeafoolofyourself.”
Shebowedherhead.“ButIcan’thelpit.I’mdesperate.”“Desperate?”
“I’mintrouble.”
Hedidnotaskwhatshemeant.Perhapsheknew,oratleastsuspected.Hesaidimpatiently,“Comewithme,Jane.Peoplearestaringatus.”
“Idon’tcare.Imusttalktoyou.”
“Thenletustalkinprivate,nothere.Ihaverentedacar,aFerrari.”Hissuddenchangeintonewhenhementionedthemotorcarwasalmostchildlike,shethought.“ItbelongstoamemberoftheItalianlegation,CountPucci.He’supintheNorthwestTerritoryforthesummer.Wecanenjoyadrive,perhapsouttotheKarachiCountryClub.”
“Allright,”shesaidmeekly.
Shegatheredupglovesandhandbagclumsily,awareofhiscriticaleyes.Whenshewasready,hedidnotmove.“WhereareSarah’sglasses?”
“Oh,Itookthemoff.Mr.DurellsaidIshouldn’tgoonwiththeimpersonation.”
“Nonsense.ItisyourdutytoSarah.”
“ButI—”
“Putthemon,please.Atonce.”
Sheobeyed,andfollowedhistallfigurethroughthecrowdtowherealow-slung,darkblueFerrariwasparked.Hedrovequickly,settlingwithasighofpleasureontheleatherbucketseats.Shesatasfarfromhimaspossible,twistedside-wisetowatchhisstrong,ratherbrutalprofile,toseethewaythewindwhippedhisover-longhairinthick,ropystrands.Shewasappalled,becauseshestillwantedhim.ThehotwindsearedherfacelikeabrandingironastheydroveoutVictoriaRoad.Afewlightsglowedintheshopwindowsnow,againstthedeepeningearlydusk.
“Don’tdrivesofast,Rudi,”shesaid.“Please.”“Onemustfacelifeboldly,”hesaid.“Onemustbereadyfordefeataswellasvictory,Jane.Igatheryouwishtospeaktomeofourpersonalrelationship.”
“Yes.”
“Itoldyoubefore,againandagain,itisover.”
“Butitisn’t,unfortunately,”shesaid.
“Iamnotresponsibleforanyfurtherproblems.”
“Butyouare.AndIneedyourhelp.”
“Doyouwanttogohome,backtotheStates?Isthatit?”“No,Ican’tgohome.”
“Youwantmoney,then?Foradoctor?”
Shewasstartled.“YouknowI’m—goingtohaveachild?”“Youareastupid,naivegirl.OfcourseIknow.Withatypesuchasyou,itwasinevitable,Isuppose.Ishouldhaveknownbetter,inthefirstplace.ButIneededyou.”Hisvoicewascold.“However,nowIamgoingtomarrySarahStandish.”
“No,”shesaid,andthefirmharshnessofhervoicewasalmostlikeanoutcry.“No,you’renot.”
“Youplantotellheraboutus?”
“IfImust.”
“Whatdoyouwantofme?”
Shetwistedherglovedhandsinherlap,notknowinghowtoreply.Whatdidshewant?Hedidnotcareapinforher,perhapsheneverhad.HehadusedhertobeintroducedtoSarah,thatwasall,andnowhewasfinishedwithher.Butitcouldn’tbealloverforherself.Shethoughtofallherdreams,herfuturewithhimidealized,thelettersshehadplannedtowritehometoPoppaandMommaabouthim.Uselesstotrytobendlifeitselftofitsuchdreams.Buthowcouldsheanswerhim?Shedidnotknowwhatshewanted.
“Iwillgiveyoumoneyandfindadoctorforyou,”Rudisaid.“YouwilltellMissStandishyouaresick.Thedoctorwillco-operate.YoucanstayhereinKarachiuntilthematterissettled.”
“Iwon’tdoit,”shesaid.“It’ssinful.Iwon’tlosethechild.”“Don’tbestupid.ItisallIcanoffer.Youmustagree.”“No.”
Hesaidbluntly,“Verywell.Itshallbeasyouwish.”“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Wewillhavetosettleitmyway,entirely.”
TheFerrari,shenoticed,hadslowedtoacrawl.WhenhadtheyleftthebrightandbusyVictoriaRoad?Shecouldnotrememberturningoff.Butnowshesawloadingcranes,warehouses,lowtinroofsglimmeringintheredraysofthesullen,settingsun.TheywereneartheWestWharfarea.ThesmelloftheancientIndusRiver,carryingwithitthewasteofacontinent,touchedheroffensively.Thecarlaboriouslythreadeditswaydownanarrowstreetofyellowedhouses,aChinesequarterofteashops,bazaars,tallandleaningArabtenements.Thenarrowstreetwascrowdedwithcycles,atonga,andtwohalteredcamels.Astheyhaltedforamoment,someoneopenedawindowaboveandemptiedabucketoffilthywaterintothestreet.Itsplashedheavilyonthedriverofthetwo-wheeledtongacart.InstantlytheairwasshrillwithimprecationsbetweenPunjabiandArab,thedrivershakinghisfistandscreaming,themanaboveinthewindowlookingdownattheother’sragewithimpassiveeyes.AsmallcrowdbegantogatherasthePunjabitongadriverstartedbellicoselyforthetenementdoor,andRudicluckedinannoyance.Butorderwasquicklyrestoredbytwouniformedpolicemenwhoshovedruthlesslythroughtheexcitedcrowdtowardthedriver.Theirmethodswerequickandefficient.Clubsliftedandfell,andtheoutragedPunjabiwentdowntothefilthygutterwithhisheadbleeding.Someoneinthecrowdtooktheopportunitytokickatthefallenman.Thecopsturnedonthebystanderandclubbedhim,too.Thecrowdscattered.Amomentlater,Rudiwasabletodriveon,pastthebleeding,unconsciousfigureofthePunjabi,whostilllayinthestreet.
TheypassedanalleywaywhereJaneglimpsedsmokefromcookingfiresaswomencrouchedonthestonepavingandpreparedmeagermealsofcurry.Asenseofalienhostilitysweptfromthecrowdlikeatidalwavearoundthebrightcar,thick-throatedwithresentmentatWesternaffluence.AdirtyhandsuddenlyreachedinandsnatchedatJane’searring,andsheduckedherheadinfranticpanic,turningtoRudiwithalowgasp.
“Whatarewedoinghere?Whyareweinthisplace?”
“Itisallright,liebchen,mydarling,”hesaidquietly.“Donotbealarmed.Youhavenotseenthisquarterbefore.Itisinteresting.”
“Rudi,takemeback.Ionlywantedtotalktoyou.”
“Inalittlewhile.”
“It’sgettingdarkandIwanttogobacknow.”
Heturnedhisheadashestoppedthecartopermitacamelcarttocrossaheadofthem.Hiseyeswerepaleandvacant.
Thepungencyofdungfiresstunghereyes,andsheblinkedathertears.
“Jane,youarrangedaprettylittletrapforme,didyounot?”
“Atrap?”
“Youknowwehavebeenfollowed,”hesaid.
“That’snonsense.Bywhom?”
“Thepolice,Isupposed.ByDurell.”
Shelookedback.Theteeminghumanityhadclosedinacrossthestreetlikedisplacedwatersurgingbacktoitsnaturallevel.
“Idon’tseeanything,”shesaid.
“Welostthem.ButIamdisappointedinyou,”Rudisaid.“Totrapmelikethis,Jane,ismostunworthy.”
“Rudi,Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Whyarewehere?”
“Ihaveabusinessappointment,”hesaidshortly.“Itwillnottakelong.SomeequipmentwemayneedonS-5.Donotbesoalarmed.”
HehadturnedtheFerrariintoanalleybetweenhigh,yellow-stainedbuildingsthatlookedlikewarehouses.Itwasdarkandhothere,likeanoven,thebuildingsradiatingbackintoherfacetheheatoftheday.Shehatedthefeelingofsweatthatcameoutalloverher,andyetsheshiveredwithaninnerchill.Rudistoppedthecarandgotout.Theywereinakindofcul-de-sac,andfromthesuddenreverberatingechoesofafreighter’shorn,sheknewtheywereveryclosetothewharvesontheInduswaterfront.Shelookedbackagain.Nothingwasbehindthem.Butshedidn’tlikethepeculiaremptinessofthistenementalleywhereRudihadparked.Thewindows,uptherebehindtheirsmallbalconies,lookedlifeless.Aheadwasaconcretewallwithablue-painteddoorinit.
“Iwillberightback,”Rudisaid.“Youmuststayhere,Jane.”
“Please,Rudi,Iwanttogowithyou.”
“Iwillonlybegoneamoment.”
Hewalkedaway,goingthroughthedoorwayahead,andshewasalone.
Theheatsearedherlungs.Thefreighterhootedagain,asifitwerejustontheothersideoftheyellowwarehouseonherright.Shegotoutofthecar,squeezingbetweenthefenderandthebuilding’swall.Therewasnotmuchmoreroomontheotherside.Shewonderedifsheoughttofollow
Rudi.Whywasitsoquiethere?Backintheotherstreet,atleast,therehadbeenbusy,swarmingpeople,sweatyanddirtyandnoisy.Butitwassolonelyhere,shethought.Suchapeculiarplace.
ShehadgainednothingwithRudi.Hewouldnothelpher.AndhewouldnotlethertalktoSarah.She
sawithadbeenafoolishthreattomake.Butwhyhadhesaidtheywerebeingfollowed?Maybeitwasagoodthing.Buthermomentaryreassurancequicklyvanished.Sheturnedtothedoorinthewall,thenturnedagainandstartedwalkingtothealleyentrance.
Herheartlurchedandpoundedsuddenly.Twomenhadcomeintothealleyfromthestreetbeyond.TheywereyoungChinese,andtheirappearancewasincongruous.TheyworebluedenimsandsneakersandoneworeawhitebaseballshirtwithYANKEESprintedonit.TheotherworeagaudyHawaiiantypesportshirt,thetailshangingoutaroundhisbelt.Theymovedswiftlyanddecisivelytowardherintheeveninggloomofthealley.
Shechokeddownasilentscream.Afterall,Rudihadbroughtherhere.Itwouldbeallright.
ThetwoChinesecametowardher,walkingontheirtoes.Onesaid,“Oh,babe.”Theothersaid,“Thisistoobad,MissStandish.”
“I’mnotMissStandish,”Janesaidquickly.
“Sure,honey,you’renobody.”
Theycrowdedclosetoherassheshrankagainstthewall,andthenshesawthefirstChineseboy’seyeswidensuddenly,unnaturally,andhemadeaquickmovementandshefeltsomethinggointoherbellyandripupward,withahissingsoundofcutflesh.Ashatteringscreamtoreoutofherlungsandthroat,likethesoundofaslaughteredanimal.ShescreamedagainandthentheChineseboypulledtheknifeoutofherandshesawtheblade,halfshining,glisteningwithherblood,forjustaninstantasitflashedbeforehereyes.Thenitcameacrossherthroatinaquick,expertmovementandshefeltherselffalling,awareofnopain,awareofadarknessandwarmthenvelopingherandthinkingdimlyofMommaandPoppainGardensFalls,Indiana,beforeshedied....
Everythingwasquietinthealley.ThesecondChinese,whohadonlywatched,turnedandtrottedaway.Rudicameoutofthedoornearby.Hewaswipinghishandsonhishandker-
chief.HedidnotlookatthecrumpledbodyofJaneKinginthedirtyalley.
“Itisdone,”theChineseboysaid.Hewastheoneinthebaseballshirt.“Youpaymenow.”
“Whynot?”Rudisaid.
HetookagunfromhispocketandshottheChineseboyinthehead.Thesinglereportwasenormous,echoingbackandforthbetweentheyellowwarehousewalls.TheChinesefellacrossJaneKing’ssprawledlegs.
Rudihesitated,staringupattheskyforaspeculativemoment,weighingtheguninhishand.Thenhebroughthisarmupwithasharp,smashinggestureandstruckhimselfonce,twice,athirdtimeacrossthefaceandforehead.Hewentdownonhandsandkneeswithbloodspillingdownhisface,blindinghim,andheremainedlikethat,shakinghishead,watchingthedropsspatterinthefilthofthealley,andhedidnotlookupasheheardDurellandColonelK’Ayubruntowardhimatlast....
Thenearestpolicestationwasinadarkbluecinder-blockbuildingneartheJohnston-MayOil,Ltd.wharves.Inside,whereaSikhsergeantsatbehindanewmetaldesk,therewereseveraluniformedpoliceatworkinalong,wideroomwithbarredwindowsthatgaveaviewoftherivertraffic.Afat,baldFrenchmanwasarguingwiththeSikhsergeant,andanakedman,exceptforadirtyloincloth,wasbeingdraggedbytwobigpolicemenintoabackroom.Anair-conditionerwheezedinthewindows,butacrosstheroomanotherwindowwaswideopen,lettinginthehotstenchofthewaterfront.Fishingboats,Arabdhows,andatankermovedinthefairway.Lightsblinkedontheshipsandbusydocks.
Thestationsmelledlikeallpolicestationstheworldover,Durellthought.Itcarriedinitswallsthestenchofurineandvomitandblood,andaboveall,thesmellofhumanfearandpain.
ThedoctorwasagauntEnglishman,yellowwithyearsofmalarialbouts.Rudisatinachairwhilethedoctortendedtohiscutface.DurellandK’Ayubstoodagainsttheoppositewall,watchingthepatientwhowasbathedinhotlightfromatin-shadedlampoverthechair.AtthedoorwasSergeantZalmadar,K’Ayub’sPathanservant,bigandtoughandlightonhisfeet,likemostmountainpeople.
“Couldthesewoundsbeself-inflicted?”Durellasked.
TheEnglishdoctorwavedabloodyswab.“Mydearman,itwouldtakeagreatdealofcourage.Thiseyecouldhavebeenbadlyinjured.”
“Butitisn’t.”
“FortunatelyforHerrvonBuhlen,no.”
Rudi’smouthwaspuffy,andtheeyethedoctorreferredtowaspartlyclosedbyswelling.Therewasagashaboveitthatneededstitches.
“TellusagainwhyyoutookthegirltoAswaliAlley,”K’Ayubsaidharshly.
Rudishrugged.“Iwaslost,asIsaid.Wewereheadingforthegolfcourse—fordinner,afewdrinks.Janewantedtoseethewaterfrontslums.Imadeawrongturnandfoundmyselfinthatdead-endspotandbeforeIcouldbackout;theChineseboyjumpedher.”
“Fornoreason?”
“Hehadareason,Isuppose.”
Durelllitacigarette.“Whatdoyousuggestitwas?”Rudiwincedasthedoctorbeganstitchingabovehiseye.“HethoughtshewasSarahStandish.Idon’tknowhowtoexpressmyshock.Itwasaterriblemistake,toimposethedeceptiononJane.Itledtoherdeath.”
“TheChineseboyaddressedherasMissStandish?”
“Yes.Andthenheknifedher.Hewasterriblyfast.”“Andthenyoushothim?”
“Yes.Iwasshocked,butafterall—”
K’Ayubsaidquietly,“Butyouknewwewerefollowingyou,didyounot,HerrvonBuhlen?”
“No,Ididnot.”Rudi’svoicewasangryforamoment.“WhyshouldIthinkanyonewouldfollowme?”
“YouknewwewerelookingforJaneKing.”
“No,Ididn’tknowthat,either.IwasupstairswhenMr.Durellcametothebungalow.Ihaven’tmethimbefore—notuntilyougentlemenfoundmeinthatalley.”
“Yetyoutookevasivetacticsinyourdrivethatcausedustoloseyouanddropfarbehind.Weonlyfoundyoubecauseofthedistinctivecaryoudrove.Itattractedsomeattention.”
Rudispreadhishands.“Well,thereyouare.IfIweretryingtolureJanesecretlytothatplace,wouldIadvertisemyroutebyhiringthatFerrari?”
“Youmight,”Durellsaid.
Durelllookedtallandangry.HehadseenthebutcheryonJaneKing,andtheuglyimagelingeredinhismind.Itwasonething,whenyouwereinthebusinessandknewtherisksandbalancedyourtrainingandreflexesagainstthewilesoftheenemy.ItwasanothertobeabewilderedandhelplessJaneKing,accustomedtothesaneandorderlyworldabovethesurfaceofDurell’s.Heresentedherdeath.Itwasunnecessary.Andithadbeenbrutallycruel.HewasnotsatisfiedwithRudi’sexplanationthatJanehadbeenmistakenforSarahStandish.Possiblyitwasthetruth—butnotallofthetruth,hethought.
HetriedtobeobjectiveaboutRudi.Therearemenyoumeetwhomyoudislikeinstinctively,astwomaleanimalsinajunglewillatoncebechargedwithmutualenmity.Thefeelingwastherebetweenhimselfandtheblondman.Rudiknewit.Theybothunderstooditthefirsttimetheireyesmet.Therewasasmellofconflictbetweenthemthatmightonlyberesolvedbyviolence.Yetnothingbutafewpolitequestionsandreplieshadbeenexchanged.
TheSikhsergeantcameinandwhisperedsomethingtoK’Ayub,whogesturedtohisPathanservant.ZalmadarwentoutwiththeSikh.
K’Ayubsaid,“HerrvonBuhlen,youwereafriendofMissKing’s,wereyounot?”
“Notexactlyafriend.”
“More,perhaps?”
“Once.Notanylonger.”
“Youwereoncelovers,isthatit?”
Rudinoddedreadily.“True.”
“Buttodayyourlovehadturnedtohate,ithadendedinjealousy,inathreatperhapsbyMissKingtotellMissStandishofyouraffairwithher?”
Rudididnotlooksurprised.Hepausedforonlyamoment.“Shewaspregnant,”hesaid.“Isuppose
yourdoctorjustreportedthat.Pleasedon’tplayclevergameswithme,Colonel.YouandImaybetogetherforsomeweeks,startingtomorrow.Wemayneedeachother.SoIadmitit,mantoman,andtrustyouwillunderstand.JaneKingthoughtIshouldbenamedasthefatherofherunbornchild.”
“Andwereyouthefather?”
“Icouldn’tsay.Theremayhavebeenothermen.Idon’tknowofany,frankly,butwithagirllikeJane—”Rudipaused.“Shewantedtodiscussherpredicament.Weweregoingtohavedinnerandtalkaboutit.Ihadnoideayouwerelookingforher.Shetelephonedthehousewhileyouwerethere,Durell,andIwentouttomeetherandwegotlost.
Whenshesawthenativestreets,shewantedtogofarther.ButIguesswewerefollowedallthetime.Notjustbyyou.ButbytheChinesekillers.”
“Wedidnotseethem,”K’Ayubsaid.Helookedangry.TherewasasmallsilencewhiletheEnglishdoctoraskedRuditoholdstillandthensnippedofftheendofthesuturesandappliedasquareofgauzeandtapetohiswound.Rudipushedhislonghairbackfromhisyellowandbruisedface,straightenedhisnecktie,shruggedintohiscoat.TheEnglishmanofferedhimsomebrandy.Rudisaid,“Bitte,”andgulpeditdown.
“AmIunderarrestnow?”heaskedquietly.“Perhapsmystoryseemsstrangetoyou,butI’vetoldyouallIknowabouthowithappened.JanewasmistakenforSarahStandish.Itwasmyfault—ourgettinglost,Imean—butIthinkitwouldhavehappened,anyway.Themiracleisthatitdidn’thappenearlier,whenshewaswanderingaroundalone.”
“Yes,”K’Ayubsaid.
Rudilookedworried.“WillyourreportonJane’sconditionbekeptconfidential?I’mnaturallyconcernedaboutitseffectonMissStandishifshelearnswhatI’veconfessedtoyougentlemen—”
“Itwillnotbenecessarytopublishthisfact.”K’AyublookedatDurell.“Norisitnecessaryforanyofustoremainhere.”
HenoddedforDurelltofollowhimintotheouterroom.K’Ayubwasastrongmanhere,withpowerandinfluence,andhissoftbodyandfaceweredeceiving.ThePakistanimincednowords.
“Durell,doyouthinkhekilledJaneKing?”
“Ithinkhearrangedit,”Durellsaid.
“Andhiswoundsareself-inflicted?”
“They’llheal,”Durellsaid.“ButJaneisdead.Willyouholdhimonamurdercharge?”
“Weareanewnation,”K’Ayubsaidthinly,“butwerespectlawandorder.Murderisthesametheworldover.Aninvestigationisrequired.Technically,allofyoucouldbedetainedforinquiry.Butourproblemisawkward.MissStandishhasleasedaplanefromalocalairline.Whenoneneednotcountmoney,luxuriesandcomfortsareautomatic,eh?Ourproblemisthat,ifweholdRudivonBuhleninKarachiforthecourts,oronanypretext,wemaynotmerelydelaytheexpeditiontoS-5,butMissStandishmay
callthewholethingoff.Thismightbedeploredbymygovernment,butitwouldenditsinterestintheaffair.Ihappentobeinoppositiontocertaingovernmentalfactionsthatresistexploratoryprogress.Wemaygainnothingintheend,anyway.IfRudiisanenemyandhasfurtherplans,wewouldgivehimalittlerope,youagree?Andifweproceed,pendingafurtherinquiry,hewillbeinasenseinourcustody.”
“Iunderstand,”Durellsaid.
“YouandIcantakecareofRudiwhenthetimescomes,”K’Ayubsaid,smilingthinly.
“Let’shopeso,”Durellsaid.
chaptersevenTHEYflewfromRawalpindianhourafterdawn,throughaskyalreadyamoltenyellow,swingingwideoverthemanymouthsofthesluggish,muddyIndus.ThesunflaredbrilliantlyoverthesandhillsandthewindingblackroadthatfollowedtherivernorththroughthedesertoftheSind.Forahundredmiles,thescenewasoneofseveredesolation,erosion,andemptiness.
TheDC-3hadbeenhastilyconverted,withcomfortableseats,akitchen,andstaffedwithtwoturbanedBengaliservantswhoservedteaandrollsandomeletswhentheywerealoft.ConstraintpersistedamongthepassengerssinceDurellhadbroughtbackthenewsofJane’sdeath.Sarahlookedasifshehadnotsleptatall,andshehadchangedherusualglassesforapairwithlargegreensunlensesthathidhereyes.Shesataloneattake-off,andthenRudicamebackfromthepilot’scompartmentandkissedherlightly.Shemurmuredsomethinginapparentannoyance.Herfacewaspale.Hewhisperedagainandsheshookherheadandthenhespokemoreurgentlyandshesighedandgotupandwentforwardwithhim.ThePakistanico-pilotcamebackandtookaseatintherearandpromptlyfellasleep.
ColonelLathriK’Ayubkepthimselfbusywithasmallkneedeskonhislap,absorbedincorrespondence.Abusyman,DurellthoughtandagrowingpowerinthisdynamicMoslemcountry—thesortofmilitarymanwitheducationandambitionwhooftenenteredpolitics,usuallywithamilitarycoup,andhelpedtorulethenewnation.
TherehadbeenradioreportsoftroubleontheclosedAfghanborder,butnothinghadcomethroughonthenewsprogramofJaneKing’sdeath.Ithadbeenkeptofftheairandoutofthenewspapers,thankstoK’Ayub’sinfluence.
DurellnotedthatAlessahadnotspokentoherbrotherRudiatall.Shesatatawindowwiththeharshsunlightglancingoffthewingandreflectinginherovalface.Herpalehair,cutlikeaboy’s,madeherlookyouthfulanddeniedherscholasticair.Sheworeawhitesilkblouse,cutlow,andwhenDurellstoodbesideherandaskedifhemightsitwithher,hesawthesmooth,tautswellofherbreastsunderthesilk.Hersmilewasmechanical.Shetouchedherblueskirtandnodded.
“Pleasedo.Iammostunhappy.Iamnotasuperstitiousperson,andyetIfeelwebeginunderabadomen.”
“Jane’sdeathmayonlyhavebeenanunhappycoincidence,”hesuggested,sittinginthechairbesideher.
Hereyesweresolemn.“Doyoubelievethat?”
“There’snopointinjumpingtoconclusions.”
“Youdonotstrikemeasacautiousman,”shesaid.“Normuchofadiplomat,either.IwasveryfondofJane.”“SowasSarah,andyourbrother.Perhapsitwillallbeexplained,oneday.”
“Maybeitwillbebestifweneverfindtheanswer,”Alessamurmured.
“Itmustbefound,though.Imeantofindit.”Hepaused.“Whywouldn’tyouwanttoknow?Areyou
afraidofthetruth?”
“Perhapsitwouldservenopurpose,”shesaid.
“Still,murdermustbepunished.”
Sheturnedawaythen,andpointeddownwardatthebrown,searedlandscapetochangethesubject.“TherearetheruinsofMohaghadoro.Doyouknowaboutthem?”Therewasashort,dustyairstripinlandfromtheIndus,afewnondescriptmoundsofmudbrickruinsthatseemedinsignificantfromthethousand-footelevation.Alessaspokeanimatedly,engrossedinherspecialknowledge,pointingtotheruinsofaBuddhisttempleinwhathadbeenaflourishingcityin2500B.C.,acommunityofpillaredhalls,publicbaths,granariesandwatchtowers.Durellsawsmallricefields,grovesoftamariskandbabultreesthatlookeddustysilverinthemorninglight.Laboringbullocksandmeninturbansandloinclothslookedinfinitelysmallastheplaneborenorththroughthebrazensky.
AlessatalkedonabouttheMohaghadoroartificats—gold,silverandalabasterjewels,tallvasesandtoolsofcopperandbronze.HerfacegrewabsorbedasshetalkedofIndra,thewargodoftheAryanswhofoughtthelocal“barbarians”whobuiltthewalledcities,discussingthewordpurinSanskritthatmeantafort,andhowtheRig-VedadescribedIndra’sdestructionofninetyofthesewalledcitiesoftheIndusvalley.
Thelandliftedsteadilyfortheeight-hundredmileflighttoLahore,capitalofPunjab.ThewasteoftheArabiaSindwasleftbehind.BynoonthelushgardencitycameisightonthebanksoftheRavi.SarahhadremainedwitRudiinthepilot’scompartmentallmorning.Lahoilookedlikeagreenjewelofwidestreets,emeraldpariwithcricketfields,statelyVictorianbuildingsfromtheBritishreign,andtheterracesandcanalsofthefabulousShalimarGardens.ThetombofMohammedIqballoomedinredsandstoneamidgoldendomesandspires,minaretsandpavilionsandcypresstrees.
Theylandedforfuelandlunch,andavisitingdelegationofPakistaniandAmericanofficialsgreetedthem,seekingoutSarahandmurmuringpoliteoffersofassistance.DurellatelunchwithAlessauntilamessengercameuptothemandhegotuptocallDonegan,backinKarachi.
Donegan’svoicewasthinandcracklyovertheIon;distancewireoftheairporttelephone.
“Nothinghere,Sam.We’resittingtightoneverything.HadtocablehometotheKinggirl’sparents,ofcourse,.andthatwillbreakinthelocalStatesidenewspapers;butcan’tbehelped.”
“AnywordontheChineseboywhogotaway?”
“It’slikehuntinganeedleinahaystack.Thelocalcopsarestillpushingatit,checkingthewaterfrontandtheChinesecolony.Butthereareafewhundredthousandpeoplejammedintoasinglesquaremile,likearabbitwarren.Nothinghasturnedupyet.IsMissStandishallright?”“Yes,”Durellsaid.
Doneganhesitated.“I’mdamnedsorryaboutitall,Sam."
“SoamI,”Durellsaid.
TheflightfromLahoretoRawalpindiwasonehundredandfiftymiles,andthelandliftedupanadditionalthousandfeetofroughravinesandrockplateaus.ThedesertoftheSindhadlongyieldedtofieldsofcorn,cotton,melonsandrice.RawalpindiwastheheadquartersofthePakistanArmy,thelargestmilitarystationinthecountry.Now,fartothenorth,thehazybuttressesandpeaksoftheGilgitrangeandNorthwestFrontiercountry,wheretheMureehillstationwaslocated,loomedlikeamirageagainsttheshimmeringsunlight.
TherewasanotherreceptionattheairstripforSarahandsherespondedwithgraciousrestrainttotheuniformemenwhogreetedher.Rudiremainedatherside.Anairconditionedlimousinetookthemthroughthecity,aroundtheLiaqatGardenswithitsbandstandandwidelawnandstatelytrees.Fromnoontofourintheafternoon,thecity’sbusinesswashaltedbytheheat.Shopsclosed,fieldsemptiedofworkers,bullockswereunhitchedfromtheirtwo-wheeledcartsandtiedtotrees.Fromthespeedingcar,Durellnotedwomenwashingclothesinirrigationditches,whilethemensleptintheshadeofbanyantrees,usingtheirturbansaspillows.
ArepresentativeofthePakistan-AmericanSociety,theUSIS,andEmbassyofficialsoccupiedSarahStandishatthebigbungalowwhentheyarrived.LittleattentionwaspaidtoDurellorAlessa.ColonelK’Ayub’spickedsquadofmountaintrooperswerealreadyonguardatthewalledgroundsthatSarahhadleasedfromaretiredBritishbrigadierwhohadgonehometoEnglandforthesummer.Alessa,uncomfortablewiththereceptioninthebighouse,touchedDurell’sarm.
“ImustfindHansandcheckoursupplies.Willyoucomewithme?”
“Let’sfindhim.”Durellwasgladtoescape.HewasdubiousaboutthenewsmenwaitingtointerviewSarah,anddecidedshewassafeenoughforthemoment.Hehadnoticedthebigmountainguide,HansSteicher,hoveringontheoutskirtsofthecrowd,butnowthemanhaddisappeared.
Alessatookhisarm.Thebungalowwasbigandrambling,builtamongagroveofpeepultrees,withspaciouslawnsandawalledgarden.Someruinsofanancienttempleabuttedthesouthwallofthegarden,overgrownwithdarkvinesandwildshrubs.Aseriesofgo-downsprovidedquartersfortheBritisher’sservants.Bougainvillaeablazedonthewallsofthemainhouse,drippinginwaterfallsofcolorfromthewideeaves.K’Ayub’smenwerediscreetlyoutofsightnow.
DurellwalkedwithAlessadownashadedpathtoawarehouseintheback.Theareawasquietandsuburban,arelicofBritishrulewhenPakistanandIndiawereone,andnotinbloodystrife,accentedbyHinduandMoslemrivalry.Thewarehousehadacorrugatedtinroof,itsrustcoveredbymorebougainvillaeaoverthewide,opendoors.
Alessahalted,herarminDurell’s.Hewasacutelyawareofherphysically,awareofakindofinevitableattractionintheirrelationshipthatcouldn’tbedenied.Hereyesweretroubled.
“Sam,mayIspeakfranklywithyou?IwishIknewwhatyouwerethinking,but—Iwanttotrustyou,and1mayneedyourhelp.Youdon’tbelieveinthecrownofAlexanderatall,doyou?”
“Doesitmatter?”
“Itmattersterriblytome.It’ssoimportantthatI’mwillingtooverlookalmostanything.”
“MeaningRudiandJane?”
“Perhaps.I—he’smybrother,andIwanttogivehimthebenefitofthedoubt,but—Idon’twantanythingtohapperbetweenyouandRudi.Pleasesaythatyouwillhelpme."
“Ican’tpromiseanything.”
Shehesitated.“DoyouthinkRudikilledher?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Isupposeyouwilldowhatmustbedone.IknowRudihasmademistakes,butIcan’tbelievethisofhim.Idon’twantyoutobelieveit,either.Willyouatleastreservejudgment?Idon’twantanythingtohappentoRudi—ortoyou,either.”
Sheturnedimpulsivelyintheshadowsbythecorrugatedtinwarehouseandstoodontiptoetokisshim,movingherbodyagainsthim.Herlipswereastonishinglysoftandyielding.Shewasnaive,hethought,totrytobuyhisgoodwillthisway.Yettheexcitementexistedbetweenthem,andhekissedherhard.Sheseemedsurprised,startedtodrawawaythenyielded,herbodysuddenlyaliveanddemanding.ScratchaPh.D,hethoughtwryly,andyoumightfind—anything.
HansSteicherchosethatmomenttocomeoutofthewarehousebehindthem.HisthickgruntofsurprisemadeAlessapullfreesharply,andsomethinglikedismaytouchedhereyes.
“Oh,Hans—”
“Alessa,”thebigmansaidheavily.HekepthiseyesonDurell.“Whoisthisman?”
Shestumbledovertheintroductions.HansSteicherwasagiantwithafacelikeaslabofstone,withthickdarkhairclose-cropped,atorsostrippedtothewaist,gleamingwithsweatandripplingwithenormousmuscles.Heworesandalandapairofoil-stainedkhakishorts—itwashotinsidethetin-roofedshed—andhisbodyborescarsthatcouldhavecomefromaccidentsorwounds.HisthroatwasflushedandangryredasheregardedDurell.HedidnotofferoneofhishugehandstoacknowledgeAlessa’sfumblingintroduction.
“Ihavebeencheckingequipment,”hesaidwithoutexpression.Hemovedhisheadslightlytoindicatethecrowdedbungalow.“Idonotlikepublicreceptions.Andthereismuchworktodo.Thetwotrucksandjeepsareready,everythingispacked;butonemorecaseisduefromLinzonthisevening’splane.Ithinkwewillbereadytoleavetomorrowmorning—iftheothersare.”Hans’GermanwasstronglytingedwithaTyroleanaccent.HesaidtoAlessa,stillstaringatDurell,“ThismanistheAmericanagentforthenickelcompany.”
“Yes,”Durellsaid,surprisingthemanwithhisGerman.“DoyouthinkI’mwastingmytime?”
“Perhaps.ButIamonlypaidtoguideyoubacktoS-5.”“You’renotafraidtoreturnthere?”Durellaskeddeliberately.
Thehugemanlookedathimcoldly.“Itwillbedangerous.Itisatroubledland,tooclosetotheborderbetweentheChineseandtheAfghans.ButIamnotafraidofanything.”HansturnedbacktoAlessa,
toweringoverher.Inhiseyeswasalookofdumb,dog-likedevotion.“IamsorryifIintruded,Alessa.”
