Departure

There was a gathering on the beach in the evening light. Jacques was going over the canoe one last time making certain there were no leaks. Gascard had come down from the bar to make certain there were sufficient stocks of food, water and wine for the journey. Corky was carefully loading the radio, battery, and other materials to keep the expedition on the air. Jake, Sarah, and Jack were standing slightly apart, looking helpless and concerned.

Makki hovered about, making certain he was comfortable with all the materials going into one small canoe.

Willi and Louie approached from separate directions, each carrying their single small valise. Louie and Willi joined Makki at the repaired canoe. Both were dressed as natives and Louie was surprised to see that Willi is as deeply tanned as any native. He’d never seen Willi in anything other than his cleric’s suit.

He surveyed the exceptionally trim and fit body. “Mon ami, you are certainly the most muscular minister I have evair seen.”

Willi looked self conscious. “Dat is a shame, Herr Magistrate. God requires us to maintain our bodies as a proper earthly temple for his perfect spirit. Those who do not, are ignoring his word.”

“Hmmmm. Oui. You are, of course, correct. If one were to judge by your physical condition, they would have to believe you are a very devout man.”

Willi dropped his bag into the stern of the canoe. His expression was bland. “Had you any doubt, Herr Magistrate?”

Louie’s face became a study in impassive. “Non, monsieur. Of course not.”

Willi nodded. “Gutt. Shall we go?” With that the three men stooped to shove the canoe into the water.

That was the signal for all the friends to approach to wish the three men well. Sarah gave Louie an impulsive hug. “Golly, I wish you weren’t going off to the middle of nowhere all alone. You have no idea what you will find.”

“Oui, ma Cherie. But, go I must, and I’m hardly alone with so impressive a companion as the Reverend.”

Willi beamed at the compliment and he dearly would have loved a hug from that firm young body, but Sarah obviously knew better than to come so close. He had tried to get his hands on her before, without success. Jake laid a hand on his shoulder and turned him to grip his hand. “Good luck, Reverend. You be careful.”

“What have I to fear, Jake Cutter? I haff God on my side.”

Jake nodded, “Yeah, well I’m sure he won’t mind if you take some precautions.”

Willi smiled and held up the Bible from his valise. “I haff taken precautions, my friend. I haff all that I need.”

Jake smiled dubiously and moved on to grip Louie’s hand. “You be careful, too.”

Louie smiled. “Mon ami, I am always careful. I do not rely on chance, you know.”

Makki had already settled into the rear of the canoe and was waiting to start. Louie released Jake’s hand and climbed into the middle, while Willi took the front of the canoe.

All three men took up their paddles and as one dipped them into the water, thrusting the canoe forward, away from the group on the beach. Willi quickly dropped into a steady rhythm with deep, sure strokes. Louie and Makki quickly matched his stroke to keep from breaking rhythm.

Willi frequently looked over his shoulder to see how the others were doing. Both were keeping up, and Makki was watching the water and the sky intently. Periodically he would use his paddle to steer the canoe. Willi paid no attention, he just kept stroking. He focused on keeping up the seemingly impossible metronomic rhythm. He was content to let the young native control their course. Willi could sense Louie behind him trying to see what Makki was seeing. There wasn’t enough common language to ask. Most of their communication was by hand signals and pantomime. Each stopped occasionally to take a drink, eat a little, or stretch to avoid cramping.

The sun set to reveal a clear night sky sparkling with diamond bright stars. Makki searched for familiar stars and with a grunt, he adjust the canoe’s course again. Willi observed over his shoulder how Louie tried to spot the stars Makki was using. The North Star was not visible this far south and the best he could get from Makki was that their home was under the wagging tail of the dragon. Finally Louie appeared to resign himself to the boy guiding their course based on specific directions from the old man.

On the second day, Willi’s concentration was broken by Louie. He wanted to know if Willi was concerned about the lack of control over their course. Willi paused his paddling in thought.

“Nein, Herr Magistrate. All my life someone else has chosen my path. Now God chooses vere I must go. I follow where he sends me. Now Makki is his instrument of guidance. You must have faith, Herr Magistrate.”

“I think, Reverend, that I prefer to have faith in preparation, and in a compass.”

