📸 Photo

‘We’re not about to get lost in the jungle. No way. I know the jungle too well, and I have a great sense of direction. It might take another day or two, but we’ll get there.’

We studied the map. Karl had marked the approximate location of the village. We seemed to have covered only about half the distance, and our progress was now slower because of the painful blisters on our feet. Marcus was also weak and had lost a great deal of weight.

Kevin and Marcus measured out cupfuls of the rice. Considering that we ate it for both breakfast and supper, the amount that we had left would last barely four days.

‘There’s no point in going on any farther,’ Marcus decreed. ‘Let’s turn around and go back.’

Karl tried to change his mind. ‘We aren’t far away. By the day after tomorrow, at the very latest, we’ll be at the Colorado-Chico River. There we’ll fire some shots into the air. The villagers out hunting will certainly hear them. They don’t like anyone firing guns in their territory because the noise scares the animals away. They’ll come to see who’s shooting. When they do, we’ll give them the presents and liquor. That works like a charm on them. They’ll probably carry our packs for us and help us make the climb up the mountain to the village. There we’ll be able to rest up. Kevin can take his pictures. Marcus can get his strength back. Before we set out again, we’ll stock up on yucca, corn, fruit, and plenty of meat. The provisions will last