“Please,Hans,Ihavetoldyoumanytimes,youandIareonlygoodfriends—”
“Iunderstand.ButthisAmericanismorethanafriend?”“Ofcoursenot.”
“Yougiveyourkissescheaply,then.”
Alessaflushed.Shestartedtoreply,thenshruggedandtouchedthebigman’sbulgingarms.“Iamsorryyouthinkso,Hans.”
SteicherlookedatDurell.“Youwillnottouchthefrauleinagain,please.Isitunderstood?”
NowAlessalookedangry.“Hans,Itoldyouyearsagothatyoucannotactasawatchdogovereverymanwhoiswithme.Iwillnottolerateit!Youcannotrunmylifeforme,Hans.Iwillnotpermitit.”
“Iamsorry,Alessa.”
Shedrewadeepbreath.“Wemustallco-operate.Wehaveadifficulttimeahead,andwecandowithoutfoolishquarrelsbetweenourselves.Isthatclear?”
Thebigmannodded,butDurellsawnothingchangeinhisblank,slab-likeface.Theywentintotheshedtogethertocheckthevehiclesandthecasesofmountain-climbingequipment.
Atsixo’clock,Durellborrowedoneofthecarsavailabletotheparty,choosingasmallMorris,unlikelytoattractattention,anddroveintothecity.Rawalpindi,atamuchhigherelevationthatKarachi,hadnumerousstonegovernmentbuildingsdatingbacktotheVictorian’80’s,andwidemoderntree-shadedstreets.Themilitarywereinevidenceeverywhere,wearingsmartSamBrownebeltsandpolishedboots.Durellhadshoweredandchangedintoawhitelinesuitandshirtandadarkknittednecktie.AfewEuropeanandtouristswereinsight,beginningtoawakenfromthemid-afternoonlethargyofenervatingheat.Theshopswereopenagain.
HeturnedawayfromtheLiaqatGardensintoatwistingmazeofcrowdedstreets,likedrivingthroughaveilintopastcenturies.Punjabis,Sikhs,PathansandShinwariswithfierceknivesintheirbeltsmingledwithaesthetic-lookingHindusandproudArabsintheflowingwhiterobescalledkefeyahs.Smokeredolentofkerosene,spicesandgarbageaccentedthehubbuboflanguages,ofwhichUrdudominated.
ThewayaheadwasblockedwhenheturnedrighttowardtheGijhandraBazaar.Acrowdhadgatheredthreateningatthecorner,surroundingamaninadirtywhiteturbanandrobe.Durellhadtostopthecar.Beforehecouldreversetofindanotherroute,themobsuddenlysetuponthecorneredmanwithfistsandstones,screamingasifonsuddensignal.APakistaniinfantrylieutenantwentrunningpast,hisclubmercilessontheheadsofthemob.Durellstartedoutofthecar,thendecidedtoremainwherehewas.Hesawthelieutenantreachthefallenmanandcrouchoverhimandshoutatthenearestpeople.Theyshrankawayfromhim.Thelieutenantpickeduptheman’snakedfootanddraggedhimovertherefuseonthesidewalkandhurledhimagainstthewallofthehouse.Theman’sbaldshavenheadlolledinunmistakabledeath.Asabruptlythemobhadexploded,itwasquietagain.ThelieutenantsawDurellinthecarandwalkedovertohim.
“Yourpardon,sir.”HespokemeticulousEnglish.“Didyouseewhathappened?”
“Notexactly.Isthemandead?”
Yes.Hewasathief,theysay.HestolesixrupeesfromMohammedJangahar,thecoppermerchant.”
“Sixrupees?”Durellsaid.“It’snotmuch.”
“ItisagreatdealtoJangahar.Excuseme,Imustgetacarttotakethebodyaway.”
Thedeadmanlaylikeaheapofdirtywhiteragsagainstthewallofthebuildingonthesidewalk.Askinny,skeletalyellowdogsniffedcuriouslyatthecorpse’sdirtyfeet.Nobodyelsepaidanyfurtherattention.Theincidentwasover.Amanhaddied,butintheteemingmillions,thedeathofonemeantaninfinitesimalincreaseinspacefortheothers.
SwerjiHamadIsquitalwasafat,complacentmanwhohadthreewivesandcountlesschildrenandgrandchildren,allofwhomheseemedtoforgetfromtimetotimeintheoperationofhisbusiness,whichwastwofold.HeranateahouseneartheGijhandraBazaar,withseverallargebrassRussiansamovarsconstantlyboiling.Hisclienteleconsistedoftouchy,giantPathans,fakirstravelingasholymen,beardedSikhsintightlyboundturbans,Arabs,ShinwarisandTurkmen.ThestreetoutsideSwerji’spavilionswarmedwithcoppersmith,potters,tobaccovenders,prostitutesinblackwithlowveilstoshowtheirtrademarksinrouge,sellersoflivebirds,palmists,huckster’svendingcolddrinksandcandy,thieves,beggarsandmurderers.
SwerjiHamad’steashopintheGijhandraBazaarwaswellknowntoKSection’sheadquartersatNo.20AnnapolisStreetinWashington.Thefatmanwasnottrusted.Hisonlyinterestinpeddlinginformationwasthemoneyhewaspaidforwhatheknew.HewasknowntohavepassedmilitarydatatotheIndiangovernment,toldthePakistanisofAfghanplans,reportedChinesetroopmovementsinTibet.Hewasusefultoeveryside,sincehisinformationwasalwayscorrect,andhenceheremainedalive.
Durellhadbeenhereonce,yearsago,buthehadnodoubtthatSwerjiHamadwouldrecognizehimagain.Thefatmanneverforgotaface,itwassaid.Andhealwayshadinformation—foraprice.DurellwasinthemarketandhehadthefivethousanddollarshehadsignedforinHenryKallinger’sofficeinIstanbul.
Hewentinandfoundatableamongthebabblingpressofcustomerswhosmelledofeverythingunderthesun,andeachofwhomdisplayedhisuniqueracialtraits.Asidefromafewcuriousglances,heattractedlittleattention.HeorderedteafromaPunjabiwaiterindirtyshalwars,watchedamullahgoby,chantingtohimself,wearingthedarkgreenturbanthatindicatedhehadmadetheholyHadjtoMecca.Hewaited.
Itdidnottakelong.
Asmalldark-skinnedArabboywithover-longhairandthefaceandeyesofagirlcametohistableandspokeinUrdu.“Isquitalsahibwishesthehonorofawordwithyou,sir.”
“Where?”
“Inhisoffice,sir.Pleasefollowme.”
SwerjiHamadsatinaheavilycushionedVictorianrockingchairbehindaroll-topdeskofequalvintage.Ahalf-emptybottleofCoca-Colaservedasapaperweightforthepapersonthedeskbeingstirredinthedraftofaslow-turning,whiningelectricfan.HisroundbrownfacebeamedatDurell.SwerjididnotspeakEnglish.HespokeFrench,severalPathandialects,andUrdu.HepreferredFrench.“Ah,M’sieuDurell!Pleasebeathome,yes?”
“Itisapleasuretoacceptyourhospitality,Swerji.Youarewell?”
“Asfatasever.Isufferfromasthmanow.AndIhaveanewwife.”
“Andyourchildren?”
“Theyeatmealive.Onecannotearnenoughmoneytoraiseafamilydecentlythesedays.Itisgoodtoseeyouinourcityagain,m’sieu.Itisgoodofyoutopatronizemyteashop.”
“IthoughtImightbuysomething,beingintown,”Durellsaid.
“Ofcourse.”
“Thatis,ifyouhaveanythingtosell.”
“SwerjiHamadhasallsortsofmerchandiseforsale.Ofcourse,someofitisexpensive.”
“Thepriceshoulddependonthequality,”Durellsaid.
“Ah,butyourcountryissoveryrich!”Thefatman’sbrowneyeswerenaive,hurt.“EveryoneknowsthatAmericagivesmoneyawaysofreely,everywhere,tofriendandfoealike.”
“Andwhichareyou,SwerjiHamad?”
Thefatmanlaughedsoftly,hisbellyshaking;hesuckedathisbottleofCoke.“Iamafriend—ofIsquital,yes?Ihavebeenexpectingyou—oroneofyourdistinguishedassociates.Iamquitepreparedtooffersomethingquiteimportant,Ibelieve.”
“IwantsomefactsaboutHerrErnstBergmann,thegeologist,whodisappearedhereinRawalpindiaboutamonthago,”Durellsaid.
“Naturally.Oneexpectedthis,too.”Swerjigiggled,thenstoppedandsaidsolemnly,“AndyouwishtoknownothingaboutRedOboe?”
Durellwaitedjustamomenttoolongtoreachforacigaretteandlightit.Hisleanfacewasimpassive.ButhesworesoftlyagainsttheshrewdnessofSwerjiHamad,knowingthatthefatmanhadnotmissedthejoltofsurprisehiswordshadcausedhim.
“I’dlikewhateveryouhaveonRedOboe,naturally,”hesaidquietly.
“Ah,youareamantodobusinesswith!Youknowofthisman,then?”
“Ihaveheardofhim.Ishein’Pindi?”
“Soitissaid.”
“Bywhom?”
“Rumor-mongers,whores,beggars,respectedmerchants.”RedOboe.Durellthought,wasonlyanameintheclassificationfilesofKSection’scabinets.Exceptforthename,thecardwasblank,emptyofspecificdata.Buttherewerestoriesenough,andnoneofthemwerepleasant,hethoughtgrimly.
Thenamehadcroppedupsixyearsago,inconnectionwiththetheftofsomeNikemissiledatafromanItalian-siteNATObase.Agirlhadbeeninvolved,thedaughterofaRomanbaronialfamilynamedIspiglia—averyyounggirl,inherlateteens.Shehadbeenfoundbrutallybeaten,herfacedisfigured,herskullcracked.Shediedwhisperingherloveforaman,unabletodescribehimexceptinromanticandidealisticterms.HewascalledRedOboe.Shehadgottendataforhimfromherbrother,anItalianWingCommanderbeingtrainedinNikemissilehandling.Shediedbeforeshecouldsaymuchmore.
RedOboecroppedupasafree-lancepeddlerofinternationalsecretsafewmoretimes.SmugglingarmstotheAlgerianrebels,settinganexplosioninanOrancafethatkilledeighteenpeopleandaFrenchgeneral,sellingoilprospectingdatainMoroccaninterestsbackedbytheCzechs.InvolvedwithLumumbistsintheCongo;sellingtheDutchinformationonIndonesianplanstotakeoverthedisputedEastIndiesterritoriesonPapua.OrganizinganundergroundsafelineforEastGermanstotheWest;andbythesametoken,interceptingandbetrayingcertainimportanttechnicianswantedbytheEastwhowereinducedtousethesafeline.
TheonlyfixedpatternofbehaviorinRedOboe’sdossierwasmoneyandwomen.Therewerealwayswomeninvolved.Andtheyalwaysseemedtocomeouttheworseforwear—someofthemdead,somemaimed.
KSectionwantedtofillintheirfilecardandajailcellwithRedOboe’smysteriousperson.ButnoagentofKSectionhadeverbeendirectlyinvolvedwithRedOboeuntilthecasehadended.
DurellconsideredSwerjiHamad’sround,blandface.
“DidRedOboehaveanythingtodowithBergmann?”heasked.
Butthefatteahouseproprietorseemedsuddenlytohavefallenasleep,pudgyhandsfoldedoverhisvastbelly,likeasmilingBuddha.Hespokewithhiseyesclosed.“Itwillcostyoutwothousanddollars,Americancurrency,incash.”
“Itmaybeworthfivehundred,”Durellbargained.Bargainingwasexpectedofhim.ThevalueofSwerji’sinformationmightdependonit.“That’sthetoppricethesedays.”“Twothousand,”Swerjirepeated.“Iamoppressedbymanycreditors.ABengalimerchantwhodealsincottonswindledmeoutofaconsignmentItookonspeculation—”“WhatdoyouknowaboutRedOboe?”
“Nothing—yet.Imayknowsomethinglater.”
“When?”
“Tomorrowmorning.”
“Allright.AndErnstBergmann?”
“TheysaytheoldAustriangentlemanisstillalive.”“Here,in’Pindi?”
“Itiswhattheysay.”
“Where?”
“Itwillcostsomemoneytofindout.IwillneedtwothousandAmericandollars,incurrency,pluscostofexpenses—”
“Onethousand,andnoexpenses.”
SwerjiHamadsighedpainfully.“IamgladthatallAmericansarenotlikeyou,M’sieuDurell.”
Thefatmanwentoffonanothertack.HediscussedthedifficultiesoftheclosedborderbetweenPakistanandAfghanistan,theincreasingobstaclestosmugglingandbribingborderguards,theSovietofferofshippingandcommunicationfacilitiestoKabultoreplacethosecutbyPakistanrecently.Therewasthenever-endingproblemofKashmir,desiredbybothIndiaandPakistan,andtheexplosivetensionsbetweentheHinduandMoslempopulations.Itwasdifficulttodobusinessinsuchunsettledtimes.Mostdangerous.However,onehadtolive,somehow.Everyrupee,everyanna,wassnatchedawaybythegrowingdemandsofwivesandfamily,thehighcostofliving,theincreasingpricesofmerchandise.
“Allright,”Durellsaid.“Onethousandandexpenses—alimitoffifteenhundred.”
SwerjiHamadopenedhismuddybrowneyesandsmiled.“Youhavecash,ofcourse?”
“Americandollars.”
“Seemetomorrow,then.Beforeyourpartyleavesforthehills.”Hepaused.“SomelaughabouttheexpeditiontoS-5andsayitisfoolishtobelieveinsuchathingasajeweledcrownoncebelongingtoAlexandertheGreat.Otherssayitispossible.Youarenotamanwhochasesfables,however.Youhaveothergoals,eh?”
“Suchas?”
SwerjiHamadsmiledagain.“Otherwise,whydoyouseekanoldman,ageologist,namedErnstBergmann?”
Durellmatchedthefatman’ssmile.Teawasbroughtin,andcakes.TheydiscussedSwerji’sfamilyandbusinessproblems.Eventually,DurellreturnedtothesubjectoftheRedOboe.
“Youhaveheardoftheshadowsystem,SwerjiHamad?Whereafree-lanceoperativesuchasRedOboehasasilentpartner,sotospeak?”
Swerjilookedblank.“Iamsorry.Iamignorantofthis.”
“Thefreelancemusthavehiscontactstopassonhisinformation,justasthethiefneedsafence.Usually,intheshadowsystem,theprofessionalisunknowntotheamateurexceptasanumber,acontactcoveredindifferentforms.TheremustbesuchamanforRedOboe,hereinPindi.Butyouhaveheardnothing?”
“Therearemanyprofessionalspiesin’Pindi,M’sieuDurell.”Swerjisighed.“IcanseeyoulookbeyondRedOboealready.ButIcannothelpyouinthismatter.”Durellwentoutintothepavilionandateanothersweet
rollandhadanothercupofteaandwonderedalittlemoreaboutSwerji’sreferencestotheRedOboe.AllthefiledataconcerningthenamereferredtoEurope.Therewasnothingtoindicateoperationsinthispartoftheworld.Butthatdidn’tnecessarilymeanthemanandhisshadowcouldn’tbehere.
HewatchedthestreetandsuddenlysawRudivonBuhlenwalkingalonethroughthenoisy,colorfulcrowd.
Bythetimehepaidforhisteaandrolls,theAustrianhadturnedthefarcornerandvanished.Durellpushedquicklyafterhim,sawhisMorrisparkednearby,andturnedtowardit.
Everytirehadbeencarefullyslashedandflattened.
Hewalkedawaytothecorner,searchingfortheblondman’sheadabovethecrowdofbazaarmerchants,beggars,Sikhs,PunjabisandArabs.
ButRudihaddisappeared.
chaptereightRUDIturnedleftdownthealley,countedofffourdoorsintheleaningstonebuildings,squeezedpastacameldriver,acandypeddler,abeggarsprawlednakedinthegutter,andavoidedahugePathantocometothefifthdoor.Heopenedit,wentdownanevil-smelling,darkcorridor,openedabackdoor,andturnedleftagainintoanarrowlane.Nakedchildrensquirmedandscreamedandplayedinthedust.Hecameoutintoanotherstreettoonarrowforvehiculartraffic,butcrowdedwithacamelcaravansqueezingbetweenthebackfencesofbazaarshops.Heavoidedthelong,wickedteethofthebeasts,answeredagreetingfromoneofthescrawnydrivers,andturnedatlastintoanotherdoorwaythatledintoasmall,walledyard.Inthecenteroftheyardwasasmall,erodedBuddhastatueholdingalotusblossominhisstonelap.
Sofartheinstructionswerepreciseandaccurate.Hehadfoundtheminasmall,foldedwedgeofpaperinhiscoatpocket,onlyanhourago,andhecouldnotbegintoguesswhohadputthepaperthere;Sarah’sbungalowhadbeensocrowdedwithvisitorsanddignitariesduringthelateafternoonreception,itwasimpossibletopickanyoneout.
AyoungChineseboywassquattingbesidetheBuddhaimageparinghisfingernails.Heworeabaseballcapandbluedenimsandsneakers.HelookedupatRudiandsaid,“Hi,daddio,”inEnglish.
“AreyouLim?”Rudiaskedcoldly.
“Welcometothehomepad.Gladyoumadeit.”
“Takemetoyourfather,please.”
“Right.”
Theboywasinsolent,Rudithought,withhispatterofbeatEnglish,hisblackeyesamused.Rudifollowedhimthroughsmallandgloomybackrooms,redolentwiththesmellsofhidesandbaledspicesandbinsoftea.HeknewthatthefrontofthebuildingwasaChineserestaurantofsorts,flophousesofthePakistanivariety.YoucouldbuyanythingfromKouLi,Lim’sfather,frombetelnutstoEuropeancallgirls,fromhashishtosmilingboyswithmake-uptoenlargeandbrightentheireyes.
KouLiworeaWesternseersuckersuitandatinywhitebeard;helookedgentle,smiling,obsequious.Hestoodupquicklyfrombehindalongtableandbowed.
“Ah.Wehavewaitedlongforthishonor.Youwillcomewithus,please?”
“Ishestillalive?”Rudiaskedshortly.
“Yes.Anolddevil,verystubborn.Wecouldhavemadehimtalk,buthisheartisverybadnow.Ihadexpensesforadoctortogivehimadrenalin,twice.”
“Youwillbepaid.”
“Furtherquestionshadtobepostponed.Wedidnotwanthimtodiebeforeyoucouldseehim.Butforce
isoutofthequestion.Heisveryfrailnow.”
“Ihaven’tmuchtime,”Rudisaidbluntly.“ButIcanmakehimtalk,ifanyonecan.”
“Lim?”TheoldChinesesignaledtotheboyinthebaseballcap.“Youknowtheway.”
Limtookaflashlightfromahookonthewallandwentahead,downaflightofcellarstairsandalongaweavingpathbetweenunidentifiableboxesandbalesofmerchandise.Adoorinthecellarledtoabrick-walledtunnelthatturnedsharplyright,andopenedintoanarrowroomfurnishedwithonlyaplanktableandlongbenches.Beyondwasanotherroom,thenmorestepsintoanotherbricktunnel.Rudibegantofeelapprehensive,notknowingwherehemightbetaken.Lim’sflashlightbobbedahead,steadiedonathickwoodendoorthatwasboltedandlocked.Limunlockeditandsteppedinside.
“Youwantthelight,daddio?”
“Ifyouplease.”
Limgrinned.“Gladtomeetyou.Popstalkedalotaboutyou.It’sabigdeal,eh?”
“Youtalktoomuch,”Rudisaid.
“I’mrealAmericanized.SpentfiveyearsinSanFranciscowithacousin.OldGrampssentmetheretocoverforsome'bodyhewantedtogetoutoftheStates.Ilikeditthere.”
Rudisteppedintothecell.Hecouldseenothinginthedarkness,exceptforwhattheflashlightshowedhim.Thenwerestonewalls,filthonthefloor,anodorofsicknessandsweatandtorture.Somebodybreathedinquick,shortgaspsfromfromfailinglungs.Heturnedthelightintoacornerandsawthelivingskeletontherefeeblyflailwithapipe-stemarmagainstthetormentofthebrightflash.Heflickedthelampaside.
“UncleErnst?”hesaidsoftly.
“What?”theprisonergasped.“What?”
RudispokeinthesoftGermanoftheTyrol.“ItisI,UncleErnst.RudivonBuhlen.”
“Impossible—”
“Yes,itisI.Itwasdifficulttofindyou—whenAlessacabledaboutyourdisappearance.ButIcameassoonasIcould.”
Inthereflectedlight,themaninthecellstruggledtopresshimselfbackintothefilthycomer.Theairstank.Rudipinchedhisnostrilsanddidnotmove,notwantingtowalkinthesquelchingfilthanymorethannecessary.
ErnstBergmannlookedlikeasurvivorofAuschwitz,hethoughtcoldly.Hiswhitesuithadlongbeenblackenedandtatteredandfouledwithfoodandbloodandexcrement.Rudirememberedthegeologistasastout,cheerfulmaninhisfifties,withthickgrayhair.Whathairwasleftontheroundheadwaswhite,inthinfallingstrands.Thefacewasgauntandhaggard,almostbeyondrecognition.
Bergmannextendedashaking,claw-likehand.“Youhavecometotakemeoutofhere,Rudi?Itistrulyyou?Yourvoice—”
“Yes.”
“Youdonotlie.Itisnotatrick?”
“Notrick,UncleErnst.”
“WhydidKouLiletyouin?Isheafriendofyours?”Theoldman’smindwasstillsharpenough,Rudithoughtdourly.“DoyouworkforKouLi,Rudi?”
“No.ItisjustthatIhave—certaininfluence.”
Theoldman’svoicestrengthened.“Yes.Influence.LikeyourUncleFranz.IsUncleFranzstillyourhero,boy?Youstilladmirewhathedid,howhelived,andhowhedied?”“IdidnotcomeheretodiscussUncleFranz.”
“Hewasanidealisticfool,boy.Atraitor.”
“TofightHitler?”
“TohelptheCommunists.Hewenttotheotherextreme.”Bergmannmadeagaspingsoundthatmighthavebeenlaughter.“Andyou,Rudi?Helpmeup.Takemeoutofhere.”
“Iwill,UncleErnst.Youwillsee,Ihave—reformed.”
“Thenhelpme.Bitte,Rudi.Please.”
Rudicrouchedbesidetheoldmaninthecorner,conqueringhisrevulsionforthefilth.“UncleErnst,youknowhowIhavealwaysadmiredyouandFranz.Iwoulddoanythingtohelpyou.IthinkIcan.IhaveconvincedKouLitoreleaseyou,sincehehasgivenuphopeofmakingyoutellhimwhatyoufoundonS-5.”
Bergmannsighed,grunted.
“HeknowsyouwenttotheAmericanswiththeoresamples,”Rudiwenton.“Whyhasheheldyouprisonerlikethis,foramonth?”
“Hewantsthechart,”Bergmannwhispered.
“Didn’tyouleaveitwiththeAmericans?”
“No.”
“Yetyoudidn’thaveitwithyouwhenKouLitookyou.”“No.”
“Whatdidyoudowithit,UncleErnst?”
Theoldman’seyesweretheonlypartofhisparchmentfacethatseemedaliveinthereflectionofRudi’slight.“Ihavebeenaskedthatquestionseveralthousandtimes,Rudi.”“Couldyouanswerit,ifyouwould?”
“Yes.”
“Youdidsomethingveryclever,then,eh?”
Bergmannsighed.“Notveryclever.Quitesimple.Andlookwhatmyclevernessboughtme.Iamdying.”
“Youwillnotdie.Iwilltakeyoutoadoctor,inthe—Americanhospital.”
“IfItellyouaboutmychart?”
“Youmusttrustme,UncleErnst.Iamnotwhatyouthink.IadmitIwaswildwhenIwasyounger;butIhavesettleddownnow.Here,”Rudisaid.HereachedinhiswalletandtookoutaclippingfromthesocietypageoftheNewYorkTimes.Hehadkepttheclippingwithhimcarefully,forseveralmonths.“Canyoureadthis.UncleErnst?IttellsofmyengagementtomarryMissSarahStandish.”
“Yes.Iheardofit.”
“OfStandishNickel,Incorporated.”
“Yes.”
“SheishereinRawalpindinow.WeareallgoingbacktoS-5.TheAmericanandPakistangovernmentsaregivingusescortstorelocatewhatyoudiscovered.Ifyouhelpus,thejobcanbedonequickerandeasier.”
“AndtheChinese?”
“Ifyouhelpus,”Rudiinsisted,“wecannotfailtogettherefirst.Otherwise,yoursilencewilldefeatpreciselywhatyouhopetoachievebyallthetortureyouhavestoodhere.”Bergmann’seyesclosed,andRudiwasnotsureiftheoldmanwassimplythinking,orhadfainted,orhadfallenasleep.Hereachedforthethin,skeletalwrist.Thepulsewasvague,thready.Theodorinthecellseemedsharper.Nosoundcamefromthebricktunneloutside.
“YouwillmarrySarahStandish”Bergmannaskedsuddenly.
“Itisallarranged,UncleErnst.”
“Averywealthyyoungwoman,eh?”
Rudimadeajestofit.“Averycapitalisticyoungwoman,UncleErnst.ButIhappentobeinlovewithher.”
Bergmannsighed.
“Whereisthechart,UncleErnst?”Rudiasked.“Whatdidyoudowithit?”
Bergmannopenedhiseyes.“YouhavemadeanarrangementwithKouLi?Hewillletyoutakemeoutofhere?”“Yes.Ipromise.”
“ThenIwilltellyou—whenIaminthehospital.”
Rudistifledthespurtofangerinhim.“Youmusttellmenow.WhenIhavethemap,IwillmakeacopyforKouLi.Butnotanexactone.”Hewhisperedanxiously,hurriedly.“WhenKouLihasachart—oneIshallmisinterpretforhim—thenhewillreleaseyou.”
“Ihavebeeninthisroomforalongtime,”Bergmannsaid.
“WewillflyyouhometoVienna,UncleErnst,assoonasyouarestrongagain.TheAmericanswillpayforeverything.”
“Vienna,yousay?”
“Iswearittoyou,UncleErnst.”
Bergmannwhispered,“Sometimesthewordswereascreaminmythroat.SometimesIbitmytongueandfilledmymouthwithbloodandchoked,soIcouldnotspeakevenwhenIwantedto.Andnow—Rudi,willyoubetrayme?”“WouldIbetraymyadopteduncle?”Rudiaskedgently.
“Icannotkeepitbackanylonger.HaveIbeenhereamonth,really?Ilosttrackoftime.Onecanthinkofnothingbuttheanswertotheirquestions.Youfearyouwillscreamitinyoursleep.Youthinkofitwitheverybreathyoutake.Itislikeasicknessinme.Icannotholditbackanylonger.”“Don’ttry,UncleErnst.Tellme.”
Theoldmanwept.
Rudiwaited.
Bergmannsaidquietly,“IlefttheoresamplesattheAmericanInformationOffice.FromthereIwalkeddownAswaliStreet,tothecorner.Thereisashopjustbeyond,totheright,andtheproprietorisnamedGustlBroeder.HeisaViennese,youknow?Hesellsmusicalinstruments,Rudi.”“Musical—”Rudipaused.“HerrBroederhasthechart?”“HeholdsituntilIcallforit.Hewasinstructedtotellnooneaboutit.AfewmomentsafterIlefthisshop,KouLi’smentookmeandbroughtmehere.”
Rudistoodup.“Thankyou,UncleErnst.”
Hebecameawareagainofthestinkandtheslimyfilthonthefloor.Hetooktheflashlightandwalkedtothebigwoodendoorandlookedintothetunnel.TheChineseboywasnotinsight.Turning,RudiwentbackintothecellandshonethelightonBergmann.Thedirectglaremadetheoldmanthrowuphisbonyarmagaintoshieldhisblindedeyes.Themouthwasopen,likeablackholeinhisskeletalface,andtherewereuglygapsinhisteeth.Ruditookagunfromhispocketandpointeditattheprisoner.Theoldmancouldnotseewhathewasdoing.HissmileforRudiwasanentreatytohurrybackandreleasehim.
Rudifiredonce,andthesoundwasavastthunderclapintheundergroundcell.Theoldmanjerkedbackagainstthecornerandthentriedtocrawloutofthelight.Rudiwalkedovertohimandturnedhimoverandputthemuzzleoftheguntothebackofthebaldskullandpulledthetriggeragainforthecoupdegrace.
Thenhewalkedout.
KouLiwaitedforhimintheoffice.TheboyhadheardtheshotsandcamebacktoleadRudithroughthemazeoftunnelsandroomstoKouLi’sestablishment.Rudisatdown,unbidden,inachairandlookedattheoldChinese.
“Thepriceforthechart,”hesaidbluntly,“willbetheequivalentofonehundredthousandpoundssterlinginusedSwissfrancnotestobedepositedinaccountnumber552intheSuisseInternationaleBanquedeGeneve.Iwillexpectcableconfirmationbytomorrow.Youknowhowthesearrangementsareusuallymade.
KouLinodded,hisblackeyestouchinghisgrandson.“SoHerrBergmanntalkedtoyou?Youknowwherethechartis?”“Icangetit.”
“Perhapswecansaveyoutheerrand.”
“Iamnotanexhaustedoldman,”Rudisaid.“IcanholdoutagainstyourquestioninglongerthanBergmann.Bythetimeyoumademetalk,theAmericanswillbeonS-5andthe
PakistanFrontierRifleswillhaveadivisionoftroopsonthespot.”
KouLinoddedagain.“Soitwillbeasyousay.”
“ItmustbeasIsay,”Rudiinsisted.
“Itisagreatamountofmoneyyouask,butthereisnotimeforbargaining.Itisanagreement,then.”
Rudipaused.“Thereisoneotherthingyoumustdoforme.”
“Yes?”
“ThereisanAmericanagentwiththeexpedition—amannamedSamDurell.Adangerousandcompetentman.Itwillgomuchsaferifheisoutoftheway.”
KouLinodded,onceagain.“Itshallbearranged.”
“Itmustbedonetonight.”
“Mr.Durellwillnotseethesunriseagain,”KouLipromised.
chapternineACOOLnightwindblewdownfromthenorthwesthillsandwashedawaythestiflingheatofday.Itrattledthefrondsofpalmtrees,rustledinthebougainvillaeavines,madeashutterbangerraticallyinthebungalowoccupiedbySarahStandishandtheS-5expedition.
Durell’sroomonthesecondfloorhadwidewindowsandaFrenchdoorwayopentotheverandathatcircledthreesidesofthehouse.Hehadcheckedthedoor,theverandawithitsBombaychairs,themoonlitlawnbelow.Hehadlockedthecommoncorridordoor,inspectedthehugewardrobecloset,lockedtheconnectingdoorfromthebathroomhesharedwithColonelK’Ayub.
HehadarrangedtosendoutacodedmessageforKSection’sinformation.AtfirstheconsideredtransmittingitbytelegraphtoDoneganinKarachi,thendecidednottotrustDoneganandusedthecableofficeneartheLiaqatGardenstorelaythecodedinquirytoHenryKallingerinIstanbul.KallingerwouldgetwhathewantedbyfurtherrelaytoWashington,ifhedidn’thaveitimmediatelyonhand,althoughDurelldoubtedthattheinformationwouldcatchupwithhimintimetobeuseful.WhatheaskedforwasanyinformationavailableonRedOboe.
Sarah,Rudi,AlessaandHanswereplayingbridgeinthebig,openlivingroombelow,whenDurellreturnedfromthecableoffice.Hewentquietlyuptohisroom,madehisroutinecheck,anddecidedthatwhatheneededwassleep.Hedidnotthinktherewouldbemanyopportunitiesforrestinthedaystocome.
Hesleptuneasily,dreaming.Thevoicesoftheothersdownstairsatthecardtabletouchedhimandsetoffnewdreamsofdistantplacesandpasttimes.Hewasinthebayouagain,atPecheRouge,aboyslippingthroughthemottledshadowsontheoldIndianchenieres,thosedike-likepathsthattwistedacrosstheblackwaterwayswherecypresskneesliftedinabstractformsandtheSpanishmossdrippeddownandbrushedthesurfaceofinkypoolsinsupplication.Hewasrunning,buthedidnotknowfromwhat.Hewasafraid.Moonlightshoneinpatternsofebonyandsilveronthegumtrees,andthecroakoffrogsandthesplashoffishandthestartledcryofabirdaccompaniedhim.Hefellfromthecheniereandslippedintodeepmudthatsuckedathisfeet,hisankles,hisknees,dragginghimhelplesslyintoblackmire.Someonecalledhisnamefromabove.Sam?Sam!ItwasagirlwithAlessa’sface,andherenormouseyeswereterrifiedandhetriedtoyelltohertoruntoBayouPecheRougeandescapetheswamp.Hewasdowntohishipsandthenhischestinthesuckingmud,andsomethinggruntedandsplashedinthewaternearbyandterrorcrawledlikecoldliceoverhisface.Hetriedtoholdhischinup,butthemudreachedaclammyhandoverhislipsandpinchedhisnostrils,andallatoncetherewasanexplosiveconvulsioninhischestastheairwascutoff.Hecouldn’tbreathe.Hethrashedout—
Heawokewithadacoitstranglingcordaroundhisneck.
Therewasnotimetothinkorquestionwhatwashappening.
Itwassimpleenough.Hewasbeingstrangledquicklyandsilentlyandexpertly.
Hisbody,hisscreaminglungsandshockednervoussystemmadehismuscleswritheandconvulse,answeringeverythingforhim.
Buttheonlyanswerwastogetairintohislungsagain.Inthatinstant,allhisthousandsofreflexes,memorycells,habitpatterns,likesanddislikes,pastregretsandfuturehopes,becamenothing.Hehadtobreathe.Nothingelse.Hewasadyingorganism,andherespondedwithblindinstinct,flailing,struggling,awareoftheswiftandterribleoutflowofstrengthandlifeinhim,thatcouldendeverythinginafewmoreseconds.