Willi smiled tolerantly. “Ve never know vat is in store. Idt is better to trust God.” Willi felt a little guilty. He knew that he had made preparations. He had a compass in his valise and had been watching it. Beside, Princess Koji had given him good navigation instructions. Naturally he couldn’t tell Louie that. He was amazed at how closely the young native was following course plotted by Koji’s navigator. The only thing of which he could not be certain was their speed. He attempted to calculate based on length of canoe stroke. He took pleasure in driving the canoe forward forcefully enough to cause a small froth at the bow of the canoe.

The ocean was pleasantly smooth and if the weather held Willi hoped they could cut the trip to five days. He wished he could use the sextant Louie had borrowed from his launch. Louie clearly knew how to use it, and recorded his findings in a small notebook.

“How are we doing Herr Magistrate?”

“I would not have believed it possible, Reverend.” Louie carefully put the notebook back into its oilcloth wrapper. “With the favorable weather and your amazing ability wit the paddle, we have covered an unbelievable distance.” Louie shrugged. “I do not know where we are going, but we are certainly getting there fast.”

“Ja, dos is gutt.”

“Excuse me, Reverend, but I would like to ask a delicate question.”

“Go ahead, Herr Magistrate.”

“I have not see you take any time for your devotions. Should we not aid you to have time …”

“Ach, Herr Magistrate. I haff been in constant communion with God. This blue water and his blue sky are a perfect temple to his glory.”

“Oui, I suppose that is true.”

“I tell you, Herr Magistrate, dis is a pilgrimage und I haff been blessed with many hours of uninterrupted prayer.” In truth, Willi thought to himself, he had had many hours to try to figure out how to stop these fools without giving himself away. His lack of success had driven him close to prayer.

Louie shook his head. “That is a lot of prayer.”

“Ja, I am catching up.” Willi softened his voice. “You have no idea how hard it is to keep up your devotions when you are constantly interrupted for blessings.”

“I had not thought, Reverend, that blessings were a burden. I thought you were eager to give blessings.”

Willi thought back to when a couple of his younger congregation had brought their fat mothers for blessing. The daunting image of all that flesh and the simpering giggles. He dug harder into the water for a moment. “Blessings can be mixed, Herr Magistrate. Blessings can be mixed.”

Frantic Activity

“Jake, the radio’s in.” Corky’s voice echoed down the cabin interior to the rear hold. Jake paused from splicing the bullet nicked rudder control cable.

“Great. Let me finish this and we can break for lunch.”

Jack, reclining on his blanket on top of the bulkhead mounted tool box, cheerily echoed his sentiments with two barks. He hopped down and trotted forward to the rear hatch.

Jake deftly overlapped the damaged rudder cable ends and wove them into one tight cable. The result was only slightly thicker than the original. He reached back to the adjusting turnbuckle on the rudder pinion and turned it several times until the cable assumed its proper tension against the return springs. Wiping his hands on a piece of torn shirt he was using as a rag, he carefully crawled out of the tight space in the tail and worked his way to the hatch. He blinked his eyes several times as they adjusted to the bright late morning sun.

Corky stood on the beach waiting for him. “Itsa good thing you spotted that damaged cable, Jake. If that had let go while we were flying, it would have been really bad.”

“Yeah. But, it just means we will have to go over every cable in the old girl.”

“Do you think we can float her today and get her back over to the dock? It would sure be easier to work on her.”

Jake shrugged optimistically. “I don’t know. If the dope on the patches is dry enough for the sealer coat, we just might get her over there this evening.”

The two friends walked up to the hotel, going over the checklist of things yet to be done on the Goose. Sarah met them at the door and pointed to a table already set on the patio for lunch for two dirty, hungry men and one spoiled dog. She looked impatient to say something, and Jake suspected she wouldn’t as long as Corky was there.

“Corky, why don’t you go on into the bar and get us both a beer.”

“Woof, Woof”

Jake grinned, “Sorry, Jack. Corky, make it three beers.”

Corky managed to look hopeful and crestfallen at the same time. “Uh, Jake, wouldn’t that be breaking the rule? You know I won’t drink when working.”

Jake looked thoughtful. “Just one, Corky. I don’t think it would hurt. Besides, you’ve earned it the last few days.”

Corky beamed and hurried into the bar. Jake looked at Sarah expectantly, one eyebrow raised.