Heclawedatthecordaroundhisthroat.Througheyesthatrapidlylostfocus,hesawthemoonlitroom,heardtheefficientsilenceofthedeedagainsttheexplosivethunderofhisheart,sawthedimloomofthethinfiguregarbedinblack,beltedrobeanddirtytunic,archingoverhimonthebed.
Thecordcutdeepintohisflesh.Hecouldnotevengetafingernailunderit.Wrongtechnique,hethoughtdimly.Likefollowingthehandofacarniepitchmantodiverttheeyefromthepeaintheshellgame.Check.Uselesstofightthecord.Impossibletoreachthehandsthattwistedandheldit.Wasteoftime.ThentrywhattheytaughtyouattheFarm,inMaryland—thatmurderousschoolwherefriendturnedtofoewithasmileandhandshakethatlandedyoumercilesslyonthehardground,toteachyoutotrustnobody.Whereyouweretaughtanatomy,thesecretsoftheneutralcenters,theuseofhandandfinger,edgeofpalm,rollednewspaper,makingtheseinnocentobjectsintolethalweaponstostun,paralyze,kill.
Hearchedhisbody,bellyup,felldown,flexedhislegsandkickedatthedarkformbendingoverhim.Hisnakedfootcaughtthesideoftheman’sneck,butnotquiteright;theturbanedheadsnappedaside,aninstanttoosoon,makingtheblowofhisheelglanceoff.
Therewasn’tmuchtimeleftnow.Normuchstrength,either.
Hislungsshrieked,hismusclestrembled.Therewasaroaringinhisears.Oncemore.Theturbanedheadhadretreatedalittleincaution.Butnotquitefarenough.Itcouldbedone.
Now.
Heflexed,arched,doubled,kicked.Heknewatoncehisheelhadcaughttherightspotintheman’sneck,behindthemaxillaries,undertheear.Withthatblowyoucoulddislocatethejaw,rupturearteries,permanentlydeafen,andkill.
Thecordaroundhisneckfellloose.
Heheardthemanstumblingaway,andtherewasawildwhistleofairsuckedintohischest,andherolledasidetotheleft,felloffthebed,hittheflooronhandsandknees.Thecarpetrockedandheavedunderhim.Anotherbreath.Heheardanoisethatdidn’tsoundhumanandhetriedtocrawlaroundthebedwherethestranglerlay.TheothermanwastryingtodraghimselfoutthroughtheopenFrenchdoorstotheverandawherethenightdarknesswaited.
Durellpushedhimselfaroundthebed.Theothermanwashalfwaytotheveranda,sobbing.Hepaused,theairinhisthroatlikemoltenbrass,thenlurchedandstumbledforwardandfellontheblack-robedman.
Ahissingsoundcamefromthegapingmouth,afragmentofUrdu.“Amistake—sahib—inAllah’smercy—”
Underthelongtunicwasakhukriknife,curved,wickedlysharp.Durellpulleditfree.Herolledawayfromthemanandheldtheknifeathisthroatandsaid,“Bequiet,dog.”
Theroomsmelledoftheman’sfear.
Durellstoodupandleanedagainstthewallandsuckedinairinlong,measuredbreaths,waitingfortheroomtostopspinning.Theman’srouteofaccesswaseasy—fromwithinthegrounds.Acleverandcarefulman,dressedinblack,couldscalethecompoundwall,dropintotheshadowedgarden,climbthebougainvillaeatothesecond-floorveranda—Buthowhadhechosentherightroom?
Helookedatthemanwhoshudderedonthefloor,stillhalfparalyzedbyDurell’sblow.Itmightpasssoon—orthedamagecouldbepermanent.Durellfeltnosympathy.Herubbedhisthroatandwalkedbacktothebedandgothisgun,satdownandputonhisshoes,trousersandshirt.Thehousewasquiet.Thebridgegameandiceddrinksandquietconversationdownstairshadended.Theyhadallgonetosleep.Maybe.
Perhapssomeonewaswaitingtocomeintothisroomsoon,tofindhimdeadwithhisblacktonguestickingout,hiseyeslikeplumsinacongestedface.Someonewhohadtoldthestranglerwhichroomtochoose,whichwaywaseasiestoverthecompoundwall....
Evenashethoughtofit,staringdullyatthefigurethattwitchedonthefloor,someoneknockedsoftlyonthedoor.
Hegotupandwalkedtoit,keepinghisheadturnedtowardtheotherman.Hecouldbefaking,gatheringstrengthtostreaklikeafleeingsnakeouttotheverandaandovertherail,toescapeinthedarkshrubberybelow.
Hefacedthedoorpanel.“Yes?”hesaidquietly.
“Sam,areyouallright?”
ItwasAlessa’svoice,softbutworried.
Alessa?hethought.
Heturnedthebigbrasskey.“Comein,honey.”
“Iheardanoise,athumpinginhere.Theothersareasleep.Icouldn’trest,thinkingofallthedetailsofstartingtomorrowmorning—”
Sheslippedintotheroom.Herhairwaspaleandsleek,asilverycasquearoundhersmall,proudhead.Sheworeadarkskirt,aprintedsilk;blouse.Herhandtouchedhim.Hewishedthereweremorelightintheroom.Wasshesurprised?Dismayed?Orjustmildlyworriedatastrangesoundinthenight,assheimplied?
Thenshesawthemanonthefloorandsheclappedfingerstoheropenlips.“Oh—”
“Ihadavisitor,”Durellsaid.“Keepyourvoicedown,please.Idon’twanttowakentheothers.”
“Yourvoicesounds—”
“Hetriedtostrangleme.Classicsilkcordandall.Mythroatisabitsore.”
“Sam,Idon’tunderstand—”
“NeitherdoI—yet.Butwe’llseewhathehastosay,ifhecantalk.”
“ShallIcalltheColonel?Phonethepolice?”
“No.Ihaveafeelingthismightbesomethingpersonal.”
“Butyoucan’tjustforcehim—”
“Icandoanythingwithhim,”Durellsaid.“IfIhaveto,I’llkillhim.”
Hewalkedquietlytotheshiveringmanonthefloor.Theshiveringwasanervousreflex,aseriesofspasmsresultingfromDurell’sblow.Durellkneltandlookedattheman’sdark,uglyface.Heputhisguntotheman’sear.Itwasjustaface,hethought,likeseveralmillionsofotherfacesonthesubcontinent.Tobeboughtandsold,toliveanddie,tolieandlaugh,tospitandswallowandbreath.
“Canyouhearme?”hewhisperedinUrdu.
“Yes,Durellsahib—”
“Youknowmyname?”
“Iwastold.”
“Whotoldyoutokillme?”
Therewasnoanswer.Andhecouldnotforceananswerhere.“Getupandwalkwithme,”hesaid.
“Icannot.Thereisadevilshakingmybody—”
“Try,”Durellsaid.“Oryougostraighttohell.”Hepushedthegunmuzzleintotheman’sear.Themangotup.Hisbodyspasmed,andonearmhunglimp,andhedraggedonefoot.“Outside,”Durellsaid.
Alessasteppedforward.“Sam—”
“Youhadbettercomewithme,”hesaid.“Youshouldwatchthis.We’llgototheshedbehindthehouse.Itwillbeprivatethere.”
“IthinkIoughttocallK’Ayub.”
“Comewithme,”hesaidagain.
Shefollowed,herfaceblankasitsuddenlywasrevealedinaslashofmoonlighttheycrossedonthe
veranda.Durellstillfeltuncertainonhisfeet.Histhroatburned,andtherewasanacheinhischest.Hethrewthekhukriknifeovertherailingandhearditdropwithadryrustlinginthevinesthatgrewupthesideofthebungalow.Hepushedtheturbanedmantowardthewoodenstairwaythatleddowntothegardenterrace.Lightsshoneonthelawnfromsomeofthego-downsattherearoftheproperty,fiftyyardsaway.Ifanyguardspatrolledthegrounds,hedidnotseethem.
Noonewasinthewarehouseshed.Durellpushedthemanin,waitedforAlessa,andfollowedintothegloom.Ashaftofmoonlightguidedhim.Therewerethebulksofthetwotransporttrucksandjeepsloadedwithcanvasbalesofsuppliesthatevenincludedskisincaseanysnowprevailedinthemountains.Inthemoonlight,themansatwithhishandsflatonthedustyfloorbehindhim.Hiseyesrolledwithfear.“Howareyounamed?”Durellasked.
“Ali,sahib.”
“EveryoneisnamedAli,dog.”
“Itisagoodname.Myfathergaveittome.HewasnamedAli,too.AliHamadourji.”
“Whosentyoutome?”
“Shaib,hewillcutoutmytongueandfeedittothecrows.”
“Heisnothere,andIam,”Durellpointedout.“Youwillspeakthetruthtome.”
“Ihavenotevenbeenpaid,sahib!”themanmoaned.“Iwaspromisedonehundredrupees,butIhavenotseenoneannayet!”
“Killingisyourbusiness?”
“No,sahib,IswearbyAllah,Ihaveonlykilledtwoidolatersinmylife.”HereferredtoHindus.“Andthosewereinriotswhichcausedbloodtorunwild,likeariverinfloodtime—”
“Iamwaitingforyourtonguetorunlikeariver,too,”Durellsaid.Hekneltdownandpushedhisgunmuzzleunderman’sjawandforcedhisheadbackuntilthethroatwasstretchedandcordedunderthepressure.“Speaktome.Whohiredyou?”
“Icannottell!”themangasped.
“WasitRedOboe?”
“Idonotknowthisname.”
“Tellme!”
“Icannot—”
Durellhithimwiththegunbarrel,andwhenthemantriedtorollaway,scramblingonallfours.Durellusedhisfistandsmashedhimbackagainstthenearesttruckfender.Hehadnopity,rememberingthemomentofstranglinginhisbed.Themanfelltohiskneesandwhimpered.DurelllookedatAlessa.Her
facewaswhiteandstrained.
“Mustyoudothis?”shewhispered.
“Memsahib!”themangroaned.“Havemercy!”
“Thereisnomercy,”Durellsaid.Hehitthemanagain,harder,andheardasmallbonebreakintheman’snose.Bloodgushedfromhisnostrilsandhecoughedandchoked.“Whohiredyou?”
“InthebazaarofQissaKhani—”
Durellwaited.
“—intheStreetoftheStorytellers—”
“Iknowit.Tellmenofables,Ali.”
“IamemployedtherebyOmar,theStoryteller.Theoldman—everyoneknowshimonJehanistanLane.Irunerrandsforhim.Idoeverything.Heisaneviloldman.Hepromisedmeonehundredrupeestodothisterriblething,butIamanhonestmanandIdonotlikeit.Ihaveawife,sahib,andsixchildren,sixhungrylittleonesImustalwaysfeed—”
“Youarelying!”Durellsnapped.
“IswearbyAllah!ItwasOmarwhoorderedmetokillyou.”
Durellpaused.Ifheexertedmorepressure,themanwouldshriekandscreaminhysteria.ItwouldwakentheothersandbringColonelK’Ayubintoit.Buthewantedtotakecareofthismatteralone.Itwasnotmerepersonalprideoroutrageattheattemptmadeonhim.Hehadbeenselectedbyname,butmorethanthat,hetrustednoone,notK’AyuborAlessaorevenSarahStandish,whoseloveaffairwithRudivonBuhlenhadblindedhertonormalrealities.
Hefoundsomecordinoneofthetrucksandtieduptheturbanedman,lashingthewriststightly,thentheankles,thentakingmorecordtolashhimtotherearwheelintheshadowsoftheshed.Beforehefinishedhesearchedtheman,foundonlyafewcoins,apoliceidentitycardwiththenameAliHamadourjionit.Heputthembackandwalkedtothedooroftheshed.Alessamovedwithhim.Inthemoonlight,helookedathiswatch.Itwasonlyafewminutesbeforeeleven,tohissurprise.
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Alessaasked.
“IamgoingtotheQissaKhani.Thatstreetneversleeps.”
“Don’tyouthinkthepolice—”Shefrownedanxiously.
“You’recomingwithme.Itmaybedangerous,butI’dfeelsaferwithyouinsight,evenintheQissaKhani.Iwantnointerference.”
“Youdon’ttrustmetobequiethere?”
“No,”hesaid.
Thereweredancingboyswithbobbedhairwalkinghandinhandinthetwistedlanes,andfakirsandblindbeggars,one-leggedbeggarsandnakedbeggarsintheyellow-lighteddust.AradioinoneoftheArabtenementsspewedoutthelatesthate-hysteriapropagandafromCairo.AnotherradioplayedAmericanjazz,relayedfromtheEuropeanhotelsinKarachiorperhapsfromasfarawayasBombay.Camelsanddonkeysviedwiththesurginghumanitythatcrowdedthelanesbetweentheshops,wheregasolinelanternsaddedtothefragmentaryelectricstreet-lighting.Thesmellsofcoffee,curryandhidesfilledtheair.Aflutewailedsomewhere,candyvendorsmonotonouslyhawkedtheirwares.Alemon-drinksellerbobbedupinfrontofDurell,urgingadrinkfromthehugecopperjugonhisbentback.Hepouredthesweetish,stickyfluidfromalongspoutintoacuphetookfromhispocket,beforeDurellcouldwavehimaway.Themanhadoneeyeonly,theotherashriveled,puckeredsocket.Durellgavethemanacoinandturnedthedrinkovertoanakedurchintaggingathisheels.Hereflectedthateverythingwasforsalehere—livebirds,fortunes,bulletbelts,fruitsandeverydiversityofwomen.
Acoolwindfromthenorthernhillshadwashedawaytheday’sheat.IntheQissaKhani,hehadnodifficultyfindingOmar.ThemanheldforthinalaneofshopsnotfarfromtheteahouseofSwerjiHamad.Abovetheshopswereroomswithbalconieswherethebazaarmerchantslivedanddispensedtheirmoreprofitableproducts—stolengoods,opium,womenandbhang—theubiquitousderivativeofIndianhemp,whichissmoked,chewed,eateninsweetmeatsanddownedindrinksthroughoutthesub-continent.
Omar’soperationwasalittlemoreelaboratethanhiscompetitors,Durellnoted.Twomusicians,onewithahornandanotherwithagoat-skindrum,bangedoutear-splittingPathanmusicwhileagirloften,hereyesalreadyindicatingtrachoma,stampedoutamountaindanceinthedust.Thecrowdwasappreciative,throwingcoinstothemenandthechild.
Then,withashowman’sgesture,theoldmansteppedfromacurtaineddoorwayandthemusicstoppedashesettledtoasquattingpositiononadustypillow.Thedrummerwentaroundcollectingarupeefromeachspectator.
OmarwasthemostfamousoftheentertainersintheStreetofStorytellers.Theoldmanworeagreengownthataccentedhissallowfaceintheflickeringkerosenelamps.Hisstragglywhitebeardanddark,piercingeyesandsunkencheeksgavehimadiabolicalappearancethatheapparentlycultivated.AfatPunjabistoodbehindhim,studyingthecrowdwithcarefulimpassivity.
TheoldmanbeganwiththeusualglorificationofancientArabconquestsintheSind,wentontodiatribesagainsttheBritishandtheirmachinations—relayeddirectlybytheCairoradio,Durellthought—andforemphasis,theoldmanflourishedaglitteringdaggeranddroveitwithhatredintothegroundagainandagainbetweenhisfoldedlegs.Hisvoiceliftedandfell,grewsad,drippedvitriolichatred.Thecrowdlistenedwithraptattention.
Thenhebeganonhisspecialtalesoflongago,fablesofAlexandertheGreatandRoxana,thevirgindaughterofKingOxyartes.Thesumofhisnarrative,toldindetailwithmuchlewdemphasis,washowRoxanahadinducedtheGreekconquerortoswimnakedinapoolwithheronacoldnight,maddeningtheMacedonianwithherivorybody,herpomegranatebreasts,herhipsandloins,andhowAlexanderthencaughtachillandfeveranddiedasadirectresultofRoxana’splan.
“Thecrown!”someonemuttered.“Tellusofthecrown,oldman!”
Durelltriedtoseewhohadcalledforthestory,butthevoicehadcomefromthethickoftheaudience,andhecouldnotidentifyanyone.Morerupeeswerecollected,andDurellfeltAlessa’shandcloseonhisarmintightanticipation.
ThereweremanyembellishmentsaboutKingMahandra,sovereignovereightypurs,whohadbowedtotheconquerorfromtheWestandofferedafabulousransomforhiscitiesintheformofajeweledcrown.TherewasadescriptionofbraveXenos,theGreekzamindar,loyalcaptainofathousandinAlexander’sarmy,andhowonenightathiefslippedintoKingMahandra’spalaceandstolethecrownandfledintotheGilgitmountainsandbeyond,acrossthevalleyofKashmirandintothetoweringHimalayas.Xenosvolunteeredtofindandpunishthethiefandthetribesmenwhoshelteredhim,andwasorderedtomarchintothemountains.Xenosnevercameback.ItwassaidthatthegodswhoruledatthetimewereangryattheinvadersandshookthemountainsandtrappedtheGreeks,everymanofthethousand,andtheydiedofthirstandstarvationandcoldinablackvalleyespeciallycreatedforthembythegods,aftertheyhadsackedandtorturedthehilltribesandfoundthecrown.
Andeversince,Omarsaidsoftly,hissataniceyesglistening,theskullsofthehatedenemyrestinablackvoidsomewhereintheHimalayas,piledhighuponthegolden,flashingcrownofjewelsgivenbyKingMahandra.
Themusicofhornanddrumbeganatonce,whentheoldmanwhisperedtheendofhistale,andthemountaingirlreturnedtostampouthertribaldanceinthedustoftheQissaKhani.Theoldmaninthegreengownvanishedthroughthecurtaineddoorway,andthecrowddispersed.Alessawasfrowning.
“Issomethingwrong?”Durellasked“Iaminterestedinthecrown,”shesaid,uncertainly.“YouknowitismyonlyreasonforgoingbacktoS-5.TheantiquitiesdepartmentsofseveralEuropeanmuseumshavebackedmysearch.”
“Wasthereanythingnewintheoldman’stale?”
“ThestoryofRoxanaisanoldone,ofcourse,repeatedineverygeneration.Thesepeopleemphasizelocalpride,evenaftertwothousandyears.ButthestoryofXenos—”Shepaused.“I’vehearditbefore,exceptfortheblackvoidthattrappedtheGreeksandstillkeepsthemcaptiveupthereinthehills.That’sentirelynew.Itdoesn’treallymakesense.”
“Well,we’llaskOmarformoredetailsaboutit,”hesaid.Alessastillhesitated.“You’regoinginside?”
“That’swhatIcameherefor.”
“Butitmaybedangerous.”
“Sleepinginmyownbedwasdangerous,”Durellpointedout.“Itcan’tbeanyworse.”
“Idowanttoknowiftheoldmancantellusmorethanheputintohispublictale.It’salmostasifheknewwewerehere—”
“He’sprobablywaitinginthereforus,”Durellsaid.
Noonestoppedthemashepushedinsidethebeadedcurtaininthedoorway.ThePunjabiandthemusiciansandthemountaingirlkeptuptheirear-splittingentertainment.Therewasadimcorridor,thewallspaintedblue,andaMoorisharchattheendopeningintoatinygardenfurnishedwitharustyironVictorianbench,aplanktableunderascragglypalm.Thesurroundinghousestoweredfourandfivestorieshigh,makingthegardenawellofdarkness.Butenoughlightcamefromanoppositedoorwaytobeckonhimforward.Theoldmanstoodthere,bowing,hissmileoldandevil.“Welcome,doctormemsahib,”hesaidtoAlessa.“Itisanhonorthatyoucometoseeme.”
Alessashiveredslightly.“Youknowofme,Omar?”
“Yourfameisdeserved.Mineisnot.”TheoldmanlookedatDurell.“Andthisgentleman’sreputationisequaltohisdeeds.”
“Mydeedsarenotasbloodyasyours,”Durellsaid.
“Onemustlive.Omarhasstruggledallhislife,andinstruggleonelearnswisdom.”Theoldman’swhitebrowslifted.“YouhavedealtwithAli?”
“Hefailedyou.”
“ThenIhopeyouhavekilledhim.”
“Hewillbeturnedovertothepoliceorthemilitary.”
“Aliwasanexpert,”theoldmansaid.“Ifeelmuchrespectforyou.”
“Whoorderedyoutosendhimtome?”
“Iamanoldman,”Omarsighed.“Ihavedealtwithlifeasithascomemyway.Beingfullofyears,thankstoAllah,Ihavenotyetanydesiretoseetheend.ButifIansweredyourquestion,IwouldbeasdeadasAlibysunrise.”
“Onewayoranother,youwillbedead,oldman,”Durellsaid.“Now,orlater.”
“Youwouldnotharmahelplessoldman?”
“Iwillkillyou,ifitisnecessary.”
OmarlookedatAlessaandlickedhislips,likethequickflickofasnake’stongueoverablackened,reptilianmouth.Hebowedslightly.“Comeintomyhouse,please.”
“Youfirst,”Durellsaid.
Theroomsbeyondthelittlegardenweredecoratedwithrichsilkenhangings,brassplates,ancientSaracenarmor,jadevasesthatwouldhavegracedanyWesternmuseum.Therewasalowcouchinthesecondroom,andastheoldmansankdownonit;ayoungveiledArabgirlcameinsilentlyandtookoffOmar’sslippersandrubbedthegnarledoldfeetwithanoilypastetakenfromabrassjar.Anotheryoungwomancameinsilentlyandbroughtabrasssamovarandpouredsteamingtea.Therewererattanchairs,asmellofincense,adriftinghintofbhang;hewasn’tsure.Thegirlattheoldman’sfeetbegantochafe
andmassagetheskinnycalvesofOmar’slegs,workingupabovethebonykneesunderthegreengowntowardtheoldman’sthighs.Theoldmansmiledandpattedherhead.
“Notnow,mydear,”hesaidinArabic.
“Yes,father.”
Durellsaid,“Sheisyourdaughter?”asthegirlwentout.
“Ihavemanydaughters.Theyarekindtome.”OmarlookedatAlessawithbrooding,speculativeeyes.“YouarethedoctormemsahibwhowishestofindthecrownofAlexander?”
“Doyouhaveanyinformationmorethanyoutellthepublic?”
“Perhaps.Itcouldbeforsale.”
“Forhowmuch?”
Theoldmanshrugged.“Perhapsonlyforyourmercy,inexchangeformylife.Mr.Durellsayshewillkillme,becauseIcannottellhimwhowisheshisdeathenoughtohavemehireAli.”
“Thecrown,”Alessasaid,ignoringDurell.“Whatmoredoyouknowofit?Doesitstillexist?”
“Yes,doctormemsahib.Sotheysay.”
“Whosays?”
Omarshrugged.“Itissaid;thatisall.”
“Canitbefound?”
“Itisinanaccursedplace.ThePakhustiswouldnotgothere.Toenterthisplacebringsdeath.”
“Why?Whereisit?”
“ThereisacavethePakhustiscalltheCaveofaThousandSkulls.ItcanbeseenifonestandsonRoxana’sbreastandwatchesthesunonhergoldenbellyinthehoursofthemorning,”Omarsaid.
“Youspeakinriddles.”
“Icansaynomore.”
“Youcantellme,”Durellsaid,“whohiredyourmanAli.”“ItwasdirectedthatIsendhimtohisdestiny.”Omar’sblackeyesflickeredtoDurell.“AndIdidasIwasbidden.”“Whogivesamanlikeyouorderstodomurder?”“Whowishestodiebyhavingatonguethatwagstoomuch?”Theoldmanlaughedthinly.“Youcankillme,butyouknowIwouldnottalktoyou.Youarefoolish,likeallAmericans.Youareanimperialistspy,hereonamissionofcapitalisticespionage—”
“Cutoutthegarbage,”Durellsaid.“That’sfineforyourmobsinthestreet,towhipthemintoafrenzy
fortheglorificationofIslam.Butyouhavenogodandnopolitics,onlymoney,oldman.”
“Youmayspeakthetruth.”
“Howmuchwillloosenyourtongue?”
“TenthousandAmericandollars.”
“Ihaven’tgotthatmuch.”
“Canyougetit?”Omaraskedeagerly.
“Thereisn’tthatmuchtime.”
Omarsaid,“Thereisnomoretimeforyounow,sahib.”HiseyeslookedbeyondDurell.Durellturned.ThefatPunjabihadenteredtheroomfromthegarden.Hewasnotalone.Fromthedoorwaywherethegirlshadgone,twoArabsappeared.AnothermancameinbehindthePunjabi.Theywereallarmed.
Omarclappedhisbonyhands.
“Killtheman,”hesaid.
chaptertenDURELLignoredtheothersandjumpedfortheoldman.Omarshriekedandtriedtowriggleaway,rollingoverthesilk-coveredcouch.Hisflailingarmstruckalampvaseanditfellfromanivoryinlaidtaboretandshatteredonthetiledfloor.Durellcaughttheflailingarm,wrencheditaroundwithoutmercy,jumpedonthecouch,andhauledtheoldmanaroundinfrontofhim.
TherushofmencametoadeadhaltastheoldmansquawkedsomethinginArabic.KnivesglitteredinasemicirclearoundDurell.Hebackedaway,tryingtoreachAlessa.Butshestooddumb-struck,notrealizingthedangerinstayingapartfromhim.Ifhecouldreachherandusetheoldmantoshieldthemboth—
Omarwaslikearattlingbagofbonesinhisgrip,steadilyshriekingArabiccursesthatDurellignored.
“Alessa,getoverhere,”hecalledinEnglish.
Shelookeddazed.Unfortunately,thePunjabiunderstoodEnglish.Hisbigarmshotout,hisringedfingercaughtherwristandyankedhersprawlingacrosstheroom,awayfromDurell.Grinning,thefatmanputMsknifeatAlessa’sthroat.
Againtheroomwassilent.Oneoftheoillampsmadeafaintflutteringsound.ThePunjabi’sgrinshowedteethstainedbybeteljuice.
“ShallIkillthelady,Omar?”
Durellsqueezedalittleontheoldman’sneck.HecouldfeelthebrittlenessofancientbonesinOmar’sthroatandchest.
“Youwilldie,too,Omar,”hesaidsoftly.
“Iamreadytodie.”
“Tellhimtolettheladygo.”
“Iwillnot.Ifyoukillme,shedies.Youcannotpreventit.YouareanAmerican,andAmericansaresentimentalaboutwomen.YouwillnotletthePunjabikillher,eh?Nowletmego,orAdmidiwillslitherthroatasabutcherslaughtersalamb.”
Alessa’seyeswerehuge,terrified.Shewhispered,“I’msorry,Sam,Ididn’tthink—mymindwasonwhatOmarsaidaboutthecrown—”
Durellreleasedtheoldman.
Omarjumpedaway,gownflapping,andshriekedorderstothewaitingmen.Durellwasnotsurewhatmighthappen.HehadputAlessa’ssafetyabovehisown,andinhisbusinesstherewasnoroomforsentimentality.
ThePunjabipushedAlessatoOmar,whothrustherthroughthecurtaineddoorwayacrosstheroom.
TheothermensignedforDurelltofollow.Someonepushedhiminthebackandhestumbled,sawsomethingglitterabovehishead,descendinginaswift,brutalarc.Painexplodedinhim.Hewenttohisknees,wassurprisedtofindhimselfatthefootofastonestairway.OmarandAlessawerealreadyatthetop.TheoldmanturnedandcriedinUrdu,“Lethimlive!Weshallseewhotalks.Therewillbemanyrupeesforall!”
DurellwaspulledtohisfeetbyasweatyArab,whoswiftlytookhisgunfromhimandthenstabbedathiseyeswithboththumbs.Durellknewthetrick.Heducked,caughtonegrimywristandtwisted,heardbonessnaplikebrittlewood.TheArabscreamedinpain.DurellranupthestairsaftertheoldmanandAlessa.Hisonlyhopewastogettothegirlwherehecouldactindefensewithoutsacrificingher.ButthePunjabi,forallhisfat,caughtathislegandhauledhimback.Durellkickedwithhisfreefoot,butthenextmomenthewaspulleddown,strugglingagainstthevindictiveweightofOmar’smen.
Thenextmomentswereanightmare.
Helethimselfgolimpundertherainofblowsandkicks,thenfelthimselfliftedtohisfeetandshovedupthestairsbythePunjabi.Dimlightsshowedthewaythroughascentedapartment.AnArabwomaninblack,withtheprostitutesignonherrougedcheeks,shrankaway,tittering.Hewasinawarrenofcorridorsandsmall,crib-likerooms.Hereandthereadooropenedandamanlookedoutcautiously,thenhastilyslammedthedooragain.Onelargerroom,withatiledbalconyoverlookinganinnercourt,heldthreenakedwomensprawledinatangleuponcolorfulcushions,withanunmistakable,butanonymouswhiteman.Therewerelittlecriesandshrieks,arapiduntanglingoffleshyhipsandbuttocks,andthenDurellwashurriedonintoanothercorridor,downmoresteps,acrossavile-smellingalley,downanotherflightofsteps.
Adoorslammed.HeheardthePunjabigrunt,drawinapreparatorybreath,andthentherewasanexplosioninthebackofhishead,andDurellpitchedforwardintodarkness....
Hewasawareofthecoldfirst,andofatrickleofwateroverhisleftleg.Hedidnotopenhiseyesormove.Therewaspaininhisforeheadandanotherthatpulsedandebbedatthebaseofhisneck.HethoughtofOmarandthePunjabiandtasteddismaylikecopperymetalinthebackofhisthroat.Hehadmadeamistake,takingAlessaherewithhim;shehadbeenadangerfactor,hamperinghim.Buthecouldnothaveleftheratthebungalow,either,sincehecouldnottrusther.
Thethoughtofthegirlmadehimopenhiseyes.Buteverythingwasutterlydark.Therewasnothingtosee.Hetriedtositupagainstthepain,andbitbackagroanbetweenhisteeth.
“Oh,Sam—I’msoglad—”
Hespokehername,hisvoiceharsh.Herhandstouchedhisface,thenwithdrew.Hecouldnotseeher.
“Areyouallright?”heasked.
“Yes.”Shepaused.“Butwhattheydidtoyou—”
Hecouldseesomething,afterall—afaintyellowlineglimmeringintheblackness.Hecouldnotmake
itout,orguessitsdistancefromhim.Hetouchedhisjaw,feltcrustedbloodonhischeek,andtriedtofocusontheyellowline.Therewerenoreferencepointsinthedarkness.Hefelthisbody,wasastonishedtofindhewasstrippednaked.Itexplainedthechill.Whenhesatup,hefoundthefloorwassimplydankearth,withalittleoozeofwaterrunningacrosshislegs.Heshivered.Alessaputherarmaroundhim,andthescentofherskinwaslikesomethingfromanotherworld,fragrantandcivilized.Hetouchedhershoulder,herwaist.Shestillworeherskirtandblouse.Hisnakednessdidnottroubleher,apparently.
“HowlongwasIout?”heasked,speakingintodarkness.
“Ican’tguess.Aboutanhour,Ithink,”shewhispered.
“Areyousureyou’reallright?”
“Sofar.ButI’mafraidoftheoldman.”Shepausedforalongtime.“Whatkindofplacewasthat,wheretheytookusthrough.Withallthose—women?”
Hegrinned,andithurthisface.“AnArabwhorehouse.OurOmartheStorytellerisanenterprisingoldgentleman.”
“Hemakesmeshudder,”Alessasaid.
Hestoodup.Thelineofyellowfellfarbelowthelevelofhisvision.Hewalkedcarefullytowardit,anditturnedouttobeexactlyfoursteps.Hebumpedintoawoodendoor.Thelightcamefrombeyond,seepingunderthebottom.Hefeltthedooralloverwithhishands,tryingtoorienthimself.Thedoorhadironhinges,anironlock.Hefelthiswayalongthewalls,judgingthesizeoftheircell.Itwasabouttwelvebytwelve.HebumpedintoAlessaagain.Nowhiseyeshadadjustedtothegloom,utilizingthefaintglowfromunderthedoor.Hecouldmakeoutherfacedimly.
Shesaidawkwardly,“Theyleftyourclotheshere,Sam.”
“Where?”
Shehandedhimhisshirt,trousers,shoes.Forsomereason,hissocksweregone.Hesearchedforhiswalletandgun.Theyweregone,ofcourse.Fivethousandinexpensemoney,receiptedtoHenryKallinger.Hedidn’tworryaboutthat.Heregrettedthelossofhisgun.HisIDcardandpassportweremissing,too,ofcourse.
“Ishouldn’thaveinsistedyoucomewithme,Alessa.”
“It’sallright,”shesaidabstractedly.
“AreyoustillthinkingofwhattheoldmanmumbledaboutaCaveofaThousandSkulls,viewedfromthebreastofRoxana?”
Shemadeadeprecatingsound.“I’mafraiditstirredupmyimagination.IthinkIknowtheplace.”
“OnS-5?”
“OntheNorthPeak,whereBergmannwent.”
“We’vegototherthingstothinkabout,atthemoment.Howtogetoutofhere,forinstance.”
“Idon’tthinkit’spossible,”shesaid.
Buthehadtotry.Hemovedslowlyaroundthewalls,hisbodyrespondingslowlyfromthebruisesofhisbeating.Heignoredthepainandstudiedthecell.Ithadbrickwalls.Hetriedtojump,armextendedupward,tofeelfortheceiling.Hecouldnotreachit.Therewasnofurnitureinthecell,noscrapiron,nothinguseful.Hereturnedtothedoor,hisfeetsquelchinginthewetmudfloor.Pausing,hekneltandfeltthefloor,discoveringasmall,oozingstreamthatapparentlyseepedupfromunderground.Hewenttothedoorandconsideredthespaceunderit.Thewetearthextendedtotheveryedge.Atoncehebegantotracebackonthewettrickle,diggingachannelfromthecenterofthefloortowardthedoorway,gratefulthattherewasnostoneintheway.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Alessawhispered.