“I heard from the Hancock. They lost sight of the canoe. They think it changed course during the night. Josh is pretty upset.”

Jake moved over to hold a chair for Sarah at the table. She smiled her thanks as he said. “It was a long shot anyway. We’ll just have to wait.”

Sarah nodded. “Will the Goose be ready soon?”

Jake smiled as he dropped into the vacant seat on Sarah’s left. “Corky has worked like a dog …

One sharp bark from under the table.

“Sorry, Jack.” Jake looked at Sarah who grinned back at him. “Anyhow,” he continued “Corky has slaved over the Goose. He’s determined it will be ready when Louie radios for us to go get him.”

“The Hancock will be standing by for the call, too. They won’t get there as fast as the Goose, but at least they can give us some support.”

Jake thought a moment. “Say, I’ve got an idea. With the directional loop on the radio, we can get a bearing on Louie from here. If the Hancock were, say 15 or 20 miles to the east of us, they would get a different bearing. Lay the two bearings on the chart and we could get a distance fix.”

Sarah’s eyes lit up. Jake knew she had been frustrated that she couldn’t provide any more help and this would give her something useful to do. “Golly, Jake, that would be neat. I’ll radio them with the suggestion right after lunch.”

They quickly changed the conversation to the extent of the repairs still needed as the clinking of glass told them Corky was coming back.

Corky set two dark brown bottles on the table, the caps already removed. He knelt down to place a pan full of the dark amber liquid on the floor in front of Jack. Jack woofed twice in thanks.

Corky slid into the remaining chair at the table and sighed. “Wow. It feels good to just sit down in a cool place for a minute. And I’m starved.”

Jake surveyed the table “Well dig in. Looks like there’s plenty here.”

Jake saw that Sarah was trying not to be upset as the two men gulped down their lunches. He knew she hadn’t received a lot of attention the last few days with Louie and the Reverend gone, and he and Corky buried in the tasks to rebuild the Goose. He couldn’t help it, they were eager to get back to the Goose and finish it up. Corky wasn’t the only one who felt a need to be ready. Much more and she’d probably settle for the Reverend’s single-minded attention.

Jake and Sarah barely heard Corky’s muttered “Excuse me” as he stood and hurried back to the beach.

Jake reached over and picked up the half full brown bottle. “I think this is a first. Corky didn’t finish his beer.”

Sarah took it from him with a smile and poured the remainder into Jack’s empty pan. “We’ll destroy the evidence. Not that I ever thought I’d see the day.”

Jake took her hand as she put down the bottle. “Sarah, it’s been pretty hard for you the last few days. I want you to know, I’m sorry…”

“Jake” she placed a tender finger on his lips. “they’re my friends, too. And, your precious Goose is broken. I do understand.”

Jake smiled his appreciation. “Why don’t you go up to your room and change into some old clothes. If you have some time, the patches we doped should be ready to paint in about half an hour.”

“You mean I can help?”

Jake shrugged. “Sure.”

Sarah leapt from her chair with a small squeal of delight and wrapped her arms tightly around Jake’s neck, knocking his hat to the floor and pressing his face into soft flesh he spent a lot of time trying to ignore. “I’ll be down as soon as I … powder my nose.” She grinned, straightened and left a dazed Jake looking for his cap as she rushed upstairs.

Landfall

Incomprehensible words broke Willi out of his reverie. He looked over his shoulder to see Makki pointing to a distant smudge on the horizon. He didn’t need to know the language to know that Makki was pointing toward his home island. Willi nodded in satisfaction. All that distance in a small canoe. He found himself absurdly proud of the accomplishment. Sure, others did it in big ships and in airplanes all the time – further distances, at that. But to navigate across ocean waters in a small canoe using only muscle power and primitive navigation aides was a feat to be looked back on in pride.

Willi stopped paddling and carefully shifted his weight as he looked back to Louie. There was more room to move in the canoe now as their supplies were mostly gone. “Herr Magistrate, do you think we should wait and approach at dark?”

Louie looked thoughtful. “Perhaps. Although I confess I am more than ready to get out of this canoe and walk on land again. Perhaps we could find some fishermen and go in with them.”