“Diggingout.”
“Butwehavenotools.”
“Ihavemyhands.Helpme.”
Theyknelttogetherandpulledawaythesoft,muckyearthfromtheareadirectlyunderthedoor,pushingitasidetomakeaslow,laboriousexcavation.Thethinlineofyellowlightimmediatelygrewbrighter,andhesawAlessamoreclearlynow.Therewasabruiseonherface,wheresomeonehadslappedher.Herbodykeptbumpingandbrushingagainsthimastheyworkedtogethertoscoopawaythewetmud.
Hereyesreflectedthepalelightfromunderthedoor.“Youlookatme,Sam,asif—”
Hesmiled.“Youdon’tlooklikeagirlwithadoctorateinancienthistory.It’sunusualforsomeoneasbeautifulasyoutospendyourlifeabsorbedinthedeadpast.”
“Itisn’tdeadforme.It’sbeenveryexciting,stimulating—”
“You’renotatalllikeRudi,areyou?Hehasareputationforchasingafterpleasure.”
“No,”shesaidshortly.“We’renotalike.”
“Hasn’tthereeverbeenamanforyou?”heaskedbluntly.
“I’vebeenbusyallmylife—studying,tryingtorecoupthefamilyfortune.Isupposeyouthinkthat’slikeanobsession.Itwas.”
“Doyoufeeldifferentlynow?”
“I’mnotsure.I’mconfused,andIdon’tlikeit,becauseIusuallyknowexactlywhatI’mdoing,andwhy.Factscanbedealtwith.Emotionsare—newtome.”Shepaused.“Amanlikeyouissomething
newtome.”
Hewentondigging.Shehadstopped,staringathimasshekneltbesidehim.Whatevershewasabouttoaddwasinterruptedbythesoundoffootstepsbeyondthethickdoortheyweretryingtotunnelunder.Durellsworesoftly.Thefootstepsdidnotgoby,ashehadhoped.Theyhalted,andakeyrattledinthelock.
Instantlyhewasup,motioningAlessatooneside,andflattenedagainstthewallbesidethedoorasitopenedThelightthatpouredintothecellseemedblindingnow.Omar’sold,quaveringvoicehadapeculiarechoingquality.
“Comeherewherewecanseeyou!Bothofyou!”
Durelldidnotstir.
Therewasamutteroforders.DurellrecognizedthePunjabi’svoiceinagreement.Aflashlightflickeredaroundthecell;butthoseoutsideweretoowarytostepinthroughthedoorway.Thelightdidnottouchtheshallowtrenchhehaddugjustinsidetheentrance.ThePunjabibegantoarguewiththeoldman.Thereseemedtobenoothersoutthere.Thentheoldmanmadeasnortofdisgustandsteppedin.
Hissandaledfootcamedownintheshallowtrench,threwhimoffbalance,andhestaggeredtowardDurellagainstthedarkwall.DurellwhippedanarmaroundhimandhurledhimasideasOmarbeganhisusualshrieking;hefeltthehardimpactofthePunjabiasthebigmanrushedin.HehopedAlessathistimewouldstayoutoftheway.ThePunjabihadalongknife,andhecouldnotreachtheother’swrist.Foramomenttheystruggledinthewettroughinsidethedoorway,slippinginthewetmud.ThePunjabi’sfistsluggedintohimagainandagain.Therewasnoescapefromthatpiledriver.Hewasnotinthebestofcondition,afterhisfirstbeating,andheknewatoncethestrugglewouldgoagainsthim.
“Enough!”hegasped.
ThePunjabithrewhimtothefloor,begantokickhim.Theoldmanstaggeredup,cursing.HisflashlightshoneonAlessa,inacorner.
“Ahmidi!Youknowwhattodo.”
“Yes,Omar.”
Thebigmangrinned.OmarhadDurell’sgun.Theoldmanlickedhisblacklips,hisopenmouthlikeanobsceneholeinhisface.AhmidiwenttoAlessaandpulledherawayfromthewall.Withhookedfingers,herippedoffherblouseandthenherskirt.Durellstartedup,wasquietedbyaslightgesturefromOmar’sgun.Heknew,lookingattheoldman’slasciviouseyes,thatOmarwouldkillhiminaninstantifheinterfered.
Alessastoodnaked,likeagoldenTeutonicstatue,herbodyexposedtotheoldman’sslow,rapinegaze.
“Itisgood,”theoldmanwhispered.Hesoundedchoked.“Shewilllearntowashmyfeetasmyotherdaughtersdo.”
CouragefoughtwithshockinAlessa’seyes.Herclothingmadeasmallheapontheflooratherfeet.
Herbodywasperfect,bathedintherelentlessglowofAhmidi’slight;shelookedstrongandproud.Herquickbreathingmadeherbreastsliftandfall.Thecellwassilent,atokenoftheperfectionofherbody.Shelookedstraightahead,sightlessly.Omarbrokethespellwithacackle.
“Yes,sheshallwashmyfeetuntilIamtiredofher,andthenshecanworkinthebordelloswithmyotherdaughters.Bringherclosertome,Ahmidi.”
ThePunjabipulledAlessatowardtheoldman.OmargaveAhmidithegun,reachedouttocaressandfondlethegirl’sfrozenbody.
Durelltriedagain.HewentforthePunjabi,knifeddownonthebrownwrist,andsentthegunspinningintothewetearthenfloorofthecell.ThePunjabigrunted,apparentlyannoyedbyDurell’spersistence.HespreadhisbigarmswidetocrushDurellinabearhug.Durellmovedinunderhimandsankafistintotheman’sbelly,droveinanother,liftedaleftfortheman’sastonishedface.Itconnectedsolidly.ThePunjabiwentdown,legssplayedwide,andtriedtorollaway.Durelljumpedforhim,andtheyrolledintothewettroughheandAlessahadduginthedoorway.HepushedthePunjabi’sheadintotheshallow,muddywater,facedown.Thebigmanwrithed,convulsed.Durellheldhisnoseandmouthunderthemud.HeheardOmarscreamingforhelp,andthensomeonespokefromabovehim.
“Itisnotnecessarytokillthisstupidman,myfriend.”Durelllookedupandsawtheround,beamingfaceofSwerjiHamad.Twootherevil-lookingmenwerebehindtheteahouseproprietor,watchingwithprofessionalinterest.
Durelleasedupalittle.ThePunjabigasped,choked,vomited.Durellrolledasideandfoundhisgunandpickeditup.Itwasmuddy,andhedidn’tthinkitwassafetofireitatthismoment.Buthepointeditateveryone.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”hegaspedtoSwerjiHamad.“QissaKhanihasathousandears.WeheardyouwereintroubledownhereinOmar’snestofrats,”thefatmansaidplacidly.
“Andyoucametohelp?”
“Naturally.Asquicklyaspossible.”
“Well,Icouldhavedonewithoutyou,finally.”
“Perhaps.Butyoumuststillfindthewayoutofthismaze.Omarhasmanythugsathiscommand.”
DurelllookedatAlessa.Intheglowoftheflashlights,shewasstooping,likeagolden,nakedgoddess,forher
clothing.Omarcoweredinacorner,whimperingcurses.Thelightswereturneddelicatelyasideasthegirldressed.
“Areyouallright,Alessa?”Durellasked.
“Ithinkso.Yes.”
“Thenlet’sgetoutofhere.”
SwerjiHamadneverforgotbusiness.“Itrustyouwilltakemyarrivalhereintoconsiderationwhenwesettleouraccount,Mr.Durell.”
“You’retoolate,Swerji.Omargotmywallet.”
ThefatmanturnedmildeyesonOmarandsaidsomethingtohisevil-lookingfollowers.OmarbabbledinreturnanddelvedunderhismuddygreenrobeandthrewDurell’swallettothecenterofthecell.Durellpickeditup.Allthemoneywasthere,withhisIDcardsandpassport.
“Let’sgo.”
“Notaswecame,”Swerjimurmured.“Therearetoomanymentoovercomethatway.Wisdomissometimesbetterthanbravery.Followme.Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.”
Theywentoutquietlyintothecorridor,turnedright,wentupaflightofstonesteps.DurellwalkedwithAlessa.Shewasshivering.Hereyesavoidedhim.Hewonderedifitwasshameathavingbeenstrippedbeforehiseyes.
SwerjiHamadledthemonadeviouspaththroughemptyrooms,downmoresteps,acrossacourtyard,upaladdertoaroof,downagainintoawell-likeshaftandthroughstorageroomsofcamelsaddles,rice,brassmanufacture,anopiumdeninwhichtheirpassagewashardlynotedbythemenandwomenonthelowstringbeds.Notoncedidtheycomeoutonastreet.AtlastSwerjipausedbeforeanotherdoor.
“YouwerelookingforErnstBergmann,Mr.Durell.Youragreementwasfortwothousanddollars,Americancash?”
“Fifteenhundred,”Durellsaid.“Itwasforthechart.”
“ItwasforMr.Bergmann,”Swerjiinsisted.
Durellwastootiredtoargue.“Allright.”
“Yourmanisinhere.Iamsorry.”
Durelllookedintothecell.Itsmelledofdeath.Hesawtheelderly,skeletaloldmanwiththebulletholeinhischestandtheskullexplodedbyasecondbulletinthebackofhishead.
“ThiswasBergmann?”heaskedquietly.
“Youhavemywordforit.Hehasbeendeadsomehours.Idonotknowwhodidthis,”Swerjitoldhim.“ThisplaceisaChineseinformationcenter,runbyKouLi,afamouspatriarchandagoodbusinessman.Histeahouseisprosperous.Wouldyouliketoquestionhim?”
“IwantBergmann’schart,”Durellsaid.
“KouLiheldthismanprisonerforthepastmonth,andquestionedhim.Thenyouarrivedinourcity,andBergmanniskilled.Itseemstome,”Swerjisaid,“thatBergmannwasfinallyinducedtotalkandthenwasexecuted,hisusefulnessover.Inthatcase,yourenemiesobtainedthemap.Butmypartofthe
bargain—”
“Getustothestreet,”Durellsaid.Alessa’sappearancealarmedhim.Buthemadeherlookatthedeadman.“IsthisBergmann?”
“Yes,”Alessawhispered.“ThiswasUncleErnst.”
SwerjiHamadwasnervous.“Perhapswehadbettergo.Thereisoneproblemleft.”
Theystoodjustwithinadoorwaytothestreetasthefatmanexplained.KouLi’smenwereintheouterstreet.Iftheywerespotted,theycouldneverescape.Iftheycouldgettothecorner,undercoverofsomeconfusion—
SwerjiHamadhadarrangedforitall.Later,Durellwouldhavechosensomeothertactictogetbythislasthurdle,butbythenthedamagewasdone,anditrestedonSwerji’sratherplasticconscience.Piercingthecriesofthehawkersandmerchantsonthecrowdedstreetofbazaarshopscameasingle,outragedshriekfromathinlittlemaninawhitesuitandfloppyPanamahat.
“Infidel!Unbeliever!DefilerofMoslemwomen!”
Anutterandcompletesilence,likethetickingofabomb,fellonthecrowdedscene.Theobjectofthesmallman’sragewasatall,thinHinduwhosefacedrainedofbloodandwhoseeyesabruptlyrolledinterror.Hetriedtowalkaroundthesmallerman,hisbackstiff,hisheaderect.Theothercaughthimbythearm,struckhimintheface.TheHindudidnothingtoretaliate.Hetriedtoleaveagain,andfoundhimselfsurroundedbyaclosepressofnear-hysterical,angrypeopleinthebazaar.
Thetensionsofpoverty,propaganda,centuries-oldhatredsandreligiousfanaticismsmadewhatfollowedalmostinevitable.TherewereotherHindusinthecrowd,tryingtoreachthebeleagueredman.Theireffortsonlyprovidedthesparkthattouchedofftheriot.Inamomenttherewereshrieksandcursesrisingtoacrescendo.Astoneflew.Ashotcracked.Amanwentdown,screaming,andwastrampledinthedirtunderfoot.Sticks,articlesofmerchandisewhippedthroughtheair.BeyondthedoorwaywhereDurellandthegirlcrouchedwithSwerjiHamad,thestreetturnedintoaraging,insanetorrentofpanic-strickenhumanity,eachmanandwomanfightingforsurvivalinthemindlessmassacrethatbegan.
“Nowwemaygo,”Swerjiwhispered.“Followcloselybehindme.”
“Youarrangedthis?”Durellaskedharshlyabovethetumult.
“Theyaremymen.Theywillmanagetogetaway.Inthedistraction,weshallescape,too.”
“Butthosepeoplearekilling—”
“Itistheirdestinytoloveandhateanddie.”Swerjiwasnotinterested.“Wemusthurry.”
TherewasnothingDurellcoulddo.HeheldAlessaclosetohim,slidingalongtheshop-frontsawayfromthecenterofthehumanvortex.ThefacesofthemobofmixedMoslemsandHindusreflected
racialandreligiouspanic,anhysteriathatcouldbeansweredonlybyexplosiveviolence.Fromfarawaycamethesoundofamilitarysiren,alwaysalertandprompttorespond.Butforthemoment,DurellwasconcernedonlywithgettingAlessaaway.
Amanwithabloodyfaceandagougedeyeranfulltiltintothem.Alessagasped,screamed,andDurellspunthemanaside,backtowardthemob.Hevanished,swallowedinastormoffistsandclubsandknives.Screamsandcursesfilledtheair.Smokefromafirebillowedoverthescene.
“Thisway,Durellsahib,”Swerjimuttered.
Theyreachedthehalfwaypointtothecorner.TheHinduandMoslemwhohadstartedtheriothadlongvanished.TherewasnosignofKouLi’smen.SwerjiHamadcursedandkickedasideabloodymanwhowastryingtocrawloutfromunderthetramplingfeetofthemob.Shotssounded,andmoresmokeswirledasthemilitarypolicearrived.Acarwaitedatthecorner.
“Getin,”Swerjigasped.“Getin,beforetheyturnonus.”
Durellglancedback.Thepolicewereswingingclubsandriflebuttsonthepanic-strickencrowd.Afewbodieslaysprawledinthenarrowlane,HinduandMoslemalike,victimsofvolcanicpassions.ThenSwerjipushedathim.
“Hurry,please.”
Theyleftthescenewithoutbeingchallenged.
Itwaspastmidnight.Thebazaarwasquietagain.InSwerjiHamad’soffice,Durellgavethefatmantwothousanddollarsfromhiswallet,mostlyforfuturegoodwill.Swerjiwashonestinthatrespect;hewouldrecognizetheunspokendebtonbothsides,andperhapsperformwithgreatercapacitythenexttimeaKSectionmancalleduponhim.
SwerjiHamadturnedhiscaranddriverovertoDurellandAlessa.Durellrejectedthedriver,saidhewouldtakethecarhimself.
“Youwillbesafenow,”thefatmanmurmured.“Theriotisover.Thesethingscanbeuseful,butmostdistressing.Weliveintroubledtimes,wheneverymanherefearshisneighbor,shoutsspyagainstanIndian,justastheIndiansmurderMoslemsinpanic.Onemustusethetoolsathand.Doyouunderstand?”
“Iunderstand,butIdidn’tlikeit,”Durellsaid.“Toomanypeoplewerehurt.”
“Well,youwillbesafenow,”thefatmansaid.“Donottroubleyourselfaboutmycar.Leaveitwhereveritisconvenient.Ishallgetitbackinthemorning.Mayyougoinpeace,Mr.Durell.”
“YoulearnednothingmoreaboutRedOboe?Orthechart?”
“HerrBergmannlefthisappointmentwithMr.JamesHowellattheU.S.I.S.officeinRegencyLaneandvanishedtwoblocksnorth,takenbyanunidentifiedtaxi,perhapsdirectlytoKouLi’splace.ThatisallIknow.”
“Thankyou,Swerji.Goinpeace.”
AlessawassilentasDurellhelpedherintothecaranddroveawayfromQissaKhani.Buthesensedthathersilencewasdifferentnow.
“I’msorryaboutBergmann,”hesaid.“Youwereveryfondofhim,weren’tyou?”
“RudiandIcalledhimuncle,althoughtherewasnorealrelationship,”shesaidinalowvoice.“Hisendwassougly,I—feelsick,betrayed—”
“Betrayed?”
“Perhapsthatisthewrongword.”
Shesatveryclosetohiminthelittlecar,andeverynowandthenhefeltanuncontrollabletremorgothroughher.HedrovetotheoldU.S.I.S.officeonRegencyLane,astreetofstoneVictorianbuildingsalmostacenturyold.Itwasquietanddeserted,relativelycleanandmodern.Policemenwereevidenttwocornersaway.Hedroveslowlyinthatdirection,consideringtheEuropeanshopsthatwendarkandshutteredatthishour.Anambulancestoodatthesecondcorner,andasmallcrowdhadgathered,keptfromthedoorwayofamusicshopbyarmedmilitarypatrols.ThebrokenwindowshowedseveralantiquePersianandChineseinstruments.ThenameonthebrokenglasswasGerman.
Durellstoppedthecarandspoketotheyoungsubalternincommand.ThePakistanispokeEnglishwithanOxfordaccent.
“Yes,sir,theproprietorwasshot.Aplaincaseofrobbery,sir.Hissafewasopened,yousee.”
“Thankyou,”Durellsaid.
Hereturnedthoughtfullytothecar.Itseemedprobable,inviewoftonight,thatthiswaswhereBergmannhadditchedhisgeologicalsurveychart—-withafellowcountryman.HewonderediftherewasanysignificancebetweenthemusicshopandthenameRedOboe.Hedecidedilmerelymightbecoincidence.
ButthefactremainedthatBergmann’schartwasnowinenemyhands.
chapterelevenTHEthugwhohadtriedtostranglehimhadescapedfromthewarehouse.Theropesstilllayaroundtherearwheelofthetruck,slashedbyaknife.DurellsentAlessaintothehouseandspokebrieflytoColonelK’Ayubaboutwhathadhappenedinthepastfewhours.K’AyubdidnotlookassoftasinKarachi.Hispale,ambereyeswereobjective,andhemerelynoddedandwentintothehousetotelephone.
Everyonewasaccountedfor.SarahStandishcamedownstairsinasilkChineserobe,herhairtousledfromsleep,butwearingherdefensive,horn-rimmedglasses.InanswertoDurell’squestion,shesaidflatly,“Ruditookmesightseeingafterthebridgegameended.Wewerealonetogetherforsometime,andhewasneveroutofmysight.”Sheadded,flushingfaintly.“Afterall,wewillbemarriedwhenwereturntoEurope.AmItogatherfromyourquestionsthatyoususpectoneofusofbetrayingourplans?”“PerhapsIjusthaveasuspiciousnature,”hesaid.“WouldyoumindifIaskedeveryonetopermitasearchoftheirpersonalbelongings.”
Sheflushedagain.“Yes,Iwouldmindit.”
“I’mafraidImustinsist.”
“Iforbidit,”shesaidflatly.“Youareallmyguests,andIwillsubmitnoonetosuchanembarrassment.”
“You’rebeingunreasonable,Sarah.”
Hervoicewascold.“Ihaveoftenbeenaccusedofthat,inmakingexecutivedecisionsforStandishNickel.MostbusinessmenseemtothinkIamincapableofrationalandintelligentbehavior—perhapsbecauseIamyoung,andawoman.IassureyouImakefewmistakes.Inthiscase,
[feelthattrustamongusisessentialifwearetosharedangerinafewdays.Iwillnotpermityoutoairyoursuspicions.”
“We’vegottohavethatmap,”heinsisted.
“Idisagreewithyouropinionthatitmaybehere.”
Therewasnoarguingwithherautocraticnature.Shesimply:urnedawayandwentupstairs,leavinghimwithherdecision.
HansSteicherhoveredlikeagranitemountainoverAlessa,hisfaceshockedathermud-streakedappearance,hismuteeyeshavingtoguessatwhathadhappenedtoher.ThelookhegaveDurellwasoneofhatredandoutragethathisgoddessmighthavebeeninamoment’sdanger.Hanssaidhehadnotbeenoutofthehouseatall.HehadmissedAlessa,thencheckedonDurell,anddiscoveredthembothgone.He’dhadacoupleofdrinksandturnedin.Durellthoughthelookedalittledrunk,anddangerous.
Whentheyweregone,hecalledKarachionthetelephone,givingDonegan’snumber.HedidnothavemuchfaithinDonegan,andhehadnoregretsatroutingthemanoutofbed.ButDonegan’ssleepiness
evaporatedwhenDurelltoldhimwhathewanted.
“Sure,we’vegotacoupleofradiomonitoringstationsupnorth,partoftheCENTROoutfit.ButmostofthemaredirectedacrossAfghanistan,topickupSovietstationsinKazanandtheKirghizRepublic.”
“TurnthemonSinkiangandTibet,wheretheChineseare.Seeifanythingspecialwentthroughthatwaytonight.”“Check.”Doneganseemedquickerandmoreefficient,nowthatSarah’ssafetywasnolongerhisresponsibility.“I’llcomebacktoyouinhalfanhour.”
Durellwentupstairstohisownroom.AservanthadstraightenedtherumpledbedandthewreckedfurniturefromhisstrugglewithOmar’sstrangler.Hestrippedoffhismuddyclothesandgotundertheantiquatedshower,stayingthereforfifteenminutes.Thewaterwasstilltepidfromthesun-heatedstoragetankontheroof.Hesoapedandtoweledvigorously,thenshaved,keepinghiswallet—whichstillheldthreethousandofHenryKallinger’smoney—inplainsightnexttohisgun.His.38neededattention,too.Hestrippedit,wipedmudfromthebarrel,andfromhisgriptookacanofsolventandoil,cleaningthemechanismuntilitshone.Hethrewawaythecartridgesthathadbeeninthechamberandreloadedwithfreshbullets.Thenheputthegunandhiswalletunderhispillow,checkedtheverandadoorsagain,andturnedoutthelight.
Inamoment,someoneknockedsoftlyonhisbedroomdoor.Hegotupandopenedit.Alessastoodthere,inapaleredrobe.
“MayIcomein?”
Heheldthedoorwideandshepassedhimandsatdownonthebedandshivered.Acoolwindcamethroughtheverandadoors,butitwasnotthatcool.Inthemoonlight,shelookedverypale,hereyesdefenseless.
“Youneedadrink,”hesaidquietly.
“I’vehadtwo.Nothinghappened.Itdoesn’thelp.”Whenhestartedtoputonthelight,shesaidquickly,“No,please.IthinkHansisinthegarden,watchingyourroom.”“Why?”
“Heisjealousofyou.”
“Hasheanyrealreason?”Durellasked.
Shefrownedslightly.“Hanshasbeeninlovewithmeforalongtime.Don’tbefooledbyhisinarticulatenature.WemetattheSorbonne,yearsago.He’swell-educated,intelligent.HesimplyprefersthephysicallifeofamountainguidetothesortofscholasticexistenceI’vechosen.”
“AreyouinlovewithHansSteicher?”Durellasked.
“Idon’tknow.Ican’tdecide.”
“Istillthinkyouneedadrink.”Hewatchedhershiveragainundertheredrobe.Inthemoonlightshelookedhalfnude,andhesuddenlyrememberedhowshehadlookedstrippedbeforethelecherousOmar.Hegotaflaskofbourbonfromhisbagandaglassfromthebathroomandcarriedthedrinkbacktoher.Shebroughtittoherlipswithbothhands.Heheardtheglassrattlefaintlyagainstherteeth.
“You’restillinastateofshock,”hesaidgently.“Youmustputwhathappenedtonightoutofyourmind.”
“HowcanI?PoorErnst!Whatahorribleendforhim!”“Allmenhavetodie,”Durellsaid.
“ForUncleErnst,itshouldhavebeeninafeatherbedintheTyrol,intheAlps.Notinthatterribleundergroundhole.”“Hewasastubbornandbraveman.”
“Soareyou,”shesaid.“AndifErnstcouldendlikethat,Ican’thelpfearingandwondering—”
“We’resafenow,”Durellsaid.“Atleast,fortonight.”“HowcanIeversleepagain?”shewhispered.“I’msocold—”
Atelephonerangsomewhereinthehouse.Thegirlsatrigidlyontheedgeofhisbed,watchinghim.Amomentlateraservantrappedsoftlyonthedoor.
“Mr.Durell?”
Hewentdownstairswiththemantoanswerthephone.SarahStandishhadcomedown,too.Herpalebrownhairlookeddisheveled,andtherewasalookabouthereyesasifshehadbeencrying.Butshestoodinprimpride,saying,“It’surgent,foryou.FromMr.Donegan,inKarachi.”
DurellnoddedandlistenedtoDonegan’sexcitedvoicerattleinthereceiver,alongwithnumerousfrying,cracklingnoises.
“Sam?Youwereright.IcheckedwithmonitorswehaveworkingwiththePakistanGovernmentupintheGilgitrange—pastwhereyouarenow.Theyreportedsomeclandestineradiotrafficincodefromthe’PindiareathatinterruptedtheroutinetransmissiontotheKazanstation.AChineseboywe’vegotbrokeitdownfast.An‘investigativepatrol’isurgentlyrequestedforAreaBH-21—anddollarstodoughnuts,that’sS-5.TheacknowledgmentcamebackontheChinesemilitarywavelength.You’regoingtohavetopushhardtogettherefirst.”
“Allright.HaveyoupassedthistothePakistanipeople?”“Notyet.Justgotthewordfromthemonitors,myself.”“Good.Ifwegoinfast,theremaybelesstroublethanifwealertthePakistanmilitaryandtheygoinuptherewithheavytroopmovements.Thatwillmeanmartiallawandmayholdusuptoolong.”
“It’srisky,though,justusingK’Ayub’spatrol.”
“What’simportantistomovefasterthananyoneelsenow.”
“Whateveryousay.”Doneganpaused.“Listen,Sam,I’mreallydamnedsorryaboutwhathappenedtoJaneKing.”“Notyourfault,”Durellsaid,andrangoff.
SarahStandishwaswaitingforhimupstairsintheairycorridorbetweenthebedrooms.Herscrubbedfacewassolemn,andshewasn’twearingherglasses.Hereyeswerewide,alovelygray,troubledbywhathadseemedtohimearliertohavecausedtears.
“Iknowsomethingratherdesperateisgoingon,”shesaid.“Butwe’releavingtomorrow,unlessyou’ve
placedsomeofficialobstaclesinourway.”
“No.Weleaverightonschedule,Sarah.”
“Good.I’llwanttotalktoyoutomorrow.Ihaveafewthingsonmymind,butI’msuretheycanwait.Weallneedsleeprightnow.Theguardhasbeendoubled,andI’msurewewon’tbedisturbedagain.”
“I’mgladofthat,”hesaiddrily.
Histonemadeherlookupwithsharpirritation.“AreyoustillangrybecauseIprotectedmyguestsagainstthesearchyoudemanded.”
“IthinkIunderstandhowyoufeel,”hesaid.
“Doyou?Iknowyoudon’tlikeme.Mostpeopledon’t;butIcan’thelpthat.Iknowyoudon’tcareforthejoboflookingafterme,either.Iwasrudeaboutitwhenwefirstmet,becauseIdidn’tliketheidea,either.”Shetriedtosmile,buthertensionmadeitafeeblegesture.“Can’twecallatrucebetweenus,Sam?”
Hewonderedwhatshereallymeant.“It’sfinewithme.”
“Good.I’mglad.Goodnight,then.”
Turning,shewalkeddownthecorridortoherownbedroom.Durellwaiteduntilherdoorclosed,thenwentintohisroom.Onlythemoonlightglowedsilverthroughtheverandadoorsinside.Heglancedfirstatthehuddleonhisbedunderthethinsheet,andwalkedtotheveranda.Aguardpatrolledthegardenatthefootofthebougainvillaeaclimbingthehouse.HewonderedwhereHanswas,andwhatthebigmanwasthinking.Notgoldenthoughts,hedecidedwryly.Heturnedbacktothebed.
Alessawaswaitingthere.Herarmsreachedouttotakehim.
“Sam?Hurry.”
“Everythingisquietnow,Alessa.”
“Makeitso,Sam.Makeitfineforme.Makemeforgetthathorribleoldmanandwhathewantedtodo.MakemeforgetpoorUncleErnst.”
Herbodywaswarm,tremblingagainsthimasheslidbesideher.Hefeltasmallwonder,butnosurprise.Therehadbeenaninevitabilityaboutthismomentfromthefirsttimetheylookedateachother,asifsomeirresistiblechemicalhadbondedtheminanurgencyhehadneverknownbefore.
Sheshivered,burrowingagainsthim,demandingthewarmthandsafetyofhislove,askingforassurancethatshewasstillaliveafterthecoldtouchofdeaththathadmissedthemtonight.
Thenshemadeasmallsound,drewback.
“Whatisit?”hewhispered.
“Iwantyoutoknow—therewasaboyonce,inParis—butyoumustbegentle.”Hefelttearsonhercheek,crushedagainsthischest.“AmIsoawful,really,towanttoforgetUncleErnst?”
“Youwon’tforgethim,”Durellsaid.“It’sjustfornow.”
“Yes.Fornow.”
Hefeltdetachedwhenhetookher,awareofacuriousobjectivity,asifpartofhimstoodasideandregardedtheirunionasasegmentofalargerpatternthatstillhoveredwithdangerousvaguenessinthebackofhismind,forminganearnesstodisaster,aunionwithcrueltyanddeath.
chaptertwelveTHEconvoyoftwotrucks,twojeeps,andastationwagonofequipmentthatincludedapowerfulmilitaryfieldradio,leftshortlyafterdawn.Themountaintroopersnumberedtwenty-fourmen,alltall,tough,rangymembersofK’Ayub’sFrontierRifles.Thedaywashotandclear.TheroadnorthfromRawalpindiwascrowdedwithtrafficforthefirsthour—Armytransports,bullockcartsploddingtheedgeofthefields,bicycles,mencarryingbundlesandbalesontheirshoulders.
TheoppressivemorningheatliftedastheywounduptowardthehillstationofMuree,themosthistoricoftheBritishmilitarypostsandsummerresorts,7,500feetabovesealevel.Alongtheroadwerericepaddiesflashinginthesun,thenterracedfarmsandmaizeandpotatoes,mud-housevillagesandthenhouseswiththatchedroofs.Inashorttimetheconvoyroaredthroughgrovesoflong-needledChielpinethatshelteredold-fashionedresorthotelsplacedatvantagepointsfortheviews.Thevillagestheypassedhadnarrowstreets,someofthembannedtoautotraffic.Ateightthousandfeettheroadbecametortuous,switchingbackandforthuptheterracedmountainsides,nowandthenwithaglimpseofthefarmountainsofKashmir,wheresnowlingeredonthepeakslikeanillusionintheclearAugustsky.
BeforeleavingRawalpindi,DurellhadcheckedwithK’Ayubaboutthepoliceinvestigationsoflastnight.Therewerenosignificantcluestothemurderofthemusicshopproprietor.Bergmann’sbodywasinthemorgue.Ahigh-poweredradiotransmitterhadbeenfoundinKouLi’steahouse,buttherewasnosignoftheChinese.Omar,too,hadvanished,butK’Ayubwasconfidentofanimminentarrest.Durellwasdubious.
“IfBergmanntoldthelocationofhissurveymap,anditwastakenfromthemusicshop,”hehadsaid,“thenthey’vegotthejumponus,Colonel.”
K’Ayubwassolemn.“Thenweshouldproceedtoourdestinationwithallpossiblespeed.”
“Ihavethefeelingthechartiswithsomeoneinourgroup,”Durellinsisted.“ButSarahStandishforbadeasearchlastnight.”
“Withsomewisdom,”K’Ayubsaid.“Ifsomeonehasthechart,itproceedswithus,doesitnot?WhenthetimecomesonS-5toresurveyBergmann’spath,wewilltakethenecessarystepstolearnthetruth.”
“Itmaybetoolatebythen,”Durellinsisted.
“Ifweholduptheconvoynow,theproceduresandformalitieswoulddelayustoolong,”K’Ayubpointedout.“I’msureyouseethat.”Hehadpaused.“Wewillproceedatonce,then.”
Atnoon,theystoppedforlunchatamountainhotelrunbyayoungSwisscoupleabovethevillageofRamathgali.DurellhadbeenridinginthesecondjeepwithAlessa,RudiandSarah.Acuriouslytautsilenceheldtheothers.ThedriverwasZalmadar,K’Ayub’sPathantrooper.Therehadbeennotroubleatthetwomilitarycheckpointsbelow.K’AyubrodeinthepointjeepwithHans,andthetwotruckloadsoftroopersandthestationwagonofsuppliesfollowed.
Therewerewoodcuttersweighingwoodonold-fashionedscalessuspendedfromatripodbesidetheroadbelowthehotel’sporch,andwomeninblackwashedclothesinanirrigationditchamongthepines.
Cigaretteandcandysellersinbrightskullcapspedaledbyonbicycles.Anotherhotel,glimpsedthroughthetrees,wasarelicofBritishdays,sinceitsportedacricketfieldandseveraltenniscourts.
AlessaaskedDurelltowalkbackintothepinestoseesomeoldBuddhistruinsnearby.Hewasfaintlyamusedbyherdeception.Shehadbeenwithdrawnallmorning,notmeetinghiseye,andhewouldhavepreferredafewmomentsalonewithSarah.HisglancecaughtHans’gloweringfeatureswhenAlessatouchedhisarm,andDurellwentalittlereluctantly.
Theruinswerehiddeninthepinesaboutfivehundredfeetabovethehotel.Theairwaswarm,pungentwiththeChieleneedles.Inonesunnycorneroftheruins,onaflat,mossyplatformofstone,somemensatsewingshirtswithhand-operatedmachines.TheylookedatDurellandthegirlwithpolite,reservedeyes,andkeptonworking.
“YoucanseeKashmirfromhere,”Alessasaid,pointingacrossthefleecysky.“AndthatwayaretheKarakorums.That’sthesummitofNangaParbat—26,650feethigh.”