Makki solved the question by digging in with his paddle and starting the canoe toward his home. Clearly he planned to land as soon as possible. Louie looked at Willi and shrugged. Both dug in, but Willi didn’t drive anywhere near as hard as he had been. He’d long ago decided that there wasn’t much more planning he could do until he had a chance to scout the island. Still, he was reluctant to take what were to him, irrevocable steps. He hadn’t come to keep the Magistrate from interfering with the operation of the base. Left to his own devices, in all likelihood, Bon Chance Louie would have become Mal Chance Louie just before becoming, as the Americans said, Dead Duck Louie.

No, Willi realized this was a moment of truth for him. Yes, he loved the Fatherlund, but these Nazis were vermin. If it was Germany’s manifest destiny to rule the world, it would do so without them. Herr Hitler was a man of great vision, but he did not need such as these when he was supported by millions of loyal Germans. Besides, the war was in Europe. That is where it would be decided. There, and maybe America. With FDR on the throne in America, they were half Socialist already. Many great Americans supported Hitler. Had even traveled to Germany to see him. They would keep American out of the war until it was too late.

England was fighting a losing battle, and when Ireland formally allied with Germany, England would have little choice but to capitulate as had France. The Africa campaign would soon see all of Africa and the Middle East in German hands.

No, Germany and his ally Japan would soon rule most of the world. America would join them when it saw the inevitability and the rightness of Germany’s course. Many forgot that America was only one vote from speaking German at its Continental Congress. America would understand and recognize the new world order. Willi would be glad to have the likes of Jake Cutter on his side.

Willi nodded to himself. He was a loyal German. His mission was to support the German aims to reclaim territory lost in the Pacific as a result of the first great war. His personal mission, was to maintain the purity of the German endeavor. These Nazis were vermin that were fouling the purity of the German Way. Foiling them was no disloyalty. His conscience was clear. With that, he dug his paddle in a little deeper and the canoe obediently picked up speed.

In spite of their concerns, no one seemed to pay any attention to them as they paddled to the beach and grounded between two larger canoes. Willi looked about in surprise. Based on the old man’s descriptions as related by Louie, he had expected to find a number of burned out and discarded hulks. All the canoes he could see were in good repair. The beech was free of litter and trash. Mystified, he helped Louie unload the gear and stash it at the base of a clump of trees. Makki waited impatiently to lead them to the village. He reached into his valise and pulled out his bible. Louie looked at him and smiled.

Makki started toward the cluster of huts that could be seen through a screen of trees. Louie shrugged and followed allowing Willi to bring up the rear. They hadn’t walked far before Willi regretted being barefoot. He might have been well conditioned for handling the canoe, but he wasn’t used to walking barefoot. The sun’s heat quickly reddened his feet and he was curious to see if the Magistrate was experiencing a similar difficulty. He gave no outward sign, however, and Willi decided if the Frenchman could stand it, so could he.

Makki lead them among the huts to one set slightly further back into the trees, away from the beach. He stopped a respectful distance from the hut and called out. Willi could not understand what he said, and from Louie’s expression, neither could he. They waited silently until an older woman who must have been stunning when she was younger came to the door. She was still very handsome, with long, still dark hair, a fine figure, and dark expressive eyes. Her face, however was shadowed with sadness and worry. Willi was impressed by her poise. Makki spoke briefly and gestured to Louie and Willi. She looked quietly at both of them.

She spoke in flawless French. “Please forgive my husband for not greeting you himself. When the Devil Bird attacked our village, he was struck in the leg. It is very painful and our medicine man is unable, or perhaps unwilling to treat it. He says it is the retribution of the Bird God and a reminder to all of us.

Louie waved his hand to signify that it was not a problem. “Madame, I have some skill treating the curses of various creatures on the people of my island. If you would send Makki to bring the black bag stored with our supplies, I would be pleased to see what I could do.”

A hopeful look flashed through her eyes. “Please, when the French missionaries were here, they gave me the name Martha. Do you think you can help my husband?” She turned to Makki without waiting for a reply and issued rapid orders. He left at a full run toward the beach.

“Martha? It would give me great honor to try. May I see him while we wait for my supplies?”

Not knowing what else he can do, Willi followed Louie and Martha into the hut. It is much brighter inside that he expected and he can easily see the man laying on a low bed just out of sight of the door. His leg is badly swollen. Louie knelt quickly by the Chief.

The Chief’s left leg was badly swollen from knee to hip with a puckered wound four inches above the knee. The skin is hot and dry to the touch.

“Martha, can you bring me some hot water and clean cloths?”

“You shall have them shortly.” She turned to leave the hut.

Louie looked at Willi. He spoke in English. “I fear for the leg, mon ami. It is quite swollen. I do not know if the wound has become septic. I may have to probe, and cleaning the wound will be very painful. I may need your strength to hold him while I examine him.”

Willi nodded. “Of course, Herr Magistrate.”

Louie smiled his thanks. “Please move to the other side of the bed. Place your left hand on his hip, and your right below the knee.”

When Willi was in place, Louie lightly touched the leg. The Chief moaned. Louie shook his head and cast his eyes about the room. He saw a small pile of sticks next to a brazier used for cooking and heat inside the hut. He took one and gently forced the stick between the Chief’s jaws. The Chief was obviously a powerful man and Willi questioned his ability to hold him still enough for the Magistrate’s purpose. He rose a little on his knees to bring the weight of his massive shoulders to bear on holding the patient still.

He watched intently as Louie probed the wound. The Chief moaned, shook his head and tried to arch his back. Willi moved to hold him still, and spoke softly to him in French. He explained to the delirious man that he was a Priest and that his companion was a great healer. Louie nodded his appreciation as he continued to feel the leg. Martha has come back in the room and stood silently, watching.

As if he sensed her gaze, Louie spoke to Martha. “Pardonne, Madame. I have not introduced myself. I am Magistrate of the island of Boragora. Makki and his father and brother came to our island seeking help from the Devil Bird. I came to see what I could do. My companion is Reverend Tenboom of the Dutch Reformed Church. He felt called to come to assist your people.”

“We will be grateful for whatever assistance you can offer. Some men came two days ago out of the jungle with strange weapons and took most of our young men back into the jungle with them. They were led by the Devil Bird’s priest.” She spat in anger. “They were animals.”

Louie looked at Willi and spoke, still in English. “This is a bullet wound. Would you not agree?”

Willi privately agreed, however. “I am but a lowly priest, Herr Magistrate. I have no experience with such. Is the bullet still in there?”

Louie nodded. “I think it is. And I think it must come out. We will use chloroform to keep the patient under, but he may still feel pain.” Louie took a cloth and dipped it in the hot water. He used it to bathe the wounded area.

Martha watched with interest. “You dare to try to heal a limb cursed by the spirits? Our wise one warned against such. That it would be an insult to the God.”

Willi looked at her concerned and frightened face. He was impressed by the composure of a person he considered to basically be a superstitious savage. Still, he thought, she must have been a great beauty. She is still handsome, and well formed. Blessing her would not be a difficult task. Then he looked at the still powerful shoulders of the man prostrate before him. And then again, maybe it would not be such a good idea. His thoughts are interrupted by the Magistrate’s voice.

“Madame, this is not a curse. It is a wound caused by a piece of metal in his body. I intend to remove it, and we will see how it goes from there. I’m very worried about infection.”

Martha looked hopefully between Willi and Louie. Willi tried to give her a reassuring smile. “You are certain of this?” she said. “Our wise man said …”

“Madame, I’m certain your wise man is very good. It may be he was lied to by the Devil Bird’s priest. But, I assure you that this is not a curse, but an injury, and can be treated. It will not be easy, and he may lose his leg, but we will keep him alive.”

She smiled. In her smile you could see the beautiful young girl she had once been. “I must go.” She rose gracefully and Willi would have said she dashed from the hut except for the grace in her movements. He looked at Louie, eyebrows raised. Louie merely shrugged and went back to washing his patient’s leg. Finally, Louie took up another cloth and folded it very carefully. Placing it on his knee, he searched in his bag until he found a tightly stoppered dark bottle.

Holding the folded cloth out toward Willi he spoke softly. “Reverend, if you would be so good as to hold this cloth lightly over the Chief’s nose and mouth. He must be able to breathe. I will administer this chloroform. It will help keep him quiet while I probe.”

Willi complied, wrinkling his nose at the strong fumes. Louie carefully allowed a few drops of the liquid soak into the cloth. “Watch how I do this. It may be necessary to give him more as this wears off.” Willi merely nodded watching the Magistrates hands. In a surprisingly short time, the Chief became very still.