Durelladmittedtheviewwasbreath-taking.FarbeyondwerethefamouspeaksofEverest,Kankenjunga,andAusten’sfamousAnnapurna.Alessaspokepedanticallyaboutthecrossroadinvasionrouteofempireshere.Persians,Greeks,WhiteHuns,MogulsandBritish,shesaid,usedthisroutetoconquerthepeople.ShetoldhimhowtheBuddhistscametodiePunjabandconvertedKingAsokatoBuddhismandhowthisareabecameoneofthegreatestseatsofEasternlearningandphilosophy.
“YoucanreadaboutitinthemanuscriptsofFahHian,aChineseBuddhistwhomadeapilgrimageherein400a.d.”Wildolivetreeshadrootedinthecracksofthemassivestoneruinswheretheystood.Nearbywasthemajorshrine,thestupa,intheformofamassiveBuddhistfigurewithacircularholeinthenavelwornsmoothbygenerationsofpilgrimsbeggingrelieffrominternalpains.Beyondseveralsmallerstupaswasachapelofredandblack,thenalongblockofmonasterycells,twostorieshigh,withbroadverandasabove.
AlessawentonasiflecturingattheSorbonne.“WhentheWhiteHunscamedownfromChina,ledbyToramanaandhishordes,mostofthesemonasteriesweredestroyed.Bytheseventhcentury,whenHsuanTsang,anotherChinesepilgrim,camethroughhere,mostofitwasdesolate,withonlyafewmonksstillattendingtheshrines.TheMoslemconquestofninehundredyearsagofinishedthejobofdestroyingBuddhistculturehere.”
Asmallboycamealong,sellingmangoes.Durellboughttwoastheywalkedtowardthemonasteryruins.“Youdidn’tbringmeheretolectureonhistoryIalreadyknow,didyou,Alessa?”
Shestaredatthedistant,soaringmountains.“I’msorry.Itisjustthatitisembarrassing,afterlastnight—”
“Thereisnoneedforthat.”
“But,yousee—Hansknowsaboutit.”
“How?”
“Idon’tknow,Sam.Butheisdangerous,sopossessivetowardme.Itisfrightening,Ithink.YetIam
fondofhim,andIamafraidforyou,becauseofhim.”Shestoopedandpluckedacinquefoilgrowinginagrassyareabetweenthestones.“There’ssomethingmore.Haveyounoticedthat
RudiandSarahwerequarrelingthismorning.Heisveryupsetbyherbehavior.”
“Heoughttobe,”Durellsaiddrily.“Wheneighthundredmillionturnscool,it’sreasonenoughtobeupset.”
“That’snotfair.Youdon’tlikeRudi,andyoustillthinkhehadsomethingtodowithpoorJaneKing’sdeath,don’tyou?”“Yes.Andmore.”
“Iwish—”Shepaused,bitherlip.“I’msorry.Mymindisreallyonlyonthecrown.Ican’tstopthinkingaboutwhatthatoldmansaidlastnight—thedirectionstoaCaveofaThousandSkulls.Doyouthinkhewaslying?”
“Perhaps.Maybehewasjuststallingwithsomemumbo-jumbountilhegotuswherehewantedus.”
Sheshiveredinthemountainair.“Youareprobablyright.Let’sgodown.Ithinktheothersmustbewaitingforus,bynow.”
ByafternoontheywereinthevalleyofSwat,theconvoymakinggoodtimealongatunnel-likeroadthroughtamarisktreeswhosebranchesmetinalacyboweroverhead.Here,wheretheBritishhadfoughtthewildPathantribes,wereanumberofrivers,mudvillageswithflocksofgeese,china-berrytrees,andanoccasionalgiantlizard.Theairwascooler.TwicetheconvoystoppedatsmallmosquesandtheMoslemguardswentintopraywhilethemullahchantedpassagesfromtheKoran.
Ateveningtheypulledintoasmallvillagenestledbelowahighridge,whereaborderpatrolpostandcheckpointwereestablished.Theroadhadimprovedagain,andtherewasevidenceofanenlightenedgovernmentinthesmallschoolsandclinicstheyhadseen.Buttherewasnofarmmachinery,andthefewtelephonesbelongedtothepoliceandmilitarystations.
ThelanguageherewasPushtu,andthepopulacefollowedtheSunni,ororthodoxMoslemcreed.Therewasastonehotelrunbyalean,dourSwatiinabeadedskullcap,andAjjarservants.Beyondthevillage,theroaddiminishedbetweentherockwallsofacanyonshadedwithbluespruce,silverfirandwalnuttrees.Therunningwatermadeaconstantmurmurinthebackground.
DurellwentwithColonelK’Ayubtothemilitarystationatoneendofthevillage.Itwasalow,fort-likebuildingofgraystone,withanimmaculatewhitefloorinthelargecommonroom.Rockpigeonsandroostersmadeasteadyburblingontheroof.K’Ayubspoketotheofficerincommand,LieutenantMungialAliKhan,athinmanwithafiercemustache.Intheradioroom,K’Ayubconsideredseveralcodedtransmissions.ItwasevidenttoDurellthatK’Ayubwasamanwhoreceivedmuchrespecthere.
“Thereisareportofearlysnowinoneofthepasses,”K’Ayubsaid.“Butitisonlyafewinches.Weshouldgetthrougheasily.”
“AnyChinesetroopmovements?”Durellasked.
“Someactivity,butwearenotsureofthedirectionoftheprobe.SomerefugeesriotedoverinKashmir,andthereisalwaysatrickleofTibetansoutoftheeast.Perhapsthepeoplespottedwerethesegroups.Theborderpatrolshavenothingelsetoreport.ConditionsonS-5arenormal,theysay.”K’Ayubflickedanotheroftheradioreports.“TherewasasmallrockslidenorthofLakeMohseri.Theroadwillendthereforus.Wewillhavetowalkinfromthatpoint.”
“Howfar?”
K’Ayubshrugged.“Almostthirtymiles.MymenandIcoulddoitinadayandnight,butthewomen—letuscountonthreedays.Itisadifficultclimbattheend.Thealtitudeisfifteenthousandfeet.Wehaveoxygenmasks,ofcourse,butwewillhavetocarryeverything—food,equipment,radios,tents.Iammainlyconcernedaboutthesnowreports.AndthereisnoradiocheckfromourpatrolnearMirandhabad.ThePakhustiradio,whichisreallyonlyahobbyoftheEmir’s,hasalsobeensilent.”
Thenextmorningwasgray,withaslightdrizzleseepingdownfromtheovercastsky.Theystartedearly.SarahrodeintheleadjeepwithK’AyubandHans.DurellremainedwithAlessaandRudi.Theroadclimbedsteadilythroughrockygorgesandacrosssmallplateauswherecreakingbullockcartsmadewayforthem.Thelandgrewwilderandmoredesolate,andthecoldrainandmistblottedoutthedistantKarakorumrange.Beforenoontheroaddegeneratedintoruttedtracksthatmadethevehiclesjoltandgroan.Lowgearwasalmostinconstantuse,andthewhineoftheenginesechoedbackandforthfromlimestonecliffs.TherewasanothermilitarycheckpointinaSujjervillage,onemoreatanaerie-likesettlementofKohistanis.Theairwasthinandsharp,andtherainhadanicysting.
AtthetopofthepassmarkingthefrontierofthePakhustiemirate,theconvoyhaltedforanhourtosaveoneofthetrucksthathadbrokendown.K’Ayub’smenleveredtherearwheelsoutfrombetweenthejumbledrocksthatpinnedthetruck.Theyatehere,cookingongasolinestovesthatsputterederraticallyatthehighaltitude.Therainstopped,andthescuddingcloudssuddenlyshreddedawayandrevealedthevalleyahead,betweentheloominghighpeaks.
DurellwalkedaheadwithSarahtolookdownatLakeMohseri.Acoldnorthwindblew,andthevisibilitybecamesharpandcrystalline.Thevalleywaslongandnarrow,thelakenestlingingrayishlightbetweenlongarmsofthemountains.Evenfromhereitwaspossibletoseeafewfishingboatsatthenearend,andafaint,jewel-likeglitteronthefarshoreindicatingthetownofMirandhabad.
Beyond,thevalleyliftedinanarrowgorgeandvanishedinatwistedjumbleofhogbacksandpeaks.
Sarahpointed.“There,that’stheCrownofAlexander,S-5.”
Thetwinpeaksfloatedmajestically,twoenormousupthrustsofrockcappedbysnowonthehigherslopes,withvastbattlementsofcliffsthatliftedinsheersplendorforthousandsoffeet,intotheclouds.Itwastoofartomakeoutdetails,butitssizewasawesomeforitsclarity.
“RudishowedmepicturesfromAlessa’scollection,”Sarahsaid.
“Youhaven’ttalkedmuchtoRudisinceweleft’Pindi,haveyou,Sarah?”heasked.
“No.We’veallbeensobusy.”
“Yousaidyouwantedtodiscusssomethingwithme,thenightbeforeweleft.”
“DidI?I’veforgotten,”shesaidshortly.
“Ifthere’ssomethingIshouldknow,letmehaveit.”
Butshewassilent,staringatthevistaofvalley,lake,anddistantprovincialtown.Sheworeridingbreechesandboots,afleece-linedjacketwithahoodthatcoveredherhair.Shewasn’twearingherglasses.Hercostumemadeherlookyounger,somehowmorevulnerable.Herealizedwithsomesurprisethatwithalittleeffort,Sarahcouldmakeherselfintoanextraordinarilyattractiveyoungwoman.Thechillwindcoloredhercheeks,andherlipswereslightlyparted,hereyesunguardedassheconsideredthemajesticview.Shemovedalittleclosertohim.Fromtheroadbehindthemcamethegruntingchantofthetrooperstryingtogetthetruckbackonthepath.
“Ican’tgetJaneoutofmymind,”shesaidsuddenly.“IfeelthatwhathappenedinKarachiwasreallyallmyfault.”“Youweretoughenoughaboutitwhenithappened.”
“Iknow.Butitwashabit,fromtheresponsibilitiesI’dliketoberidof.Don’tyouthinkI’dliketolivelikeeverybodyelse?”shedemandedfiercely.“Justtobeanonymous,withouteveryonestaring,orflatteringme,orthinkingwhattheycangetoutofme?I’vehadthatallmylife.It’smademedefensive,andIhopedthatRudi—”
Durellsaid,whenshebrokeoff,“WasRudiwithyouallthetime,thatlastafternoonandeveninginRawalpindi?”
“It’snotfairtoaskmethat.”
“Becauseyoulovehimandfeelloyalandshouldprotecthim?”
“I’veneverbeeninlovebefore.InSwitzerland,itwaslikeadream.Hetreatedme—well,justlikeanyothergirl.”
“Smartfellow,”Durellsaid.
“Doyouthinkhistechniquewasdeliberate?”
“Youhavetodecideaboutthat.Butwashewithyouallthatdayin‘Pindi,”
“No,”shewhispered.“Notallthetime.I’msickaboutit.”
“Wheredidhego?”
“Intheafternoonhesaidhewouldtakeanap.ButwhenIknockedonhisdooranhourlater,hewasn’tthere.Theservantssaidhe’dgoneintothecity.”
“Didhetellyouwherehe’dbeenwhenhecameback?”“Ididn’task.Ihadnoright.Imean,Ididn’twanthimtofeelIwasputtingaleashonhimevenbeforeweweremarried.Imean,IwantRuditoknowthatmymoneyleaveshimafreemaninallrespects,andIwouldn’tmakeanyselfishdemandsaboutanything.”
“DoyoustillplaytomarryhimwhenyoureturntoEurope?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Whatmakesyouuncertain?”
Butshecouldn’treply.Therewerefootstepsbehindthem,anditturnedouttobeRudi,tallandhandsomeandblond,withthecoldmountainwindblowinghislongstrandsofhairacrosshisflatforehead.Hecarriedarifle,borrowedfromoneofthetroopers,inthecrookofhisarm.
“Mydear,itisbestifyoudonotwanderawayfromeveryonelikethis.IknowHerrDurellissupposedtowatchoutforyou,butthatismyjob,too,isitnot?AndIthinkImaybemoredevotedtothetask.”Hissmilenevertouchedhiseyes.“Inanycase,oneoftheforwardtroopersreportsapartycomingupoutofthevalleytomeetusinthispass.Itisamilitarygroup,believedtobePakhustis.”
BehindRudiwasthebigfigureofHans.Whentheymovedbacktotheconvoy,RudiandHansturnedaside,talkingquietly.HansshotDurellamalevolentglanceasRudispokeearnestlytohim.SarahwentbacktoAlessa,andDurelljoinedColonelK’Ayub.
“Aboutonehundredmen,Ithink,”K’Ayubsaid,loweringhisglasses.“Theymaydisputeourpassage.Mirandha-badisunderournationalcontrol,butthesemountainpeopleguardtheirfreedomsfanatically.Theycanbequiteunpredictable.”
InafewmomentsDurellspottedthethinlineofmencomingupthecrestofthepasswheretheywaited.Theyweremountedontough,shaggy,littleMongolianponies.Theirsheepskincoatsandcapsweregreen,andallhadriflesrestingacrosstheirsaddlepommels.
“Ishallmeetwiththeircommander,”K’Ayubdecided.“Youcomewithme,Durell.Thereststayherewiththetrucks.”
Theyrodedowntheslopeinoneofthejeeps,withadozentrooperstrottingalongside.Thelonglineofdarkfigurescametoahalt,andasmallergroupspurredtheirshaggyponiesupthepasstowardK’Ayub.
ThecommanderofthePakhustiswasamanwithascarredandweatheredface,adroopingmustacheandbeard.Heworeakarakulcapandbandoliersofcartridgesacrosshismassivechest.HesalutedK’Ayub,dismounted,andspoketoorapidlyinPakhustiforDurelltofollow.K’Ayub’svoicewasnolongersoft.Hewasadifferentmaninthesemountains.
Therewasabriefexchange,andK’AyubturnedtoDurell.“TheEmirhasdirectedthesementoescortusacrossthevalleytoS-5,”hesaidinEnglish.“Hedoesthisasafriendly,co-operativegesture.”
“Doyoutrusthim?”
“No.”
“Thereareahundredofthem,andonlythirtyofus.”
“Yes.Itmakesmeuneasytohavethemridingourflanks.ButrejectionoftheirofferwillmeannoassistancethereafterfromthePakhustis.Theyhavealwaysbeendifficult.Itwouldbetiresometohave
tocampaignagainstthem,inthesemountains—andtheyareallbrotherMoslems,inanyevent.”
“Canyoumakesomeexcusetorefusetheoffer?”Durellasked.
“Yes,butthenwewillnotbepermittedinMirandhabad.”“Canwegoaroundthetown?”
“Itwillmeananothereighthoursofmarching.”
“Fairenough.Makeyourexcuses,then,”Durellsaid.K’AyubwentbacktothePakhusticommanderandspokebriefly.ThePakhustimadesoundsofobjection,gesturestowardhismountedmenmassedintheroadwaybelow.K’Ayubpointedupward.Thetroopersfromthetruckshadtakenuppositionsamongtherocksandsunlightglintedontheirgunbarrels.Themaninthekarakulcaplookedangry,scrubbedathislongmustache,andbegantoshout.K’Ayubspokeevenmoresoftly,buthisvoicewaslikepolishedsteel.HeturnedbacktoDurell.
“HesaystherearecertainlyChinesepatrolstothenorth.”
“Acrosstheborder?”
“Nomanknowswheretheborderisprecisely.TheEmir’sexcuseforofferinganescortistoprotectusfromtheChinese.Butitisdifficulttotellonesnakefromanother.Wecouldbemassacredinthenight.”
Durellnodded.“Tellhimwe’llgoaroundMirandhabad.”Therewassomemorediscussion.ThePakhusti’sfacewasangry,buthewheeledhisponyaround,shoutedtohismen,andtheygallopedawaydownthepasstowardtheshininglakeinthevalley,farbelow.
“Fromnowon,”K’Ayubsaidquietly,“wemustbeonthelookoutforsnipers.”
chapterthirteenBYNIGHTFALLtheyhadcircledthelakeandgoneasfarasthevehiclescouldtakethem.ThetwinpeaksofS-5seemednonearerinthesunsetlight.Thetrucksandjeepswereparkedinalevelareabelowsheercliffs,tentswerepitched,equipmentdistributed,andtheeveningmealcooked.K’Ayubwasbusyonthefieldradioforatime,thencametowhereDurellsatalonewithhisbackagainstalargegrayboulder.
“Ihaverequestedaerialreconnaissance,”K’Ayubsaidbriefly,“Butonlyifitcanappearasroutinepatrolling.Planesarenotmuchgoodinthisruggedterritory.”HelookedsharplyatDurell.“YouarestillconvincedthatsomeoneamongushasBergmann’schart?”
“I’msureofit.Butwe’llsoonknowthetruth,”Durellsaid,“unlesswe’reambushed.We’vebeenwatchedalltheway,today.Therearewatchersonthatridgerightnow.”Hepointedtotheeast.“I’vecaughtsomeflashesoflightupthere—probablyoffgunbarrels.”
“Itistobeexpected,”K’Ayubnodded.“TheyaretheEmir’smen.Theymaytrytodelayus,sinceMirandhabadisuncertainofitspoliticalaffiliation.TheChinesehavebeenflatteringtheEmirintomovingforautonomy,makinggreatpromisesforthefuture.”
“Ifeveryhourcounts,”Durellsaid,“weshouldmakeanightmarchtonight.Isthatpossible?”
AgainK’Ayubnodded.“Agoodidea.Butwemustbecareful.”
Theytoldnooneoftheplan,tokeepthecamplookingnormalintheswiftmountainnightfall.Picketswereposted,lampswerelighted.Thesurroundingdarkseemedvastandempty.Atmidnight,wheneveryonewasrested,K’Ayubsaid,theywouldquietlybreakcampandmarchtothenorth.Asix-hourleadbeforesunrisemightprovedecisive.
Durellturnedin,buthecouldnotsleep.Thepressureoftimeslippingawaymadetensionslidealonghisnerves.TherewasmoredangerfromwithinthecampthanfromthePakhustiswatchingfromthehigherridges.Theairwascold,breathingawarningofthesnowtheymightreachbydawnatthehigheraltitudes.Therewasnomoon,andthestarsreeledoverheadinacrispblacksky.Hesmokedacigarette,watchingthecampsleep,andthoughtofSarah’sloneliness.ShewasnotsodifferentfromAlessathere—Alessa,whosepreoccupationwiththepastwasacoverforherdesiretobelongsomewhere,torestoreheraristocraticfamilynametooneofimportance.Howstrongwasthisdriveinher?Hedidnotknow.Heknewonlythathecouldtrustnoone.
Atteno’clock,everyoneseemedtobeasleep.Hesmokedonemorecigarette,thenslidfromhissleepingbagandstoodupintheshadowofthenearesttent.AlessaandSarahsleptinthenextone.Hanswasalongmoundofshadowrolledinhisbagacrossthecampfire.HelookedforRudivonBuhlen,sawhimsleepingabouttenfeetfromthemountainguide.
Theirrucksacksandgearstoodneartheirindividualsleepingareas.Durellmovedsoftlyaroundthetent,carefulofthelooseshaleunderfoot.Rudi’srucksackwasnotfaraway.Hepaused,watchingtheman.Therewasasharpreportfromapieceofwoodinthedyingcampfire,andsparksflew;butRudididnotstir.
Durellkneltbesidehisbagandswiftlyundidthestrapstoexplorethecanvascompartments.Asidefromrations,anoxygenmaskthatfittedtwosmallcylindersbesidetherucksack,andchangesofsocksandlinen,hefoundnothing.Therewasacompass,aflashlight,asmalltransistorreceivingradio,aheavyenvelopecontainingRudi’spassportandidentificationpapers.Durelltooktheenvelopeandhelditsohecouldexamineitscontentsinthefirelight.
Passport,twolettersfromSarahwritteninNewYork,addressedtoRudiatCannes.Hedidnotreadthem.Aphoto,veryfaded,ofamaninaturtlenecksweaterwithlongpalehairandadefiantsmile,againsttheunmistakablebackgroundoftheBrandenbergGateinBerlin.ItwassignedinGermanwithaboldsignature—fromUncleFranztoLittleRudi—andaNaziswastikabanneragainstabuildingbackgroundidentifiedthetimethesnapshotwastaken,somewhereinthelate’30’s.Durellfrowned,tryingtoidentifytheman’sface.PerhapsonlytheresemblancetoRuditeasedhismemory.Buthethoughtnot.Hehadseenthisman’sphotographelsewhere,inKSection’sfiles,perhaps,orinsomefadeddossierinParis,attheDeuxiemeBureau’sheadquarters.Buthecouldnotbecertain.
TherewasnosignofBergmann’schartintherucksack.
Itdidn’tnecessarilymeananything.ItcouldbeonRudi’sperson.DurellfeltirritatedbytherestraintsplaceduponhimbothbyColonelK’AyubandSarah.Hestartedtorise—andsomethinggentlyprickedthenapeofhisneck.Ashadowhadfallenacrosshim,castbysomeonestandingbetweenhimandthefirelight.
“Youarecurious,Mr.Durell?”
ItwasRudi.Hehadnotbeeninhissleepingbag;thebaghadbeenmadeuptoimitatetheshapeofasleepingman.
Durellmovedcarefully.AlonghuntingknifewasinRudi’shand,andtheman’sfacewasinscrutable,shadowedbythedyingcampfire.
“Didyoufindanythinginteresting?”Rudiasked.
“WhoisUncleFranz?”
“Arelative.AmanImuchadmired.Butheisdead,longago.”Rudigesturedtotheopenrucksack.“Itrustyouaresatisfied?”
“Notquite.IthinkyouandIhavemuchtosettle.”
“Idonotknowwhatyoususpect,orwhatyoutalkabout.”
“Ithinkyoudo.Soonwewillcometoatimewhenyouwillbefrankaboutit.”
Rudiputhisknifeawayandsmiled.“Wearemenoftheworld,youandI.Weneednotbeenemies.YoustillsuspectmeinpoorlittleJaneKing’sdeath,doyounot?”Hisvoicehardenedsuddenly.“DidyouspeaktoSarahaboutit?Isthiswhyshehasbeenupsettoday?”
“WhatdidyoudowithBergmann’schart,Rudi?”
“YouthinkIhaveitinmybag?Youmustbeinsane.”
“Whatdidyoudowithit?”
“Youspeakinriddles.Ihavenothingmoretosay.”
Durellgaveitup.
Thecampseemedtosleepagain.Rudiwentbacktohissleepingbag.Durellreturnedtohisownandwaitedforhalfanhour.ThenhemovedtotherearofoneofthetrucksandpulledAlessa’srucksackfromthoseonthetailboard.Butheonlygotasfarasunbucklingthestraps,whenhewasagaininterrupted.ThistimeitwasSarahStandish.
“I’vebeenwatchingyou,Sam.”Shestoodfullyclothed,readyforthenightmarch.Herhairwastiedwithasmallribbon,andsheworeaquiltedjacketoverslacksandboots.“WhatareyoudoingwithAlessa’sthings?”
“LookingforBergmann’schart,”hesaidbluntly.“Idon’tknowifAlessahasit,butIthinkRudiknowswhereitis.Hemighthavegivenittoher.”
“Areyouaccusingmyfianceofbeingaspyoramurderer?”
Helookeddirectlyather.“Yes.Iam.”
Herfacewaspale,blank.HowmuchdidshereallyknowaboutJaneKing?Howmuchwasshewillingtooverlook?AwomanlikeSarah,inloveforthefirsttime,couldbeblindlyirrationaltoprotectwhatwouldseemmostprecioustoher.Hesaid,“Sarah,didRudigiveyouanythingtoholdforhim,lastnightin’Pindi?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“BeforeIgotbackfromQissaKhani—whenyouclaimedyouwerewithhimallthatday—didheturnsomethingovertoyouforsafekeeping?”
Shesaiddimly,“Hewasnotwithmeallthetime.Iliedtoyou,andIthinkyouknowwhy.”
“Allright.Didhegiveyouanenvelope,orachart?”
“Hegavemeapacketofmaps,yes,”shewhispered.“Didyouexaminethem?”
“No.”
“Wherearetheynow?”
ShegesturedtoAlessa’srucksack.“IgavethemtoAlessatoreturntoRudi.Icouldn’tspeaktohimaboutit,afteryou—afteryoutoldmewhatyoususpectedabouthim.Theymaystillbehere.”
“We’llsee,”Durellsaidgrimly.
Hervoicewasdull.“Sam,ifwhatyoususpectistrue—”“Ithinkyouknowitis,”hesaidharshly.“ButIthinkthereissomeoneelse—someonewhowasherein’PindiwhenAlessa,BergmannandHanscamedownoffS-5thefirsttime.SomeonewhoworkedwithRudibefore.It’stheonlyreasonIdon’tsteponyourfiancerightnow.”
Shesaidnothing,andheturnedangrilybacktoAlessa’srucksack.Butonceagainhewasinterrupted—thistimebyHans.Foracampthatseemedtobeasleep,hethoughtinfrustration,everyoneinitwasrestlessenough.
HansputahugehandonAlessa’spack.
“YouwillnottouchanythingthatbelongstoFrauleinAlessa,HerrDurell.”
“Ithoughtyouwereasleep,Hans.”
“IdonotsleepwhenAlessaisindanger.Weareallindangerhere.You,especially,HerrDurell.”
“Fromyou,Hans?”
Themanscowled;hisdeep-seteyesweresullenandangry.“Youhavetakensomethingfromme,Ithink,thatIwantedforalongtime.However,weshallseewhichofuscomesbackfromS-5.”
ButthenColonelK’Ayubstalkedovertothetruck.Durellgaveuphisefforttoexaminetheothers’belongings.K’Ayuborderedeveryonereadyforthemarch,toslipfromtheEmir’smentotheridgeabove.Hespokewithhardauthority.Whentheothersscattered,movingsilentlyinthestarlight,DurelltoldK’Ayubwhathehadtriedtodo.
Thecolonellookedgrave.“Ifsomeonehasthechartandittravelswithus,whatcanwecomplainof?He—orshe—willbealoneagainstusall.Wecanwatchandwait.MyonlymissionistoverifyHerrBergmann’sdiscoveryofnickelore,formygovernment.Ifsuccessful,asimpleradiomessagewillbringadivisionoftroopstoholdthefrontier.Suchamovewillnaturallybeconsideredanaggressiveactbyourneighborstothenorth.Andmygovernmentdoesnotwishtotweakthetiger’stailwithoutgoodcause.IftheflagsBergmannusedtomarktheoresitearestillthere,theinternationaldifficultieswillbeworththetrouble.Ourobjectivewillbetooccupytheareafirst,andIwillbrooknointerferenceinthisaim.”
“Yourgoalismine,too,”Durellagreed.“Butsomeoneamongusisatraitor—possiblytwo.”
“Thenletusgiveourenemieseverychancetoshowtheirintention.Thatismydecision,Mr.Durell.AndIamincommandhere.”
TheymarchedindoublefileupthegorgethatlednorthfromLakeMohseri.Theroutewasalwaysupward.AthinmoonarosetoshineonthetwinpeaksofS-5,soaringwithwhiteslopesagainstthenight.Aroughtrailprovidedclearfootingforthefirsttwohours.Thepinesgrewscrubby,andoftenthepartywasstrungoutforsomedistanceacrossexposedrockyslopes.Thewomendidnotcomplainatthe
forcedpace.NowandthenDurelldroppedbacktotalkwithoneortheother.
TherewasnosignofpursuitfromtheMirandhabadtroops.Lookingbackthroughanarrowdefile,Durellglimpsedthesheenofmoonlightonthedistantlakefarbelow.Afewminaretsgleamedsilveryinthestrangemountainlight.Thenagrowthofpineandscruboakcutofftheview,andhedidnotseeeitherthelakeorthetownagain.
HesatwithAlessaataten-minutebreakshortlybeforedawn.Shestaredstraightahead,refusingacigarette,huddledinherfleece-linedcoat,herfacepartlyhiddenunderthefoldsofherhood.
Shesaidabruptly,“Idonothavewhatyouwerelookingfor,Sam.IcannottellyouwhatIdidwithit.ThatnightinRawalpindigivesyounorighttoaskthatIbetrayanyone.”
“ThenyouknowsomethingthatmightbetrayRudi?”
“Ididnotsaythat.”
“Alessa,you’rethinkingthesamethingsIdo,aboutJaneKingandErnstBergmann,andwonderingifyourbrother—”
“No,”shesaidsharply.“Rudiisallthefamilylefttome.Hemustbeprotected—saved,ifyoulike.Whenyouspendyourlifeinhistory,youcometovalueasenseofcontinuityinman.Family,too,representssuchcontinuity.Thesurvivalofaname,abloodline,alwaysinthelastanalysisrestswiththeindividual.”
“Atanycost?Andeveniftheindividualisunworthy?”
“Icannotjudgethat.Isimplydenyyoursuspicions.Irefusetobelieveyouareright.”Sheturnedtolookathim.“Iamsorry,Sam,formanythings.ButyouandIaretoodifferent.”
Theten-minuterestperiodwasover.Theygotuptomarchagain.
Atdawnalightrainfellagain.Theystoppedforbreakfastinarocky,treelessareashroudedinmist.Tumbledpeaksloomedinvast,ghostlyshapesallaroundthem.Thewindbreathedofsnowandiceintheupperaltitudesahead.K’Ayub’smenquicklysetupcanvasshelters,peggedagainstasheerrockwallthatsoaredoutofsightinthecloudsabove.Othertroopersfannedoutaheadandtothereartocoverthelineofmarch.
TheyhadlostthePakhustis,itseemed,bythesimpleruseofthenightmarch.ThenZalmadar,K’Ayub’sPathanservant,returnedfromscoutingthetrailahead,speakingearnestlytothecolonel.
K’AyubturnedtoDurell.“Wehaveaproblemahead.Thetrailgoesdownasheerrockfaceamiletothenorth.Zalmadarsaysthatdynamitechargesweresetoffsometimeagoanddestroyedthepathcutintotherock.Wecannotgoaroundit.Ourrouteoffersnoalternatives.ButperhapsHansSteichercanshowushowtobridgethegap.”
“Anysignofwhosabotagedthetrail?”Durellasked.
K’Ayubshrugged.“TheEmir’smen—orperhapsaChinesepatrol—althoughthisisprettyfarovertheborder,evenforthem.”
Theywentaheadtolookatthetrail.Thegorgethatcutacrosstheirwayhadtobedescendedandthenclimbedontheotherside.Thepaththatleddownwasshatteredinseveralplaces,withgapsofmorethantwentyfeetacross.Belowwasasheerdropofhundredsoffeet.
Hansknewhisbusiness.Fromhispackhetookahandfulofsteelspikesandahammerandbegantoclimbacrossthefirstgaplikeahugeflyclingingtoanimpossiblerockface.Withthehammer,hedroveinthespikesatregularintervals.Yetitseemedinevitablethathewouldslipandfall.DurellstoodbesideAlessaonthepath,watching.Herfacewaspale,watchingthebigman,hereyesneverleavinghislaboredprogress.
Bycarefullyselectingsmallcracksinthestonefaceanddrivinghomeaseriesofpitonsashandgrips,thebigmanswungacrossthefirstgapinamatteroftwentyminutes.Hewavedtothem,wentondownthenarrowpathtothenext,andwentthroughthesameprocedure,trailingtheclimbingropebehindhimtofashionaseriesofsafetyholds.Therainincreased,andthewindthunderedinviolencearoundtherockpinnacles.Thetrooperswaited,withZalmadarbelayingHans’climbingropeattheedgeofthegorge.Finally,HansSteichersignalledtheotherstofollow.
Thecolonelwentfirst,usingthenylonline,hislegsoccasionallydanglingoverthedizzydropbelow.Hemadeitwithwhatseemedtobecomparativeease.Halfthetroopersthenfollowed.RudiandSarahStandishwentnext,andDurellwasinterestedtoseethatSarahshowednofear.Alessa,afineclimberinherownright,coveredthestretchofperilouspathinafew,easymoments.
Durellfollowed.
Thefirstgapwasn’tdifficult,usingthepitons.Andthesecond.Onthethird,closetotheend,oneofthespikessuddenlyrippedfreeofthecrumblinggneissandhedroppedviolentlyintospace.
Evenashefell,hewhippedthenylonropearoundhiswrist.TheotherendwasbelayedbyHans,whohadstoodonmonolithicstrengthtoanchorthepassageoftheothersacrosstheabyss.Durellswunginashort,savagearcagainstthebrinkattheotherendofthepath;hetwisted,gothislegsupandflexedhiskneestobreaktheimpactwithhisbootedfeet.Thenylonropestretched,bouncinghimbackinaspin.Themistyskyandwetrocksfarbelowturnedgiddilyunderhim.Painshotthroughhisarmandshoulder.Helookedup,turninghelplesslyontherope.Someofthetrooperswereshoutinginalarm.Theirvoiceshadacurious,echoingqualityinthemistychasm.HesawtheheadsofK’AyubandAlessapeeringdownathim.HelookedatHansSteicher.
Thebigmanwasbraced,holdingtheclimbingaxehehadjammedintotheyieldinggneisstobelaytheropethatkeptDurellfromdroppingtohisdeath.Therewasnoslackening.Thelinecouldhavebeenanchoredinsteel,asHansbegantopullhimup.
Itwasalaboriouseffort,withquickdisasterwaitingforanyslip.Durellcaughtagripwithhislefthandonthelineandslowlywalkedhiswayuptheroughfaceofthecliff.Hanspulledatthesametime,allowingnoslackintherope.Theman’sfacewasgrim.ItseemedforeverbeforeDurelllookedoverthetopedgeofthepaththatwashisgoal.K’Ayubreacheddownandofferedahand.HeshookhisheadandhauledagainandHansgaveonemoreheavethatbroughthiskneesandthenhisbootedfeetontosolid
groundagain.
DurelldrewadeepbreathandlookedintoHans’eyes.
“Thankyou.”
Hanswasunsmiling,hisenmitystillunabated.“Nexttime,”hesaidsoftly,“Imaynotbeabletobelayintime.Perhapsyouwillfallagain—later.”
Nooneelseheardtheremark.Wasitathreat?Durellwondered.Apromiseofdestructionlater,whenitwassafertoaccomplish?Hedidnotknow.Hewalkedon,tojointheothers.
Theypausedforanhourontheoppositesideofthegorge,thenmarchedonallday,withregularhaltsforrest.Theraindidnotstop,excepttogivewayinthelateafternoontoacold,penetratingfogthatseemedtocrawlrightintotheirparkas.OncetheycametoasmallvillageofHunzasandwereferriedacrossarushingtributaryoftheIndusonanancientwoodenbarge.Theycampedthatnightatastupa,asmallBuddhafigure,centuriesold,erectedlongagobytravelersonthetrailtheyfollowed.Buttherewerenorecentofferingsinevidenceattheshrine.
Theseconddaytheascentwasanaverageof40degrees,asteadyclimbthatdemandedlongtraversingtechniques,moreferryingacrossicyglacialstreams,andoncetheyfashionedaropehandrailtofordasmallerriver,wadingchest-deepinthefrigidwatermeltedfromtheiceofthemountainsahead.Theycampedagaininanabandonedmonasterythatseemedlikeamiracleinthestonywilderness.Nofireswerepermittednow.Theyatecoldrations,usedtheirsleepingbagsonthestonefloorofthecrumblingBuddhistbuilding.K’Ayubsetouthisroutinepickets.Theyallsleptinahuddleonthecoldcommonflooroftheruins.
Thenextdaytheyreachedthefirstsnow.Itwasafootormorethick,lyingunmeltedintheperpetualnorthshadowofagiantmonoliththatsoaredseveralthousandfeetabovetheirheads.Theyputoncrampons,metalplateswithsharpcleatswornontheirbootsforbetterfooting,andunsheathedtheiriceaxes.Zalmadaractedasleadman,pokingaheadonreconnaissancewithhisaxeorapole,probingforcrevasses.Inthemorningtheytraversedalong,steepslope,movingdiagonallyacrossthelessermountain.Traversingwasaspecialtechniquethatdemandedtheanklesbebentoutward,sothatyourbodyremainedverticalwhileyourfeetassumedthesameangleasthesnow.Itwasatemptationonanysteepslopetoleaninward,whichwasasurewaytoguaranteeaslip.Beyondthesnowslopewasaseriesofsmoothiceledges.HereHansusedhistubularicepitons,drivingthehollowmetalspikesintotheicewheretheyfrozesolidlyandmadearopeascentpossible.K’Ayub’smenweretireless,uncomplaining.Bynoontheovercastliftedandgavethemtheirfirsttrueglimpseofthewild,tumbledmountainsthatsoaredaroundthem.
Theywereinalong,shallowvalley,freeofsnowagain,betweentwotoweringrangesofpeaksthatendedinacoldirectlyahead,wherethetwinsummitsofS-5blockedtheirway.FartothewestinthevalleywasanotherHunzavillage,anoasisofterracedgreenagainstthegrayandbrownandwhiteofthemountains.Mistyinthedistance,thetoweringKarakorumsloomedagainstthesky.Incontrasttothosemoredistantpeaks,S-5lookedrelativelysmallforwhichDurellfeltmildlygrateful.Yethenotedthesnowfieldsincold,lavenderblanketsalongthenorthandeasternshouldersofthetwinpeaks.And
upthere,inthatvastemptystillness,nothingseemedtoloveorlive.
SarahStandishpointedtothepeaks,herfaceflushedwiththecold,halfhiddenunderthehoodofherparka.“Howfardoyouthinkitis?”sheasked.
“Fifteen—eighteenmiles,”Durelltoldher.“Wemayreachitbynoontomorrow.”
Shelookedbackwardalongtheirtrail.“Ihavetheoddestfeelingthatwe’rebeingwatchedallthetime.”
“It’squiteprobable.”
“Inever—Ididn’tthinkitwouldbelikethis.”Shemadeavaguegesturewithherglovedhands.“So—empty.”
“Doyouregretcomingwithus?”
“No.WhyshouldI?”
“YouandRudihavequarreled,haven’tyou?”
Shedidn’treply.
“Ithinkyoushouldtellmeaboutit,”Durellurged.“It’snotwisetokeepsecretsfromtherestofusuphere.”
“It’spurelyapersonalmatter,”shemurmured.
Themarchwasresumed.Thebriefnoondaysunyieldedtoathinovercastthatwasdrivenacrosstheskybyasoutheasterlywind.Theairfeltcolder.Thethinatmospheretendedtoexhaustthemquickerthanthedaybefore.
Byfouro’clockthewindwashowling,andhugeplumesofsnowdriftedinraggedshredsfromthepeaksaroundthem.Thesnowcamedownuponthemwitharush,blottingouteverything.
Campwasmadealittleearlierasaprematuredarknessfell.Itwastoodangeroustoproceedinthesnowinthenighthours.Thistimetherewasnoruinedmonasterytoshelterthem,andthetentswentupagain.
DurellsharedatentwithK’Ayub.Foranhouraftertheirdinner,helistenedtothewindandthehissofhard-driveniceparticlesaroundthetentflaps.Thepressureofthestormincreasedsteadily,thewindshriekingandthreateningtotearthetenttoshreds.Everyhour,thecolonelgotupandpatrolledthesite,spoketohismen,checkedthesentries.Heseemedtireless,calmandefficient,inhiselementuphere.
Durelldozedrestlessly.Once,itseemed,heheardsomeonecryout,andhesatupandgotoutofthesleepingbag.Theoillampinthetentwasturnedlow.Ashestood,KAyubcamebackin,dustedwithsnow,andliftedinquiringeyes.
“IthoughtIheardsomething,”Durellsaid.
“Itisonlythisaccursedwind.”
“Iseverythingsecure?”
“Zalmadarsaysthesnowwillendsoon,andtomorrowwillbewarm.”
“Let’shopeso.”
Buthesleptuneasilyfortherestofthenight.
Thecampwasastiratdawn.Cookingfireswerepermittedinthethinairat12,000feetelevation,andthesmellofcoffeefilledtheair.Thesnowstormhadended.Theskywasclear.Durelldressedinthewool-linedmountainoutfit,fastenedhisboots,andwalkedtothenearestcampfirewhereAlessawaspouringcoffee.
“Goodmorning.”
Shelookedathimquickly,thenturnedaway.SincethenightinRawalpindi,sheseemedafraidtomeethisgaze.Hanshoveredinthebackgroundatthenextcookfire,buthewasstaringofftothenorth,attheloomingpeaksofS-5,theirgoal.Thesnowglitteredeverywhere,onlyafewinchesdeep,withmanyclearedspotsaheadalongasharpridgethatliftedtotheshouldersofthefabledmountain.Tothewestandnorth,themightyKarakorumsloomedasanimpregnablewall,castingbackbrilliantsunlight.
DurelltookacupofcoffeefromAlessa.“Isn’tRudiupyet?”
Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tseenhim.”
Helookedfurtheraroundthecamp.“AndSarah?”
“Ihaven’tseenher,either,”Alessasaid.
DurellwalkedtowardSarah’stent,thenturnedandlookedbackattheblondegirl.“Sarahsharedthistentwithyou,didn’tshe?”
“ShewasgonewhenIgotup,”Alessasaidquietly.
“Gone?”
“Ihaven’tseenherorRudithismorning.”
Hisalarmcameinaswift,angrysurgethatbrokeindismayoverthebright,promisingmorning.Hewentquicklytothegirls’tent,knockedonthepole,liftedtheflap.Thetwosleepingbagswereempty.HeturnedandwalkedtoHans,whocrouchedatthefireandwashedhismesskitinthelight,crunchysnow.
“WhereisHerrvonBuhlen?”Durellasked.
Hanslookedathimwithhisusualblank,stonyface.“Ihavenotseenhim.Heisgoneaway,Ithink.”
“Where?”
Hansshrugged.“Itishisownbusiness,perhaps.”
IttookonlyfiveminutesforDurellandK’Ayubtoprovethedismayingfact.TherewasnosigninthecampofRudiorSarah.Theirrucksacksandequipmentweremissing.Somefoodhadbeentakenfromthecommonpacks.Onthesnow-fieldbehindthemtherewerenofootsteps,notraceofwhichdirectiontheyhadtaken.Itcouldonlymeanonething.
Sometimeduringthenight,whileitwasstillsnowinghardenoughtocovertheirtracks,RudiandSarahhaddeliberatelyleftthecamp.
Theyweremissing.
chapterfourteenATEIGHTo’clockthatmorningthesnowfieldschangedcolorfrompalelavendertoadazzling,blindingwhitethatdemandedsnowglasses.K’AyubcameoutofhisradiotentandnoddedtoDurell.
“IhavesentZalmadarandfourothermenbackalongyesterday’strailafterMissStandishandHerrvonBuhlen.Theyhavejustreported,bytheirwalkie-talkie.ItispossibletheyareheadingforMirandhabad.”
“Alone?”
“Therewasnosignofviolence.”ThePakistaniwascalm.“AsfarasIcandetermine,theyleftusoftheirownfreewill.SergeantZalmadarwilldeterminethat.”
Durellwasangry.“SarahStandishismyresponsibility.Myjobistomakesuresheremainssafe.YoushouldhaveletmeknowyouweresendingZalmadarafterher;I’dhavegonealong.”
“Iamsorry.Icannotpermitthat.Iunderstandyourquandary—youmustprotectMissStandish,andalsoverifythediscoveryofnickelonS-5.Icannotconcernmyself,however,withwhichismoreimportanttoyou.Itismyjudgmentthatthosetwoleftuswillingly.Ifshewasmisledorhoodwinked—”K’Ayubshrugged.Hisvoicewashard.“ImustgoontoS-5.Itisonlyahalf-day’smarchfromhere.AndIhavebeengettingradioreports.TwoTibetanrefugeespickedupbyourfrontierpostsreportedsomeChineseprobingactivityinthemountainsbeyondS-5.Ithinkspeedisvital.IpleadedwithKarachitosendadivisionhereimmediately,howeverthePakhustismightresentit.Butnomovewillbemadeuntilthenickelisverified.Ihavetakenitonmyselftosurveytheroadwaytothispoint—twoofmymenareengineers—andifminingdevelopmentpromises,itmustbeconsideredasapracticalmeasure.”
“IthinkSarahStandishisingravedanger,”Durellinsisted.
“Icannotspareguidestoaccompanyyou.AndIwillneedyouonS-5.Itismydecision,Mr.Durell,thatyoucomeaheadwithus.Morethanadecision.Itisanorder.Afterall,thelifeofonewoman—”
“Amostimportantwoman,”Durellinsisted.
K’Ayub’sshrugwasindifferent.TohisMoslemmind,noneofSarah’swealthorinfluenceraisedhertoanequalscalewithanyman.Hislynxeyeswereadamant.Hewasgoingon.
DurelllookedatAlessa,thenatthepeaksahead.K’Ayubwasincommand.HerefusedtosendmoremenafterSarah,deniedDurellpermissiontogoalone.SergeantZalmadarwasbig,toughandcompetent.ThePathanwouldtravelfast,perhapsovertakeSarahandRudibeforetheycouldreachMirandhabad.Hehadnochoice.Theyhadtogoon.
Thelastfivehoursofthemarchwerethemostdifficult.BynoontheywereonthelowershouldersofthesouthernpeakofS-5.Oneveryhorizon,theoutlookwasdesolate,asalienasalunarlandscape.Durellcouldseethevast,domeshapedthrustofrockonthesouthernpeakthatAlessaidentifiedasRoxana’sBreast.Theoldman,Omar,inthebazaarofQissaKhani,hadmentionedit,andhesensedagrowingexcitementinAlessaastheytoiledupwardtotheirgoal.Herfacewasflushed,hereyesbright
with-anticipation.NotoncedidshementionRudiorSarah.
“DoyouthinkOmartoldusthetruth?”sheasked.“IbelieveIknowtheexactspothementioned,fromwherewemightgetaclueabouttheNorthPeak.PoorUncleErnstwenttherealone,interestedbysomeunusualfaulthehadglimpsed.ButIgatherthelighthastobejustright.Oh,ifwecanfindit!IfthereisaCaveofaThousandSkulls,itwillverifyallmyresearch.Icouldwriteseveralpapersonitfor—”
“Takeiteasy,”Durellsuggested.“We’renotthereyet.”
Shelookedupathim,herexcitementdashed.“YouareworriedaboutSarah?”
“Aren’tyou?”
“IamsurethatRudicantakecareofher.Heisanexcellentclimber.ItseemstomethatperhapstheyhadasuddenimpulsetoabandontheclimbandgotoMirandhabad—perhapstobemarriedthere.Whynot?”
“Thenwhynottellus,orleavea,note?”
“Rudihasalwaysbeenimpulsive,unpredictable.Perhapstheyweretogetherlastnight,andfelttooimpatienttowaitlonger—”
“Didyouhearherleaveyourtentlastnight?”
“Iwasfastasleep.Butifshewastakenbyforce,I’msureI’dhavebeenwakenedbyanycommotion.ThatiswhyIamnotconcerned.SarahwentwillinglywithRudi.”
“Alessa,listentome—RudihasErnstBergmann’schart,hasn’the?”
Hereyeshardened.“Icannotbelievethat.IfIdid,thenIwouldalsohavetobelievethatRudikilledErnst.Icannotacceptit.”
“MaybeK’Ayubsenthissergeantoffinthewrongdirection,”Durellsaid.Hestaredatthesunlightontheslopeabove.“MaybeRudipushedonaheadofus.”
“Whyshouldhedothat?”
“TofindBergmann’sflagsfirst.ToradiotheChinese.”
“Butthatwouldbetreasonous,”Alessawhispered.
“Exactly,”Durellsaid.
Shelefthimabruptly,andthereafterwalkedbesideHans.
Thewindwhistledcoldlyacrossthebleak,rockyslopes.Nowandthenthesnowblewinhard,icyparticlesthatscratchedtheirfaces.Theangleofascentincreased,andHansreconnoitredthewayahead
withcare.Climbingropesweretheruleoftheday,andtheirprogresswasslowerthantheyhadhoped.Inthethinsnowcover,Alessafoundtracesoftheoriginalencampmentshemadeonherfirstexpeditionhere.ItwaslateafternoonwhenK’Ayubannouncedtheywouldmakecampforthenight.
TherewasnothingspecialtobeseenonthepinnacleoftheNorthPeak.Itlookeddesolate,separatedfromthembyadeepvalleythatliftedinaseriesofsteepledgestoatumbledpeakthreemilesawayandtwothousandfeethigher.Becauseofthefailinglight,nodetailswerediscernible.Alessastaredthroughfieldglassesforlongmoments,thenloweredthemindisappointment.
“Iseenothingunusual.Omarmusthavebeenlying.”
“Didn’thesayaboutlookingforthespotinthemorninglight?”
Shebitherlip.“Therecannotbeanythingoverthere.”
Durelltookherglassesandstudiedthetantalizingpeak.Itwasempty,barren,savage—theendoftheworld.Inthedarkshadowsthatmantledtheeasternslope,therewerefewdetailstobeseen.ButifBergmannhadplantedpennantsonhisclimbingwandstomarkhisdiscovery,surelytheywouldshowupagainstthethincrustofsnow.Buthesawnothing.
Thenasmallblackspotmoved,infinitelytiny,andvanished.
Hewasnotsurehehadseenit.
Hewatchedtheplaceforlongmoments.
Anotherspot.Andathird.
Thentheywereallgone.
Three,hehadcounted.Nottwo,whichmighthavemeantSarahandRudihadgoneahead,butthree.Perhapsmore.Hewatched,buttherewasnothingelse.Thelightchangedthesnowtodarkpurpleasthesunwentdownbehindthesavagewesternpeaks.Theairgrewcolderatonce.Hisfingerswerenumbfromholdingtheglassestohiseyes.
HewalkedovertoColonelK’Ayubandmentionedwhathehadseen.K’Ayubwasimpassive.Heorderedadoubleguardforthenight.
Noonesleptmuchduringthehoursofdarkness.
Inthemorning,withthesunfullonthefaceoftheNorthPeak,therewerestillnodetailstobeseenexceptthenaturalravagesoferosionandavalanches.Itwaswarmer,andmuchofthesnowevaporatedinthethin,dryair.Nofireswerepermittedforbreakfast.
K’AyubconsultedwithAlessaanddecidedtowaitforthechanginglighttoverify,ifpossible,Omar’sstoryofacavemouthbeingvisiblefromwheretheystood.Thehoursdragged.Againandagain,Durellscannedtheominouspeak.Hedidnotseeanyfurthermovementthere.
Atnoonprecisely,theyscannedthecliffsaheadforanythingunusual.Noonespoke.Thelightonthe
mountainbrightened,faded,andbrightenedagain.Severalreddishstreakssuddenlyglowedasthesunlightplayedonthecliffs.Therewereonlyafewpalecloudsinthesky.Inthesilence,theycouldhearthedistantthunderofthewind,therumbleofarockslidesomewhere.Theairvibratedwithvast,primevalpressures.
“Oh,”Alessawhispered.
“Whatisit?”
“IthinkIsawit—waitamoment.”
Shestudiedthemountainagain,throughherfieldglasses.Durelltriedtospotthepreciseareashewatched.Thefaceofthecliffseemedsheerandsolidupthere.Awispofcloudmadeashadowcrossthedistantrock,meltingalldetailinthemonolith.Thenthesunshonebrightlyagain.
HesawitatthesamemomentAlessaspokeagain.
“Ernstspokeofafault—arockslide—thathappenedsomeyearsagooverthere.”
“Thatdarkstreak?”Durellasked.
“Yes.”Alessawastautwithexcitement.“Seetheshaleatthebottomofthebankofrubble,likeacol?Isitasplitintherock,orjustadiscoloration?”
Hansrumbled.“Itwillbedifficulttoapproach,Alessa.”
“Butwemusttry!”shecried.
Anotherminutewentby.Thenitwascertain.Theoldslidehadexposedanaturalfissure,agiantchimneyfaultthatseemedtogofarbackintothefaceofthehugeledge.Fromthisdistanceandperspective,itwaspossibletospotitonlywhenthesunstruckitatthisangle.Evenastheywatched,thelightchangedandthefaceofthecliffflowedtogethertohidethedarkfissurethathadbeenevidentamomentago.
Hanshadtakenacompassbearingonit.
“Letusgo.Itwillbeahardclimb,toreachitbeforedark.”
Alessa’seyesshone.“Oh,ifthecrownofAlexanderishiddensomewhereoverthere!”
Durellwondered.Hewassuresomethingwaitedforthemonthatdistantpeak.Hethoughtofthetinydarkmovementshehadseentheeveningbefore.WhattheymightfindonS-5mightnotbepleasant.
Thelightsnowhadevaporatedfromthepaththeyhadtotake.Thedescentintothevalleybetweenthetwosummitswastricky,theupwardclimbovertheseriesofhugeledgesexhausting.Nowtherewasnothingtobeseeninthefaceofthecliff.Itloomedinshadow,thesunhiddenbehindthesoaringmountaintopabove.
Twice,K’AyubhaltedforradiotransmissionswithotherPakistanfrontierposts.Thesecondtime,hepackedthegeargrimly.
“NoanswerfromJunnam,”hesaid.
“IsthatthepostthatreportedChinesetroopmovements?”Durellasked.
“Yes.Weshouldhurry.”
Intheend,theirgoalwassuddenlyvisibleandeasilyaccessible.Arockslidehadtobeclimbed,scaledbyHansfirst,whobelayedropesfortheotherstoascendafterhiminrapidorder.Atthetopwasasmallplateauslantinguptothetumbleofdebrisatthebase,ofthenextgiantledge.
Ahigh,narrowfissureledinfromtheshalethathadpoureddownthefaceofthemountain,andsomethingredflutteredfeeblyinthewindattheopening.
“ItisoneofErnst’sflags!”Alessacalled.
Shestartedtorunforward,scramblinguptheshallowslope,onlytobehaltedbyasharpcommandfromColonelK’Ayub.ThePakistaniwaswaryofatrap,althoughnothingwasinsight.Hesenttwoarmedmenforwardtoscram-Bleupthecrumblygneisstotheopeningintherockwall,whiletheotherswaited.Theminutesseemedinterminable.Then,forwhatseemedanevenlongertime,thetwotroopersvanishedintothenarrowcleftabove.
Theycameoutmovingbackward,facingthedarkfissure.
K’Ayubcalleduptothem.Onemanturned,andhisvoicewassmallagainstthevastmountainside.Hesignalledfortheresttocomeup.
Alessa,DurellandHanswereamongthefirsttoreachthenarrowopening.Thetroopers,burdenedwithequipment,werealittleslower.Thetwoscoutsstillstoodandstaredintothedarknessbetweentherock.
“Itisacave,Durellsahib,”oneofthemsaid.“TheCaveofaThousandSkulls.”
“Didyougoin?”heaskedsharply.
“Onlyafewsteps.Itisanunholyplace.Azahadaflashlight,buthedroppedit.Itisnotafitplacefordecentmen.”
K’Ayubarrivedandcalledforelectrictorchesfromthepackscarriedbyhismen.Thefirsttwotrooperswerereluctanttoenterthefissureagain.AlessapickedupBergmann’swandandthelittlescrapofredflagattachedtoit.Thewindhadshreddedthebitofclothinthemonthsinceithadbeendrivenwithitspoleintotheground.
“Wearethefirsthere,”Alessaexulted.“Otherwise,wouldanenemyhaveleftthistoguideus?Bergmannsaidheleftthreeflagsandacairntomarktheoredeposit.Canitbetheoreisinthecave,withthecrownitself?”
“Bergmannnevermentionedfindingthecrown,didhe?”Durellasked.
“No,hedidn’t.”
“Wouldhehavekeptsuchinformationtohimself,Alessa?”
Shelookedcrestfallen,frowning.“No.ButUncleErnstwasnotinterestedinanythingbutgeologicalformations.”
Thelanternshadbeenbroughtup.Durell,HansandAlessawentinside,withK’Ayubastepbehind.Almostimmediately,withinthefissure,thelightgrewdim.Highoverhead,threeorfourhundredfeetup,thenarrowcrackofrockshowedtheafternoonsky,likeajaggedtongueofbrightnessabovethem,shiningonthenextshelfhigherup.Thefissurenarrowedrapidlyforthefirstfiftysteps,thenformedasharpleftturn.Rubbleslidoutunderfoot,andeachstephadtobechosenwithcare.Asecondraggedredflagonathinwillowwand,inbetterconditionthanthefirst,markedtheturn.
Thescrapofblueskyvanishedfromoverhead.Thefissurewasbecomingacave,wideningatthebottom,withtherockwallsleaningtowardeachotheratthetopandloweringtoformacavernceiling.Thebatterylanternswerenecessarynow.Afewmoresteps,andthethirdflagandthecairn,asAlessapromised,wasfound.
Asmalltinboxwasatopthecairn.K’Ayubwentuptoit,drewadeepbreath,andatanodfromAlessa,openedit.Ithadnotbeenlocked.Insidewerefoldedpapers,anotebook,afewrocksamples.ThewritingwasinGerman,andthecolonelturneditovertoDurell.Thenotesconfirmedthefindingofnickeldepositsandpromisedavarietyofothermineralfindsinthearea.
ItwaswhatK’Ayubhadcomeherefor.
“Wehavefoundtheplace,”K’Ayubsaidheavily.
“Itlookslikeit,”Durellsaid.
“Thereisnoneedtogofarther,then.”Thecolonelshowedsomeuneasinessatbeinginhere.Theairheldthechillofcenturieswherethesunneverpenetrated.DurellsawAlessashiver,andHans,besideher,liftedhisarmasiftoholdher;butthebigmancheckedthesolicitousmove.
K’Ayubwenton,“wemustgetoutaradiosignalthatoursearchhasbeensuccessful.WecannotdoubtBergmann’snotesorthevalidityofhisoresamples,orthatthisistheplacehetookthemfrom.Karachiwillsendupateamofgeologistsandanarmedescortandengineers.Itwillbeagreathelptomycountry,tohaveaminingdevelopmenthere.”Helookedattheblackwallsclosingthemin.“Theradiowillnotworkinthisplace.Letusgoback,outside.”
“Wait,”Durellsaid.HewaswatchingAlessa.“Likeyou,Bergmannturnedbackatthispoint.Let’slookfartherinside.”
“Why?”
“MissvonBuhlenshouldbesatisfiedaboutthelegendofAlexandertheGreat,andXenos’disappearanceonthismountainwithhisthousandmen.”
“Idonotbelievesuchlegends,”K’Ayubsaidshortly.“Wearewastingtime.”
“Itwilltakeonlyafewminutes,”Alessapleaded.“Otherwise,HansandIwillgoinalone.”
K’Ayublookedangry,thenshrugged.“Verywell.”
Thecliffwallsthatjoinedoverheadnowcamedownataswiftslant,loweringtheceilingofthecaveabovethem.Itwasobviousthatrubblehadfalleninwithinrecenttimes.Perhapsthefissurehadbeenwideopeninpastcenturies,andthenaquakeorrockslidehadcloseditasthemountainsettledtoanewadjustment.Then,withinthepastdecadeortwo,anewavalancheortremorhadopenedthechimneyoncemoretotheoutsideworld.
Durelltookalanternfromatrooperandprobedahead.Thedarknesswasascoldandsilentaseternity.Theywentonforahundredfeet.Theceilingofrocksometimesforcedthemtostoop.Thedarknessseemedtosuckthelightfromthepowerfullanternsandgavethemlittlemorepowerthanaflickeringcandle.Durellwonderedifitwaswisetogoon.K’Ayubwasrightinworryingabouttheneedforhaste.Thesoonertheyreturnedtotheopenandgottheirradiomessageout,thebettertheirchancesforasafereturn.Onepartofhismissionwasaccomplished.ButtherewasstillSarahStandishtothinkof.ShemusthavegonewillinglywithRudi,ortherewouldhavebeenanalarm.ButwhathadRudipromised,togetherawayfromtheothers?Wassheaprisonersomewhere—ahostageinMirandhabad,withallthediplomaticcomplicationssuchasituationwouldmean?Orwassheevenaliveatthismoment?
Hedidnotknow.HefeltK’Ayub’simpatience—andthenAlessa,whohadpushedaheadoftheothers,gaveasmall,chokedscream.
Hertorchlighthaddissolvedintoamassedwhitenessfarbackintherecessesofthecavern.Durelladdedhislighttohers.Ahushfellovereveryone.
ThecenturieswhentherockchimneyhadbeenclosedhadpreservedthesceneuntouchedsincethedaysofXeno’sancientdisaster.Nomancouldeverknowthetruth,Durellthoughtgrimly.HadthesavagehillmenofancienttribesdrawntheMacedonianandhisthousandhoplitesintothistrap,leavingthemtodieofstarvation,thirst,andwounds?Thecavernfloorwaslitteredwiththebonesandskullsandancientarmorofmen.Asfarastheirlightreached,thewhitenessofgrinningskullsandribsandfemursgleamed,mockingthemfromtwothousandyearsinthepast.
Itwaslikestumblingintoanancientcharnelhouse,seeingthemassed,tumbledskeletonsofwhathadoncebeenproudfightingmenofancientMacedonia.Afewdustyhelmetsandbucklersofbronzestillremained;thewoodhadrottedfromthespears,leavingonlythebronzeblades;theswordsanddaggersstillshone,meltedintothetumbledbones,withhereandthereahelmetwithproudhorsehairplumeinfragileoutline,readytodissolveintogossamerdustatabreath,atouch.
Noonespoke.
ThenoneofK’Ayub’stroopersmurmuredinsuperstitiousterror.Thecolonelspokesharply,andthemansubsided.Somethingcollapsedinthevastheapofbonesaheadofthem,rustlinggently.
“TheCaveofaThousandSkulls,”Durellsaidquietly.
“ItisXenosandhismen,”Alessawhispered.Herfacewaspale.“Thefablewastrue.Ireallydidn’t—didn’tdarebelieve—”
Durellfeltadeepwonderattheserelicsofancientmen,atthisdustthatremainedfromtheproudconqueststhatshooktheoldworldandleftAlexander’snamestampedforalltimeonallthefarcomersoftheworld.
“Andthecrown?”Durellasked.“Doyouthinkit’shere?”
“Imustsee,”Alessawhispered.
Shewentforward,pickingherwaydelicatelyamongthebonesandskullsthatgrinnedather,somewithrakishhelmetstiltedoveraneyesocket,someincontortedwrithingsthatindicatedapainfuldeath.Morethanonehadaswordthrustthroughtheribcage,indicatinghowtheyhadchosentodiequicklybyfallingontheirweaponsratherthanlingeron.Thecavewasvast,echoing.Everywhisperwasansweredfromthedryvaultedceiling.
DurellandHansstartedafterAlessa.K’Ayubandhismenchosetowait.Thecavenarrowedandthenopenedintoakindofinnerchamber.Herewerehelmeted,armoredrelicsthatindicatedtheofficers,thelastsurvivors.Andtherewasoneskeletonalone,proppedagainstafarwall,grinningfoolishlytobeliethetalesofnoblestrengthandendurancethathadcomedownthroughthedustycorridorsoftime.
Alessarantotheselastremainsandknelttopickupsomethingfromamongthewhitebones.SheturnedherfacetoDurell,andhesawtheshatteredblindnessoftearsinhereyes.
“Thecrown,”shewhispered.“Here.Hereitis.”
Thecenturieshadtarnishedthethinbandofgold.Itlookeddented,fragile,apoorrelictorepresentancientsplendors.Alessa’stremblingfingerspointedoutthegemsockets.
“Thejewelsaregone.Theymusthavebeenstolenfromherelong,longago,”shewhispered.
Herdisappointmentwascrushing.Yearsofhopeandresearchmightbecappedwithacademichonors,iftheyescapedherealive,Durellthought.ButAlessahadbeenafterthecrownforitsownvalue,too,andthejewelsthatrepresentedwealtheveninthetwentiethcentury.
Hermoutharchedwithbitterdisillusionment.Thetearssliddownherface.“Isomuchhoped—togohomeandrestoremyfamily’sposition—toendourwretchedpoverty—”
Shestoodupslowly,thethin,relativelyvaluelesscircletdanglingfromherglovedhand.ShelookedatDurell,tookasteptowardhim,andthenHansmurmuredinGermanandwithasob,shesuddenlyflungherselfintothebigman’sarms.
Atthesamemoment,thesuddenrattleofautomaticriflefire,likethechatteringofamockingidiot,echoedinshockwavesthroughthedarknessofthecave.
chapterfifteenK’AYUBshouted,hisvoiceenormousinthehollowcavern.Anotherburstoffirespatteredthedarknesswithshrieksandwhines.Thepicketsstationedatthecaveopening,twohundredfeetoutward,answeredwithafewerraticshots.Everyoneturned,runningtowardtheentrance.
Durellwaswiththecolonelastheyturnedthelastcornerandsawthefadingeveninglightthroughthehighwallsofrock.Twoofthetrooperssprawledontheshaleoutsidetheentrance.Agrenadeexplodedsomewhereoutofsight.Anotherburstintheirpath,andK’AyubandDurellthrewthemselvesflatassplintersshriekedoverhead.Oneofthetroopersbehindthemgroanedandfell,holdinghisface.Athirdgrenadeburstoutside.
Thentherewasabruptsilence.
Somewherebeyondthefissureopeningamanscreamedinthethinair.Asingleshotpunctuatedthesound.Thescreamended.
Durellliftedhishead.Theywerejustinsidetheplacewheretheleaningrockwallspartedtoadmitafaintstreakofwaningdaylightintothebottomofthecrevasse.AhundredfeetaheadwastheopeningwhereBergmann’statteredflagflutteredinthecoldwind.Therewasnothingtoseebeyondexceptthedarkeningsky,ajaggedsegmentoffarmountains,andtheemptinessofthebitterlycoldairbetween.
Hetriedtoguesswheretheenemycouldbe.Oneithersideoftheopening,hesupposed,coveringtheirescapewithautomaticriflesandgrenades.Thepicketshadbeenwipedoutwiththefirstburstsoffire.Alltheirgear,foodandwater,hadbeenleftoutside.Theambushhadbeensprungwithdeadlyprecision.Theywerehopelesslytrapped.
K’Ayublookedpale.Durellturnedhisheadtowardhim.
“Canyouidentifytheweaponsoutthere?”
Thecolonelnodded.“Pakhustis.TheChineseriflesarelighter.YouwererightaboutRudivonBuhlen.Hemusthavehadthechart.HewenttoMirandhabadormettheEmironourbacktrailandledthemhere.IswearbyAllah,hewillnotsurvivethistreachery.”
OneofK’Ayub’smenspokequietlytohim.K’Ayubnoddedandthemanbegantoinchahead,riflecradledinhisarms,towardthetwovisiblepicketswhohadfallenbeyondthecaveentrance.Thetrooperalmostreachedthefirstbodywhenarainofbulletsstitchedacrosstheopenshale.Themangotuptorunbackandpitchedontohisface,hisbodyjerkingwiththeimpactofadozenslugsinhisback.
Theambusherswerewellhiddenonbothflanksofthefissure.DurellcountedK’Ayub’ssprawled,tensemen.Nineteen.Theircartridgebeltswerefull,andoneofthemsuddenlysprayedanangryburstoutwardintotheemptyair.K’Ayub’ssharpordertosaveammunitionhaltedhim.
“Wehaveenoughwaterinourcanteensfortwodays,”Durellsuggested.“Andsomeemergencyrationsinourpockets.Ifyoucanworkyourradioinhere,wemightcontactoneofyourpostsforrelief.Thosepeopleouttherecan’tgetintous.”
“Norcanwegetout,”K’Ayubsaidbitterly.
“Trytheradio,”Durellsuggested.