“Bien,” said the Magistrate in satisfaction. He took a slender steel rod out of his bag and carefully inserted it into the wound. The Chief twitched and Willi hurriedly pinned the leg back down. Louie nodded his thanks again and continued to probe. Willi marveled at the delicacy of the touch.

“You should be a surgeon, Herr Magistrate.”

“I have not the temperament for such, Reverend. It is sometimes painful when one learns of his limits. However, I have had the opportunity to study wounds very closely. Aha! I have found it.”

“Das ist gut!”

“Oui. But it is very close the bone, and a major artery is near. He is fortunate that the bullet did not clip the artery. And I must not.”

A bustling sound in the hut signaled Martha’s return. She knelt by Louie with a bowl full of crushed herbs and roots.

“My mother is a woman wise in the use of herbs for healing. She would not come here because of the wise one’s warning. However, she did give me these. We moisten it to make a paste we put over wounds to prevent the evil spirits from entering. And she also gave me these.”

Willi was shocked to see in her hand a leaf folded to hold crawling squirming grey worms. “Maggots. Get those digusting creatures away from this sick man.”

Louie looked up quickly. “Non, mon ami, these are very good. When I was in Africa, I saw many injured people treated with maggots. They consume only the dead flesh and prevent gangrene.” Louie turned to Martha as she was backing away. “Madame, please, do not go. You have done very well. Merci.”

Martha smiled gratefully and  eased closer to hold one of her husband’s hands. Louie nodded his approval and continued to probe for the bullet. He grunted in satisfaction and withdrew the probe. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a long pair of forceps. Before continuing, he administered more chloroform. Mopping the sweat from his forehead, he probed again. He moved very slowly as he probed for the bullet. When he found it, he carefully opened the forceps enough to surround the bullet and clamp closed. Then he began to withdraw the instrument. It seemed at times to Willi that Louie’s hand had stopped moving. The wait was an exquisite torture as he felt his lower back start to burn with the constant strain of the awkward position. His thighs were cramping, holding the position, but he did not dare to let up. One move by the patient at this point could possibly undo all of Louie’s slow, careful effort.

Finally, Louie sat back with a sigh of relief and held up the forceps with the bullet tightly clenched in its jaws. Willi released the breath he didn’t know he had been holding. He sat back at Louie’s quiet instruction to release the patient. He watched as Louie bathed the leg with warm water, soaked some of the herbs in hot water and then bathed the leg once more. It was all Willi could do to not gag when Louie put the maggots on the wound and covered it with some of the healing leaves bound loosely with a strip of clean cloth.

As a final step, Louie poured out a spoonful of thick white liquid. He carefully opened the Chief’s mouth and poured it in, massaging the throat to get him to swallow. “Laudinum for the pain” he explained quietly. He capped the bottle, returned it to his bag and stood up, wincing as cramped muscles protested the movement. “He should sleep now. I’ll check him during the night, and we will see how he is in the morning.” He turned directly to Martha. “Madame, he should have a broth sometime, to begin restoring his strength. A thin fish soup would do.”

She smiled. “This will be done, healer.”

Louie held up a modest hand. “Madame, do not call me a healer, yet. We must wait.”

She stroked her husband’s hair back from his forehead to allow cooling air to touch the beads of sweat. “I was given to this man when I was very young. They told me it was a great honor. I did not know that, then. But now, he is very precious to me. We are one. I can feel” she paused to touch her breast “here, that he is better. I know now that he will be well, and will be whole. Your magic is great.”

Louie smiled and bowed slightly to Martha. Willi envied his courtly grace. Louie extended a hand to help Martha stand. “I have learned, Madame, never to question a woman’s intuition, or her love. I pray that you are right, and will be thankful to have had some small part in the happy miracle.”

Martha smiled at her victory. “Come, gentlemen. We have been rude. We should have allowed you to eat and rest before such labors. Food is ready for you now. Please come.”

The two men flanked Martha as they strolled through the village toward the center where obvious preparations were in progress for a feast. Willi looked about the village. He was surprised how the village was free of trash and litter. He complimented Martha who looked amusedly at him. “Only the rich have trash. We are too poor to leave anything unused.”

Tags: 1930's, adventure
Current Mood: anxious