Thelightwasfadingrapidly.Adampchillfilledthecavern.Theradiomancrawledforward,lookingdubiouslyattherockwallstoweringabovethem.Hisequipmentwasinfittedcanvascases.Heblewonhishands,hookedupbatteryandtransmitter,extendedthethinwhipofanantennaashighaspossible,andbegancallingquietlyintothemicrophone,thenpausedatregularintervalstolistenintheearphonesoverhishead.Againandagainhesentouthissignal.Theminutestickedby.K’Ayubmadeatentativegesture.
“Themountainblocksus,”theradiomansaid.“Itisuseless.”
“CanyougetanythingfromPostBlue?”
“Nothing,sir.”
“Verywell.Saveyourpowerpackuntillater.”
Itgrewdarkoutside.K’Ayuborderedallflashlightsturnedoff.Theblacknessmadethepenetratingcoldseemworse.
“Itishopeless,”K’AyubsaidquietlytoDurell.“Theyneedonlytokeepusbottledupherefortwodays.”Hegesturedbackintothecavern.“Thenwecanjoinourboneswiththoseancientones.Ifonethousandmencouldnotgetout,wewilldiehere,too.”Heliftedhisheadandlookedoutward.Nothingcouldbeseen.Therewerenochallengesfromoutside.“Wewillwaituntildark.Thenwecantrytogettheradiooutfarenoughtomakeasuccessfultransmission.It’souronlychance.”
Thetimedraggedby.Thetroopershuddledtogether,facingtheonlyexit.Afootortwoaway,andtheybecameinvisibleintheinkydark.K’Ayuborderedthreemenforward,aboutfiftypacesfromthemaingroup,toactasalarmifthecaveentrancewasinfiltrated.DurellmovedoverandsatbesideAlessa.Shewasadim,remotefigure,absorbedinherdefeat,seatedonablanketandhuggingherknees.
“Ifwegetoutofhere,”hesuggested,tocheerher,“you’llgaininternationalfame.Surelythisdiscoveryshouldbeenoughforyou.”
“Iwantedthejewels,”shewhispered,likeadisappointedchild.
“Youmightneverhavefoundtheserelicsatall,though.”“Justthesebones?Afewscrapsofarmor?Whatcantheydoformeormymother,formyfamilyinVienna?”“Whyisitsoimportanttorecoupyourfamilyfortune?”“ItisadreamIhavealwayshad—likeaninfection.PerhapsIgotitfromRudi.”Shedrewadeepbreath.“Iamsorry.Imustseemchildish,sulkingthisway.Pleaseforgiveme.Ihavebeencrueltoyou—andtoHans,too.Iwish—”Shepausedforamoment.“Butnothingmatters,doesit?Wewillnotgetoutofherealive.”
“Thatremainstobeseen.”
“Iknowthetruth.Youwilldie.Allthesoldierswilldie.”“Andyou?”
“IthinkIwillbepermittedtolive.ButIshallnotwanttolive,knowingthatallofyouarelefthere.”
“IsitRudioutthere,withtheenemy?”
“Itmustbe.”
“YougavehimBergmann’schart,didn’tyou?”
“IgavehimthepacketthatSarahturnedovertometoreturntohim.IsupposeitcontainedUncleErnst’scharts,showingthisplace.Butwedidn’tneedthem,didwe—thankstoOmar.ButIdonotwanttoberemindedofthatnight.”
“TherearesomehoursofitIwon’tforget,”hesaidgently.
“ButIamashamedofthat,too.Iwasfrightened.IfeltasifIhadbeenneardeath,andIwantedyou,tobereassuredIwasstillwarmandalive.HowcanIeverexplainthattoHans?”
“Mustyou?”heasked.
“Iwouldliketo.IwishIcould.”
Hegotupandleftherandwalkedtothefrontofthecave.K’Ayub’sradiomanhadwriggledforwardwithhistransmitterinthedarkness,totrytogetawayfromthesuffocatingwallsthatblockedhismessage.
“Wehavenohope,”thecolonelmurmured,“unlesswecancontactthemilitaryposts.”
Theywaited.
Severalminuteswentbyinthecolddarkness.
Thentherewasarifleshot.Agrenadeburst,theexplosionlikeablastoflightningthatilluminatedthenarrowfissure.Intheglare,Durellsawtheradiomantwistabout,holdinghiscanvas-coveredtransmitter.Thenthemanfellanddarknessreturned.
“Weneedthatradio,”Durellsaid.
HestartedforwardbeforeK’Ayubcouldobject.Onlythefaintesthintofstarlightbeyondthecaveopeningguidedhim.Hemovedinasilenthalf-crouch,advancingtowardthefallenman.OneofK’Ayub’spicketschallengedhimsoftly.Hegavehisname,andtheinvisibletroopertouchedhim,andhewenton.Ahead,heheardascrapingontherubblethatlitteredthefloor.Thehighcliffwallswerefartheraparthere,admittingalittlemorestarlightfromabove.
Hecalledoutsoftly,gavehisname.Theradiomangroaned.“Itismyleg,Durellsahib.”
Hereachedthemaninanothermoment.Hewasonlytwentyfeetfromthefissureopening.Hecouldhearthe'“faintflutteringfromBergmann’sredflagattheentrance.Thewoundedtrooperwasadarkhuddlenearby,andhepulledhimselftowardtheman.
“I’lltaketheradio.Canyougoinalone?”
“Yes.”
“Didyougetachancetosendoutasignal?”
“Itishopelessfrominhere.”
Themancrawledpainfullyintowardthecave.Durellgatheredupthecanvasstrapsoftheradioandslungthemoverhisshoulder.Beforehecouldretreat,aflareburstdirectlyinhiseyes,dazzlinginwhitemagnesiumbrilliance.Hetwisted,startedtodropagain,andsomeonecalledhisname.
“Durell!Donotmove!”
Hefroze.Theflareblindedhim.ItwasRudi’svoice.Theflaresputteredandsmokedonlyafewfeetaway.Heknewhewasclearlyvisibletobothsides,tothoseinsidethecaveandthePakhustitribesmenoutside.Healsoknewhehadneverbeenclosertosuddendeath.Hedidnotmove.
Rudicalledharshly,“IsAlessainsidewithyou?”
“Yes.”
“Yourealizeyoursituationishopeless?”
“ComeoutherewhereIcanseeyou,”Durellchallenged.Therewasapause.Then,“Verywell.Perhapswecancometoasensiblearrangement.Thereisnoreasonforanyofustodiehere.ButbeforeIcomeout,ImustmakeitclearthatIspeaktoyouinatruce.Doyouunderstand?IfIamattacked,SarahStandishwillbekilledatonce.”
“Isshewithyou?”
Sheishere.”
“Letmeseeher,”Durellsaid.“Lethercomewithyou.”“No.Youmusttakemyword.IfIdie,shedies.Agreed?”Durelldidnothesitate.“Agreed.”
Rudisteppedoutfrombehindanupthrustofrockattheentrancetothehugesplitintherock.Hewasalone.Durelllookedbackintothedarknessofthecave.Hecouldseenothingthere,buthehopedthatK’Ayubhadheardeverythingandhadwarnedhismennottofire.Thetrooperswerehot-tempered,eagerforrevengeatbeingambushed.
HeturnedbacktoRudi.Theflaresputteredbetweenthem,asmallfuseethatwouldlastonlyaminuteortwo.Itwouldhavetobequick,Durellthought.HecouldtakenochancesthatRudiwasnottellingthetruthaboutSarahbeingahostageouttherewiththehillmen.
Rudilookedbiggerinthelightoftheflare,hisyellowhairlongandgleaming;hisParkahoodwasshovedbackonhisshoulders,andhiswidesmilewasconfident.
“Sonow,”hebeganslowly,“wespeakthetruthhere.”“It’sabitoverdue,”Durelltoldhim.
“Youknowthefacts.Yourpositionishopeless.Youcannotgetoutofthecavebyforce.Wehavemachinegunsplacedtocutyoudownifyoustepout.Wehaveonlytowait,ifyouarestubborn,forafewhours.Thirst,hungerandcoldwilldotherest,eh?”
Durellindicatedtheradio.“Weexpecthelpsoon.”
“Doyou?Itisabluff.Transmissioninthisareaisimpossible.Certainlyitisuselessinsidethecave,eh?Otherwise,whyshouldyourmantaketheriskofcrawlingoutherewithit?”Rudismiled,shookhishead.Hecarriedarifleinthecrookofhisleftarm,andhisbootedfeetwerespreadwideinthelooseshale.“No,thisisnotthetimeforbluffing,Durell.Youarefinished.Youarecaughtherelikelittlemiceinabigtrap.Soyoushouldbesensible,eh?Wecaneasilymakeanequitablearrangement.”
“Whatdoyouoffer?”
“Yourlives,”Rudisaidsimply.
“Simplyonyourword?”
“Youhavenochoice.Youmustacceptit.”
“You’llspareallofus?”
“Youwillbekeptincustodyforashorttime.Iamsureyourgovernmentwillmakeswiftarrangementstorepatriateyou.”
“Fromwhere?”
Rudismiledcoldly.“FromChina,perhaps.TherewillbesomeChinesetroopsherebymorning.ItwasallarrangedbackinKarachi.Youworriedmeforashorttime.IthoughtyoumightaskthePakistangovernmenttoplacemeunderarrest.”
“ForJaneKing’smurder?”Durellaskedcoldly.
Rudigesturedinasmallsignofdismissal.“Shewasofnoconsequence.Asmallnuisance,only.”
“AndErnstBergmann?”
“Heservedhispurpose.Amanlivestofunctioninhissingleelement.Whenhiscapacityforsuchfunctionisended,itisfittingthathebefinished,too.”
“Thenyou’rethemanwhocallshimselftheRedOboe,”Durellsaidquietly.
“Areyousurprised?”
“No.I’veknownitforsometime.Theonlyproblemwashowfartoletyougo,andhowtofindyourpartner.”
“Partner?”Rudishrugged.“Asyousee,youlettheropeouttoolong,thisropeyouhopedI’dhangmyselfwith.Ibrokefree.Anditisyouandyourfriendswhoareinthetrap.”
“YoursisterAlessaisinthetrapwithus,remember.”Rudinodded.“Butnoharmwillcometoher.Inexchange,IguaranteeMissStandish’ssafety.”
Durellsmiledharshly.“AndwhatdoesSarahthinkofyounow?”
“Heropinionisunimportant.Italwayswas.”
“You’dgiveupallhermoneyforacause?”
“Iamnotafool,norapuppetonastring.WouldIbesatisfiedwithawomanlikeSarah,withamindlikeanaddingmachine,countingherdollars,dolingitoutinpaymentforlove?”Rudimadeasoundofdisgust.“Idonotdeludemyself.ThemoneyIwillbepaidforthenickeloresiteandMissStandish—”
“Thenyouwon’tturnherbacktothePakistanauthorities?”Durellaskedquickly.
“Ididnotsaythat.”
“YouintendtogivehertotheChinese.She’dbeworthsomethingtothemforinternationalpropaganda.Youdon’tintendtosetherfree.”
Rudiscowled.“Youmusttakemywordforit.”
“AndifIdon’t?”
“Thenyouwillalldieverysoon.”
“IncludingAlessa?”
“Ifnecessary,”Rudisaidcoldly.
Durrellstared,wonderingifRudiwasonlybluffing.ButthenhethoughtofJaneKingandErnstBergmann,andheknewthatRudididnotbluffinmattersofhisbusiness.“It’snodeal,”Durellsaid.
“TherearetwohundredPakhustisoutside.Canyouescape?”Rudichallenged.“Youwilldieofcoldandthirstandhunger.”
“WouldtheChinesethatyou’vesentforofferanythingbetter?”
Rudiswunghisriflealittle.“Youareastupidman.”
“Ifyoumovethatgunaninchmore,”Durellsaid,“you’lldierightnow,Rudi.”
Rudihesitated.TherewasnoguninDurell’shand.HiseyeslockedangrilywithDurell’s,thenheshruggedandloweredhisrifle.
“Youmayfeelmoresensibleinthemorning.”
Theflaregutteredoutanddarknessfellbetweenthem.
chaptersixteenHANSsatwithAlessainthefartherreachesofthecave,safefromthestraysnipingthatbeganthemomentDurellreturned.Onelanternwaskeptonwhereitslightwasshieldedbythesheerrockwallthattwistedtotheleft,awayfromthefissure’sopening.Itsdimglowdidnotreachtotheentrance,whereK’Ayub’smenwaitedwatchfullyonguardthroughthenight.
Durellhadexplainedthesituationtothecolonel,andK’Ayubacceptedtheultimatumwithashrug.Hewasasoldier.Hewaspreparedtofightanddie.
Thecanteensofwaterandtherationswereputinaplacesafefromtheoccasionalstraysnipingbulletthatwhinedintothecavetoworrythemandkeepthemawake.Theirsupplieswerepitifullysmall.Durellwassuretheycouldstayinthecavefornomorethantwodaysbeforethirstandhungerbegantoweakenthem.
Someofthetroopershadgonetosleep,beingphlegmaticabouttheirfate.Noneventuredintothebackofthecavetothefieldofskulls.Itwastoopromisingoftheirownfate,repeatingtheancientmilitarydisasterthathadovertakenXenosandhistroops.
Atmidnighttheharassingsniperfirestopped.Butnooneventuredintotheouterlinestotesttheirsafety.Durellsatwithhisbacktothestonewalloftheinnercavern,awareofhisfrustration.Therehadtobeawayout.Noneofthiscouldhavebeenforseen,buttheproblemnowwastostayaliveandescapebeforetheChinesecame.Durellhadnoillusionsastowhatwouldhappenthen.
HegotupandwalkedtoHans,andAlessa.Thebig,granitefacedmountainguidewaswideawake.Alessaslept,leaningagainstthemassivebendofhisarm.SteicherlookedatDurellwithcool,appraisingeyes.
“Hans,willyoucomewithme?”Durellaskedquietly.
“Forwhat?”
“Iwantyouropiniononsomething.”
“YouandIhavenoneedforwords,”themansaidflatly.
“Wehaveneedofeachother’sskillandstrength.Come.”HanswasreluctanttotakehisarmfromaroundAlessa,anddidsowithsurprisinggentleness.Hiseyessoftened,andasmallsmiletouchedhishardmouth.Shedidnotwaken.Heslidawayfromherslowlyandstood,toweringthegloomylightshedbythesinglebatterylamp.
Theywalkedtogethertowardthecaveentrance.Theman’senmitywaslikeacoldwallaroundhim.Atthepointwherethepathangledsharplyright,thecaveroofyieldedandaglimpseofmidnightstarswasavailablehighupbetweenthejaggedopeningofthecliffs.
Therewasnoothersourceoflight.Acoldwindblewintothefissurefromthemouthofthefault,ahundredfeetaway.DurelllookedupatthetoweringrockwallsandHansfollowedhisgazeandgrunted.
“Itisimpossible,”Steichersaidsoftly.
“Howhighdoyouestimateit?”Durellasked.
“Threehundredandfifty—possiblyfourhundred.Andwedonotknowwhatisaboveus.”
Durellsaidquietly,“Butifwegotupthere,we’dknowwhatisbelow.Rudi’smen,thePakhustis—andperhapstheChinese.They’recertainlynotupthere.We’dgetontheirflank;wecouldsurprisethem.”
“Itissuicidetotry,”Hanssaidflatly.
“Itissuicidetostayhere,isn’tit?”
Hanstiltedhisheadbacktostareattheloomingwalls.“Itcannotbedone.See,thefaceoftherocktiltsin,leanstoeachothertomeetoverthecave.Fartherout,itopensmore—butwewouldbeunderfireoutthere.”
“Ithastobedonehere,”Durellsaid.
“Iamaman,notafly.”
“Theytoldmeyou’rethebestbergsteigerintheworld,”Durellsaid.“Areyouafraid?”
“Nothingfrightensme,”Hanssaidsoberly.“Iamintimateenoughwithdeath.Ihavebeentrappedinsnow,buriedinanavalanche;Ihavefallenanddangledbymyankleintwothousandfeetofair.Donot
tellmeIamafraid.”Hanslookedtorightandleft;butthedarknesswassothickthatDurellwonderedwhathecouldsee.“Iconsideredthisbefore,HerrDurell.Thesameideaoccurredtome.Ifwecouldclimbouttothetopandthenflankthosepeopleoutside,wecouldtakethembysurpriseanddestroythem,yes.ButIwouldnotwanttotryit.”
“BecauseyoustillfeelRudiisyourfriend?”
“No,heisnotmyfriend.ButheisAlessa’sbrother,andthereareremarkablystrong,strangetiesbetweenthem.CouldIkillhim,ifwesucceededingettingoutofhere?Itwouldkilleverythingforme,withAlessa,too.”
“Askher,first,”Durellurged.
“No.Itismadnesstotrysuchaclimb,inthedarkness,thewaythewallleansoutward.Itwouldneedtwomenforthefirstclimb.Afterward,withabelayedrope,wecouldliftupsomeofthesoldiersandtheirweapons.Butitwouldtaketwomentoclimbfirst.”
Durellsaid,“I’lltryitwithyou,Hans.”
Surprisestirredtheman’sdarkbody.“Ihaveswornanoathtomyself.”Hanspaused,sighed.“Youknowwhatitis?IpromisedmyselfthatIwouldkillyou.”
“BecauseofAlessa?”
“Yes,becauseofher.”
“Idon’tcarewhatyoufeelaboutme,Hans.Butwemustgetoutofhere.I’lltrytheclimbwithyou,andtakemychancesonwhatyoumightdo.”
Hanswassilentforamoment.“Youareeitherabravemanoragreatfool.Donottrustme,HerrDurell.”
“Idon’t.ButperhapsI’malittleofboth.”
Hansmovedtowardthewall.Hewasahugeshadowinthedarknessatthebottomofthepit.Thecaveentrancewassilent,andDurellwonderedwhytheharassingsniperfirehadbeendiscontinued.Hedrewadeepbreath.
“Hans,youcandoit,”hesaid.“I’msureyoucan.”-“Wewillbothfall.Wewillbothbekilled.”
“Yousaidyouwerenotafraid.”
“True.Butsomethingsareimpossible.”
“Rightnowwehavetotrytheimpossible.IfIcouldgoalone,Iwould,”Durellargued.“ButIneedyourhelp.Noonebutyoucouldclimbthiswall.Youcouldsaveus.WhentheChinesecome,we’refinished.Itmustbetriednow,atonce,inthedark,beforedawncomes.”
HesensedtheinnerstrugglegoingoninsideHans.Theman’ssoliddevotiontoAlessahadexistedfor
manyyears,sincetheirdaysattheSorbonne.Shehadalwaysrejectedhim.AndDurellwassurethatHansknewaboutthenightinRawalpindi.Themanhatedhimforgainingsoquicklywhathehadalwayswanted.YethisloveforAlessawasunchanged,exceptthatitwasbalancedbythehatredheequatedwithDurell.Hansmightbeasgoodashiswordandtrytokillhim.Butthatwasariskhehadtotake.
Theywereenemies,butforthenextfewhours,theyhadtohelpeachotherattheriskofinstantdeath.
“Allright,”Hanssaidsuddenly.“Itistheonlywayout.Wewilltryit.ButIcanpromiseyounothing.”
Hanshadcarriedseveralcoilsofnylonclimbingropewithhimwhentheyfirstenteredthecave.Theygatheredthese,togetherwithSteicher’spitonsandhammer.Eachaddedaniceaxe,sheathedinleather,tohisgear.ColonelK’Ayubwatchedtheirpreparationsdubiously.
“Nomancanclimboutofhere.Itisimpossible.Youwillmakenoises,dislodgestones,andbeshotdownfromtheoutside.”
“Youcancoveruswithsomeirregularfirefromyourguards.”
“Wedonothavemuchammunitiontospare.”
“Youcouldn’tuseittobetteradvantage,”Durellargued.
K’Ayubgavein.AlessaspoketoHansinaquiet,earnestvoiceasthebigmangathereduphisequipment.NowandthenshelookedtowardDurell,andheknewshewastryingtoconvinceHansaboutsomethingconcerninghim.Hansstolidlywentonwithhispreparations.
Itwasoneo’clockbeforetheywereready.HansthrewonecoilofropeoverhisshoulderandDurelltooktheother.Thentheymovedoutofthecaveandaroundthecornerofthefissureuntiltheycouldseethestarsthroughthecrackinthemountainoverhead.Thewalls,leaninginward,lookedimpossibletoscale.ButHansfelthiswayalongthenorthside,thenthesouth,takinghistime.Thefaintstarlightthatsifteddownofferedlittleguidance.Hansreturnedtothenorthwall,movingsidewiseandoutwardtowardtheentrance.TheyweredangerouslynearthepointwherethePakhustisnipersmightreachthem.Andthehighertheyclimbed,themoreexposedtheywouldbe.
“Wewilltryhere,”Hansannouncedinawhisper.
Hehadfoundafaultintheotherwisesheerrockfacethatleanedoverthem,aroughchimney,perhapstwofeetwide.Hansreachedupforagripandliftedhimselfwithahandhold,bracedhisshouldersagainstonesideofthenarrowcleftintherock,flexedhislegsagainsttheother.Afewpebblesdislodgedbyhisascentclatteredloudlytotheground.OneofK’Ayub’smenpromptlyfiredthreerapidroundsoutofthefissureentrance,intothenight.
Hanscalledsoftlyfromabove.“Come.”
Durellfollowed,usingHans’technique.Thefirstfewfeetwerenotdifficult,exceptfortheblindingdarkness.Hanspausedoverhead,thenwenton.Thechimneynarrowed,thenangledsharplylefttoform
anarrowledgethatgaveonlyafewinchesforatoehold.OnlyoccasionallycouldDurellseethemanabovehim.Ontheledge,hefeltthevastpressureoftherockwall,tendingtopushhimoutward.
—Theforcethatthrustathissenseofbalanceseemedirresistible.Hepausedforafewmoments.
Hanscalledsoftlyagain.
“Wait.”
Theclickofhishammerdrivingaspikeintotherockmadethetroopersunleashanotherseriesofshotstocoverthenoise.Theechoesweredeafeninginthenarrowslotofrock.Therecameanotherseriesofhammerblows,alongpause,agrunt.AwhitesnakeofnylonropeflickeddownandlightlygrazedDurell’scheek.
“Climb,”cameHans’disembodiedvoice.
Durelllashedthelinearoundhimselfandhauledupward.Hegainedanotherfifteenfeet,feltanotherledgeunderhisknee,andhoistedhimselfuponit.Hanswaitedforhimhere.Attheirbacks,abulgeofrockpressedoutwardandoverhead,cuttingofftheirprogress.
“Itisimpossible,”Hanswhispered.“Itcannotbedone.”
“We’vegottogoon.”
“Theoverhangistoogreat.Itaffordsnogrip.”
“Tryit.”
“Well—”Thebigmansighed,ashapelessforminthedark.“Wemustbelayourselves.IfIslip,ifoneofthepitonsgivesway,Igodown.Idoubtifyoucouldholdme.”
“I’lldomybest.”
Hansmadeasoundinhisthroat.“Perhapsyouwould.”
Theywenton.Thebigmanwasmethodical,agonizinglyslow.Thenexttwentyfeettookalmostanhour.Theyhadclimbedlessthanafifthofthewayduringthefirstseventyminutes.Thetop,wherethestarsshoneincoldglimmerings,seemedasunattainableasever.
Aseachspikeforahandgripwasused,Durellwithdrewitandpasseditonuptothemanabove.Hismusclesachedandtrembledwiththetension.Heshedhiscoatforgreatereaseofmovement,droppingittothegroundbelow.Therewasasmallcrydowntherewhenitthuddeddown.HethoughtthesoundcamefromAlessa,expectingtheworst.Hans,too,tossedhishamperingclothesaside.Theynolonger
feltthechillofthethinmountainair.Theirbodieswerecoveredwithsweat.
Anotherhourpassed.Theycouldseeeachothernow,astheycrawledupwardinchbyinch,grippingwithfingersandtoes,pantingandprobingandtestingforeverystepupward.Thedarknessyawnedbelow.Thestarsseemedbrighteroverhead.Nowandthen,anoccasionalburstoffirefromthetroopers
belowcoveredthesoundstheymade.
Atanymomenttheycouldbespotted.Anotherflare,tossedintothecaveentrance,wouldexposethemlikefliesonawall.Butnonecame.Everythingwassilentoutside.WerethePakhustistryingtoenticethemintoprobingoutofthetrap,sotheycouldbemoweddown?Itwasacoldwarofnerves,andDurellknewhisowntensionwasmatchedbytheuncertaintiesofthosehehadleftbeneath.
Theywerehalfwayupwhentheycametothewidestledge.Ithadbeeninvisiblefrombelow,inthedark,andforseveralminutes,followingitsupwardslant,Durellbegantohopeforquicksuccess.AndthenHanspaused.
“Itisnogood,”hegasped.
“Whynot?”
“Everythingendshere.”
Inthedimstarlight,Durellsawthedismayingprospect.Theledgeterminatedabruptly,andwheretheyhadhalted,crouching,itwasonlyeightincheswide.Butoverhead,aheavybulgeofrockpushedoutwardforfivefeetintospaceandpresentedanimpossibleobstacletotheirclimb.Togobackandretracetheirwayforanotherroutewouldbesuicidal.Buttheycouldgonofarther,either.
Hansbreathedgustily,feelinghiswayupward.Asmallrivuletofshalefellfromhisfingers,followedbythecoveringburstoffirefrombelow.
“Ifwecouldclimbanothertenfeet,Ithinkitwouldbeeasier.Ihaveafeelingweweredeceivedfrombelowbythisbulge,”Hansgasped.“Therockwillslantbackabove,ifwecangetpastthis.”
“Wemusttry,”Durellsaid.
Hansturnedhisfacetowardhim.Itwaspaleandhardinthegloom.“Ihavenevertriedanythingsodangerous.”“Wehavenothingmoretolose,”Durellsaid.
“Iwoulddependonyourstrengthandskill.HowcanItrustyou?”
“I’vetrustedyousofar,haven’tI?”
“Iwonder,”Hanssaid.“Idonotunderstandyou.”
“Goahead,”Durellurged.“Let’sdowhatwecan.”
Therewasnorealalternative.Hansbelayedoneofthesafetyropesandthenspenttenminutessearchingoverheadfortinycracksinwhichtoinserthispitonsandtapthemhome.TheyprovidedanextrahandholdforDurelltoclingtothetinyledge.Whenhethoughtofthedropbelow,awaveofdizzinesstouchedhim;heputitfromhismind.Hansreachedupwardcautiously,againsttheoutwardthrustofrockandtappedhomeanothergripforhimself.Clingingtohisfirstiron,hereachedanothertwofeetagainsttherockundersideanddrovehomeathird.Thesoundofhishammerechoedloudlyintheblackair.Withhislefthandgrippingthesecondpiton,Hansthenreachedforthefarthermostthrustoftheoverhang.Heleanedatanangleovertheabyssnow,strugglingforanewgrip.Hisrighthand
drovehomealastiron,then,withhisleftsecuringhisweightagainstthedrop,hehammereditinsecurely.
Durellknewwhathadtofollow.Hansmustswingout,feetfree,andhaulhimselfupandoverthebulgebysheerphysicalstrength.Itwouldtakesteelnerves,alifetimeofskill.
Theman’sbreathingwasharsh.
“Now!”hewhispered.
Heswung,grippingtheoutermostironwithhislefthand,danglinginthedarkairtwohundredfeetabovethefissurefloor.Hisbodyjerked,heavedupward,pulledbytheimmensestrengthofhisarms.Theupperhalfofhisbodyslidupandoutofviewbeyondtheoverhang—
Itwasafaultoftherock,perhaps.OrHanshadunderestimatedtheforceandpressureofhisupwardswingtogetabovetherockbulge.Whateverthereason,therecameagratingsound,aspillofcrumblingstone,andHansfellabruptly,thepitonwrenchedloosefromitssocket.
TherewasnothingtostophimexcepttheropebelayedaroundDurell.
Almostanyothermanwouldhavecriedoutinthatmoment,shriekinganegativetohisimminentdeath.
Hansfellsilently.
ThejoltingimpacttoreDurell’slefthandloosefromoneofthetwogripsHanshadpreparedforhim.Hefeltaninstantofutmostpressure,yankinghimoutanddownafterthebigman’sfallingweight.Painflashedthroughhisarmsandshouldersanddownhisbody.TherecameasecondjoltasHansbouncedwiththespringofthenylonrope.
Durellwaspulledperilouslyoutward,clingingtohislastgrip,hisfeetbracedagainstthetinyshelfunderhim.
Hansswayedbackandforthovertheabyss.Andevennowhedidnotcallouttobetraytheirpresencetotheenemyoutsidethecave.
TheenormouspullonDurell’sarmseemedimpossibletoovercome.Carefullyheswungtooneside,thentheother,reachingwithhislefthandforthegriphehadlost.Atthethirdtry,hisfingerstouchedthepiton,slipped,andfellawayagain.Heswungoncemore,caughtthesteelspike,pulledhimselfflatagainstthecoldfaceoftherock.TheclimbingropearoundhimtoreandwrenchedwithHans’weightbelow.Hedidnotmoveagain.ItwasuptoHanstoclimbuponcemore.
Heheardafaintexhalationfromtheother’slungs,ascrapeofspikedbootsonrock,anewseriesoftugsathiswaist.
Afewmomentslater,Hanswasbackonthetinyledgebesidehim.
Andaflareburst,throwninfromtheoutside,brighteningthefissurewithanimplacable,deadlybrilliance.
chapterseventeenTHEYdidnotmove.Theywereexposedlikefliesonawall,easytargetsforsearchingeyesthatlookedforthesourceofthesoundstheyhadmade.Atanymoment,iftheeyeslifted,theywouldbeseen.Twoeasyshotscouldpickthemoff,wheretheyclungtothefaceoftherock.
Hanswasshaking.Intheglare,hishardfacewaspale,shiningwithsweat.Hiseyeswerewhite.Afewsnipingbulletsscreamedintothefissure;buttheywereaimedatgroundlevel,andoneofK’Ayub’smenansweredwithaburstoffirethatshooktheairwithitsechoes.
Twominutesdraggedby.
Theflaresputteredandwentout.Darknessreturned,seemingmoreabsoluteafterthebrilliantbluelight.
HansshiftedhisweightcarefullytoreleasethepressureontheclimbingropearoundDurell.Hiswhisperwasanexhaustedsigh.
“Youcouldhaveletmefall,youknow.”
“Wouldyouhavedonethattome?”Durellasked.
“Ithinkso,yes.Ipromisedittomyself.”
“BecauseofAlessa?”
Thebigmanwassilent.
“Oristheresomeotherreason,Hans?”Durellaskedquietly.
“No.Nootherreason.”
“ItseemstomethatAlessahasfinallychosenyou,theselastfewdays.”
Hansstaredintothedark,hisbodyslumped,drainedofitsstrong,rock-likequality.“Idonotknow.Yousavedmylifenow.Iwouldhaveletyoufall,ifourpositionshadbeenreversed.Itwouldhavebeenaneasythingtodo,eveniftheotherswerewatching.”
“Youhadanotherchance,ontheroaduphere.Whydidn’tyoukillmethen?”
“Idon’tknow.Idonotunderstandmyself,thesedays.”Durelllookedattheoverhang.“Arewestrandedhere,then?”
“No.Ishalltryagain.Iamallrightnow.”
“Takeyourtime,”Durellsaid.
“No,itwillsoonbedaylight.Wemustgettothetopbeforewecanbeseen.”Hansstraightenedslowly.“Amanisfullofweaknessesthatbetrayhim,”hesaidheavily.“Onetriestobestronginallthings.Itis
theonlywaytosurviveinthisworld.Ourlivesaremadeunrealbyshelteringpropaganda.Butrealityisstern,andweliveonlyonceinthisfoolishworld.Oneguideshislifebysuchrealitiesashecandiscover,andthen—”
Durellsmiledslightly.“Thenyoufellinlove.”
“Yes.”
“Itisnogreatweakness,Hans.”
“Itis,withme.Itleadstomistakes,perhapstodestruction.”ThebigmanturnedhisheadandlookedatDurellagain.“Butsometimesonegetsthechancetocorrectsuchmistakes.”
Hetackledtheoverhangagain,andthesecondtrywenteasierandquicker,asifthefatethathadalmostdestroyedthemhadresigneditsopposition.Anewpitonwashammeredhometoreplacetheonethathadtornloose.AgainHansswunghimselfintodarkspace,clawedupward,gainedatoehold,gothiskneeovertheedge,andthenswungoutofsight,danglingthewhiteclimbingropebehindhim.
NowitwasDurell’sturn.
Hewaitedforthesignalontheropeandlookeddownatthebottomofthecrevasse.Itseemedutterlyblackdownthere,impossibletoseethestrainingfacestryingtowatchtheirprogress.HedrewadeepbreathandswungoutonthetautlinebelayedbyHans,abovehim.
Butsomesmallinstinctwarnedhimnottodependontheropeentirely.Hekeptonegriponthepitonsatalltimes,andthenylonropewasactuallyslackashewriggledupandoverthebulgeofrockthathadstoppedthematthispoint.
Hanswaswaiting,silent,haulingtheropeinhandoverhand.
“Itwillbeeasynow.Youdidnotquitetrustme,eh?”
“No,”Durellsaid.
“Itisjustaswell.”
HesawthatHanshadestimatedtheproblembeyondtheoverhangwithsurprisingaccuracy.Thebulgehadofferedafalsetoptothecliff’sedge,whenseenfrombelow.Foranotherhundredfeetupward,thefaultslantedbackandaway.Therocksurfacewasrough,affordingeasyhandholds,inclininginarelativelyeasydirectionforthenexttwentyminutes’climb.
Afewmoremoments,andtheybothheavedthemselvesoverthetopintotheouterworld.
Ithadtakenoverthreehourstogetoutofthecave.Forlongminutes,theysatsidebysideinthecoolwind,suckingthinairintotheirachinglungs,waitingforthetremblingoftheirmusclestoease.Neitherspoke.Therewasarisingmoon,andthetumbledmountainsliftedinawesomegrandeurineverydirection,asightthatDurellhadbeguntodoubthewouldeverseeagain.
TherewasnosignofthePakhustis.Thenightwasclear,coldandempty.Inanhour,itwouldbedawn.
Durellstoodup,slippingfreeoftheclimbingrope.Hansgotup,too,hismovementsoddlycumbersome.Hisfacelookedchiseledfromgranite.Underhisheavybrows,hiseyesgleamed,reflectingthemoonlight.
“Let’sgetsometroopersuphere,Hans,”Durellsaid.“Thereisn’tmuchtimeleft.”
“Thereisnotimeleftatall.Iamsorry.Itwasnotmyplantohaveanyoneescapefromthecave,”Hanssaidheavily.“Notevenyou,Durell.ButIneededyourhelptogetuphere.”DurelllookedatthebigmanandsawthegunHanshadtakenfromhiscoat.Hehelditloosely,muzzlepointingdownbesidehisleg.Thewindmadeasoftkeeningsoundagainstthenakedmountainside.
“Youhadaplanofyourown?”Durellaskedsoftly.“Allthetime,”Hanssaid.
“LetmeremindyouthatAlessaisstilldownthere.”“Shewillbesafe.ThatiswhyIwantedtogetoutfirst,tobesurenothinghappenstoherwhenitisallended.”
“Andtheothers?”
Hansshrugged.“Itisthefortuneofwar.Youshouldknowaboutwar,Durell.Youhavebeeninitforalongtime.Aquietkindofwar,isitnot?Fullofsilences,andfullofsurprises.”
“I’mnotsurprised,”Durellsaid.“PutawaythegunHans.”“Icannot.Itistoobad,becauseyouareabraveman,andyousavedmylife.Itisasaddutyforme.ButasIsaid,onemustbearealisttosurvivetoday.Theworldistoocrowdedfortwokindstosurvive.Onlythestrongandthescientificcanexist.Humanismanddemocracyareonlywordsthatareasdeadasthelastcentury.”
Hanspaused.“IknewyoususpectedRudi.Butwhendidyoubeginthinkingaboutme?”
“Fromthebeginning,”Durellsaid.“Afree-lanceromanticlikeRudivonBuhlenisusuallyteamedupinyourso-calledshadowsystem.Someonewasbehindhim,givingtheorders,makingtheplans,receivingtheinformationhegatheredandpassing^iton.Ithadtobesomeonewhowasonhandherewhen"ErnestBergmannfirstdisappeared.Obviously,itwasyou.”
“Soyouknewallthetime?”
“Iguessed.Iwasn’tsure.Ihadtogiveyoubothenoughropetoexposeyoursystemofsilentpartnership.DoesRudiknowwhoyouare?”
Hansshookhishead.“Hehasneverknown.Oursystemofdualteams,withoneincommandandhiddenbehindaperfectcover,likemyown,givestheordersbyvarioussystemsofsignals.Rudineverknewwhogavehimhisjobs,althoughseveraltimeshetriedtofindout.Rudiwasafool.Buthispersonalitywasagoodcoverforthethingshehadtodo.Hehadbeenusefultous.Betweenthetwoofus,weearnedmuchmoney.”
“Sellinginternationalsecrets?”
“Yes.”
“SoRudiplayedtheinstrument—theRedOboe—butyoucalledthetune,Hans?”
“Yes.Always.”
“AndyouexpecttheChinesetopayyouforthelocationofthismineraldeposit?”
“ThearrangementisfortheequivalentofonehundredthousandEnglishpoundssterling,inSwissfrancs,depositedinGeneva.Rudisplitshissharewithme.Hedepositsmypartofitinanumberedaccountthere.”
“Isee.”
“Doyou?”Hansasked.“YouknowwhatImustdo?”“You’vegottokillme,”Durellsaid.“Andeveryoneelsedownthere.YoumustjointhePakhustisandtheChinesetomakesureAlessacomesoutalive,however.Butnoneoftheothers.Youcan’tquitetrusttheChinesecommander,though.Ifyou’reinthecaveattheend,theymightwipeyouout,too.Afterall,you’vekeptyoursecretwell.Rudidoesn’tevenknowyou’rehisboss.Youmighthaveahardtimesavingyourself.”
“Itwillworkoutsatisfactorily,”Hanssaidslowly.
“AndhowwillAlessafeelaboutthewayyou’veusedherfoolishbrother?You’vemadehimagamblerandawoman-chaser,encouragedhisextravagancestogethimintodebt,wreckedhislifetomakehimobeyorders.Notaprettypictureforher,whenshelearnsaboutit.”
“Shewillneverknow.Andshewillforgetaboutyou,too,onceyouareoutoftheway.”
Durelllookedattheother’sgun.“You’vearrangedwiththeChinesepatroltotakeoverthissectionoftheborder,isthatit?Noreportwillbemadeaboutthenickelore,sonothingmorewillbedonebythePakistanGovernment.Theremaybesomeinternationalexchangesaboutborderviolationsinthenextfewmonths,afewtop-levelconferences,anappearanceofnegotiation,someyieldingbytheChinese,agrantofautonomytothepuppetEmirofMirandhabad—andRedChinagetsthenickelmine.”
“Thesethings,”Hanssaid,“areforotherstosettle.Myjobisdone.IarrangedforErnstBergmann’squestioninginRawalpindi,butIneededRuditogetthechartsfromtheoldman.Ernstwastoostubbornformetohandle.AsforJaneKing,thatwasRudi’spersonalfoolishness—butIhavealwayshadtocopewithRudi’ssillyproblems.Hisusefulnesscompensatedforthetroublehegaveme.”Hanslaughedthickly.“Ittakesafooltoidealizethefoolishimageofone’sUncleFranz.”
Theskywaslighterbehindthepeakstotheeast,andthedimloomofthemountainsshowedthepaling,starlitsky.Thedawnwindblewicilyacrossthehugeledgewheretheystood.Hans’gunstilldangledfromtheman’sfingers.Durell’sgunwasinaninsidepocket,outofreach.
“Ifyoushootme,”Durellsaid,“they’llhearitinthecave.They’llknowwhatyou’vedone.”
“Nonewillsurvive.Whatwillitmatter?”
“Alessawillknow,becauseyouplantosaveher.”Hansstared.“Youareright.Idon’tneedthegun.Ifyoufellbackintothefissureitwillsatisfyherthatyourdeathwasaccidental.”
“Iwon’tobligeyoubyjumping,”Durellsaid.
Hansunsheathedtheiceaxewithaswiftmovement.Thesharpbladeononesideofthehead,thepointedpickontheother,gleamedwithmurderousbrillianceinthestrangelight.“Backup,please.”
Durellstoodstill.Theedgeofthecliffwasnotfarbehindhim.Thenhetookastepbackward.Thecoldwindcutathisface.Thebigmanstoodwithhisbacktotheeast,hisdarkhulkoutlinedagainstthepallorofthesky.Helookedimplacable,armedwithgunandaxe,beyondargument.
Behindhim,somethingmovedagainstthepalescreeofthelittleplateau.DurelldidnotturnhiseyesfromHans’face.
“Anotherstep,please,”Hanssaidquietly.
Durellbackedupagain.Heturnedhisheadasiftoseewheretheedgeoftheclifflayathisheels;butheusedtheopportunitytolookbeyondHansatthemovementofshadowsagainsttheglimmeringrock.One.Two.Andathird.Threemen,movingstealthilytowardHansSteicher.Hecouldnotidentifythem.Theyweresoundlessphantoms,theirdetailobscuredbytheirmountainclothes.Butafaintgleamoflightcaughtonariflebarrelandshonebriefly.
“Youcan’twin,Hans,”Durellsaid.“They’llkillyou,too.”
“Whyshouldthey?Itisonlyabusinessarrangement.”
“Theymaynotdobusinessyourwayinthiswilderness.”
“Wehavetalkedenough.”AthinedgeofimpatienceraspedinHans’rumblingvoice.“Twoorthreemoresteps,please.”
DurelldeliberatelylookedbeyondHansandcalledinUrdu,“Don’tshoothim,sergeant!Wewanthimalive!Don’tmakeanynoisehere!”
Hansstartedtoturn,checkedhimself,gruntedimpatiently—andDurellhithimwithathrustingchargethatclosedthegapbetweentheminaninstant.Hanswasfast.Hisaxecameup,slashingatDurell’shead.Durellducked,felttheshaftstrikehisshoulder,slammedintoHans’bellytoforcehimbackastep,drovetheaxehandlebackanddownwithhisfreehand.Hansdroppedhisgun,grabbedhiminabearhug.Durelldroveanelbowintotheother’sface,feltthenosebonecrushandsplinter.ItdidnotstopHans.Hansswepthimliterallyfromhisfeet,carryinghimtowardtheedgeoftheprecipice.Forashockedinstant,Durellknewthebigmanhadthestrengthtothrowhimintothedarkfissurebelow.Hestruckagainwithhisfreearm,feltHanscoughandstrangle.Bloodwasrunningfromtheman’scrushednose,intohismouthandthroat.ItwasallthatsavedDurellforthemoment.Hisownlungsweresqueezedbeyondendurancebytheother’sgrip.Theskyturnedblack.Therewasaroaringinhisears.Throughthewildsoundofhisbody’spanic,heheardaquickscrapeofbootedfeetontherock.HansSteichermadeathin,agonizedsound.Hisbodyjerked,hisgripslackened.Durelltoreloose,spunaway,andfelltohisknees.Theearthyielded,slidawayunderhim,andhegrabbedatHans’legtopullhimselfbackfromtheedgeofthecliff.
Hanstriedtokickfreeandcamedownontopofhim.Foramoment,theimpactdroveDurellclosertotheprecipice’sedge.HansgotamassivehandunderhisjawanddrovehisheadbackuntilDurellheardthebonesofhisneckcrack.Hesummonedhislaststrengthfromsomewheretoheaveupwardandfree
himself.Hans,too,staggeredtohisfeet.Theedgeofthecrevicewasonlyasteportwofromwheretheystood,facingeachother.
Hansrushedathim.
Durellflunghimselfaside,feltthebigman’sjarringimpact,andwentspinningaway.Hanskeptgoing.
TherewasamomentwhenDurellsawtheglitterofaknifeintheother’sback,andinthatinstantofwondermentsawtheshapesofothermencarefullycirclingtowardhim—Hanswentoverthecliff.
Therecameadeepoutcry,abellowofrageanddenialasSteicherfell.Andthentherewassilenceagain.
chaptereighteenDURELLturnedtothethreemenwhokepthimpinnedtotheedgeofthecliff.Inthedawn’slight,hethoughtonelookedfamiliar.ItwasSergeantZalmadar,thePathan.HerememberedthatK’AyubhadsentZalmadarandothersontheirbacktrailtohuntforRudiandSarah.Onlythesethreehadsurvived.Helookedatthemandcouldreadnothingintheirdark,savagefaces.
ZalmaderspokeinhispreciseEnglish.“Youarenotwounded,Mr.Durell?”
“No.”
“Theothersaredownthere,whereyoucomefrom?”“Yes.”DurellansweredthePathan’sunspokenquestion.“Thecolonelisallright.They’retrappeddownthere,doyouunderstand?”
Zalmadarnodded.“TherearesomeChinesetroopsnowwiththePakhustisoutsidethecavemouth.Youweretryingtoout-flankthem?”
“Yes.”Durelllookedatthedarkpitbehindhim“Icouldn’thavegottenoutwithoutSteicher.”
“Hewasabraveman.Iputtheknifeinhimtohelpyou.Ihadtothrowit.Weheardyouclimbing,forsometime,fromuphere.Andweheardeverythingyousaidtogether.”“Thenyouknowhewasatraitor.”
“Yes.”
Durellwonderedwhatwashappeninginthecave.WhathadAlessathoughtwhenHanscamecrashingdown,afteralltheagonizedhoursofwaiting?Theirtensiondowntheremustbeenormous.
HeturnedbacktoZalmadar.“Weneedhelp.Yourfriendsaredowntherewaitingforarope.Willyougivemeahand?”
“Thatiswhywereturned,”thePathannodded.“Wefollowedtheman,RudivonBuhlen,andtheAmericanladyuntiltheymetwiththeEmir’stroops,thenwetrailedthemtothisplace.Weworkedourwayuptheclifftoseekanotherentrancetothecave.Andthenwesawyou.”
TheyloweredDurell’sroperapidlytothebottom.Afaintpinkauraintheeastheraldedaclearday.Forseveralmomentstherewasnoreactionfromthedarknessbelow.Thentheropewastuggedtwice,rapidly,andDurellsignalledtoZalmadar,whomadethelinefastandhelditassomeonebeganaslow,laboriousclimbtothesummittojointhem.
ItwasColonelK’Ayub.HegreetedSergeantZalmadarwithsurpriseandrelief,listenedtoDurell’sexplanationofwhathadhappened,andspokewithrapid,crispefficiency.
“ThewomanhasnotstoppedhertearssinceHans’bodycamedown.WefoundZalmadar’sknifeinhim.Itexplainedmostofittome.”
Fromthenon,matterswereoutofDurell’shands.K’Ayubtookchargeofliftinghismenoutofthepit,
onebyone,asthelightgrewstrongerandthedistantloomofthemountainsgrewmoredistinct.Apeaktotheeastsuddenlyshonewithrosybrillanceastherisingsuntoucheditssummit.
DurellturnedawayandsatdowntowatchtherapidlygrowingnumbersofPakistantroopersontheclifftop.Hefeltdrainedoffurtherresources.ThelongclimbuptherockwallwithHanshadbeenharrowingenough,andhiseyesfeltasifsomeonehadthrowngravelintothem.Everymuscleofhisbodyached.Inanycase,hethought,hecouldtakenopartinthefightingthatwasimminent.Hehadtoremainneutralnow.ItwasuptoK’Ayubandhismen,andtheirmoodwasdangerous.
Alessawaspulleduptowardtheendofthemaneuver.ShewalkeddirectlytowhereDurellsatandseemedtocollapsebesidehim,asifherlegscouldnolongersupporther.Inthepalelight,herfacelookedhaunted.Forseveralmomentsshewassilent,thenshesaidquietly.“Didyouhavetodoit,Sam?Mustyoutakeeveryonefromme?FirstRudi,andnowHans?”
“Hanstriedtokillme.”
Shestartedtospeak,thennoddedslowly.“Yes,hewasalwaysveryclosetoRudi.HetaughtRuditoclimbintheAlps,andwasoftenwithhimontheRiviera.Hewasastrangeman.He—Ithinkhefrightenedme,andthatiswhyIcouldnever—Imean,whenhesaidhelovedme,somethinginhimseemedrepellent.Icouldneverunderstandit.”
“I’msorry,Alessa.”
“No,itisbetterthisway,toknowthetruth.”Shelookedsharplyathim.“YouareconcernedforSarahnow,areyounot?”
“We’llknowaboutherinafewminutes,Ithink.”
“Rudiwillkillher,ifhecan.Shecouldbeawitnessagainsthim.IhavenoillusionsaboutRudinow.HekilledJane,andUncleErnst.HemusthavehadordersfromHansaboutErnst.”
“Yes.”
Sheturnedherfaceawayandbegantocrysilently.Hedidnottouchherorspeaktoher.
K’Ayubwasquickandefficientwithhismilitaryproblem.Inthegrowinglight,hewentforwardtonegotiatethedownwardslopeattheendofthefissure.Durellwentwithhim,crawlinguntiltheycouldseetheenemyencampment.Itwouldbelikeshootingfishinabarrel,Durellthought.
TheChinesewerecampedapartfromtheEmir’smen,theirsmalltentsmilitarilyprecise.Theywereapparentlysecureinfeelingtheirquarrywashopelesslybottledup.Onlyafewpicketswereawake,andsomecooks,whowerestartingbreakfastfires.Twomachine-guncrewsdozedattheirpostswheretheirweaponscoveredthecaveentrance.
DurellborrowedfieldglassestostudytheChinese.Therewereaboutfortyinthepatrol,shortandstockymenwholookedManchurian.Theirarmsweremodern.HeswepttheglassestoconsidertheEmir’slarge,gaudytent,withitspennantflappinginthedawnbreeze.Asenseofconfidenceand
securityseemedtoprevailamongthesleepingenemy.
HesawnosignofRudiorSarah,andspoketoK’Ayubaboutit.Thecolonelnodded.“TheywillbeintheEmir’stent—unlesstheChinesehavealreadyremovedthem.Ishallgivemymenorderstobecarefuloftheirfirewhenwebegin.”
“I’mgoingdownwithyou,”Durellsaid.
Thecolonelfrowned.“Itisnotyourbattlenow.Itmayprovokecomplicationsforyou,ifyoutakepartinthis.”
“ImustbesureSarahisallright,”Durellinsisted.
K’Ayubsaidnothing,hissilencegivingassent.Intheend,K’Ayub’smenworkedwithclock-likeprecision.TheirlightautomaticriflesweretrainedontheChineseandPakhutiscampedbelow.Asquadoftroopers,leftinthecave,hadorderstowaituntilthedaybrightenedandtheenemybegantostir.Durelllayflatbehindaboulder,watching.Hisbodyachedwithfatiguefromthelongmarch,thehoursofclimbingwithHans.Buttherewasstillthislastjobtobedone.
RudicameoutoftheEmir’stentandwentovertooneofthecooks’fires.AChinesemethimandtheytalkedbriefly.Durellfocusedthelensesmoresharply.TheChinesewasflat-faced,grim;hisgestureswerequickandangry.RudipointedtotheEmir’stent,butwhentheChineseofficerstartedthere,Rudiheldhimback.Therewasamoment’spause,andthentheChinesewentbacktohisownmen.
Sarahhadtobeinthetent,Durelldecided.Rudimighthaveliedtoeveryone,allaround,perhapsleftheronthebacktrailorinMirandhabad,sothathecouldreturntoherwithsomeinventedstoryofdisasterandpreservehischancesofmarryingher.ButnotwiththeChinesehere,Durellthought.Rudiwouldhavetoshowhisgoodfaithbybringingherwithhim.Inthatcase,herlifewasingreatestdangerthemomentthefightingbegan—
TheblastofagrenadesignalledK’Ayub’sattack.Itcamefromthecave,hurledbyoneoftheremainingtroopersdownthere,asadiversion.Itdidnodamage.Butitmadethebesiegerstumbleoutoftheirtentsandsleepingbagsinexpectationofacounterattack,focusingtheirattentiononthecavemouth.
SeveralmoregrenadesandshotsbroughttheEmirandtheChinesecommandertowardthecaveentrance.MostofthePakhustisandChinesewereawakeandmillingabout,gatheringuptheirweapons.
Upabove,K’Ayubgavethesignaltofire.
Thesharprattleofmachinegunsandriflessplitthedawnsilence.Theeffectwasdevastating,asthefirepoureddownfromtheheightabovetheunsuspectingenemy.Screamsandshrieksofpanicweredrownedoutbythetroopers’steadyonslaught.Itwasacompletesurprise.Secureinthinkingthatnoonecouldescapefromthecave,theenemywasnotpreparedfortheirappearanceaboveandontheflank.Itwasamassacre.
Almostatonce,thePakhustisraninpanicfortheirshaggyponies.Theywerecutdownwithoutpitybythetroopers.K’Ayubdidnotrelent.Theencampmentbelowbecameashambles.TheChinesetriedtorally,andK’Ayuborderedthecommandercutdown.Theshotswerequickandeffective.Disorder
yieldedtomorepanicbelow.Theshaleplateauwasdottedwithbodies.Afirebrokeoutinoneofthetents,sendingathinplumeofsmokeintothecleardawnair.
Obviously,theenemythoughttheyhadbeensetuponbyarelievingcolumnofregularPakistanArmytroops.Theyfledonfootandpony.TheChinesetriedtoshelterthemselvesamongtherocks,andfewstray,futileshotscameup,seekingtargets.Butinafewminutestheirresistancebroke,too.
DurellsearchedforRudiandSarah.NoshotswereaimedattheEmir’stent,onK’Ayub’sorders.Withthefirstoutbreakoffiring,Rudihadappearedthere,thenhadduckedoutofsight.Durell’sworrydeepened.IfSarahwasaprisonerandusedasahostage,theirvictorywasweakened.Hegottohisfeet,ignoredthecolonel’sshout,andstartedtorundowntheslopeintotheenemycamp.K’Ayub’smencouldnotholdthemselvesback.Theyshoutedandjumpedup,too,andrandownhillintotheshatteredcamp.
Durellwaswellaheadoftheothers.Abulletwhinedpasthishead,anotherkickedupgravelathisfeet.HesawtheEmirinawhitetunicandturban,runningforhistent.Somehowhehadescapedthefirstburstoffire.TheEmirdartedintohistent.Durellpassedafewsprawledbodies,hurdledasmolderingcampfire,andswungtowardthebigtent.
RudiandSarahcameout.
TheEmirhadagunatRudi’sback.Sarah’shandsweretiedbehindher.Shelookedfrightened,notknowingwhatwashappening.Durellfeltavastrelief,shoutedtoher—andthenhaltedabruptly.
TheEmirshotRudiintheback.
Thesoundwasmuffledintheclamorofgunfireandyellingaroundthem.Smokedriftedaroundthebigtent,hidingit.DurellwasstillfiftyfeetawaywhenRudiwentdownonhisknees,alookofastonishmentonhisface.Thenhepitchedforwardonthegrayshaleandwasstill.
ThePakhustichiefturnedhisgunonSarah.
Durell’sshoutdistractedhim.TheEmirwasabigman,welloversixfeet,withafiercemustacheandafacelikearavagedbirdofprey.HelookedatDurell,runningwellaheadofK’Ayub’smen,andhesitated.SarahsanktoherkneesbesideRudi’sbody.ThePakhustiraisedhisgun,firedatDurell,firedagain.
Hemissedbothtimes,andDurelljumpedoverRudi’sbodyandgrappledfortheother’sgun.TheEmirstumbledoverSarah,wentdown.Hisgunwentoffathirdtime.Durellfelttheotherman’sstrengthandknewthathehimselfwasspent.Heswungthebuttofhisborrowedrifleashardashecould,buthisblowrockedthePakhustibackwardonlyastep.HescrambledupbeforeDurellcouldregainhisfooting.Hestillhadhisgun,leveled,readytofire—
Sarahfiredthelastshot.ShehadsnatchedupRudi’sguntouseit.ThePakhustiturnedhalfwaytoher,amazed,coughedblood,andstaggeredbackintothetent.
DurellturnedslowlytowardSarah.ShewasonherkneesbesideRudi.Hecouldnotseeherface,andthewindblewherhairacrosshercheek.Herbodywasinanattitudeofcollapse,andthegunshehad
usedlayonthegroundbesideher.
“Sarah?”hesaid.Shedidnotreply.Hekneltbesideher,andtookherhandsfromRudi’sbody.Shedidnotlookathim.“Sarah,he’sdead.Comeaway.”
Whenshelookedup,hesawtherewerenotearsinhereyes.Instead,herfacewascarvedbyafuriousanger.
“Heliedtome,”shewhispered.“Heliedtoallofus.HewasgoingtosellmetotheChinese.Hetriedtosayitwasallamistake,thathewashelping,me;buttheChinesecommanderlastnightinsistedIwastogotoSinkiangwithhispatrol,tobeheldforpoliticalpurposes.”
“AndRudiagreed?”Durellasked.
“Yes.Heneverlovedme,didhe?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tthinkso.”
“Likealltheothers,”shesaiddully.“Themenwhoflatteredme,cheatedme,theambitiousmenandthegreedyones.Ithink—oh,IwishIweredead,too!”
“Comealong,”hesaid.“Itwillseemdifferent,lateron.You’reluckytobeoutofit.”
Shelookeddubious,likeachild.“Lucky?”
“Eitherway—whetherhesoldyoutotheChineseortalkedyouintomarryinghim—itwouldhaveendedlikethis.HekilledJane,andhekilledErnstBergmann.HeworkedwithHans,whowashisboss.We’vehadhiminourfilesforalongtime.Ihadenoughonhimsohewouldn’thavelivedanothermonth.”
“Wouldyouhavekilledhimyourself?”shewhispered.“Thatwouldhavebeenmynextjob,”Durellsaidsoftly.
chapternineteenTHEYwaitedtwodaysatthecaveforregularPakistanArmytroopstotakeover,summonedbythefieldradio.Atregularintervals,jetsofthePakistanAirForcepatrolledoverhead.TheChinesewereshadoweduntiltheyretiredovertheborder.Onthesecondday,theEmir’ssoncamefromMirandhabadtoremovethePakhustichieftain’sbody.K’Ayubmadehimswearhisloyaltytothenationalgovernment.Thesonwasaquietmanofthirty,grievedbyhisfather’sdeath,butfatalisticandcompliant.
Durellsleptfortwelvehours,wasawakenedbyAlessa,whobroughthimcoffeeandfood,andthensleptagain.Itwasafternoonwhenheawokeandshavedandsteppedoutintothesunlight.
Theweatherhadturnedwarmer.ThesoundofmotorsthrobbedupthelongvalleyfromLakeMohsere,andthefirstcolumnofhalf-trackmountainvehiclesprobeduptheslopesofS-5,greenpennantsflutteringinthewind.DurellsoughtoutColonelK’Ayubinthecamp.Thecolonellookedneatandelegant,oncemorehispolitical,ratherthanmilitary,self.
“YouwillreturntoRawalpindinow,Mr.Durell,”K’Ayubdecided.“Perhapsyouwillbegoodenoughtoescortthewomen.Ishallremainhere,ofcouse,tosupervisetheconstructionofamilitaryroadandinsureadequateprotectionforthedevelopmentprogram.”
“Idoubtiftherewillbeanyfurthertrouble,”Durellsaid.K’Ayubshruggedandlookedtothenorth.“Oneneverknows.ThenewEmirwillbeamenable,andcanbepersuadedtorunanenlightenedlocalgovernment.Butthedragonsthatliveoverthemountains—”Heshruggedagain.“Noneofuscanforeseetheoutcome.”
Theyshookhands,andDurellwenttofindSarah.Shewasalreadypackedandwaiting,seatedaloneonacampstool,drinkingcoffeefromatinmug.AlreadytheareaofS-5aroundthemlookedbusyandutterlydifferentfromitsearlier,emptyhostility.Durelltookhercoffeecup,sippedfromitandthensaid,“You’reallrightnow?”
“Notabitdifferentfromwhenwebegan,”shesaidquietly.Herfacelookedscrubbedandfresh,andshedidnotwearherglasses.Sheadded,“ImustadmitthatI’mgladyoucamealongonthetrip,Sam.Ifnotforyou,we’dallhavebeenlost.”
“No.Oddlyenough,itwasHans’skillthatgotusout.”“Andhe’sdeadnow.Soyourproblemissolved.”
“Rudiisdead,too,”hesaiddeliberately.“Isyourproblemsolvedyet,Sarah?”
“Idon’tknow.”
Heaskedabruptly,“Whereareyourglasses?”
“Idon’tthinkIneedthemanymore.Ithrewthemaway.Perhapsit’ssymbolic,don’tyouthink?”Hersmilewaswry.“Theywereapoordefenseagainstmymakingafoolofmyself.IdidexactlywhatIwas
afraidtodo,allmylife—leftmyselfwideopentoasmooth-talking,handsomemanwhopromisedmethemoonandeverythingmoneycouldnotbuy.”
“Itwasn’tanhonestoffer.”
“Iknowthatnow.Butmaybeitdidmesomegood.”“Areyougoinghomenow?”heasked.
“Yes,toNewYork,whereI’mgoingtoresignaschairmanoftheboardofStandishNickel.I’llleaveallthattomenwhogetpaidtoknowtheirbusiness.”
“Andthenwhat?”
Shesmiledagain,andsuddenlylookedyoungerandlessaustere.“IthinkI’llspendsometimetryingtogrowupinside,insteadofusingmyglassesandatoughexteriorasadefense.”
“Ithinkthat’sfine,”Durellsaid.
Shekissedhimsuddenly,leaningtowardhimwithherarmsaroundhisneck.Hermouthwasfresh,evennaive,asifshewereartlessinexpressingherself.Hewonderedaboutherfuture.Shehadlearnedabitterlesson,butshewasstilltheNickelQueen,themostprizedwomanintheStates.Menwouldbeafterherforallsortsofreasons—andallthereasonsaddeduptohermoney.Butperhapssomeonewouldcomealongwhowouldberightforher,ifshedidn’tmaketoomanymistakesuntilthen.
Hecouldn’tguessthefuture.Hedidn’twantto.
SarahStandishflewhomefromRawalpindi.Durellsawheroff,thenwenttoAlessa’shotel.ButAlessawasnotin,andtherewasanurgentmessageforhimfromDonegan,inKarachi.Whenhetelephoned,hewasorderedtoreportthereimmediately,andtherewasnotimetoseeAlessabeforeheleft.Hewroteheranote,leftitwiththedeskclerk,andtookthefirstplanesouthacrossthedesertoftheSindtothecoast.
HehadalmostforgottenthesuffocatingheatoftheIndusValley,andhewasaware,onthetrip,ofalonelinessthatwasnotusualforhim.HewentdirectlytoDonegan’soffice,wherethelittlemanwasmostapologetic.
“I’msorryabouttaggingiturgent,Sam.HenryKallingerisdueinfromIstanbul,butIjustgotwordhe’llbedelayedafewdays.Hewantstoseeyou,naturally.”
“Probablytocheckonmyexpenseaccount,”Durellsaid.
“Iwouldn’tknow.Butyou’dbetterstickarounduntilhegetshere.”
“WhataboutHawk’sBay?”
“Sure,youcanstaythere,ifyoulike.Doyougood.”
Doneganfoundhimasmallvillathatafriendwasn’tusing,andDurellrentedacaranddroveoutalong
theblacktophighwaytothesea.Hepaidhisrupeeatthetollgateandfoundthehousewithoutdifficulty.Itwassmall,secluded,pleasantlyfurnished,directlyonthewidebeachwheretheArabianSeathunderedandlashedtheshorewithitswhitecombers.
Hestripped,putonapairofbathingtrunkshehadboughtinKarachi,wentintotheblazingsun,andbakedforawhileinriversofsweat;buttheheatfailedtomeltahardknotoficeinsidehim.Hewentswimmingintheheavysurf,letthethicksaltcomberssmashathim,swambeyondthemforhalfanhour,thenspreadatowelandlayonthehotsunandwaited.FardownthebeachanEnglishfamilywashavingapicnicunderumbrellas.Acamelandridermadeasilhouetteagainsttheocherskyonthesandridgeislandfromthebeach.
Hecouldn'tliestill.Hewentintothevillaandshoweredinthetepidwaterfromtherooftank,cookedhisowndinner,andwatchedthesungodownoverthesea.Itwasanawesomeandlonelysight.
Whenitwasdark,awindblewfromtheocean,coolingthebeach,blowingthroughthewindowsofthelittlehouse.Heshoweredagainandfelttheweightofbeingaloneinastrangeland.Hewasstillcareful.ThePakistanpolice
werehuntingfortheChinese,andtheremightbeotherswhohadmarkedhimforerasure.FarawayinWashington,theywouldbeclosingthefileonRedOboe—asmallstep,anotherskirmish,inthedarkwarthatgirdledtheworld.
Whenshecamewalkingacrossthebeachinthemoonlighttowardhim,hewasnotsurprised.Hewasseatedinacanechair,nearthedoor,andhewatchedherstrideacrossthesand,herlegslongandlithe,herhipsswayingwiththeefforttopaceintheyieldingsand.Themoonlightmadehershort-cropped,boyishhairlooksilvery.
Hestoodup.
“Alessa.”
Shestoodbeforehim,wearingawhitelinensuit,theskirtslimandhuggingherthighs,theblouseandfemininejacketembroideredwithtinyseedpearls.Shesmileduncertainly.“Wereyouwaitingforme?”sheasked.
“Yes.”
“IaskedDoneganwhereIcouldfindyou.Hedidn’twanttotellme,butIgotitoutofhim.”Shesmiledbriefly.Hereyessearchedhisfaceintheshadows.“Donegansaidyouwon’tbehereforverylong.SoImadereservationsontheLufthansaflighttoTokyoforthedayaftertomorrow.”
“Tokyo?”
“It’sonewaytogohome,”shesaid.“Andyou?”
“Idon’tknowwhereI’llgonext.”
“IthoughtperhapsyoumightreturntotheStates.It’sachance,anyway,”shesaidtentatively.“Tokyoisontheway.Wemightgotogether.”
“True.”
Shestoodquietlyandsaidinasmallvoice,“Don’tyouwantme?Areyouangrywithme,becauseafterthatnightin’PindiIthoughtperhapsHans—Imean,afterall,Hansalwayslovedme,andIdidnotsuspectwhathewas—”
“Iknow.”
“ItriedtotellmyselfIlovedhim,whenwewereinthemountains.ButIsupposemyfirstinstincts,inalltheyearshewasafterme,werethetrueones.Loveiseitherthere,oritisnot.Oneneedsaperson,oronedoesnot.”
“Ineedyou,Alessa,”Durellsaid.
“Yes.ThatiswhyIamhere.ButnowthatIseeyou—”
“Areyousorryyoucame?”
“No.”
“Comeinside,”hesaid.
Hetookherhand.Thecoolseawindhadscouredtheheatfromthebungalow.Inthedarkness,sheturnedtohimwithasuddenfiercenessandhekissedher,felthertrembleagainsthim,andherweightpulledhimdowntoher.Shesighed,andhedrewadeepbreath.HeknewthatthiswithAlessawouldlastonlyadayortwo.HewouldnotgotoTokyowithher.ItwouldbebetterifsheleftforViennawithouthim,toreturntoherfrayedandancientfamilyhomeandscholarlyresearch.Butfornow—
“Iunderstandhowitis,Sam,”shesaid,asifknowinghisthoughts.“It’sallright.”
“Yes,”hesaid.“It’sgoingtobefine.”
Hepickedherupandcarriedherintotheotherroom,wheretheseawindblewdarklyacrossthetiledfloor.
THEEND
ofanOriginalGoldMedalNovelby
EdwardS.Aarons